Sign in

John Cole

@johnlcole.bsky.social
1.4K followers 363 following 551 posts

Journalist | Previously: Pennsylvania Capital-Star, PCN TV, PoliticsPA, Northeast Times | Archbishop Ryan and Temple grad | Email: JohnColeNews95@gmail.com

PostsRepliesMedia
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 11h
Fetterman and McCormick vote to pass the Protect College Sports Act. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman and McCormick vote to pass the Protect College Sports Act
(The Center Square) – Legislation supporters say would help "end the chaos and uncertainty plaguing college sports," while providing student athletes, fans, schools, and coaches "desperately needed re...
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Pennsylvania House approves open primary bill. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Pennsylvania House approves open primary bill
(The Center Square) – A bill that would change Pennsylvania’s primary laws passed the state House on Tuesday.
100
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
ICYMI: The effort to revitalize downtown Harrisburg is officially underway, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro, as his administration and local leaders rolled out the "Harrisburg Works for All of Us" plan. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
$64M effort to revitalize downtown Harrisburg announced
(The Center Square) – The effort to revitalize downtown Harrisburg is officially underway, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro, as his administration and local leaders rolled out the "Harrisburg Works for
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI: U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, once again, was the only Democrat on Thursday to vote against a resolution which would limit President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman bucks party again, votes against Iran War Powers resolution
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, once again, was the only Democrat on Thursday to vote against a resolution which would limit President Donald Trump’s military actions against
100
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
ICYMI: Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on the campaign trail Friday in a visit to a south Philadelphia diner. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro and Whitmer campaign together in Philadelphia
(The Center Square) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on the campaign trail Friday in a visit to a south Philadelphia diner.
010
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
With the midterms just over one month away, the National Rifle Association’s national bus tour will stop in Pennsylvania. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
NRA bus tour stops in Pennsylvania ahead of midterm elections
(The Center Square) – With the midterms just over one month away, the National Rifle Association’s national bus tour will stop in Pennsylvania.
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Shapiro and Whitmer campaign together in Philadelphia. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro and Whitmer campaign together in Philadelphia
(The Center Square) – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joined Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on the campaign trail Friday in a visit to a south Philadelphia diner.
010
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
ICYMI: Arguing that the U.S. is “underinvesting in discovery,” U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., is calling for changes to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, which include increased investments from the federal government. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick calls for doubling NIH budget within five years
(The Center Square) – Arguing that the U.S. is “underinvesting in discovery,” U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., is calling for changes to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, which
100
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
McCormick calls for doubling NIH budget within five years. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick calls for doubling NIH budget within five years
(The Center Square) – Arguing that the U.S. is “underinvesting in discovery,” U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., is calling for changes to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, which
011
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
ICYMI: A majority of Pennsylvania lawmakers signed onto legislation that authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia, while also extending existing sanctions on Iran. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Most Pennsylvania lawmakers back Trump-signed sanctions on Russia and Iran
(The Center Square) – A majority of Pennsylvania lawmakers signed onto legislation that authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia, while also extending existing s...
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
ICYMI: McCormick floats dedicated department to handle AI. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick floats dedicated department to handle AI
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., says putting AI regulation in the hands of the federal government poses risks and instead offered a different solution that he
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
McCormick floats dedicated department to handle AI. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick floats dedicated department to handle AI
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., says putting AI regulation in the hands of the federal government poses risks and instead offered a different solution that he
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Most Pennsylvania lawmakers back Trump-signed sanctions on Russia and Iran. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Most Pennsylvania lawmakers back Trump-signed sanctions on Russia and Iran
(The Center Square) – A majority of Pennsylvania lawmakers signed onto legislation that authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia, while also extending existing s...
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
ICYMI: Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock cameras. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock cameras
(The Center Square) – The ongoing debate around Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs, is garnering attention from elected officials and candidates up and down
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock cameras. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Battleground congressional candidates in Pennsylvania talk Flock cameras
(The Center Square) – The ongoing debate around Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs, is garnering attention from elected officials and candidates up and down
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
McCormick lobbies for Parnell to lead U.S. Army. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick lobbies for Parnell to lead U.S. Army
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., has offered his support for Sean Parnell as chatter continues that he could be a candidate to lead the U.S. Army.
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Shapiro says international collaboration is needed to regulate AI. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro says international collaboration is needed to regulate AI
(The Center Square) – As the conversation of AI evolving dominates headlines across the globe, Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered an address on Thursday laying out what he thinks is the
100
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
A proposal introduced by a Democrat serving in the state House aims to make changes to signage on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
A new bill would address Pennsylvania turnpike toll rate signage
(The Center Square) – A proposal introduced by a Democrat serving in the state House aims to make changes to signage on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
ICYMI: McCormick favors, Fetterman opposes CLARITY Act. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick favors, Fetterman opposes CLARITY Act
(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick found themselves on opposite ends of a vote on a major cryptocurrency proposal on Tuesday.
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Pennsylvania U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick found themselves on opposite ends of a vote on a major cryptocurrency proposal on Tuesday. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick favors, Fetterman opposes CLARITY Act
(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick found themselves on opposite ends of a vote on a major cryptocurrency proposal on Tuesday.
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
ICYMI: U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick want answers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the cancellation of research grants at a pair of Pennsylvania institutions. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick and Fetterman press RFK Jr. over canceled research grants
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick want answers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the cancellation of research grants at a
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
McCormick and Fetterman press RFK Jr. over canceled research grants. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick and Fetterman press RFK Jr. over canceled research grants
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick want answers from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about the cancellation of research grants at a
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Some retired public servants set for first pension raise since 2002. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Some retired public servants set for first pension raise since 2002
(The Center Square) – During a speech to AFSCME Chapter 13 retirees in Harrisburg on Monday, Gov. Josh Shapiro touted the first cost-of-living adjustment, known as COLA for short, in
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Report: GOP congressman says McCormick could be a “good person” to run for president. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Report: GOP congressman says McCormick could be a “good person” to run for president
(The Center Square) – A founding member and former chair of the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus thinks a Pennsylvania Republican could be a “good person” to run for president
011
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
McCormick touts Trump and GOP agenda during midterm convention speech. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
McCormick touts Trump and GOP agenda during midterm convention speech
(The Center Square) – Taking the stage during the first night of the Republican Party’s midterm convention, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., made the case that President Donald Trump and
101
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
ICYMI: Shapiro, Sunday, Pittman, and Bradford weigh in on SEPTA special prosecutor. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro, Sunday, Pittman, and Bradford weigh in on SEPTA special prosecutor
(The Center Square) – As the special prosecutor who oversees crime reduction on the state’s largest public transit system nears the end of his term, the bipartisan group of lawmakers
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Shapiro, Sunday, Pittman, and Bradford weigh in on SEPTA special prosecutor. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro, Sunday, Pittman, and Bradford weigh in on SEPTA special prosecutor
(The Center Square) – As the special prosecutor who oversees crime reduction on the state’s largest public transit system nears the end of his term, the bipartisan group of lawmakers
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Two battleground Pennsylvania candidates scheduled for midterm convention. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Two battleground Pennsylvania candidates scheduled for midterm convention
(The Center Square) – Two Pennsylvania lawmakers running in races that could determine control of Congress in 2027 are set to speak at the Republican Party’s midterm convention in Dallas
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Gov. Josh Shapiro and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity will face off for a televised debate next month. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro and Garrity agree to debate on Oct. 7
(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity will face off for a televised debate next month.
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
At least one issue unites both candidates for governor in Pennsylvania: regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
An issue where Shapiro and Garrity agree: Ban Flock cameras
(The Center Square) – At least one issue unites both candidates for governor: regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs.
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
The ongoing contentious debate around data center development is not solely falling along partisan lines.  The latest example is U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., backing President Donald Trump’s support of the industry.  www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman joins Trump’s embrace of data centers
(The Center Square) – The ongoing contentious debate around data center development is not solely falling along partisan lines.
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
After supporting every Republican for statewide office in 2024, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association announced that they are backing Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s re-election campaign in 2026. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
State troopers, Philadelphia police unions back Shapiro's re-election
(The Center Square) – After supporting every Republican for statewide office in 2024, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association announced that they are backing Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s re-elec...
122
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Former Vice President Mike Pence will return to Grove City College. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Former Vice President Mike Pence will return to Grove City College
(The Center Square) – For the third consecutive year, former Vice President Mike Pence will serve as a distinguished visiting fellow at Grove City College.
000
Reposted by John Cole
Stephen Caruso @stephenjcaruso.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
ICYMI: Gov. Josh Shapiro has now backed a ban on Flock Cameras and other such automated surveillance technology, per @johnlcole.bsky.social www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro backs Flock camera ban
(The Center Square) – Regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs, has drawn the attention of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
161
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
ICYMI: On Friday, I asked Gov. Josh Shapiro for his opinion about the ongoing debate of regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems. “I would welcome bipartisan legislation to ban these across the state,” he said. Story below ⬇️
111
Reposted by John Cole
69 News @wfmz.com · 29/08/2026
Shapiro backs Flock camera ban
wfmz.com
Shapiro backs Flock camera ban
(The Center Square) – Regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs, has drawn the attention of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
041
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
I asked Gov. Josh Shapiro for his opinion about the ongoing debate of regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems. “I would welcome bipartisan legislation to ban these across the state,” he told me. Here's the story: www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro backs Flock camera ban
(The Center Square) – Regulating Flock cameras and other automated license plate reading systems, or ALPRs, has drawn the attention of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
021
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Battleground congressional candidates weigh in on Shapiro’s data center rules. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Battleground congressional candidates weigh in on Shapiro’s data center rules
(The Center Square) – Races up and down the ballot around the country for the 2026 midterm elections have something in common: the issue of data center development is taking
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Fetterman holds a higher approval rating among Republicans than McCormick. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman holds a higher approval rating among Republicans than McCormick
(The Center Square) – A plurality of likely voters in Pennsylvania have a favorable opinion of their U.S. senators, although one has the advantage with both parties and independents, according
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Poll: Shapiro leads Garrity by 16 points. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Poll: Shapiro leads Garrity by 16 points
(The Center Square) – Mirroring a trend of other recent polls, Gov. Josh Shapiro holds a double-digit lead over Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, as a majority of voters approve of
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Philadelphia a finalist to host 2028 Democratic National Convention. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Philadelphia a finalist to host 2028 Democratic National Convention
(The Center Square) – The Democratic National Convention may return to the Keystone State in 2028.
010
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
As Republicans try to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress this November, former two-term U.S. Senator Pat Toomey has some advice for candidates in closely watched races. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Toomey advises GOP candidates in competitive races to 'localize the election'
(The Center Square) – As Republicans try to cling to majorities in both chambers of Congress this November, former two-term U.S. Senator Pat Toomey has some advice for candidates in
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
ICYMI: Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, chairman of the federal House Agriculture Committee, weigh in on data centers in agriculture. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Redding and Thompson weigh in on data centers in agriculture
(The Center Square) – When leaders in agriculture convened last week at Penn State’s annual Ag Progress Days, data centers were on the minds of attendees and elected officials alike.
001
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
A new organization founded by a former Republican governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate has launched an ad campaign that is urging Pennsylvania to opt into a federal school choice program. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Youngkin-backed group launches ad campaign for federal school choice program
(The Center Square) – A new organization founded by a former Republican governor and potential 2028 presidential candidate has launched an ad campaign that is urging Pennsylvania to opt into
100
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
When leaders in agriculture convened last week at Penn State’s annual Ag Progress Days, data centers were on the minds of attendees and elected officials alike. They seem to share some common ground over this contentious debate. Here's the story: www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Redding and Thompson weigh in on data center in agriculture
(The Center Square) – When leaders in agriculture convened last week at Penn State’s annual Ag Progress Days, data centers were on the minds of attendees and elected officials alike.
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
ICYMI: Redding says ‘we’ve seen direct implications with trade’ over tariffs. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Redding says ‘we’ve seen direct implications with trade’ over tariffs
(The Center Square) – Federal tariffs pose challenges now for farmers in Pennsylvania and across the nation, while a long-term trend puts the industry at risk, according to the state's
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Redding says ‘we’ve seen direct implications with trade’ over tariffs. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Redding says ‘we’ve seen direct implications with trade’ over tariffs
(The Center Square) – Federal tariffs pose challenges now for farmers in Pennsylvania and across the nation, while a long-term trend puts the industry at risk, according to the state's
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
ICYMI: ‘I certainly support an end’ to Iran War, U.S. Rep. GT Thompson says. www.thecentersquare.com/national/art...
thecentersquare.com
‘I certainly support an end’ to Iran War, U.S. Rep. GT Thompson says
(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Centre, believes the Iranian regime is at fault for the ongoing war with the United States, although he supports an end
000
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
‘I certainly support an end’ to Iran War, U.S. Rep. GT Thompson says. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
‘I certainly support an end’ to Iran War, U.S. Rep. GT Thompson says
(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Centre, believes the Iranian regime is at fault for the ongoing war with the United States, although he supports an end
100
John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
ICYMI: I spoke with CCAP Executive Director Kyle Kopko earlier this week about the organization’s most recent conference, the biggest issues facing county commissioners in Pennsylvania, the evolving conversation around data centers, and a look ahead. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Association for counties talks priorities: 911 funding, data centers and more
(The Center Square) – The County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania, known as CCAP, is an organization founded in 1886 that serves as the “unifying” voice for the Keystone State’s 67
000