This article was produced by Capital and principal. It has been republished here with permission.

In Archbald, a district carved out of aged anthracite land northeast of Scranton, data centers are being built on the same blighted land that coal companies dug up and abandoned generations ago, becoming a barometer of voter sentiment as Pennsylvanians decide who to support in November.

Kelsey Pazanski Wargoa registered nurse who lives less than 400 acres from the proposed 400-acre data center elaborate wrote in a text message that she had a basic test for the politicians running the construction: “Will NOT vote for anyone who hasn’t spoken out against them.”

One hundred miles south in Skippack, health care advocate Peg Eitl – who didn’t just vote Governor Josh Shapiro in 2022, but she was courting him and claims to have been registered as both a Democrat and a Republican in the past – she made her own statement.

“I respect and appreciate many of his policies,” she said, “but I will NOT vote for him unless he insists on a moratorium,” adding that she would not vote for his Republican opponent, Stacy Garrityor.

No woman is an exception. This was shown by a Muhlenberg College study conducted in March 64% of adults in Pennsylvania view data centers as a crisis or problem. Anger over data center projects and skyrocketing utility bills he dragged the state’s long-fought fight over its energy future – natural gas vs. renewables, mining vs. regulation – from committee rooms to the center of the governor’s race.

Nationally, support for data centers has declined over the past eight months. In December, 42% of U.S. voters opposed building data centers in or near their communities, according to an Emerson College poll. your latest survey conducted at the end of July, this number increased to 63%. The bipartisan wave of opposition to data centers has included environmental issues — such as massive water apply for cooling, high demand for electricity straining local grids, and air pollution from backup generators — which has become a way for people across the political spectrum to discuss controversial topics like climate change.

“I think this is the first year in Pennsylvania that data centers have become an extremely significant issue,” he said Chris Borickprofessor of political science at Lehigh University, citing crowds at local meetings, protests and polls. “Data centers, in particular, were among the most important issues this year,” he said, bringing together the most crucial issue in voters’ minds: affordability.

Shapiro and Garrity, state treasurer, offer competing visionsand each says their plan will make energy more affordable.

Garrity, speaking before the Marcellus Shale Coalition in Hershey in June, promised an agenda focused primarily on natural gas: removing barriers to drilling, expediting permits for pipelines and power plants, and rolling back renewable energy and efficiency mandates. In a statement to Spotlight PA in early July, Garrity stated that she opposed the “clean energy mandate” included in the state’s data center legislation. “We need to take advantage of the abundant natural gas resources under our feet, which currently account for 60 percent of our global energy supply [the] electricity generation in the Commonwealth,” she said.

Shapiro’s evolution is a story in itself. Started out as a data center specialist – “I’m heartened to know that thanks to Amazon, the future of artificial intelligence will be right here in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania” he said in June 2025 following the announcement that the tech giant would invest $20 billion to build two data center campuses in Bucks and Luzerne counties. But it has changed since thenissuing proposed standards in June that would require data centers to power at least 32% of their operations with tidy energy and sign community benefit agreements in exchange for existing tax breaks.

“We must choose the projects that are built here,” he said in his February speech to the General Assembly.

Tap dancing has its own logic. “It’s fun to watch them try to balance positions on Pennsylvania’s importance as a leader in artificial intelligence,” Borick said, “while still being aware that this is a dangerous issue among the electorate right now.”

Blocked accounts

Recently, Shapiro leads Garrity 50% to 28%. Franklin & Marshall College Survey — well beyond the margin of error — the sharper question may be what Shapiro’s second term will actually deliver. The answer lies in the state Senate.

HB 1834which passed the House in March, would ensure that the Public Utility Commission controls data center connection costs so that they are not passed on to ratepayers. Its main sponsor, a Democrat Representative Robert Matzie from Beaver County, he called it “at the heart of the Data Center Payer Protection Act.” His legislation included a provision aimed at skeptics: a data center could still get 90% of its electricity from fossil fuels, and its initial tidy energy demand of 10% could be met with nuclear power, which already provides 40% of Pennsylvania’s mix. It didn’t matter. It was adopted by a majority of 104 to 95, with every “no” vote being a Republican, and since March 31 he has been a member of the Senate committee.

Companion bill sponsored by Representative Paul Friel passed 201-1 and banned data centers from seeking public utility status – no local zoning preemption, no eminent domain.

Katie Blumepolitical director of Conservation Voters of PA, said the consensus in polls is striking: People may not want data centers next door, “but if they’re going to come here, they want it regulated.

“Pennsylvania now has a chance to do what we didn’t do with fracking,” she added, as the debate split between pro and con, “but everyone forgot about really strong regulations to protect workers, our communities and the environment.”

Blume suspects Republicans in the state Senate are participating in the same poll.

“We’re seeing people in the Senate introducing a bunch of bills to regulate data centers, whereas a year ago they were introducing bills to welcome them with open arms and get rid of the regulations,” she said. “People get angry when rich corporations show up.”

Burned earlier

Public reaction to data centers has led to the formation of the usual coalitions.

Construction unions, which have long worked with tech companies to organize workers and have been allied with Democrats, are “full-frontal” on data centers, Lehigh University’s Borick said, “which makes for strange bedfellows,” while MAGA voters and progressives have rarely found unanimity in opposing data center projects on the grounds that they allow wealthy outside interests to profit at local expense. Found a survey from last fall approximately 61% of adults in Pennsylvania believes data centers will likely create recent jobs in the state, but Borick expresses skepticism that those jobs will be long-term.

“Where I grew up in Scranton, there’s a big data center area in the northern part of the valley — old mining areas, places that have been hit hard over the years,” Borick said. “People have been skeptical of energy interests from the beginning. They’ve been burned a few times. There’s this kind of simmering skepticism in Pennsylvania about when an industry comes in, takes it, and then leaves a lot of problems in its wake.”

Garrity has tried to change that scenario in Homer City, where a former coal plant is being converted into energy data centers, which she says is proof that rural brownfields can benefit.

“The community is really improving. There will be new housing, there will be new jobs.” – she told reporters during a listening session at a data center in Montgomery County in June, while acknowledging that some residents “are not entirely happy with it.”

The stakes extend beyond the governor’s mansion. Pennsylvania has a divided legislature, with Republicans controlling the Senate and Democrats controlling the House. Both chambers are at stake in November, along with four congressional seats that Democrats have picked up in the fight for the U.S. House of Representatives. A largely unnamed climate looms over it all – what Borick called a policy pursued “in secret.”

Pennsylvanians are among the tens of millions of Americans in the Midwest and East Coast this summer survived the heatwave scientists said yes “virtually impossible” no global warming; In Philadelphia, the temperature reached 103 degrees canceled the Fourth of July parade. A record number of Pennsylvanians were identified earlier this year climate change as a crisiswith 44% of Pennsylvania adults now believing we are in a crisis, an enhance of 15 points from 2023.

According to Blume, public anger over rising utility bills fueled by data centers is not a distraction from climate policy – ​​quite the contrary. “It’s hard to think about things like climate change when it seems so existential at times,” she said. “But when utility bills go up or you have a data center that says, ‘I’ll take all your water,’ environmental issues become much more tangible to voters.”

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Copyright 2026 Capital & Main

Today is Garba Day.

Headlines. McCormick on Iran, allowing reforms, and his Fetterman Bonds. NEPA Representatives Support the Baker Bill on Murder. How the threat from an ICE detention center spurred a coal town in Trump Country. Utz will go private.

Your morning, pick me up. Who are you. WHO

Weather in Pennsylvania
Pittsburg | Shrinking clouds, 76
Harriburg | Mostly bright, 83
Philadelphia | Partly bright, 86

Sports PA
Phillies (56-46, 3GB, +3.5GB WC) | Los Angeles Dodgers 1-2 | Wednesday vs. LA Dodgers
Pirates (52-49, 11 GB, – GB WC) | NY Yankees ppd | Wednesday at NY Yankees (2)
Union (1W, 3D, 11L) | Wednesday vs. NY Red Bulls

What’s happening today. The AP House meets at noon for a non-voting session. The US Senate will vote in favor of this resolution at 2:00 p.m Antonio M. Pozos nomination as judge of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

What we hear. Senator David McCormick is in line to take the gavel of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress.

Voices of reason. In the latest episode of Voices of Reason, PoliticsPA’s Steve Ulrich and his guests discuss the integrity of the elections. What does election integrity mean to you? Is an ID document required to vote? Does he make sure non-citizens don’t vote? Do you want the government to have Pennsylvania voter rolls? Mercer County Elections Director Thad Hall and the Committee of 70 Senior Advisors on Electoral Administration Benyo Team will share their thoughts on absentee ballots, the SAVE Act, and more.

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.

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The most vital story

1. McCormick on Iran, its reform permit, and its Fetterman bond

“Like many successful senators, Dave McCormick he honed his knowledge on a few side issues – in his case, U.S. dominance in energy and enabling reforms. We talked about whether Congress can actually pass reforms that free up energy development, which has now been stalled for three years and counting, and how the war in Iran affects those goals.

In addition, he boasted about his unique relationship with Senator John Fettermanand I got very livid when I asked him about it President Trump primetime chatter about election security.” | Puck

Elsewhere

Fetterman joins colleagues on reintroducing the federal marijuana legalization bill. “U.S. Senator John Fetterman and his Senate Democratic colleagues have reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, comprehensive legislation that would end harmful federal cannabis prohibition by removing cannabis from the list of federally controlled substances and allowing states to create their own regulations.” | PoliticsPA

Former Governor AP Corbett, co-author of a column criticizing other Republicans’ SAVE Act. “Corbett wrote a column with former U.S. Republican Reid Ribble of Wisconsin for Time magazine. It was shared with Yahoo! News this month after President Donald Trump refused to sign a housing bill until Congress passed the SAVE Act.” | PennLive

Thune says the GOP would welcome Fetterman if he left the Democratic Party. “Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said Tuesday that Republicans would welcome Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) to their caucus if the independent lawmaker decides to leave the Democratic Party.” | Washington Examiner

What you need to know about the PA-07 spending race ahead of 2018. “National Republicans and Democrats are treating PA-7 as a top-flight race four months before the general election begins.” | Lehigh Valley Public Media

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Country

2. NEPA Advocates Support the Baker Bill on Murder

“A contingent of district attorneys and lawmakers from across northeastern Pennsylvania gathered at the Luzerne County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon to rally behind legislation that would change the state’s murder sentencing framework as a deadline imposed by the state Supreme Court approaches.

Last month, the state Senate passed a state-sponsored bill Senator Lisa Baker this would respond to the court’s ruling and allow for a sentence of 35 years to life for second-degree murder. But the bill has not yet been approved by the House.” | Voice of Citizens

Elsewhere

Shapiro highlights the Commonwealth’s startups and innovation network in Philadelphia. “In a speech in Philadelphia, Governor Josh Shapiro highlighted investments in innovation as part of the 2026-2027 budget, including $125 million to create the “Innovation in PA 2.0″ program.” | PolitykaPA

Doug Mastriano’s bid for ambassador to Slovakia is in doubt after a senator threatens to stop the vote. “Senator John Cornyn, who serves on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told Semaphore that he would block Mastriano’s nomination unless the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief was released.” | abc27

PA’s modern law combats the billions of robocalls people receive. “Are you afraid of phone calls from unknown phone numbers that seem legitimate? Is this someone you need to talk to, or is it just another telemarketing call that could be an outright scam? A piece of legislation that came into force this week can help.” PennLive

The state Supreme Court has ruled that warrantless searches by PA officials are unconstitutional. “Property owners have a greater right to privacy on their land under the Pennsylvania Constitution than under the U.S. Constitution, the state Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.” | Penn Capital Star

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. How the threat of ICE detention spurred a coal town in Trump Country

“What we heard was work, work, work” – Joe Wiscount told during a recent afternoon in the couple’s living room. But no one could explain how a town – little more than a Family Dollar, a pizza parlor and a few semi-detached houses – could support an immigration prison with five times its population. No one could answer why the federal government chose this city.

Since 1930, Schuylkill County’s largely working-class and white population has been failing. Tiny local governments are desperate for revenue, leaving them vulnerable to corporate exploitation. Brianna DelValle argues. Typically, “there’s not a lot of political will to push back on certain things,” she said. “People are tired and busy and they just don’t have the resources to do it.” | Mother Jones

Elsewhere

After $16 million investment, Pennsylvania State Police recruitment begins. “Governor Josh Shapiro has made hiring more soldiers a state budget priority, and the final version includes about $16 million to fund four new cadet classes. This will allow the state to hire about 380 soldiers on top of those already covered by multiple classes. ” | USA Today Network

Pennsylvania Neighbors Protest Data Center Boom and Warn: ‘This Is Not a Proving Ground’ “The steady rain in downtown Wilkes-Barre didn’t stop a handful of Pennsylvanians and political candidates from calling for a hold on the rapidly growing wave of data center proposals in the region. Among the concerns raised during the protest were utility burdens, high water use, air pollution, noise and harm to wildlife. ” | Cool

President Donald Trump has denied Johnny Doc’s request for an early release from prison. “Convicted former Philadelphia labor leader John J. Dougherty has taken various steps to reduce his six-year prison sentence, including taking the witness stand in the spring to tell a federal judge about the unique health challenges his wife faces. But the other path he took last year – appealing to the White House for mercy – appears to have reached a dead end.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

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(*22*)Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Government intervention, not the free market, has made housing and health care unaffordable | Nathan Benefield
• Pennsylvania and 19 other states keep workers in poverty trap with $7.25 minimum wage | Holly Sklar
• Pennsylvania Farmers Can’t Afford a Weakened Farm Bureau | Chris Torres
• Paige Cognetti is not limpid with voters about her cooperation with National Democrats | Amy Curtis

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1 item

5. Utz To Go Private In Deal Worth $2.9 Billion

“Utz Brands Inc. plans to enter into a private deal with a German company that values ​​the snack maker behind “The Crab Chip” at $2.9 billion.

Intersnack Group, which owns about 30 snack brands sold in Europe and Oceania, will pay $14.25 a share in cash for all of Utz’s public shares. Once the transaction is completed, Intersnack will own 50% of the Hanover, Pennsylvania-based chip and pretzel maker, with the remaining 50% owned by its founding family.

Utz was founded in 1921 in Hanover, and Baltimore was one of its first major markets. The snack company sells potato chips, pretzels and cheese puffs under its own brand and owns a dozen other brands, including Bachman, Boulder Canyon and Vitner’s. Utz also produces snacks for TGI Friday’s.” | Baltimore Business Journal

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Thank you for starting your day with us.
Halfway through the weekend. Do it right.

Tim Murphyformer congressman of Pennsylvania’s 18th United States Congressional District died on Saturday of an apparent heart attack. He was 73 years elderly.

Murphy served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1996 to 2003 before winning a Western PA congressional seat in November 2003. He won re-election seven times, winning five by a margin of no less than 58% and twice unopposed.

After resigning from his seat in 2017 admitting to an extramarital affair which came to lithe during his divorce proceedings.

Murphy devoted most of his legislative time to the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which passed almost unanimously in July 2016. The bill was later incorporated into the broader 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law by President Obama and included provisions such as:

• Establishing the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Drug Abuse
• Mandating better coordination of federal programs and creating an advisory board to oversee these efforts
• Mandate science-based models to create standards for reviewing grants and funding for mental health programs.

Conor Lambwho succeeded Murphy in Congress, complemented his predecessor for his dedicated public service in social media post.

“I’m sorry to hear of Tim’s death. In addition to his service in Congress, he joined the Naval Reserve after 9/11, which was a reflection of his commitment to public service, which I have always respected.”

Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-02) recently met with Murphy regarding a possible future hearing and legislation to facilitate those struggling with mental health.

“I’m very saddened to hear this,” Boyle said w post. “Tim was literally in my office a month ago to meet with me to advocate for people struggling with mental illness, especially schizophrenia. We were planning a future hearing on this issue and legislation.”

Republican Representative Guy Reschenthaler remembered Murphy as a friend and mentor.

“Tim served Pennsylvania and our nation with distinction, first as a state senator and then as a member of Congress for more than two decades,” Reschenthaler wrote in post. “He also honorably served our country as a commander in the United States Naval Reserve, where he cared for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries. Throughout his career, Tim was a tireless advocate for improving our nation’s broken mental health system, protecting the 911th Airlift Wing, and standing up for our veterans. His legacy of service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.”

Allegheny County GOP Committee published on Facebook“Throughout his years of public service, he has dedicated himself to representing his constituents and serving our country with conviction and commitment. We are grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he has made on his community and our nation.”

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro he called President Donald Trump on Friday morning in a television interview he presented evidence of non-citizen voting in the Commonwealth and across the country.

Appearing on MS Now’s “Morning Joe,” the governor talked about the president’s 23-minute address to the nation on Thursday night, in which Trump attacked the results of the 2020 election, which he lost. Joe Biden.

“I thought it was an unfortunate day for America to have an unhinged president in the White House spreading a whole bunch of conspiracy theories that just have no bearing on reality,” Shapiro said. “Let me remind you that every time Donald Trump and his enablers were forced to provide evidence to support their absurd claims, he failed.”

Shapiro, a former Commonwealth attorney general, pointed out that Trump sued him “43 times to try to throw out votes in Pennsylvania,” claiming a 43-0 result.

During his speech, Trump talked about China’s voter data compromise, an alleged conspiracy by the U.S. political and security establishment to minimize Chinese interference, and broader efforts to lull the American public into a false sense of security about the integrity of U.S. elections.

“If the president was truly concerned about China trying to interfere in our elections, he would have raised this issue when he was with (the Chinese president). Xi (Jinping)“Instead, he went abroad and returned home with nothing. He cowered in Xi’s presence.

“If he was actually really concerned about the integrity of the election, then yes would not deprive the agency of resources which actually protects states against attempts at foreign interference. “It was all nonsense and was simply aimed at suppressing the vote and undermining the trust of citizens.”

Shapiro said he’s pinning his hopes on voters in Pennsylvania and across the country to make a difference.

“I hope this midterm election will be a referendum on Donald Trump’s chaos, cruelty and corruption,” the governor said. “Yes, in swing states like mine, but also across the United States, for people to show up in record numbers to speak out against the president’s lawlessness and his conspiracy theories and to make it very, very clear that this is not who we are as Americans and this is not something that we will accept here in this country as normal, and that requires everyone to show up and vote.”

Trump called out Shapiro during Wednesday’s speech at the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit, saying the governor “is completely overrated.”

“I saw him give a speech the other night and he said he didn’t have what it takes,” the president said. Perhaps he will win and that is what is expected of him. But I hear things about Stacy (Garrity) and some of the polls are very good. But Shapiro is like that, he doesn’t have what it takes.

Shapiro fired back, criticizing Trump for Pennsylvanians’ economic woes.

“Whether it’s the pump, the grocery store, health care, our farmers, they’re all falling for Donald Trump’s higher costs,” Shapiro said. “Here in Pennsylvania, I’ve cut taxes 10 times to put money back into people’s pockets. But every time I put a dollar in someone’s pocket, Donald Trump’s policies take two dollars away from someone else.”

Shapiro thought it was the right thing to do Commonwealth Secretary Al Schmidta Republican in a Democratic administration.

“We believe that here in Pennsylvania, election administration is nonpartisan,” the governor said. “It has to be above politics, and it has been. We are prepared here in the courts and here in the community to protect citizens’ right to vote. People will have access to the ballot box whether they choose to vote by mail or in person.”

On Thursday, the governor was asked about a statement from the Department of Homeland Security that said thousands of foreigners were on voter rolls in Pennsylvania, California, New Jersey and Nevada.

The DHS news release did not say whether there was evidence that foreigners actually voted or how the agency reached its findings. The release stated that 14,576 noncitizens registered to vote in Pennsylvania and an upcoming letter from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin will ask states to “respond within two weeks and confirm their willingness to cooperate with DHS to ensure free, fair and reliable elections.”

“We take any claim that anyone did anything illegal in connection with our elections very, very seriously,” Shapiro responded. “If we ever find evidence of this, we immediately turn it over to prosecutors. I would tell the administration that if you have any real evidence of this, turn it over to us. We want to work to ensure that there is always integrity in our system, as we believe there is because we have repeatedly held free, fair, secure and protected elections.”

“If you have information, please share it with us and let’s try to solve this problem together. But I think at the end of the day, what they really have is a lot of conspiracy theories, and they’re just trying to suck up to their boss and please him at a time when he’s becoming more and more unhinged and disconnected from reality.”

Shapiro also unloaded in Texas” Ken Paxtonwho as state Attorney General in 2020. filed a lawsuit against Pennsylvania and three other states for “violating the security and integrity of the 2020 elections.”

“I fought Ken Paxton. I won and we protected the vote here in Pennsylvania. And I hope like hell that the people of Texas will stand up and vote against him in this election and vote for James Talarico. Ken Paxton has no respect for the rule of law, and he certainly has no respect for the voters here in Pennsylvania. That’s why he lost repeatedly.”

Editor’s note: Added letter received from Secretary Schmidt of DHS

It’s Friday. Weekend job.

Headlines. Why America’s elections are so complicated – and secure. Rabb says Fetterman “betrayed the nation of Pennsylvania.” Shapiro is betting on deputies without voting. Debate on constant daylight saving time.

Your morning, pick me up. Smoke From A Distant Fire. The Sanford Townsend Band

Weather in Pennsylvania
Greensburg | Widespread Smoke, 89
Bloomsburg | Widespread AM smoke, 85
Parkesburg | Widespread Smoke, 86

Sports PA
Phillies (54-44, 2.5GB) | NY Mets 1-4 | Saturday-Sunday vs. NY Mets
Pirates (50-47, 9.5 GB, 2 GB WC) | Friday-Sunday in Cleveland

What we hear. “I think he needs to forget about the 2020 election. That’s what I think.” – Representative Brian Fitzpatrick

What we also hear. “Four members of Congress, incl Representative Dan Meuser (R-09), who serve on committees that directly regulate Elon Musk’s SpaceX, have together purchased SpaceX shares worth up to $130,000 since the company’s initial public offering, which took place on June 12.

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.

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The most essential story

1. Why America’s elections are so complicated – and secure

“In his Thursday evening address to the nation President Donald Trump said Americans deserved secure elections and claimed he was using federal power to prevent their “theft.”

In fact, one of the strongest safeguards in US elections is the fact that they are not conducted at the federal level. America votes in over 10,000 different electoral jurisdictions, each with different rules set by state and sometimes local governments.

This structure makes the country’s elections extremely complicated, as well as unthreatening from widespread fraud. And when misconduct does occur – rarely – security protocols often catch it.” | AP

Elsewhere

Trump’s murky warning about the US election: 4 takeaways. “President Trump described the US elections as under siege on Thursday evening, describing a system rife with loopholes that are being exploited by hostile foreign actors and unauthorized immigrants.” | Axles

Democrats are outperforming Republican incumbents in competitive PA House districts — except for one. “With control of the U.S. House of Representatives at stake in November, Pennsylvania swing district candidates are building up their war chests for a key election, but one Democrat is lagging behind their counterparts.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Republican campaigns see immigration as a winning midterm issue. “Republicans are leaning toward immigration enforcement as one of their most important campaign issues this midterm cycle — despite a rocky start to the year in terms of communicating the president’s top policies.” | NPR

Mackenzie has a cash advantage over Brooks, but the gap has narrowed. “Republican Congressman Ryan Mackenzie has a nearly 3-1 money lead over his Democratic opponent Bob Brooks as the 7th District campaign shifts focus from the May primary to the November election. However, Brooks has closed the money gap since the last reporting period, which ended on March 31, when Mackenzie had a nearly 5-1 advantage.” | Lehigh Valley Chair

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Country

2. Rabb Says Fetterman ‘Betrayed the Nation of Pennsylvania’

“Rep. Chris RabbDemocratic candidate for the 3rd Congressional District seat became vacant due to retirement Representative Dwight Evansduring a recent podcast interview, he used robust words when talking about some of his fellow statewide Democrats.

While speaking on the PoliticsPA “Voices of Reason” podcast, Rabb called Senator John Fetterman “sellout” and said it was unfortunate that Pennsylvanians “had to find out who he was after he took office.”

A rabbi who has served in the statehouse since 2016 and has seen Governor Josh Shapiro as a legislator, attorney general and governor, he also said that Shapiro would not be acceptable to the Democratic Socialists as a presidential candidate.” | PolitykaPA

Elsewhere

Voices of reason: Is democratic socialism a winning message for Democrats in the medium term? “In this episode of our podcast, Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabb, a self-described democratic socialist and candidate for the 3rd Congressional District, and Sarah Niebler, a political science professor at Dickinson College, answer these questions and more.” | PoliticsPA

Fetterman warns that Democrats’ lack of support for Israel will result in him leaving the party. “Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman drew the line at his continued participation in the Democratic Party on Wednesday.” | PoliticsPA

Mastriano raged about Trump’s election subversion and bias during his confirmation hearing. “State Senator Doug Mastriano learned Thursday that he faces significant Democratic opposition over his confirmation as U.S. ambassador to the Slovak Republic.” | PennLive

PA Lawmakers Propose Changes to Save Money After PennLive Disclosures $34M in Technology Bills. “State Representatives Paul Friel and Joe Ciresi announced on July 16 that they would introduce a bill requiring the four legislative caucuses to standardize IT spending.” | PennLive

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Josh Shapiro goes strenuous on the downvote

“Josh Shapiro is playing its biggest mid-term match yet – with a likely date of 2028.

Pennsylvania’s governor will commit $3.3 million to a coordinated campaign starting this weekend to facilitate Democrats in the nation’s largest swing state flip four congressional seats and secure a trifecta in Harrisburg for the first time in three decades.

Shapiro’s cash infusion funds what the Pennsylvania Democratic Party calls “the largest coordinated mid-term effort” in state history. | Policy

Elsewhere

The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority works with Amtrak. “The Schuylkill River Passenger Railroad Authority has partnered to restore passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia with stops in Pottstown and Phoenixville.” | Reading the Eagle

Pennsylvanians can operate Medicaid to cover abortion costs — at least for now. “A Commonwealth Court judge has ruled that Pennsylvanians can use Medicaid to cover abortion costs, at least temporarily invalidating a decades-old ban.” | Penn Capital Star

The Democracy Summit commemorates America’s 250th anniversary by looking beyond the celebration. “As Philadelphia marked the nation’s 250th anniversary, civic leaders, elected officials, judges, journalists and scientists gathered for two days to discuss one question: What does American democracy need to survive the next 250 years?” | WHY

A novel look at Appalachia: Is the future of manufacturing lurking in the shadows – and ready to reemerge – here in Pittsburgh? “Seeds of opportunity can be found among closed coal plants and generations of industrial expertise hidden in the Appalachian region — that is the proposal of Reimagine Appalachia, a labor coalition trying to revitalize and re-introduce the region to cleaner, more modern manufacturing.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Trump’s obsession with costs for democracy | Peter Baker
• Four people killed by ICE agents. Illegal administration. This won’t end unless voters act. | Questioner from Philadelphia
• The Hidden Cost of Pennsylvania’s Zoning Laws: Fewer Children, Fewer Residents, Less Prosperity | Elizabeth Stelle and Luca Gattoni-Celli
• Behavioral health organizations in Pennsylvania are quietly failing. Here’s how to save them | Deja Gilbert
• Allegheny County faces significant financial challenges | Colin McNickle
• The costs of the policy appear on your electricity bill | Karol Gal

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1 item

5. Discussable: Permanent daylight saving time

“There is broad, bipartisan enthusiasm in Congress for ending twice-yearly daylight saving time across most of the U.S. The problem is that lawmakers can’t quite agree on the right solution.

This week, the House passed a bill making daylight saving time constant by a 308-117 vote, with supporters arguing that such a move would boost economic activity and improve safety by adding more sunlight in the evening.

However, the measure faces hurdles in the Senate due to concerns about the impact of limiting morning sunlight. Senator Tom CottonR-Ark., expressed concerns about safety risks for children who commuted to school after murky, as well as for employees working early in the morning.” | Traffic lights

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Thank you for starting your Friday with us.
Have a nice weekend. See you on Monday.

It’s a smoky Thursday.

Headlines. Trump turns to campaign themes, referring to the collection of defense technologies. Poll: Shapiro leads Garrity, 53-40%. The House Judiciary Committee subpoenas Krasner. Code Red Air Quality Alert.

Your morning, pick me up. Smoke on the water. Deep purple

Weather in Pennsylvania
Meadowville | Mostly sunlit, widespread smoke, 86
Selinsgrove | Mostly sunlit, mostly smoky, 95
Collegeville | Mostly sunlit, mostly smoky, 95

Sports PA
Phillies (54-43, 2GB) | Thu vs. NY Mets
Pirates (50-47, 9.5 GB, 2 GB WC) | Friday in Cleveland

What’s happening today. President Donald Trump will deliver a national address at 9 p.m.

What we hear. “I’m telling you, this guy [Josh] Shapiro is completely overrated.” President Donald Trump he said. “I saw him give a speech the other night and he didn’t have what it takes. Maybe he’ll win, and he’s expected to win, but I’ve heard things about Stacy (Garrity) and some of the polls are very good, but Shapiro is, he doesn’t have what it takes.”

Voices of reason. Voices of Reason will host this episode Steve Ulrich and his guests discuss democratic socialism. Who are democratic socialists? What does this term mean? What does this mean for the Democratic Party establishment? How does this impact the 2026 elections? Pennsylvania State Representative Chris Rabbself-described democratic socialist and candidate for the 3rd Congressional District and associate professor of political science at Dickinson College, Sarah Niebler answer these and other questions.

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.

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The most significant story

1. Trump turns to campaign themes, referring to the accumulation of defense technologies

“President Donald Trump spoke Wednesday at a defense summit at the U.S. Army War College, but spent little time discussing battlefield issues – even as the war in Iran has circumscribed U.S. supplies of critical missile and interceptor systems.

But his long speech devoted more time to themes that Trump repeats at his political rallies, bragging about – and sometimes exaggerating – his administration’s achievements.’ | AP

Elsewhere

Finally, the event: Trump praised record security spending at the defense summit. “President Donald J. Trump didn’t actually deliver a military policy message with his appearance at Wednesday’s Pennsylvania Summit on Defense and Innovation at Carlisle Barracks. However, he basked in the adulation of defense contractors and senior administration officials.” | PennLive

Shapiro, McCormick emphasize Pennsylvania’s importance and future for the defense industrial base. “Pennsylvania has always been at the center of our national defense. So in this moment of change, Pennsylvania can lead the way for America.” With these words, Senator Dave McCormick explained his rationale for establishing the Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle. | PoliticsPA

McCormick announces recent investment of nearly $10 billion at the PA Defense and Innovation Summit. “The two-day summit advanced President Trump’s vision of peace through strength and catalyzed nearly $10 billion in investment, supporting more than 4,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.” | PoliticsPA

The House of Representatives vote exposes Democrats’ deepening division on Israel. “A striking number of House Democrats — 103, including six of seven in Pennsylvania — voted on Wednesday to cut military aid to Israel for the next fiscal year, a sign of a growing disconnect between Democratic leaders’ long-standing support for the Jewish state and the left of the party.” | Washington Post Office

Trump made billions last year. Some Swing voters in Pennsylvania say they don’t care. “President Trump’s recent financial disclosures reveal that his fortune has skyrocketed since taking office again. His family businesses reported $2.2 billion in revenue last year – mostly cryptocurrency profits. But key voters in Pennsylvania have mixed views on whether this is a big deal or not, highlighting the level of cynicism among many in the political class. | NPR

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Country

2. Quinnipiac Poll: Shapiro Leads Garrity, 53-40%; Pennsylvanians are expressing concerns about their finances

“Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro still has a double-digit advantage over them State Treasurer Stacy Garrityalthough the difference was closed in a Quinnipiac University poll of 895 self-identified registered voters in the Keystone State.

Shapiro received 53% support among those polled, while Garrity received 40% support. For comparison, in February the incumbent governor led by 18 points, at 55-37%. Interestingly, among men Garrity leads 48-46%, while among women Shapiro leads 60-33%. | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

Fetterman warns he will leave the Democratic Party if it turns its back on Israel. “Senator Maverick John Fetterman said he has ‘no plans’ to leave the Democratic Party, but on Wednesday he warned that if Democrats completely turn away from US support for Israel, it would cross a red line that could push him out of the party.” | Hill

Fiscal agency finds Pennsylvania still facing $5 billion deficit despite budget relief. “Governor Josh Shapiro and lawmakers have crafted a 2026-27 spending plan that does not require dipping into state reserves to balance the budget, even though it does not authorize any additional revenue sources. Has the perennial dragon that is the Commonwealth’s budget deficit been slain? Not quite, according to some post-budget calculations from the state’s Independent Fiscal Office.” | PennLive

Feds halt PA on counterterrorism efforts and cybersecurity grants amid election security demands. “Pennsylvania officials say President Donald Trump’s administration is withholding nearly half of the state’s homeland security funding last year. And the grants for the coming year come with new voting requirements at a time when the president is expected to continue questioning state election security.” | WESA

PA attorney general defends state’s ban on abortion under Medicaid in court. Is this required? “Dave Sunday said he took the case because of a state statute that requires the attorney general to be responsible for upholding and defending the constitutionality of state law “in the absence of a review decision by a court of competent jurisdiction.” | PA reflector

Report: PA faces a choice: quickly reduce gambling addiction or preserve revenues. “A report to lawmakers shows Pennsylvania’s nation-leading online gambling industry rakes in billions but also contributes to a growing addiction problem. Should the state collect data or take immediate action that could reduce revenue?” | Public source

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. House Judiciary Committee Subpoenas Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and Demands Immigration Documents

“The House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner on Wednesday, ordering him to turn over documents related to his office’s handling of immigration cases and criticizing what it called the prosecutor’s “pro-illegal alien policies.”

The Commission in a letter signed by Representative Jim Jordanits chairman, accused Krasner of refusing to prosecute aliens or not prosecuting them sufficiently so that they could avoid consequences related to their immigration status. Commission said it was asserting its authority by trying to end sanctuary city policies in cities including Philadelphia.’ | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

Slavery exhibits in the president’s home were replaced with the version released by the Trump administration. “President Donald Trump’s administration has installed its own version of history on the grounds of the President’s House, replacing panels depicting the brutality of slavery there with displays that experts say exonerate George Washington’s role as an enslaver.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

PA Chamber and Keystone Space Collaboration Announce Strategic Alignment to Advance the Space Economy. “The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry (PA Chamber) and the Keystone Space Collaborative announced today that they are forming a strategic alliance to advance Pennsylvania’s leadership in the growing space economy.” | PoliticsPA

Widow claims Trump’s assassination attempt at Butler rally was an ‘inside job’. “‘I believe it was an inside job – somewhere in the government,’” Helen Comperatore told News Nation, also saying she believed it was political. “I was told all sorts of things… then you start putting the pieces together, it just made sense.” | Grandstand overview

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Pennsylvania lawmakers passed the budget and avoided any tough questions | Questioner from Philadelphia
• It’s time for Pennsylvania voters to demand accountability from their lawmakers who spend free money | PennLive
• Whitening is a lesson | Jonathan Zimmerman
• A fair legal system is not afraid to deal with wrongful convictions. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court just made it harder | Zane David Memeger
• The steam engine succeeded where politicians failed: Big Boy United America | David M. Smith
• The hidden cost of saving the economy | Frank Ryan
• The press must rise above tribalism | Wide + Freedom

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1 item

5. DEP issues a statewide red air quality alert for Thursday

“The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has announced a statewide Code Red Air Quality Day of Action for particulate matter (PM2.5) on Thursday, July 16, 2026.”

Wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota will pour into Pennsylvania’s northernmost counties and move into southern counties Wednesday afternoon through Thursday, creating PM2.5 concentrations in Code Red.” | Department of Environmental Protection

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Thank you for starting your Thursday with us.
Have a nice day. See you tomorrow.

At a Sunday evening ceremony in Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion state budget for next fiscal year.

The spending package was approved 12 days after the deadline set in the state constitution and was tardy for the fifth consecutive year.

The governor originally proposed a $53.3 billion package, but Senate Republicans cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor’s spending proposal that would not require any payments from the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

“This is the fourth year in a row that, despite working with one of the few divided legislatures in the country where there are truly deep differences, we have stayed at the table and brought Democrats and Republicans together again to get things done,” Shapiro said.

“Pennsylvania is growing because of our work together. We have the only growing economy in the Northeast, and last week we jumped four places in CNBC’s ‘Best States for Business’ rankings – Pennsylvania’s highest ranking in 15 years – and working with the private sector, we have created more jobs than all but two states in the entire country.” As Democrats and Republicans said today, we have an extremely powerful fiscal position here in Pennsylvania.

“But this budget is more than just a bunch of numbers on a spreadsheet,” the governor continued. “It also provides common sense solutions to real problems facing Pennsylvanians. As I said at the beginning, I knew there would have to be compromises. But as we stuck with it and pursued the best possible compromise, there are a lot of bad things that would hurt Pennsylvanians that we didn’t discuss.”

“I promised to throw open the doors of opportunity for every Pennsylvanian who chooses to walk through them – and I’m proud to do that work every day alongside you. This budget continues that progress.”

Pennsylvania Lt. Governor Austin Davis concluded that the budget is a true bipartisan compromise.

“This is a strong budget that will continue to grow our economy, creating ladders of opportunity and making life a little more affordable for Pennsylvania families and seniors,” he said at the signing ceremony.

Senate President pro tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) said her caucus aims to strengthen the Commonwealth’s financial position.

“The Senate Republican Caucus has worked hard to protect Pennsylvanians’ wallets by avoiding tax increases and identifying more than $4.5 billion in unused funds for reallocation,” Ward said. “Senate Republicans fought to invest in the most vulnerable, increasing funding for nursing homes and child care enrollment, and providing long-overdue cost-of-living adjustments for police officers, firefighters and teachers who retired before July 2, 2001.

“It is important for Pennsylvanians to understand that House Democrats stormed Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget, which all but guaranteed a $2,000 tax increase for Pennsylvania families because the Democrats’ budget was unbalanced. We are pleased that Governor Shapiro and House Democrats finally understand that affordability means respecting the taxpayers who foot our bills by giving money back to hard-working Pennsylvanians.”

Speaker of the House of Representatives Joanna McClinton (Delaware/Philadelphia) expressed pride that this budget makes significant investments in our schools, public safety, health care and affordable housing.

“At a time when federal action has made life harder through deep cuts to programs and policies that have raised costs, in Pennsylvania we continue to provide help to every family, senior and child,” McClinton said.

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland) said he was proud of the product Republicans delivered.

“The 2026-2027 state budget is an imperfectly good plan that will keep Pennsylvania on a promising path into the future,” Pittman said. “Our Senate Republican Caucus protected Commonwealth taxpayers and kept the Rainy Day Fund intact. Through tremendous hard work, we identified and pulled $1.5 billion out of the red tape to balance this budget. The ultimate long-term solutions to our budget challenges are economic opportunity and economic growth. I am proud that the agreement includes numerous policies to support families, invest in our local communities and support needed economic growth.”

Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan A. Harris (Philadelphia) stated that interested parties listened to its views and concerns throughout the negotiations.

“Throughout this process, we listened to Pennsylvanians, heard their concerns, and today we accomplished our goal. We delivered a budget that continues our investments in public education, maintains health care assistance without cuts, protects food assistance, supports seniors and veterans, and advances housing and public safety reforms without raising taxes on Pennsylvania families,” Harris said.

Senate Appropriations Chairman Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) said Republicans’ top priorities are protecting the state’s fiscal stability and ensuring the commonwealth grows.

“Senate Republicans achieved all of these goals in this budget,” Martin said. “We certainly have much work to do in the coming years to maintain fiscal responsibility, but I am grateful that we have identified numerous improvements to the spending plan unveiled by Governor Shapiro in February so that we can strengthen our economy with pro-growth policies that will build a stronger future.”

Senate Minority Appropriations Chairman Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) stated that Pennsylvanians were at the forefront during the negotiations.

“This budget takes Pennsylvanians, their needs and their concerns into consideration,” Hughes said. “There are no new taxes and they continue to cut taxes. There is an affordability crisis in this budget. Our work is not done, but let’s take this matter to the governor.”

Pennsylvania House Republican Party Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said the state must utilize the tools at its disposal to create an investment-friendly environment while getting government out of the way.”

“The budget passed by the General Assembly today continues our recent history of scouring every corner of state government for existing taxpayer dollars to avoid tax increases, cuts to government services or the use of the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund,” Topper said.

Andrew Lewispresident and CEO of The Commonwealth Foundation, said lawmakers were able to protect themselves from some of Gov. Shapiro’s worst fiscal policies.

“This budget further addresses Pennsylvania’s fiscal problems,” Lewis said in a statement. “While lawmakers rightly rejected more than $1 billion of reckless spending by Governor Shapiro and preserved the Rainy Day Fund, this deal spends beyond the state’s means and ignores the structural deficit that threatens taxpayers and the commonwealth’s long-term fiscal health. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a funding problem – it has a spending problem.”

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Łukasz Bernstein thanked Shapiro and the General Assembly for enabling the Commonwealth to compete more effectively for jobs, capital investment and economic growth.

“State budgets provide an opportunity to increase Pennsylvania’s competitiveness, and we appreciate the elements of this budget that continue the Commonwealth’s commitment to improving the business climate,” Bernstein said in a statement. “Our improved tax climate, bipartisan permitting reform and other pro-growth measures introduced in recent years have catalysed billions of dollars in private sector investment across the Commonwealth, and we must continue to advance Pennsylvania’s competitiveness agenda to reach its full potential. Economic growth remains the most effective path to strengthening both Pennsylvania’s fiscal health and its future competitiveness.”