Ian Karbal
@iankarbal.bsky.social
Journo in PA @penncapitalstar.bsky.social. Bad at posting.
Bylines @columjournreview.bsky.social, @opensecretsdc.bsky.social, @thetrace.org, Mountain State Spotlight, and more.
Bylines @columjournreview.bsky.social, @opensecretsdc.bsky.social, @thetrace.org, Mountain State Spotlight, and more.
One group of employees was told their layoffs were cancelled, but HHS wants to zero out their funding next year.
Another group is fighting orders to lay them off in court, but HHS wants to continue their funding.
All their work keeps Americans safe.
“It’s been the entire range of human emotion."
Another group is fighting orders to lay them off in court, but HHS wants to continue their funding.
All their work keeps Americans safe.
“It’s been the entire range of human emotion."
For Pa.’s NIOSH employees, uncertainty remains amid lawsuits and mixed signals • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“It’s been the entire range of human emotion,” said Suzanne Alison, a steward at the local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees and a NIOSH employee. “I haven’t talked to a singl...
penncapital-star.com
July 28, 2025 at 5:12 PM
One group of employees was told their layoffs were cancelled, but HHS wants to zero out their funding next year.
Another group is fighting orders to lay them off in court, but HHS wants to continue their funding.
All their work keeps Americans safe.
“It’s been the entire range of human emotion."
Another group is fighting orders to lay them off in court, but HHS wants to continue their funding.
All their work keeps Americans safe.
“It’s been the entire range of human emotion."
Mary, 81, takes the bus to the grocery and shared rides to her doctor
Sarah takes the bus to a job she's required to have as part of her probation
Kevin takes buses because he can't afford a car
These are just 3 Pennsylvanians who'd be affected if lawmakers don't reach a deal to fund mass transit
Sarah takes the bus to a job she's required to have as part of her probation
Kevin takes buses because he can't afford a car
These are just 3 Pennsylvanians who'd be affected if lawmakers don't reach a deal to fund mass transit
What’s at stake over proposed increase in mass transit funding in Pa.? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Across the state, mass transit systems are facing budget shortfalls that could impact funding for millions of Pennsylvanians who rely on them in urban, suburban and rural regions.
penncapital-star.com
July 23, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Mary, 81, takes the bus to the grocery and shared rides to her doctor
Sarah takes the bus to a job she's required to have as part of her probation
Kevin takes buses because he can't afford a car
These are just 3 Pennsylvanians who'd be affected if lawmakers don't reach a deal to fund mass transit
Sarah takes the bus to a job she's required to have as part of her probation
Kevin takes buses because he can't afford a car
These are just 3 Pennsylvanians who'd be affected if lawmakers don't reach a deal to fund mass transit
PA lawmakers from both parties are pushing to legalize cannabis in a state budget deal
They’re emphasizing how it can bring wealth into disinvested communities, but that depends on how the law is written
So do their bills actually live up to that promise or do they mostly benefit the industry?
They’re emphasizing how it can bring wealth into disinvested communities, but that depends on how the law is written
So do their bills actually live up to that promise or do they mostly benefit the industry?
Advocates say legalizing cannabis opens doors for small business. Do Pa.’s latest proposals deliver? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
As a heavily regulated industry, any cannabis bill ultimately signed into law could significantly shape the business landscape in Pennsylvania, and determine who stands to benefit from it.
penncapital-star.com
July 20, 2025 at 8:31 PM
PA lawmakers from both parties are pushing to legalize cannabis in a state budget deal
They’re emphasizing how it can bring wealth into disinvested communities, but that depends on how the law is written
So do their bills actually live up to that promise or do they mostly benefit the industry?
They’re emphasizing how it can bring wealth into disinvested communities, but that depends on how the law is written
So do their bills actually live up to that promise or do they mostly benefit the industry?
After Grok started referring to itself as "Mechahitler," X limited it to image generation only. Working out great!
July 9, 2025 at 3:46 AM
After Grok started referring to itself as "Mechahitler," X limited it to image generation only. Working out great!
Just gonna post this again: These three Pennsylvanians all said Medicaid literally saved their lives. Their stories back that up.
They're three of 3 million Pennsylvanians who rely on the program. Like many, they're scared about what comes next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
They're three of 3 million Pennsylvanians who rely on the program. Like many, they're scared about what comes next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Pa. Medicaid recipients fear potentially devastating cuts • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
At the state level, the commonwealth’s Department of Human Services says cuts could result in more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid coverage. Another 270,000 could lose access to marketplac...
penncapital-star.com
July 3, 2025 at 6:38 PM
Just gonna post this again: These three Pennsylvanians all said Medicaid literally saved their lives. Their stories back that up.
They're three of 3 million Pennsylvanians who rely on the program. Like many, they're scared about what comes next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
They're three of 3 million Pennsylvanians who rely on the program. Like many, they're scared about what comes next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
PA DHS said 310k people could lose Medicaid. That's 10.39% of PA Medicaid recipients
These numbers are just 10.39% of medicaid recipients in each district. Is that a good or bad approximation? Dunno...
But in 3 districts, that number is bigger than the 2024 election margin: 7, 8, 10 (all GOP-held)
These numbers are just 10.39% of medicaid recipients in each district. Is that a good or bad approximation? Dunno...
But in 3 districts, that number is bigger than the 2024 election margin: 7, 8, 10 (all GOP-held)
Every member of congress who votes for this reconciliation bill will be voting to cut Medicaid coverage and food assistance for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians.
The impact of this vote would be devastating — and it will be on them.
The impact of this vote would be devastating — and it will be on them.
July 3, 2025 at 6:28 PM
PA DHS said 310k people could lose Medicaid. That's 10.39% of PA Medicaid recipients
These numbers are just 10.39% of medicaid recipients in each district. Is that a good or bad approximation? Dunno...
But in 3 districts, that number is bigger than the 2024 election margin: 7, 8, 10 (all GOP-held)
These numbers are just 10.39% of medicaid recipients in each district. Is that a good or bad approximation? Dunno...
But in 3 districts, that number is bigger than the 2024 election margin: 7, 8, 10 (all GOP-held)
Something I’d be thinking if I were a PA congressman: the estimated number of people who will lose Medicaid or ACA coverage here if cuts are passed is almost 5 times higher than the 2024 presidential vote margin.
But hey, work requirements wouldn’t start til after midterms.
But hey, work requirements wouldn’t start til after midterms.
July 1, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Something I’d be thinking if I were a PA congressman: the estimated number of people who will lose Medicaid or ACA coverage here if cuts are passed is almost 5 times higher than the 2024 presidential vote margin.
But hey, work requirements wouldn’t start til after midterms.
But hey, work requirements wouldn’t start til after midterms.
These Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients all told me the same thing: Medicaid literally saved their lives. Their stories back that up.
Now, they’re worried about what happens next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Now, they’re worried about what happens next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Pa. Medicaid recipients fear potentially devastating cuts • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
At the state level, the commonwealth’s Department of Human Services says cuts could result in more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians losing Medicaid coverage. Another 270,000 could lose access to marketplac...
penncapital-star.com
July 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM
These Pennsylvania Medicaid recipients all told me the same thing: Medicaid literally saved their lives. Their stories back that up.
Now, they’re worried about what happens next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Now, they’re worried about what happens next.
penncapital-star.com/health-care/...
Look, ma. I made it (in the multi-day publications 5,000-9,999 circulation division)!
check out @iankarbal.bsky.social of the @penncapital-star.com and his two wins in the Keystone Press Awards!
panewsmedia.org/wp-content/u...
panewsmedia.org/wp-content/u...
panewsmedia.org
June 23, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Look, ma. I made it (in the multi-day publications 5,000-9,999 circulation division)!
ICYMI: Pennsylvania Treasury Sec. Stacy Garrity invested $25 million of taxpayer money in Israel Bonds hours before the country began strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets earlier this month.
Her office called the timing a coincidence.
Her office called the timing a coincidence.
Pa. Treasurer Garrity invested additional $25 million in Israeli bonds hours before strike on Iran • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
A spokesperson for Treasury Secretary Stacy Garrity said the decision to make the investment had been made a day or two prior to its finalization Thursday, and that the timing in relation to the strik...
penncapital-star.com
June 22, 2025 at 11:11 PM
ICYMI: Pennsylvania Treasury Sec. Stacy Garrity invested $25 million of taxpayer money in Israel Bonds hours before the country began strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets earlier this month.
Her office called the timing a coincidence.
Her office called the timing a coincidence.
There’s a lot of big news going on, but take a moment to read this story from our PLCA intern, Vincent DiFonzo.
He did some really great reporting on a complicated subject that affects pharmacy access for many Pennsylvanians.
He did some really great reporting on a complicated subject that affects pharmacy access for many Pennsylvanians.
Pa. pharmacists demand state action to regulate PBMs, curb pharmacy closures • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Since January 2024, at least 200 pharmacies have closed across the state. Now, independent pharmacists are asking lawmakers to act again.
penncapital-star.com
June 7, 2025 at 8:05 PM
There’s a lot of big news going on, but take a moment to read this story from our PLCA intern, Vincent DiFonzo.
He did some really great reporting on a complicated subject that affects pharmacy access for many Pennsylvanians.
He did some really great reporting on a complicated subject that affects pharmacy access for many Pennsylvanians.
For some, pharmacies are the only place to get free walk-in medical advice.
But as hundreds close across Pa, some pharmacists say they’ve had to turn away new customers or risk the same.
They blame pharmaceutical industry middlemen called PBMs, whose influence on their bottom line has been growing
But as hundreds close across Pa, some pharmacists say they’ve had to turn away new customers or risk the same.
They blame pharmaceutical industry middlemen called PBMs, whose influence on their bottom line has been growing
Community pharmacists in Pa. say they’re struggling to absorb Rite Aid’s customers • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
For most businesses, a major competitor shutting their doors would be welcome. But for pharmacists, taking on new clients can actually pose a risk to their bottom line.
penncapital-star.com
June 3, 2025 at 2:02 PM
For some, pharmacies are the only place to get free walk-in medical advice.
But as hundreds close across Pa, some pharmacists say they’ve had to turn away new customers or risk the same.
They blame pharmaceutical industry middlemen called PBMs, whose influence on their bottom line has been growing
But as hundreds close across Pa, some pharmacists say they’ve had to turn away new customers or risk the same.
They blame pharmaceutical industry middlemen called PBMs, whose influence on their bottom line has been growing
The US Health Dept. calls mine safety a "priority," and has touted a recent reversal of cuts to a division that performs black lung screenings.
But the agency is still set to lay off key teams working to prevent mine injuries, illnesses and deaths, including around 100 NIOSH employees in PA.
But the agency is still set to lay off key teams working to prevent mine injuries, illnesses and deaths, including around 100 NIOSH employees in PA.
Federal officials call miners' health a 'priority,' but are cutting a Pa. team studying mine safety • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Sweeping cuts to U.S. Health Dept. expected to hit Pennsylvania team focused on coal mine safety. RFK Jr. calls miners' health "priority."
penncapital-star.com
May 27, 2025 at 5:59 PM
The US Health Dept. calls mine safety a "priority," and has touted a recent reversal of cuts to a division that performs black lung screenings.
But the agency is still set to lay off key teams working to prevent mine injuries, illnesses and deaths, including around 100 NIOSH employees in PA.
But the agency is still set to lay off key teams working to prevent mine injuries, illnesses and deaths, including around 100 NIOSH employees in PA.
A federal lab in Pittsburgh approves every NIOSH-certified respirator from N95s to firefighter masks. But employees were told virtually all their jobs were being cut
Today HHS sent staff emails saying the cuts are being reversed. But it's unclear if they went to everyone, and HHS hasn't explained
Today HHS sent staff emails saying the cuts are being reversed. But it's unclear if they went to everyone, and HHS hasn't explained
Job cuts reversed at Pittsburgh lab that certifies nation’s respirators • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
“We’re still trying to figure out what it all means and who it all covers,” said Suzanne Alison, a steward at the local American Federation of Government Employees chapter that represents Allegheny Co...
penncapital-star.com
May 13, 2025 at 11:50 PM
A federal lab in Pittsburgh approves every NIOSH-certified respirator from N95s to firefighter masks. But employees were told virtually all their jobs were being cut
Today HHS sent staff emails saying the cuts are being reversed. But it's unclear if they went to everyone, and HHS hasn't explained
Today HHS sent staff emails saying the cuts are being reversed. But it's unclear if they went to everyone, and HHS hasn't explained
Every N95 mask — along with masks required for doctors, miners and firefighters in the US — was certified at a government-run lab in PA
Because of cuts at HHS, employees are preparing for it to shutter in June
"This is so important, we just feel there’s no way this can be real,” said one employee
Because of cuts at HHS, employees are preparing for it to shutter in June
"This is so important, we just feel there’s no way this can be real,” said one employee
Federal cuts threaten to close Pennsylvania lab that certifies N95s and other respirators in June • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The lab has halted almost all of its regular work and is preparing to shut down in June. That’s because of the most recent announcement of layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
penncapital-star.com
April 17, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Every N95 mask — along with masks required for doctors, miners and firefighters in the US — was certified at a government-run lab in PA
Because of cuts at HHS, employees are preparing for it to shutter in June
"This is so important, we just feel there’s no way this can be real,” said one employee
Because of cuts at HHS, employees are preparing for it to shutter in June
"This is so important, we just feel there’s no way this can be real,” said one employee
Thread:
There's a lot of people trying to paint Cody Balmer as a liberal, conservative, antisemite, etc.
Don't listen. It's early and hard to say anything. What is available shows contradictory & messy politics
But there are some patterns in his FB posts, which I've looked at back to 2014
1/
There's a lot of people trying to paint Cody Balmer as a liberal, conservative, antisemite, etc.
Don't listen. It's early and hard to say anything. What is available shows contradictory & messy politics
But there are some patterns in his FB posts, which I've looked at back to 2014
1/
April 14, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Thread:
There's a lot of people trying to paint Cody Balmer as a liberal, conservative, antisemite, etc.
Don't listen. It's early and hard to say anything. What is available shows contradictory & messy politics
But there are some patterns in his FB posts, which I've looked at back to 2014
1/
There's a lot of people trying to paint Cody Balmer as a liberal, conservative, antisemite, etc.
Don't listen. It's early and hard to say anything. What is available shows contradictory & messy politics
But there are some patterns in his FB posts, which I've looked at back to 2014
1/
Scott Perry, who's praised DOGE and boosted Musk's fraud claims, said he hasn't been shown the receipts.
"I have a personal frustration, and we have asked, ‘Let’s see the details ... I know there’s a website ... But we have to put that in a frame of reference."
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
"I have a personal frustration, and we have asked, ‘Let’s see the details ... I know there’s a website ... But we have to put that in a frame of reference."
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
After weeks of demand, Congressman Scott Perry holds a town hall — over the phone • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
After weeks of demand. GOP Congressman Scott Perry hold a town hall -- over the phone.
penncapital-star.com
April 3, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Scott Perry, who's praised DOGE and boosted Musk's fraud claims, said he hasn't been shown the receipts.
"I have a personal frustration, and we have asked, ‘Let’s see the details ... I know there’s a website ... But we have to put that in a frame of reference."
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
"I have a personal frustration, and we have asked, ‘Let’s see the details ... I know there’s a website ... But we have to put that in a frame of reference."
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
"PA is the darling of the cannabis industry," an insider said, because it's more or less a blank slate.
CO, IL, MI, etc. face "marijuana recessions," equity program failures and market monopolization, all impacted by their laws' fine print.
Can PA be different?
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
CO, IL, MI, etc. face "marijuana recessions," equity program failures and market monopolization, all impacted by their laws' fine print.
Can PA be different?
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
Can Pennsylvania craft the perfect cannabis law? • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Will this be the year Pennsylvania lawmakers craft a recreational cannabis law?
penncapital-star.com
January 23, 2025 at 9:13 PM
"PA is the darling of the cannabis industry," an insider said, because it's more or less a blank slate.
CO, IL, MI, etc. face "marijuana recessions," equity program failures and market monopolization, all impacted by their laws' fine print.
Can PA be different?
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
CO, IL, MI, etc. face "marijuana recessions," equity program failures and market monopolization, all impacted by their laws' fine print.
Can PA be different?
penncapital-star.com/government-p...
Happy farm show to all who celebrate
January 8, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Happy farm show to all who celebrate
Reposted by Ian Karbal
I have no idea why this story isn't bylined, because someone did a terrific job on it.
www.unionprogress.com/2024/12/19/b...
www.unionprogress.com/2024/12/19/b...
John R. Block expresses frustration with PG bargaining team, suggests 'we should try something different' - Pittsburgh Union Progress
Post-Gazette publisher and co-owner John Robinson Block spent about an hour with a striking PG worker and the Pittsburgh Labor Choir on Wednesday night. It was an unexpected twist to an evening origin...
www.unionprogress.com
December 20, 2024 at 3:52 PM
I have no idea why this story isn't bylined, because someone did a terrific job on it.
www.unionprogress.com/2024/12/19/b...
www.unionprogress.com/2024/12/19/b...
Reposted by Ian Karbal
Drugmakers including Purdue Pharma paid middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers to not restrict painkiller prescriptions, a New York Times investigation has found. nyti.ms/3ZCBEQR
December 17, 2024 at 4:48 PM
Drugmakers including Purdue Pharma paid middlemen known as pharmacy benefit managers to not restrict painkiller prescriptions, a New York Times investigation has found. nyti.ms/3ZCBEQR
I'm looking at all your Spotify wraps and we need a music algorithm that's like 2019 youtube. Subliminally pushing increasingly radical content.
December 6, 2024 at 6:13 PM
I'm looking at all your Spotify wraps and we need a music algorithm that's like 2019 youtube. Subliminally pushing increasingly radical content.
A new PA recreational cannabis bill proposes state-owned dispensaries run by an expanded Liquor Control Board.
Sponsors Frankel and Krajewski have been studying legalization for a while and their suggestions carry some weight. But it's likely to see opposition.
penncapital-star.com/cannabis/pen...
Sponsors Frankel and Krajewski have been studying legalization for a while and their suggestions carry some weight. But it's likely to see opposition.
penncapital-star.com/cannabis/pen...
Pa. cannabis legalization bill to propose state-run dispensaries with room for private businesses • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The bill outlines a model that would see cannabis sold in state-owned stores like liquor, while making room for private businesses in other parts of the industry.
penncapital-star.com
December 4, 2024 at 11:29 PM
A new PA recreational cannabis bill proposes state-owned dispensaries run by an expanded Liquor Control Board.
Sponsors Frankel and Krajewski have been studying legalization for a while and their suggestions carry some weight. But it's likely to see opposition.
penncapital-star.com/cannabis/pen...
Sponsors Frankel and Krajewski have been studying legalization for a while and their suggestions carry some weight. But it's likely to see opposition.
penncapital-star.com/cannabis/pen...
Reposted by Ian Karbal
Th Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter have been on strike for 2 years, and negotiations was recently halted after a union leader threw a chair at the wall of a conference room and was charged with a misdemeanor. Wild this hasn’t gotten more national press! penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...
The strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now the longest in the nation. And it's not over. • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The strike by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette journalists began in October 2022. It’s now the longest ongoing strike in the country.
penncapital-star.com
December 3, 2024 at 2:06 AM
Th Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter have been on strike for 2 years, and negotiations was recently halted after a union leader threw a chair at the wall of a conference room and was charged with a misdemeanor. Wild this hasn’t gotten more national press! penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...
Whatever you've heard about the strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the reality is more complicated.
I spent months speaking to people on all sides of it. It's an important story that journalists, labor folks and Pennsylvanians should be paying attention to.
penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...
I spent months speaking to people on all sides of it. It's an important story that journalists, labor folks and Pennsylvanians should be paying attention to.
penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...
The strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is now the longest in the nation. And it's not over. • Pennsylvania Capital-Star
The strike by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette journalists began in October 2022. It’s now the longest ongoing strike in the country.
penncapital-star.com
December 3, 2024 at 7:53 PM
Whatever you've heard about the strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the reality is more complicated.
I spent months speaking to people on all sides of it. It's an important story that journalists, labor folks and Pennsylvanians should be paying attention to.
penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...
I spent months speaking to people on all sides of it. It's an important story that journalists, labor folks and Pennsylvanians should be paying attention to.
penncapital-star.com/labor/the-st...