This week’s biggest Winners & Losers

Glampers rejoice: High-end outdoor camping is coming to eight Pennsylvania state parks next year. The refined over rustic accommodations have only increased in popularity post-pandemic as people look for that home away from home. Much like the idea of glamping, City & State has its weekly Winners & Losers, a longtime rugged activity (news coverage) held up by an aesthetically pleasing pole (interactive poll). 

Keep reading for more winners and losers!

 WINNERS

Christine Toretti - Christine Toretti, a Pennsylvania RNC committeewoman who was formerly the chair of S&T Bank, officially received a new title this week after being sworn in as the next U.S. ambassador to Sweden. Toretti, a renowned fundraiser and fixture in Republican politics, was congratulated by President Donald Trump following her swearing-in ceremony.

Pittsburgh International Airport - Pittsburgh International Airport recently celebrated the planned launch of a $1.7 million terminal – set to open before Thanksgiving – with the help of some stars from the Steel City. Actors Jeff Goldblum and Joe Manganiello joined Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward and others at a gala in the city to mark a new era for the airport. 

Larry Hailsham - Larry Hailsham, an ally of Gov. Josh Shapiro who previously served as the Democratic governor’s executive deputy chief of staff, was recently appointed executive director of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, which comes just a few weeks after former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale was named the party’s new leader. A day after the appointment of Hailsham, Shapiro’s campaign donated $250,000 to the state Democratic Party.

LOSERS

Air traffic control - The government shutdown is taking its toll on the terminals. Union leaders for air traffic controllers and airport security screeners have warned that the worsening wait at airports will only get worse as the shutdown continues. Major airports, including Philadelphia, reported staffing shortages, leading to delays and flight disruptions. 

Philly’s Indigenous Peoples Day - The Columbus fans in Philly have another reason to celebrate: a Philadelphia City Councilmember who was seeking to recognize both Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples' Day as city holidays has scrapped the plan. According to Axios, Nina Ahmad is backing down from her legislation just months after a state appeals court rolled back an order making the new city holiday. The courts previously said former Mayor Jim Kenney’s order to replace Columbus Day unilaterally overstepped his powers – but this likely won’t be the last time we hear about this holiday hoopla. 

Gen Z & Democracy - A new listening project from Project 26 Pennsylvania that took place on college campuses across the commonwealth found that just 2% of students have faith that government officials will act in their best interests – underscoring a major trust issue between politicians and Gen Z. While participants said they would be more likely to take political action if it would make a difference, leaders from the organization behind the survey say the findings show the need for changes in how politicians connect and interact with younger voters.