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John Cole

@johnlcole.bsky.social
1.4K followers 363 following 567 posts

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

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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
ICYMI: Shapiro endorses open primary legislation that passed Pennsylvania House. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro endorses open primary legislation that passed Pennsylvania House
(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro backs a bill that would open Pennsylvania’s primary elections to unaffiliated voters.
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Reposted by John Cole
Jeff Neiburg @jeff-neiburg.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Jeffrey Lurie said earlier this year that the Eagles are in their “exploratory research” phase when it comes to building a new stadium or renovating the Linc. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where the Eagles play on Sunday, is a good place to gather data: www.inquirer.com/eagles/nfl-w...
inquirer.com
Retractable grass, modern amenities, and more: Why the Eagles will pay close attention to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie has new stadium dreams that could be animated by this week's trip to London.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
“I think the state Senate has been an impediment to a number of common sense bills, and I think it's important that we engage more voters, have more voter participation and opening up our primaries is a good way to do that,” he continued.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
“It's yet another common sense bill that is seemingly going to die in the state Senate,” Shapiro said. “Along with raising the minimum wage, along with funding mass transit, and a whole lot more.”
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Although the bill passed in bipartisan fashion, Shapiro expressed skepticism about its path through the Senate.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Gov. Josh Shapiro backs a bill that would open Pennsylvania’s primary elections to unaffiliated voters. HB 280, authored by state Rep. Jared Solomon, D-Philadelphia, passed the state House by a 115-88 vote on Tuesday. “I support it,” Shapiro told me. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Shapiro endorses open primary legislation that passed Pennsylvania House
(The Center Square) – Gov. Josh Shapiro backs a bill that would open Pennsylvania’s primary elections to unaffiliated voters.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Fetterman, fellow Dems accuse DHS of ‘intentionally undermining’ election trust. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman, fellow Dems accuse DHS of ‘intentionally undermining’ election trust
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. John Fetterman joined most of his Democratic colleagues in a letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressing concern about its
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
For Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District, they have endorsed U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, over Bucks County Commissioner Bob Harvie, a Democrat. They have not issued an endorsement for either candidate in the race for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Giffords PAC is also backing Democratic challenger Janelle Stelson over GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in the race for the state's 10th Congressional District.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
As of Thursday, the PAC’s biggest investment in the state is in the race for Pennsylvania's 8th Congressional District, supporting Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, a Democrat, in her bid to unseat freshman GOP U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The Giffords PAC has endorsed Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in his bid for a second term over Republican challenger Stacy Garrity, the state’s Treasurer. The National Rifle Association has endorsed Garrity in the race for governor, while assigning a failing grade to Shapiro.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
A national gun safety organization is backing candidates in several races in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2026 midterm election, which includes an $850,000 advertising investment into a closely watched U.S. House race. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Giffords PAC backs 9 Pennsylvania candidates; spends $850k on Cognetti
(The Center Square) – A national gun safety organization is backing candidates in several races in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2026 midterm election, which includes an $850,000 advertising investment in...
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
A national gun safety organization is backing candidates in several races in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2026 midterm election, which includes an $850,000 advertising investment into a closely watched U.S. House race. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Giffords PAC backs 9 Pennsylvania candidates; spends $850k on Cognetti
(The Center Square) – A national gun safety organization is backing candidates in several races in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2026 midterm election, which includes an $850,000 advertising investment in...
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
ICYMI: U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are finding common ground, once again, on a hot-button issue: AI regulation. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman and McCormick team up on ‘How to Regulate AI’
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are finding common ground, once again, on a hot-button issue: AI regulation.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Elected officials on both sides of the aisle in Pennsylvania are celebrating a historic investment made into one of the state’s elite universities. www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
$1B investment comes to Carnegie Mellon University’s Pittsburgh campus
(The Center Square) – Elected officials on both sides of the aisle in Pennsylvania are celebrating a historic investment made into one of the state’s elite universities.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Fetterman and McCormick team up on ‘How to Regulate AI’ www.thecentersquare.com/pennsylvania...
thecentersquare.com
Fetterman and McCormick team up on ‘How to Regulate AI’
(The Center Square) – U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick are finding common ground, once again, on a hot-button issue: AI regulation.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
ICYMI: 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...
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
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...
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
“I've made very clear to members of the General Assembly that I'm open to getting a bill on my desk to open up our primaries,” Shapiro said in response to a question from me, after casting his primary vote in May.
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Gov. Josh Shapiro didn’t issue a public statement following the passage of House Bill 280. However, in May, he also opened the door to supporting legislation that would change Pennsylvania’s primary laws.
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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.
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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
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John Cole @johnlcole.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Just 31% of Pennsylvanians either strongly or somewhat approve of Trump’s handling of the war in Iran, while 67% strongly or somewhat disapprove, according to a New York Times/Philadelphia Inquirer/Siena poll conducted among 615 voters from Sept. 15 to 22.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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...
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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
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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
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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...
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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