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PoliticsPA Playbook

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May 8, 2025

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🗞️ The PoliticsPA Playbook is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe for free.

Top Story

1. PA Senate Passes “Save Women’s Sports Act”

“The Pennsylvania State Senate passed the “Save Women’s Sports Act” on Tuesday by a 32-18 vote.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward, says that “school athletic teams designated for women may not be open to those of the male sex. The legislation defines “sex” as the biological distinction between male and female, based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up.”

Senate Bill 9 requires public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states that only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill also allows students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.” (PoliticsPA)

Elsewhere

Sen. John Fetterman Bashes ‘ Hit Piece’ That Questioned His Health. ““It’s a one-source story with a couple anonymous sources,” Fetterman told NBC News, according to a video shared on X. He went on to describe the article as “a hit piece from a very-left publication.”” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

Fighter vs. ‘Wimp’: Swing-State Democrat Sees a New Party Divide. “Rep. Chris Deluzio argued in an interview that the old intraparty divide of moderate vs. progressive is over. Deluzio has himself straddled that divide at times. But he has also sought to grab the left’s mantle of economic populism as he has won two terms in a district just outside of Pittsburgh.” (NBC News)

New PAC to Rally Support For Stock Trading Ban. “A freshly established PAC will start pressuring both Republican and Democratic lawmakers to support a congressional stock trading ban.” (Axios)

State

2. Disappearing Documents: Shapiro Admin Deleted Accuser’s Emails — While Senior Aides’ Records Were Preserved

Disappearing documents: Shapiro admin deleted accuser’s emails — while senior aides’ records were preserved

“Internal records obtained from Governor Josh Shapiro’s office suggest the email account of a top aide who accused a cabinet secretary of sexual harassment was deleted under suspicious and possibly selective circumstances — and not as part of any routine records policy.

The aide, who resigned in 2023 after lodging the allegation, appears to be the only official whose email records have been entirely wiped from state servers during that period.

The absence of any preserved messages raises sharp questions about whether the Shapiro administration took steps to erase a digital trail tied to a politically sensitive personnel matter — and whether broader email retention practices in the governor’s office are compromised or selectively enforced.” (Broad + Liberty)

Elsewhere

State Government Committee Sends Voter ID, Election Omnibus Bills to House Floor. “Coming to the House floor … election reform in Pennsylvania. No, really. Now whether it gets done or not is another story.” (PoliticsPA)

TikTok Ban For PA State Government Devices Advances. “A Pennsylvania Senate Committee unanimously approved a pair of bills during a meeting on Tuesday, including a proposal that would ban TikTok from being downloaded on state-owned networks and devices.” (Penn Capital-Star)

Democrats Reject Local Referendum Votes on Marijuana Stores as Legalization Bill Advances. “A bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania moved closer to a final vote in the state House Tuesday, with Democrats rejecting a Republican bid to change it so a municipality could hold a referendum on whether to allow a marijuana store within its borders.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)

All Six Living PA Governors Attend Fundraising Event For Fire-Damaged Governor’s Residence. “All five living former governors joined Gov. Josh Shapiro Monday night for a reception at the Governor’s Residence to help fund its restoration following the firebombing last month.” (PennLive)

Around The Commonwealth

3. Memo from Montco: Deep SEPTA Cuts Would Make The County Less Livable and Prosperous

SEPTA is driving force behind some economic bursts in Montgomery County – The Times Herald

“Montgomery County is one of the richest in Pennsylvania, but if you look beyond the median household income data, it depends more on SEPTA than one might think.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

With Public Transit Agencies in Dire Straits, PA House Puts Shapiro’s Funding Plan Into Play. (Penn Capital-Star)

Elsewhere

Mayor Parker’s Administration Says It Is Ready ‘To Litigate’ If Philly’s Funding Is Put At Risk Under Trump Sanctuary City Order. “City Solicitor Renee Garcia offered City Council the Parker administration’s most articulated position thus far on the president’s April 28 executive order that will create a list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” the Trump administration believes subvert federal immigration law.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

A County Pension Fund in Pennsylvania Just Became the First Known to Cease Purchasing New Tesla Stocks. “Lehigh County, located toward the east of Pennsylvania with a relatively affluent population that is often a swing county, has a county pension board that oversees $500 million in assets. It is the first known US pension fund to stop purchasing new Tesla stock.” (Business Insider)

3 Harrisburg Mayor Candidates Agree City Dysfunction Is Impeding Development. “Three Democrats looking to lead Harrisburg as its next mayor agreed Tuesday the city’s deteriorated downtown – graffiti-marred and dotted with vacancies — has reached a low point.” (PennLive)

How Penn State Trustees Plan to Vote on Campus Closures Could Run Afoul of Transparency Law. “The Penn State Board of Trustees plans to meet virtually this month to determine the fate of multiple campuses, a decision that will impact the futures of thousands of students and employees. However, the online-only nature of the meeting could run afoul of Pennsylvania’s public meetings law, according to legal experts.” (Spotlight PA State College)

Editorial

4. Speak Your Mind

The ‘Significant Risk’ That Republicans Tank the Economy. (Russell Berman)
A Ruinous Skill Games Tax Would Hurt Small Businesses and Help the Big Casino Industry. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
Voter ID Compromise Would Be Ideal But Only If Parties Let It Be. (Greensburg Tribune-Review)
Pennsylvania’s Data Privacy Bill Is the Right Move For Consumers and Businesses. (Peter Caperonis)
It’s Time to Fix the Flawed Tax Policy Hurting Independent Oil and Gas Producers. (Rep. Stephenie Scialabba)
Pell Grants Are an Investment in Prosperity for the Entire Country. (Thomas P. Foley)

1 Thing

5. ‘Ewe’ Had to Be There

“Barreling down South Main Street in downtown Washington, the sheep competing in the final heat of Saturday’s “Running of the Wools” were anything but, well, sheepish.

It was a “shear” nail-biter at the finish line, but there could only be one leader of the pack, and this year the title for fastest sheep in Washington County goes to “Baaa-cking our Comm-ew-nity,” who was running on behalf of the Washington County Community Foundation.” (Uniontown Herald-Standard)

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Sports

Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

8 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

Link

Sports

Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

Published

24 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

State

Zip Code

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Link

Sports

Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

Link

Sports

Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Hosts The North American Challenge

Published

2 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – With the season just around the corner, the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball team will host the North American Challenge, a preseason exhibition tournament featuring four teams from the United States and Canada. The two-day event will take place Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4, with matches held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

Joining the Beach in the tournament are UC San Diego, Calgary, and Alberta, bringing together a competitive mix of NCAA and U SPORTS programs for early-season action. The tournament will feature eight total matches across the two days, providing fans with a full slate of high-level volleyball.

Schedule
Friday, January 2

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
11:30 AM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta
2:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
4:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
7:00 PM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary

Sunday, January 4

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
10:00 AM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary
12:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
3:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
5:30 PM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta

Following each match, a Player of the Match from each team will be recognized. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be selected.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Live statistics for all matches will be available via BeachLiveStats.StatBroadcast.com.

Link

Sports

Pitt volleyball | Panthers add Kentucky MB Jordyn Dailey

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Pitt received a commitment from former Kentucky middle blocker/right-side hitter Jordyn Dailey.

Dailey is a redshirt sophomore and will have two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-2 North Carolina native racked up 188 kills, 116 blocks and 42 digs over the past two seasons. Dailey recorded 142 kills, 82 blocks and a .314 hitting percentage in 2024. Her numbers dipped to 46 kills, 34 blocks and a .211 hitting percentage in 2025.

Pitt lost middle blocker Ryla Jones to Penn State through the transfer portal.

Link

Sports

Kats sign six to 2026 roster

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston volleyball program and head coach Brenda Gray announced the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Bearkats for the 2026 season.

The signing class consists of outside hitters Annika Brooks, Brenlin Garlitz, Justice Rachal, Kameron Rector, Lauren Pyle and Sarah Odell.

“All of these young ladies bring a passion and energy that Sam Houston Volleyball thrives upon,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They all come with numerous accolades both on the court and in the classroom.”

Annika Brooks • 6-3 • RS • Halletsville, Texas • Sacred Heart Catholic School / Blinn College

Blinn College

– 2025 second team all-conference selection

Ovilla Christian School

– 2021 second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2022 first team all-district selection as a sophomore

– 2022 honorable mention all-area

– 2023 first team all-district selection as a junior

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2023 honorable mention all-area selection

– 2023 TAPPS academic all-state selection

– 2024 first team all-district selection as a senior

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2024 TAPPS academic all-state selection

Texas Tornadoes (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– 18s bid to nationals

Gray on Brooks …

“Annika brings size and a blocking presence to our game on the right side. We are so fortunate to have her join us this spring.”

Brenlin Garlitz • 5-10 • S • Waxahachie, Texas • Ovilla Christian School

Ovilla Christian School

– 2022 TAPPS second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 Ellis County All-Star Team

– 4-time state champion

Texas Advantage Volleyball (Club)

– NRG 15s bid to nationals

– NRG 16s bid to nationals

– TAV 18s Black: 5th at nationals

Gray on Garlitz …

“We are excited to bring in a dynamic setter to help run our floor. Brenlin runs a quick offense and brings a passion and love for the game that is undeniable.”

Justice Rachal • 5-8 • OH • Cypress, Texas • Bridgeland HS

Bridgeland HS

– 2-time first team all-district selection

– District Offensive Player of the Year

– AVCA Phenom Watch List

– 2-time academic all-district selection

– GHVCA postseason second team choice

– 2023 honorable mention all-district selection

TAV Houston (Club)

– GJNC 16U all-tournament team (Liberty)

– GJNC Third place 17 American

– GJNC 17U all-tournament team (American)

Gray on Rachal …

“Justice will be a crowd favorite from the start. She has a contagious energy and a vertical leap that will add to the excitement on the outside position.”

Kameron Rector • 5-11 • OH • Midlothian, Texas • Midlothian HS

Midlothian HS

– 2023 District Utility Player of the Year

– 2024 Academic All-District selection

– 2025 district MVP

Mad Frog (Club)

– Girls Junior National Championship

– All-Tournament team

– 16 & Under USA Tournament

Gray on Rector …

“Kameron is just so solid all around and will bring a defensive prowess and ball control that a team always needs to continue their success.”

Lauren Pyle • 5-8 • S • Longview, Texas • Hallsville HS / Tyler JC

Tyler JC

– 2025 Region XIV Setter of the Year

Hallsville HS

– 2021 first team all-district selection

– 2021 honorable mention all-state

– 2022 District Setter of the Year

– 2022 all-state selection

– 2023 District MVP

– 2023 All-East Texas Player of the Year

– 2023 all-state selection

– 2023 academic all-state selection

East Texas Alliance (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– Won Lonestar Classic

Gray on Pyle …

“It is good for us to get an experienced floor leader on the roster and we are excited to have her join us in the spring to begin running our offense and bring her expertise that she delivered in junior college”.

Sarah Odell • 5-11 • OH • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS

Tomball HS

– 2023 first team all-District 15-6A selection

– 2024 and 2025 District 15-6A Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year

– 2024 and 2025 first team all-District 15-6A

– 2024 and 2025 academic all-District 15-6A

– Played club at North Houston Elite Volleyball

Gray on Odell …

“There is an explosiveness to the outside that is needed in this league, which Sarah immediately gives us as a complete, six-rotation player who will help balance our offense.”