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Headlines. Fetterman’s ultimatum has some Democrats concerned about having to switch parties. Lawmakers enhance data center transparency, leaving $2 billion tax break in AP budget. A campaign to improve Pittsburgh’s image in DC. How much coffee is too much?
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What we hear. “We have battleground races in Pennsylvania that we are trying to flip, and now John Fetterman is helping Republicans raise money to beat Democrats.” – Rep. Chris Deluzio
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The most essential story
1. Fetterman’s ultimatum causing some Democrats to fear he will switch parties
“Senator John Fetterman His increasingly independent political moves are raising eyebrows among his Senate colleagues and fueling his progressive critics, fueling speculation that he might leave the Democratic Party.
Fetterman said last week that he would formally change his affiliation if Democrats made opposition to Israel part of their official agenda. This is the first time a senator from Pennsylvania has presented a scenario where he jumps ship.’ | known
Elsewhere
In a uncommon move, more than 40 unions are endorsing Fitzpatrick for the Republican Party. “Both the Bucks County and Montgomery County Central Labor Boards have announced their recommendation for U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Bucks, to continue to represent Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District.” | Bucks County Courier Times
Democrats are building AP voter registration momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. “Since January, Democrats have added nearly 25,500 voters to their ranks, while Republican registrations have dropped by more than 4,500, according to voter registration data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of State.” | PennLive
Republicans in the House of Representatives outnumbered Democrats in June. “The House Republicans’ campaign division earned $17.6 million in June, leaving them with $92.7 million in cash. That brought NRCC’s cash on hand to $92.7 million compared to $79 million for DCCC. Yes, but: DCCC outperformed NRCC in the full second quarter of 2026, bringing in $37.4 million compared to $35.4 million for NRCC.” | Axles
Country
2. Lawmakers enhance data center transparency, leaving $2 billion tax break in AP budget
“Despite a flurry of proposals to regulate data centers in the months leading up to this year’s state budget deadline, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed only one related measure as part of the $50.8 billion deal.
Requires data centers using more than 10 MW of electricity per year to disclose energy and water employ. Environmental advocates said the change, which includes most of the up-to-date data centers planned for the state, is positive but not significant.’ | PA reflector
Elsewhere
Rape crisis centers in Pennsylvania are getting their first enhance in state funding in years. “The additional $12 million will enable these centers to train more staff, staff crisis lines 24/7 and provide more therapies to survivors,” officials said. | USA Today Network
New PHRC commissioners are setting priorities after years of vacancy and recent scrutiny. “Since Governor Shapiro took office, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) has not operated in accordance with state law. Now, after a wave of resignations that left the eleven-member board with just three commissioners, Governor Josh Shapiro has finally started filling vacancies. ” | Wide + Freedom
Pennsylvania bill would limit IT spending at the Statehouse. “The bill would reduce unnecessary information technology spending in the four legislative caucuses of the Pennsylvania General Assembly by requiring House and Senate Democrats – as well as House and Senate Republicans – to work with the same information technology providers, saving money and improving cybersecurity at the Pennsylvania Capitol.” | GovernmentTech
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Inside a campaign to boost Pittsburgh’s image in the nation’s capital
“At a bustling transit station in the heart of the nation’s capital, images of Pittsburgh’s most famed landmarks appear on the walls, columns and floors.
At the Metro Center station, which connects thousands of people every day to their Washington, D.C. destinations, VisitPittsburgh rolled out an extensive advertising campaign to encourage people to visit a city that has historically struggled to attract up-to-date tourists.
“People who come to Pittsburgh fall in love with Pittsburgh,” he said Emily HatfieldVice President of Marketing and Communications at VisitPittsburgh.” | Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper
Elsewhere
Two Philadelphia prosecutors accused District Attorney Larry Krasner of ordering them to “protect the office” in a controversial appellate case. “In a court document filed late Monday evening, Assistant District Attorneys Katherine Ernst and Steven J. Wildberger wrote that Krasner’s order was issued after they tried to persuade him to allow the state attorney general’s office to take over the appeal of Dennis Johnson, who is seeking to overturn his murder conviction.” | Questioner from Philadelphia
Can artificial intelligence improve government in Pittsburgh’s smaller suburbs? “Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a tool for local government, but its adoption may be slow in Allegheny County suburbs as local officials try to determine how this emerging technology can streamline management tasks.” | Public source
Neighbors push back on Allentown data center plan, developer wants to change it. “The Quantm Group data center at 2401 W. Emmaus Ave. would employ fewer than two dozen workers per shift for what the city has identified as a major employment center.” | Lehigh Valley Public Media
(*21*)Editorial
4. What do you think about it?
- The Curious Case of John Fetterman | Brandon McGinley
- Reviving the American Dream: Pennsylvania’s Huge Manufacturing Boost | Salena Zito
- How the White House turned a soldier’s death in Pennsylvania into a horror immigration story | Luis F. Carrasco
- With 6abc’s broadcasting license under threat, press freedom must be urgently protected | Lance Haver
- How American newspapers lost their voice | Ken Paulson
- What are Trump accounts used for? | Jay L. Zagorsky
- Pittsburgh wants to tax arcade games – but the real question is whether to restrict them | Jonathan Caulkins
- Come and meet the Democratic Socialists of America | One hundred Bykofsky
- Trump’s economy is doing better than the media wants to admit | Liz Peek
- AP’s Proposed False Claims Act Is Harmful to Businesses and Taxpayers | Peter N. Calcara
1 item
5. How much coffee is protected to drink?
“A up-to-date study from the American Heart Association shows that drinking up to five miniature cups of coffee a day has essentially no negative effects on health.
Scientists have found that most adults can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine – or about five 8-ounce cups – a day without increasing their risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the findings are confined to black coffee, as additives such as sugar, milk and flavored syrups may have adverse health effects. And while coffee is the main source of caffeine for many adults, caffeine consumed in tea, soda, and chocolate contribute to that 400-milligram dose. | Voice of Philadelphia
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