✔️ Midway Sign. Good morning Wednesday.
🗞️ In today’s Guide. A high-stakes Pennsylvania retention election. A man confesses to attempted murder and setting a firebomb in the governor’s residence. AP Public Schools are pleading with lawmakers to end the budget impasse. The great soda remix
🎶 Your morning pick-me-up. Rise of the evil moon. Creedence Clearwater Revival
Weather in Pennsylvania
🌥️New Castle | Shrinking clouds, 66
☀️Waynesboro | Mostly sunlit, 68
🌤️ Wilkes-Barre | Becoming solar, 62
Sports PA
🏒 Flyers (1-1-1) | Thu vs. Winnipeg
🏒 Penguins (2-2) | Anaheim 3-4 | Thu in Los Angeles
🔊 What we hear. “This is not a big, sexy presidential election.” Laura Pannell he said. “You won’t hear campaign ads everywhere and you won’t be bombarded with them. But it’s important because that’s where your local taxes go. And it affects your everyday life.”
📰 PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
The most critical story
1. Pennsylvania’s high-stakes retention election
“Next month, all eyes will be on the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, with both seen as classic frontrunners for the 2026 midterm elections. But in recent weeks, the priority for both parties has become the next November election, which could have major ramifications for 2028 and beyond.
Three Democratic members of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will be on the ballot in the off-year general election that drew more than $8 million in advertising spending and attracted attention from high-profile Democrats across the country.
The parties see the race as key to the redistricting fight after the 2030 census, and both are preparing for potential critically swing election trials that could be decided by a court.” (POLICY)
Elsewhere
National parties are investing in these “dream” Pennsylvania retention elections. “Pennsylvania voters could change the balance on the state Supreme Court in three retention elections this November that have drawn national attention and multimillion-dollar spending. “This is one of the most critical races in the country that no one is talking about,” Malcolm Kenyatta, vice chairman of the Democratic National Committee, told NOTUS.” (known)
How often do AP members of Congress agree with Trump’s policies? Trump’s voting report has the answers. “Two congressional Republicans from central Pennsylvania have earned this distinction by consistently voting for policies supported by President Donald Trump.” (PennLive)
Senator McCormick calls on Pennsylvania to join the School Choice program. “U.S. Senator Dave McCormick joined school choice advocates in Pittsburgh on Tuesday to urge Pennsylvania to join a federal program designed to provide financial aid to eligible students.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
What is worth knowing about the “No Kings” protests of October 18. “No Kings protest organizers expect millions to gather across the country on Saturday, October 18, for an event that Republican lawmakers are condemning as “hate America rallies.”Axles)
Country
2. Harrisburg man pleads guilty to attempted murder and arson at Governor’s Mansion
“Cody BalmerHarrisburg resident accused of planting a firebomb at the governor’s mansion in April this year Governor Josh Shapirohis family and guests slept inside, pleaded guilty to attempted murder and had his terrorism sentence increased on Tuesday.
Balmer, 38, will serve a total sentence of 25 to 50 years. He will be eligible for parole in 2050, when he will be 63 years ancient. Balmer said he planned to kill Shapiro with a hammer he was carrying when he broke into the residence.
All 22 people at the residence, including Shapiro, his family and Passover guests, were safely evacuated. Everyone was asleep except for two state troopers who were on guard duty. (Penn Capital Star)
Elsewhere
Shapiro says his family is still dealing with the effects of the arson and supports the settlement. “Governor Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that surveillance videos of an arsonist attempting to kill a family have “haunted me for months” and left him with “an enormous sense of guilt” as he tried to explain the incident to his children.”(PennLive)
How three justices of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled on the most critical cases when they voted. “A look at how Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justices Kevin Dougherty, Christine Donohue and David Wecht ruled on some of the most important cases during their tenure on the state’s highest court.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Five years after trying to aid Trump, Fulton County, Pennsylvania, is facing stiff penalties. “This case provides a lesson for local officials who file requests for third-party access to their voting machines.” (Vote for Pennsylvania)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Pennsylvania Public Schools, $3 Billion Short of State Payments, Plead with Lawmakers to End Budget Impasse
“Public schools across Pennsylvania have missed more than $3 billion in state payments, forcing the state’s 500 school districts to take out billions in loans, spend in reserves or lay off employees as the state’s budget impasse continues into its fourth month.
A coalition of eight statewide school organizations held a news conference Tuesday calling on lawmakers in the state General Assembly to reach a compromise budget as soon as possible and sounding the alarm that most school districts can’t wait any longer.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
The financial problems for many PA providers will continue after the budget impasse ends. “Pennsylvania made $40 million in frozen cash during budget impasse. But won’t pass on interest to providers once the funds are released.” (PA reflector)
A leaked secret survey reveals what Philadelphia lawmakers think about judges running for office. “The Philadelphia Bar Association has declined to recommend five judges seeking re-election. Confidential responses to surveys by hundreds of lawyers reveal harsh criticism of some members of the bench.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Pittsburgh’s city solicitor will step down. “Pittsburgh City Attorney Krysia Kubiak will step down next week, Mayor Ed Gainey’s office announced Tuesday morning. Ms. Kubiak, one of Mr. Gainey’s first appointees, will lead the city’s legal department beginning in 2022.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Forward Party endorses Pat Dugan for Philly DA. “The Dugan campaign told Axios exclusively that the centrist coalition would provide field canvassing, phone banking and additional media support.” (Axios Philadelphia)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
1 item
5. The great soda remix
Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are shaking up the soda market to attract younger, more selective drinkers.
Why it matters: Americans’ interest in soda has waned in recent years, and soda giants are trying to lure them back with smaller portions and TikTok-compatible flavors.
Brands care about customers who view soda as a delicacy rather than a staple. Smaller, cheaper packaging attracts curious customers and helps balance health perceptions. Social media-driven flavors like “dirty soda” are driving Gen Z to the fridge. (Axles)
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