Pa. House Cancels Vote on Cigarette Tax To Help Philadelphia Schools
The $2-per-pack tax, if passed by the state legislature, was expected to provide about $45 million in funding for the School District of Philadelphia.
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The $2-per-pack tax, if passed by the state legislature, was expected to provide about $45 million in funding for the School District of Philadelphia.
Rep. Mike Vereb (R-Montgomery County) confirms that supporters of a $2-per-pack city cigarette tax to raise funds for Philadelphia schools are having trouble rounding up enough votes to pass it in the House.
A new commission empanelled by the Pennsylvania legislature to redraw the state's formula to fund basic education has held its first meeting.
"The children of Philly deserve better," said secretary of education Arne Duncan (center) at a Community College of Philadelphia roundtable on how young men of color can achieve.
Gov. Tom Corbett is vetoing millions of dollars from the state legislature's budget and urging lawmakers to make a new effort to address public-sector pensions.
"While there has been a lot of backslapping and clapping and 'We finally got it done,' we have not gotten it done," warns state senator Anthony Williams (at left in photo).
An amendment attached to the Pa. House bill would give groups who want to open charter schools in Philadelphia the right to appeal to a state board if they get turned down by the School Reform Commission.
The defense wants the case moved to Philadelphia's Court of Common Pleas, claiming that all of the action in the corruption case is in the city.
The bill is sponsored by state senator Mike Folmer (R-Lebanon County), who advocated tirelessly and passionately for it.
In an apparent effort to light a fire under the feet of their counterparts in the state senate, a committee in the Pennsylvania House has advanced a new state budget partially funded by revenues from the sale of liquor retailing licenses.
Hillary Linardopoulos, of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, said the ballot question would be an important -- albeit symbolic -- statement.
The bill is sponsored by Rep. John Sabatina (D-Phila., third from left in photo).
The sponsor of the bills says the legislation is prompted by sportsmen in Massachusetts who expressed concerns about drones being used to videotape legal hunting and fishing.
At a hearing on medical marijuana, the committee heard testimony from Irvin Rosenfeld, one of only a few people who get marijuana for medicinal purposes approved by the federal government.
It is already the current policy of the state's Department of Public Welfare to prohibit the use electronic benefits transfer cards for tobacco and alcohol, and to prohibit their use in casinos or adult entertainment establishments.
City Council president Darrell Clarke has decided to play it safe, adding a fallback provision to his plan to send sales tax proceeds to the cash-starved school district.
Mayor Nutter says he's concerned that the proposed graduated split in sales tax proceeds would need approval from the state General Assembly.
The Philadelphia school funding crisis was coming to a head in City Council as the Council president introduced a bailout plan that neither the mayor, state lawmakers, nor school advocates are likely to embrace.
A GOP-orchestrated committee hearing on the possible impeachment of state attorney general Kathleen Kane proceeded despite a walkout by Democratic members and staffers.
The Pennsylvania House is banning cash gifts except those from family members or non-lobbyist friends in circumstances where the motivation was clearly personal.
Peco CEO Mike Innocenzo told the Pa. House Consumer Affairs Committee that 715,000 customers lost power -- 40 percent of the Peco system and 70 percent of Peco customers in the suburbs -- due to the February 5th ice storm.
Pennsylvania state senator LeAnna Washington has been ordered held for trial on charges that she misused her Senate offices to raise money for her campaign.
"I agree with most of your comments on the free market," Rep. Robert Goshall told an electric industry representative who testified. "Unfortunately, that hasn't worked."
The House Judiciary Committee has advanced a bill, sponsored by Rep. John Taylor (R-Phila.), which will create a minimum two-year prison sentence for someone who carries an unlicensed gun in Philadelphia.
The state attorney general's office says that state senator LeAnna Washington, a Democrat who represents portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery counties, has been charged with theft and conflict of interest.
The NEXT Weather team is tracking a windy and cold forecast for Sunday's Eagles-49ers game in Philadelphia.
Nikita Kucherov scored on each of his first two shots to help the Tampa Bay Lightning win their ninth straight game over the Philadelphia Flyers.
A suspect accused of stabbing two people at a West Philadelphia SEPTA station is in custody.
A flock in Kent County, Delaware, tested presumptive positive for avian influenza, officials say.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Protesters rallied and marched in Philly on Saturday after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in Minnesota.
The NEXT Weather team is tracking a windy and cold forecast for Sunday's Eagles-49ers game in Philadelphia.
Nikita Kucherov scored on each of his first two shots to help the Tampa Bay Lightning win their ninth straight game over the Philadelphia Flyers.
A special group of students in West Philadelphia received a surprise celebration on Friday before heading to college Monday.
Philadelphia bar Ladder 15 turned away a group of 49ers fans who were looking to host a takeover before the playoff game against the Eagles.
A suspect accused of stabbing two people at a West Philadelphia SEPTA station is in custody.
Protesters rallied and marched in Philly on Saturday after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in Minnesota.
A Ridley Township sports field was left unusable after off-road vehicles tore up the grass following a mid-December snowstorm.
Tyrese Maxey had 29 points, Joel Embiid added 22 points and nine rebounds as the Sixers defeated Orlando Magic.
A special group of students in West Philadelphia received a surprise celebration on Friday before heading to college Monday.
The Winslow Township Eagles are soaring thanks to their head coach and former dual-threat quarterback Bill Belton.
Glassboro School District leaders say the policy they enacted last year has helped students with learning and limited distractions.
Video shows how three Woolwich Township police officers worked together to rescue a boy from a lake in Swedesboro, New Jersey.
New Jersey has confirmed its first pediatric flu death of the 2025-26 season, which health leaders warn has been seeing cases spread at alarming rates.
Saving Grace Ministries is among a growing number of nonprofits nationwide struggling to achieve their goals due to rising costs.
A flock in Kent County, Delaware, tested presumptive positive for avian influenza, officials say.
The Delaware Farm Bureau has announced the 10 winners of its annual amateur photography contest.
Hundreds of people gathered for a final farewell to Delaware State Trooper Matthew "Ty" Snook after he was shot and killed inside a Wilmington DMV.
Delaware State Police Cpl. Matthew "Ty" Snook will be laid to rest on Monday, nearly two weeks after he was shot and killed inside the Wilmington DMV.
Lawmakers who represent the Philadelphia area gave their opinions on the U.S.' military operation in Venezuela on Saturday.
A special group of students in West Philadelphia received a surprise celebration on Friday before heading to college Monday.
New Jersey has confirmed its first pediatric flu death of the 2025-26 season, which health leaders warn has been seeing cases spread at alarming rates.
Whether you have COVID or the common cold, doctors say it's important to know what you have so you get the right kind of treatment.
A potentially deadly and drug-resistant fungus is spreading nationwide, including New York and New Jersey.
Doctors in Philadelphia say new federal guidance on childhood vaccinations is causing confusion — especially for parents.
Former Sheetz president and CEO Steve Sheetz has died at age 77, the Altoona-based company announced on Monday.
The post-Christmas return rush was underway at shops and malls across the Philadelphia area.
With product return fraud on the rise, an emerging company is using AI to help spot issues.
Here are mall opening and closing hours for the Christmas and Christmas Eve holidays around the Philly region.
Through Amazon Now, customers can get household items, cosmetics, electronics, groceries and more delivered in about 30 minutes or less.
Morning express trains on SEPTA's Regional Rail will resume Monday, Jan. 12, after months of delays and commuter frustrations.
A crash on Chester Pike knocked out power in Norwood and Prospect Park early Thursday morning.
Motorists running the red light at the intersection of Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval in Philadelphia will start getting $100 fines on Jan. 8.
One person was killed after a crash involving a horse and buggy in the 4000 block of Strasburg Road in Salisbury Township.
Flights to and from the Caribbean have resumed, but travelers are still feeling the effects of the weekend restrictions.
Nikita Kucherov scored on each of his first two shots to help the Tampa Bay Lightning win their ninth straight game over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Tyrese Maxey had 29 points, Joel Embiid added 22 points and nine rebounds as the Sixers defeated Orlando Magic.
Posts about the sudden deaths of Eagles cheerleaders paraded across Facebook timelines recently. It turns out, none of them is real.
The Winslow Township Eagles are soaring thanks to their head coach and former dual-threat quarterback Bill Belton.
MLB on Friday suspended free agent outfielder Max Kepler, most recently with the Phillies, 80 games for a failed PED test.
Bob Weir wrote or co-wrote and sang lead vocals on Grateful Dead classics including "Sugar Magnolia," "One More Saturday Night" and "Mexicali Blues."
Isiah Whitlock Jr. is perhaps best known for his role as state Sen. R. Clayton "Clay" Davis on HBO's "The Wire."
Smith previously played young Nala in "The Lion King" on Broadway.
Feeding America's CEO said the organization is "incredibly grateful" for Taylor Swift's large donation.
The singer said an MRI showed a cancerous spot on one of his lungs after he recovered from a lengthy bout of bronchitis.
Ukee Washington reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Ukee Washington reports.
Middle school students in Philadelphia got the opportunity to do hands-on learning during the school district's five-day career and technical camp.
With her Girl Talk mentoring program, one Philadelphia teen turned her camp days into a safe space to discuss social issues young girls face every day.
Recent high school graduate Sylvain Farrell says his temporary position at a local clinic is the pathway to a full-time career.
A Philadelphia student won an award from NFL Films for his documentary on bringing back sports teams at his Kensington school.
A group of East Norriton eighth graders took what started as an Earth Day project and made a whole initiative.
Sunday will be partly cloudy and cold for the Philadelphia Eagles game against the San Francisco 49ers. Meteorologist Andrew Kozak has the NEXT Weather forecast for Sunday and the rest of the week.
Ladder 15, a bar in Philadelphia that declined to host a large party of San Francisco 49ers fans, was welcoming them in smaller groups on Saturday night alongside Eagles fans.
The rain moves out of the Philadelphia area Saturday night, and fans can expect cold and blustery conditions for the Eagles game on Sunday. Meteorologist Andrew Kozak has the full NEXT Weather forecast.
State agriculture officials say bird flu has been detected in a commercial flock in Kent County, Delaware. The affected birds will not enter the food supply, officials say.
An investigation is underway after a fire at a leasing office at an apartment complex in Blackwood, New Jersey. No one was injured.