🥟 Wednesday. It’s National Pierogi Day.
🗞️ In today’s Guide. Thousands of PA students are waiting for crucial financial aid. Shapiro tops Garrity and Mastriano in the poll. Who’s on the ballot? 5 Must-Visit Places in Pittsburgh for National Pierogi Day
🎶 Your morning pick-me-up. Everything around you. Live
Weather in Pennsylvania
☀️ Edinboro | Sunny, 60
🌦️Shippensburg | Showers, then clear, 70s
🌦️East Stroudsburg | Showers, then clear, 70s
Sports PA
⚾ Phillies (0-2) | Wednesday vs. LA Dodgers
🏒 Penguins (1-0) | Rangers 3-0 | Thu vs. NY Islanders
📅 What’s happening today. The Senate (10:00) and the House (11:00) are in session. By the way, the state budget is already 100 days overdue.
🔊 What we hear. Unrig Our Economy Launches $275,000 Purchase of Vulnerable GOP Rep. Rob Bresnahan on Medicaid. The announcement features one of Bresnahan’s constituents citing the program and criticizing the newly minted Republican for supporting the reconciliation bill.
📰 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. Thousands of PA students are waiting for crucial financial aid because of a state budget impasse
“Financial aid for thousands of Pennsylvania college students has been suspended amid a state budget impasse, causing more delays for an vital program that faced significant challenges last year.
The PA State Scholarship Program is the largest source of need-based financial aid in the commonwealth, providing over 100,000 students with an average of $2,000 each semester.
Even once Governor Josh Shapiro signs the budget, it will be at least four weeks before schools start receiving the money, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency said.” (PA reflector)
Elsewhere
AP Democratic delegation calls on Johnson to take oath as Arizona representative. “Five members of Pennsylvania’s seven-member Democratic congressional delegation have signed on to a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urging him to administer the oath of office to newly elected Arizona Representative Adelita Grijalva.” (PolitykaPA)
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Philadelphia’s top federal prosecutor, David Metcalf. “The Trump administration’s pick to lead the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday, ending a protracted confirmation process that nonetheless lacked the larger drama that has engulfed several other federal prosecutors’ offices across the country.” (Questioner from Philadelphia)
Philadelphia Congressional Delegation, Union Workers, Call on Trump and GOP to End Government Shutdown. “With the government shutdown, all non-essential services have been suspended, and several hundred thousand federal employees and active-duty service members will work without pay, NPR reports. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that about 750,000 federal workers will be furloughed on each day of the work suspension.” (Penn Capital Star)
The NRCC pressured the liberal group to modify TV spots attacking Republicans. “Last week, the political arm of the House Republican Party successfully pressured the liberal group to modify political ads targeting three Republican incumbents in the battleground, including Republican Sen. Scott Perry (Pa.), arguing that the language in the TV spots was inaccurate.” (Known)
Country
2. Shapiro tops Garrity and Mastriano in Susquehanna poll
In hypothetical head-to-head matchups, Governor Josh Shapiro he had a gigantic advantage over potential Republican opponents Stacy Garrity AND Doug Mastriano in a survey conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research.
In a sample of 700 likely voters, Shapiro led Garrity by 18 points, 54–36%, and Mastriano by 55–37%. (Susquehanna P.R)
Elsewhere
PA-08: Cognetti raises over $500,000 in the first weeks after announcing the campaign. “The game is on in PA-08. Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti announced today that she has raised over $500,000 less than a month after launching her campaign for Congress.” (PolitykaPA)
PA-07: Ryan Mackenzie Didn’t ‘Vote to Kick 1.4 Million’ Illegal Immigrants Off of Medicaid as Ad Suggests. “The ad is partially misleading. The One Big Beautiful Bill actually eliminates overtime taxes up to a predetermined limit. However, it does not ‘kick 1.4 million illegal felons’ from Medicaid as the ad claims. People who are in the United States illegally are not eligible for Medicaid.” (Morning talk in Allentown)
Shapiro: Jay Jones’ text messages are ‘reprehensible and inexcusable’ “After Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family escaped a firebomb at his Harrisburg residence earlier this year, the first-term Democratic candidate’s calls for civility in the face of mounting political violence gained national attention.” (Central Square)
Pennsylvania lawmakers want to prevent state-funded colleges from signing the Trump Compact. “Two representatives of a democratic state said that the agreement threatens the independence of institutions and described their proposal as protecting academic freedom.” (Higher diving)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Who is on the ballot?
“Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Do you know who is on your ballot?
Here are links to sample ballots from all 67 Commonwealth counties. (PolitykaPA)
Elsewhere
Who’s on the ballot in Pittsburgh and Allegheny counties? “From key judicial elections at the top of the ballot to contested races in the city of Pittsburgh, voters in the 2025 general election will have a major impact on what the next decade will look like in council chambers, state and local courts, and on Grant Street.” (Public source)
Corey O’Connor and Tony Moreno discuss policing and finances during the first Pittsburgh mayoral debate. “Mr. Moreno, a retired police officer, criticized Mr. O’Connor’s record during his 11 years on the Pittsburgh City Council. Mr. O’Connor said the difference between the candidates in this election is that he will be ready to run on day one.” (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
Allegheny County budget proposed with no recent taxes. “After a 36% property tax increase this year, Allegheny County is struggling to hold the line in next year’s budget. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato presented a $3 billion budget Tuesday night, with no new tax increases and no county employee layoffs.” (Axios Pittsburgh)
5 questions for Northampton County executive candidates about elections, ICE and more. “The people of Northampton County will elect a new leader next month. Executive Lamont G. McClure, a Democrat who is about eight years into his term, has decided not to seek a third term.”Morning talk in Allentown)
Bucks County Prosecutor’s Office, Sheriff Races for Cash Bail. “Bail is a popular topic in the race for district attorney and Bucks County sheriff.” (Bucks County Courier Times)
Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
- What Democrats Are Missing as They Try to Win Young People Back | Salena Zito
- Smucker and other Republicans are lying about the shutdown and Democrats’ health care goals | LNP
- Vote yes to keep judges in Pennsylvania and support truth, transparency and democracy | Sheri Berenbaum and Patty Satalia
- There is more than one way to show up in the elections | Trib LIVE
- Shutting down Republicans deepens the damage they have already done | DEVEREY TORRIENTE
- The ties that connect our communities | Bedford Newspaper
- Central PA is building something substantial and architects are laying the foundations | Stephen Swarney
1 item
5. 5 Must-Visit Places in Pittsburgh for National Pierogi Day
“Next Wednesday is a special day for dumplings: National Pierogi Day.
Why it matters: No city in America loves pierogi more than Pittsburgh. We love eating them, playing with them, and even watching them race.
Here are some potato dumplings worth seeking out.” (Axios Pittsburgh)
Thank you for starting Wednesday with us.
It’s all downhill from here until the weekend.
