The battle over Pennsylvania’s budget finally came to an end in November as lawmakers agreed to a spending plan more than four months behind schedule. The budget allowed billions of dollars to start flowing to critical organizations across the state. Gov. Josh Shapiro will have to propose his next budget a few months from now, however. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk speaks about the budget with Pennsylvania State Rep. Jordan Harris, a Democrat representing Philadelphia who is also the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. They also discuss what's next for SEPTA amid its funding crisis. Lauren also spoke with Pennsylvania State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, a Republican representing parts of Berks and Montgomery counties who is also a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The federal government finally reopened on Wednesday after a shutdown that lasted 43 days. To avoid another shutdown, lawmakers will have to make a decision about federal funding again in January. NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Rep. Brendan Boyle (D) Pennsylvania and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R) Pennsylvania about the end of the shutdown. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the New Jersey governor’s race. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey’s first female governor and founding co-chair of the Forward Party, about Sherrill’s victory. *Note* The interview was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As SEPTA works to finish federally ordered inspections on regional rail cars, the transit agency’s general manager Scott Sauer sat down with Lauren Mayk to talk about the progress and what’s ahead for the cars and the agency as it continues to face financial uncertainty in the future. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Election Day is only a few days away and the New Jersey governor's race is expected to have national ramifications. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10's Lauren Mayk spoke with Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill, Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and New Jersey voters about the race and the most important issues. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The U.S. government officially shut down after Congress and the White House failed to reach an agreement on how to extend federal funding. Democratic U.S. Senator Andy Kim and Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie react to the shutdown in the latest episode of Battleground Politics with Lauren Mayk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Eugene DePasquale was recently elected as the new chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party after serving as the state’s Auditor General and in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk in the latest episode of Battleground Politics about several topics, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, political violence, how the Democratic party can rebound after 2024 defeats, the current political landscape of Pennsylvania and more.00:49 – The assassination of Charlie Kirk1:50 – How to address political violence3:05 – Security at political rallies5:15 – The future of Pennsylvania Democrats6:50 – Losing the Pennsylvania Attorney General race8:00 – Democrats in Pennsylvania9:10 – Non-affiliated voters9:50 – Getting involved in hyper local races11:00 – Judicial races and voter turnout11:50 – SEPTA and mass transit funding14:25 – Philadelphia District Attorney race Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After losing in the Democratic primary, former judge Pat Dugan will once again face off against District Attorney Larry Krasner in the general election, this time as the Republican nominee. Dugan spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about his rematch with Krasner, SEPTA’s special prosecutor and political violence in the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk.Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:1:50 – The assassination of Charlie Kirk3:00 – What should change?4:40 – Running as a Republican5:50 – Was switching parties a backup plan?7:50 – President Trump in political ad9:00 – National guard in Philly?12:11 – Center City shooting13:45 – Downgraded charges for shooting suspect14:20 – What will be different this time against Krasner?16:00 – SEPTA’s special prosecutor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SEPTA is set to implement drastic service cuts and fare hikes starting on Sunday, Aug. 24. The transit agency says it needs funding to help make up a $213 million budget deficit but so far Pennsylvania lawmakers haven’t been able to come to an agreement on funds for SEPTA and other transit agencies. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Democratic House Speaker Joanna McClinton and Republican Senate Pro Tempore Kim Ward about what it would take for both sides to come to an agreement. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: Interview with Joanna McClinton: 00:41 – Impact of SEPTA cuts on Joanna McClinton’s district 1:54 – Plans for House lawmakers 3:12 – What Pa. Democrats are willing to compromise on 4:00 – Transit trust fund 5:39 – Capital projects7:11 – Disconnect over transit trust fund numbers9:35 – Is transit funding the main thing stopping a state budget from being passed? 10:20 – Is proposal to change how tax revenue is allocated a realistic solution? 11:35 – Is the disagreement over SEPTA funding based on policy or politics? 12:45 – Did Pennsylvania politicians fail SEPTA customers? Interview with Kim Ward: 15:17 – Any progress since Pa. Senate session? 15:57 – Transit trust fund 18:19 – Skill games as a source of funding? 21:14 – Capital projects 23:30 – Frustration from students and families who use SEPTA24:07 – Whether or not politics are at play in the SEPTA funding talks 26:06 – What would a deal for funding look like? 26:32 – Reaction from Ward’s constituents to a deal not being reached 28:02 – Is a change to tax distribution a workable idea? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SEPTA is moving forward with their plans to implement drastic cuts and fare hikes for riders across the Pennsylvania region after lawmakers in Harrisburg failed to reach a deal to secure funding for the transit agency’s $213 million budget deficit. As hundreds of thousands of SEPTA customers brace for the impact, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with Sen. Joe Picozzi, a Philadelphia Republican who tried to push forward a GOP-backed funding bill that was ultimately voted down by a House committee. Watch and listen to their interview in the latest episode of Battleground Politics. 0:47 -- Reaction to upcoming SEPTA cuts 1:27 -- SEPTA's reaction to Senate's proposal 2:28 -- Reaction to Democratic supported House bill that didn't pass 3:43 -- Communicating with fellow GOP lawmakers 4:51 -- Reaction to Gov. Shapiro calling him out 6:00 -- Communicating with Democratic lawmakers 6:50 -- Working to secure funding for SEPTA7:33 -- Next steps for securing funding 8:16 -- Funding and SEPTA safety 9:04 -- SEPTA fare increases and affordability 10:26 -- Willingness to compromise on funding bill 11:24 -- Flat budget with no additional spending 12:04 -- Message to SEPTA riders amid upcoming cuts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The clock is ticking for SEPTA as the transit agency is set to implement major service cuts and higher fares if they fail to secure funding by August 14, 2025. Amid the looming "transit death spiral," SEPTA GM Scott Sauer spoke with NBC10's Lauren Mayk for the latest episode of Battleground Politics.Here's a full breakdown of the episode::30 -- Will the schedule cuts really go into effect?1:23 -- How the schedule changes will affect students4:28 -- How additional transit police and staff will help riders5:43 -- How businesses will be affected by the schedule changes7:02 – Public/private partnerships8:25 – SEPTA oversight bill9:49 – Responding to those who say SEPTA shouldn’t get any more state funding11:24 – Why SEPTA can’t pay for itself12:50 – If SEPTA gets the money it’s asking for, will it come back next year asking for more money? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As he marks six months on the job, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about safety, opioids, lawsuits against the Trump administration, SEPTA’s special prosecutor, and more. Watch the latest episode of Battleground Politics with Lauren Mayk.Here's a full breakdown of the episode: 1:35 – SEPTA’s special prosecutor 5:51 -- Choosing cases for special prosecutor to handle instead of District Attorney Larry Krasner7:10 – Taxpayer dollars and special prosecutor’s office 8:25 – Extending SEPTA’s special prosecutor beyond 2026 9:05 -- Opioid crisis and Kensington10:45 – Trump’s executive order on committing people for treatment 11:57 – Governor’s lawsuits against Trump 15:30 -- Birthright citizenship 18:22 – Advocating for Pennsylvanians Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
As SEPTA prepares for possible service cuts and fare hikes, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk speaks with lawmakers on why there is still no resolution on SEPTA funding. She also speaks with SEPTA riders about what they plan to do if the transit agency makes the cuts it’s planning. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode 00:40 – SEPTA riders respond to planned cuts to routes 6:57 – Oversight and accountability for SEPTA 7:40 – SEPTA safety concerns8:20 – SEPTA’s internal documentation 10:20 – Public and private partnership rights 12:20 – SEPTA state funding 13:20 – Third-party oversight 14:45 – GOP Sen. Tracy Pennycuick on SEPTA funding 16:00 – Budget negotiations in Harrisburg 17:47 – Impact of SEPTA cuts on Montgomery and Berks counties 20:40 – House Democrats on proposed oversight bill 21:20 – Democratic Sen. Vincent Hughes on budget 25:30 – Democratic vs. GOP votes Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin recently made a stop in Philadelphia. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with Martin about the upcoming midterms and primaries as well as why you may see the DNC getting involved in school board races. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: 00:42 – State and federal funding issues 2:00 – DNC and school board races 3:42 – Organized Everywhere Program 4:50 – Young voters and the DNC 6:40 – DNC’s handling of primaries 10:05 – Neutrality during primaries 13:20 – Impact of Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ 18:30 – Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and Trump’s bill Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
A tentative agreement was reached between the city of Philadelphia and AFSCME District Council 33, ending a strike that lasted more than a week. With members of the city’s largest blue-collar workers union set to vote on ratifying the new deal on Monday, July 14, NBC10’s Lauren Mayk spoke with a panel about the strike and its overall impact. The panel includes Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO President Daniel Bauder, Zachary Kimmel, an attorney with Reed Smith LLP, KYW Newsradio reporter Pat Loeb and Reverend Mark Kelly Tyler.Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:1:17 – The impact of the strike on Philadelphia5:45 – How the strike ended6:52 – Challenges ahead in the aftermath of the strike8:38 – How Mayor Parker is viewed after the strike11:28 – Impact on future union contract talks in Philly13:50 – Potential impact on city services Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
President Donald Trump on Friday signed into law his sweeping tax cut and spending package, what he’s called the “big, beautiful bill,” in a Fourth of July ceremony packaged with patriotic pomp and symbolism. For the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Lauren Mayk spoke with Republican Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (Pennsylvania -7th District) and Democratic Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (Pa. – 4th District) who both voted on the bill and shared their reactions. Here's a full breakdown of the episode: 0:22 - Rep. Ryan Mackenzie on “yes” vote for bill1:42 - Potential for people losing Medicaid benefits3:31 - What happened behind the scenes to get the “Big Beautiful Bill” passed?4:53 - Gov. Josh Shapiro and Medicaid/SNAP5:56 - Conversations with President Trump7:06 - How is Mackenzie feeling about running for reelection on the “Big Beautiful Bill”?8:06 - Rep. Madeleine Dean on “no” vote for bill10:26 - Dean on Medicaid work requirements11:45 - What will Democrats do next now that the bill has passed?16:07 - Will any parts of the bill benefit her constituents?17:15 - Dean makes economic argument against the bill Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
After winning the Democratic nomination in the primary, Mikie Sherrill will face off against Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the race for New Jersey’s governor. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Sherill speaks with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about the upcoming election, her plan for the Garden State and much more. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: 0:47 -- Reactions to New York’s mayoral primary and Zohran Mamdani 2:45 – Differences between Sherrill, Murphy and Ciattarelli4:32 -- Affordability in New Jersey6:49 -- Tax credit program for seniors8:09 -- New Jersey's cooperation with ICE under Sherrill administration9:59 -- Sherill administration relationship with President Trump12:22 -- Abortion and healthcare 14:26 -- Conflict between Israel and Iran Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jack Ciattarelli won the Republican primary for New Jersey governor and will face off against the Democratic nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill. Fresh off his primary victory, Ciattarelli spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk in the latest episode of Battleground Politics.Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: 1:50 Affordability and reducing income taxes2:45 Plans to reduce size of NJ government4:00 Appointing an attorney general5:00 Working with Trump and National Guard5:50 Chaos at Jersey Shore and prosecuting minors6:30 Civil disturbances7:20 Sanctuary cities, not restricting state police 8:00 Immigrant trust directive 8:30 Abortion 9:50 Support from Trump Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Incumbent Marty Small and his challenger Bob McDevitt will face off in Atlantic City's mayoral race in the New Jersey Democratic primary. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Small and McDevitt both speak with Lauren Mayk about the upcoming primary, the issues Atlantic City faces and why they both believe they're the best person to lead the city. Lauren also asks Mayor Small about the charges he is facing in an alleged abuse case. Here's a full breakdown of the episode: Interview with Marty Small 00:51 -- Why Marty Small believes he should be reelected 3:13 -- Mayor Small addresses abuse allegations 4:11 -- Message for voters who question Small's judgment 4:54 -- Safety issues in Atlantic City 5:49 -- Cleanliness in Atlantic City 6:56 -- Making people feel safer 8:14 -- Finances in Atlantic City 11:03 -- Smoking, marijuana in Atlantic City 13:17 -- What Atlantic City would look like if Small is reelected Interview with Bob McDevitt13:57 -- Why Bob McDevitt wants to be mayor 14:27 -- How McDevitt would approach being mayor as a former union leader 15:30 -- Getting more people to visit Atlantic City 16:33 -- Safety in Atlantic City 20:31 -- Smoking, marijuana in Atlantic City 24:08 -- Finances in Atlantic City Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dr. Mehmet Oz – a physician, TV host and candidate in the 2022 U.S. Senate election in Pennsylvania – was recently named the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In the latest episode of Battleground Politics, Dr. Oz spoke with NBC10’s Lauren Mayk about his new role, former President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, Medicaid, the price of prescription drugs, measles, vaccines, artificial intelligence and more. Here’s a full breakdown of the episode: 00:49 – President Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis 1:33 – New role at CMS 4:22 – Access to health insurance6:25 – Cost of prescription drugs 10:02 – Timeline for changes to prescription drug prices 11:05 – Measles and vaccines 13:55 – Elon Musk and DOGE 15:32 – AI and medical technology 17:33 – Whether or not he wishes he was in the Senate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.