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⚾ Phillies (22-15) | Tampa Bay 7-6 | Fri-Sun vs. Cleveland
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🔉 What We’re Hearing. In Truth Social posts, President Donald Trump said that both Rep. Ryan Mackenzie and Rep. Rob Bresnahan have “his complete and total endorsement” and that they “will never let you down.”

🔉 What We’re Also Hearing. Protect Our Jobs, a new campaign to defend the livelihoods of clean energy workers and local economies across the country, is launching its first major Pennsylvania paid media campaign – a six-figure TV and digital ad buy targeting Rep. Scott Perry, urging him to support the thousands of clean energy jobs created in his district. The ad, titled “Our Own Congressman,” began running yesterday in the Harrisburg media market.

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Top Story

1. The Newly Elected Pope Sets a First For the United States — and Villanova

“The plumes of white smoke that appeared from the Sistine Chapel at 1 p.m. Philadelphia time Thursday signaled the election of the first U.S.-born pope, generating a worldwide celebration.

But 4,200 miles from the Vatican, what followed was a mix of exuberance, bell-ringing, and borderline disbelief on the Villanova University campus.

With his official installation sometime next week, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost will become Pope Leo XIV, making him the first Augustinian to become pope.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Elsewhere

Villanova Celebrates As Graduate Robert Prevost Becomes Pope Leo XIV, First American Pope. “As Villanova University students studied for final exams, or carried boxes to and from their dorms Thursday, others watched the white smoke that changed the world.” (Delco Times)

Internal Polling Shows Fetterman’s Support Is Tanking With Democrats In His Backyard. “John Fetterman’s popularity is sinking among Democratic voters in his backyard, according to an internal poll obtained by POLITICO — one of the first major indications that the Pennsylvania senator is taking a hit with the very voters who elected him.” (Politico)

As Controversy Percolates Around Fetterman, Donors Question His Political Moves — and Goals. “U.S. Sen. John Fetterman faces increased criticism and questions about his actions in recent months after former staffers have reportedly expressed concerns about his health, dozens of small donors continue to seek refunds, and some officials who worked with the former Braddock mayor and lieutenant governor claim he’s driven by political ambitions.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

• What to Know About John Fetterman, the Pennsylvania Senator Who Talks About Mental Health. (AP)
• Fetterman Doubts Explode Into Capitol Hill Firestorm. (Axios)

State

2. Are Members of Congress Finally About to Ban Their Own Stock Trades?

“As the House’s budget reconciliation fight heats up, a bipartisan group of lawmakers is quietly closer than ever to advancing its own big, beautiful bill: a congressional stock trading ban.

In weekly meetings, multiple members told NOTUS that the discussion has centered around combining several similar proposals into one piece of legislation. But recent political pressure to associate with the issue has led to some members stepping on each other’s toes.

Take freshman Rep. Rob Bresnahan.” (NOTUS)

Elsewhere

Bipartisan Group Eyes Stock-Trading Ban. “A bipartisan group of House members with competing bills to ban congressional stock trading are privately working together to craft a consensus bill that could have broad appeal across Congress.” (Punchbowl News)

Josh Shapiro: Fetterman Is Best Judge of His Own Health, Ability to Do His Job. “Gov. Josh Shapiro briefly responded to reported concerns about Sen. John Fetterman’s health on Thursday, deferring to the senator and his family on the matter.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Weed Legalization Advances In PA, But Critics Want to Know Who Will Profit. “The legalization of recreational marijuana use took a big step forward in Pennsylvania this week, as the state House passed a 173-page bill to permit use of the drug. But as the question shifts from whether, to how legalization will happen, the reform could still end up getting burnt.” (WESA Politics)

Lehigh Valley Dems Approve Senate Bill That Bans Transgender Girls in Sports. “The bill passed with five Democrats joining all Republicans in favor of the bill, including Sens. Nick Miller and Lisa Boscola.” (LehighValleyNews)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Deep Cuts to Bus and Rail Services Loom Across Big Cities, Small Towns

“In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said the transit financial crisis affects residents in all 67 of the commonwealth’s counties.

“Let me just say, we face a dire situation for mass transit agencies all across Pennsylvania, from Pittsburgh to Philly and rural communities in between,” Shapiro said at a news conference in April.

Transit funding has been stuck in a partisan battle in Harrisburg.” (Penn Capital-Star)

Elsewhere

In Pennsylvania, Drivers Pay Heavily For Mass Transit. “State appropriations hearings have examined a large gap between available revenues and needed road and bridge projects. Yet motorists pay copiously for others’ public transportation.” (The Independence)

GOP Candidates For Pittsburgh Mayor Spar During Televised Debate. “Retired police officer Tony Moreno is running against small business owner Thomas West. Theirs is the first competitive Republican primary in almost two decades.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

DA Candidate Pat Dugan Has Committed to Declining the GOP Nomination If He Loses the Democratic Primary. “Philadelphia Republicans are organizing a write-in campaign that could allow Dugan to run as the GOP nominee in November if he loses the Democratic primary against Larry Krasner.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

PA Breweries Brace For Difficult Economy With Trump Tariffs. “Brewery owners throughout the state say the current and possible future tariffs are causing financial concerns for Pennsylvania’s craft beer industry. About 530 craft breweries make their home in Pennsylvania, which has the third-highest number of craft breweries in the country.” (Pennsylvania Independent)

Editorial

4. Speak Your Mind

• Pennsylvania’s News Deserts Threaten to Keep Communities in the Dark and Vulnerable. (David W. Brown) 
• Why I’m Heading to Bucks County. (Ruben Gallego)
• Ed Gainey is Freezing Out Pittsburgh’s Only Jewish Media Outlet. That’s Unacceptable. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
• George Hartwick Should Resign For Dauphin County’s Sake. (PennLive)
• There’s Nothing Patriotic About Trump Celebrating Half of World War II. (Jonathan Horn)
• Mayor Parker, Put that “One City” Rhetoric into Action. (Larry Platt)

1 Thing

5. Pirates Fire Manager Derek Shelton After 12-26 Start to Season

“Derek Shelton has been relieved of his duties as Pirates manager, the team announced on Thursday.

Bench coach Don Kelly will take over as manager.

The Pirates fired Shelton just 38 games into his sixth year at the helm after his club started with a record of 12-26. Shelton finished his Pirates tenure with a career record of 306-440.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

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