News & Brews September 8, 2025
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SEPTA asks Shapiro to take GOP Senate’s advice
The above header is one that you’ll likely not see in the mainstream media, but basically, that’s what’s happening. On Friday, SEPTA asked the Shapiro administration to approve a one-time use of the transit agency’s state capital assistance funding, Spotlight PA reports. Scroll down in the story, and you’ll eventually read that this is a move that has “been mostly championed by Republicans,” while “Democrats had resisted the plan.” For his part, Shapiro’s spokesperson said the administration “is reviewing this request and determining next steps.”
Unions shield teachers accused of sexual misconduct
The Capital Research Center has an eye-opening—and highly concerning—story on how “sexual misconduct by educators in public schools is becoming disturbingly more common.” Per a 2016 investigation, “school districts across the country routinely let accused sexual predators resign quietly, often providing glowing letters of recommendation.” Why is this? Well, “One significant reason is that teachers unions often negotiate contracts that require school districts to keep a teacher employed during an investigation, and the process of firing a teacher can be lengthy, bureaucratic, and expensive. Because of this, districts often negotiate separation agreements with accused teachers.”
Pa. Dems pick DePasquale as party chair
In an unsurprising move, Pa. Democrat party members over the weekend elected former Auditor General Eugene DePasquale as the next party chair. He succeeds Sen. Sharif Street, who stepped down amid a run for Congress. DePasquale had the backing of both Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Sen. John Fetterman.
And the state budget … still isn’t done
WESA reports that state Senate lawmakers will be back in Harrisburg this week for scheduled session days, but “Harrisburg politicos say not to expect much more than a business-as-usual legislative session.” (The House, meanwhile, isn’t scheduled to come back until Sept. 22.) For his part, Gov. Shapiro claims, “The differences are narrowing and we gotta close the deal.” But as of yet, he’s been unable to close the deal.
‘Wide open race’ for country’s most Democratic district
BillyPenn reports that Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district, represented by retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans, is rated by the Cook Political Report as the country’s most Democratic district. “Ahead of next May’s Democratic primary, three state legislators, a Jefferson Health doctor, a Temple University computer science professor and two other political newcomers have entered the contest, and more candidates could still jump in.” Most of these candidates are likely to agree on lots of issues, and according to neighboring U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle, “What will matter most in this district is not ideology or what kind of flavor of Democrat you are. I think it’ll be simply as old-fashioned as who runs the best race.”