News & Brews October 16, 2025
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Shapiro admin ‘shields key data’ on elder abuse
Spotlight PA reports that Gov. Shapiro’s administration “is shielding vital information about how many older Pennsylvanians it determines are left in jeopardy following shoddy or incomplete county investigations into their welfare.” The news organization “filed a public records request with the state Department of Aging for the number of older adults who had been left at risk, by year and by county, from 2017 to summer 2025. Aging officials denied the request….” However, “knowing how many people are left at risk is one of the few ways of gauging the devastating consequences when the system fails.”
First budget impasse loans distributed
As the state budget impasse drags on, state Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced yesterday that the first “budget bridge” loans had been distributed to help organizations affected by the stalemate. The first loans, totaling nearly $4 million, went to three organizations, with an additional $9 million set to go to 20 additional groups. Garrity announced the $500 million loan program a few weeks ago.
A Wolford win would mark an Erie first
The Erie Times-News reports that if Republican Matt Wolford wins his campaign for Commonwealth Court, he would be the first Erie resident ever elected to that court. “Erie lawyer and Erie County Common Pleas Court Judge Jess Jiuliante, who died in 2017, served as an appointed senior judge on Commonwealth Court from 1996 to 2005 after the state Supreme Court named him to the post.” But Pa. voters have yet to send an Erie candidate to the court via regular elections. Wolford faces Democrat Philly Judge Stella Tsai on the ballot.
Building trades back Street in Dem primary
The Philadelphia building trades unions have endorsed state Sen. Sharif Street in the crowded Democrat primary to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. The Inquirer reports, “In electing the last two mayors and much of City Council, the trades have given hundreds of thousands to their chosen candidates’ campaigns, taking advantage of campaign finance rules that allow each local’s political committee to give a maximum contribution.” The Inquirer adds, “Bob Brady, who chairs the Democratic City Committee, said the party also plans to endorse Street some time after this year’s election cycle wraps up.”
Fetterman talks Israel, gov’t shutdown, & more
At a NewsNation town hall last night, U.S. Sen. John Fetterman talked on topics including his support for Israel, his opposition to the government shutdown, and how he’s drawn the ire of fellow Democrats on those topics and more. On the shutdown, he said, “I think right now I’m 1 of only 2 Democrats that are voting to keep the government open. And I have chosen to do that because I think it’s a core responsibility as a senator to keep our government open.” The comments came during a two-hour town hall at the Kennedy Center that featured lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, including Democrat U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean (PA-4).