Let’s get back to it. I hope you had a nice holiday weekend.

Headlines. Summer of Sport and Politics. Feeling the impact of Trump’s tax law one year later. Echoes of the past in the fight between coal cities and data centers. Big brews, tiny cans.

Your morning, pick me up. Take me home, country roads. John Denver

Weather in Pennsylvania
Beaver Falls | Showers, thunderstorms, 86
Lewistown | Showers, thunderstorms, 79
Radnor | Showers, thunderstorms, 77

Sports PA
Phillies (50-40) | Kansas City 2-5 | Monday in Kansas City
Pirates (46-45) | Washington 11-5 | Tue. vs. Atlanta
USMNT | Mon – Belgium (1/16 World Cup finals)

What we hear. DCCC excels Brian Fitzpatrick reps, Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan AND Scott Perry over what he calls “Excessive Costs, Corruption and Cruelty” with Meta’s five-figure ad buy per district.

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 crucial story

1. It’s the summer of sports and politics

“Rep. Brendan Boyle is a congressman from Pennsylvania, representing a district stretching along the Delaware River in Philadelphia, including the entire northeastern part of the city. Of course, his personal X-channel reflects this, but not because it’s full of updates on the impact of federal policy on the construction of I-95 or the price of Cheez Whiz.

His personal X-channel reflects this, as it is filled with warm sports shots.

This helps explain why so many politicians are focusing on football, soccer, basketball, college sports and a certain UFC fight this summer. And it’s not all about fun and games, because the clash of sports and politics goes far beyond X and stupid bets. | known

Elsewhere

Supreme Court upholds state law banning transgender girls from women’s sports teams. “The U.S. Supreme Court has launched another legal battle over transgender inclusion policies, upholding state laws prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.” | PoliticsPA

Perry calls for repealing the 17th Amendment and giving state legislatures the power to elect senators. “There are 27 amendments in the United States Constitution that have been the foundation of the American Republic for 250 years. Representative Scott Perry (R-10) wants to repeal one of them. ” | PoliticsPA

Shapiro and other Democratic governors are calling on the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw Trump’s election executive order plan. “A group of Democratic governors asked the U.S. Postal Service on Thursday to withdraw a proposed rule aimed at implementing President Donald Trump’s executive order to create a federally eligible voting list and potentially limit who can receive a mail-in ballot.” | AP

Harvie sends a cease and desist letter to Fitzpatrick alleging defamation in campaign ads. (*6*) | Questioner from Philadelphia

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Country

2. Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact of Trump’s tax rules a year later

“One year after President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans passed a massive tax and spending bill, Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact as they debate how gigantic and attractive ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ really was.

The legislation included $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, extending cuts enacted during Trump’s first term while lowering taxes on tips, Social Security, up-to-date American-made cars and overtime wages. But it also reduced spending on health care and nutrition programs by $1.4 trillion Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

Elsewhere

Shapiro worries that Trump will do everything in his power to overturn the November election in his state. “Four months before the 2026 election, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro tells CNN he expects ‘Trump will try to do everything he can to overturn our election.'” | CNN

Western AP Democrats outside Allegheny County are losing ground in the state legislature. “State Rep. Rob Matzie is becoming an increasingly rare figure in western Pennsylvania state politics: an elected Democrat from outside Allegheny County.” | Grandstand overview

Could a tardy PA budget… actually be a good thing? “When it comes to the state budget, the last thing lawmakers should want is to push through legislation without considering the consequences.” | Tri-state alarm

Former state senator Shirley Kitchen dies at 79. “Kitchen, who represented the 3rd Senatorial District, was widely considered a steady voice for underserved communities in North Central Philadelphia, East Oak Lane and parts of Montgomery County.” | Philadelphia Tribune

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Echoes of the past in Pennsylvania’s coal towns’ fight against data centers

“Data center proposals in Hazle Township and nearby Kline Township are just two of more than 60 that emerged in Pennsylvania last year.

Residents of Pennsylvania’s coal regions are all too familiar with industry agreements that yield results quickly and leave destruction and little economic opportunity in their wake. As the local coal industry declined, manufacturing, waste disposal and storage facilities began to appear, some of which posed up-to-date health risks. There are three Superfund sites in Luzerne County, where Hazleton is located.

This story means that the development of the artificial intelligence boom brings additional alarm Inside climate news

Elsewhere

Republican Al Buchtan claims Washington County leaders influenced the election by trying to unseat state senator Bartolotta. “Federal lawsuit alleges defendants ‘collaborated with’ state Republican leaders to ‘interfere with the Republican primary election’ in the state’s 46th Senate District.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

Charleroi is bracing for an uncertain future following a Supreme Court ruling that leaves Haitians in limbo. “The immigrant community that helped revitalize the borough faces fear as immigration enforcement surges following the Temporary Protected Status ruling.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

If Congress fails to pass the bill, Pennsylvanians will lose an average of $520 a month in Social Security benefits over six years.. “68 million Americans could be affected, including 255,000 Philadelphians.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Local nonprofits are playing a waiting game as the state delays online lottery ticket sales. “The Youngwood Volunteer Fire Department is selling tickets for a chance to win outdoor cooking equipment. This is a popular donation drive held at departments across the state. State law says they are not allowed to sell tickets online or accept electronic payments. ” | News from the Valley

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

• Why does Pennsylvania even have a budget deadline? | Grandstand overview
• Josh Shapiro’s Fall: Pennsylvania Governor Falls on the Political Wharf | Jonathan Turley
• A debate would aid all Pennsylvania voters | CNHI
• The Supreme Court Just Gave the Rich Even More Political Power | Barbara McQuade
• America turns 250 with a soul in balance | Questioner from Philadelphia
• Football proves what Trump denies: America’s strength comes from the world | Marek S. Singel
• Protect the line that made women’s sports possible | JD Longo and Riley Gaines
• Banning trans girls from sports impacts all children – why allowing strangers to examine children’s bodies could put all girls at risk of molestation | Megan Gandy
• How football saved our 250th | Roxanne Patel Shepelavy

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1 item

5. Big brewers focus on vast beer cans

“The best brewers in America see gigantic business in tiny beers.

Sierra Nevada and Modelo maker Constellation Brands are among the companies bringing smaller cans and bottles, called ponies, to market, and sales are growing, analysts and industry executives say.

“We are optimistic about what ponies can add,” he said Craig PurserCEO of the National Association of Beer Wholesalers, which represents over 3,000 beer and beverage distributors. “Consumers don’t have to make a decision about 12 ounces.” | Wall Street Journal

Editor’s note. Takes me back to Skeller at Penn State and Rolling Rock 7oz ponies.

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Thank you for starting the up-to-date week with us.
Wipe the sleep from your eyes. Here we go.

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Forget the multi-million-dollar city festivals, synchronized drone shows and big-budget spectacles that were supposed to dominate Independence Weekend.

The record heatwave caused, among others, Citywide alert, Code Redraising the actual temperature to a staggering 35 degrees and forcing the cancellation of Queen Latifah’s concert the night before due to the scorching 117-degree slope of the stage surface. Just hours before the huge event was scheduled to start in Philadelphia on Friday The “Salute to Independence” parade has been officially canceled. Official floats were forced to turn back at 5th Street.

However, just before the Liberty Bell, a much more colorful, tumultuous and completely uncontrollable rift in historical space-time broke wide open anyway. On Friday, July 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., a crowd gathered and then grew in front of the historic monument.

Driven by a grassroots phenomenon that began with a modest batch of leaflets posted in Philadelphia, and later r/philly the subreddit was buzzing, with hundreds of undeterred tourists and locals congregating at Independence Mall.

What they discovered was not a customary, clichéd historical reconstruction. This was a living, breathing multiverse of Philadelphia, where Benjamin Franklin was no longer a single icon frozen in bronze, but a fractured, attractive reflection of the diverse community that makes Philadelphia what it is today.

“They can’t cancel the Bens.”

Organizer Elena Jackendoff, a West Philadelphia resident who moved to the city from Pittsburgh in 2015, used a megaphone to excite the delighted crowd. Despite the heat, the audience was excited and ready.

“They can’t cancel the Bens,” Jackendoff roared to the crowd. “Bring in Bens!”

Originally dreaming of a “sea of ​​1,000 Ben Franklins” on the eve of America’s 250th anniversary, Jackendoff brought the event to life with a elementary plan: a single entry fee on a dollar bill, a strict “BYO-bald” policy and low-stakes financial disruption. For Jackendoff, Franklin is the real father of Philadelphia, the city where her parents first met. In fact, if she had her way, Franklin, not William Penn, would be on top of City Hall.

“It’s a democratic competition, just the way Ben would have wanted it,” Jackendoff thought as he looked at the 30 or so Ben Franklins of various ages, genders and races who competed. “Philadelphia is truly special and we deserve to celebrate, despite all the terrible things that are happening.” The audience then cooperated to determine the winner: “Clap for your favorite Ben.”

Whether the fault was Mercury turning tumultuous retrograde or triple-digit weather warping the local continuum, one thing was certain: the city’s official program was forced to collapse under the sun, but a determined Ben Franklins pressed on. Below is the definitive visual documentation of Franklin’s verse, commemorating the attractive madness of America’s anniversary.

Happy birthday, America. Tomorrow we’re going to celebrate. I wish you a peaceful and cheerful 250th birthday. See you on Monday

Headlines. The budget is slow for the fifth year in a row. Shapiro takes center stage in America’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Faced with shortages, teachers’ pensions cite private equity as the biggest obstacle. How Hershey shaped Christian Pulisic

Your morning, pick me up. God bless America. Kate Smith

Weather in Pennsylvania
Pittsburg | Sunny, heated, 97
Harriburg | Sunny, heated, 104
Philadelphia | Sunny, heated, 103

Sports PA
Phillies (49-38) | Pittsburgh 10-6 | Thu vs. Pittsburgh
Pirates (43-44) | Philadelphia 6-10 | Thu in Philadelphia
USMNT | Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 | Mon. vs. Belgium

What we hear. Ex Senator Joe Manchinthe Democrat who won independence from West Virginia recommends it Senator John Fetterman follow his path and I will leave the Democratic Party.

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. Pennsylvania’s budget is slow for the fifth year in a row

“Pennsylvania’s budget is slow for the fifth year in a row.

Republicans who control the state Senate sent their members home without an agreement on Tuesday, and in a statement said the weeks of talks gave them “needed clarity on many of the outstanding issues that are delaying the completion of this year’s budget.”

They estimated an agreement would be close “in the days following July 4” and said they would return to session once final language was ready. | PA reflector

Elsewhere

America’s Birthday on July 2, Philadelphia style. “As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, Congress embarks on a journey back to where it all began – Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Members, led by Pennsylvania Democratic Senator Brendan F. Boyle, will gather for a celebratory event Thursday in his hometown, an endeavor that Boyle said has been two years in the making. ” | Roll call

Bipartisan support of the U.S. House of Representatives Panel to Study Private Capital in Youth Sports. “Some Democrats have promoted a bill sponsored by Pennsylvania Republican Chris DeLuzio that would ban private equity in youth sports.” | Penn Capital Star

‘Dark Money’ Group Paid Democrat Janelle Stelson to Disappear Podcast. “Janelle Stelson, the former local news anchor who Democrats hope will unseat Republican Rep. Scott Perry in November in one of the nation’s hottest House races, was paid by a ‘gloomy money’ group to produce a podcast that federal records show no longer exists on the Internet.” | known

The forgotten (un)signatory of the Declaration: John Dickinson’s lost 1776 signature haunts his legacy. “For a quarter of a century, Jane Calvert pursued a mission shared by few scholars of the Revolutionary War era. She supported a founder who is remembered mainly, if at all, as the man who would not have signed the Declaration of Independence – the lawyer and statesman John Dickinson.” | AP

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Country

2. Congress arrives in Philadelphia and Shapiro takes center stage at the America 250 celebration

(*5*)

“Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has a message for members of Congress as they gather at Independence Hall in Philadelphia on Thursday:

It is the birthplace of democracy, and with it the responsibilities left by America’s founders.

“The Founders made clear that our true responsibility is to do the work of continually improving our union,” Shapiro said in an interview this week ahead of his speech before a ceremonial meeting of Congress commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the same building. “And that the United States Congress has the unique responsibility of exercising control over the executive branch.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

Elsewhere

AP Legislature grapples with data center expansion. “Lawmakers have largely resisted any comprehensive regulation, instead focusing on piecemeal, largely bipartisan efforts.” | Penn Capital Star

With data centers in mind, Pennsylvania House votes to close Sunshine Act loophole following court ruling. “It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where the city officials are? Maybe they’re voting on something you don’t know about? They could be.” | PennLive

House passes college funding, but has problems with the School Choice Act. “The state started the new fiscal year without a budget on Wednesday, and events in the House — a thorny confrontation over one education-related bill but bipartisan passage of another — made it unclear whether an agreement would be reached any time soon.” | Central Square

What does the PA House gaming chair see in terms of arcade games. “The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling in June that arcade games meet the state’s definition of a slot machine and are therefore operating illegally in dozens of storefronts across the state does not mean we have seen the last of them.” | USA Today Network

Mastriano supports Garrity, claims he did not reach an agreement regarding the ambassador. “Just a week before the election, President Donald Trump nominated state Sen. Doug Mastriano to be U.S. ambassador to the Slovak Republic. Some wondered if his nomination was a reward for avoiding a bitter primary fight with Treasurer Stacy Garrity.” | abc27

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. Facing a $41 Billion Shortage, Teachers’ Pension Lists Private Equity as Biggest Obstacle

“Pennsylvania’s public school employees’ pension fund is $41 billion short of what it needs to pay promised benefits. It fell short of officials’ investment grade last year, a result they said was due “primarily to private equity performance.”

The $41 billion shortfall is more than the accounting figure.’ | Central Square

Elsewhere

Lehigh County Commissioner Jon Irons announces his resignation. “The first-term Democrat will step down after the July 8 meeting. He and his family plan to move to Atlanta.” | Lehigh Valley Public Media

Police remove anyone questioned in Amazon data center case. “Police removed former state Rep. Todd Eachus from a public hearing on a proposed data center Tuesday night at McAdoo-Kelayres Elementary/Middle School.” | Standard loudspeaker

The future of artificial intelligence in Pittsburgh depends on who controls the changing nature of work. “Two hundred and fifty years ago, a new country was founded with the idea that ordinary people could shape their future. Now new technology raises questions about how much control people will have in making a living for the next 250 years. ” | Public source

A $50 million downtown revitalization plan raises questions about where the money is going. “A plan to borrow tens of millions of dollars to spur downtown redevelopment projects has drawn skepticism from some city officials and residents over a lack of details on how the money will be spent.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

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1 item

5. From Chocolate Alley to the World Cup: How Hershey Shaped Christian Pulisic

(*2*)

“Hershey may be known as the “sweetest place on earth” due to its chocolate-soaked origins, but the Pennsylvania community is also home to Christian Pulisic — the most renowned and most successful player of the American national team, which has massive dreams of co-hosting the World Cup.

The team advanced on Wednesday, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina and preparing for a round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.

“Hershey is everything to me – this is where my family is from, this is where I grew up,” Pulisic recently said on his Instagram account, promoting Hershey Company’s limited-edition Pulisic milk chocolate bars, which feature custom packaging with his signature. “This is where I learned to play. It’s just home.” | AP

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Thank you for starting your Thursday with us.
Happy birthday America! See you on Monday.

Public opinion on data center development appears uncertain in parts of the Commonwealth, as dozens of companies apply to build in suburban and rural communities. But state lawmakers in Harrisburg have largely resisted any comprehensive regulation, instead focusing on piecemeal, largely bipartisan efforts.

This week, four such bills passed through the legislative process, most of them almost unanimously.

One of them could require better coordination of emergency planning with local officials, while two others would allow municipalities to halt applications altogether.

However, a proposal to ban the operate of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) faced significant opposition on Tuesday, with several Republicans sharing concerns about making trade secrets public.

Representative Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) painted House Bill 2359 as a way to stop local authorities from signing NDAs. Opponents say they had to submit numerous information requests to obtain basic information related to the projects.

“We continue to hear from our residents about data centers, and we continue to talk about transparency and understanding in this chamber,” Ciresi said. “Thanks to this bill, our neighbors know what is being built.”

Others, however, disagreed, arguing that the bill goes beyond NDAs and includes requirements for public meetings and energy reporting.

“NDAs are used in all industries… and the reasons for their use are very clear,” he said Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver). “These large manufacturers or companies need to keep certain things secret, do their due diligence, and at the same time be able to provide information to local officials.”

He noted that last week the body adopted an act giving municipalities ability to pause the applicationbut said this proposal takes away some of that local control.Support independent reporting on how Pennsylvania’s policy decisions affect you. SUPPORT

“No one is forcing a local official to sign an NDA if they don’t think it’s the right thing for their community,” he continued.

Rep. Jamie Walsh (Luzerna) said the NDA had “riven the community” in his district, making elected leaders “unable to be honest with the public.”

One Democrat, Delaware County Rep. Greg Vitalijoined 30 minority Republicans in voting “no,” but 171 members chose to send the bill to the Senate.

Preparing for data center failures

House Bill 2535by Representative Christina Sappey (D-Chester) moved the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee on Tuesday by a 25-1 majority, which she described as a “rather simple” way to reduce potential risk to first responders in emergencies.

To obtain an occupancy permit, data centers would have to submit floor plans and interior contents to local authorities, including information about emergency power switches, escape routes and manual activation points for fire protection systems.

The plans must be updated annually and are not subject to public records laws “to the extent there is a reasonable likelihood that disclosure would jeopardize the security or physical security of the facility or critical infrastructure.”

“We’ve been talking about data centers for months, but the one thing we haven’t talked about is what could potentially go wrong in some of these facilities,” Sappey said. “They are large and in some cases have long corridors. They have different rooms with different types of equipment, and our first responders who had an alarm would not have known what they were walking into.”

The penalty for a first offense is $10,000, followed by a fine of $5,000 for each day thereafter until the violation is corrected.

Rep. Greg Scott (D-Montgomery), a volunteer firefighter from Fairmont, was concerned about cases where rescues may require specialized equipment or firefighting foam – which could fall on compact, underfunded fire departments across the commonwealth.

“This burden should not be placed on taxpayers where there are billion-dollar corporations that have the resources to be able to present this,” Scott continued. “We cannot lose sight of the financial burden that some of these data centers will place on our fire department.”

But Representative Michael Stender (R-Northumberland), a former Harrisburg firefighter, said there was “nothing here that would necessarily concern me,” adding that building codes already required sprinklers.

“Actually, the best firefighters are these sprinklers. They are actually better firefighters than our volunteer and career firefighters,” Stender said. “They put out about 70-80% of the fire, and the rest of the work is usually done by steam.”

Other committee members rejected that claim, noting that data centers operate a wide range of energy sources that may require a more tailored response.

Stender was the only one to vote “no” and added that he had “some doubts about some of the terms included in the bill.”

Allowing municipalities to “pause” development

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers seemed interested in improving rules allowing municipalities to halt all data center applications, as seen in two bills that were approved by the Senate Local Government Committee on Tuesday.

“The reality is that many of our local governments have been asked to evaluate these proposals before they have had sufficient time to understand their impacts or develop appropriate zoning ordinances tailored to this rapidly growing industry,” said Republican Paul Friel, sponsor of the initiative House Bill 2496. Don’t count on social media algorithms to facilitate you find a trusted news source. Sign up for our free morning newsletter.SUBSCRIBE

The bill would give municipalities the ability to “pause” zoning plan applications for 180 days. Last week, the House approved the measure by a 201-1 majority. Senators amended it to clarify that it would only apply to up-to-date applications, and unanimously passed the bill.

Another proposal would give municipalities even more time – up to 18 months – to impose a moratorium on up-to-date hyperscale data center applications.

“Our communities need a moment of respite,” he said Senate Bill 1345 sponsor Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-Lehigh). “Honestly, so does this community.”

Coleman stressed that any moratorium must have a specific reason, such as developing regulations or analyzing energy and water supplies.

Although the bill was adopted by a 10 to 1 majority, MPs rejected the amendment of 10 December 2010 Senator Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe), which would extend the moratorium to three years.

Senator Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) reflected on the constitutional limits, noting that the one-year moratorium in Hill County, Texas it had to be reversed last month after a developer filed a $100 million lawsuit challenging the rule.

Both bills now go to the full Senate for further consideration.

Whitney Downard is a writer for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star

The U.S. Supreme Court has entered another legal battle over transgender inclusion policies, upholding state laws prohibiting transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports.

In a 6-3 decision that was consistent with conservative and liberal principles, the court ruled against two transgender students from West Virginia and Idaho who had challenged the restrictive regulations.

In his 29-page opinion, Judge Brett Kavanaugh wrote that “[c]Under Title IX and the Equal Protection Clause, we hold that States may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females. They can determine women’s and girls’ sports eligibility based on biological sex. The Constitution and Title IX do not require sweeping changes to women’s and girls’ sports across America.”

All nine justices agreed that the ban was permitted under Title IX, but disagreed on whether it was constitutional.

Judge Clarence Thomas stated: “The Court correctly finds that neither Title IX nor the Equal Protection Clause prohibits States from offering athletics segregated by sex. A man has no right to compete with women simply because he believes he is a woman.”

Judge Sonia Sotomayorin the opinion he joined Judges Elena Kagan AND Ketanji Brown Jacksonstated that “the majority shows great compassion for those it favors: young cisgender girls and women who play sports. I share that sympathy. Playing sports can lead to immeasurable benefits, and many people are understandably invested in ensuring that competition remains fair and safe. However, since the majority causes hardship for those it despises by not giving them the fair and full opportunity required by the Constitution to adjudicate their claims, I respectfully dissent.”

“Because of the Court’s decision today,” Sotomayor concluded, “West Virginia and any other state entity can deprive BPJ and other entities like it” of the benefits of sports “simply because it believes they have an inherent athletic advantage, even if the facts show that they do not. Ultimately, for the Court,” Sotomayor argued, “the facts do not matter, even though the consequences are serious.”

While the ruling only directly affects West Virginia and Idaho, it will likely have an impact 25 other states with similar prohibitions. Pennsylvania lawmakers are currently arguing over the bill, while among neighboring states, only Ohio and West Virginia have gender identity-specific sports bans.

While this ruling does not directly apply to private schools that do not receive federal funding, it still provides useful context, particularly for K-12 private elementary and middle schools subject to state and local sex discrimination laws.

“BIG VICTORY: THE U.S. Supreme Court Just RULED AGAINST MEN ELIGIBLE WOMEN ATHLETES.” President Donald Trumpwhose administration supports bans, – he said on Truth Social.

Representatives of John Joyce (R-13) i Mike Kelly (R-16) agreed with Trump.

“A great victory for America’s daughters and granddaughters.” he tweeted Joyce. “I commend the Supreme Court for today’s ruling protecting biological female athletes and their right to compete fairly. Bottom line: men do not belong in women’s sports. Common sense prevailed today.”

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling confirms a truth that so many Americans have always known,” Kelly said in a statement. “Prior to serving in Congress, I spent years as a youth sports coach. I know the real benefits sports can bring to both boys and girls, both on and off the field. Protecting girls’ and women’s sports is essential, and today’s ruling does just that.”

Country Senator Judy Ward (R-Blair/Fulton/Huntingdon/Juniata/Mifflin), the lead sponsor of the Pennsylvania Senate-passed Save Women’s Sports Act, said the ruling was based on common sense.

“The court confirmed what the plain language of Title IX has always made clear: the law refers to biological sex and allows separate sports teams for men and women,” Ward said. “The court also ruled that the Equal Protection Clause gives states the ability to limit women’s participation in women’s sports on the basis of biological sex, allowing states to protect the safety, fairness and competitive opportunities of women and girls. Pennsylvania is long overdue to enact legislation protecting these same principles. Once again, the Supreme Court has affirmed that states have the right to protect their citizens. Pennsylvania must act now.”

Senate bill 9 passed the GOP-controlled Senate with a 32-18 bipartisan vote, but stalled in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, where yesterday it was moved from the Judiciary Committee to the Health Committee for the third time.

“Despite yesterday’s SCOTUS ruling, House Democrats are resorting to the same game to avoid taking a position on protecting women’s sports,” AP Republicans wrote in a social media post. “Now the question is how many times will they resend the bills before they just admit they are afraid of voting?”

Montgomery County Rep. Joe Webster he said the decision focused vulnerable youth on political debate in search of an issue.

“To transgender students and those who love them who are following this latest development in the law, please know that your allies in the AP House continue to work for a better Pennsylvania for all its residents,” he wrote in a social media post. “We will continue to defend and uplift human rights and equality in every case. We will continue to work with advocacy groups and committed nonprofit organizations that support our transgender youth. We see you, we support you, and we will continue to fight for you.”

The Education Law Center-PA disagreed with the ruling, saying that every student deserves the opportunity to learn, develop and participate fully in school life.

“School sports provide students with important opportunities to build self-confidence, develop leadership skills, form meaningful relationships and experience belonging,” she said Krystyna Moonsenior attorney at Education Law Center-PA. “Excluding transgender students from these opportunities undermines these goals and sends a harmful message that some young people do not belong and do not have the right to participate fully in school. We will continue to fight to ensure that all transgender students enjoy welcoming and inclusive schools across Pennsylvania.”

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania called the decision “disgusting.”

“These rulings, even those that we believe are constitutional and uphold democratic principles and norms, reflect a systematic attempt by the Supreme Court to deprive Americans of their most basic, fundamental and long-established freedoms,” he said. Amy Widestromexecutive director of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania.

President of the NCAA Charlie Baker does not believe that the organization will have to change its policies regarding transgender athletes in featherlight of the ruling.

“After I got this job, I told people, Democrats and Republicans in Washington, that we needed some clarity on what the national standard would be on this issue, so we adopted and followed the standard proposed by the Trump administration,” Baker said. “I think what happens at the state level is a different issue.”

The National Education Association said the decision would cause real and lasting harm to students of all genders.

“As a nation, we decided long ago that discrimination is wrong and that everyone, regardless of gender, race or location, deserves an equal opportunity to succeed,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “This commitment must include transgender youth who, like all students, deserve the opportunity to participate fully in school, develop and prepare for the future. Sports teach juvenile people leadership, self-confidence, self-discipline and teamwork; lessons that should not be denied to any child because of who they are. Today’s Supreme Court decision in BPJ and Hecox ignores the voices of educators who understand the value of access to school sports and the importance of inclusion and belonging.”

(Central Square) – For the fifth year in a row, state leaders have failed to meet the June 30 deadline to complete work on the annual budget – a situation that will have no practical effect in the low term, but raises the ugly specter of last year’s 135-day stalemate.

In 2025, although political leaders said in behind schedule June and early July that they were “close” to an agreement, no agreement was reached until November. Billions of dollars in state payments were withheld, counties lost millions of dollars, programs were cut and workers were furloughed.

The chances of meeting the deadline this year ended on Tuesday before 3 p.m.

The Republican-controlled Senate had ended its daily voting session and its members intended to leave Harrisburg and head home for the long July 4 holiday weekend, even though they would be “on call” for a hasty return. Meanwhile, the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives remained in Harrisburg and was scheduled to begin session on Wednesday.

The Republican-led exit from the Capitol led to finger-pointing from Senate Democrats, who outnumber them 27-23 in the chamber.

“We should stay here and continue the work that needs to be done,” he said Senator Jay Costa from Allegheny County, the top Democrat in the Senate. Top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, Senator Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia said that most are “walking away” from budget work and should stay and “work this situation out.”

Comments were ignored Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman Indiana counties.

Negotiations taking place behind closed doors are on a “very good trajectory” and will likely lead to an agreement “in the next few days,” Pittman said on the Senate floor. Shortly afterwards, he repeated his opinion at a press conference, among others Representative Jesse Topper of Bedford County, the leading Republican in the chamber.

Regardless of what lawmakers say publicly, Topper said, “At the end of the day, the conversations are ongoing.”

In a written statement, top Senate Republicans said they “gained needed clarity this week on many of the outstanding issues that are delaying” the conclusion of the budget.

Private negotiations between party leaders are the standard procedure for reaching a budget agreement, which is then turned into enforceable legislation that becomes public and is voted on in both houses. If both pass, they will go to the governor to ask for his possible signature.

A closed-door approach is being adopted “to avoid the scrutiny and debate that would occur with a normal bill,” he said Nathan Benefieldpolicy director of the Commonwealth Foundation, a Harrisburg-based think tank. Another disadvantage of the secretive approach, he said, is that when rank-and-file lawmakers finally receive budget bills — often a hundred or more pages long — they may have only a few hours to read them before voting.

The fact that legislators and Governor Josh Shapiro Benefield said he missed the deadline again and is a symbol of “the culture in Harrisburg. I don’t take the budget deadline seriously.”

Benefield said the real consequences of the state government’s lack of a budget won’t start to be felt until August, when both schools and some nonprofits don’t receive payments within the established budget.

Ford Turner is a Pennsylvania reporter for The Center Square

On a straight party-line vote, the Pennsylvania State Senate a majority of 27 to 23 voted against the motion to consider the resolution on discharge calling for a vote Tuesday to raise the state’s minimum wage through a special ordinance.

A discharge petition is a way to withdraw a bill from committee and submit it to a vote for consideration without a committee report by “granting” discharge to the committee from further consideration of the bill or resolution.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) filed a motion to House Bill 2189 it would enhance the commonwealth’s minimum wage to $15 over three years, to $11 next year, $13 in 2028 and $15 by 2029. HB2189 was passed by the House of Representatives in slow March by a 104-95 vote and is among the House bills remaining under consideration by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee.

While this was unlikely given the 27-23 GOP majority in the chamber, Costa hoped to find two Republicans to cross the aisle to “discharge” the resolution and force members to vote “yes” or “no” on the issue during the even-numbered district election cycle.

“On the 20th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Legislature’s last vote to raise the minimum wage, Senate Republicans voted record-breakingly against even considering a minimum wage increase, denying thousands of PA workers a raise,” Costa said in a statement. “The contempt that Senate Republicans have shown for workers earning less than $15 an hour is astonishing and shameful. Today’s vote made it abundantly clear that Senate Democrats stand with families struggling to overcome the affordability crisis, while Senate Republicans sit on their hands and let workers suffer. Our caucus will never stop fighting for the pay raise our constituents deserve.”

Currently, 34 states, territories and counties have minimum wages above the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

Five states have not adopted a state minimum wage: Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. In three states, Georgia, Oklahoma and Wyoming, the minimum wage is less than $7.25 an hour. All eight states generally have a federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

In the Mid-Atlantic region, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. well below neighboring countriesincluding:

New York, $16.00
New Jersey, $15.92
Delaware, $15
Maryland, $15
Ohio, $11.00
West Virginia, $8.75

This is estimated by the Keystone Research Center, a source of independent analysis of Pennsylvania’s economy and public policy Wages for 865,600 Pennsylvania workers will enhance if lawmakers raised the minimum wage for all non-tipped hourly workers to $15 an hour. Increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour would directly affect nearly half a million Pennsylvania workers (460,000) and indirectly affect 405,600 workers.

updated to include quote from Costa

Second half of the week/year. Hello Wednesday, hello July.

Headlines. The PA budget is officially late. Senate GOP and Democrats are at loggerheads as the state budget deadline passes. With little data or oversight, $650 million in school tax breaks is drawing criticism. The science behind the Dinger River at PNC Park.

Your morning, pick me up. Heating is in progress. Glenn Frey

Weather in Pennsylvania
Uniontown | Sunny, heated, 94
Jersey Coast | Sunny, heated, 98
Telford | Sunny, heated, 96

Sports PA
Phillies (48-38) | Pittsburgh 8-0 | Wednesday vs. Pittsburgh
Pirates (43-43) | Philadelphia 0-8 | Wednesday in Philadelphia
USMNT (2-1) | Wednesday – Bosnia and Herzegovina

What’s happening today. The House meets at 9:30 a.m.

Meet. President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Republicans will hold their first-ever midterm convention in Dallas in September.

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 crucial story

1. AP budget officially delayed, although hope remains for an agreement next week

“With a budget agreement seemingly out of reach this week, state senators left Harrisburg on Tuesday, marking another year in which the budget plan will miss the end-of-June deadline set by state law.

Democrats were quick to say they preferred to finalize the deal before going to Independence Day weekend barbecues. At a news conference, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate gave Senate Republicans a missed deadline over their refusal to return on Wednesday.

But Senate Republican leader Joe Pittmanwho announced a break with no scheduled return date, said an agreement could be reached as early as next week.” | WESA

Elsewhere

Supreme Court ruling marks next fight in trans sports. “The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to impose a nationwide ban on transgender athletes while upholding state laws barring transgender girls from playing on girls’ sports teams, setting up another legal fight over inclusive policies. The ruling leaves transgender-inclusive policies in some states intact for now, shifting another legal battle to states and schools” | Axles

Could PA-09 be an indicator of other fall races? “While all the attention is on four congressional races this fall, why am I looking at one where Republicans have a +32 advantage in voter registration? Because that could say more about the fate of the GOP in November than the fate of Bucks County, the Lehigh Valley, NEPA or the Commonwealth Capital Region.” | PoliticsPA

Pennsylvania, 24 other states sue Trump administration over Medicaid work requirements rule. “The lawsuit, filed in federal district court in Massachusetts, alleges a new June 3 rule from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that forces “vulnerable Medicaid members” to “jump through unnecessary administrative hoops to obtain and maintain life-saving health care.” known

Thompson proposes a path to legal employment for undocumented farm workers. “House Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson has proposed a dramatic expansion of the federal farm labor program that includes a path for some undocumented immigrants to apply for short-lived legal status if they work in the U.S. agricultural industry.” | PoliticsPA

Garrity agrees to pay vendors for disputed work at Shapiro Home. “Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity has agreed to foot a roughly $1 million bill to improve security at the private home of her political rival, Gov. Josh Shapiro, amid possible litigation.” | USA Today Network

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Country

2. The Senate GOP and Democrats are arguing over the deadline for implementing the state budget

“Since July 4 falls on a Saturday, the federal holiday for government employees and many businesses will be observed on Friday, June 3 this year.

It appears that Republicans and Democrats in the Pennsylvania Senate have different ideas about when their summer break should start and what tasks remain.” | PoliticsPA

Elsewhere

What to know after Pennsylvania’s budget deadline. “The Pennsylvania House of Representatives added two session days to its calendar before canceling one this week, while the Senate took an early recess to ensure the state’s next budget isn’t finalized on time.” | USA Today Network

Senate Republicans vote to reject discharge resolution to raise state minimum wage. “In a straight party-line vote, the Pennsylvania State Senate voted 27-23 against a motion to consider a discharge resolution calling for a vote on Tuesday on raising the state minimum wage as part of a special agenda.” | PoliticsPA

State lawmakers want to lower electricity bills. The impact on your budget may be too much to swallow. “In response to public anger over rising energy costs, Pennsylvania lawmakers from both parties voted for a massive tax cut that would lower electricity bills for customers across the state, even as they said little publicly about how to cover the $1.7 billion hole such a measure would create in the budget.” | PA reflector

A Pennsylvania lawmaker claims he was kicked off the floor of the house for wearing a “patriotic” American flag jacket. “Rep. Eric Davanzo, a Republican serving Pennsylvania’s 58th District in parts of Westmoreland County, said he was removed from the House floor on Tuesday for wearing a jacket he called ‘patriotic’ ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.” | CBS Pittsburgh

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Around the Republic of Poland

3. With little data or an oversight, the $650 million school tax break drew criticism

“In Pennsylvania, $680 million of the state’s annual budget goes to two tax credit scholarship programs that are the Commonwealth’s version of the school voucher program.

This is more than the annual state funding for the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Agriculture combined.” | Key

Elsewhere

AP Voting Rights Advocates Support Judicial Reprimand Over Trump Voter Demands. “A federal judge has rejected efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to obtain voter-record information about Pennsylvania voters, the latest such setback in a series of losses across the country.” | WESA

Incumbent Emrick leads Warren in fundraising for the prestigious 137th District race. “Incumbent Republican Joe Emrick is leading Democratic challenger Jeff Warren in campaign fundraising for Pennsylvania’s 137th House District, a race where national Democrats have been looking to turn things around.” | Lehigh Valley Chair

State Democrats are stepping in to control the election process for Democratic Party officials in Lackawanna County. “The state Democratic Party has assumed temporary control of its Lackawanna County chapter and plans to schedule a meeting soon to elect new county party officers.” | WVIA

Mayor Parker changed everything for this year’s July 4th concert – and it’s costing Philadelphia taxpayers millions more. “The city is expected to pay ESM Productions approximately $15.5 million for the show, which will headline Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, The Roots and guest star Meek Mill.” | Questioner from Philadelphia

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Editorial

4. What do you think about it?

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1 item

5. Why did only 7 home runs at PNC Park reach Allegheny on the fly

(*1*)

“In the 25 years of the stadium’s operation, seven home runs were hit into the river on the fly – without any bounce, straight from the barrel of the bat into the drink.

Aside from the sheer distance necessary – home plate to the Allegheny River is 443 feet, 4 inches – what makes achieving it so hard for the best hitters in the world?

To find out, The Post-Gazette spoke to a former nuclear physics professor who studies baseball physics, the chief architect of the PNC Park project, and a number of experts in statistics and data science, as well as members of the Pirates. | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper

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Thank you for starting the novel month with us.
Keep placid. See you tomorrow.

Since July 4 falls on a Saturday, the federal holiday for government employees and many businesses will be observed on Friday, June 3 this year.

It appears that Republicans and Democrats in the Pennsylvania Senate have different ideas about when their summer break should start and what their remaining tasks are.

Due to the statutory deadline for completing work on the state budget on Tuesday at 11:59 p.m., both sides have prepared alternative plans to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Pennsylvania Senate Interim President Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Jefferson/Indiana/Westmoreland) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) issued a statement after completing the state budget for 2026-27:

“We gained needed clarity this week on many of the outstanding issues that have delayed the completion of this year’s budget. We now believe we are on track to reach a full budget agreement in the days following July 4. At the conclusion of today’s session, the Senate will recess at the call of the President Pro Tempore and will reconvene when the final budget language is ready.”

All 27 Republican members of the Senate voted for the adjournment.

All 23 Democratic Senate members voted against the motion.

Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) spoke out against the break.

“I strongly opposed the Senate Republicans’ decision to adjourn without a final budget agreement,” he said – wrote in a post on social media. “Pennsylvanians deserve elected leaders who will do the hard work and get the job done. Let’s buckle up and get on with it, not on pause.”

Senator Vincent Hughes (Philadelphia), Minority Appropriations Chairman, said: “We are all here in Harrisburg ready to get to work and finalize the budget. But Senate Republicans are taking the ball in their own hands and going home. The Pennsylvania House is in session until Thursday. The Governor is in Harrisburg ready to work. Senate Democrats are here ready to pass the budget.”

Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) – wrote in a post on social media that “My Democratic Caucus colleagues and I were frustrated to see the Senate majority adjourn without passing a budget. We voted NO – instead, we voted to stay in session and get the job done. When Harrisburg misses its deadline, services suffer and people get hurt.”

Democrats in the House of Representatives have already passed an appropriations bill that would fund these goals Governor Josh Shapiro requested budget of $53.3 billion in general fund spending, the state’s overnight operating account.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Joanna McClinton (Delaware/Philadelphia) said Pennsylvanians deserve better in a social media post.

“It was blocked before the work was done. June 30 came and went… and instead of passing a budget, @PASenateGOP interrupted for the holiday weekend.”

McClinton then canceled Thursday’s House voting session, noting the Senate’s absence.

The only good news – taxes will still be collected, government workers will still be paid, and programs from Medicaid to environmental permits to unemployment insurance will continue to operate.