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🗞️ Headlines. Former GOP congressman calls for Bresnahan’s resignation. There are petitions. Who’s running? Will the lawsuit allow independents to vote in the primary elections? Yes, the “hump inflation” scandal.
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Sports PA
🏀 Sixes (35-30) | Memphis 139-129 | Thu in Detroit
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🔈 What are we listening to?. In this episode of Voices of Reason, we take a closer look at one of the most debated issues in education and sports in Pennsylvania: the future of girls’ sports and the rights of transgender athletes. Host Steve Ulrich talks to you Senator Judy Ward AND Naiymah Sanchez from the ACLU-PA on their prospects.
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The most essential story
1. Former GOP Congressman Calls on Bresnahan to Resign as Audio Puts Stock Trading in Question Again
“Is he doing it or not?
That is the question Representative Rob Bresnahan (R-08), which will not disappear. Is he actively involved in transactions in his securities portfolio? Does he trade stocks and bonds based on insider knowledge?
The first-year congressman is unable to give up constant control, partly because of his own comments.” | PolitykaPA
Elsewhere
PA-10: Candidate Stelson proposes mandatory retirement for members of Congress at age 80. “Janelle Stelson on Tuesday unveiled a package of congressional reforms to pursue if elected to Pennsylvania’s 10th House District.” | PennLive
How Pennsylvania voters feel about Trump’s claims of voter fraud. “President Trump recently said the only way Democrats can get elected is by cheating, and we’re going to stop that.” NPR traveled to swing districts in Pennsylvania to see what people think.” | NPR
PA joins in pushing for rejection of Live Nation settlement. “The U.S. Department of Justice hailed the tentative settlement in its antitrust case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster as a victory for consumers, but Pennsylvania and two dozen other states say the legal battle is not over.” | Axios Pittsburgh
Country
2. Who is running for Congress, PA Senate, or PA House?
“Tuesday was the deadline for filing nomination forms to place candidates on the ballot for the 2026 primary elections.
Who sent their petitions? Who is the candidate? Take a look, courtesy of the State Department database.” | PoliticsPA
Elsewhere
A PA House of Representatives panel is introducing a package of bills to codify protections for LGBTQ people. “The bills would strengthen non-discrimination and hate crime laws and codify same-sex marriage.” | Penn Capital Star
HD-130: Rep. David Maloney will not run for re-election. “The Pike Township Republican released a statement this weekend saying he is leaving the House of Representatives after serving eight terms when his term expires at the end of the year.” | Reading the Eagle
Proposed 52% tax on arcade games praised and sharply criticized. “The largest proposed up-to-date money in Pennsylvania’s government could also trigger one of the fiercest debates in the 2026 budget process, namely setting the appropriate tax rate for the tens of thousands of unregulated ‘skill games’ that are raking in cash across the state.” | Central Square
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Will independents ever be able to vote in AP primaries? Supporters hope the lawsuit will move the needle
“Supporters of opening Pennsylvania’s primary elections to more than a million unaffiliated voters hope the courts will do what the Legislature has been unable to accomplish for decades.
Pennsylvania is one of only eight states with a closed primary system, meaning only voters registered as Democrats or Republicans can participate in their parties’ spring elections. People who do not belong to a major party can still vote in statewide referendums, local initiatives, and special elections that take place at the same time.
The Republic of Poland is a member of a shrinking group PA reflector
Elsewhere
Open Seats, State Official Challenges, Federal Races Spice Up Primary Ballots in Central PA. “For most south-central Pennsylvania voters, the May 19 primary election will be a day to fulfill their civic duty, but the real political drama won’t unfold until the fall.” | PennLive
Who will run for office in Allegheny County in 2026? “The shape of the candidates for this year’s midterm elections is taking shape. Tuesday was the deadline to nominate candidates ahead of the May primary elections, in which Democratic and Republican voters will choose their candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, Congress and the state legislature. ” | Public source
Allegheny County Council approves bill restricting ICE cooperation. “After more than three hours of public comment and debate on Tuesday, the Allegheny County Council approved a measure limiting the sharing of information between most county employees and federal immigration agents.” | THAT’S ALL
Parker’s top adviser, Dear Harris, will step down as Philadelphia’s top deputy mayor. “Philadelphia’s Deputy Mayor Fromré Harris, who led Mayor Cherelle Parker’s re-election campaign and served as a top adviser in her administration, has resigned, Parker announced Tuesday. According to a press release, Harris will ‘move to a new career opportunity’ in private practice” | WHY
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
1 item
5. 20 camels banned from beauty pageant over hump inflation scandal
“During the 2026 Camel Beauty Show in Al Musanaa, Oman, officials disqualified 20 camels after veterinary inspections revealed cosmetic improvements. According to reports, the list included Botox, fillers, silicone shape correction and hump inflation. Yes, hump inflation. We have reached a strange point on this planet and I don’t think I like it.”
Camel beauty pageants in the Persian Gulf are not a stupid novelty. They are an arena of solemn status, with real money and bragging rights that spread quickly within close-knit breeding circles. Winning can raise the value of the animal and, with it, the owner’s reputation. That’s why people keep trying to cheat the system, even if it has inspectors.’ | Vice
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