News & Brews September 22, 2026
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NBC: How Josh Shapiro changed his tune on data centers
NBC dives into how Gov. Josh Shapiro “has gone from touting the benefits of data centers to arguing his administration is cautiously overseeing their growth…. The pivot comes as Shapiro … seeks to claim he’s holding the middle ground and the leading edge all at once on data centers.” The story continues, “One Pennsylvania operative involved in the administration’s data center response said Shapiro’s team ‘looked around at the actions that other elected officials were taking,’ which ‘highlighted the need for an action very quickly.’” Shapiro, of course, denied being influenced by other governors.
Pa. Supreme Court orders loom over lawmakers’ return
Gov. Josh Shapiro campaigned on being able to bring both sides of the aisle together. But in recent years, he’s failed to do that in our divided state legislature. Now, with Supreme Court-imposed deadlines for the legislature to act on skill games (Oct. 13) and felony murder sentencing (deadline already passed), will lawmakers actually take some action? The progressive Pennsylvania Capital-Star is skeptical: “In a historically unproductive legislature, it’s unclear if lawmakers will be able to come up with a solution on either topic.” Yet, both topics will be front and center when both chambers of the legislature reconvene next week. But, “Even bipartisan issues with the support of the Gov. Josh Shapiro — like a ban on cell phones in schools — haven’t progressed to his desk.” So much for GSD.
‘No Kings’ rally will protest nonexistent monarch
Hey, I’m as opposed to monarchies as the next guy (or gal). Good thing we don’t have one. But still, just to remind us, the No Kings protests are slated to return to Pa. next month. ABC27 reports, “Several ‘No Kings’ rallies have been held since the Trump Administration took office. Event organizers said the rallies were intended to bring people together to ‘reject the idea that power belongs to kings, billionaires, or politicians who believe they are above the people and the law.” (The Left hopes you’ll pay no attention to the fact that billionaires have backed the protests.) “While the main goal stays the same, this time it is a little different. According to the organization, ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ will be held nationwide on October 17. Organizers say the event is not a protest, but a day of ‘nonpartisan voter participation’ to bring communities together to rally and make a plan to vote early.” Nonpartisan – HA!
Fitzpatrick is ‘least loyal’ Republican
As GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick once again faces a Democrat effort to oust him, this time from challenger Bob Harvie, the Inquirer takes a look at Fitzpatrick’s voting record, reporting that he’s “voted against the White House and the GOP more than any other House Republican.” In fact, he’s voted with Trump just 70% of the time and with the GOP 77%. But Harvie “argues that Fitzpatrick has been a ‘rubber stamp’ for Trump’s policies and the GOP establishment when it matters most. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick continues to tout his moderate, bipartisan brand that has proved successful in elections past.” Which message will win? That remains to be seen.
Thousands gather at annual Pa. March for Life
The LNP reports that thousands of pro-life advocates gathered in Harrisburg yesterday for the sixth annual Pennsylvania March for Life, organized by the Pennsylvania Family Institute. “Speakers at Monday’s rally included state Rep. Jesse Topper, the GOP leader in the state House, and state Sen. Dawn Keefer, a York County Republican. The event’s keynote speaker was former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum.” Several additional state lawmakers were also present. The event comes as the debate over abortion has changed over the years. Pro-choice advocates once said that unborn children were non-living tissues, but now pro-choice advocates acknowledge that unborn children are alive but say their right to life is superseded by the wishes of others. Currently, abortion is legal in Pennsylvania up to 24 weeks.
