
2/12: Trump’s Power Play
Who’s In Charge of the Executive Branch? Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Who’s In Charge of the Executive Branch? Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Judge Stops Trump Plan, For Now. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
The Eagles, Chiefs Meet For NFL Title. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Governor’s Budget Walks Tightrope. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Shapiro Delivers FY26 Proposal. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Governor Delivers FY26 Budget Address. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Governor delivers budget proposal Tuesday. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Wants to Secure State’s Energy Future. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
Confusion Still Reigns About OMB Memo. Here is the PoliticsPA Playbook
⚾ Hello, Wednesday. Pitchers and catchers report today. Spring is close by.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
🌧️ New Castle | Mostly Cloudy, PM Rain, 36
🌨️ Williamsport | Cloudy, PM Snow, 34
🌧️ Morgantown | Cloudy, PM Mix, 36
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies and Pirates | Pitchers and Catchers Report
🏀 Sixers (20-33) | Toronto 103-106 | Wed vs. Brooklyn
🏒 Flyers (24-26-7) | Sat vs. Edmonton
🏒 Penguins (23-25-9) | Sat vs. Washington
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “If the hunting community is ever fully activated and all are registered to vote and mobilized, I think Pennsylvania could become a reliably conservative state, not only in federal elections but also in state and local elections.” – Scott Presler
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Rep. Kyle Mullins.
📱 Social Media. Join us on Twitter and Bluesky at @PoliticsPA
“Donald Trump’s administration and its allies are responding to a slew of court rulings blocking the White House’s actions with the same sentiment: We will see.
“This is going to be interesting to see if we believe in the Constitution or not,” Rep. Keith Self, House Freedom Caucus stalwart from Texas, told NOTUS. “Is the president the head of the executive branch, or is the judicial branch in charge of the executive branch?”” (NOTUS)
Elsewhere
It’s a Good Thing Democrats Didn’t Pack the Courts. “Without an independent judiciary, the Constitution would be no match for Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses.” (Washington Monthly)
Oakmont Teacher Marc Fogel Released From Russian Prison. “Marc Fogel, an Oakmont teacher who has been detained in Russia since 2021, has been released, according to the White House.” (PoliticsPA)
McCormick Says He Supports Trump ‘100%’ Ahead of Senate Votes For RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard. “McCormick, R-Pa., has not publicly announced a decision on Mr. Kennedy or Ms. Gabbard — two of Trump’s most controversial nominees who have sparked criticism from the health and intelligence communities, respectively.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
“President Trump’s campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education could prove costly for Pennsylvania.
State of play: K-12 schools in Pennsylvania spend about $36.3 billion annually, or $21,441 per pupil, according to the Education Data Initiative. And they receive more than $4.6 billion, or $2,757 per student, from the federal government, the data shows.” (Axios Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Boasts of Education Improvements While Most Students Are Not Proficient in Math. “The state of Pennsylvania spent $16.8 billion last year to fund public education, and the return on investment is abysmal. In 2024, 53 percent of students were proficient in reading and writing, while only 40 percent were proficient in math.” (Broad + Liberty)
Cook Political Report Calls Three PA House Seats “Toss Ups” For 2026. “The Cook Political Report has put out its first 2026 House Ratings and three Pennsylvania seats are viewed as “toss-ups.”” (PoliticsPA)
Scott Presler Keeps His Foot on the Pedal in Pennsylvania. “Given that Pennsylvania has been decided by only tens of thousands of votes the past few elections, Presler said reaching voters who likely share the same sentiments as President Donald Trump on the Second Amendment just makes sense.” (Washington Examiner)
DLCC Targets Pennsylvania As Battleground State, Again. “After an election cycle that did not fare well for the party nationwide, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is preparing for the next one, releasing its 2025-26 target map on Tuesday.” (PoliticsPA)
“Twenty-seven organizations representing Jewish and Christian denominations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a judge to prevent immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.
Among those that joined the lawsuit are the Montgomery County-based Reconstructing Judaism and the Philadelphia-based Friends General Conference, a Quaker organization.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Why Montco Is Doubling Down on Expanding Its DEI Office While Trump Pushes Against Diversity Policies. “Last month the county’s board of commissioners voted along party lines to hire four new staff members under the county’s DEI chief.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
PIAA Bans “Finger Guns” in High School Basketball Celebrations. “The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has introduced a new rule reshaping how celebrations are handled in high school basketball. Effective immediately, any player who simulates using a weapon – such as a “finger gun” or similar gestures – will face penalties, including a potential technical foul or even ejection from the game.” (Northeast Times)
Mike Embrescia Replaces Sam DeMarco on Allegheny County Council. “Allegheny County Council was returned to its full 15-member complement Tuesday after members approved Mt. Lebanon Republican Mike Embrescia as council’s at-large representative for the GOP.” (WESA)
Former Allentown Police Chief Is Latest Candidate to Join Lehigh County Executive Race. “The Republican field for Lehigh County executive has gained a third candidate, as former Allentown police Chief and City Council President Roger MacLean entered the race Tuesday.” (Allentown Morning Call)
“Saturday Night Live” is marking its 50th anniversary Sunday with a three-hour episode featuring celebrities from just about every field and every generation.
The lineup includes fixtures from the show’s early days — Paul McCartney, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Steve Martin and Martin Short, among others. Many of the show’s most famous former cast members, including Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler, are also set to appear.
📺 The special airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. (Axios)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
⚾ Hello, Wednesday. Pitchers and catchers report today. Spring is close by.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
🌧️ New Castle | Mostly Cloudy, PM Rain, 36
🌨️ Williamsport | Cloudy, PM Snow, 34
🌧️ Morgantown | Cloudy, PM Mix, 36
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies and Pirates | Pitchers and Catchers Report
🏀 Sixers (20-33) | Toronto 103-106 | Wed vs. Brooklyn
🏒 Flyers (24-26-7) | Sat vs. Edmonton
🏒 Penguins (23-25-9) | Sat vs. Washington
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “If the hunting community is ever fully activated and all are registered to vote and mobilized, I think Pennsylvania could become a reliably conservative state, not only in federal elections but also in state and local elections.” – Scott Presler
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Rep. Kyle Mullins.
📱 Social Media. Join us on Twitter and Bluesky at @PoliticsPA
“Donald Trump’s administration and its allies are responding to a slew of court rulings blocking the White House’s actions with the same sentiment: We will see.
“This is going to be interesting to see if we believe in the Constitution or not,” Rep. Keith Self, House Freedom Caucus stalwart from Texas, told NOTUS. “Is the president the head of the executive branch, or is the judicial branch in charge of the executive branch?”” (NOTUS)
Elsewhere
It’s a Good Thing Democrats Didn’t Pack the Courts. “Without an independent judiciary, the Constitution would be no match for Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses.” (Washington Monthly)
Oakmont Teacher Marc Fogel Released From Russian Prison. “Marc Fogel, an Oakmont teacher who has been detained in Russia since 2021, has been released, according to the White House.” (PoliticsPA)
McCormick Says He Supports Trump ‘100%’ Ahead of Senate Votes For RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard. “McCormick, R-Pa., has not publicly announced a decision on Mr. Kennedy or Ms. Gabbard — two of Trump’s most controversial nominees who have sparked criticism from the health and intelligence communities, respectively.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
“President Trump’s campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education could prove costly for Pennsylvania.
State of play: K-12 schools in Pennsylvania spend about $36.3 billion annually, or $21,441 per pupil, according to the Education Data Initiative. And they receive more than $4.6 billion, or $2,757 per student, from the federal government, the data shows.” (Axios Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Boasts of Education Improvements While Most Students Are Not Proficient in Math. “The state of Pennsylvania spent $16.8 billion last year to fund public education, and the return on investment is abysmal. In 2024, 53 percent of students were proficient in reading and writing, while only 40 percent were proficient in math.” (Broad + Liberty)
Cook Political Report Calls Three PA House Seats “Toss Ups” For 2026. “The Cook Political Report has put out its first 2026 House Ratings and three Pennsylvania seats are viewed as “toss-ups.”” (PoliticsPA)
Scott Presler Keeps His Foot on the Pedal in Pennsylvania. “Given that Pennsylvania has been decided by only tens of thousands of votes the past few elections, Presler said reaching voters who likely share the same sentiments as President Donald Trump on the Second Amendment just makes sense.” (Washington Examiner)
DLCC Targets Pennsylvania As Battleground State, Again. “After an election cycle that did not fare well for the party nationwide, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is preparing for the next one, releasing its 2025-26 target map on Tuesday.” (PoliticsPA)
“Twenty-seven organizations representing Jewish and Christian denominations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a judge to prevent immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.
Among those that joined the lawsuit are the Montgomery County-based Reconstructing Judaism and the Philadelphia-based Friends General Conference, a Quaker organization.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Why Montco Is Doubling Down on Expanding Its DEI Office While Trump Pushes Against Diversity Policies. “Last month the county’s board of commissioners voted along party lines to hire four new staff members under the county’s DEI chief.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
PIAA Bans “Finger Guns” in High School Basketball Celebrations. “The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has introduced a new rule reshaping how celebrations are handled in high school basketball. Effective immediately, any player who simulates using a weapon – such as a “finger gun” or similar gestures – will face penalties, including a potential technical foul or even ejection from the game.” (Northeast Times)
Mike Embrescia Replaces Sam DeMarco on Allegheny County Council. “Allegheny County Council was returned to its full 15-member complement Tuesday after members approved Mt. Lebanon Republican Mike Embrescia as council’s at-large representative for the GOP.” (WESA)
Former Allentown Police Chief Is Latest Candidate to Join Lehigh County Executive Race. “The Republican field for Lehigh County executive has gained a third candidate, as former Allentown police Chief and City Council President Roger MacLean entered the race Tuesday.” (Allentown Morning Call)
“Saturday Night Live” is marking its 50th anniversary Sunday with a three-hour episode featuring celebrities from just about every field and every generation.
The lineup includes fixtures from the show’s early days — Paul McCartney, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Steve Martin and Martin Short, among others. Many of the show’s most famous former cast members, including Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler, are also set to appear.
📺 The special airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. (Axios)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
⚾ Hello, Wednesday. Pitchers and catchers report today. Spring is close by.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
🌧️ New Castle | Mostly Cloudy, PM Rain, 36
🌨️ Williamsport | Cloudy, PM Snow, 34
🌧️ Morgantown | Cloudy, PM Mix, 36
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies and Pirates | Pitchers and Catchers Report
🏀 Sixers (20-33) | Toronto 103-106 | Wed vs. Brooklyn
🏒 Flyers (24-26-7) | Sat vs. Edmonton
🏒 Penguins (23-25-9) | Sat vs. Washington
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “If the hunting community is ever fully activated and all are registered to vote and mobilized, I think Pennsylvania could become a reliably conservative state, not only in federal elections but also in state and local elections.” – Scott Presler
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Rep. Kyle Mullins.
📱 Social Media. Join us on Twitter and Bluesky at @PoliticsPA
“Donald Trump’s administration and its allies are responding to a slew of court rulings blocking the White House’s actions with the same sentiment: We will see.
“This is going to be interesting to see if we believe in the Constitution or not,” Rep. Keith Self, House Freedom Caucus stalwart from Texas, told NOTUS. “Is the president the head of the executive branch, or is the judicial branch in charge of the executive branch?”” (NOTUS)
Elsewhere
It’s a Good Thing Democrats Didn’t Pack the Courts. “Without an independent judiciary, the Constitution would be no match for Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses.” (Washington Monthly)
Oakmont Teacher Marc Fogel Released From Russian Prison. “Marc Fogel, an Oakmont teacher who has been detained in Russia since 2021, has been released, according to the White House.” (PoliticsPA)
McCormick Says He Supports Trump ‘100%’ Ahead of Senate Votes For RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard. “McCormick, R-Pa., has not publicly announced a decision on Mr. Kennedy or Ms. Gabbard — two of Trump’s most controversial nominees who have sparked criticism from the health and intelligence communities, respectively.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
“President Trump’s campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education could prove costly for Pennsylvania.
State of play: K-12 schools in Pennsylvania spend about $36.3 billion annually, or $21,441 per pupil, according to the Education Data Initiative. And they receive more than $4.6 billion, or $2,757 per student, from the federal government, the data shows.” (Axios Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Boasts of Education Improvements While Most Students Are Not Proficient in Math. “The state of Pennsylvania spent $16.8 billion last year to fund public education, and the return on investment is abysmal. In 2024, 53 percent of students were proficient in reading and writing, while only 40 percent were proficient in math.” (Broad + Liberty)
Cook Political Report Calls Three PA House Seats “Toss Ups” For 2026. “The Cook Political Report has put out its first 2026 House Ratings and three Pennsylvania seats are viewed as “toss-ups.”” (PoliticsPA)
Scott Presler Keeps His Foot on the Pedal in Pennsylvania. “Given that Pennsylvania has been decided by only tens of thousands of votes the past few elections, Presler said reaching voters who likely share the same sentiments as President Donald Trump on the Second Amendment just makes sense.” (Washington Examiner)
DLCC Targets Pennsylvania As Battleground State, Again. “After an election cycle that did not fare well for the party nationwide, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is preparing for the next one, releasing its 2025-26 target map on Tuesday.” (PoliticsPA)
“Twenty-seven organizations representing Jewish and Christian denominations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a judge to prevent immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.
Among those that joined the lawsuit are the Montgomery County-based Reconstructing Judaism and the Philadelphia-based Friends General Conference, a Quaker organization.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Why Montco Is Doubling Down on Expanding Its DEI Office While Trump Pushes Against Diversity Policies. “Last month the county’s board of commissioners voted along party lines to hire four new staff members under the county’s DEI chief.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
PIAA Bans “Finger Guns” in High School Basketball Celebrations. “The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has introduced a new rule reshaping how celebrations are handled in high school basketball. Effective immediately, any player who simulates using a weapon – such as a “finger gun” or similar gestures – will face penalties, including a potential technical foul or even ejection from the game.” (Northeast Times)
Mike Embrescia Replaces Sam DeMarco on Allegheny County Council. “Allegheny County Council was returned to its full 15-member complement Tuesday after members approved Mt. Lebanon Republican Mike Embrescia as council’s at-large representative for the GOP.” (WESA)
Former Allentown Police Chief Is Latest Candidate to Join Lehigh County Executive Race. “The Republican field for Lehigh County executive has gained a third candidate, as former Allentown police Chief and City Council President Roger MacLean entered the race Tuesday.” (Allentown Morning Call)
“Saturday Night Live” is marking its 50th anniversary Sunday with a three-hour episode featuring celebrities from just about every field and every generation.
The lineup includes fixtures from the show’s early days — Paul McCartney, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Steve Martin and Martin Short, among others. Many of the show’s most famous former cast members, including Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler, are also set to appear.
📺 The special airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. (Axios)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
⚾ Hello, Wednesday. Pitchers and catchers report today. Spring is close by.
🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.
PA Weather
🌧️ New Castle | Mostly Cloudy, PM Rain, 36
🌨️ Williamsport | Cloudy, PM Snow, 34
🌧️ Morgantown | Cloudy, PM Mix, 36
PA Sports
⚾ Phillies and Pirates | Pitchers and Catchers Report
🏀 Sixers (20-33) | Toronto 103-106 | Wed vs. Brooklyn
🏒 Flyers (24-26-7) | Sat vs. Edmonton
🏒 Penguins (23-25-9) | Sat vs. Washington
🔊 What We’re Hearing. “If the hunting community is ever fully activated and all are registered to vote and mobilized, I think Pennsylvania could become a reliably conservative state, not only in federal elections but also in state and local elections.” – Scott Presler
🎂 Happy Birthday. Cake and candles for Rep. Kyle Mullins.
📱 Social Media. Join us on Twitter and Bluesky at @PoliticsPA
“Donald Trump’s administration and its allies are responding to a slew of court rulings blocking the White House’s actions with the same sentiment: We will see.
“This is going to be interesting to see if we believe in the Constitution or not,” Rep. Keith Self, House Freedom Caucus stalwart from Texas, told NOTUS. “Is the president the head of the executive branch, or is the judicial branch in charge of the executive branch?”” (NOTUS)
Elsewhere
It’s a Good Thing Democrats Didn’t Pack the Courts. “Without an independent judiciary, the Constitution would be no match for Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses.” (Washington Monthly)
Oakmont Teacher Marc Fogel Released From Russian Prison. “Marc Fogel, an Oakmont teacher who has been detained in Russia since 2021, has been released, according to the White House.” (PoliticsPA)
McCormick Says He Supports Trump ‘100%’ Ahead of Senate Votes For RFK Jr., Tulsi Gabbard. “McCormick, R-Pa., has not publicly announced a decision on Mr. Kennedy or Ms. Gabbard — two of Trump’s most controversial nominees who have sparked criticism from the health and intelligence communities, respectively.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
“President Trump’s campaign promise to dismantle the Department of Education could prove costly for Pennsylvania.
State of play: K-12 schools in Pennsylvania spend about $36.3 billion annually, or $21,441 per pupil, according to the Education Data Initiative. And they receive more than $4.6 billion, or $2,757 per student, from the federal government, the data shows.” (Axios Philadelphia)
Elsewhere
Shapiro Boasts of Education Improvements While Most Students Are Not Proficient in Math. “The state of Pennsylvania spent $16.8 billion last year to fund public education, and the return on investment is abysmal. In 2024, 53 percent of students were proficient in reading and writing, while only 40 percent were proficient in math.” (Broad + Liberty)
Cook Political Report Calls Three PA House Seats “Toss Ups” For 2026. “The Cook Political Report has put out its first 2026 House Ratings and three Pennsylvania seats are viewed as “toss-ups.”” (PoliticsPA)
Scott Presler Keeps His Foot on the Pedal in Pennsylvania. “Given that Pennsylvania has been decided by only tens of thousands of votes the past few elections, Presler said reaching voters who likely share the same sentiments as President Donald Trump on the Second Amendment just makes sense.” (Washington Examiner)
DLCC Targets Pennsylvania As Battleground State, Again. “After an election cycle that did not fare well for the party nationwide, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) is preparing for the next one, releasing its 2025-26 target map on Tuesday.” (PoliticsPA)
“Twenty-seven organizations representing Jewish and Christian denominations filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against President Donald Trump’s administration, asking a judge to prevent immigration enforcement actions in houses of worship.
Among those that joined the lawsuit are the Montgomery County-based Reconstructing Judaism and the Philadelphia-based Friends General Conference, a Quaker organization.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Elsewhere
Why Montco Is Doubling Down on Expanding Its DEI Office While Trump Pushes Against Diversity Policies. “Last month the county’s board of commissioners voted along party lines to hire four new staff members under the county’s DEI chief.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)
PIAA Bans “Finger Guns” in High School Basketball Celebrations. “The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) has introduced a new rule reshaping how celebrations are handled in high school basketball. Effective immediately, any player who simulates using a weapon – such as a “finger gun” or similar gestures – will face penalties, including a potential technical foul or even ejection from the game.” (Northeast Times)
Mike Embrescia Replaces Sam DeMarco on Allegheny County Council. “Allegheny County Council was returned to its full 15-member complement Tuesday after members approved Mt. Lebanon Republican Mike Embrescia as council’s at-large representative for the GOP.” (WESA)
Former Allentown Police Chief Is Latest Candidate to Join Lehigh County Executive Race. “The Republican field for Lehigh County executive has gained a third candidate, as former Allentown police Chief and City Council President Roger MacLean entered the race Tuesday.” (Allentown Morning Call)
“Saturday Night Live” is marking its 50th anniversary Sunday with a three-hour episode featuring celebrities from just about every field and every generation.
The lineup includes fixtures from the show’s early days — Paul McCartney, Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, Steve Martin and Martin Short, among others. Many of the show’s most famous former cast members, including Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler, are also set to appear.
📺 The special airs Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. (Axios)
Thank you for starting your morning with us.
And reading the PoliticsPA Playbook
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