Pennsylvania

Inside Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s support for private school vouchers – WHYY

Published

2 years ago

July 26, 2024

Inside Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s support for private school vouchers – WHYY

In 2015, Shapiro, then a Montgomery County commissioner, gave the Philadelphia Inquirer his assessment of Greenberg’s political and philanthropic work.

“He’s a major employer in the region and he’s wonderfully philanthropic — for Jewish causes, educational causes and other community organizations,” Shapiro told the paper.

Another co-founder of Susquehanna International Group is even more well-known in the world of Pennsylvania school choice advocacy: billionaire Wall Street trader Jeffrey Yass. He’s emerged as a major Republican donor nationally and an inescapable power broker within the commonwealth, despite his nearly nonexistent public profile.

Both Greenberg and Yass have been involved in bankrolling the school choice movement for more than a decade in Pennsylvania.

“We are not in this to run charter schools, to manage charter schools. This is purely altruistic,” Greenberg told WHYY in 2015, when asked about his support for Williams’ mayoral campaign. “We view this as helping kids have a choice who are trapped in failing, oftentimes violent schools.”

Along with fellow suburban Philadelphia billionaire and SIG co-founder Arthur Dantchik, Greenberg and Yass were at one point the main donors to Students First, a political action committee founded in 2010 to support school choice candidates.

Shapiro accepted $175,000 from that PAC between 2012 and 2016, according to campaign finance records. During that time, he was a Montgomery County commissioner and, by 2016, was running for attorney general.

The donations to Shapiro’s attorney general campaign so troubled Philadelphia’s teachers union that it quietly pulled its endorsement at the last minute, multiple news outlets reported.

The union declined to comment at the time, but a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to Spotlight PA that the union pulled its endorsement over the Students First donations. (The Pennsylvania State Education Association, a larger, statewide teachers union, continued to back Shapiro in that election.)

During the 2022 gubernatorial race, PACs connected to Yass spent millions during the primary to oppose eventual Republican nominee state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin). One of those PACs, Commonwealth Leaders Fund, ran anti-Shapiro ads during the general election but scaled back then stopped that spending shortly after Shapiro publicly pledged his support for vouchers.

Once elected, Shapiro sought to create such a program as part of the 2023-24 state budget.

“I believe every child of God deserves a shot here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and one of the best ways we can guarantee their success is making sure every child has a quality education,” Shapiro told Fox News in June 2023, late in the state’s budget process.

The remarks preceded the Republican-controlled state Senate’s sudden passage of a budget deal that included $100 million in taxpayer money to fund private school tuition for students in low-performing public districts.

But once the budget reached the state House, Shapiro received hard pushback from the lower chamber’s new Democratic majority. In a politically embarrassing setback, Shapiro agreed to veto the voucher dollars in exchange for the rest of the plan’s passage. That veto led to a nearly six-month budget impasse as state Senate Republicans claimed betrayal.

In his February budget address this year, Shapiro called on the legislature to again consider vouchers, though a top Republican leader later accused him of being unwilling to use his “bully pulpit” to get such a program across the finish line.

His ongoing support also hasn’t saved him from Yass-funded criticism.

For the past two years, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, which does not have to disclose its donors, has spent prodigiously on ads and other lobbying to criticize politicians who don’t support vouchers.

The group, Commonwealth Action, has received significant dollars from the free market Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs, according to that group’s most recent filings to the IRS. Commonwealth Partners runs two political action committees that are among the most active in Pennsylvania school choice advocacy, and both are almost entirely funded by Yass.

Between April 2023 and March 2024 — the last recorded filing — Commonwealth Action reported spending more than $973,000 on indirect education lobbying, which includes advertising and other methods aimed at shifting public opinion.

One video from last summer funded by Commonwealth Action accused Shapiro of “choosing special interests over kids.”

Commonwealth Action is linked to an established conservative organization in Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth Foundation. Since summer 2023, the exterior of the organization’s Harrisburg building, which is across the street from the state Capitol, has featured ads calling for Shapiro to pass the voucher plan. The foundation is now funding a six-figure newspaper and TV ad campaign.

“You lied, and you turned your back on us again,” Printess Garrett, a Harrisburg mother, says in a TV spot. “The only thing we have for our children is our word, and if we can’t trust in your word, we don’t have anything else.”

Moving forward, political sources told Spotlight PA they expect teachers unions and other public education advocates to be among the most skeptical of a Shapiro vice presidency.

On Wednesday, 28 education advocacy groups from across the country sent an open letter to presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris arguing that “it is essential that our President and Vice President be wholly committed to our nation’s public education system and willing to fight against school privatization in all its forms.”

But to Payton, not considering Shapiro for backing a policy to aid parents in the hunt for what’s best for their kids is a bad choice.

“To blatantly disqualify somebody over something ideological like that is foolish,” Payton said.

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Pennsylvania

Gas prices continue climb across Pennsylvania as averages near $4 per gallon

Published

6 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices continue climb across Pennsylvania as averages near per gallon

HARRISBURG, DAUPHIN CO. (WOLF) — Gas prices across Pennsylvania are nearing $4 per gallon, reaching their highest point in several years.

As of March 23, the statewide average stands at about $3.94 per gallon, according to AAA.

Analysts say current prices are now at their highest level since late 2023, with national averages also approaching levels last seen during the 2022–2023 surge.

The last time prices were significantly higher in Pennsylvania was in June 2022, when the average peaked at around $5.07 per gallon, the highest on record.

The increase marks the 24th consecutive day of rising gas prices across the Commonwealth.

The national average has also climbed, reaching approximately $3.96 per gallon, as global energy markets remain volatile.

Diesel prices have surged even more sharply. AAA reports the Pennsylvania average is now about $5.67 per gallon, reflecting significant increases tied to global supply concerns.

Analysts point to ongoing tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to key shipping routes as major factors driving prices higher. Oil prices have climbed above $90 per barrel, adding pressure across all fuel types.

Across the country, California continues to have the highest gas prices, while states in the Midwest remain among the lowest. Current prices are now the highest seen since late 2023.

Pennsylvania Gas Price Trend

Prices have steadily climbed since late February:

Feb. 27 — about $3.10 per gallon
Feb. 28 — above $3.15
March 1 — surpassed $3.20
March 2 — near $3.24
March 3 — about $3.28
March 4 — above $3.30
March 5 — around $3.35
March 6 — high $3.30s, some above $3.40
March 7 — about $3.45
March 8 — about $3.50
March 9 — near $3.55
March 10 — around $3.60
March 11 — about $3.65
March 12 — about $3.66
March 13 — around $3.67
March 14 — about $3.69
March 15 — about $3.70
March 16 — about $3.72
March 17 — about $3.74
March 18 — about $3.80
March 19 — about $3.81
March 20 — about $3.82
March 21 — about $3.85
March 22 — about $3.93
March 23 — about $3.94

Gas Prices in Nearby States

Drivers in Pennsylvania continue to pay slightly more than those in surrounding states, though prices are rising across the region:

New Jersey: about $3.88 per gallon
New York: about $3.90 per gallon
Ohio: about $3.74 per gallon
Delaware: about $3.70 per gallon

Northeast Pennsylvania Prices

Northeast Pennsylvania remains among the most expensive regions in the state, with many stations now charging between $3.90 and $4.10 per gallon, especially along major roadways and in metro areas.

Lowest Gas Prices in Pennsylvania

Prices still vary widely by region, with the lowest prices remaining in western Pennsylvania:

$3.15/gallon — Valero, Dixonville (Indiana County)
$3.17/gallon — Sunoco, Aliquippa (Beaver County)
$3.18/gallon — 7-Eleven, Pittsburgh area
$3.20/gallon — Citgo, Smock (Fayette County)

Cheapest Gas in Northeast and Central PA

Scranton / Lackawanna County:

Conoco — Clarks Summit — about $3.70/gallon
Dileo’s — Wyoming — about $3.71/gallon
Fuel Up — Wyoming — about $3.71/gallon
Kwik Fill — Nicholson — about $3.71/gallon

Wilkes-Barre / Luzerne County:

Best — Wilkes-Barre — about $3.72/gallon
US Gas — Kingston — about $3.75/gallon

Hazleton area:

Fuel On — Hazleton — about $3.78/gallon
7-Eleven — Hazleton — about $3.78/gallon

Schuylkill County:

Turkey Hill — Shenandoah — about $3.45/gallon
Pilot/Conoco — Pine Grove — about $3.48/gallon
Pereira’s — Tamaqua — about $3.52/gallon

Monroe County:

BrightStar Fuel — Brodheadsville — about $3.80/gallon
Gulf — Brodheadsville — about $3.80/gallon
Wawa — East Stroudsburg — about $3.85/gallon

Lycoming County:

Sam’s Club — Muncy — about $3.10/gallon
Exxon — Williamsport — about $3.12/gallon

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Pennsylvania

🗳️ Roll reversal on voter trends | Morning Newsletter

Published

18 hours ago

March 23, 2026

Press Room

Hi, Philly. After our sunny Sunday, the rest of this week is expected to be cloudier and chillier.

Republicans were on track to lead Pennsylvania voter registrations for the first time in 30 years. Democrats think they’ve stopped the trend.

And Penn Medicine launched its Lynch syndrome center as cases of the cancer-risk condition have nearly tripled in recent years.

Plus, sneakerheads lined up for Nike’s new Lower Merion-inspired Kobe Bryant shoes, and more news of the day.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

With less than eight months until the midterm elections, national eyes are turning once again to purple Pennsylvania, where Democrats last year slowed and eventually began to narrowly reverse Republican voter registration gains.

By the numbers: As of March, Democrats hold a 2% voter advantage over Republicans in Pennsylvania, with 177,000 more voters, according to Department of State data. That’s up from their 1.9% lead in November, but still down significantly from a 10.5% lead in 2016.

Shifting strategy: The change comes as Eugene DePasquale, the new chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, has invested in party-led voter registration efforts. But it follows years of voter-registration deprioritization within the state party, while Republicans doubled down on it in communities seen as friendly to President Donald Trump.

State of the union: Democrats are expected to perform well in the midterms by riding a wave of anger at Trump. It’s too early to tell whether the party’s improvements will continue in the long run.

Reporters Katie Bernard, Gillian McGoldrick, and Joe Yerardi dig into the data.

In other political news: Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s $7 billion budget plan, which aims to boost revenue by hiking Philadelphia’s hotel tax and expanding its sales tax, relies in part on authorization from Harrisburg — and help from GOP allies.

A diagnosis linked to higher risks of several cancers is getting more attention at Penn Medicine through the launch of a comprehensive center dedicated to advancing research, education, and patient care for the genetic condition.

Experts at the King Center for Lynch Syndrome, which opened late last year, help patients manage their cancer risks with recommendations for screenings, risk-reducing surgeries, or medications. An estimated 95% of those who have the condition are undiagnosed.

Case study: A West Chester man found out he had Lynch syndrome after getting a call from Penn’s BioBank. Soon after, at 42, he got a colonoscopy — and learned he had stage 3 colorectal cancer. The quick diagnosis led to surgery, then chemotherapy, which he has since completed.

Health reporter Kayla Yup has the story.

What you should know today

Quote of the day

Collector Malcolm France was among the first few sneakerheads in the country to get a pair of shoes from Nike’s homage to basketball superstar Kobe Bryant’s local roots, complete with Lower Merion High School’s maroon and white jersey colors. Lapstone & Hammer in Center City released select models early, first-come, first-served on Saturday.

🧠 Trivia time

Which Philadelphia bridge will close to car traffic in July for its 100th anniversary celebration?

A) Walt Whitman Bridge

B) Falls Bridge

C) Strawberry Mansion Bridge

D) Ben Franklin Bridge

Think you know? Check your answer.

What and whom we’re…

🎨 Eager to see: Noah Davis’ retrospective at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

⚽ Learning: What to expect at Philly’s World Cup fan festival in Fairmount Park.

🤤 Anticipating: The opening of cult Japanese cream puff brand Beard Papa’s store in Chinatown.

🍳 Noting: Where to find an early breakfast in Center City and the best breakfast sandwiches in all of Philadelphia.

📣 Meeting: The HIV positive influencer whose activism starts at the corner store.

🧩 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: Healthcare institution in Delaware County

MISANTHROPY BRAWL

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Liz Greco-Rocks, who solved Sunday’s anagram: KYW Newsradio. CBS News Radio is shutting down, but the impact to this AM station owned by Center City-headquartered Audacy is limited.

Photo of the day

📬 Your ‘only in Philly’ story

Think back to the night that changed your life that could only happen in Philly, a true example of the Philly spirit, the time you finally felt like you belonged in Philly if you’re not a lifer, something that made you fall in love with Philly all over again — or proud to be from here if you are. Then email it to us for a chance to be featured in the Monday edition of this newsletter.

This “only in Philly” story comes from reader Ken Derow, who shares his affinity for the local palate:

I am not a Philly lifer, but rather a transplant from metro-Washington D.C. But I’ve come to love Philly. One reason: Where else in the country or the world can such delightful foods as water ice, soft pretzels, and hoagies be consumed guilt-free and considered part of a well-rounded diet? The answer is nowhere!

You deserve a treat today. ‘Tis the season for water ice, after all. See you tomorrow.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

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Pennsylvania

Bethlehem man dead, 3 others injured in crash in Upper Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, police say

Published

1 day ago

March 22, 2026

Press Room

Bethlehem man dead, 3 others injured in crash in Upper Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, police say

March 22, 2026 / 5:51 PM EDT
/ CBS Philadelphia

A Bethlehem man died, and three other people were injured Sunday in a crash on the Center Valley Parkway in Upper Saucon Township, Pennsylvania, police said.

The crash happened at around 11 a.m. on the 3300 block of Center Valley Parkway and involved multiple vehicles, according to police.

Upper Saucon police said Brian McKenna, 62, was driving a 2020 Tesla westbound on the Center Valley Parkway when he crossed over the center median and struck multiple vehicles traveling eastbound. Seven vehicles with a total of 10 people inside were involved in the crash, according to police.

Police said officers extricated McKenna from his car, but he didn’t survive the crash. Three other people who were injured were taken to local hospitals. The conditions for the three people were not immediately available.

The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy to determine McKenna’s cause of death will be performed Monday.

The crash is under investigation.

In:

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