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Your Morning Pick-Me-Up. “Soul Power Twist.” Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul. If you’re not familiar, I think you’ll like this one. IYKYK.

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What We’re Hearing. “You’re never going to be able to negotiate with that kind of regime that has been destabilizing the region for decades already, and now we have an incredible window, I believe, to do that, to strike and destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.” – Sen. John Fetterman

Top Story

1. Shapiro: “There is Far More That Binds Us Together Than Divides Us”

“Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro penned an op-ed for Wednesday’s edition of the New York Times where he described the frantic and frightening moments on April 13 as he and his family were awakened to the knowledge that an arsonist had set fire to the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg.

The governor had shared much of this information previously, but offered his opinions in one of the country’s most widely-read daily newspapers.

Shapiro described the damage to the residence, the smell of smoke throughout, and walking through the water-drenched floors. He recounted the destruction in the state dining room, where just hours earlier he and his family celebrated their Passover Seder, including damage to artwork that dated to the 1930s as well as the Shapiro’s seder plates and prayer books.” (PoliticsPA)

Elsewhere

It’s Not Just ‘Leftist’ Judges. GOP Appointees Have Many Sharp Words For Trump. “President Donald Trump has spent almost his entire political career attacking the independence of the judicial system. But even against that backdrop, the first three months of his second term have been something else. As a succession of judges have halted his actions or ruled against him in dozens of cases, he and his top allies have increasingly cast their decisions as an illegal and unconstitutional power grab from another branch of government. It’s the kind of talk that could lead ugly places.” (Washington Post)

‘Waste That S—t’: In Interview With Free Beacon, Fetterman Tells Trump to Dump Iran Talks and Destroy Tehran’s Nuclear Facilities. “Sen. John Fetterman says the Trump administration should drop nuclear negotiations with Iran and finish off the country’s nuclear facilities with a military strike.” (Washington Free Beacon)

State

2. PA’s Independent Voters Are Growing in Number. Here’s Why They Still Can’t Vote in Primaries

“Despite their growing numbers, 1.4 million independent and third-party Pennsylvania voters won’t be able to help decide which candidates advance to the general election during the upcoming May 20 primaries.

Pennsylvania is one of just 10 states with a closed primary system. That means only registered Democrats and Republicans participate in their respective parties’ spring elections. People who don’t belong to a major party can still vote on statewide referenda, local initiatives, and special elections that are on the ballot at the same time.

Some good-government advocates want Pennsylvania to open its primary system, arguing that voters who aren’t registered with a major party still pay taxes that fund elections, and the current system effectively disenfranchises them for opting out of partisan politics.” (Spotlight PA)

Elsewhere

Regulators Approve Shapiro Administration Settlement to Halt ‘Runaway’ Electricity Prices. “In a unanimous decision Monday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a cap on prices that Gov. Josh Shapiro claims will save consumers about $21 billion on electricity bills over the next two years.” (Penn Capital-Star)

PA House Advances, Expands Data Consumer Privacy Bill. “The Pennsylvania House on Wednesday unanimously moved to broaden a consumer data privacy bill that would allow Pennsylvanians to opt out of certain data collection practices by companies and require businesses that collect data to remove consumers’ information on request.” (WITF)

PHCA, SEIU Healthcare PA Form Partnership to Address Long-Term Health Care. “Recognizing the challenges that are facing long-term health care in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA) and SEIU Healthcare PA have formed a labor-industry partnership.” (PoliticsPA)

PA State Police Corporal Created Thousands of Deepfake Porn Images, Including Some of Children, AG Says. “A Pennsylvania State Police corporal stationed at the Troop K barracks in Skippack used his department-issued computer to create deepfake pornography of multiple women, including coworkers and women he met while on duty, officials said Wednesday.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Voices of Reason: Ed Gainey, Corey O’Connor and the Race For Mayor of Pittsburgh

“On this edition of PoliticsPA’s podcast, Voices of Reason, host Steve Ulrich talks with the candidates for the Democratic nomination for mayor of the city of Pittsburgh – incumbent Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor.

Gainey, who was elected to the post in 2021, talks about his biggest successes in city hall and what he believes still has to be accomplished. He is critical of the policies of President Donald Trump and their effect on Pittsburgh, and also has words for his opponent and his fundraising.

O’Connor talked about inclusionary zoning for housing in the city, as well as what he believes should be done to keep young people from fleeing the city and the state. He also criticizes his opponent’s fiscal management and says that this election will say more about Democratic politics in the city, rather than the future of progressive politics in Pittsburgh.” (PoliticsPA)

Elsewhere

Doing the Math: Spat Over Affordable Housing Data Frames Gainey vs. O’Connor Race. “A day after clashing with his Democratic rival in a televised debate, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on Wednesday doubled down on his claim that he’s “delivered” 1,600 units of affordable housing during his city hall tenure.” (Greensburg Tribune-Review)

Attack Ads in Pittsburgh’s Mayoral Race Funded by So-Called Dark Money. “Pittsburgh’s race for mayor has taken a dark turn with one side accusing the other of making sweetheart deals or taking MAGA money along with accusations of racist tactics.” (CBS Pittsburgh)

As Dugan Skips Philly District Attorney Candidate Forum, Krasner Speaks On His Record. “A district attorney candidate debate turned into an hour-long questioning of incumbent Larry Krasner after challenger Patrick Dugan declined to participate in the event Tuesday night.” (Billy Penn)

SEPTA Service Cuts Would Cost Hundreds Of Millions In Property Value, Revenue Losses, Study Shows. “The public transit trainwreck that could hit the commonwealth this year became more apparent on Wednesday, with an economic study on SEPTA’s proposed cuts estimating a property value loss of $19.9 million for regional households, as well as major losses in productivity and earnings.” (City & State)

Editorial

4. Speak Your Mind

• Here’s My New Take on Trump’s `Golden Age of America’. (John Baer) 
• ​​SAVE Act Would Do Far More Harm Than Good For Election Integrity. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• Strengthen PA’s Democracy with these Reforms. (David Thornburgh)
• Less Participation in Local Government is a Lost Opportunity. (Greensburg Tribune-Review)
• Mayor Parker Should Beware of the Unintended Financial Consequences of Her Housing Plan. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
• How Gen Z Became the Most Gullible Generation. (Catherine Kim)
• The Economic Challenge Facing Republicans. (David Winston)
• This is Not Okay. (Lowman Henry)
• Five Things Pittsburgh’s Next Mayor Must Do. (Colin McNickle)

1 Thing

5. PA Route 6 Awarded ‘Most Popular Scenic Byway’ in Nationwide Competition

“After winning the final round of competition with a large majority advantage, Pennsylvania Route 6 was awarded the unofficial title of most popular scenic byway in America on April 10 as part of the annual Byways Madness event hosted by nonprofit group Scenic America.

The roadway competed against the other 15 most-submitted scenic byways from across America in a bracket-based format, eventually beating Blue Ridge Parkway in the final.

Stretching across the entire northern tier of Pennsylvania, Route 6 connects major communities throughout Bradford County such as Troy, Towanda, and Wyalusing. Route 6 was praised in the competition for its rolling hills, charming small towns, and access to natural landmarks like the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.” (Towanda Daily Review)

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