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Justin Sweitzer

@jsweitzer.bsky.social
628 followers 633 following 120 posts

Politics nerd and managing editor at City & State PA. Probably writing about AI and government. Check out our work at @cityandstatepa.bsky.social.

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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission released a long-awaited report that outlines a series of recommendations for artificial intelligence use and adoption – and examines AI’s potential impact in the commonwealth. Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
5 takeaways from new state government report on AI
The report outlines a series of recommendations for AI use and adoption.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
9 things to know about Josh Shapiro’s $53.3B budget proposal Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
9 things to know about Josh Shapiro’s $53.3B budget proposal
Shapiro revisited past priorities and eyed new goals in an hour-long budget address.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
City of Philadelphia sues federal government over removal of slavery exhibits By @harrisonlcann.bsky.social via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
City of Philadelphia sues federal government over removal of slavery exhibits
The removed plaques included the names of nine slaves who worked for George Washington
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Something worth following: Pennsylvanians For Protecting Pharmacy Access – a coalition of pharmacists, patient advocates, health care providers + others – released a map of pharmacy deserts + recent closures across PA. Here's a look at the state's pharmacy deserts.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
Citing $115,000 in unpaid rent, Lehigh County evicts ICE from Allentown office space Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
Citing $115,000 in unpaid rent, Lehigh County evicts ICE from Allentown office space
County Executive Josh Siegel says the Department of Homeland Security’s ‘national reputation for recklessness’ warrants termination of a county lease agreement with the federal agency.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
PA officials among nationwide pushback against Trump claiming members of Congress engaged in ‘seditious behavior’ Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
PA officials among nationwide pushback against Trump claiming members of Congress engaged in ‘seditious behavior’
The president suggested in a social media post that the behavior of the lawmakers could be ‘punishable by DEATH!’
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
The Delaware County GOP says their headquarters in Media, PA was vandalized last night. Photos show their glass front door shattered.
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
New: The John Fetterman primary talk is already heating up.  The Pennsylvania Working Families Party announced it will support a primary challenger to the commonwealth’s senior U.S. senator.  www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/202...
cityandstatepa.com
Working Families Party pledges to support a John Fetterman primary challenger
The progressive third party group is launching a portal to recruit and train potential candidates to challenge Fetterman in 2028
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
PA GOP Chair Greg Rothman reacts to yesterday's elex results. "Last night the Republican Party sustained losses in Pennsylvania and across the nation ... We need to do a better job of communicating our core principles of freedom, security, prosperity and opportunity for all..."
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
On Election Day, Pennsylvania voters cast their ballots in high-stakes judicial retention elections, opting to keep Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for the next decade. Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social 🗳️
cityandstatepa.com
Pennsylvania voters retain 3 state Supreme Court justices
The high-stakes judicial retention elections attracted national attention and millions of dollars in spending.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Retention roundup: Your last-minute guide to Pennsylvania’s 2025 judicial elections ⚖️ 📖 Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
Retention roundup: Your last-minute guide to Pennsylvania’s 2025 judicial elections
City & State examines the state of play in Pennsylvanians’ judicial contests.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill that aims to bring more transparency to PA's permitting processes, including by requiring state agencies to create permit application tracking systems on their websites. More here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️ www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2025/...
cityandstatepa.com
PA Senate passes permitting transparency bill
The bill, which would require state agencies to create public permit tracking systems, received bipartisan support in the state Senate.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Shapiro: Arsonist’s guilty plea is a ‘just outcome’ after firebombing at governor’s residence Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️ www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/202...
cityandstatepa.com
Shapiro: Arsonist’s guilty plea is a ‘just outcome’ after firebombing at governor’s residence
Penbrook man Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to charges of arson and attempted murder on Tuesday.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
News: SEIU Local 668, a PA union representing human service workers, says Northampton County plans to furlough its rank-and-file human service workers on Oct. 20 if a state budget isn’t passed. The union will hold an event outside the county human services building tomorrow.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
DNC announces six-figure investment in PA Supreme Court retention elections Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⚖️⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
DNC announces six-figure investment in PA Supreme Court retention elections
The Democratic National Committee said the stakes of the retention elections couldn't be higher.
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Marley Parish @marleyparish.bsky.social · 17/09/2025
Ferguson Township will host two public input hearings at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sept. 30. The township doesn’t oversee Rock Spring Water Company but is involved in the state’s regulatory effort to find a permanent fix for the struggling system, which serves about 1,000 of the township’s residents.
spotlightpa.org
Public hearings set as regulators consider Rock Spring Water sale
After years of unreliable service, Rock Spring Water customers can speak up on Sept. 30 ahead of a possible forced sale of the company.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
In Pittsburgh speech, Shapiro says political violence ‘has no place in our society’ More here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
In Pittsburgh speech, Shapiro says political violence ‘has no place in our society’
The Democratic governor, who was the target of an arson attack this year, spoke in the wake of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
National Democrats announce a six-figure investment in Pennsylvania's Supreme Court retention elections ⚖️ More here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
National Democrats announce six-figure investment in Supreme Court retention elections
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee’s spend is just the latest instance of big money pouring into Pennsylvania’s high-stakes judicial races.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
What's the latest on the Pennsylvania budget impasse? Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said this week that he is encouraged by talks; there is still "no global agreement on a budget deal" at this time. Stay up to date on budget talks with the @cityandstatepa.bsky.social state budget tracker ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
City & State’s 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget tracker
Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget impasse is set to enter its third month.
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Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis @lgaustindavis.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
People deserve to be safe at school, safe on their campus, & safe in their community. The shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah is horrifying & targeting anyone for their speech or their beliefs is unacceptable. Gun violence is uniquely an American problem and it is one we can & must do something about.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Ahead of November’s pivotal judicial elections, three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices offered an inside look at Pennsylvania’s highest court during a fireside chat in Philadelphia. More here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⚖️
cityandstatepa.com
PA Supreme Court justices talk retention elections, court operations at Philadelphia forum
Ahead of November’s pivotal judicial elections, three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices offered an inside look at Pennsylvania’s highest court during a fireside chat in Philadelphia.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
PA Attorney General Dave Sunday has signed onto a letter to AI and tech company leaders that urges the tech sector to do more protect children from AI. “At this inflection point in human history, the decisions your companies make could ramify for centuries,” the letter reads.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino is kicking things off at the @cityandstatepa.bsky.social 2025 Higher Education Summit.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward responds to the explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works plant in Allegheny County that has left one person dead and multiple injured. “Today’s tragic events have left our entire region shaken,” Ward said.
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 06/08/2025
Public transit advocates and riders had a clear message for the state Senate Wednesday morning: Do your jobs so we can get to ours. www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/202...
cityandstatepa.com
Transit advocates’ three-word message for state Senate: ‘Do your job’
SEPTA is set to have drastic service cuts and fare increases should the state budget not include transit funding soon
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Kim Ward suggests ‘six-month budget’ amid ongoing PA budget impasse More here from @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
Kim Ward suggests ‘six-month budget’ amid ongoing PA budget impasse
The Pennsylvania Senate president said school choice policies and mass transit funding remain sticking points.
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Here are a few SEPTA substitutions should Philly's Regional Rail face severe cuts. TLDR: Buses, walks and rideshare services could cost riders more time and money if funding issues cause route reductions. www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/202...
cityandstatepa.com
Not fare: SEPTA Regional Rail riders face hard choices if route reductions implemented
Buses, walks and rideshare services could cost riders more time and money if funding issues cause route reductions.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 02/08/2025
BOGGS TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
A recent history of efforts to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage Lawmakers have attempted to raise the minimum wage in the commonwealth, with little success over the last 20 years More here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
A recent history of efforts to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage
Lawmakers have attempted to raise the minimum wage in the commonwealth, with little success over the last 20 years.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
The @cityandstatepa.bsky.social 2025 Special Report on Affordable Housing is live now! 🏠 You can check it out here:
cityandstatepa.com
Special Report: Affordable Housing
Special Report: Affordable Housing
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Marley Parish @marleyparish.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
The problem, pharmacists and their advocates say, boils down to how much pharmacies are paid for their work and the medications they provide.
spotlightpa.org
Rite Aid closures add to the strain as Pennsylvania loses hundreds of pharmacies
Pharmacies across Pennsylvania are closing as pharmacists say insurance reimbursements fail to cover costs. They say a new law isn't enough to reverse the trend.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Congressman Dan Meuser opts against run for governor in 2026. The Republican congressman appeared to secure the support of President Donald Trump earlier this year. More here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
Congressman Dan Meuser opts against run for governor in 2026
The Republican congressman appeared to secure the support of President Donald Trump earlier this year.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Pennsylvania is a Top 3 state for government AI readiness. A new analysis from Code For America says the commonwealth’s proactive approach to AI “positions it as a leader in responsible AI adoption and innovation.” More here from @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
Pennsylvania is a Top 3 state for government AI readiness
A new analysis from Code For America says the commonwealth’s proactive approach to AI “positions it as a leader in responsible AI adoption and innovation.”
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
The WNBA team name results are in: City & State’s poll shows nearly 40% of 345 respondents choosing Freedom, far above any other option. www.cityandstatepa.com/personality/...
cityandstatepa.com
WNBA Poll Results: Let the Freedom ring
Readers say Philadelphia Freedom is their favorite team name
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
By the numbers: The key figures contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social
cityandstatepa.com
By the numbers: The key figures contained in the One Big Beautiful Bill
While supporters and critics spar over the myriad impacts from the recently passed reconciliation bill – a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda – City & State focuses on the numb...
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Inbox: Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed a bill into law targeting the use of deepfakes. The new law makes it a felony to use AI to generate content designed to “injure, exploit or scam Pennsylvanians.” The bill, SB 649, was sponsored by GOP state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick.
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
It’s a new dawn for the city: Philly’s long wait for a professional women’s basketball team to come back to town is nearly over after the WNBA announced the city will be part of the league’s next expansion. Cast your vote for the best team name here: www.cityandstatepa.com/personality/...
cityandstatepa.com
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
In other news, a NY-based rapper released a single titled “John Fetterman” last month. Here’s the cover in case any of you were interested:
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Rep. Chris Deluzio (D) reiterates he will vote against the BBB. "I think this is reckless. It's cruel," Deluzio says, adding that the BBB is "waging war against so many hard-working and working-class Americans to pay for fiscally reckless tax giveaways to the very top."
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
‪A proposed federal ban on state AI regulation is no more. @semafor.com‬ has more here ⤵️
semafor.com
US Senate kills ban on state AI regulation
The measure was a top priority for tech firms who argued a patchwork of local laws hinders their ability to innovate and compete with China.
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Jaxon White @jaxonwhite.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
Pa. lawmakers unanimously approved legislation to combat AI used to mislead voters by impersonating political candidates. The bill would require campaigns to disclose when they use deepfakes to mimic a candidate’s appearance or voice. lancasteronline.com/news/politic...
lancasteronline.com
Pa. House unanimously passes bill to crack down on deepfakes in political campaign ads
HARRISBURG — House lawmakers Monday approved legislation to combat artificial intelligence that is used to mislead voters by impersonating political candidates.
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Philadelphia’s largest blue-collar union is on the verge of putting immense pressure on Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration to resolve their contract dispute. www.cityandstatepa.com/politics/202...
cityandstatepa.com
Philly Mayor Cherelle Parker announces trash collection ‘pause’ with city worker strike imminent
A work stoppage will impact city services from the sanitation and water departments to swimming pools and emergency services
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
Philly is getting its WNBA in 2030. The next question is: What’s the best team name?
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Marley Parish @marleyparish.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Brian Heiser, the water authority’s executive director, explained at the meeting that an attorney for Rock Spring said the company “was not in agreement with the offering price” and did not counter.
spotlightpa.org
Permanent takeover of shaky rural PA water company faces another setback
Rock Spring Water Company rejected a $65K offer from the State College water authority to buy the system, delaying a permanent solution to shaky service.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
As Amazon moves in, Pennsylvania lawmakers weigh innovation vs. oversight in AI policy Story here via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
As Amazon moves in, lawmakers weigh innovation vs. oversight in AI policy
The efforts to make the commonwealth into an artificial intelligence powerhouse have plenty of upside and risk to go around.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
‘Pennsylvania is on the rise’: state and business leaders celebrate plans to reopen Three Mile Island nuclear reactor Via @cityandstatepa.bsky.social ⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
‘Pennsylvania is on the rise’: state and business leaders celebrate plans to reopen Three Mile Island nuclear reactor
Constellation says the rebranded Crane Clean Energy Center could open as soon as 2027.
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
Philly City Council approved budget legislation Thursday, moving Mayor Cherelle Parker’s $6.82 billion spending plan and several priorities across the finish line.  Here’s a glimpse of the $6.8 billion budget, by the numbers www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2025/...
cityandstatepa.com
Philly’s $6.8 billion budget by the numbers
Mayor Parker got final approval for her major H.O.M.E. initiative aimed at increasing affordable housing
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Harrison Cann @harrisonlcann.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
A day after the Democrat-led state House passed a transportation bill that would boost public transit as well as road and bridge funding, officials were once again joined by transit riders and advocates at a rally to shine a spotlight on the significance. www.cityandstatepa.com/policy/2025/...
cityandstatepa.com
Democrats look to the state Senate again after passing transit funding out of the House
House Bill 1364 passed the state House Tuesday by a vote of 107-96.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
News: Gov. Josh Shapiro announces that Amazon will invest $20B to build “high-tech cloud computing and artificial intelligence innovation campuses” across the state. Communities in Bucks and Luzerne counties have been picked for the first two sites.
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Justin Sweitzer @jsweitzer.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
PA senators approve bill banning TikTok from state devices From @cityandstatepa.bsky.social 📱⤵️
cityandstatepa.com
PA senators approve bill banning TikTok from state devices
The bill would prohibit TikTok and other successor apps from being installed on electronic devices bought with state dollars.
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