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Pa. Supreme Court justices join panel to push back against campaign to oust them

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4 months ago

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Pa. Supreme Court justices join panel to push back against campaign to oust them


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As Pennsylvanians look ahead to the November election, an unusually intense fight looms over the retention of three Democratic justices on the state Supreme Court.

Normally a sleepy race, some right-wing activists aligned with President Donald Trump are actively campaigning against retaining Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht, citing their past rulings on pandemic “lockdowns” and voting laws. The court currently leans Democratic, with a 5–2 majority, making the race this year a contest that could reshape the court’s ideological balance for years.

While justices who are up for reelection are limited in their ability to campaign, Pennsylvanians were granted a rare chance to hear directly from the three justices on this year’s retention ballot during the Committee of Seventy’s “Behind the Ballot – Fireside Chat,” held last night at Central High School in Philadelphia. The panel was moderated by Cherri Gregg, co-host of WHYY’s “Studio 2.”

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During the discussion, the justices pushed back on the idea that they were partisan in the way they decide cases.

“We have to apply the law as we interpret it to exist and apply it, and the result is going to be what the result is going to be, but it’s the process that we must ensure is fair and following predictable rules in matters of statutory interpretation,” Wecht told the audience. “We must interpret and apply the law that the General Assembly gave us. They’re the policy makers.”

Wecht added that they are also called on to “interpret what the law should be,” but that “we’re also not free agents there either, because we must apply the precedents or find a way to distinguish them.”

Pennsylvania is one of only eight states that determines the makeup of its courts through partisan races, whereas, in most states, the governor appoints justices or they are chosen through nonpartisan elections. That has led to accusations of partisanship.

Dougherty pushed back on that assertion.

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“The Constitution required us to run as a partisan, but the moment we were elected, when we put that black robe on, we hung up that partisan title and we have watched ourselves accordingly,” Dougherty said. “And when you look at the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, you’ll never hear us say it’s how many Democrats, how many Republicans? We say that we’re seven.”

Donohue added that the Democrats “disagree with each other all the time” and are often in alignment with Republicans.

“That’s a function of the interpretive process that we individually go through when we’re presented with an issue, and that’s true with our colleagues who were elected as Republicans,” she said. “So partisanship, honestly, from the time I served on the Superior Court to this very moment, has never been part of the function of my jurisprudence.”



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Pennsylvania

Anti-war protesters gather in East Liberty as McCormick, Fetterman laud U.S. action in Venezuela, Lee and Deluzio denounce attack

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53 minutes ago

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January 4, 2026

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Anti-war protesters gather in East Liberty as McCormick, Fetterman laud U.S. action in Venezuela, Lee and Deluzio denounce attack






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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Lottery Pick 2 Day, Pick 2 Evening results for Dec. 28, 2025

Published

6 days ago

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December 29, 2025

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The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Pick 2 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 4-0, Wild: 1

Evening: 3-2, Wild: 3

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 3 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 5-0-2, Wild: 1

Evening: 4-2-2, Wild: 3

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 3-7-8-3, Wild: 1

Evening: 4-9-2-2, Wild: 3

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Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

Day: 8-3-3-5-3, Wild: 1

Evening: 5-7-4-1-7, Wild: 3

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

09-15-24-34-53, Cash Ball: 04

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Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

04-06-18-20-31

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

04-05-10-26-28

Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from Dec. 28 drawing

07-08-16-18-27-37

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
  • Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
  • Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
  • Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
  • Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
  • Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
  • Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
  • Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
  • Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Winter weather advisory for part of Pennsylvania for Monday and Tuesday – possibly 4 inches of snow

Published

7 days ago

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December 28, 2025

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Winter weather advisory for part of Pennsylvania for Monday and Tuesday – possibly 4 inches of snow


A winter weather advisory was released by the National Weather Service on Sunday at 1:32 p.m. valid from Monday 1 p.m. until Tuesday 1 p.m. for Elk, Clearfield, Cambria and Somerset counties.

The weather service says, “Total snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible on the tallest ridges. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph in the Laurel Highlands.”

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage,” explains the weather service. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”

Mastering winter roads: Guidance from the weather service for safe winter travel

Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it’s safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips:

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Share your travel plans:

When venturing out of town in hazardous winter weather, be sure to inform family or friends of your destination, your intended route, and your estimated arrival time.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

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If you become stranded, stay composed. Notify someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Attach a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror to signal that you require assistance. Make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers.

Be aware of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

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Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the weather service, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.



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