🥱 Monday. This is the 119th day of the state budget impasse
🗞️ In today’s Guide. McCormick defends Trump’s controversial moves. AP Democrats Propose Compromise on Cyber Card Tuition Pittsburgh voters expect recent leadership. Happy sporting equinox
🎶 Your morning pick-me-up. I can’t take my eyes off you. Frankie Valli
Weather in Pennsylvania
☀️Pittsburgh | Sunny, 61
☀️Harriburg | Sunny, 59
☀️ Philadelphia | Sunny, 59
Sports PA
🏈 Eagles (6-2) | NY Giants 38-20 | November 10 in Green Bay
🏈 Steelers (4-3) | Zielona Zatoka 25-35 | Sun vs. Indianapolis
🏈 Pitt (6-2) | NC State 53-34 | I was at Stanford
🏈 Temple (5-3) | Tulsa 38-37 (OT) | Saturday vs. East Carolina
🏈 Penn State (3-4) | I was based at Ohio State
⚽ Unia (MLS Quarterfinal) | Chicago 2-2 (PK: 4-2) | Saturday vs. Chicago
🏀 Sixers (2-0) | Apple pie 125-121 | Pon vs. Orlando
🏒 Flyers (4-3-1) | New York Islanders 4-3 (YES) | Tuesday vs. Pittsburgh
🏒 Penguins (6-2-1) | Columbus 4-5 (YES) | Tuesday in Philadelphia
📅 What’s happening today. House of Representatives, 12:00 | State Senate, 1:00
🗞️ How to play. “How Trump Cut Through D.C. Bureaucracy to Win the White House Ballroom” (Wall Street Journal)
📰 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 vital story
1. McCormick defends Trump’s controversial moves and praises Fetterman over continued shutdown
“Republican Senator David McCormick defended Donald Trump in a occasional interview, he talked about the latest controversial moves, including the president’s request for $230 million from the Justice Department to pay legal bills, the demolition of the East Wing of the White House and his party’s handling of the government shutdown.
He also compared Democrats to “terrorists” in the tense standoff over reopening the government – though he later changed his mind.
But the Pennsylvania freshman, who won the seat by about 15,000 votes last fall, sings a different song when it comes to his former political rival Senator John Fetterman” (CNN)
Elsewhere
Focus Groups: Pennsylvania Voters Encourage Replacing Fetterman. “Senator John Fetterman has been at loggerheads with some Democrats over his softened stance on President Trump, but a majority of Pennsylvania swing voters in our latest Engagious/Sago groups view him more favorably.” (Axios Philadelphia)
How the bombing of his home changed Josh Shapiro. “In the interview, Pennsylvania’s governor provided his most detailed account of the April attack and how he is dealing with its aftermath.” (New York Times)
Black Americans and Latinos feel alienated in Trump’s America: survey. “Nearly two-thirds of Americans think the United States is heading in the wrong direction, fueled by dissatisfaction with Trump’s impact on the economy and immigration, according to a poll by the nonpartisan Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) and the Brookings Institution.” (Axles)
Country
2. Democrats Propose Compromise on Cyber Card Tuition Amid AP Budget Impasse
“In the face of ongoing budget impasse, Democratic House lawmakers have proposed a compromise to Republicans that sees public online schools as a lifesaver for parents whose children are not doing well in established schools.
14 taxpayer-funded Community Cybersecurity Cards have come under scrutiny for soaring bank balances and questionable spending in a funding system that hasn’t been updated since online cards were allowed a quarter of a century ago.Penn Capital Star)
Elsewhere
Abortion access in the spotlight as conservatives look to flip the PA Supreme Court. “Democrats and health advocates focus on reproductive rights while conservatives take aim at PA Supreme Court.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Mastriano’s governor’s bid still on the table, sharply criticizes GOP as Garrity battles Shapiro. “As State Treasurer Stacy Garrity intensifies her campaign to replace Gov. Josh Shapiro – who has yet to announce a 2026 re-election bid – another Republican voice in Harrisburg continues to criticize not only the Democratic governor, but also the state GOP.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
7 Charges in 2024 Pennsylvania Voter Registration Fraud That Prosecutors Say Was Motivated by Money. “An ongoing investigation into suspected fraudulent voter registration forms filed before last year’s presidential election led Friday to criminal charges against six street canvassers and the man who directed their work in Pennsylvania.” (AP)
PA Construction Industry Facing Slowdown: ‘I’ve Experienced Nothing Different’. “Central Pa. builders like Greg Harris say the combination of higher interest rates and rising material prices, inflation and economic uncertainty has led to delays and, in some cases, a downturn in the construction industry.” (PennLive)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. At a critical time for the city, Pittsburgh voters expect recent leadership as the election approaches
“The winner of the November 4 mayoral election will be tasked with balancing these wide-ranging needs while trying to effectively and efficiently deliver city services despite critical funding gaps, while also selling Pittsburgh to outsiders who may want to relocate their operations here.
Looming above these competing demands is the Washington administration, which has clashed with cities across the country as Democratic voters demanded their local leaders fight back against President Donald Trump politics.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Elsewhere
Municipal Elections 101: Voters in Pa. in November. will elect district prosecutors in 17 districts. “On November 4, voters in 17 Pennsylvania counties, including Philadelphia, will elect district attorneys responsible for prosecuting crimes and directing law enforcement in their communities.” (PA State College Spotlight)
Mastriano wants to bar Pennsylvania colleges from enforcing strict vaccine mandates. “A Pennsylvania senator says the government should restrict colleges and universities in the commonwealth from issuing vaccine mandates to their students, arguing there are other ways to prevent the spread of disease on campus.” (Erie Times-News)
Chermak and Sacco plan to remove Gaughan as chairman of the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners. “Lackawanna County Commissioners Chris Chermak and Brenda Sacco plan to oust Commissioner Bill Gaughan as chairman of the Board of Commissioners on Monday.” (WVIA)
Mayoral candidates want broader benefits for the city from the NFL draft. “Welcoming the 2026 NFL Draft festivities to Pittsburgh next spring will be a good thing for the region, but the two candidates eager to take over city government in January say they want to make sure it is more than just a big party on the North Shore.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
1 item
5. Happy sports equinox
“Sports superstars headline this year’s sports equinox, the day when major sports including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL are scheduled to play.
Between the lines: Fans can tune in Shohei Ohtani on a plate, Patrick Mahomes on the grill, Sidney Crosby on ice or Steph Curry on the court.” (Axles)
Thank you for starting your week with us.
Last week of October. Do it right.
