State Rep. Tom Jones announced today that he is running for the 36th Senate District, potentially positioning him against County Commissioner Josh Parsons for the GOP nomination. STORY TK...

The US economy saw 3% GDP growth in Q2. But it was highly unusual... 1) A massive decline in imports (-35% for goods) lifted GDP 2) Consumption was +1.4% -- a solid, but not spectacular number. 3) Business investment DECLINED in Q2 This is an economy running just above 1% if

We have different visions for the future of the Commonwealth, but we're working together across the aisle to move this budget forward. Regardless of divided government or political philosophy, some of these issues are just extraordinarily complex & need to be done correctly.

HISTORYMAKING GROUNDBREAKER: The Penn State Blue Band has named Ellie Sheehan as Drum Major for the 2025-26 season, marking a historic milestone as she is the first woman to hold the position in the band’s more than 125-year history. A fifth-year student majoring in marketing

For a change this week, it’s crowded at the Capitol! (it’s PA intern day!!)

JUST IN: A weak jobs report. The US economy added only 73,000 jobs in July. That’s way below expectations. May and June revised down by -258,000 (!) **75% of the July job gains came from healthcare** The unemployment rate ticked back up to 4.2% (from 4.1% in June) Wages grew

Bring him home to Pa.

News: In an email to Senate Republicans this weekend, Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) told the caucus that they may return "no sooner than Thursday" to "consider options to address the potential of a protracted impasse" as negotiations "painstakingly continue."

Interesting story by tirzah christopher pennlive.com/news/2025/08/p…

What a chart. Look at the big jump in delinquent student loans. **Over 10% of student loan balances are now 90+ days behind on payments** Q4 2024: 0.4% are 90+ days delinquent Q1 2025: 7.7% Q2 2025: 10.2%

The "K-shape" economy is back. To me, this is one of the most important charts to understand the 2025 economy... The wealthy are still spending (though there has been some moderation). Meanwhile the bottom 80% are tapped out. Their spending is basically in line w/inflation.

One last thing: It was so damn hot this week. Arizona saw record-breaking temperatures — and energy usage! APS and SRP marked new, back-to-back energy demand records. That brings us full circle to the start of this thread. You're caught up! azcentral.com/story/money/bu…

Critics question whether states have the spine to take a hard line against tech behemoths. But more than a dozen states have begun taking steps as data centers drive a rapid build-out of power plants and transmission lines. Via The Associated Press: apnews.com/article/electr…

The Mon Valley is my home, and I know people that work at the Clairton Coke Works. Blayre and I are praying for the workers and their families, and I've been in contact with local leaders and the Steelworkers. The Commonwealth is providing whatever resources and manpower are

My dear Pennsylvania state budget watchers… we’ve got some updates. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said in his latest statement he left talks with Gov. Josh Shapiro on Friday “like we were making significant progress on a full budget.” 1/3

Help is on the way. Stay tuned.

So that’s the story behind that building I pass so often. Thanks DaniRae Renno pennlive.com/news/2025/08/t…

Legislative surplus fund balances can be found in the annual audit reports on this site palegis.us/laac

a bunch of stories are in the works over here The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Pennsylvania budget impasse and SEPTA's state funding deadline. but for now, here's Gov. Josh Shapiro's update for the day

KYLE SCHWARBER