Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 13/07/2026In honor of the PA state budget passing, here's a picture of Josh Shapiro talking about how he just saw a really big train. 020
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 23/06/2026PA Rep. Scott Perry has proposed amending an appropriations bill to axe funding for the Peace Corps and other foreign aid programs. He was a vocal booster of DOGE efforts to dismantle USAID. Perry also faces a tough reelection race. The outcome could be decisive in the fight for control of congresspenncapital-star.comPa. Rep. Scott Perry proposes cutting funding for the Peace Corps and other foreign aid programs • Pennsylvania Capital-StarA spokesperson for Perry did not respond to questions from the Capital-Star about why he was seeking to eliminate funding for the programs. 001
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 30/01/2026Our sister newsroom @minnesotareformer.com has been doing great work with a small team covering ICE and CBP in Minneapolis. And they stand up for journalism too. You should follow and support them. 021
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 16/01/2026A second Pennsylvania Democrat, Rep. Chirs Deluzio, has committed to co-sponsoring impeachment articles for Noem, according to a spokesperson. Rep. Summer Lee was one of the first co-sponsors of the impeachment articles, and has called to abolish ICE.penncapital-star.comTwo Pa. Democrats sign onto Noem impeachment, as others weigh path forward to rein in ICE • Pennsylvania Capital-StarSo far, only two Pennsylvania Democrats have signed on to an effort to remove Noem from office. Rep. Summer Lee, was among the first co-sponsors on the impeachment articles, while Chris Deluzio, who r... 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 07/01/2026The Post-Gazette — "oldest newspaper west of the Alleghenies" — is closing The announcement follows a 3 year strike and series of legal rulings against its owners “Going back to the pioneer days this organization was the one telling stories of the lives of people who live here in southwestern PA"penncapital-star.comPost-Gazette parent company says the paper will end publication in May • Pennsylvania Capital-StarThe Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper serving the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, is set to shut down on May 3. 110
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 04/12/2025Pennsylvania lawmakers, some of the highest paid in the country, got a raise on Monday. No vote necessary. Just an annual bump based on cost of living. But not all of them are happy about it, and some have proposed changes. penncapital-star.com/government-p...penncapital-star.comPa. lawmakers received their annual raise. Rank and file members now make $113,000 • Pennsylvania Capital-StarA number of bills have been introduced over the years that would get rid of the automatic raise. 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 02/12/2025A buried provision in PA's budget sent $5 million to a struggling school district represented by PA's House Speaker. Last year, 11 school districts represented exclusively by dems in the House got funding boosts too. Each school district struggled financially. But others faced similar issues.penncapital-star.comState budget sent $5 million to a struggling school district represented by the Pa. House speaker • Pennsylvania Capital-StarBuried in a code bill passed with the 2025-26 state budget is a provision giving a single school district $5 million, outside of the typical formulas that are used to distribute funds to Pennsylvania’... 100
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 28/07/2025One group of employees was told their layoffs were cancelled, but HHS wants to zero out their funding next year. Another group is fighting orders to lay them off in court, but HHS wants to continue their funding. All their work keeps Americans safe. “It’s been the entire range of human emotion."penncapital-star.comFor Pa.’s NIOSH employees, uncertainty remains amid lawsuits and mixed signals • Pennsylvania Capital-Star“It’s been the entire range of human emotion,” said Suzanne Alison, a steward at the local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees and a NIOSH employee. “I haven’t talked to a singl... 030
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 23/07/2025Mary, 81, takes the bus to the grocery and shared rides to her doctor Sarah takes the bus to a job she's required to have as part of her probation Kevin takes buses because he can't afford a car These are just 3 Pennsylvanians who'd be affected if lawmakers don't reach a deal to fund mass transitpenncapital-star.comWhat’s at stake over proposed increase in mass transit funding in Pa.? • Pennsylvania Capital-StarAcross the state, mass transit systems are facing budget shortfalls that could impact funding for millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on them in urban, suburban and rural regions. 030
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 20/07/2025PA lawmakers from both parties are pushing to legalize cannabis in a state budget deal They’re emphasizing how it can bring wealth into disinvested communities, but that depends on how the law is written So do their bills actually live up to that promise or do they mostly benefit the industry?penncapital-star.comAdvocates say legalizing cannabis opens doors for small business. Do Pa.’s latest proposals deliver? • Pennsylvania Capital-StarAs a heavily regulated industry, any cannabis bill ultimately signed into law could significantly shape the business landscape in Pennsylvania, and determine who stands to benefit from it. 010
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 09/07/2025After Grok started referring to itself as "Mechahitler," X limited it to image generation only. Working out great! 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 03/07/2025Just gonna post this again: These three Pennsylvanians all said Medicaid literally saved their lives. Their stories back that up. They're three of 3 million Pennsylvanians who rely on the program. Like many, they're scared about what comes next. penncapital-star.com/health-care/...penncapital-star.comPa. Medicaid recipients fear potentially devastating cuts • Pennsylvania Capital-StarAt the state level, the commonwealth’s Department of Human Services says cuts could result in more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid coverage. Another 270,000 could lose access to marketplac... 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 03/07/2025PA DHS said 310k people could lose Medicaid. That's 10.39% of PA Medicaid recipients These numbers are just 10.39% of medicaid recipients in each district. Is that a good or bad approximation? Dunno... But in 3 districts, that number is bigger than the 2024 election margin: 7, 8, 10 (all GOP-held) 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 01/07/2025Something I’d be thinking if I were a PA congressman: the estimated number of people who will lose Medicaid or ACA coverage here if cuts are passed is almost 5 times higher than the 2024 presidential vote margin. But hey, work requirements wouldn’t start til after midterms. 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 01/07/2025These Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients all told me the same thing: Medicaid literally saved their lives. Their stories back that up. Now, they’re worried about what happens next. penncapital-star.com/health-care/...penncapital-star.comPa. Medicaid recipients fear potentially devastating cuts • Pennsylvania Capital-StarAt the state level, the commonwealth’s Department of Human Services says cuts could result in more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid coverage. Another 270,000 could lose access to marketplac... 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 23/06/2025Look, ma. I made it (in the multi-day publications 5,000-9,999 circulation division)! 020
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 23/06/2025ICYMI: Pennsylvania Treasury Sec. Stacy Garrity invested $25 million of taxpayer money in Israel Bonds hours before the country began strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets earlier this month. Her office called the timing a coincidence.penncapital-star.comPa. Treasurer Garrity invested additional $25 million in Israeli bonds hours before strike on Iran • Pennsylvania Capital-StarA spokesperson for Treasury Secretary Stacy Garrity said the decision to make the investment had been made a day or two prior to its finalization Thursday, and that the timing in relation to the strik... 031
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 07/06/2025There’s a lot of big news going on, but take a moment to read this story from our PLCA intern, Vincent DiFonzo. He did some really great reporting on a complicated subject that affects pharmacy access for many Pennsylvanians.penncapital-star.comPa. pharmacists demand state action to regulate PBMs, curb pharmacy closures • Pennsylvania Capital-StarSince January 2024, at least 200 pharmacies have closed across the state. Now, independent pharmacists are asking lawmakers to act again. 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 03/06/2025For some, pharmacies are the only place to get free walk-in medical advice. But as hundreds close across Pa, some pharmacists say they’ve had to turn away new customers or risk the same. They blame pharmaceutical industry middlemen called PBMs, whose influence on their bottom line has been growingpenncapital-star.comCommunity pharmacists in Pa. say they’re struggling to absorb Rite Aid’s customers • Pennsylvania Capital-StarFor most businesses, a major competitor shutting their doors would be welcome. But for pharmacists, taking on new clients can actually pose a risk to their bottom line. 000
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 27/05/2025The US Health Dept. calls mine safety a "priority," and has touted a recent reversal of cuts to a division that performs black lung screenings. But the agency is still set to lay off key teams working to prevent mine injuries, illnesses and deaths, including around 100 NIOSH employees in PA.penncapital-star.comFederal officials call miners' health a 'priority,' but are cutting a Pa. team studying mine safety • Pennsylvania Capital-StarSweeping cuts to U.S. Health Dept. expected to hit Pennsylvania team focused on coal mine safety. RFK Jr. calls miners' health "priority." 010
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 14/05/2025A federal lab in Pittsburgh approves every NIOSH-certified respirator from N95s to firefighter masks. But employees were told virtually all their jobs were being cut Today HHS sent staff emails saying the cuts are being reversed. But it's unclear if they went to everyone, and HHS hasn't explainedpenncapital-star.comJob cuts reversed at Pittsburgh lab that certifies nation’s respirators • Pennsylvania Capital-Star“We’re still trying to figure out what it all means and who it all covers,” said Suzanne Alison, a steward at the local American Federation of Government Employees chapter that represents Allegheny Co... 02511
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 17/04/2025Every N95 mask — along with masks required for doctors, miners and firefighters in the US — was certified at a government-run lab in PA Because of cuts at HHS, employees are preparing for it to shutter in June "This is so important, we just feel there’s no way this can be real,” said one employeepenncapital-star.comFederal cuts threaten to close Pennsylvania lab that certifies N95s and other respirators in June • Pennsylvania Capital-StarThe lab has halted almost all of its regular work and is preparing to shut down in June. That’s because of the most recent announcement of layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 065
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 14/04/2025Thread: There's a lot of people trying to paint Cody Balmer as a liberal, conservative, antisemite, etc. Don't listen. It's early and hard to say anything. What is available shows contradictory & messy politics But there are some patterns in his FB posts, which I've looked at back to 2014 1/ 3813
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 03/04/2025Scott Perry, who's praised DOGE and boosted Musk's fraud claims, said he hasn't been shown the receipts. "I have a personal frustration, and we have asked, ‘Let’s see the details ... I know there’s a website ... But we have to put that in a frame of reference." penncapital-star.com/government-p...penncapital-star.comAfter weeks of demand, Congressman Scott Perry holds a town hall — over the phone • Pennsylvania Capital-StarAfter weeks of demand. GOP Congressman Scott Perry hold a town hall -- over the phone. 010
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 23/01/2025"PA is the darling of the cannabis industry," an insider said, because it's more or less a blank slate. CO, IL, MI, etc. face "marijuana recessions," equity program failures and market monopolization, all impacted by their laws' fine print. Can PA be different? penncapital-star.com/government-p...penncapital-star.comCan Pennsylvania craft the perfect cannabis law? • Pennsylvania Capital-StarWill this be the year Pennsylvania lawmakers craft a recreational cannabis law? 012
Reposted by Ian KarbalChris Potter @cpotterpgh.bsky.social · 20/12/2024I have no idea why this story isn't bylined, because someone did a terrific job on it. www.unionprogress.com/2024/12/19/b...unionprogress.comJohn R. Block expresses frustration with PG bargaining team, suggests 'we should try something different' - Pittsburgh Union ProgressPost-Gazette publisher and co-owner John Robinson Block spent about an hour with a striking PG worker and the Pittsburgh Labor Choir on Wednesday night. It was an unexpected twist to an evening origin... 2126
Reposted by Ian KarbalThe New York Times @nytimes.com · 17/12/2024Drugmakers including Purdue Pharma paid middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers to not restrict painkiller prescriptions, a New York Times investigation has found. nyti.ms/3ZCBEQR 58656224
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 06/12/2024I'm looking at all your Spotify wraps and we need a music algorithm that's like 2019 youtube. Subliminally pushing increasingly radical content. 010
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 04/12/2024A new PA recreational cannabis bill proposes state-owned dispensaries run by an expanded Liquor Control Board. Sponsors Frankel and Krajewski have been studying legalization for a while and their suggestions carry some weight. But it's likely to see opposition. penncapital-star.com/cannabis/pen...penncapital-star.comPa. cannabis legalization bill to propose state-run dispensaries with room for private businesses • Pennsylvania Capital-StarThe bill outlines a model that would see cannabis sold in state-owned stores like liquor, while making room for private businesses in other parts of the industry. 000
Reposted by Ian KarbalKatie Notopoulos @katienotopoulos.bsky.social · 03/12/2024Th Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter have been on strike for 2 years, and negotiations was recently halted after a union leader threw a chair at the wall of a conference room and was charged with a misdemeanor. Wild this hasn’t gotten more national press! penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...penncapital-star.comThe strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now the longest in the nation. And it's not over. • Pennsylvania Capital-StarThe strike by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette journalists began in October 2022. It’s now the longest ongoing strike in the country. 316447
Ian Karbal @iankarbal.bsky.social · 03/12/2024Whatever you've heard about the strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the reality is more complicated. I spent months speaking to people on all sides of it. It's an important story that journalists, labor folks and Pennsylvanians should be paying attention to. penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...penncapital-star.comThe strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now the longest in the nation. And it's not over. • Pennsylvania Capital-StarThe strike by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette journalists began in October 2022. It’s now the longest ongoing strike in the country. 01210