/*! elementor – v3.23.0 – 05-08-2024 */ .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff} .elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:clear}.elementor-widget-text-editor: not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px} .elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px }.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:line-block}

Happy Wednesday. May it be a wonderful day.

Pennsylvania Weather

Hershey | Rain, 79

Somerset | Showers, 77

Bensalem | Cloudy, 77

Did you know? Only nine percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed said they were “excited” about AI. Nearly a third of those surveyed said they were “concerned” about AI, up 29%.

“Of course, there are set survey questions that people answer, but there are also ongoing conversations [while being surveyed] and they said there was a sort of fear of a ‘Machine Rise,'” Westcott said. (Learn more)

The best story

1. Kamala Harris makes her first appearance with Running Mate Walz

“Vice President Kamala Harris held a rally in Philadelphia Tuesday night in her first official appearance with her new vice presidential running mate, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Harris said she found a “fighter” and a “patriot” in Walz.

“Pennsylvania, I am here today because I have found such a leader,” she said. “Governor Tim Walz of the great state of Minnesota.”

Harris announced Walz would be her Democratic vice presidential running mate just hours before the rally.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro was also considered for the role, but that didn’t stop him from appearing on stage to campaign for Harris and Walz…” (Central Square)

Country

2. Harris’ Risk: Win Pennsylvania Without Shapiro

“… Until Harris’ one-on-one interviews this weekend, Shapiro was widely considered a leading vice presidential candidate because of his unique appeal in Pennsylvania, the most important swing state on the map.

If Pennsylvania fails to win 19 electoral votes, Harris might need to win the key swing states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, Arizona and Georgia to win the election.

By bypassing Shapiro, Harris is signaling that she and her team believe they can win Pennsylvania without him on the ticket — and that ultimately, party unity, governing experience and personal relationships were her priorities, not raw political math. (Axial)

campaigns

3. Pennsylvania voters weigh in as Gov. Josh Shapiro fails to win vice presidential nomination

“It would be nice, it would be a good choice, but it is what it is,” said Juan Guzman of Scranton.

“It’s a little disappointing because he was a good governor,” said Shawn Merritt of the Poconos.

Some voters believe Shapiro’s name on the ballot would assist in the key swing state of Pennsylvania.

“With 65 percent of the vote, I think he could help her win the state. But unfortunately, that’s not going to happen,” said Mark Scott of Scranton… (WNEP)

Editorial

4. What do you mean

• What Pennsylvania’s $47.6 billion budget does for the state’s rural communities. (Marley Parish)
• Pennsylvania lawmakers moonlight as lawyers, real estate agents and even a pilot. Supporters say it’s a conflict of interest. (Sarah Nicell)
• The group recommends moving beyond “information bubbles” to combat bias. (Lauren Jessop)
• The recent state budget promotes pro-development policy. (Senator Scott Martin)

1 thing for vacation

5. Lawmakers Push to Expand Happy Hour in Pennsylvania

“State lawmakers are considering an amendment to Pennsylvania’s liquor code that would allow bars to offer extended happy hours statewide.

If Bill 829 becomes law, happy hour will be extended by 10 hours per week.

The bill was initiated by the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association.” (FOX43)

Thank you for starting your morning with us.
Please invite your friends
to subscribe to the PoliticsPA handbook