🎉 Friday. This is the 116th day of the state budget impasse
🗞️ In today’s Guide. Meuser campaign, PA GOP among Republican groups that spent $1 million on Trump Properties. The budget impasse continues as AP lawmakers travel abroad and hold exorbitant fundraisers. What Pennsylvania Voters Need to Know Fall Foliage Report.
🎶 Your morning pick-me-up. I will follow. U2
Weather in Pennsylvania
☁️Allison Park | Mostly gloomy, 52
🌤️Downtown | Mostly radiant, 59
☀️ New hope | Sunny, 60
Sports PA
🏈 Eagles (5-2) | Sun vs. NY Giants
🏈 Steelers (4-2) | Sun vs. Green Bay
🏈 Pitt (5-2) | Saturday vs. NC State
🏈 Temple (4-3) | I was based in Tulsa
🏈 Penn State (3-4) | November 1 vs. Ohio State
⚽ Union (20-6-8) | Sun vs. Chicago (MLS Playoffs)
🏀 Sixers (1-0) | Sat vs. Charlotte
🏒 Flyers (3-3-1) | Ottawa 1-2 | Sat vs. NY Islanders
🏒 Penguins (6-2) | Florida 5-3 | Sat versus Columbus
🔊 What we hear. “President Donald Trump said late Thursday that it was ending “all trade negotiations” with Canada because of a TV ad opposing US tariffs “which he said distorted the facts and called ‘egregious conduct’ intended to influence the decisions of US courts.”
✋ Five things I think I think about. “The world of politics in Pennsylvania never ends, although an occasional admonishment from a lawmaker not to wear Halloween costumes on the floor can slow things down a bit. Here are five things I think I’m thinking.” (PolitykaPA)
📰 PoliticsPA Guide was developed by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
The most vital story
1. Meuser Campaign, PA GOP Among Republican Groups That Spent $1 Million on Trump Properties
“The 2026 midterm elections are over a year away, but Republican political action committees are already scoring victories for President Donald Trump personal bank account. In recent weeks, Trump-aligned political committees have pumped tens of thousands of dollars into private properties owned by Trump.
In overdue May, a few days before Trump announced he would support the decision Representative Dan Meuser if he ran for governor of Pennsylvania, Meuser’s campaign revealed that he spent nearly $4,500 on “fundraising” at Mar-a-Lago. The Meuser campaign also spent $15,000 at Mar-a-Lago for a March 13 fundraiser and more than $10,000 on March 27.”(known)
Elsewhere
Is Next FiveThirtyEight a gambling site? “The growth of political betting is not only lucrative for bettors and platforms. Their supporters also hope that one day they will be able to replace the political prediction industry overall and remake the larger political media ecosystem.” (POLICY)
Democrats call on Rep. Deluzio to support Stelson, criticize Perry for his comments about veterans. “Congressman Chris Deluzio campaigned in the Harrisburg area Thursday in support of Janelle Stelson, sharply criticizing Congressman Scott Perry for his recent comments condemning Democrats’ military service.” (PennLive)
Nearly all AP House Republican members outperformed Democrats in the third quarter – the exception is Scott Perry. “For the first time in the 2026 cycle, a Democratic challenger in Pennsylvania has outperformed an incumbent in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched U.S. House of Representatives races in the country.” (Penn Capital Star)
‘It’s cruel and not right’: GOP health care cuts will prove devastating, officials say. “We’ve learned a lot about our country over the past few weeks just by watching our most powerful leaders throw cash, minus drunk relatives throwing rice at a wedding.” (Union Progress in Pittsburgh)
Country
2. The budget impasse continues as PA lawmakers travel abroad and hold exorbitant fundraisers
“Pennsylvania’s budget is almost four months overdue.
For counties, school districts, nonprofits and contractors, the costs of inaction are rising. But for Commonwealth legislators, it was business as usual.
According to a calendar kept by the Harrisburg Lobby Store, state lawmakers have held at least 133 fundraisers in the 115 days since the June 30 deadline, with another 39 scheduled for next week. These range from a few hours at a cafe or bar near the Capitol to a day of shooting pheasants or hitting golf balls. For donors, they represent an excellent opportunity to attract the attention of legislators and push their priorities.” (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
PA universities, students are feeling the strain of the state budget impasse. “Millions of dollars in state funds and scholarships are held back in the 2025 budget. This means state universities are still waiting for funds and students who qualified for state scholarships have not yet received them.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
More than 300,000 Pennsylvanians need lend a hand heating their homes. The federal shutdown delayed that aid. “The commonwealth cannot match the hundreds of millions of dollars in funding the federal government typically provides through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Johnny Doc played a key role in electing his brother to the AP Supreme Court. Ten years later it’s different. “Kevin Dougherty benefited from Local 98 during his 2015 campaign. Workers continue to spend big this year to maintain the justice system.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
The redistricting fight ignores Pennsylvania. “Several states are rushing to redraw their congressional districts, but not Pennsylvania.” (Axios Pittsburgh)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. What Pennsylvania voters need to know before the November election
“Next month, Pennsylvanians will go to the polls to vote in several landmark contests.
This year’s most vital race will be for three state Supreme Court justices who want to stay on the bench. The ballot also includes candidates who represent the smallest constituency possible and wish to become election workers at the precinct level.” (Let him vote)
Elsewhere
Who’s on the ballot? “Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Do you know who’s on your ballot? Here are links to sample ballots for all 67 Commonwealth counties. ” (PolitykaPA)
2025 Election Preview: Scranton Mayoral Race. “Incumbent Democrat Paige Cognetti is seeking a second full term as mayor of ‘The Electric City’ while also filing for a congressional seat in the 8th Congressional District. She faces three challengers in Republican Trish Beynon, Rik Little and Gene Barrett.” (PolitykaPA)
The chairman of the Erie County Board of Elections accuses Davis of undermining voter confidence by making a “false” statement online. “The criticism stems from an Oct. 9 post on the Davis campaign Facebook page that included a photo of the Nov. 4 ballot and a statement questioning why Democratic candidates are listed first in every race.” (Erie Times-News)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
- Who wins AP votes on keeping the Supreme Court yes/no and why | John Baer
- Our courts are up for vote: so is the soul of the American justice system | Rogette Harris
- The Salem Witch Trials Describe Trump’s America | David Mills
- Trump’s Big Beautiful Ballroom | Wall Street Journal
- You can kill a democracy without a dictator Will Freeman
- Larry Krasner, Meet Harry Truman | Larry Platt
- Republican Leaders: Stop Holding Pennsylvania – and the Nation – Hostage | Shipment from York
1 item
5. Leaf peeping
Cold nights overdue last week contributed to a steady march of colors south across Pennsylvania. However, the weekend’s storm system defoliated countless hardwood trees. Despite the storm, much of the Keystone State had spirited leaves. This week will be a fantastic time to observe the beauty of fall in Penn’s Woods, from the Piedmont forests of southeastern Pennsylvania, through the central and southern Appalachians, to the Allegheny Plateau in the west. (DCNR)
Thank you for starting your weekend with us.
Get outside and enjoy the fall weather. See you on Monday.
