Stephen Caruso
@stephenjcaruso.bsky.social
Pennsylvania Capitol Reporter for Spotlight PA | Yankee Fan | Die Gedanken Sind Frei | scaruso[at]spotlightpa[dot]org
Pinned
These powerful interests donated $18M to PA’s top lawmakers
Lobbyists say political donations can lead to access, but PA’s weak transparency laws make it nearly impossible to trace influence.
www.spotlightpa.org
Hi folk. Maybe you realized I've been slow on stories this year. That's because for the past 3 months, I poured over the last 2 years of campaign contributions to the governor & legislative leaders. @spotlightpa.bsky.social has the first of those findings today.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/03...
ICYMI: Do influencers need to register as lobbyists? They might, Pennsylvania's top ethics officer told @spotlightpa.org this week after three Barstool personalities put out videos slamming a closed door pitch to hike sports betting taxes.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
Barstool stars challenge upping sports betting tax — was it lobbying?
As PA lawmakers considered a closed-door proposal to raise taxes on sports betting, Barstool influencers took to social media to condemn such a plan.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 22, 2025 at 3:15 PM
ICYMI: Do influencers need to register as lobbyists? They might, Pennsylvania's top ethics officer told @spotlightpa.org this week after three Barstool personalities put out videos slamming a closed door pitch to hike sports betting taxes.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
The state Senate paid $133k to litigate and settle a case brought by a former staffer alleging emotional distress and ethical lapses within Sen. Doug Mastriano's office. Some charges are disputed by the Senate & Mastriano's former CoS.
www.pennlive.com/politics/202...
www.pennlive.com/politics/202...
Pa. Senate quietly spent at least $133K settling discrimination complaint against Mastriano
The lawsuit was settled out of court this summer in July with a non-disclosure agreement.
www.pennlive.com
November 21, 2025 at 9:22 PM
The state Senate paid $133k to litigate and settle a case brought by a former staffer alleging emotional distress and ethical lapses within Sen. Doug Mastriano's office. Some charges are disputed by the Senate & Mastriano's former CoS.
www.pennlive.com/politics/202...
www.pennlive.com/politics/202...
In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: A deep dive on the budget, from deficits and flying cars to the NFL draft and Trump tax cut repeals. You can sign up (for a new monthtly sub!) here: buy.stripe.com/dRm28t9SXfTc...
November 20, 2025 at 5:07 PM
In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: A deep dive on the budget, from deficits and flying cars to the NFL draft and Trump tax cut repeals. You can sign up (for a new monthtly sub!) here: buy.stripe.com/dRm28t9SXfTc...
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is hearing a case over the legality of skill games. You can listen here:
www.youtube.com/live/hFUQK8-...
www.youtube.com/live/hFUQK8-...
YouTube
Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
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November 20, 2025 at 3:43 PM
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is hearing a case over the legality of skill games. You can listen here:
www.youtube.com/live/hFUQK8-...
www.youtube.com/live/hFUQK8-...
News: A bill to remove cost-sharing for mammograms for all people over 40 as well as other supplemental breast cancer screenings is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk after passing the state House 196-7. It builds on a 2023 law that was the first signed by Shapiro in office.
November 19, 2025 at 11:05 PM
News: A bill to remove cost-sharing for mammograms for all people over 40 as well as other supplemental breast cancer screenings is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk after passing the state House 196-7. It builds on a 2023 law that was the first signed by Shapiro in office.
News: A bill to include certain hairstyles associated with specific cultures, such as braids and dreads, within the state's definition of racial discrimination is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk after passing the state Senate 44-3.
November 19, 2025 at 10:25 PM
News: A bill to include certain hairstyles associated with specific cultures, such as braids and dreads, within the state's definition of racial discrimination is on its way to Gov. Josh Shapiro's desk after passing the state Senate 44-3.
New: Pennsylvania's top ethics official says that videos from three Barstool influencers saying that "Harrisburg wants to break [bettors] wallets" could be lobbying under state law. Barstool's partner DraftKings is registered to do so; the website isn't.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
Barstool stars challenge upping sports betting tax — was it lobbying?
As PA lawmakers considered a closed-door proposal to raise taxes on sports betting, Barstool influencers took to social media to condemn such a plan.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 19, 2025 at 5:55 PM
New: Pennsylvania's top ethics official says that videos from three Barstool influencers saying that "Harrisburg wants to break [bettors] wallets" could be lobbying under state law. Barstool's partner DraftKings is registered to do so; the website isn't.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
Gov. Josh Shapiro attended two football games this weekend -- Pitt on Saturday, the Eagles on Sunday. The former was paid for by funds managed by Team PA, a spokesperson said. The latter was paid for by his political campaign. He showed up on TV for both:
November 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Gov. Josh Shapiro attended two football games this weekend -- Pitt on Saturday, the Eagles on Sunday. The former was paid for by funds managed by Team PA, a spokesperson said. The latter was paid for by his political campaign. He showed up on TV for both:
Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!
PLCA Interships
The Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association (PLCA) offers paid summer journalism internships to two college students or recent graduates.
www.pacapitolreporters.org
November 13, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Student journalists: Want a hands on opportunity to learn government and political journalism alongside a crew of veteran reporters, diving into the machinations of a key swing state? Then apply to the Pennsylvania Legislative Correspondents' Association internship!
News: Pennsylvania has a budget, four months late, after lawmakers passed a $50.1 billion deal that continues to fund public schools, creates a tax credit for working families, reforms permitting, and pulls the state out of a plan to cap carbon emissions from power plants.
Pennsylvania ends budget impasse with $50.1B deal
Pennsylvania’s final budget boosts school funding, creates an earned income tax credit, and exits the RGGI climate initiative.
www.spotlightpa.org
November 12, 2025 at 8:46 PM
News: Pennsylvania has a budget, four months late, after lawmakers passed a $50.1 billion deal that continues to fund public schools, creates a tax credit for working families, reforms permitting, and pulls the state out of a plan to cap carbon emissions from power plants.
Per multiple sources: Both House Democrats and Senate Republicans have closed door meetings at 4 p.m. today as the Pennsylvania state budget hits 134 days late. Details of what will be discussed therein is still unclear.
November 11, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Per multiple sources: Both House Democrats and Senate Republicans have closed door meetings at 4 p.m. today as the Pennsylvania state budget hits 134 days late. Details of what will be discussed therein is still unclear.
Last update until full reports are in (still could be a few weeks): DoS reports $9.2 million in IE spending on the retention race as of this afternoon; $5.1 million of the reported spending is anti, mostly by two conservative, Yass-linked dark money groups.
Update: Independent expenditures on retention are now at $8.6 million and counting, per the DoS system. The newest addition is approximately $3 million in spending by Commonwealth Partners, the Yass-linked dark money group, on TV, mail, digital and texting opposing the justices.
Update: Reported IE spending jumped to $5 million overnight because Citizens for Term Limits is now in the system. It's first and only report so far is for $1.8 million in TV, digital, mail and text advertising against retention dated to 9/16/25 from Matt Brouillette.
November 10, 2025 at 9:59 PM
Last update until full reports are in (still could be a few weeks): DoS reports $9.2 million in IE spending on the retention race as of this afternoon; $5.1 million of the reported spending is anti, mostly by two conservative, Yass-linked dark money groups.
Anywho, amid all this, here's the latest update I got: Shapiro and Democrats may agree to end a statewide program to cap carbon from power plants to appease Senate Republicans and end the 130+ day budget impasse.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
November 10, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Anywho, amid all this, here's the latest update I got: Shapiro and Democrats may agree to end a statewide program to cap carbon from power plants to appease Senate Republicans and end the 130+ day budget impasse.
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
www.spotlightpa.org/news/2025/11...
And now: Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) emailed his caucus, telling them to "pack a bag" and be prepared to return to Harrisburg as soon as Tuesday evening pending ongoing budget talks.
Inbox: The Pennsylvania House has scheduled NON-VOTING session for tomorrow and VOTING session for Wednesday.
November 10, 2025 at 7:12 PM
And now: Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) emailed his caucus, telling them to "pack a bag" and be prepared to return to Harrisburg as soon as Tuesday evening pending ongoing budget talks.
Inbox: The Pennsylvania House has scheduled NON-VOTING session for tomorrow and VOTING session for Wednesday.
November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Inbox: The Pennsylvania House has scheduled NON-VOTING session for tomorrow and VOTING session for Wednesday.
As it is now Friday and neither chamber has scheduled session to finish off a budget deal, I'll go ahead and share this exchange I had with a source earlier this week:
November 7, 2025 at 9:21 PM
As it is now Friday and neither chamber has scheduled session to finish off a budget deal, I'll go ahead and share this exchange I had with a source earlier this week:
Upshot of the municipal election? Four sitting state lawmakers won local seats, meaning four special elections in the coming months. Those elections will be at least ~70 days (the Speaker has up to 10 days to issue a writ + minimum 60 from that date) after each's resignation.
November 7, 2025 at 2:49 PM
Upshot of the municipal election? Four sitting state lawmakers won local seats, meaning four special elections in the coming months. Those elections will be at least ~70 days (the Speaker has up to 10 days to issue a writ + minimum 60 from that date) after each's resignation.
State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin), still mulling a gubernatorial run, shared a post from Christine Flowers with an old Politico story and the statement that if "Stacy Garrity and PA Republicans...throw pro lifers under the bus" then Gov. Josh Shapiro will win reelection.
November 6, 2025 at 9:22 PM
State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R., Franklin), still mulling a gubernatorial run, shared a post from Christine Flowers with an old Politico story and the statement that if "Stacy Garrity and PA Republicans...throw pro lifers under the bus" then Gov. Josh Shapiro will win reelection.
In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: My way-to-early takeaways on the 2025 election from a day of talking to voters. What were they? Welllllllll that's a good subscribe!
November 6, 2025 at 5:22 PM
In your inbox, if you subscribe to Access Harrisburg: My way-to-early takeaways on the 2025 election from a day of talking to voters. What were they? Welllllllll that's a good subscribe!
Reposted by Stephen Caruso
BREAKING: Starbucks workers have just authorized a massive strike.
Union Starbucks baristas voted to authorize the strike by 92%.
Now baristas in over 25 cities could launch an unfair labor practice strike on Thursday, November 13th.
Union Starbucks baristas voted to authorize the strike by 92%.
Now baristas in over 25 cities could launch an unfair labor practice strike on Thursday, November 13th.
November 5, 2025 at 5:13 PM
BREAKING: Starbucks workers have just authorized a massive strike.
Union Starbucks baristas voted to authorize the strike by 92%.
Now baristas in over 25 cities could launch an unfair labor practice strike on Thursday, November 13th.
Union Starbucks baristas voted to authorize the strike by 92%.
Now baristas in over 25 cities could launch an unfair labor practice strike on Thursday, November 13th.
State Rep. Chris Rabb (D., Philly) has reintroduced a bill to allow for ranked choice voting in Pennsylvania. It has the support of five other Democrats.
www.palegis.us/legislation/...
www.palegis.us/legislation/...
www.palegis.us
November 5, 2025 at 10:28 PM
State Rep. Chris Rabb (D., Philly) has reintroduced a bill to allow for ranked choice voting in Pennsylvania. It has the support of five other Democrats.
www.palegis.us/legislation/...
www.palegis.us/legislation/...
Inbox: Montgomery County, a wealthy suburb of Philadelphia, reports nearly 50% (!!!!) turnout in yesterday's off-year judicial and municipal election.
November 5, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Inbox: Montgomery County, a wealthy suburb of Philadelphia, reports nearly 50% (!!!!) turnout in yesterday's off-year judicial and municipal election.
News: Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices first elected as Democrats have won new terms in a race marked by millions of interest group spending and increased polarization of what were previously pro forma affairs.
November 5, 2025 at 3:08 AM
News: Three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices first elected as Democrats have won new terms in a race marked by millions of interest group spending and increased polarization of what were previously pro forma affairs.
Reposted by Stephen Caruso
This update puts my total spending estimate around $20.5 million - the most expensive state supreme court retention election in decades and possibly ever.
Overwhelming majority of that money is pro-retention
Overwhelming majority of that money is pro-retention
Update: Independent expenditures on retention are now at $8.6 million and counting, per the DoS system. The newest addition is approximately $3 million in spending by Commonwealth Partners, the Yass-linked dark money group, on TV, mail, digital and texting opposing the justices.
Update: Reported IE spending jumped to $5 million overnight because Citizens for Term Limits is now in the system. It's first and only report so far is for $1.8 million in TV, digital, mail and text advertising against retention dated to 9/16/25 from Matt Brouillette.
November 3, 2025 at 2:55 PM
This update puts my total spending estimate around $20.5 million - the most expensive state supreme court retention election in decades and possibly ever.
Overwhelming majority of that money is pro-retention
Overwhelming majority of that money is pro-retention
Update: Independent expenditures on retention are now at $8.6 million and counting, per the DoS system. The newest addition is approximately $3 million in spending by Commonwealth Partners, the Yass-linked dark money group, on TV, mail, digital and texting opposing the justices.
Update: Reported IE spending jumped to $5 million overnight because Citizens for Term Limits is now in the system. It's first and only report so far is for $1.8 million in TV, digital, mail and text advertising against retention dated to 9/16/25 from Matt Brouillette.
Update: As of ~2 p.m., there is now $2.8 million in reported independent expenditures on the Supreme Court retention elections. That's $1.2 million more since we first published. Much of it is digital ads from pro-retention groups.
November 3, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Update: Independent expenditures on retention are now at $8.6 million and counting, per the DoS system. The newest addition is approximately $3 million in spending by Commonwealth Partners, the Yass-linked dark money group, on TV, mail, digital and texting opposing the justices.