Pennsylvania
Restoring the Keystone: Pennsylvania’s Call for America First Policies
As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania has been an integral part of America’s journey from its very inception. It serves as a keystone of the American experiment, a state whose land bears witness to the trials and triumphs of America’s past and promises to do so for the future.
Pennsylvania stands as an emblem of liberty, resilience, and productivity deeply ingrained in the tapestry of American history. We have been an unwavering presence in the American narrative since our inception, a bedrock of industry and courage. The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the hallowed Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 are just a few of the pivotal moments etched in our rich history.
However, in recent decades, Pennsylvania has witnessed a troubling decline in its economic and industrial prosperity, largely attributed to high taxes and over-regulation. Manufacturing and industrial activities, once the lifeblood of the state, have declined, leading to job losses and an economic downturn. The consequences have been dire, with many businesses forced to shutter their doors. The industrial powerhouse for which our state was renowned has withered while other states have flourished, leaving Pennsylvania grappling with a shrinking workforce and a staggering population exodus. Between 2021 and 2022, more than 40,000 residents bid farewell to the Keystone State, which accounted for the fourth-largest percentage of departures of any state in the Nation.
One of the most significant factors exacerbating Pennsylvania’s economic woes is its outright hostility toward the energy sector. Excessive regulations have not only burdened businesses and their ability to stay afloat, but they have also crushed hard-working Pennsylvanians with exorbitant energy bill increases, ranging from 6% to a staggering 45%.
We have seen government policies create an economic environment where it is difficult to do
As the state that houses the bell that stands for liberty, we have fallen victim to leadership and policies that put America last – not first. But just as our founding fathers looked to Pennsylvania to shake off tyranny and establish freedom, we now look to our state to restore the promise of America First. Hence, the formation of the America First Policy Institute – Pennsylvania.
As a former U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark, I am truly honored to assume the role of Chair of the Pennsylvania chapter of this national policy powerhouse. This is a tremendous opportunity to contribute to the betterment of our great state as we ensure our primary policy objectives align with the most pressing needs of Pennsylvanians.
At the heart of America First is a desire at the national and local level to return to those policies that have already been proven to work. Whether it’s addressing crime, restoring America’s energy dominance, confronting the threat posed by China, and securing the southern border, America First policies work.
Our next goal is to bring that success to the true laboratories of democracy as our founders envisioned 247 years ago in Independence Hall – the states. America First – Pennsylvania is poised to address the issues that resonate most deeply with Pennsylvanians. America First’s
commitment is unwavering. We will focus on reviving Pennsylvania’s economy, providing quality education choices for our children, enforcing criminal penalties for immigration law violators, enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare, securing our democracy and elections, and restoring safety to our neighborhoods.
America First is already making a difference. In the three years since its inception, we’ve worked on dozens of bills in Congress that put the American people first. We’ve worked in 28 states on issues ranging from school choice and stopping China from buying our farmland. We can bring the same success here – if we work together to do it.
America First – Pennsylvania stands ready to chart a path toward policies prioritizing the most important thing: people. It stands as a testament to our collective conviction that the future of our beloved state will be sculpted by the timeless principles and values that have rendered it exceptional since its birth. The spirit of Pennsylvania endures, resilient and unwavering, ready to rise once more. We have the power to craft a Pennsylvania where liberty, prosperity, and opportunity perpetually blossom for the generations yet to come.
Carla Sands serves as Chair of the America First Policy Institute – Pennsylvania. She also serves as the Vice Chair of America First’s Center for Energy and Environment. Previously, she was appointed to President Donald J. Trump’s Economic Advisory Council
Mid Valley sixth, seventh and eighth grade students toured the Pennsylvania American Water treatment plant near Lake Scranton. They were given a detailed presentation about the water treatment process that they perform daily.
They also were given the opportunity to design their own water treatment models using various items at the exhibit. Students got a behind-the-scenes look at all the different occupations at Pennsylvania American Water Company that many were unaware of.
WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. (MyValleyTributes) – David Armond Mansel, aged 89, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026.
Born and raised in West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, on August 8, 1936, David resided in Transfer, Pennsylvania. He was deeply rooted in his faith in God.
He served in the Army in Germany in the 1960s and worked construction for many years. He was proud of his roots on his family’s farm.
David, who was known to many as Uncle Dave, loved to dance and spend time on his boat cruising the Shenango Reservoir. His friendly, outgoing personality helped him to meet people wherever he went, especially on the dance floor. He loved to teach people how to dance the jitter bug (among other dances) in his favorite zoot suit, hat and black and white dance shoes. He was also often seen on one of his many vehicles, like his Mustang convertible, CanAm, or Segway.
He is survived by his brother, James; his sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Skip Wentz; his sister-in-law, Gloria Mansel; his aunt, Nancy Sabella and his special nieces and nephews who spent a lot of time with him in his later years, Lisa and Jim Blair, Nicole and Brian Serafin, Terry Thompson and Darrell and Jeanie Thompson. He also leaves many more nieces, nephews and cousins and his extended Italian American family.
David was predeceased by his children, Darcy, in 1988 and Wade, 2024. He was also predeceased by his parents, Michael and Clara Mansel; his brother, Leonard and sister, Esther Thompson.
A celebration to remember David will be announced at a later time.
Arrangements handled by John Flynn Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.
Messages of sympathy, stories and photos can be shared on David’s memorial page, at: www.flynnfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David A. Mansel, please visit our floral store.
A television tribute will air Thursday, April 23 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
Pennsylvania
Sen. John Fetterman receives no support for re-election from Pennsylvania House Democrats: report
Pennsylvania Democrats are reluctant to support Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., for re-election, according to a new report.
Punchbowl News spoke to several Pennsylvania congressional members on Monday about whether they’d be willing to endorse Fetterman for another term in 2028 despite the backlash he’s been facing for opposing the Democratic Party.
“Want a sense of how tenuous Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) position is with Pennsylvania Democrats? Not a single Pennsylvania House Democrat in the delegation will say Fetterman should run for re-election as a Democrat,” the report said.
Though the House members did not explicitly reject the idea of Fetterman running again, they avoided answering whether they believed Fetterman should seek a second term as a Democrat, often focusing instead on the 2026 midterm elections.
“My focus right now is on 2026, but I would just say I’d be very surprised if he ran in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate,” Rep. Brendan Boyle said.
Rep. Chris Deluzio also answered that he would see what happens after 2026, though Punchbowl News acknowledged both he and Boyle are rumored to be launching their own Senate bids in 2028.
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon added that she was interested in “getting through 2026 first.”
“I’ll hold my tongue so I don’t get in trouble,” Scanlon said.
Rep. Summer Lee told Punchbowl News the decision was “up to him” whether Fetterman should run, though she added that he would do so “at his own peril.”
Others were more vocal about their disagreements with Fetterman, though they stopped short of rejecting the idea of Fetterman running again.
“My concern is entirely about him and his health, and I’ll let 2028 take care of itself,” Rep. Madeleine Dean said.
“I disagree with many of his votes.”
“It’s no secret that I’ve been disappointed with some of his votes and that I’m confused by it,” Rep. Chrissy Houlahan added.
“But I’m not responsible for deciding whether he runs again.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Fetterman’s office and the other Pennsylvania Democrats mentioned in the report for comment.
Fetterman has publicly spoken out against his party on several issues, particularly its growing hostility against Israel.
The Pennsylvania senator has also supported President Donald Trump in his ongoing war against Iran and strict border policies.
Though strategists have suggested Fetterman could switch parties because of his bipartisan stance, he previously ruled out leaving the Democratic Party last year.
“I’m not going to switch. I’m just going to be an independent voice in the Democratic Party. I’m not going to be afraid of people,” Fetterman said.
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