Gov. Josh Shapiro says the 2028 presidential race should be a once-in-a-generation battle over the Democratic Party's core identity. But, so far, he isn't picking up his sword to fight.

• As progressives and socialists have won primary after primary in recent weeks, the more moderate Shapiro often has been gun-shy about criticizing the left, taking more of a we're-all-in-this-together approach.

Why it matters: Many center-left Democrats are looking for a national leader to go toe to toe with the party's rising socialist wing.

• The potential 2028 contender's restraint underscores a defining trait: He picks his spots and rarely acts impulsively.

Driving the news: Shapiro has repeatedly said Democrats need to have an ideological clash as they did in 1992, when they nominated Bill Clinton, a Southern moderate who went on to defeat President George H.W. Bush.

Zoom in: As much as Shapiro sounds as if he's itching for a fight, he's often pulling punches.

• This month, he struck a positive note on MS Now's "Morning Joe" when asked about democratic socialists romping in recent primaries.
• "A through-line is that there is real passion in the electorate" to "elect people who can be a check on Donald Trump's chaos and cruelty and corruption," Shapiro said.

Yes, but: While Shapiro has resisted reporters' efforts to identify him as either a "moderate" or "progressive," there are times when he does distance himself from parts of the left.

• He's said he has "profound differences" with Darializa Avila Chevalier, a democratic socialist who ousted Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York's Democratic primary.

Between the lines: Shapiro's centrist identity is no secret: He is pro-school vouchers, supports an "all of the above" energy policy, and brags about cutting taxes.

• He's tried to find common ground with progressives. He talks regularly with Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, sued an AI company, and put his political muscle behind a Bernie Sanders–backed union leader running for a key House seat.

What they're saying: "Gov. Shapiro has been clear that with a president and a Congress hurting Pennsylvania families and attacking our democracy, no one should take their eye off the task of winning in 2026," Shapiro spokesperson Manuel Bonder said.

Go deeper

Pittsburgh is one of only five major U.S. metros where luxury homes still sell for under $1 million.

Why it matters: Southwestern Pennsylvania remains a relatively affordable housing hub, including for luxury buyers.

Zoom in: The 2026 median sale price is $904,202 for a local luxury home (those priced in the top 5% of the market), per new Redfin data from the three months ending May 31 — 34% lower than the typical luxury home nationwide ($1,374,470).

• Only Detroit ($719,252) and Cleveland ($833,228) have a lower median price. Cincinnati ($952,523) and San Antonio ($968,344) are the only other metros with median prices under $1 million.

Yes, but: Pittsburgh's year-over-year median luxury sale prices are up 6.1%, higher than the national median increase (4.7%).

Zoom out: The number of major metros where luxury homes cost less than $1 million fell from eight to five last year.

The bottom line: Homeownership is still out of reach for many, but those who can afford to live lavishly get more bang for their buck here.

The big picture

🚀 Denver-based Voyager Technologies finalized its roughly $300 million acquisition of North Side space company Astrobotic, which will be rebranded as Voyager Lunar Systems.

• Operations will remain at its Pittsburgh headquarters and California propulsion and testing facility. (Space News)

🏊 Kids under 15 must be with an adult to enter most Pittsburgh pools from 5pm–7pm weekdays and all weekends under a new Family Swim policy. (TribLive)

🏥 Health advocates say people with mental health and substance use disorders may be hit harder than expected by new Medicaid work requirements that take effect in January. (WESA)

Update July 14: The Allegheny County Health Department has identified 11 cases of cyclosporiasis as of noon on July 14. The health department is working with state and federal partners to investigate if there is a link between cases.

A gut-wrecking parasite that spreads through contaminated food is circulating nationwide — including in Pennsylvania.

The big picture: The gastrointestinal illness spreads during the summer months, and can cause symptoms like "explosive" or "watery" diarrhea, the CDC says.

• Cases are surging in Michigan, Ohio and New York.

By the numbers: Pennsylvania had reported 28 cases through July 9, including 11 in Western Pennsylvania, per the state Department of Health, and three in Allegheny County.

• The state had 40 reported cases in 2025.
• Pennsylvania had 87 reported cases in 2024.

Yes, but: That's probably not the full picture. The illness isn't on the state's official list of reportable diseases, so health care providers report cases voluntarily.

• Local health care providers should report cases of cyclosporiasis to the Allegheny County Health Department.

Zoom in: Symptoms, which also include loss of appetite, weight loss and abdominal cramping, can last for a few days or even a month or longer without any treatment, the CDC says.

• Anyone who believes they may have cyclosporiasis should contact their healthcare provider.

Treatment usually includes antibiotics, per the Cleveland Clinic.

• Some infections resolve without treatment.

Recently, cases in the U.S. have come from eating contaminated produce.

• Experts recommend washing produce under running water before eating or cooking.
• Firm produce items, like cucumbers or watermelons, should be scrubbed with a clean brush.
• Bruised or damaged areas of fruit should be cut off.

Keep reading

Eat'n Park is giving its iconic Smiley cookie a green, pickle-flavored makeover to celebrate Picklesburgh, which runs Thursday-Sunday.

Zoom in: The limited-edition pickle Smiley cookies are topped with green pickle-flavored icing.

• They'll be sold individually at select Pittsburgh-area Eat'n Park restaurants while supplies last.

The big picture: Eat'n Park is also joining Picklesburgh as a sponsor for the first time, selling pickle Smiley cookies, classic Smiley cookies and Eat'n Park merch at its Sixth Street festival booth.

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