Media Mentions
Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to spend $80M to attack Pennsylvania’s housing crisis. Here’s how.
HARRISBURG — Housing is often considered a local issue, but there is a growing consensus in Harrisburg that state-level action is necessary to combat Pennsylvania’s persistent shortages and rising costs. That shift can be seen in Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget...
Sections of Rittenhouse Square will close for a multi-year lawn restoration project
A project restoring some of the greenery in Rittenhouse Square will close sections of the park in the coming years. Rittenhouse, one of the city's oldest parks, will be undergoing lawn repairs over approximately four years, with different sections closing at a time to...
Rittenhouse Square’s lawn took a beating during the pandemic. Now, it’s being restored for $500,000.
The grass at Rittenhouse Square was heavily used in normal years, but it took an extra trampling during the pandemic as folks sought to escape outside. Now, the iconic park’s lawn will be dug up and restored over the next four years on the heels of a recent bench...
Senator Nikil Saval, Rep. Ben Waxman, Friends of Rittenhouse Square Celebrate Lawn Restoration Project
Philadelphia, PA − March 17, 2024 − Today, State Senator Nikil Saval and State Representative Ben Waxman joined the Friends of Rittenhouse Square to update and celebrate the ongoing work on behalf of one of Philadelphia’s most beloved parks.
‘Chinatown Stitch’ now fully funded with federal grant to heal community divided for decades
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia has received full funding to put a cap over the Vine Street Expressway. The project is known as the Chinatown Stitch because its purpose is to reconnect the two sides of the neighborhood that were divided when the section of...
Governor Shapiro’s Vision: Main Street Matters Program Proposes $25 Million Investment in Pennsylvania
PHILADELPHIA, PA — In downtown Philadelphia, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, along with local leaders, returned Friday to continue the Main Street Matters tour, a central part of the Shapiro Administration’s state-wide...
Main Street Matters: DCED Secretary Rick Siger Visits Philadelphia’s Fishtown Neighborhood to Highlight Governor Shapiro’s Proposed $25 Million Investment to Create Economic Opportunity for Main Streets and Small Businesses Across PA
Philadelphia, PA – Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined Senator Nikil Saval, Representative Mary Isaacson, Philadelphia Director of Commerce Alba Martinez, and other local leaders to continue the Shapiro...
Senator Nikil Saval Explores Entering the Political Sphere in Night Owls Event
On March 2, Nikil Saval, a former editor of n+1 and Pennsylvania State Senator of the 1st District, shared insights on his journey into and experience in politics at the “Becoming a Politician” Night Owls event. Night Owls is a philosophy discussion forum series...
Sen. John Fetterman’s bill would take Pa.’s Whole-Homes Repair program nationwide
A Pennsylvania program to help property owners repair homes will serve as the model for a similar plan on a national scale under a bill co-introduced by U.S. Sen. John Fetterman. Fetterman and Republican Wyoming Sen. Cynthia Lummis have joined on the bipartisan...
John Fetterman introduces federal Whole-Home Repairs legislation
A bipartisan piece of legislation from Pennsylvania is getting its opportunity in Washington, D.C. Democratic U.S. Sen John Fetterman, alongside Republican colleague Sen. Cynthia Lummis, introduced a federal version of the Whole-Home Repairs program, which provides...
Pennsylvania’s Whole Home Repairs program goes national
US Sen. John Fetterman introduced a national version of Pennsylvania’s Whole Home Repairs program on Tuesday. The popular program combats neighborhood blight and allows homeowners to weatherize their homes and make needed repairs. Pennsylvania’s wildly popular Whole...
Preservationists and Developers Say Pennsylvania Needs to Boost its Historic Tax Credits
The financing of a commercial development project is often a patchwork of funding sources: equity partners, bank loans, tax credits, and more. When it comes to the rehabilitation of historic buildings, the federal government and most states offer a special tax credit....
Push for Fair Housing in Pennsylvania: Lawmakers Aim to Seal Eviction Records
WILKINSBURG, PA — A gathering of Pennsylvanian Democratic lawmakers, including state Senator Katie Muth and Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, among others, convened a public hearing on Thursday. This assembly, hosted at the Wilkinsburg Borough Building, aimed to...
Pa. home repair and energy efficiency program resuscitated in Shapiro’s budget proposal
A popular Pennsylvania home repair assistance program that garners bipartisan support but was a casualty of last year’s budget battles could get new funding in the coming months. Pa. Gov. Josh Shapiro included $50 million in state funding for the “Whole-Home Repairs”...
More money requested for popular $120M home repair program
(The Center Square) — A year after Pennsylvania’s $120 million Whole Home Repairs program got off the ground, advocates praise the results but say dramatically more is needed. The program was funded with federal taxpayer funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of...
Home Improvement, Season 2: Democrats highlight demand for Whole Home Repairs
On Groundhog Day, standing outside the recently renovated home of Kelly and Mo Scatena in Pittsburgh, Democratic politicians joined together to call for not just six weeks but another whole season of home improvement. “I was afraid (my home) was going to crumble out...
Democrats urge state lawmakers to put new funding into Whole Home Repairs program
PITTSBURGH — Kelly Scatena had a serious dilemma: The house she’s owned in Mt. Oliver for 23 years had a seriously leaky roof and a crumbling foundation, and she and her family weren’t in a position to fix either one. “Four or five years ago we had our first roof leak...
Majority of City Councilmembers Support Angel Davis Eviction Accountability Bill
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large) announced legislation to bring oversight and accountability to Philadelphia’s eviction system, which has been plagued by violence for years. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District), Councilmember Nicolas...
How We Move Forward Together: People’s Action
For the US Left, much of last year was marked by big shifts and big gatherings, taking stock and plotting paths. Convergence first conceived of this series before Hamas attacked Israel and Israel invaded Gaza, shattering lives and upending politics. But as the shadows...
Our picks for stories of the year
I appreciated the human angle in our coverage of Whole-Home Repairs. The Thompson family – whose home was the first Whole-Home Repairs project completed – shared a relief that illustrated why the program is such a big deal to Pennsylvanians. But it remains to be seen...
Letters to the Editor – Capitol leak
In a recent article, Spotlight PA reporter Stephen Caruso listed the many ways a state Capitol roof leak was derailing services and funding to Pennsylvania residents and institutions. Yet he failed to mention the most glaring irony: The legislature’s displacement also...
Demand for Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs Program has been overwhelming, but more funding is on hold
HARRISBURG — Stephanie Fritsch is terrified to take a shower. She worries water will start seeping through the floor and into the room below, but she can’t afford to repair the leaky plumbing in her house in Dauphin County. Determined not to miss her shot at getting...
Inside the ‘Envy Office,’ Reporters Find a Trend, and a Story
Perhaps you’ve seen them on Instagram: offices that look a whole lot cooler than yours. There are soundproof phone booths. Winged armchairs. Bookshelves stacked with strategically placed art books and old copies of The New Yorker. They evoke a trending workplace style...
Philly celebrates third annual Palestinian Day of Solidarity at the Art Museum, despite city leaders’ absence
Over 100 people gathered at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Wednesday for the city’s third annual Palestinian Day of Solidarity — an event that was both a celebration of a long-standing immigrant community as well as a platform for continued grief and...
Palestinian Solidarity Day goes on amid war, clashes with city government
Palestinian flags waved on a frigid Wednesday afternoon as a crowd gathered at the base of the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s steps. “Today was not supposed to happen,” Jude Husein said into a microphone. “But year after year through patience, persistence, positivity...
The Envy Office: Can Instagrammable Design Lure Young Workers Back?
Inside the “blueberry muffin” conference room, the walls are, naturally, painted blue. Not just any blue — it’s the calming color you might find a baby’s bedroom, what the paint can refers to as “sea to shining sea.” Anchoring the room is a table, red and oblong,...
Pennsylvania General Assembly Members Call for Ceasefire and Release of Hostages Amid Ongoing Violence
PENNSYLVANIA — Members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly have issued a call to Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation, urging them to support a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to those affected by ongoing violence in...
Israel and Hamas agree to temporary cease-fire, hostage release deal
WASHINGTON — Israel and Hamas have reached a deal for a short-term humanitarian ceasefire that will allow the release of some hostages and increase humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip, U.S. officials said late Tuesday. President Joe Biden praised the...
12 Pa. legislators call on congressional delegation to encourage Israel-Hamas ceasefire
HARRISBURG — Twelve state lawmakers signed an appeal to Pennsylvania’s entire Congressional Delegation urging them to support a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. The state legislators showed caution in using neutral language in addressing the...
What We Learned at the 2023 Ideas We Should Steal Festival
More than 400 guests joined us Friday for our sixth annual Ideas We Should Steal Festival presented by Comcast NBCUniversal — an event as inspiring for the ideas we heard on stage as the audience who came looking for ways to make change. Here’s just a little of what...
Resumed Evictions In Philly Bring Back Accusations Of ‘Private Mercenary Army For Landlords’
Tensions continue to rise over Philadelphia's landlord-tenant officer even as the office resumes locking out tenants.
Councilmembers Brooks and Thomas Host Community Conversation on Opportunities for Young People
PHILADELPHIA – Last night, Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large) and Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large) convened over 30 community members for a conversation about the need for more support and opportunities for young people in Philadelphia. Participants reviewed...
Pa. Senate passes ‘explicit content’ legislation after heated debate over whether it’s a book ban
The Pennsylvania Senate on Tuesday voted to advance legislation that purports to give parents more insight and control over what their children are reading in school. But opponents vigorously argued the measures are a de facto book ban, and a redundant effort to...
Chester County launches Whole-Home Repairs program for homeowners with low to moderate incomes
Pennsylvania homes are among the oldest in the entire country. And as they age, the repairs can be tough to keep up with. In Chester County, there are more than 3,000 such historic homes that are in need of upgrades, but some homeowners don’t have the means to fund...
Two local state senators introduce legislation for AAPI curriculum to fight anti-Asian hate
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two local state senators have introduced a bill to create a more inclusive curriculum, saying it would reflect the diversity of Pennsylvania and help fight anti-Asian hate. "It is so important to be able to see yourself and for other people to...
Indian-American senator calls for AAPI-Inclusive curriculum in schools
New York: Indian-American Pennsylvania state senator Nikil Saval has introduced a bill to incorporate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) courses in K-12 schools. Saval introduced Senate Bill 839 along with Senator Maria Collett last week to expand education and...
Philadelphia school climate and cafeteria staff threaten to strike if pay demands not met
Philadelphia school food service workers and climate staff say they are “sick and tired” of being underpaid and overworked and are threatening to strike if they aren’t granted a raise. “We are sick and tired of the unfair treatment. We are sick and tired out of...
Lauding the state bill that would incorporate Asian American and Pacific Islander history in Pa. school curriculum
Pennsylvania was ranked seventh in the nation for Asian hate-related crimes during the height of the pandemic, according to the Stop AAPI Hate National Report. AAPI stands for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to a study by the Center for the Study of...
Indian-American senator calls for AAPI-Inclusive curriculum in schools
New York, Sep 17 (IANS) Indian-American Pennsylvania state senator Nikil Saval has introduced a bill to incorporate Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) courses in K-12 schools. Saval introduced Senate Bill 839 along with Senator Maria Collett last week to expand...
Indian American senator seeks AAPI course in Pennsylvania schools
Two Pennsylvania state senators, Indian American Nikil Saval and Maria Collett, have introduced a bill that incorporates Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) instruction in K-12 schools. Introduced on Thursday, Senate Bill 839 will require the Department of...