4/2 Morning Buzz: April Fools Rundown

Harrisburg Capitol stepsWe had ourselves a ball yesterday and hope you did, too. Here are all of our stories from April Fools. And in the meantime lots of real news happened, too! Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

DCED Sec. Walker Backs Film Tax Credit Expansion for “a Little Project I’ve Been Working On”: Reversing what had been his total opposition to expanding the state’s film tax credit beyond its current cap, Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary C. Alan Walker said Monday he’d like to see the funding expand.

Sources Report Shit-Eating Grin as Gibson Posts 26th April Fools Story: The news comes after Gibson published a marathon of satirical news stories for April Fools – stories that came at the expense of hours of actual work over the course of several weeks.

Harrisburg Patriot News Considers Going to 0 Days a Week: The Harrisburg Patriot-News made (digital) headlines late in 2012 with its decision to reduce print schedule from 7 to 3 days per week. Now sources at the paper indicate it’s looking to take the next step.

Milne Reverses Gay Marriage Opposition, Citing Own Haircut: Just weeks after Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman announced his support for gay marriage – after learning his son was gay – State Rep. Duane Milne (R-Chester) says he looked in the mirror and came to a similar decision.

Embarrassed Rothfus Admits He Thought He Was Voting Against WAWA: Rep. Keith Rothfus Monday expressed dismay when he realized that he had voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

Corbett Nominates Potted Plant for Supreme Court Vacancy: Gov. Tom Corbett has chosen his nominee to replace resigning Justice Joan Orie Melvin, and it’s a familiar name. The plant, a Montgomery County Rhododendron, ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2012.

Mellow: “My Only Regret is That I Didn’t Appropriate More for Separate Shower Stalls”: Bob Mellow reflects on his state Senate career in light of recent revelations about the Pa. Turnpike Commission.

Straight-Faced DCCC Chair Adds PA-6, PA-7, PA-8 and PA-15 to Pickup List: Without the trace of a smile visible, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel Monday named four eastern Pa. districts to the committee’s list of 2014 targets.

Poll: McCord Name ID Reaches 75% in McCord Household: The latest Public Policy Polling survey brought good news for Rob McCord. After years of low name ID, he finally hit the 75% mark among his family members.

Flynn Strangely Focused on Legalizing Cousin Marriage: Since his election in November, freshman state Rep. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna) has been pushing for an end to Pennsylvania’s prohibition of marriages for first cousins.

Breaking: Lamb to Quit PGH Mayoral Race After Losing to Wagner in Fight Outside White Eagle Inn: Michael Lamb will announce Monday his plans to quit the Pittsburgh’s Democratic mayoral primary. A source close to the City Controller cited his embarrassing performance Saturday night in a brawl outside the White Eagle Inn on Carson St.

SP&R Poll: President Romney’s Approval Rating Reaches All-Time High: President Mitt Romney’s approval rating in Pa. has reached a record high, according to the latest survey from Susquehanna Polling and Research. A staggering 87% of Pa. voters approve the way he has handled the job so far.

62% of PoliticsPA Commenters Actually Dennis Roddy: An IP address audit reveals that a majority of the comments on the site originate from the Post-Gazette reporter turned Corbett press flack.

Senator Unibrow Calls for End to Bullying: Citing personal experience, Sen. Unibrow Casey (D-PA) Monday unveiled a package of reforms to curb bullying in schools.

Congress Partially Solves Crisis Created by Congress: The legislative package, panned by activists and experts on both sides, came a few days too late to prevent a large stock market slide.

Timeline: Pete DeCoursey Now Only Capitol Reporter: Following the departure of literally every other journalist, longtime Capitolwire Bureau Chief Pete DeCoursey is now the only reporting remaining who covers the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Labor Unions Propose Liquor Modernization Plan: “I got your privatization right here,” said UFCW 1776 President Wendell Young IV. Union analysts boast that the proposal is revenue neutral.

New Pileggi Plan Would Decide Electoral College Votes by Auction: State Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi announced Monday that he has altered his proposal to tinker with Pennsylvania’s Electoral College system.

Specter Memorial Library to Feature Martini Bar: The taxpayer-funded facility will host an open bar from 6pm to 8pm on weekdays and during Phillies and Eagles games.

Cash-Strapped Harrisburg Puts it All on Black: Citing increasing debt services costs and a lack of support from state government, Harrisburg city officials voted 6-1 to take what remained of the troubled municipality’s assets and put it all on black.

Sestak Scores Nickelback Tickets: The former Congressman will attend the Canadian rock group’s upcoming show in Philadelphia.

Corbett to Privatize Mouth: In a move that analysts said was long overdue, Gov. Tom Corbett unveiled plans Monday to privatize the management and operation of his mouth.

Tallman Fulfills Campaign Pledge to Win Hot Dog Eating Contest: “I came to Harrisburg four years ago with one simple promise: to consume over 50 hot dogs in 10 minutes,” said state Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams). “Today I’m proud to say: mission accomplished.”

Schwartz Quietly Removes ‘Abortion Clinic of the Year’ Award from Campaign Bio: Congresswoman and gubernatorial hopeful Allyson Schwartz has removed from her campaign bio a reference to a national award she received while managing a Philadelphia women’s clinic.

John Hanger’s Blog Celebrates 150th Visitor: The gubernatorial candidate reported the news after receiving an automatic email from his blogspot.com website.

Exclusive: Toomey Considering Guv Primary (With Video): Tom Corbett’s rough 2013 just got worse. U.S. Senator Pat Toomey told a group of conservative activists Saturday that he is considering a primary bid for Governor.

Poll: Congress’s Opinion of Voters Also Just 13% Favorable: Much has been made of recent poll numbers that indicate voters’ opinion of Congress is at record lows. But a new Quinnipiac survey shows that the feeling is mutual. Only 13% of members of Congress hold a favorable view of the voting public compared to 85% who view them unfavorably.

PUC Approves New 582 Area Code for Turzai’s Forehead: The Public Utility Commission’s decision comes after months of public hearings and feasibility studies.

Statewide
New York Times: New Attitude on Immigration Skips an Old Coal Town (Hazleton)
State House Sound Bites: Capitol’s Health Care Hawks Waiting for Corbett-Sebelius Meeting
State House Sound Bites: Sequester hitting federal unemployment checks
State House Sound Bites: Some pour cold water on idea to appoint state judges
PA Independent: Big dippers: Three scoops into state coffers for re-hired state workers on unemployment
StateImpactPA: Federal Government Wants to Track PA Oil and Gas Production More Closely
StateImpactPA: Arkansas Pipeline Spill Under Investigation
StateImpactPA: EPA Proposes Cleaner Fuel Standards, Critics Say It Adds Costs At the Pump
StateImpactPA: Cause of Wyoming County Well Spill Still Unknown
Capitolwire: New House caucus takes aim at fun

Philadelphia
Philly.com: Drexel cooperating with PHA probe
Philly.com: Nothing so gutsy about Christie’s Camden school takeover
Philly.com: Problems remain in 3 school districts taken over by N.J.
Philly.com: Fact Check: Corbett and the Medicaid expansion
Philly.com: Medical marijuana elusive for those in need in S. Jersey
Philly.com: Residents want to know: What will my tax bill be?
Philly.com: Controller said to be on AVI ‘scare tour’
Philly.com: Confused about AVI? Here’s some helpful tips
Philly.com: AVI-ay-yi-yi
Philly.com: Will mandatory sick pay in New York pressure Nutter to do same here?
Philly.com: Judge hopeful’s son: Mom beat me
Philly.com: Sen. Casey supports same-sex marriage
Philly.com: What does Trenton Democrats’ move on O’Dowd records mean?
Philly.com: A galvanizing moment for CeaseFirePA’s executive director
Commonwealth Confidential: Food stamp recipients latest victims in Corbett cost saving crusade
Heard in the Hall: Will mandatory sick pay in New York pressure Nutter to do same here?
Heard in the Hall: City Still Taking Property Review Forms Today
PhillyClout: Monday’s DN: Animal rights group fights for guard dogs
PhillyClout: State Sen. Daylin Leach jumps into race for U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz’s seat
CapitolInq: Casey now backs same-sex marriage
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia economy doing better
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. Convention Center could wind up in private hands by summer
WHYY Newsworks: Split verdict on changing system for selecting Pa. appellate court judges
WHYY Newsworks: Local advocates critical of NPR disability program series
WHYY Newsworks: Technicians in Pa. National Guard facing furloughs
WHYY Newsworks: The health-care diagnosis is clear, the treatment less so
WHYY Newsworks: Delaware Republicans introduce reform bills… again
WHYY Newsworks: Federal cuts about to hit unemployment funds
WHYY Newsworks: Alternative proposed to abolishing Philly Traffic Court
WHYY Newsworks: Drexel offering two-year law degree starting in 2014
WHYY Newsworks: NASA considers cutbacks due to sequestration
WHYY Newsworks: Corbett, Sebelius set to talk Medicaid
WHYY Newsworks: Philly parents urged to protect kids from dire effects of smoking
Phillynow.com: Notable Quotables on Gun Violence in Philadelphia
Phillynow.com: WATCH: State Rep. Brian Sims on MSNBC’s ‘Hardball’
Phillynow.com: What does Prop. 8 mean for LBGT couples in PA?
Phillynow.com: Bob Casey Backs Marriage Equality
KYW Newsradio: Study: Medicaid Expansion Could Improve Pennsylvania’s Economic Health
KYW Newsradio: Gov. Christie Signs New Legislation Pertaining To Minors And Tanning
KYW Newsradio: Senator Casey Declares Support For Same Sex Marriage

SEPA
AP: FACT CHECK: Corbett and the Medicaid expansion
Pottstown Mercury: Obamacare regs force medical business out of downtown Pottstown
Burlington County Times: Tea party slate to challenge GOP organization candidates in primary
Delco Daily Times: Marple offers tax help to residents
Delco Daily Times: Council addresses county bridge projects
Montgomery Media: Councilman joins Philadelphia University security protest
Bucks Local News: U.S. Congressman Fitzpatrick honored with National Association of Manufacturers Award
Daily Local News: Meeting Set to Discuss Gas Pipeline Expansion
Daily Local News: Proposed Downingtown school taxes under threshold

Pittsburgh
WTAE: State Representative introducing legislation that would ban anonymity in lawsuits
KDKA: Santorum discusses 2016 Presidential election, other issues
Early Returns: Lamb to withdraw
Post-Gazette: Perception at issue in city council race in South Hills
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh mayor’s race puts focus on black hopefuls
Post-gazette: City Controller Michael Lamb conducting broad audit of Pittsburgh police bureau
Tribune Review: Lamb bows out of Pittsburgh mayoral race, throws support to Wagner
Tribune Review: Staffer in eye of turnpike storm still on job
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh’s challenge, by the numbers

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Superior Court to hear appeals in Beaver County
Beaver County Times: Officials admit communication breakdown in Youngstown dumping incident
Beaver County Times: County works around the clock to put on Maple Syrup Festival
Beaver County Times: Sheriff George David’s hearing delayed
Observer-Reporter:
City towing licenses still not hooked up
Observer-Reporter:
Corbett proposes more money to fight domestic violence
Observer-Reporter:
Buffalo supervisor candidate withdraws amidst petition challenge
Observer-Reporter:
Cecil supervisors unanimously vote to accept police chief’s resignation
Observer-Reporter:
 Trinity board awards bus contract
Altoona Mirror: Cambria County to start central booking center
Altoona Mirror: Orders meant to curb violence
Altoona Mirror: Murray’s attorney: Raises legal
Altoona Mirror: UPMC agreement concerns nurse union
Altoona Mirror: Bucs, Curve extend deal through 2018
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Utilities oppose fees to agency: Fish and Boat Commission seeks to close budget gap
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Fewer dollars for road work: In era of budget slashing, PennDOT making do with less
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Plant guilty of hiding pollution
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Making the grade: Administrators: School upgrades improve student outcomes
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Powerball ticket worth $1 million sold in Altoona
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cartels dispatch agents deep inside US

NEPA
AP: Anti-frackers afoul of lobby law, group says
Times Leader: Kathy Dobash announces run for Luzerne County council
Times Leader: Promise to pay back taxes kept
Times Leader: Voter address changes urged
Times Leader: Luzerne Co. Council called to task over exchange of emails
Times Leader: Local districts lag in group’s report
Times Leader: Court saves lives and money
Times-Tribune: Judge rules for officers in shooting
Times-Tribune: Turnpike vendor gifts raises questions on ethics laws
Times-Tribune: Carbondale sees results from printing tax delinquents’ names
Times-Tribune: Scranton issues bid for parking-meter management
Times-Tribune: District receives donations for bus passes
Citizens Voice: Sanitary authority reaps success from nutrient removal process
Citizens Voice: Cartwright braves gay-marriage issue, unlike others
Standard Speaker: Luzerne county, municipal, school board candidates
Standard Speaker: DCNR chief defends relying more on drilling royalties
Standard Speaker: DEP award to help Luzerne Co. battle West Nile

Lehigh Valley
WFMZ: Toomey for Governor? April Fools!
WFMZ: Non-profit group makes another attempt to be friends with commissioners
Express-Times: L. Saucon Twp. wants to split library contribution between Bethlehem and Hellertown
Morning Call: Quakertown High’s $71 million makeover is a go

South Central
AP: Corbett sued over plan to close Pa. health centers
AP: Oil, gas reports may expand in Pa., other states
AP: Corbett Medicaid meeting comes as Pa. revenue lags
AP: New state prison in central Pa. opens in ceremony
AP: Pa. city using mimes instead of ‘texting lanes’
AP: Pa. Sen. Casey says he now supports gay marriage
AP: Harrisburg mayor’s signs defaced with ‘scumbag’
Carlisle Sentinel: Sequestration could mean fewer have access to domestic-violence help
Carlisle Sentinel: More veterans finding work in Pennsylvania
Carlisle Sentinel: Teplitz pushes reform measures at Capitol
Harrisburg Patriot News: Gay rights groups applaud gay marriage endorsement from Sen. Bob Casey; vow to work on Sen. Pat Toomey
Harrisburg Patriot News: Casey favors same-sex unions after week of heavy lobbying; Commentary
Harrisburg Patriot News: Pa. state tax collections for March come in lower than anticipated
Harrisburg Patriot News: Cumberland County saves $2.1 million in energy costs
Harrisburg Patriot News: Death toll on Pennsylvania roads rose 1.9 percent in 2012
Harrisburg Patriot News: Gov. Tom Corbett meeting with Sebelius could define Obamacare course in Pa.
Harrisburg Patriot News: Lou Barletta, Sheryl Delozier to hold joint town hall meeting
York Daily Record: As York’s first elected female mayor, Betty Marshall was a role model to others
York Dispatch: York County Green Party candidate joins special election for state House seat
York Dispatch: York City Council candidate withdraws from race
Lancaster Intelligencer: Cutler, York Democrat have plan to revamp Pa. government
Roxbury News:Election 2013: Dan Miller Debate Schedule
Roxbury News: Election 2013: Candidates for the Office of the Mayor and City Council
Roxbury News: Attorney General Kathleen Kane: $1.9+ Million distributed to Pa. organizations as part of bid-rigging settlement

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Commissioners still mull Centre Crest decisions after forums
Centre Daily Times: Harrisburg mayor’s signs defaced with ‘scumbag’

Opinions
Carlisle Sentinel: Our View: Cumberland County’s reasonable polling approach
Harrisburg Patriot News: Before voting for trustees, Penn State alumni need to ask hard questions: Editorial
Harrisburg Patriot News: John L. Micek: Is it time to scrap PA’s death penalty?
Harrisburg Patriot News: Thompson’s “scumbag” remarks were an unforced error: Editorial
Pottstown Mercury: State Sen. Daylin Leach: Fight for GMO labels on food products
Pottstown Mercury: Property-tax act dumps Pennsylvania-government landlords
Lancaster New Era: Obama policy failure in Iraq
Lancaster New Era: Rendell shills for gas industry
Lancaster New Era: Pa. overreaches on dog licenses
Lancaster Intelligencer: GOP feeling ‘blue’
Lancaster Intelligencer: A sensible option
Bucks County Courier Times: State gift ban a welcome gift
The Intelligencer: Securing our schools
Times-Tribune: Well-traveled routes to corruption
Times-Tribune: Senate Dems run for cover
Times-Tribune: Tighten rules on ‘scooters’
Citizens Voice: Medicaid expansion beneficial for state
Citizens Voice: Follow orders, make $170,000 per year
Standard Speaker: ‘Pay to delay’ keeps generics from consumers
Standard Speaker: Outlaw all gifts to lawmakers
Express-Times: U.S. can’t afford to lower its guard on cybercrime, warfare

Blogs
Keystone Politics: We Win! Bob Casey Supports Marriage Equality, DOMA Repeal
Keystone Politics: Is Allyson Schwartz Too Conservative To Be the Democratic Nominee?
Keystone Politics: Pittsburgh’s African-American Voters Not a Bloc Vote in Primaries
Keystone Politics: Governor Corbett Signs Executive Order Legalizing Marijuana
Keystone Politics: Comedian Carlos Mencia to Host Fundraiser for Rep. Lou Barletta
Keystone Politics: Governor Corbett Privatizes Jim Cawley
Keystone Politics: Daryl Metcalfe Joins LGBT Equality Caucus
Keystone Politics: Schwartz Chief of Staff Sends Paranoid, Threatening Email to McCord Spokesman
Pittston Politics: Qiana Murphy Lehman coming on strong
Pittston Politics: Stofko could benefit from top spot on Democratic ballot
Pittston Politics: A lot of politicking at Smoker
Speaking Freely: You’ve Come a Long Way [Baby], But….
Pennsylvania Progressive: Casey Comes Around on Marriage Equality

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  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


    • No. I've already decided on how to cast my vote. (81%)
    • Yes. Anxious to hear from both candidates (19%)

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