Hi, Wednesday. Can someone turn the wind off, please?

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Your Morning Pick-Me-Up. Living La Vida Loca. Let’s Go, Ricky Martin

Voices of Reason. State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick joins the podcast to discuss the impact of all things AI in the Commonwealth.

PA Weather
Butler | Mostly Cloudy, 47
Hollidaysburg | Decreasing clouds, Breezy, 46
Oaks | Partly Sunny, Breezy, 53

PA Sports
Phillies (10-7) | San Francisco 6-4 | Wed-Thu vs. San Francisco
Pirates (6-12) | Washington 0-3 | Thu vs. Washington
Flyers (33-38-10) | Columbus 0-3 | Thu vs. Buffalo
Penguins (33-36-12) | Thu vs. Washington

PA Money | Futures (as of 7:38 a.m.)
Dow 🔽 -4.00 | NASDAQ 🔽 -222.75 | S&P 🔽 -9.00

Top Story

1. McCormick Answers Questions About Tariffs, NPR/PBS Funding and Revoked Visas

“U.S. Senator Dave McCormick says Pennsylvanians should be optimistic about the future of the economy, even amid continued uncertainty around tariffs.

McCormick hosted a roundtable discussion with local business leaders Tuesday in State College. After the event, he spoke briefly with reporters. McCormick said he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, but he said they will eventually lead to more fair trading practices with Europe, Canada, Mexico and China.

“That’s going to be good for some businesses because there’ll be a much more competitive playing field,” McCormick said. “It’s going to be good for consumers. It’s going to be good for the real economy. That’s the goal.”” (WPSU)

Elsewhere

A Dozen House Republicans Say No to Big Medicaid Cuts. “If you’re looking for a sign that House Republicans are getting worried about cuts to Medicaid, here it is. A dozen House Republicans are warning GOP leaders that they won’t back a reconciliation package that includes massive cuts to Medicaid. The House Republicans who signed onto the letter include Rob Bresnahan (Pa.).” (Punchbowl News)

It’s Never Too Early to Talk About the 2026 PA Governor’s Race. “The 2026 election for Pennsylvania governor might seem a long way off, but the jockeying among Republicans who may seek to challenge Gov. Josh Shapiro has already started.” (PennLive)

SAVE Act Would Create ‘Chaos’ For Election Offices. “Advancing legislation that would require Americans to show proof of citizenship to register to vote could create chaos for state and local election offices, a state election official and a voting expert told StateScoop.” (StateScoop)

State

2. PA Legislators, Concerned About Shapiro’s Security, Await Answers in Arson Attack

“State lawmakers are expressing concern over gubernatorial security in light of the arson attack Sunday at the Governor’s Residence.

At least one lawmaker says they would like to see a legislative review of the matter, while others have reserved judgement until the Pennsylvania State Police — which staffs the governor’s security detail — completes its own review of the incident.” (PennLive)

Elsewhere

More Questions Than Answers Surround Governor’s Residence Arson. “In the 48 hours since the discovery of a fire in the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg, some questions have been answered but many more have arisen.” (PoliticsPA)

Concerns About Security Linger After Arson Attack on Shapiro’s Harrisburg Residence. “Fire and water restoration trucks parked Tuesday at the sprawling brick Governor’s Residence posed a highly visible reminder of the horrific pre-dawn arson attack of a few days earlier, while there was also an unseen aftermath in the conscience of the public around the landmark home and in the state Capitol, just over a mile to the south.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

State ‘Completely Dependent’ on Mass Transit Regions. “Policymakers spoke in no uncertain terms at a hearing in Pittsburgh on Tuesday: both rural and urban regions will suffer if the legislature doesn’t come up with funding solutions for mass transit.” (The Center Square)

After Two Years in Office, Shapiro Fails to Fill Key Vacancies on State Commission. “When Josh Shapiro was sworn in as governor in 2023, there were four commissioner vacancies on the eleven-person Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC). Over two years later, the four vacancies remain unfilled.” (Broad + Liberty)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Trump Admin Cuts Off Funding For PA University’s NASA Program Amid DEI Purge

“The Trump administration abruptly cut off funding for a NASA program aimed at inspiring historically marginalized students, including those at Kutztown University, to pursue STEM careers.

The Berks County university was one of eight higher-ed institutions across the country selected for the Here to Observe program in 2024, which gave undergraduate students the chance to watch and interact with NASA’s Planetary Science Division teams.” (Spotlight PA)

Elsewhere

Philadelphia Prosecutor Seeks a Third Term, Saying Progressivism is Ascendant Despite Trump Setbacks. “The Philadelphia prosecutor who became a campaign trail punching bag for Republicans amid rising crime in U.S. cities during the coronavirus pandemic is running for reelection on the back end of a withering effort to oust progressive district attorneys nationwide.” (AP)

• Philadelphia District Attorney Candidates Invited to Face Off in 3rd Forum as Election Draws Near. (WHYY)

Pittsburgh’s Public Media Respond to White House Attacks on PBS, NPR. “The White House’s threat to pull funding from public television and radio has sparked concern among Pittsburgh-area public media leaders, who say the move could seriously impact local communities.” (Greensburg Tribune-Review)

Editorial

4. Speak Your Mind

• Speaking Out Against Political Violence. (Nathan A. Finn) 
• By the Time Political Violence Gets Worse, It Will Be Too Late. (Juliette Kayyem)
• Trump’s Mixed Messages on U.S. Steel Don’t Help Pittsburgh, the Industry or Steel Workers. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Members of Congress Should Let Someone Else Try Every 12 Years. (Sen. Dave McCormick)
• Pennsylvania May Be Short 20,000 Nurses By 2026. (Kymberlee Montgomery and Mary Ellen Smith Glasgow)
• Could We Just Be Normal? (Kyle Sammin)
• Right to Know Law Can Be Fixed, if Lawmakers Would Do the Right Thing. (Greensburg Tribune-Review)

1 Thing

5. Go Inside the Factory Where Peeps Are Made

“Love them or hate them, those marshmallow Peeps that come in blindingly bright colors and an array of flavors are inescapable around the Easter holiday.

Millions are made daily in Bethlehem by Just Born Quality Confections, a family-owned candy manufacturer that also churns out Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.” (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader)

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