News & Brews October 14, 2025
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Two top tech execs exit Shapiro administration
Offering few details, the Inquirer recently reported that two top tech staffers have departed the Shapiro administration. R. Brian Andrews is no longer the state’s chief technology officer, and Amaya Capellán left her role as chief information officer. According to a spokesperson, Shapiro’s Office of Administration “cannot comment on personnel matters related to any specific employees.” In other words, “We’re not telling you why they left.”
DePasquale: Pa. Dems must be ‘Big-Tent party’
Speaking with the PennLive Editorial Board, Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale spoke about the condition of the Democrat Party and what he believes it will take to win. “You’re going to have disagreements,” he said, “but we’ve got to go back to being a Big Tent party.” Well, have fun with that because these days, if you’re willing to talk to Trump, are even somewhat pro-life, or believe in two biological genders, the Dem tent feels awfully small to you
Pa. Dems’ divide on hostage release shows larger party division
The Post-Gazette reports that “divergent views” between U.S. Sen. John Fetterman and U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, both Democrats, on yesterday’s release of Israeli hostages and cease fire “put the spotlight on lingering divides in American politics and their party.” Fetterman has been one of the staunchest supporters of Israel, while Lee—who has voted against efforts to support Israel—accuses Israel of genocide. Basically, this signals a larger divide in the Democrat party between those who stand with Israel and those who try to justify Hamas terrorist actions.
WPSU, Trump, & the Inquirer
Here’s another example of media ridiculousness in reporting (namely, the Inquirer). Last month, the Inquirer ran a headline saying, “Pennsylvania NPR station will. be the first in the U.S. to go dark following Trump’s cuts.” Now, if you read the story, you would have seen that Penn State’s WPSU, the station in question, was having problems long before Trump took office, and Penn State had already said it would cut funding for WPSU by 20%. (But somehow, everything is still Trump’s fault). Now, WESA reports that “WPSU lives another day” as the station will become part of Philadelphia-based WHYY. So apparently the sky isn’t falling, after all?
Philly ME again rules Ellen Greenberg’s death suicide, despite evidence
Some things just defy words (and logic). Yesterday, after a months-long review of the 2011 death of teacher Ellen Greenberg, the Philadelphia Medical Examiner again ruled her death a suicide, despite new information raising the number of stab wounds she suffered to 23 and the number of bruises on her body to 31. The case has drawn intense attention, as law enforcement ranging from the Philly PD all the way up to then-AG Josh Shapiro’s office have been criticized for how they handled the investigation. The pathologist who originally performed the autopsy had recently said Ellen’s death should be classified as “something other than suicide.” The mind-boggling new ruling notwithstanding, the family attorney has said they “will never stop” in their effort to have Ellen’s cause of death changed so an investigation into her death can proceed.