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🗞️ Headlines. Using Medicaid Cuts to Take Back Congress. Dem vs. PA GOP lawmakers: Increase revenue or show how to cut budget proposal. Pennsylvania labor law could become a point of contention between the state and the feds, with $711 million for broadband at stake. Ballroom dancing helps people of all ages achieve better health
🎶 Your morning, pick me up. Here and there. Blonde
Weather in Pennsylvania
🌧️ Edinboro | Rain, 58 ⬇️
⛈️ Harbor Blockade | Severe thunderstorms, 68 ⬇️
⛈️ West Chester | Showers, thunderstorms, 67
Sports PA
🏀 Sixes (37-31) | Brooklyn 104-97 | Portland 109-103 | Tuesday in Denver
🏒 Leaflets (31-23-12) | Columbus 1-2 (YES) | Wednesday in Anaheim
🏒 Penguins (33-18-15) | Utah 4-3 | Monday in Colorado
⚽ Union (0-0-4) | Atlanta 1-3 | Wednesday vs. Club America
🗓️What’s happening today. The AP Senate meets at 1 p.m
🔉 What they say. “We have a gap to fill and if you don’t like taking money from the Rainy Day Fund, that’s fine, but you need to show us how to balance this budget without cutting services and programs for our constituents,” he added. Representative Jordan Harris he said. “Give me a list of things to cut out because this is reality.”
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The most critical story
1. How Democrats in four key AP districts plan to apply Medicaid cuts to win back Congress
“Democrats seeking to flip four key congressional districts in Pennsylvania are focusing their message on health care and the cost of living.
Part of that message will be to remind voters that Republicans in Congress have approved $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years to facilitate pay for Trump’s signature tax cuts, potentially eliminating health insurance for 300,000 Pennsylvanians, according to state estimates.’ | Questioner from Philadelphia
Elsewhere
‘We’re going to have a problem’: Republicans want Trump gone from 2020. “President Donald Trump is bringing back 2020. Many Republicans wish they wouldn’t. “I’m always of the opinion that you have to look forward, not back,” said Charlie Gerow, a GOP strategist from Pennsylvania. “It would be better if the midterms focused on the recovery of the economy and all the good things that the Republican administration and Congress are doing to move the economy forward.” | POLICY
The biggest voting change in the Republican election bill could become a burden for many U.S. voters. “Joshua Bogdan was born and raised in the United States. The New Hampshire native only left the country for a day and a half in seventh grade, when he traveled to Canada to see Niagara Falls. But that didn’t mean proving his U.S. citizenship in that fall’s local elections was easy.” | AP
Does the SAVE America Act 2026 threaten married women’s voting rights? “Among the concerns about the SAVE America Act, which still has not received the required number of votes in the Senate, is the fear that ID requirements for married women could jeopardize their voting rights. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to assuage these concerns by saying that claims that the SAVE America Act would make it harder for married women to vote have “zero validity.” | PhillyBurbs
Shapiro isn’t taking Bill Maher’s “bait” for a presidential bid. “Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro sounded cautious about his presidential aspirations Friday night during an appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher,” but he sounded like someone who was looking to 2028.” | TribLive
Country
2. Tells PA GOP lawmakers to: boost revenue or show how to cut budget proposal
“As Republican lawmakers attack the disproportionate spending proposed in… Governor Josh Shapiro requested budget – spending that will be offset by billions taken from Pennsylvania’s reserves – the top Democrat challenged them to identify specific cuts or work together to implement modern revenue sources and avoid cuts to public services.
Chairman of Majority Appropriations Representative Jordan Harris showed Pennsylvania generating revenue above projections this year, perhaps exceeding its goal by $400 million, with more lucrative months ahead as tax revenues are collected. Harris also said that no one opposing the budget has proposed an alternative spending plan that could potentially make money. | New news about the castle
Elsewhere
Shapiro talks a lot about Judaism – and its “common humanity” with other faiths. “With a large illustration of a menorah behind him, Governor Josh Shapiro spoke in a thunderous voice, urging the crowd of thousands of Jewish teenagers from around the world to speak up, seek change and be proud of their faith.” | Questioner from Philadelphia
PA AG Sunday continues Live Nation lawsuit following Trump’s settlement with Justice Department, but Democrats question its role. “Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says he plans to pursue a lawsuit against music industry giants Live Nation and Ticketmaster. It’s a move made in consultation with dozens of other attorneys general, but parts ways with the settlement reached by the Trump administration.” | WESA
What is the PA Council on Higher Education? Some senators want it to go away. “The Pennsylvania Board of Higher Education has only been around for a few years, but some GOP senators say it has already overstayed its welcome.” | Erie Times-News
Affordability Study Suggests $16.5 Million for PA Capitol Projects; Disability advocates are waiting for answers. “Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration plans to move forward with two multi-million-dollar projects to make it easier for people with disabilities and mobility issues to access the Capitol complex in Harrisburg. However, these projects will not address a longer list of needed fixes identified in a recent study assessing Capitol accessibility challenges. ” | LNP
Around the Republic of Poland
3. AP labor law could become a point of contention between state and feds, with $711 million for broadband at stake
“Last month, federal officials added a modern element to Pennsylvania’s plan to allocate more than $700 million to expand high-speed Internet access across the commonwealth.
Speaking at the conference, Arielle Rothhead of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, said Pennsylvania is “raising costs” by classifying fiber optic technicians as electrical workers under current state wage law.
A condition for receiving the money is changing the way Pennsylvania classifies these workers, she added. | PA reflector
Elsewhere
Cities and counties across Pennsylvania are passing laws regarding ICE coming to town. “Elected leaders are constantly learning what they can and cannot do to deter or support a well-funded federal law enforcement agency.” | Penn Capital Star
It’s a special election season in the always-tight midstate legislative chamber. “The next round in the seemingly never-ending battle for majority control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is coming to Adams and Cumberland counties.” | PennLive
Regional Congress representatives are having a peaceful primary season. “While some local state officials will face challenges from their own party in the May 19 primary elections, congressional officials will be able to enjoy a much more peaceful season.” | Observer-Reporter from Washington
Why Pennsylvania leads the nation in protecting farmland. “Farmland tells the story of Pennsylvania, of generations who farmed the land, cared for its resources and built lasting communities,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. | Somerset Daily American
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
- Why do Americans think their neighbors are “bad” people? | Morning news from Dallas
- O’Connor needs to hold off on the Pittsburgh government to fix Gainey’s mess | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper
- Democratic enemy of democracy | Piotr Kalisz
- Trump’s war on Iran is an unconstitutional attack on American democracy | Marek S. Singel
- No pitcher calls his own strikes; Public announcements require the same independence | Sharon Sorg
- ‘Total Transportation’ is AP’s Path to Prosperity and Connection | Roger J. Cohen
- Independents of America, unite! | Conor Friedersdorf
1 item
5. Medicine in motion: ballroom dancing helps people of all ages achieve better health
“On the dance floor, the waltz looks casual: couples spin in sweeping circles, high posture, fluid movements.
But beneath the elegance lies a surprisingly demanding workout.
From improving cardiovascular fitness and muscular endurance to strengthening bones and sharpening the brain, ballroom dancing can be one of the most versatile forms of exercise available – and one that people often overlook. | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper
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