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The Morning Glory Diner made a name for itself in the behind schedule 1990s as the place that “made brunch cool again” and paved the way for many other trendy breakfast spots in South Philadelphia and beyond.

Decades later, the Bella Vista restaurant is celebrated for its made-from-scratch pancakes and cookies, signature homemade ketchup and year-round covered patio, as well as long lines on weekend mornings.

But the restaurant may be even more celebrated for the loudly left-wing, anti-Republican messages it spreads from its handmade window signs and, er, colorfully titled special menus.

“Our first was “Scalia Is a Douche,” owner Carol Mickey recalled in 2023, “which was right after he wrote a dissent in the gay marriage debate.”

The dish, a frittata with andouille sausage, tomato, onion and Monterey Jack cheese, sold out in record time. The racy name and many others that followed it attracted the attention of the entire establishment, as well as furious attacks from those who opposed Mickey’s policies.

“They interfered with our phone service. They called, ordered food and never picked it up,” she said. “They would do anything to torment us… And the last thing they did was interfere with our Facebook, our Instagram and our Google websites.”

Despite this, the restaurant remains extremely popular, and Mickey is as vocal as ever in opposing his beliefs and constantly updated dish titles.

Delicious French toast, polarizing ketchup

Samantha “Sam” Mickey opened Sam’s Morning Glory Diner in 1997 after bartending and waiting tables at several restaurants, including the equally successful Down Home Diner in Reading Terminal Market, which inspired her menu.

Among the often gloomy and lifeless restaurant breakfasts available at that time, the recipe for success turned out to be serving really good, home-made food in a charmingly decorated nearby restaurant.

“At a time when so many of our old-fashioned diners are moving on to the age of microwave convenience,” raved Inquirer restaurant critic Craig Laban, Mickey’s eatery “has breathed new life into the genre, pouring heart and soul into comfort food that’s still a shame to make at home.”

Although at times it betrayed her inexperience as a chef, the menu made good apply of fresh, local produce and meats and included many favorites, such as challah French toast with strawberry compote and fluffy pan-baked frittatas filled with baked potatoes and smoked ham, Laban wrote.

The critic also mentioned ketchup, a polarizing condiment that has been compared to marinara sauce. Initially, it was made in a 12-hour process of mixing apples, cloves, ginger and tomato.

After the success of Morning Glory, several other more or less “funky” brunch spots followed, such as Honey’s Sit and Eat, Sabrina’s, and Green Eggs.

Mickey battled brain cancer, and her death in 2012 at the age of 44 was mourned by the restaurant community and beyond. Her mother, Carol, who is a lawyer, took over the management, and a few years later she began giving the restaurant her own distinctive imprimatur.

“You have the biggest lips”

Since Scalia frittata, the daily menu has continued to feature up-to-date dish names that reflect Carol Mickey’s disdain for President Donald Trump and conservatives in general, as well as her sympathy for Democrats – particularly District Attorney Larry Krasner, a longtime regular, and Gov. Josh Shapiro.

The menu included “Hate Makes You Hungry” tacos and “Gov Shapiro is pro-life” scrambled eggs, as well as dishes that said Krasner or Shapiro “eats for free.”

Others include “Ban Guns Not Pastrami Scramble,” “Read a Banned Book and Then Eat a Breakfast Quesadilla,” and current titles such as “The King’s Castle Needs Scrambled Eggs” (with turkey sausage, spinach, shiitake and smoked mozzarella), “Secy Duffy is a Douche Chilaquiles” (referring to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation), “Shapiro 2028 Sausage and Sauce eggs” and “Enact the 25th Amendment, then eat Eggs Benedict.”

In 2018, Shapiro, then the state’s attorney general, visited Morning Glory to highlight his opposition to a Trump administration proposal that would allow employers to accept tips from employees. “After the press conference, I told him, ‘Why us, not from everywhere in Pennsylvania?’” she said. 34th Street Warehouse. “He said, ‘You have the biggest mouth.'”

Staff also designed window posters with messages on topics ranging from supporting democracy to supporting aid for Ukraine, as well as political messages on a board inside. An image of Trump regularly appears at the restaurant’s entrance, and a handwritten pro-choice poster with an image of a crossed-out clothes hanger hangs in the window.

Mickey’s outspoken politics still occasionally infuriates right-wing critics, but the restaurant remains a favorite among brunch lovers, especially those who lean left.

“People tell me it’s like paradise,” said Cotton James Mcgowan, Mickey’s grandson and the restaurant’s manager. “For every person who doesn’t like what we do, there are three more who love it, support it and tell everyone else about it.”

???? Good morning! Today is the last day to apply for an absentee ballot. Why did you wait so long?

???? PA Policy Manual Headings. Base Preview 2026: Four for PA-07. Supreme Court Justice Wecht announces his change of affiliation from Democratic to Independent. Spending on SD-48 exceeds $1 million. Slinky keeps jumping forward.

???? Your morning, pick me up. Happy Son. Creedence Clearwater Revival

Weather in Pennsylvania
???? City of Oil | Rising Clouds, 67
???? Gallitzin | Mostly shining, 64
Stroudsburg | Sunny, 68

Sports PA
Pirates (22-19) | Tuesday vs. Colorado
Phillies (19-22) | Tuesday in Boston
Union (1-2-9) | Wednesday – Orlando City

Primaries 2026. Check out our Pennsylvania primary previews, polls and prediction markets.

???? What we hear. “This is a skilled industry trying to establish a reputation that is not something to deal with, and that if you don’t do what they tell you, they will spend whatever it takes to get rid of you as a legislator.” – Senator Chris Gebhard

???? 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. Basic Preview 2026: Four for PA-07

“The 7th Congressional District contest on the Democratic side will be one of the most closely watched races not only in the Commonwealth but across the country as four candidates vie for the opportunity to challenge Republican Ryan Mackenzie in November.” | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

Democrats cry as mysterious Super PAC dumps $556,000 into Democratic primary in PA-07. “At the end of one of the most watched congressional primary elections in the country, Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District is being flooded with TV spots and mailers from a mysterious super PAC.” | LehighValley News

PA-03: Sharif Street Record Top Pennsylvania Democrats Face Re-Scrutiny in Congressional Race in Philadelphia. “During his term from June 2022 to August 2025, Democratic voter turnout in the state plummeted, fundraising stagnated, and Pennsylvania Democrats had a disastrous 2024 in which all five of the party’s statewide candidates lost.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Trump suspends federal gas tax. Philadelphia Democrat Brendan Boyle has a bill that would make that happen. “President Donald Trump said Monday that pausing the 18 percent federal gas tax is a “great idea” — an idea proposed last month by U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle in a bill that would cap the federal gas tax when the national average exceeds $4 a gallon. | Questioner from Philadelphia

Mastriano appointed ambassador to the Slovak Republic. “President Donald Trump has appointed State Senator Doug Mastriano as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Slovak Republic.” | PoliticsPA

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Country

2. PA Supreme Court Justice David Wecht announces his change of affiliation from Democratic to Independent

“In a statement issued Monday afternoon in Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice David Wecht said he was changing his party affiliation from Democratic to Independent.

Wecht, who was elected by Commonwealth voters to a 10-year term last November, said his “law and jurisprudence has always been independent and always will be. Now my voter registration reflects that independence as well.” | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

Pennsylvania scrutinizes fraud prevention as feds investigate Medicaid. “In the coming weeks, a federal audit of Medicaid programs across the country will begin the next steps to root out fraud following investigations in other states. But Pennsylvania leaders say the commonwealth is already proactive in protecting the programs from abuse.” | Penn Capital Star

State task force hunts down misleading AI chatbots as Administrator Shapiro promises legal action. “Since February, a new task force under the Pennsylvania Department of State has been working to track down AI chatbots that may mislead users into believing the bots are licensed professionals.” | PA reflector

Democratic candidate Alan Bradstock combines populism and compromise in the PA-14 campaign. “Today he worries about young people in smaller areas around Pittsburgh. Those concerns have pushed the 62-year-old to run for U.S. Congress in Pennsylvania’s 14th District, which includes all or part of southwestern Pennsylvania counties such as Washington and Fayette. ” | Pittsburgh City Document

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Campaign spending topped $1 million in 48th Senate race between Republicans Chris Gebhard and Clovis Crane

“The two Republicans running in the 48th Senate District primary have spent more than $1 million combined, and the arcade gaming industry has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the challenger, according to campaign finance reports filed last week.

Senator Chris Gebhardthe incumbent president reported spending $884,862 on his re-election campaign as he faces his first Republican opponent since being elected in 2021. Challenger Clovis Cranepolitical novice and horse breeder in Lebanon County, spent half that on his campaign – $475,358.’ | LNP

Elsewhere

Supporters are calling for the removal of Pat Catena as chairman of the Allegheny County Board. “A coalition of LGBTQ+ advocates is preparing to attend Tuesday’s Allegheny County Council meeting to protest a campaign flyer distributed by Council President Pat Catena’s House campaign aimed at a group supporting transgender athletes.” | Grandstand overview

Council President Delco Womack did not include six-figure tax debts on ethics forms. “Delaware County Council Chairman Richard Womack failed to disclose tax debts of more than $160,000 on four consecutive Pennsylvania ethics filings, declaring on each form that he had no creditors — even as the IRS and local authorities pursued him for unpaid taxes.” | Wide + Freedom

First Amendment rights at center of clashes between PA schools and students over ICE strikes. “Do students have the right to leave school as a protest tactic? Communities across the country, including Pennsylvania, are weighing in on this issue as students stage walkouts against immigration enforcement actions.” | PA Berks spotlight

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

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1 item

5. Made in Pennsylvania, the Slinky is still going mighty decades after its invention

“Slinky, the plain steel coil that has captivated generations of children, is still made in the same Pennsylvania factory where it has been made for decades.

The toy is manufactured in Hollidaysburg in Blair County using machinery that is nearly 80 years elderly. “The original 11 machines he produced in 1945 were the same 11 metal slinky machines… and that’s impressive that no one has been able to replicate,” he said Rebecca James Morrisinventor’s daughter Richard James” | 6abc

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Thank you for starting your Tuesday with us.
Enjoy your day. Join us again tomorrow.

Ford Turner, Central Square

(Central Square) – On May 19, both longtime and relatively fresh incumbent state lawmakers will face primary election challenges as the journey toward transforming the 2027-2028 Legislature begins.

Seven-year-old Democrat Senator Anthony Williams Philadelphia and a three-term Republican Senator Bartolotta’s Chamber in Washington County, for example, are among the officials who face opponents from their own party. Among many contentious House primaries, a 19-year Republican incumbent Representative Dan Moul in Adams County he has two intra-party competitors; and two second-term Allegheny County Democrats – Reps. La’Tasha Mayes AND Abigail Salisbury – they also have challengers.

Some say the environment this year heading into the Nov. 3 general election appears to favor Democrats.

“Time is important,” he said Chris BorickMuhlenberg College professor and interviewer. “There is no doubt that the winds are toward the Republican Party in this midterm cycle.”

According to Borick, one source is the established midterm opposition to the party in the White House. Others, he added, take into account low poll numbers President Donald Trump and the “overall vote,” which shows a robust tilt toward Democrats.

Glenn GeissingerNorthampton County GOP chairman, isn’t so sure.

Geissinger said talk of “blue winds” or a “blue tsunami” this year may be overstating what’s actually happening. He admitted that “public opinion is very concerned about what is happening abroad. The conflict with Iran was not of anyone’s interest.”

The “micro-focus” on gas prices – the average unleaded price was $4.67 a gallon in the state on Monday, up 42% from the price a year earlier – has partially overshadowed robust domestic policy decisions and military achievements in the Iran conflict, Geissinger said.

In Pennsylvania, Republicans have a 27-23 majority in the state Senate. At least some Democrats feel they have a chance to flip the chamber.

“We feel better than we have in decades,” he said Brittany Crampsiespokesman for the Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. She said many voters are “angry about what happened in Washington” since 2024.

At least four state Senate seats held by Republicans – those with Sense. Jarrett Coleman Lehigh County Tracy Pennycuick montgomery county Frank Farry Bucks County and Rosemary Brown According to Crampsie, they are of particular interest to Democrats this year.

Each of the four is completing their first four-year term, and each of their districts is Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro won the 2022 gubernatorial vote. None of the four has a primary opponent, but each will face a Democrat in November.

Republicans have been elected to the Senate majority multiple times, he said Michał Słomkaspokesman for the Republican Senate Campaign Committee. He said: “We are optimistic.”

Although Coleman does not have a primary challenger in his 16th Senate District, which includes parts of Lehigh and Bucks counties, two Democrats will face each other in the primary. According to the chairwoman of the Lehigh County Democratic Committee Lori McFarlandit’s a “highly competitive” contest between progressive Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsleyand a centrist, teacher and member of the Pennridge School Board Bradley Merkel-Gump.

She added that the district Democratic committee will support the winner.

“If we are ever going to take back the Senate, it will be now,” McFarland said.

Williams, a Democrat who has represented the 8th Senate District for about 28 years, faces a primary challenge David Goldsmith Jr.real estate agent. Bartolotta, a Republican who has represented the 46th Senate District for 11 years, faces a primary challenge from Albert Buchtanfounder of a stonemasonry company.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives was controlled by Republicans for 12 years ending in early 2023. Democrats have held control since then, and the current slim 102-101 advantage has remained there for most of the last three-plus years.

Taking back the House of Representatives and maintaining control of the Senate is “one of our main goals for 2026,” a spokesman for the state Republican Party said Jim Markley.

There are many contested primaries.

Moul, who has represented the 91st House District for 19 years, is being challenged by a Conewago Valley School Board member Lindsay Krug and chairman of the Littlestown Area School Board Nick Lovell.

Meanwhile, both Mayes and Salisbury joined the Chamber less than four years ago. Mayes faces a challenge William Johnsonchairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus; and Salisbury faces a challenge Todd Koger Sr

Ford Turner is a Pennsylvania reporter for The Center Square

This is the fourth installment in our series highlighting the key congressional primary elections in the Commonwealth.

The 10th Congressional District contest on the Democratic side doesn’t have the same numbers as PA-03 or PA-07, but it does have some drama as two candidates compete for the opportunity to challenge the Republican incumbent Rep. Scott Perry autumn.

The Pennsylvania primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 19.

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Janelle Stelson

• Experience: Television journalist.
• Priorities
  • Fight for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid
  • Make sure the protections guaranteed by Roe become the law of the land again
  • Invest in petite businesses and family farms
  • Provide us with access to affordable housing and child care
  • Support term limits
  • Prohibit members of Congress from using confidential stock trading information
  • Prohibit members of Congress from becoming lobbyists after they retire
  • Fight for a up-to-date 5-year agricultural law
• Fundraising: : $321,629 from April 1 to April 29. Cash on hand: $3,349,267.
• Education: B.A., University of Puget Sound, 1982
• Quotable: “Arguing is ridiculous. People want something to be done. When things cost too much, let’s get to work. Let’s reach across the aisle, act like Americans, and let’s deal with our problems.”
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Blue

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Justin Douglas

• Experience: Dauphin County Commissioner. Pastor
• Priorities
  • Let’s roll back legislation like the Raise the Wage Act to gradually augment the federal minimum wage
  • Guaranteed paid family leave, including maternity and paternity leave
  • Repeal Taft Hartley’s harmful regulations that weaken workers’ ability to organize
  • roll back legislation like the Oligarch Act and the Equal Tax Act to ensure that the ultra-rich contribute their fair share
  • Imposing a significant global minimum tax on corporate profits
  • Supports the creation of a universal health care system such as Medicare for All or a comparable model
  • A complete ban on internal stock trading for all elected and appointed officials and their immediate family members in all branches of government
  • Mandatory blind trusts for the President, Vice President and all executive branch officials, with strict third party enforcement
  • Requiring full financial disclosure and transparency of tax returns from presidential and vice presidential candidates and every year while in office
  • Make Election Day a federal holiday so that working Americans are not penalized for participating in democracy
  • Requiring independent redistricting commissions in all 50 states to end partisan gerrymandering
  • Legislatively repealing Citizens United and addressing related decisions such as Buckley v. Valeo that equate money with speech
  • Protecting Dreamers by passing the DREAM Act
  • Universal background checks on all firearm purchases
  • supports restoring and protecting reproductive rights across the country, including access to contraception and in vitro fertilization
• Fundraising: : $16,392 from April 1 to April 29. Cash on hand: $10,594.
• Education: BS, Liberty University, 2006. MA, Liberty University, 2011.
• Quotable: “Government should serve the people, not powerful corporations or special interests. We put people before profit, fighting for accountability, transparency and public policies that put the common good first.”
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Blue | TikTok

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Video

In the News

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The edge of prediction

Good morning Wednesday!

???? PA Policy Manual Headings. Street and Rabb have very different styles. Man arrested for making ‘politically violent’ threats to PA lawmakers online. PA-07 Candidates Are Exploiting a Controversial Legal Loophole to Boost Their Feeding Fans Campaigns on the PGA.

???? Your morning, pick me up. It takes two. Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock

Weather in Pennsylvania
???? Uniontown | Showers, 67
Jonestown | Mostly gloomy, 72
Allentown | Mostly gloomy, 71

Sports PA
Pirates (23-19) | Colorado 3-1 | Wednesday vs. Colorado
Phillies (20-22) | Boston 2-1 | Wednesday in Boston
Union (1-2-9) | Wednesday – Orlando City

Primaries 2026. Check out our Pennsylvania primary previews, polls and prediction markets.

???? What we hear. “Seven out of 10 Americans say yes they oppose building data centers where they liveaccording to Gallup.”

???? 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 critical story

1. PA-03: As state legislators, Street and Rabb had very different styles

“Almost a decade ago Chris Rabb AND Sharif Street entered the Pennsylvania State Capitol for the first time as elected officials and quickly made their position known in a variety of ways.

As Street and Rabb face off in Tuesday’s tight race to represent the 3rd Congressional District, the candidates’ legislative achievements – and their distinct governing styles – have become central to their bids for one of the most Democratic seats in the country.

Third favorite, doctor Unfortunately, Stanfordhas not held elected office but is supported by the outgoing candidate U.S. Representative Dwight Evans and other local members of Congress.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

PA-10: Primary Preview for 2026: Stelson, Douglas Look For Capital District Democratic Nod. “The 10th Congressional District contests on the Democratic side don’t have the same numbers as PA-03 or PA-07, but they do have some drama as two candidates compete for the opportunity to challenge incumbent Republican Scott Perry in the fall.” | PoliticsPA

Fitzpatrick, Houlahan, Kelly, Smucker support bipartisan immigration reform bill. “A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers has signed on to an immigration reform proposal that is dividing House Republicans.” | Central Square

Experts say David Wecht’s decision to leave the Democratic Party is symbolic. “There couldn’t be a better time to do this,” said Berwood Yost, director of the Opinion Research Center at Franklin & Marshall College. “He’s in a position where it won’t hurt him for a long time.” | Grandstand overview

Fetterman speaks out after AP Supreme Court justice apparently split from Democratic Party over anti-Semitism. “After a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice appeared to indicate that he had abandoned the Democratic Party, declaring in a statement that he was ‘no longer registered with any political party,’ U.S. Senator John Fetterman noted that he understood the man’s decision.” | Fox News

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Country

2. Man arrested for ‘politically violent’ threats against PA lawmakers online, state police say

“Twenty Pennsylvania lawmakers were allegedly threatened online by a Lebanon County resident who police say posted a “hit list” and mentioned a “Memorial Day operation,” law enforcement records show.

Male, 42 years senior Adam G. Berryhillwas arrested last week by Pennsylvania State Police officers and charged with making terroristic threats, according to an agency report on the incident. The report said that in tardy April, Berryhill allegedly made “politically brutal” posts on his X account and made statements regarding the “shooting.”

The state police report names 20 state legislators – all Democrats – from the House and Senate who were allegedly threatened. | PA reflector

Elsewhere

Two Republicans are competing in the primary election for PA lieutenant governor. “This year’s Republican Party primary for lieutenant governor includes two candidates from western Pennsylvania who say their resumes are right for the role.” | PennLive

Pennsylvania won’t test internet-connected electronic surveys in elementary school in 2026. “The Pennsylvania Department of State is postponing a pilot program to connect electronic voter rolls, devices used by election workers to check voters at polling places, to the Internet.” | PoliticsPA

Zimmerman and Miller want to change who writes ballot questions. “In hopes of making the process more impartial, three Lancaster County lawmakers are sponsoring a bill to shift writing responsibility to the Legislative Reference Bureau. Lawyers from both major parties work on the LRB, which writes all legislation requested by members of the General Assembly. ” | Lancaster’s independence

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. PA-07: Congressional Candidates Are Using This Controversial Loophole to Boost Their Campaigns

“Three of the four Democrats are using a tactic known as redboxing.” Critics say this tactic, in which candidates publicly signal their communications strategies on the campaign’s website to outside groups, bypasses campaign finance laws that limit campaigns’ ability to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.” | Morning call

Elsewhere

PA-07: Congressional Hope Denies Claims He Meddled in TIF Dixie Cup Voting in Northampton County. “Democratic congressional candidate Lamont McClure denies allegations that he tried to pressure the Northampton County Legislature to provide public funds for the Dixie Cup transformation project.” | LehighValley News

HD-45: Catena faces outrage over post office, rejects calls to resign from Council and exit House race. “Advocates and community members are calling on Allegheny County Council President Pat Catena to resign and stop running for a state House seat after his campaign sent out a mailer accusing rival Brittany Bloam of being “backed by a far-left group that advocates for transgender athletes in our sports.”” | THAT’S ALL

HD-166: Vitali Represented Haverford Twp. Since 1993, Delco Democrats have wanted someone fresh. “State Rep. Greg Vitali has represented his Delaware County district in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 33 years. The Democratic Party says the May 19 primary election will come to change that. ” | Questioner from Philadelphia

PA observed that 145 thousand people canceled ACA insurance due to monthly cost spikes. “More than 145,000 Pennsylvanians have dropped coverage under the Affordable Care Act in recent months since their premiums skyrocketed, marking a steady decline in enrollment that state officials expect will last well into 2026.” | USA Today Network

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Late night truth-revealing social storms that open a window into the president’s mind | Anthony DeBarros and Annie Linskey
• America at 250 – The Republic will be won or lost on your street | Dwight Boddorf
• Trump is not trying to save America; He’s trying to take away our right to vote Cynthia A. Baldwin
• Philadelphia should pause charter renewals until fresh rating system is ready | Joel D. Boyd
• PA leads the fight against state aid fraud | Select Arkosh

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1 item

5. How the PGA Championship feeds 200,000 fans

“The logistics of feeding approximately 200,000 spectators at the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club this week is no effortless task.

Meals are prepared and cooked on site – coordinated by 60 chefs, 170 managers and approximately 800 catering staff. Setup began in February, when more than 150 semi-trucks began transporting equipment and supplies for the 10 kitchens on site.

Approximately 600,000 square feet of space was built for food service purposes. | Axios Philadelphia

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Thank you for starting Wednesday with us.
Over the hump. Join us again tomorrow.

This is the fifth installment in our series covering the Commonwealth’s congressional primaries.

The 12th Congressional District contest is a Democratic stronghold that includes the city of Pittsburgh. Rep. Summer Lee is the clear favorite to return to Washington, but faces a primary challenge from other Democrats William Parker and most likely Republican James Hayes in the fall general elections.

The Pennsylvania primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 19.

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Summer Lee

• Experience: Advocate. Representative of the United States House of Representatives, starting in 2022; Pennsylvania State House Representatives, 2019–23
• Priorities
  • Work to make voting easier, not harder – and that means federal automatic voter registration, nationwide early and mail-in voting, federal holidays on Election Day, and same-day voter registration
  • Prohibit members of Congress from trading stocks
  • End the filibuster, a tool championed by segregationist senators to oppose civil rights legislation that continues to stand in the way of progress.
  • Enforce real ethics requirements, end lifetime appointments, and expand the Supreme Court
  • The end of a united citizenry
  • Fight to pass the PRO Act
  • Universal free kindergarten
  • Ensure immigrants are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve and fix our backlogged and deliberately overburdened immigration system
  • Fight against LGBTQ+ and gender discrimination
  • Medical care for all
  • Protect abortion rights and guarantee access to reproductive health care at the federal level
• Fundraising: : $43,604 from April 1 to April 29. Cash on hand: $1,691,816
• Education: B.A., Pennsylvania State University, 2009; J.D., Howard University School of Law, 2015
• Quotable: “Repairing our democracy goes beyond stopping Trump, elected Republicans, and right-wing judges from engaging in voter suppression and abusing their power to overturn the results of a free and fair election. It also includes working to end racist voter ID and suppression laws, restoring the full force of the Voting Rights Act, and ending gerrymandering.”
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Blue

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Will Parker

• Experience: Founder of VendSpin
• Priorities
  • Expanding the Affordable Care Act, lowering prescription drug prices, and protecting Medicaid and Medicare
  • Fight to fund infrastructure that creates jobs, improves safety and connects communities
  • Protecting democracy and fundamental rights Electoral rights, reproductive freedom and civil liberties
  • Strengthening and expanding the Affordable Care Act
  • Creating a public option to raise competition and lower premiums
  • Support a bipartisan package combining border security, legal pathways and humane treatment
  • Raising the federal minimum wage
• Fundraising: : $10 from January 1 to March 30. Cash on hand: $5,561.
• Education: Pittsburgh Public Schools
• Quotable: “Western Pennsylvania families are working harder than ever, but they continue to struggle with rising costs. I am committed to policies that strengthen the lower and middle classes – raising wages, expanding business and union protections, investing in tech startups, clean energy production and supporting small businesses.”
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Blue

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In the News

???? Hello Thursday

???? PA Policy Manual Headings. A mysterious PAC is urging Democrats to enter the PA-07 contest. Key voters in Pennsylvania say Congress is failing them. Deluzio introduces regulations aimed at taking private capital out of youth sports. Will Hersheypark open on time?

???? Your morning, pick me up. To prepare. 2 Unlimited

Weather in Pennsylvania
Connellsville | Mostly gloomy, 55
Cogan Station | Cloudy, 54
???? New Town Square | Partly shining, 63

Sports PA
Pirates (23-20) | Colorado 4-10 | Thu vs. Colorado
Phillies (20-23) | Boston 1-3 | Thu in Boston
Union (1-2-10) | Orlando City 3-4 | I was based in Columbus

Primaries 2026. Check out our Pennsylvania primary previews, polls and prediction markets.

???? What we hear. “I don’t really care about party lines. What matters is whether you agree with my values ​​and what I think. And right now I don’t think many of them do.” – Richard Sworley

???? 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 critical story

1. National Democrats enter Lehigh Valley congressional race to counter influx of last-minute spending by shadowy PAC

“The highly competitive congressional seat in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley became the center this week of an all-out spending war by national political groups ahead of Tuesday’s primary elections, when Democrats will choose their challenger to one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the country.

The four-way Democratic contest in the 7th Congressional District received more than $1.2 million in last-minute TV ads from a modern and mysterious group with ties to Republican operatives.’ | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

Shapiro and AOC’s political maneuvering brings drama to the congressional race in Philadelphia. “Pennsylvania’s congressional candidate appears to have become embroiled in a proxy war between Gov. Josh Shapiro and progressive U.S. Republican from New York Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.” | PennLive

The pro-Al Stanford Super PAC pulled its ads from television during the final stretch of the congressional race in Philadelphia. “The Washington, D.C.-based super PAC that spent a staggering $3.5 million to support physician Al Stanford in his bid for Philadelphia’s open congressional seat pulled its television ads this week just days before the election.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

What is “progressive”? Philadelphia’s 3rd Congressional District is testing the label before voters go to the polls. “Sharif Street, Chris Rabb and Ala Stanford share many political goals, but some divisions over Gaza and fundraising, as well as a lack of public polling, make the race a guessing game.” | WHY

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Country

2. Key voters in Pennsylvania say Congress is failing them

“NOTUS interviews with voters in Pennsylvania’s Northeast District showed widespread dissatisfaction on both sides over the failure to address economic issues and little hope that they would take action. Affordability has long been a concern in this region of former coal towns that never fully recovered from the decline of the steel industry and experienced an influx of low-income jobs.” | known

Elsewhere

2026 primary preview: Lee and Parker meet for Democratic nomination in PA-12. “The 12th Congressional District contest is a Democratic stronghold that includes the city of Pittsburgh. Rep. Summer Lee is the heavy favorite to return to Washington, but she faces a primary challenge in this fall’s general election from fellow Democrat William Parker and most likely Republican James Hayes. ” | PoliticsPA

John Fetterman Casts Deciding Vote Against Trump’s Limitation of War in Iran. “The war powers resolution failed on a 49-50 vote because the Pennsylvanian was the only Democrat to vote with Republicans controlling the Senate. Three Republicans – U.S. Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – voted with the Democrats. | Questioner from Philadelphia

Bartolotta v. Buchtan: Senate primary highlights GOP split. “The fight in District 46, which includes all of Washington and Greene counties and a chunk of Beaver, was ugly. Courtroom fights were accompanied by shootouts between state and local party leaders and violent attacks fueled by gambling interests. ” | THAT’S ALL

A delay in state police notifying lawmakers of the threat is drawing anger at the Pennsylvania Capitol. “Some state lawmakers are wondering why they were not notified about the man who posted the hit list containing their names until approximately two weeks after state police learned of the threat and a week after the Senate was in session at a difficult-to-secure location in Philadelphia.” | PennLive

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Deluzio introduces the “Let Kids Play” law to raise private capital from youth sports

“US Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17), with the US Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced the Let Kids Play Act on Wednesday, a bicameral bill aimed at combating the takeover of youth sports by private equity.

“We see big money vultures that have turned youth sports into a luxury item. That drives prices down for families. That makes it a rip-off. This valuation didn’t just come about by accident. It’s these private equity vultures that we see in the economy and we see it here.” PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

Allegheny County Council members want to oust Patrick Catena as president. “Nearly half of the Allegheny County Council has signed on to a motion to remove Pat Catena as board chairman as Catena faces growing criticism over mailers sent out by his House campaign last week.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

Krasner attacks Trump and the House Judiciary Committee over the “war on immigrants” and hails GOP leaders to “Pull Up!” “Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner on Wednesday rebuked the House Judiciary Committee, telling its Republican leaders not to “spend your tax dollars running a deceitful, authoritarian political campaign.” Questioner from Philadelphia

Data center town hall speakers criticize the industry, Shapiro and the secrecy. “The enormous scope of Pennsylvania’s data center boom and the fierce opposition to it were on display during Wednesday evening’s virtual town hall, when it was called an ‘attack,’ something that ‘crushed’ citizens and – in many cases – was a byproduct of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s support.” | Central Square

Allegheny County is pushing for paid parental leave. “The Allegheny County Board of Health on Wednesday unanimously approved a measure seeking public comment on a proposal proposed by the county health department to provide 18 weeks of paid parental leave to all employees countywide.” | Grandstand overview

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• New hope for education in Pennsylvania | Wall Street Journal
• Pennsylvania must step up where the federal government is failing on women’s health | Representative Melissa Shusterman
• Tuesday Core Classes: What’s At Stake | Emily Brey
• Build trust by enforcing the law – including with elected officials | Wide + Freedom
• We Can’t Wait for Harrisburg: Philadelphia Needs a Rideshare Tax Now | Sharif El-Mekki
• Pennsylvania budget – balanced or based? | Felicia Fine
• For America’s sake, let’s welcome MAGA dropouts who are finally waking up to reality | Dick Polman

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1 item

5. Will Hersheypark open this summer? The strike threatens to delay the season

“Hersheypark’s full summer opening, scheduled for May 21, may be in jeopardy due to a union dispute between more than 200 maintenance workers who are voting to go on strike just days before the park opens for the 2026 season.

A possible delay in Hersheypark’s summer opening is due to a union dispute and a threatened strike among workers including vehicle mechanics, electricians and technicians, which could threaten operations. According to Inside the Magic, workers are voting this week on whether to authorize a strike after rejecting a contract offer. The vote comes before Pennsylvania’s summer theme park season opens on May 21, 2026, when operations will ramp up during a critical time for Pennsylvania’s largest park. | USA Today Network

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Thank you for starting your day with us.
Are you going to Aronimink? Have a nice day. See you on Friday.

Does party membership stigmatize someone for life?

Or maybe you can switch to an ideology that suits you today?

Ryan Crosswell is trying to walk that fine line as a former Republican turned Democratic candidate in the 7th Congressional District.

Crosswell is one of four candidates on Tuesday’s ballot in the Lehigh Valley, along with Bob Brookspresident of the Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association, former Northampton County executive Lamont McClureand director of energy Carol Obando-Derstine.

One glaring difference between the quartet – Crosswell is the lone former Republican.

The former federal prosecutor voted as a registered Republican in every presidential and midterm election from 2012 to 2022. He changed his registration in December 2024 before announcing he was running for the PA-07 seat, currently held by Representative Ryan Mackenzie.

Early in his legal career, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve lieutenant colonel was an associate attorney for… Little Mendelson in Charlotte, North Carolina The firm describes itself as “the largest law practice in the world dedicated exclusively to representing management in all aspects of labor and employment law.”

According to John LoganLittler Mendelson, a professor of labor history at San Francisco State University, is a union-busting law firm.

“Littler was undoubtedly the nation’s most famous union avoidance law firm for decades, dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.” he told The Keystone. “If you hire Littler Mendelson and you’re dealing with workers trying to organize, it’s like planting a flag that says, ‘Unions welcome here,’ and everyone knows it.”

Union leaders took notice.

“Ryan Crosswell is destroying unions,” said AFL-CIO president Jim Irwin. “I think it needs to be said and people should know it because he’s been a Democrat for less than a year. I really think a lot of people in the party are falling for this.”

After leaving Littler Mendelson, Crosswell eventually joined the Department of Justice. From 2017 to 2020, during the first Trump administration, he was based in the Southern District of California and handled multiple immigration cases.

“I have prosecuted many, many people for coming to this country illegally.” – he said to NOTUS.

In his most recent position as a federal prosecutor in the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, Crosswell handled major cases involving public corruption, election threats, and campaign finance violations at both the domestic and international levels. He received the Deputy Attorney General Award for Exceptional Service, conducted national and international training on effective corruption investigations, and played a key role in updating the Justice Department’s federal public corruption law monograph.

Crosswell said he decided to leave his post at the Justice Department after a disagreement with the administration over a corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

“When Donald Trump tried to get prosecutors in my section to use the Justice Department as a weapon against his enemies, I would never do it, so I stepped down,” he wrote on his campaign website.

He left Washington and returned to Pennsylvania, where he spent his early years. Crosswell graduated from Pottsville High School, where he ran cross country and wrestled for the Crimson Tide.

However, there are questions about Crosswell’s resignation from the Justice Department and his change of affiliation from Republican to Democrat.

He said he resigned due to mismanagement of the Eric Adams case in February 2025. However, the domain name “CrosswellForPA.com” was changed purchased December 15, 2024. Twelve days later, Crosswell changed his party affiliation from Republican to Democratic and said he would move to the district in early 2025.

He He admitted he voted for Republicans – both winners and losers – in previous elections.

“I voted for my voting record, transparently, in my first election for Bush. McCain was my hero. And then I voted for Romney.”

And then there’s the question of when he actually moved to the district.

July 20, 2025 in Crosswell provided an address in Washington (825 10th Street NW, Apt. 453) regarding a $250 donation to a congressional candidate Derek TranDemocrat from California.

While there are unanswered questions about his move, registration and strategy, it still doesn’t answer the question of whether Crosswell truly believes the Republican Party has abandoned him, or is leaving the GOP to run as a Democrat a purely strategic move?

“Ryan has been voting Democrat for ten years,” the campaign manager said Nick Mattes. “When Donald Trump asked him to break his oath of office, he resigned and testified against him. The costs to families are skyrocketing and the rule of law is collapsing under Donald Trump. Ryan is the only candidate in this race with a track record of standing up to Trump and the ability to hold him accountable. That’s exactly what he will do in Congress.”

You may remember the case Arlen Specterwho served as a U.S. senator from the Keystone State from 1981 to 2011. Specter was a Democrat from 1951 to 1965, then switched to the GOP from 1965 to 2009. Finally, when his seat seemed to be in jeopardy, Specter switched back to the Democratic Party once again. He lost in the 2010 Democratic primary Józef Sestakdefeated by Republicans Pat Toomey in the general elections.

In March 2009, Specter originally announced he would run for his seat as a Republican, but changed his mind a month later. “As the Republican Party moved further and further to the right, I found myself increasingly opposed to the Republican philosophy and increasingly aligned with the Democratic Party philosophy.”

National data that changed party affiliation switch on Hillary Clintonwho was a Goldwater girl and campaigned for the Arizona Republican in 1964. She officially became a Democrat later in the 1960s after attending the 1968 GOP convention.

Leon Panetta he began his political career as a Republican and briefly worked in the Nixon administration. He switched parties in 1971 due to concerns about the Nixon administration’s civil rights policies.

AND Elizabeth Warren she started life as a conservative who voted for the Republicans due to the party’s pro-business orientation, and only switched to the Democratic Party in the mid-1990s. Warren supported Brooks in the PA-07 nomination.

Crosswell used his experience with the Justice Department as the impetus for his move.

“At a time when there is a real authoritarian threat, the Democratic Party is a party that stands for democracy,” he added. he told students at Lehigh University in March.

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???? Yes, it’s Friday

???? PA Policy Manual Headings. The Democratic primary in the Lehigh Valley is testing progress against party strength. PSP will create a recent unit to investigate threats against elected officials. Which is what Shapiro is aiming for as he seeks a second term as PA governor. After the PGA Championship, Pennsylvania chooses a PGA Tour stop

???? Your morning, pick me up. Fun, fun, fun. Beach boys

Weather in Pennsylvania
???? Taranto | Rising Clouds, 69
???? Carlisle | Gradual Purification, 71
Lansdale | Mostly dull, 68

Sports PA
Pirates (24-20) | Colorado 7-2 | Friday-Sunday vs. Philadelphia
Phillies (21-23) | Boston 3-1 | Friday-Sunday in Pittsburgh
Union (1-2-10) | I was based in Columbus

Primaries 2026. Check out our Pennsylvania primary previews, polls and prediction markets.

???? What we hear. “If there is one place that captures the American mood of the last 20 years, it is Erie, Pennsylvania. And Erie’s importance is greater than its size.” – Newsweek

???? 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. Lehigh Valley Democratic primaries test progress against party strength

“Candidates in two key Democratic primary races in the Lehigh Valley agree that housing is too steep, government services are underfunded and the minimum wage is too low.

The conflict actually animating these races is more fundamental, and speaks to a larger dispute among Democrats across the commonwealth and country: Should the party seek bold solutions to these earnest problems, such as enacting a graduated income tax, despite opposition from moderates? Or should he focus on incremental progress while protecting unity under the huge tent?

Voters will decide on Tuesday.” | PA reflector

Elsewhere

Once he is a Republican, he is no longer a Republican. Crosswell walks a fine line in the PA-07 race. “Does party affiliation stigmatize someone for the rest of their days? Or can you switch to an ideology that fits you today? Ryan Crosswell tries to walk that fine line as a former Republican-turned-Democratic candidate in the 7th Congressional District. ” | PoliticsPA

‘He’s worried about his image’: Bresnahan donates to charities after voting to cut Medicaid, SNAP. “U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s charitable donations will come under scrutiny after he donated to organizations affected by President Donald Trump’s budget cuts that he voted for.” | Key

What AP Senator John Fetterman’s vote means for Trump, the US war with Iran. “With U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s decisive vote on the war powers resolution, President Donald Trump’s authority to attack Iran remains unlimited. The resolution, which would direct Trump to withdraw U.S. military forces from the conflict with Iran, was the first time the Senate voted to end the war in Iran since the end of the 60-day window set out in the War Powers Act. ” | USA Today Network

Senate Democrats are trying to reach a deal with Fetterman. “Senate Democrats this week praised their colleague John Fetterman amid fresh speculation that he may be leaving the party. In recent years, the iconoclastic Pennsylvania Democrat has often given the impression of a senator without a party. ” | known

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Country

2. Pennsylvania State Police Will Create New Threats Against Elected Officials Unit After Reporting ‘Breakdown’ With Lawmakers

“Pennsylvania State Police is creating a recent unit to investigate threats against elected officials following a communications failure over threats of violence against Pennsylvania state legislators.

Adam BerryhillThe 42-year-old was arrested May 6 after making “politically violent” threats on social media, including creating an alleged “hit list” targeting 20 Pennsylvania Democratic legislators, mostly from the Philadelphia area, state police said.

But some lawmakers weren’t made aware of it until this week, when police released a so-called hit list for a Lebanon County man. | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

Shapiro has endorsed four AP congressional primaries. He had no impact on the Philly race. “As Democratic voters from Chestnut Hill to South Philadelphia choose a new voice to represent them in Congress on Tuesday, there is one notable figure who has held off for months on who he thinks it should be: Gov. Josh Shapiro.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Stelson v. Douglas contests between Mrs. Inevitable and Mr. Newcomer in 10th grade Congress. “Janelle Stelson has never really stopped running against U.S. Sen. Scott Perry since leaving the WGAL News 8 debate in September 2023. Dauphin County Commissioner Justin Douglas, her Democratic opponent, is solely focused on May 19 and trying to survive and advance.” | PennLive

2026 Primary Preview: PA-17 GOP Clash Features Vodvarka, Guy. “The 17th Congressional District is the only GOP primary candidate in the Commonwealth, with businessman Jesse James Vodvarka and Beaver County Sheriff Tony Guy vying for the opportunity to challenge Democratic Rep. Chris Deluzio in the fall general election.” | PoliticsPA

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. What is Shapiro aiming for as he seeks a second term as PA governor

“During a recent campaign stop in Erie County, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro he quickly threw out a list of achievements from his first term.

While the opponent Stacy Garrity seems like the race is becoming a referendum on Shapiro’s first term, Shapiro clearly shares that approach. He highlighted every achievement under the political mantra of “getting things done.” | Erie Times-News

Elsewhere

Outside groups are sending money to Lancaster County’s 100th District race to support attack on Republican Dave Nissley. “The mailers attacking Nissley were paid for by the Government Responsible for Central PA PAC, which was also responsible for online ads targeting Elizabethtown-area Republican Danielle Lindemuth during her re-election campaign to the district’s school board last fall. Lindemuth was endorsed by the district’s GOP at the time. ” | LNP

HD-104: The main candidates in the Dauphin County House district are clashing for leadership. “In the Democratic primary for Pennsylvania’s 104th House District, incumbent state Republican Dave Madsen is seeking to secure the nomination against a challenge from Swatara County Commissioner Shane Steele.” | PennLive

Tiburcio, Gerlach focus on housing and tax policy in Democratic primary race for a seat in the 22nd House. “Months of political wrangling will culminate on Tuesday when Democratic voters choose state Republican Ana Tiburcio or City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach to represent the party in November in the race for the state’s 22nd House District.” | LehighValley News

Political leaders are calling on Pennsylvania to get earnest about renewable energy. “Pennsylvania is a national energy leader in two categories: utility costs and renewable energy resiliency. State policy experts see a solution to the former in the latter.” | Pittsburgh City Document

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• The Fate of Taiwan in Erie, Pennsylvania | Newsweek
• 23 Pennsylvania billionaires should assist save families from Trump’s cuts | PennLive
• Why low-income Pennsylvanians feel pressure from rising gas prices | Hannah Wiseman
• Data center politics is coming to a compact town in Pennsylvania | John Hinshaw
• Electricity Myth: Data Centers Are Not the Villain | Christian Walker
• Politics That Moves Us Forward: Why Latino Progress Is Pennsylvania Progress | LULAC, Pennsylvania

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5. After the PGA Championship, Pennsylvania chooses a PGA Tour stop

“The PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club just outside Philadelphia caps off a series of top-notch golf tournaments in Pennsylvania, including last year’s U.S. Open and the PGA Tour’s Truist Championship, as well as the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open.

Government officials are making every effort to make this a more common occurrence.

“I really want to do the PGA Tour at Cobbs Creek,” Pennsylvania Deputy Tourism Secretary Anna Ryan says Front Office Sports. “I’m obsessed with it.” | Sports at the reception

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Thank you for starting your weekend with us.
Relax. Enjoy. See you on Monday.

Pennsylvania’s primary election will be held on Tuesday and Republicans will go to the polls to choose their running mate State Treasurer Stacy Garrity in her quest to overthrow the Democrats Governor Josh Shapiro.

It’s a choice between a pair of candidates from Western Pennsylvania Jason Richey AND John Ventre.

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Jason Richey

• Experience: Attorney, K&L Gates. Chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Committee
• Priorities
  • Protect taxpayers from reckless spending and higher taxes
  • Prioritize public safety and support our law enforcement
  • Support job creation and economic growth
  • Let’s defend our constitutional rights and freedoms
  • Ensure that state government is limpid and works for the people, not special interests.
  • Use God-given natural resources and become a world leader in energy production.
• Fundraising: : $60,643 from January 1 to March 30. Cash on hand: $53,020.
• Education: B.A., Allegheny College, 1993. J.D., Ohio State College of Law, 1996.
• Quotable: “As lieutenant governor, I will focus on cutting regulations that stifle our private sector, responsibly unleashing our energy potential, and making state government work for the people who pay for it.”
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Blue | TikTok

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John Ventre

• Experience: Retired UPS Regional Security Director
• Priorities
  • Eliminate the $0.58 fuel tax
  • No more tax on ammunition sales
  • Cut down on unnecessary expenses
  • Bring back common sense leadership
  • Put Pennsylvania first
• Fundraising: : $0 from January 1 to March 31. Cash on hand: $0.
• Education: AAS, Farmingdale State University, 1977
• Quotable: “I am a “patriot candidate”, just like [GOP 2022 gubernatorial nominee Doug] Mastriano, but the difference is that I would never vote for Act 77. I’m like Trump because I grew up in New York. I bring a patriotic voice, while support brings support to the committee – that’s a huge difference.
• Cufflinks: : Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Blue | TikTok

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In the News