News & Brews February 23, 2026
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Budget hearings kick off this week
The state House and Senate will kick off several weeks of budget hearings today, during which lawmakers will have the chance to question the Shapiro administration on the governor’s massive spending proposal. The House schedule is here (and you can watch live streams here). The Senate schedule is here (with live streams here). Grab your popcorn and your handy dandy budget analysis, and tune in!
Shapiro again dodges on backing Fetterman
POLITICO reports, “Gov. Josh Shapiro maintained that he and Sen. John Fetterman have a ‘constructive relationship’ on Sunday — but he also declined once more to say whether he’d support Fetterman, should he choose to seek another term.” It’s the second time in recent weeks that Shapiro has dodged the question. Of course, we shouldn’t be too surprised, as Shapiro has a history of dodging things.
4 U.S. House races solidify Pa.’s place in national spotlight
Here we are yet again: the keystone state, the most critical swing state, the center of the political universe. You name it. PennLive reports, “With control of the U.S. House up for grabs in this year’s midterm elections, Pennsylvania once again finds itself on the national radar with four congressional district races that could tip the balance of power.” Those seats, all held by Republicans, are the 10th district (Rep. Scott Perry), the 1st District (Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick), the 7th District (Rep. Ryan Mackenzie), and the 8th District (Rep. Rob Bresnahan). Expect lots of media and lots of national money to pour in.
‘Shapiro to neighbors: Get off my lawn’
Well, Gov. Josh Shapiro loves the national spotlight, but we’re thinking this is not the attention he wanted. The Washington Post has a story on Shapiro’s attempt to seize his neighbor’s private property in Montgomery County. The WaPo notes the“bizarre saga … has created a political distraction for Shapiro.” But truly, Shapiro created this distraction for himself as he’s the one claiming “squatter’s rights” to the sliver of property that his neighbors have paid taxes on for years.
Investigation: ‘Sexual abuse epidemic in public schools’
An investigation by journalist Catherine Herridge reveals disturbing new estimates that “17% of students nationwide will face sexual misconduct during their public education.” And here’s the thing: It’s extremely difficult to fire public school teachers—in no small part because of teachers’ unions.