News & Brews October 20, 2025
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Dual budget stalemates impact Pa.
Pennsylvania is approaching four months without a state budget, as the federal government is nearly three weeks into a shutdown due to a budget stalemate in Washington. Penn State Associate Professor Daniel Mallinson walks us through the dual impasses, noting, “There is little sign of an immediate end to either….” Here in Pa., “The state government continues to function even without a budget, but counties, school districts, and nonprofit organizations that rely on state funding are being forced to make difficult operating choices.” On the federal side, Pennsylvania “has the eighth-highest population of federal civilian employees, at over 66,000 who are not being paid.”
‘No Kings’ protests include calls for violence
As No Kings protestors gathered over the weekend, signs calling for or celebrating violence against political opponents dotted the gatherings. One read, “If Trump wants to be king, we’ll bring the guillotine.” Another included a call to “86 / 47.” Still another read “F*** this fascist s***.” And yet another read, “Which one heals faster? A) Trump’s ear, B) Erika’s heart.” Remember when the Left claimed to be tolerant of different views? Yeah, pretty much no one believes that anymore. Separately, Gov. Shapiro issued a statement claiming there is “darkness coming out of DC” and No Kings protestors are “bringing the light.”
Abortion groups spend big on retention
Spotlight PA reports that pro-abortion groups are spending big in hopes of keeping three Democrat Pa. Supreme Court justices on the bench this November. Planned Parenthood, trial lawyer-funded groups, and others are spending on ads, canvassing, and more. The story notes that there remain “unsettled legal issues” surrounding abortion. The Pennsylvania Code prevents judicial candidates from indicating how they would vote on unsettled issues, but that hasn’t stopped the Democrat justices from indicating in their campaign messaging that they are all-in on abortion.
If Vote No succeeds, here’s what happensf
WESA explains that if Vote No efforts on this year’s judicial retention elections succeed, “the governor can nominate an interim replacement until the next municipal election, which would be in 2027. But the Senate must confirm that nomination by a two-thirds majority. And while the process is straightforward, the politics are not…. Shapiro and the Senate did not name a replacement for the late Justice Max Baer after his death in 2022. And this year, they haven’t found an agreement on a state budget after four months of delay.” The story notes this issue has “gained little traction in the retention debate.” (You know what else hasn’t gained traction? The fact that one of the justices up for retention, Justice Christine Donohue, will reach the mandatory retirement age in 2027 so wouldn’t be able to serve out even 1/5 of another 10-year term.)
Shapiro loves suing Trump
As attorney general, Josh Shapiro filled his time with self-adoring press statements and lawsuits against the Trump administration. As governor, his pattern has been similar (with added emphasis on self-adoring social media posts). The LNP gives us a rundown of Gov. Shapiro’s dozen-plus lawsuits against the Trump administration just this year. Among the topics are supporting abortion, supporting abusive transgender procedures on children, opposing Obamacare changes, and more.