Biden endorses Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee

Not long after announcing he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential contest, Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominee.

“My very first decision as the party nominee in 2020 was to pick Kamala Harris as my Vice President. And it’s been the best decision I’ve made,” Biden said.

Live Updates: Biden Drops Out of Presidential Race, Bowing to Intense Pressure From Democrats

President Biden wrote on social media that he was ending his campaign for re-election. He did not name a preferred replacement on the ticket.

More Democrats ask Biden to drop out. His campaign says he’ll be back next week

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del./WASHINGTON — More Democratic lawmakers on Friday publicly called for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 race, including New Mexico Sen. Martin Heinrich, who is running for reelection is what is supposed to be a safe seat for the party.

But Biden is planning to be back on the trail next week, the chair of his campaign said, making the case that party leaders should look at strong grassroots support for his candidacy and resolve their doubts over whether he should stay in the race for a second term.

The RNC is over. Here are 5 things you need to know.

The 2024 Republican National Convention wrapped up on Thursday night in Milwaukee with former President Donald Trump’s address to the delegates. Trump’s speech marked the first major public remarks he delivered following the assassination attempt against him less than a week ago.

It was also the first in-person Republican convention since the COVID pandemic prompted cancellation of most events surrounding the 2020 RNC. The final evening featured a wide range of speakers, from the retired professional wrestler Hulk Hogan to the evangelical leader Franklin Graham, culminating in Trump’s speech, which capped off a week of events and speeches in support of the former president’s vision of the country. Here’s what you need to know from the 2024 Republican convention.

Trump paints a familiar vision for his 2nd term at the Republican convention

In his first major speech since a failed assassination attempt, former President Donald Trump accepted the Republican Party’s presidential nomination for the third time and told a boisterous crowd he would “usher in the rich and wonderful tomorrows that our people truly deserve.”

Trump vowed he would secure that future for all Americans, “citizens of every race, religion, color and creed.”

“I am running to be president for all of America, not half of America,” Trump said, “because there is no victory in winning for half of America.”

“So tonight, with faith and devotion, I proudly accept your nomination for president of the United States,” he added.

On the final evening of the Republican National Convention, a night themed “Make America Great Once Again” — a play on his well-known campaign slogan — Trump said it was time to rescue America from the “failed leadership” of President Biden and Democrats.

Mail ballot envelopes will now be printed with the full year filled out

The Pennsylvania Department of State is hoping another change to mail ballot return envelopes will eliminate the chance of ballots being rejected this November because of voters failing to write in the year completely.

In a directive earlier this month, the Department of State told counties that they should now preprint ballot return envelopes with the full, four-digit year in the date field, leaving voters to fill in just the month and day alongside their signature.

Retired DuBois doctor recounts trying to save man fatally shot at Trump rally

Jim Sweetland, a retired doctor from DuBois, was in the stands at the Trump rally Saturday in Butler when, what first sounded like firecrackers to him, started. Sweetland then realized it was gunfire.

A man, later identified as Corey Comperatore, had been shot down. Sweetland saw that former President Donald Trump was surrounded by Secret Service members. Sweetland then heard a woman calling out: He’s been shot. He’s down.

‘Exciting’: Pa. delegates, GOP pols react to former Trump critic as VP pick

Just a few hours after Donald Trump announced his choice of vice president, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance made his way through the crowd at the Republican National Convention to thunderous applause and chants of “J.D.”

Among those showing their support for Vance was Pennsylvania delegate and former U.S. Congressman Fred Keller, who said he thought Vance exemplifies what’s possible in America.

FBI investigating Trump rally attack as potential act of domestic terrorism

BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump called for unity and resilience Sunday after an attempt on his life added fresh uncertainty to an already tumultuous presidential campaign and raised sharp questions about how a gunman was able to open fire from a rooftop near a Pennsylvania campaign rally.

A full day after the shooting, the gunman’s motive was still a mystery, and investigators said they believe he acted alone before being fatally shot by Secret Service agents. President Joe Biden ordered an independent security review of the attack, which killed a bystander and critically wounded two others. The FBI was investigating the shooting as a potential act of domestic terrorism.

FBI identifies Thomas Crooks of Bethel Park as the suspect in Trump assassination attempt

The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, as the suspected gunman involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally Saturday in Butler County.

In a news conference hours after the shooting, federal and state investigators said they didn’t believe there was another threat in addition to the shooter at the rally. The Pennsylvania State Police did not rule out that the shooter could have received assistance but said they had found no evidence so far.

Trump rally in Butler County ends abruptly after apparent gunshots are heard in crowd

Donald Trump’s rally in Butler County came to a shocking end Saturday when shots were fired at Trump in front of thousands of supporters a few minutes into his speech at the Farm Show grounds.

The former president was “fine” after the shooting at 6:11 p.m., according to a campaign spokesman. But Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger told The Associated Press that the suspected gunman was dead and at least one rallygoer was killed during the gunfire. At least two other people were critically injured, according to the U.S. Secret Service.

Tonight Biden and Trump will have their first debate of 2024. Here’s what you need to know.

President Biden and former President Donald Trump will face off in the first presidential debate of the 2024 general election tonight in Atlanta.

It begins a new phase of the presidential race, less than five months out from Nov. 5, Election Day, as the matchup remains extremely tight. Biden and Trump stand virtually tied, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, which echoes a months-long trend of recent national surveys.

The debate also breaks with campaign tradition, occurring months earlier than usual and with a new set of rules both candidates have agreed to, including no live audience. It’s also the first debate either candidate has participated in this campaign season. Biden largely ran unopposed, and Trump notably skipped the GOP primary debates.

Here’s what you need to know about this first debate.

Latest results from the 2024 Pennsylvania primary election

Results to watch include Pennsylvania attorney general, Pennsylvania treasurer, and Pennsylvania auditor general. Results will begin to show after 8 p.m. on April 23.

Results for races can also be found on the Department of State website.

For complete coverage of the 2024 primary election, visit Spotlight PA’s Election Center.

Pa. election 2024: A guide to vetting primary legislative candidates

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

HARRISBURG — This year, all Pennsylvania House representatives and half of state senators will be on the ballot.

Democracy Works: Democracy is the sum of us

Heather McGhee made her career in pushing for economic policy changes at the think tank Demos. But she couldn’t help but feel that something was missing from her work. So she embarked on a cross-country road trip to understand what’s at the heart of what ails America’s economy and our democracy. The result is her book “The Sum of Us,” which she joins us to talk about in this episode

Elections 101: How Pa. secures mail ballots, prevents fraud, and more

Elections 101 from Spotlight PA protects you against election misinformation and empowers you to make informed decisions. This story is made possible through a collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting.

You may be one of the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians who plan to vote by mail during the 2024 election. Or maybe it’s an option you’ve considered but haven’t pursued because you distrust the process or have concerns about fraud.

Voting rights groups appeal ruling that directs Pa. to reject undated mail ballots

This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. Sign up for Votebeat’s free newsletters here.

After a court defeat, Pennsylvania voting rights organizations are trying to convince a larger group of federal appellate judges that the state shouldn’t be allowed to reject mail ballots that lack a proper date on their return envelopes.

Why independents can’t vote in the 2024 Pa. primary, and the slow-moving push to change that

HARRISBURG — Millions of voters are expected to cast ballots during Pennsylvania’s April 23 primary, choosing candidates to represent the Democratic and Republican parties in November.

Pa.’s top election official answers your questions about misinformation, voting machines, and more

Ahead of the April 23 primary, Pennsylvania’s top election official answered your questions about misinformation, voting machine security, and more.

Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt joined Spotlight PA’s Kate Huangpu and Votebeat’s Carter Walker in March for a live event about building trust in elections. If you missed it, you can watch the conversation here.

Redesigned mail-in, absentee ballot materials in Pa. arriving in voters’ mailboxes soon

Mail-in and absentee voters will soon get a chance to see the new designs for ballot materials, if they haven’t arrived already.

With the colorful envelopes and highlighted sections, the layout is intended to help voters correctly fill out the return envelope and remember to put the ballot in the secrecy sleeve.

INTERACTIVE: See which Pa. attorney general candidate is right for you

Pennsylvania’s April 23 primary election is fast approaching, and Democrats and Republicans will soon have to decide which attorney general candidate they want to send to the general election.

Pa. election 2024: Everything you need to know about requesting, filling out, and returning your mail ballot

HARRISBURG — On April 23, Democrats and Republicans in Pennsylvania will vote for their parties’ candidates for president, U.S. House and Senate, state row offices (attorney general, auditor general, and treasurer), and the legislature.

Pa. election 2024: A complete guide to who is on the primary ballot, when to vote, how to vote, where to vote, casting mail ballots & more

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds the power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.

Elections 101: What to know about poll watchers, and what they can and can’t do in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG — As the 2024 election heats up, voters in Pennsylvania may hear candidates talk about poll watchers. Appointed by candidates or political parties, poll watchers are permitted to observe polling place setup, the voting process, and the counting of ballots.

‘Dark money’ groups would be forced to disclose how they spend on Pa.’s elections under advancing bill

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania House is advancing modest campaign finance reforms during an election year that will likely see a torrent of hard-to-trace political spending flood the state.

Recount petitions could impede Pa.’s efforts to certify 2024 election by new federal deadline

After the 2022 elections, a flurry of precinct-level recount petitions prevented Pennsylvania from certifying its election results until Dec. 22 — weeks later than usual.

Casey, McCormick to appear alone on Senate ballots in Pennsylvania after courts boot off challengers

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and Republican David McCormick will be the only eligible names on ballots for the office in Pennsylvania’s April primary after a ruling Friday by the state’s highest court.

Pennsylvania treasurer candidates spar over unclaimed property issue

HARRISBURG — An obscure policy issue is getting new attention in this year’s race for Pennsylvania treasurer as Democratic state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro of Erie seeks to draw a contrast with Republican incumbent Stacy Garrity.

Philadelphia voting commission shakeup creates bad optics during big election year

A power shift and restructuring within the Philadelphia Board of City Commissioners is causing strife among its three elected members, which observers warn could create the appearance of dysfunction in the office as it enters a high-pressure year overseeing the city’s elections.

Trump dominates in GOP primaries across the country

Sixteen states and one territory are making their presidential preferences known on this biggest voting day of the primaries. Here’s what we’re following:

Haley gets a win: Nikki Haley won the Vermont Republican primary, her only win of the night.
Full results: Here’s a full look at how the votes went, including for down-ballot races decided Tuesday.
What’s next?: Here’s where the delegate count for the presidential race stands after Super Tuesday’s calls.

Ballot order is critical for candidates. In Pa., it’s determined by luck.

As Sajda Blackwell approached the front of the room, she did a little dance of excitement — a shimmy as she pumped both fists in the air.

Pennsylvania sets up election security task force ahead of 2024 presidential contest

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Law enforcement agencies, civil defense officials and election administrators have begun meeting in Pennsylvania to coordinate how they will identify and fight election threats with the presidential contest just eight months away in the battleground state, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration said Thursday.

Pa. election 2024: The state House races to watch as Democrats try to keep the majority

HARRISBURG — When voters go to the polls this November, control of the Pennsylvania House could rest on the outcome of a single race.

Currently, Democrats control the 203-member chamber by two votes, with one safely Republican seat vacant. All state representatives must run for reelection every two years.

Elections 101: Everything you need to know about Pennsylvania’s voting machines, how the state keeps them safe, and more

This series from Spotlight PA protects you against election misinformation and empowers you to make informed decisions. This story is made possible through a collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting.

During what is likely to be another contentious presidential election in Pennsylvania, you may hear contradictory, confusing, or downright false claims about voting machines.

A deficit of experienced voting officials could mean trouble for Pa.’s 2024 election

As the presidential election approaches, Pennsylvania is facing a deficit of experienced election directors, increasing the risk of errors that could cause difficulties for voters, disenfranchise their votes, and ignite disputes over results.

US appeals court to decide if Pennsylvania mail-in ballots with wrong date still count

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal appeals court must decide if Pennsylvania voters need to put accurate handwritten dates on the outside envelopes of their mail-in ballots for the votes to count, a dispute with implications for this year’s presidential contest.

Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election will feature contests for attorney general and Congress

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election may lack drama in the high-stakes races for president and U.S. Senate, but the field for lower-ballot contests are filling up for the state’s attorney general’s office and a handful of its 17 seats in the U.S. House.

Voters explain what issues matter to them at the Great American Outdoor Show

Hundreds of thousands of people flocked to the National Rifle Association’s Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg this week, according to event organizers.

Democracy Works: A different kind of political divide

As a Democracy Works listener, you probably follow politics pretty closely. And many of the people in your life probably do, too. But what about everyone else? People who casually keep up with political news or maybe tune iit out entirely.

Democrat Dan McCaffery wins open seat on Pennsylvania Supreme Court

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrat Dan McCaffery won an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court in Tuesday’s general election, preserving a strong Democratic majority on a panel that has produced several critical election-related rulings in the presidential battleground state.

The seven-member bench, which will be made up five Democrats and two Republicans, is also at the center of cases on guns and abortion rights — which had a prominent role in the campaign.

Democrat Timika Lane wins court seat, as Pennsylvania Democrats sweep 4 statewide judicial races

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrat Timika Lane won a seat on a statewide appellate court in Pennsylvania, giving Democrats a sweep of four statewide judicial races in Tuesday’s election, including an open seat on the state’s highest court.

Vote-counting continued into Wednesday and put Lane, a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge, over the top in her race for a seat on the state Superior Court.

Pa. Commonwealth Court election results: Democrat Matt Wolf beats Republican Megan Martin

HARRISBURG — Democrat Matt Wolf, a Philadelphia municipal judge, will fill an open seat on Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court.

The Associated Press called the race at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Unofficial results show Wolf with 53% of the vote and Republican Megan Martin, a former legislative official, with 47%.

Election results out in county commissioner, school board and other races across central PA

These are unofficial election results.

Centre County

In the race for Centre County Commissioner, Democrats Mark Higgins and Amber Concepcion and Republican Steve Dershem have been reelected.

There were a few competitive Centre County row offices. Democratic incumbent Jason Moser has been reelected as Controller. Democrat Colleen Kennedy holds on to her Treasurer position. And in a very close Recorder of Deeds race, Republican incumbent Joseph Davidson currently holds a 127 vote lead over Robert Zeigler.

For the State College Area School District Board of Directors, all five Democratic “Slate for State” candidates have been elected by numbers about double their Republican competitors’. Amy Bader and Gretchen Brandt will return to the board, along with newcomers Anne Demo, Dan Kolbe and Aaron Miller.

Pa. election 2023: New interactive tool illustrates why judges matter and how they shape policy in our state

HARRISBURG — Elections for seats on Pennsylvania’s highest courts tend to lack the urgency of other races, as those courts seem to operate far from our everyday lives, especially when compared to the work of local and state officials.

But judges in these positions hold an immense amount of power, and make decisions that profoundly impact some of the most pressing and hot-button issues of our time, including abortion, civil liberties, education, voting and elections, and the environment.

That’s why Spotlight PA is launching a new voter tool ahead of this November’s judicial contests to illustrate how the courts in recent years have affected the policies you care about most.

Pa. election 2023: Everything you need to know about requesting, filling out, and returning your mail ballot

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s 2023 election will give voters the chance to pick a new slate of judges across several statewide courts.

On Nov. 7, voters will elect a new state Supreme Court justice, as well as new judges to sit on Commonwealth and Superior Courts. They will also decide whether two appellate judges on Superior Court should get another term.

Across the state, some residents will also vote in municipal races for offices like mayor and school board, and answer ballot questions.

Pa. election 2023: A complete guide to who is on the ballot, when to vote, how to vote, where to vote, casting mail ballots & more

HARRISBURG — On Nov. 7, Pennsylvanians will cast their vote for a new state Supreme Court justice, as well as for new judges to sit on Commonwealth and Superior Courts. Voters will also decide whether two appellate judges on Superior Court should get another term.

Across the state, depending on where you live, there might also be municipal races on the ballot, for offices like mayor and school board, along with ballot questions.

To help you prepare for Election Day 2023 in Pennsylvania, we’ve answered some of your most frequently asked questions below…

Pa. election 2023: What to know about the judicial retention questions on the November ballot

HARRISBURG — Near the bottom of this year’s general election ballot, Pennsylvania voters will be asked simple questions with long-term consequences.

Depending on where they live, voters will decide whether at least two state judges should “be retained for an additional term” of 10 years.

All state judges — from those who preside over municipal courts to the justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court — initially run in partisan races. Once elected, the judges on Pennsylvania’s powerful appellate and Common Pleas courts serve 10-year terms — often holding their seats for decades with little notice.

One man’s spending is dominating Pa. judicial races. Who is he, and why is this election important?

HARRISBURG — A political group almost entirely funded by Pennsylvania’s richest resident has contributed one out of every three dollars raised this year by candidates running in critical statewide judicial races.

The group, Commonwealth Leaders Fund, has spent over $2.7 million, the vast majority to support just one candidate: Montgomery County judge Carolyn Carluccio, a Republican running for a seat on the state Supreme Court.

The position comes with great power. In recent years, the high court threw out the state’s congressional map for being overtly partisan, allowed a lawsuit challenging the state’s education funding system to go to trial, and upheld the state’s mail voting law.

Pa. Supreme Court 101: What it is, why it matters, and more

At a quick glance: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is made up of 7 justices. Currently, there are 4 Democrats and 2 Republicans that serve on the court. There is 1 vacancy before voters in the November 2023 election. To qualify for a seat on the court, candidates must have state residency for at least one year and reside in the commonwealth throughout the duration of their term. They must be at least 21 years of age, but not older than 75. They also have to be a member of the Bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and licensed to practice law in the state.

Pa. Superior Court 101: What it is, why it matters, and more

At a quick glance: Superior Court is made up of 15 judges. Currently, there are 7 Democrats and 7 Republicans that serve on the court. There are 2 vacancies before voters in the November 2023 election. To qualify for a seat on the court, candidates must have state residency for at least one year and reside in the commonwealth throughout the duration of their term. They must be at least 21 years of age, but not older than 75. They also have to be a member of the Bar of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and licensed to practice law in the state.