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🗞️ Headlines. Fetterman says Democrats lack leadership AI political ads are here. The AI boom has plunged a tiny Pennsylvania town into chaos. The Scranton women are looking to end NYU’s 91-game winning streak.
🎶 Your morning, pick me up. CBS Basketball Theme. Barry Morganstein
Weather in Pennsylvania
🌤️ Ligonier | Mostly gloomy, 52
☀️ Three sources | Cloudy, 52
🌥️ Basket | Mostly gloomy, 48
Sports PA
🏀 Sixes (37-32) | Thu in Sacramento
🏒 Leaflets (32-23-12) | Anaheim 3-2 (OT) | Thu in Los Angeles
🏒 Penguins (34-18-16) | Karolina 5-6 (OT) | Saturday vs. Winnipeg
⚽ Union (0-0-4) | Club America 1-1 | I was based in Chicago
🏀 U. of Scranton (31-0) | Thu vs. NYU (NCAA DIII Women’s Semifinals)
🔈 What we hear. The Working Families Party and a coalition of allied political groups will announce Thursday that they are endorsing the state of Philadelphia Rep. Chris Rabb for PA-03.
💬 Tips. PoliticsPA is Pennsylvania’s leading source of unbiased political news and analysis. Tips and press releases can be submitted [email protected].
📕 PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here.
The most essential story
1. Fetterman says Democrats lack a leader, says the party is driven by Trump disorder syndrome
“Democratic Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania said during an appearance on the “All-In Podcast” that the Democratic Party has no leader, but then expressed the opinion that “TDS” controls the party.
The senator suggested that Trump “could go out for ice cream and lazy Sundays, and now suddenly Democrats would hate it. We’d like to pass it.” | Fox News
Elsewhere
Fetterman’s support for Trump’s war with Iran has inflamed criticism like never before. “Sen. John Fetterman has frustrated other Democrats for some time, but his support for President Donald Trump’s war on Iran has galvanized his critics like never before.” | PennLive
Following Trump, Republicans in Congress are proposing a ban on most mail-in voting. “Conservatives urge an end to this practice immediately, focusing on an option widely used by voters.” | New York Times
The Court will hear arguments in a case that could have a significant impact on the 2026 elections. “The Supreme Court will begin its March session by hearing a case that could have serious consequences for the 2026 elections and beyond. Watson v. Republican National Committeejudges will decide whether federal law requires not only that voters cast their ballots by Election Day, but also that election officials receive ballots by then.” | SCOTUSblog
Country
2. AI political ads are here, and a Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to make sure voters know about it
“Campaigns often exaggerate political ads, but as the election season begins in Pennsylvania, voters may not even know whether what they’re watching even happened.
In trying to touch all aspects of society, artificial intelligence has not left politics alone. In fact, a recent survey by the American Association of Political Consultants found that more than 80% of its members who participated in the survey said they utilize AI in their work. One third said they utilize it every day abc27
Elsewhere
PA-03: Oxman suspends campaign; He supports Stanford’s nomination. “Dr. Dave Oxman announced Wednesday that he is suspending his campaign for the Democratic nomination in the 3rd Congressional District and is lending his support to fellow physician Al Stanford.” | PoliticsPA
Lanco Commissioner Josh Parsons Named Most Dangerous Election Denyer in Pennsylvania. “Ahead of the midterm elections, All Voting is Local released a list of the 10 most dangerous voter deniers in America, including Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons, who they called “Pennsylvania’s most dangerous voter denier.” PoliticsPA
PUC seeks $2.57 million from utilities over deadly 2023 chocolate factory explosion in Berks County. “The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission has filed a formal complaint alleging UGI violated multiple state and federal laws related to pipeline safety and is seeking civil penalties of $2.57 million – the maximum allowed under federal law – for a fatal accident at the RM Palmer Company plant in West Reading.” | Penn Capital Star
Around the Republic of Poland
3. The artificial intelligence boom has plunged a tiny Pennsylvania town into chaos
“Data centers will eat up 14 per cent of Archbald, evict caravans and border many residential properties. Who is to blame is the subject of fierce debate.
Pennsylvania has become the epicenter of the U.S. data center boom, with more than 50 campuses under construction. Eleven of them will go to Lackawanna County alone. Archbald, with six campuses made up of 51 massive buildings, has the most of any municipality in Pennsylvania. | Milling
Elsewhere
Voters in a key Pennsylvania swing district are speaking out about Trump, gas prices and the Iran war. “NBC News spoke to voters at a gas station in the 10th District, an area that will be key for Republicans to win the midterms if they hope to maintain control of a majority in the House.” | NBC News
Habeas filings are skyrocketing in Western Pennsylvania amid a surge in immigrant detentions. “Immigrant wrongful arrest claims have increased 2,200% since January 2025.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper
The arrest of the former mayor of Gettysburg in connection with a child sex case hinders the functioning of the organizations he founded. “As a key leadership figure in Gettysburg faces allegations of child sex crimes, the organizations associated with him must deal with the fallout and rebuild trust in the community they serve. Chad-Alan Carr, 48, mayor of Gettysburg, announced his resignation on March 5, just two months after starting his job.” | PennLive
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
1 item
5. Final Four Family: U. of Scranton’s tight-knit women’s basketball team hopes to win national title this weekend
“Beyond skill, perseverance and speed, members of the undefeated University of Scranton women’s basketball team say there is something else that sets them apart.
“We are so close,” he said Kaeli Romanowskisenior ranger from Wayne County. “It’s like you’re having fun with your families, your sisters. So we’re just having fun with it.”
On Thursday, this “family” plays two-time defending national champion New York University in the Division III Final Four in Salem, Virginia. The winner of the match on Saturday will play for the national championship.” | WVIA
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