Stimulus-funded bonuses must be partially returned • Spotlight PA

Water privatization is becoming increasingly popular in Pennsylvania.

While such acquisitions have their advantages — such as greater financial and staff resources — they also have disadvantages, including higher bills and a loss of local control.

Spotlight PA recently investigated a private system in rural Centre County and determined that Rock Spring Water Company, state regulators and elected officials failed nearly 500 customers served by the private company.

Marley Parish spoke with a group of experts about the state’s private water industry, its regulation and the options available to customers who have problems with their utility.

Read the full report: Water privatization is on the rise in Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know.

“(Harris) intends to increase turnout and support among African-American voters, diverse voters and younger voters.”

—Larry Ceisler, Pennsylvania’s public relations director, noted that while he doesn’t expect Kamala Harris to do the same as Joe Biden in rural parts of the state, “it could be a positive outcome for the campaign” in this case.

BUDGET COLLAPSE: join us TODAY from 6 to 7 p.m. on Zoom for a discussion of the budget’s key elements, the politics that shaped the deal and what was left on the cutting room floor. Register for the event here and send your questions to [email protected].

ETHICAL ORDINANCE:

SHAPIRO SKEPTICS: At least one prominent Pennsylvania Democrat is not rooting for Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has been tapped to be Kamala Harris’ running mate. Democratic state treasurer candidate Erin McClelland has taken to the X to accuse Shapiro of sweeping sexual harassment under the rug after one of her top aides was accused of inappropriate behavior.

• The Republican Party is treating Harris’ stance on fracking as a sticking point in Pennsylvania, according to Axios.

SHAPIRO SUPPORT: Other Democrats say Shapiro at the top of the ticket in November could boost the party in lower-level races and its chances for a state trifecta, according to TribLIVE. “I think it’s a huge advantage, certainly for us in Pennsylvania, but time will tell if it works out,” said state Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D., Allegheny).

• DLCC to invest $500K in Pennsylvania House of Representatives elections through Capital-Star.

BAY FUNDS: Pennsylvania’s new budget will bolster efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay, which last month received its highest health rating in decades, the Bay Journal reports. Pennsylvania farms are major polluters, and dedicated funding is targeted at nutrient pollution.

REGARDING THE APPEAL: The state Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether two provisional votes should be counted in the House primary race, the Capital-Star reported. Unofficial election results show the race between Republican incumbent Mike Cabell and his challenger Jamie Walsh separated by just five votes, with two other legal challenges pending.

CIVIL RIGHTS COMPLAINT: A Jewish group is accusing the Philadelphia School District of failing to protect Jewish students from a “wave of anti-Semitism” in recent months, AP reports.

DOUBLE FUNDING: As WTAE reports, the new state budget increases funding for a program that provides grants to protect houses of worship by $10 million.

JOCK TAX: Pittsburgh, amid mounting financial turmoil, is looking to revive its tax on visiting athletes and performers. The state Supreme Court just agreed to review its constitutionality, according to TribLIVE.

ADVISORS EXEMPT: Four camp counselors have been fired from one of Pennsylvania’s largest Girl Scout councils for referring to campers using their preferred pronouns, PennLive reported (paid access).

IN THE VOTE: The 28-year-old planning commissioner is running for office in the newly created Northampton County House of Representatives district with the support of a progressive group linked to David Hogg, Fast Company reports.