News & Brews January 21, 2026
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Shapiro pegs need for control on ‘unhappy childhood home’
For the first time, Gov. Shapiro is reportedly saying that the reason he has a desire for “control” is due to an “unhappy childhood home,” per an Axios story on his upcoming book. Also for the first time, he says his mother had mental health challenges, and he said this “explains why I sought a path that would give me control and autonomy.” Throughout the VP vetting process, Shapiro faced criticism that he would be unable to take a #2 spot to anyone.
RFK Jr. coming to Pa. today for Capitol rally
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., will be in Harrisburg today to hold a rally in the Capitol Rotunda to promote recently updated federal nutrition standards. Let’s be honest: our country’s founders never intended that the federal government would tell us what we should eat (life, liberty, and food guidelines, anyone?). But still, the old food pyramid was, indeed, ridiculous. And seriously, America’s health is terrible. Ok that said, the event will begin at approximately 11:00 a.m., with doors opening at 10:00 a.m.
Some officials want lawmakers to tax data centers
WITF reports that “consumer advocates and a Pennsylvania public utility commissioner are urging state lawmakers to tax data centers and other large energy users to help lower residents’ energy bills.” Among those reportedly advocating for a tax are the state’s consumer advocate at the attorney general’s office and the public utilities commission chair. Notably, the chair pointed out that rising electricity costs are due in part to “hurdles to creating more in-state energy.” In other words, bad energy policy that blocks growth and innovation is contributing to rising costs. Here’s a brilliant thought: Remove roadblocks to energy production. You’re welcome.
Penn State campus closures making ‘steady progress’
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Penn State officials say the process to repurpose seven of its closing commonwealth campuses is making ‘steady progress.’” The repurposing comes after the university’s trustees voted last year to close campuses in New Kensington, Fayette, Shenango, Mont Alto, Wilkes-Barre, DuBois, and York. “Penn State has held meetings with elected officials in the communities where campuses are closing to brainstorm ideas and paths forward for the properties.” And one trustee “said the process to find a use at the closing campuses that benefits each community’s needs is complex.”
Who could be GOP Lt. Gov. candidate?
Although candidates for lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania run separately from candidates for governor in primary elections, ABC27 asks who might be Republican Stacy Garrity’s “unofficial running mate.” Several names are being floated. A spokesperson for Garrity’s campaign said, “There are a number of highly qualified elected officials and community leaders who have expressed interest in serving in a Garrity Administration and we are currently having conversations with them to see who might be the best fit to be the Treasurer’s running mate.”