Pennsylvania
MAGA mood swing: Some Trump voters are denying Harris’ progress − but others say they’re worried

Trump to use bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies
The Secret Service is amping up its protection of Trump, including using bulletproof ballistic glass at some of his outdoor rallies.
WILKES-BARRE, PA — Gesturing to the long line snaking around a parking lot to get into Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally Saturday, Virginia resident Michelle Kessler said there’s no way Kamala Harris has erased the lead Trump once enjoyed in the race, as many polls show.
“I don’t believe that for a minute,” Kessler said as she waited to get into the rally in a pink MAGA hat and “Women for Trump” shirt. “I mean look at all this. Trump has a huge following. Harris does not have a following.”
Many other Trump fans who gathered in a Wilkes-Barre arena for the rally echoed Kessler, dismissing several polls showing Harris picking up steam and projecting confidence that Trump has the race under control.
Others, though, were nervous.
“It’s tight,” said Nazareth, Pennsylvania resident Jim Otto, who worried that Harris is triggering an “emotional” response with some voters that’s giving her momentum.
The MAGA movement’s mood Saturday, a month into a changed race that has seen Harris surging nationally and in key swing states, percolated with a mix of emotions.
Frustration at what they see as a Democratic candidate who is “hiding” from the media and avoiding being pinned down on issues. Trepidation that the race isn’t the blowout it once seemed. Denial that Trump is struggling against a new opponent.
Inside the Trump rally bubble, there are still plenty of people who refuse to acknowledge the changing dynamics of the race and plenty of others who still are optimistic about his chances, but also eager to see him do more to blunt Harris’ momentum as she heads into a Democratic National Convention that could provide another boost of energy.
Some of the rallygoers voiced the same concerns high-profile GOP leaders are expressing about Trump’s message discipline. They want to see him stick to the kitchen table issues they care most about – chiefly inflation. Others said Trump’s personal broadsides against opponents are part of his appeal.
Trump will try to counter Harris this week by blanketing the swing states, holding public events every day while his campaign does Democratic convention counterprogramming on the ground in Chicago. The former president has ramped up his campaign efforts recently with more rallies, press conferences and issue-focused appearances.
The Trump campaign is struggling to define Harris, though, and some of his most ardent supporters are worried that 2024 could be a repeat of 2020, when President Joe Biden squeaked out a tight victory.
“Joe Biden beat him four years ago and all he did was just basically what Kamala’s doing now,” said Lewis Yost, a retired corrections officer who traveled from Lockwood, New York, for the rally. “History tends to repeat itself if people don’t learn from it.”
Trump hits the road
As Trump prepared to speak to voters in Wilkes-Barre, he and aides finalized plans to counter this week’s proceedings at the Democratic convention − and to play defense as Harris basks in the glow of her formal nomination to the presidency.
Trump aides said they believe Harris will gain in the polls in the wake of the convention that kicks off Monday – most major party nominees do − and they are working to counteract that as the election heads into the final two months.
Trump, vice presidential nominee JD Vance, and other campaign officials will conduct a series of anti-Harris events in key battlegrounds, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The former president is expected to campaign every day of the week, Monday through Friday.
In the month since Biden withdrew from the race, Harris has erased the lead that Trump had built up since his debate performance against the incumbent president on June 27.
Trump aides said they expected the Harris surge, citing a July 23 memo from pollster Tony Fabrizio that predicted a long “honeymoon” for Harris lasting through the Democratic convention.
The memo also said that switching candidates “does NOT change voters discontent over the economy, inflation, crime, the open border (and) housing costs,” as well as “concern over two foreign wars” – items that are sure to be part of Trump counterprogramming in the upcoming week.
Eventually, Fabrizio wrote, “Harris’ ‘honeymoon’ will end and voters will refocus on her role as Biden’s partner and co-pilot.”
Trying to help that along, Trump plans to criticize Harris − and Biden − on issues like inflation and immigration, although some Republicans fear that he will continue to veer off into distracting personal attacks. The former president held multiple campaign events in recent weeks that were billed as economy-focused, but instead included attacks on issues ranging from the border to Harris’ racial identity.
Republican Party officials said polls and focus groups indicated that voters want more of a focus on issues, particularly the economy, and that mudslinging is a turn-off. Some have taken to the airwaves and social media to advise Trump to stay focused.
“Get out there and start making the case, and use her own words to do it to her,” said former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., speaking on Fox News.
Trump voters want policy message
Wilkes-Barre rally attendees expressed some of the same concerns.
Yost, the retired corrections officer, said Saturday before the Wilkes-Barre rally that if Trump “cut down on the name calling he should be good.”
“He really needs to just push on them issues, remind everybody how his first four years went, remind everybody how these last four years have been,” Yost said as he stood in the parking lot under an overcast sky before entering the rally.
Trump attracted a large crowd Saturday that showed up hours before the event. People drank beer and tailgated in the parking lot outside the Mohegan Sun Arena, which holds between 8,000 and 10,000 people and was mostly full when Trump took the stage shortly before 5 p.m. Republican Senate candidate David McCormick and former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum were among those warming up the crowd.
Outside before the event, a festive atmosphere prevailed in the parking lot as vendors hocked Trump gear, bikers rolled through with a big flag bearing Trump’s mug shot from one of the four criminal cases against him and country music blared over loudspeakers.
Jason Koch, 42, acknowledged the race has “tightened up” as he stood in line in the parking lot but said he feels “confident” about Trump’s position. He is frustrated, though, about what he perceives as Trump being held to a higher standard than Harris.
“I think it will all come out in the wash if she ever does an interview,” said Koch, a Nescopeck, Pennsylvania resident who works for an energy company.
In interviews with USA TODAY, rallygoers repeatedly said Harris is hiding from the media and slammed her for not doing interviews. Some said her strength in the polls is because voters don’t know enough about her yet and accused her of changing her positions.
“She’s a good facade,” said Otto, the Nazareth resident who works in local government. “However, I don’t think they know what’s behind that facade.”
Harris is a “copycat” who has emulated Trump on issues such as his proposal not to tax tips, Otto said, and is “flip flopping” on her past positions on issues such as fracking for oil and natural gas.
Still, Otto, 55, has been nervous watching the polls. He wants Trump to “stick to the list” of policy proposals he has rolled out.
“I wish he would just stick to the game plan at times,” said Otto, who wore overalls and a camouflage MAGA hat.
Yost believes Trump’s “confidence” should carry him to victory, but he needs to run a stronger race.
“Trump’s not in as good a position as he needs to be,” he said.
Kessler, 55, drove three and a half hours Saturday from Virginia to attend her fourth Trump rally. Despite her ardent belief that Trump is dominating the race, she also admitted to being nervous, saying “I think they’re going to try and steal it again,” referencing the former president’s unfounded claims about voter fraud in 2020, which he repeated on Saturday.
Personal attacks continue: Trump says he is ‘better looking’ than Harris
The rally started with Trump hammering Harris on economic issues, complaining about inflation − which has been easing − as he declared the American dream is “dead as a door nail” under Biden and Harris.
Soon he was digressing into personal attacks on Harris, though, calling her a “lunatic” who has “the laugh of a crazy person.” He delved into her appearance, declaring he is “much better looking than her.”
As Democrats gather in Chicago, Trump predicted the convention will be “nothing but riots” and questioned the legitimacy of the affair.
“It’s a rigged convention, obviously,” he said. “She got no votes.” While Harris did run at the top of the ticket in the Democratic primary earlier this year with Biden, she was formally backed by state delegations after entering the race in the process that typically plays out at political conventions.
The Harris campaign dismissed the Wilkes-Barre event in a statement as the “same old show.”
“The more Americans hear Trump speak, the clearer the choice this November,” the statement continued, saying Harris wants to move the country forward while Trump would “take us backwards.”

Pennsylvania
New Details on 2 Tornadoes Confirmed in Northwestern Pennsylvania During Monday’s Storms

Survey Summary:
The National Weather Service Cleveland office confirmed an EF-
2 tornado in eastern Erie County, Pennsylvania, with maximum
estimated wind speeds of 115 mph and a maximum path width of
150 yards. The tornado touched down just northwest of the
intersection of Plum Road and Page Road, with swirls in the field
and moving northeast toppling a large tree and destroying a barn
near Knoyle Rd. The tornado crossed Knoyle Road and struck a second
barn directly, which contained several vehicles and trailers. The
barn was destroyed, leaving the cars heavily damaged and a
trailer overturned. Debris from the structure was across a
nearby field and into the adjacent woods. Two horses and several
cows were killed as a result of the tornado. A nearby home
sustained moderate damage, including ripped siding from the west
side, broken windows, and a blown-out side door. The tornado
continued northeast across an open field before entering a wooded
area, where it damaged several trees. It then lifted shortly
thereafter.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball, Pick 2 Day results for June 9, 2025
The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Monday, June 9, 2025 results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing
30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 2 numbers from June 9 drawing
Day: 7-7, Wild: 8
Evening: 4-9, Wild: 5
Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 9 drawing
Day: 1-4-6, Wild: 8
Evening: 2-7-5, Wild: 5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 9 drawing
Day: 0-5-1-1, Wild: 8
Evening: 3-9-5-4, Wild: 5
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from June 9 drawing
Day: 0-4-5-7-1, Wild: 8
Evening: 1-8-4-4-0, Wild: 5
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash4Life numbers from June 9 drawing
06-08-28-57-60, Cash Ball: 03
Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 9 drawing
04-07-17-27-36
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from June 9 drawing
11-13-22-25-29
Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from June 9 drawing
10-19-22-33-43-47
Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 9 drawing
01-07-24-50-59, Powerball: 11
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
- Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
- Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
- Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.
When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
- Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
- Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
- Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
- Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Pennsylvania
Legislative roundup: DHS highlights vital role of Medicaid in supporting economy

Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley this week discussed the importance of Medicaid in providing health care coverage to millions of Pennsylvanians amid proposed federal cuts to the program — which would kick more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians off their health insurance.
More than three million Pennsylvanians – or 1 in 4 people – get their health care coverage through Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania. With this coverage, Pennsylvanians can see a doctor, fill prescriptions and access preventive services like health screenings. This coverage is vital to helping people stay healthy, take care of their families and contribute to our economy.
“All of us know someone — whether its ourselves, a friend, loved one, or a neighbor — who Medicaid has helped,” Arkoosh said. “But no matter how you personally get your health care coverage, Medicaid is vital to protecting the health of your community. Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid would be devastating not only for those who would lose their health coverage, but for all of us who would face the real life consequences of crowded emergency departments, increases in the cost of health insurance, and the catastrophic effects on economies and health systems in rural areas.”
More than 300,000 Pennsylvanians will lose access to Medicaid due to:
• New eligibility requirements.
• Increased bureaucratic paperwork because of proposed six-month re-determinations, whether eligibility is determined every six months instead of every year.
• New work reporting requirements, which will require more staff and new IT infrastructure.
The bill also proposes other federal cuts that will further destabilize our health care infrastructure and threaten the closure of hospitals, especially in our rural communities. Half of Pennsylvania’s 65 hospitals serving rural communities operate at a deficit, struggling to survive, and relying significantly on Medicaid to cover the cost of providing care.
“The Congressional Republicans’ bill would have devastating consequences for Pennsylvanians. From unaffordable health care costs to a higher number of uninsured individuals seeking uncompensated care through our hospital systems, this bill should concern every one of us.” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys.
As of today, Congressional Republicans’ bill needs to pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law. There are no changes to Medicaid.
Lawrence confirmed as Pa.’s Consumer Advocate
Attorney General Dave Sunday this week announced that the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Darryl Lawrence to serve as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate.
Lawrence has been serving as interim Consumer Advocate since Feb. 4, where he has been representing Commonwealth consumers in public utility service quality and pricing matters. Lawrence has been with the Office of Consumer Advocate since June 2005 and previously held the position of Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate for the office.
“I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed my appointment of Darryl Lawrence as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate, and am confident that Darryl will serve Pennsylvanians well in that capacity,” Sunday said. “Darryl dedicated his career to advocating on behalf of Pennsylvanians who may not have a voice in the regulatory, judicial, and legislative processes attached to public utilities. He has proven himself as an experienced, tough, fair, and honest advocate.”
The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate was established by the General Assembly in 1976 to serve as the legal representative for all utility ratepayers in the Commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is housed in the Office of Attorney General, but functions independently. The Office of Consumer Advocate has discretion and authority to intervene in litigation on its own behalf, and has actively participated in matters before the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and in state and federal courts.
Public utilities include electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecom companies under either Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction.
PUC Chairman confirmed for second term
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission this week thanked the State Senate for unanimously confirming the reappointment of Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank to a second term as Commissioner and expressed appreciation to Governor Josh Shapiro for submitting the nomination.
Chairman DeFrank was confirmed on June 4, by the Senate and will continue serving as chairman of the commission. His new term extends through April 1, 2030.
“I’m honored by the confidence shown by Governor Shapiro and the Senate,” DeFrank said. “At a time of fast-moving change across our energy and utility systems — from rising demand and extreme weather to cyber-security and infrastructure modernization — the Commission’s mission remains clear: ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable service for every Pennsylvanian.”
DeFrank was sworn in immediately following his confirmation.
NIL legislation to protect student athletes to be introduced
Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, and Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-Perry/Juniata, this week announced they will soon introduce legislation to provide protections for student-athletes receiving compensation for the use their name, image and likeness (NIL).
While a case wending through federal courts will likely expand the NIL universe, no state legal structure exists. This leaves compensated student-athletes vulnerable to poor financial decisions and without recourse if they should become injured during their career.
“NIL is one of the most dynamic and evolving spaces in the national sports market that has become a life-changing positive for many student-athletes and families,” Topper said. “As the NIL landscape continues to advance at the federal level, it is appropriate for state legal supplements to ensure student-athletes are protected at a vulnerable time in their lives.”
“Our legislation will ensure that students have the financial education and protection available to safeguard their NIL assets while giving them the opportunity to save NIL earnings should they become injured or otherwise incapable of pursuing their athletic career.”
According to the recently filed co-sponsorship memo in advance of the introduction of formal legislation, the Topper-Stambaugh NIL proposal would require institutions of higher education to offer all student-athletes the option to place a portion of their revenue sharing or NIL earnings into trust accounts. The institutions may partner with established financial firms experienced in educational trust management to minimize administrative overhead. The accounts would have the following features:
• Funds become fully accessible upon graduation or departure from the university.
• Limited hardship withdrawals permitted with appropriate oversight.
• Professional investment management with transparent reporting.
• Opt-in structure that preserves athlete autonomy while encouraging responsible financial planning.
In addition, colleges and universities would be mandated to provide financial literacy education and resources to their student-athletes.
“In the new ‘Wild, Wild West’ of collegiate athletics that NIL has spawned, helping protect student-athletes from financial harm or exploitation is a solid first step states should take,” Stambaugh said. “As the landscape surrounding NIL evolves, Pennsylvania will be studying changes and enacting policies to ensure our colleges and universities can remain competitive.”
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
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