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April 12th Playbook

State Sen. Sharif Street announced his exploratory committee for the 2022 U.S. Senate race. Here is the Playbook. 

April 9th Ups and Downs: A U.S. Senate hopeful raises nearly $4 million in his first quarter haul, a Bucks County Republican is announced as the new co-chair of a House Caucus, plus a University of Pitt alumna is elected president of Kosovo. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

CNN Highlights PA Democratic Senate Primary: CNN reports that “Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senate race raises simmering divisions inside the party.”  

SD22: Flynn Admits Errors in Filing Financial Interest Statements: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that state Rep. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna) filed an amended financial interest statement on Friday.  

Sturla Preparing A Bill To Require All Pa Counties to Have a County, Regional Health Departments: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that state Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) is drafting a bill that would “mandate that any county with a population of 500,000 or more create its own health department,” while “smaller counties would be required to create their own as well, but would have the option of forming regional departments.” 

Harris To Introduce Bill That Extends Last Call From 2 A.M. to 4 A.M.: State Rep. Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) talked to KDKA’s Jon Delano about his plans to introduce a bill that would extend last call for bars from 2 A.M. to 4 A.M. 

Pittsburgh Mayoral Candidates Express Different Views on Affordable Housing: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that affordable housing is “shaping up to be one of the essential debates” in Pittsburgh’s mayoral race. 

Nine Open Allegheny County Court Seats Attract A Large Field of Candidates: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that 39 candidates are seeking the nine open seats on the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court in the upcoming May primary. 

Dems Sell Voters on Biden’s Stimulus: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Democrats in Pennsylvania are “criss-crossing their districts to make sure constituents know how the package can help them.” 

PSERS and Its Troubles – A Guide to the Woes Facing Pa.’s Biggest Pension Plan: The Philadelphia Inquirer breaks down the issues facing the $62 billion pension fund for teachers. 

Wild Introduces Bill Aimed at Blocking Part of Georgia’s Voting Rights Restrictions: The Allentown Morning Call reports that Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh)  is one of 17 members of the House co-sponsoring the Stay in Line to Vote Act.

Cartwright Touts American Rescue Plan in Wilkes-Barre: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) promoted the American Rescue Plan in a visit to Wilkes-Barre on Thursday. 

Morning Call To Host Live Q&A’s with Allentown Mayoral Candidates This Week: The Allentown Morning Call will be hosting live Q&A’s with the Allentown mayoral candidates this week on the Morning Call’s Facebook page. Andrew Wagaman, reporter for the Morning Call, will be interviewing Mayor Ray O’Connell today at 11 a.m.   

Working Families Party Endorses Gerlach for Mayor: Pennsylvania’s Working Families Party endorsed Allentown City Councilwoman Ce-Ce Gerlach for Mayor of Allentown. 

State House Unanimously Passes Boback Bill Updating Family Caregiver Support Act: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that state House unanimously passed Rep. Karen Boback’s (R-Luzerne) House Bill 464, “that would expand the criteria of the Family Caregiver Support Program to mirror federal eligibility standards.” 

GOP Contest for Luzerne County Council Nominations Heating Up: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that nine candidates GOP candidates are seeking the five nominations up for grabs on Luzerne County Council in the May primary election.  

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance to Host Virtual Forum With Congressional Delegation: The Reading Eagle reports that Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester), and Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) will participate in a forum hosted by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance held on April 23 at noon.  

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Pa. lawmaker wants to compel Wolf administration to release details of wasted COVID-19 vaccine doses
AP: Group tallies cost of reducing bay pollution from Pa.
AP: 2-week deer season approved, rifles banned from turkey hunts
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A risky wager? What supporters and opponents are saying about Wolf’s Nellie Bly scholarship proposal
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. unemployment system to undergo long sought upgrade in June, though concerns linger
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden pitches big boosts in education and health spending in budget request
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Capital-Star Book Club: Readers start on book two | Five for the Weekend
Inquirer: Sharif Street puts one foot into Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race
Inquirer: Sharif Street said he wants to ‘frame a discussion’ and ‘build a movement’
Inquirer: ‘I was born the kid of a hot dog vendor’: Sharif Street on his bid for U.S. Senate
Inquirer: At schools, airports, and mushroom farms, Democrats sell voters on Biden’s stimulus
Inquirer: PSERS and its troubles – A guide to the woes facing Pa.’s biggest pension plan 
Inquirer: A federal grand jury seeks answers on PSERS investments
PLSReporter: DHS cautions against ending disaster declaration, says state may lose out on federal food assistance
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 88: Abortion and Women’s Sports
Fox News: Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations rising in Pennsylvania
Post-Gazette: As Senate returns, divisive bills pile up and Dems face risk of legislative graveyard
Post-Gazette: SPECIAL REPORT | An extra $7 per hour? Workers, business owners debate Pa.’s minimum wage  
StateImpactPA: Neighbors and anglers cry foul over Sunoco’s pollution of Chester County trout stream
Washington Examiner: Philadelphia police union asks members to register as Democrats to help oust DA
Times-Tribune: Cyber charter schools to receive $201 million in COVID relief 
Pocono Record: DOH and Islamic leaders discuss vaccine hesitancy at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart campus
KDKA: State Rep. Jordan Harris To Introduce Bill That Extends Last Call From 2 A.M. To 4 A.M.
KDKA: Pa. Board of Game Commissioners Permits Some Digital Hunting, Furtaking License
CNN: Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senate race raises simmering divisions inside the party
WESA: COVID-19 Vaccine Help Groups Call On Pennsylvania To Expand Eligibility Sooner
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa.: State reports 4,800+ new cases, along with 6 million vaccinations  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Sharif Street puts one foot into Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race 
Inquirer: Sharif Street said he wants to ‘frame a discussion’ and ‘build a movement’
Inquirer: ‘I was born the kid of a hot dog vendor’: Sharif Street on his bid for U.S. Senate
Inquirer: Philly Councilmember Allan Domb wants to cut Philly’s taxes. His colleagues might not agree.
Inquirer: Road trip for gun-purchase background checks makes a stop in Philly
Inquirer: Philadelphia expects $42 million from new Biden initiative for people experiencing homelessness
Philadelphia Tribune: Kenney administration forgoes property reassessments for second year in a row
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania state lawmaker pushes proposal to extend bar hours
KYW Newsradio: Philly school advocates back Wolf education budget
KYW Newsradio: ‘An emergency on our hands’: Philadelphia community groups call for $100M in anti-violence funding
KYW Newsradio: Rev. Theodore Loder, pastor and progressive activist, dies at 90
KYW Newsradio: Flashpoint: Gun violence emergency money demand; chief defender departs; sexual assault awareness
Billy Penn: Philly has more than 100,000 vaccine doses to distribute, with only half spoken for
Billy Penn: Philly on the rebound: Over 100k people walked through Center City last week
Billy Penn: Philly bike share hits a new record, and thefts are down
Billy Penn: Map: This is where COVID vaccine providers are located around Philly
WHYY Newsworks: Care, Not Control: Philadelphia-area advocates call for an end to youth incarceration

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: PA bills calls for more ballot boxes, time to count
Delco Daily Times: Republican Kathy Barnette announces plans to run for U.S. Senate
Delco Daily Times: Kane, home care workers want ARP funds to benefit workers
Delco Daily Times: County finds temporary solution for juvenile detention with GEO subsidiary
Pottstown Mercury: Denise Ashe seeks Norristown district judge seat in May 18 primary
WHYY Newsworks: Marple residents keep up the fight against proposed PECO gas reliability station
WHYY Newsworks: At Montco vigil for victims of anti-Asian attacks, community looks for ways to push back
KYW Newsradio: COVID-19 cases holding steady in southeastern Pennsylvania, despite statewide rise
Daily Local News: Kennett Square officials to the public: ‘We’re open for business’
Daily Local News: Chester County Health Department opens COVID-19 vaccine appointments to everyone age 16 and over

Pittsburgh 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s what PennDOT, elected officials say the Pittsburgh region could do with federal infrastructure funding
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh mayoral candidates discuss policing, economic development in 2nd public forum
Post-Gazette: Mayoral candidates express different views on affordable housing
Post-Gazette: Nine open Allegheny County court seats attract a large field of candidates 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny Commons park is improving — and parks tax will pay part of the bill
Post-Gazette: News Obituary: Richard C. Panza: Former Sharpsburg mayor, councilman had lifelong dedication to the community
Post-Gazette: New nonprofits give voice to those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19
Post-Gazette: County jail inmates plead for increase in COVID-19 protections
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. continues weekly trend of more cases, hospitalizations
City Paper: Dannielle Brown and Duquesne University reach settlement over claims surrounding death of her son, Marquis Jaylen Brown
Tribune Review: Gun sales booming with no end in sight
KDKA: Real Estate Lawyer: Vacancy Rate In Downtown Pittsburgh Is Close To 20%, Up From 5% In 2013
KDKA: Coronavirus Cases Spike In Allegheny County Despite Increase In Access To Vaccinations
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 372 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing County Total To 89,917

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Casey touts provisions in America Rescue Plan
Altoona Mirror: Council endorses candidates
Altoona Mirror: Borough building to remain closed
Altoona Mirror: Lang seeking term as township tax collector
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: GOP lawmakers question private donations to counties ahead of election
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria’s vaccination rate up to one in three for at least one 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State tops 6 million vaccine doses, but COVID-19’s grip continues
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County adds 2 COVID-19 deaths, state case total climbs by 4,882
shot
Beaver County Times: COVID-19 variants likely behind latest PA surge
Observer-Reporter: Friday COVID-19 numbers a mix of good, bad news
Observer-Reporter: Washington, Fayette counties record new coronavirus deaths

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Flynn admits errors in filing financial interest statements
Times-Tribune: Cartwright touts American Rescue Plan in Wilkes-Barre
Times-Tribune: Scranton residents again bear county’s largest tax burden, analysis shows 
Times-Tribune: Cartwright presents posters, cards to Pa. Army National Guard 
Times-Tribune: Broadband in Lackawanna County’s rural areas could improve with grant help
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 cases, deaths dip in state, region
Citizens Voice: Flynn admits errors in filing financial interest statements
Citizens Voice: Cartwright touts American Rescue Plan in Wilkes-Barre
Citizens Voice: Attorney Laura Dennis touts courtroom experience in bid for Luzerne County judge
Citizens Voice: 103 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday 
The Times Leader: House unanimously passes Boback bill updating Family Caregiver Support Act 
The Times Leader: Cartwright: American Rescue Plan addresses childcare, poverty challenges 
The Times Leader: Cartwright: Those on Social Security to see $1,400 payments 
The Times Leader: Another tax break request for mine-scarred site coming before Luzerne County Council 
The Times Leader: Republican contest for Luzerne County Council nominations heating up
The Times Leader: Kaufer: New performance venue grant program accepting applications 
The Times Leader: Wampole praises White Haven facility, but backs WB station for tourism office 
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre vs. Scranton: Whose rents are cheaper? 
The Times Leader: Nineteen Luzerne County government workers hired in March
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and Kingston continue to lead ZIP codes in new cases 
The Times Leader: 153 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Saturday; 1 death
The Times Leader: 103 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Sunday

South Central  
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sturla preparing a bill to require all Pa. counties to have a county, regional health departments
LNP | LancasterOnline: Is a local elected official profiting from no-bid public contracts? [Lancaster Watchdog] 
LNP | LancasterOnline: How did Lancaster County spend its $95 million in CARES Act funds? 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Ephrata man wanted by FBI in Capitol attack investigation, footage shows
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunrise movement holds a protest in Lancaster city Saturday afternoon [photos] 
York Dispatch: Saturday update: two deaths, 225 additional COVID-19 cases in York County 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 85 new cases of COVID-19, zero deaths reported in Cumberland County Saturday
Patriot News: ‘It’s a way to honor them’: Lights glow at unmarked graves in African American cemetery

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Rep. Susan Wild introduces bill aimed at blocking part of Georgia’s voting rights restrictions
Morning Call: Join us for live Q&As with the Allentown mayoral candidates this week
Morning Call: COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising again in the Lehigh Valley. This time, it’s more younger people
Morning Call: From the editor: Facebook Live interviews offer insight into Allentown mayoral candidates
Reading Eagle: Get prepared to cast your vote in the 2021 Pennsylvania primary election
Reading Eagle: Greater Reading Chamber Alliance to host virtual forum with congressional delegation
Reading Eagle: More than 59,000 Berks residents have gotten full COVID vaccine but cases continue to climb
WFMZ: Allentown officials honor city’s health director for her work during pandemic
WFMZ: Pa. lawmakers seek to ban ‘LGBTQ panic’ defense
WFMZ: Allentown expands vaccine call center to help food industry workers
WFMZ: Councilor: ‘Dangerous’ intersection needs traffic light
WFMZ: Pa. health dept.: More than 6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered
WFMZ: Over a million more people will be eligible for vaccination in Pennsylvania Monday
Express Times: Congresswoman Wild greeted with optimism and resilience on Bethlehem restaurant tour (PHOTOS)
Express Times: Pa. is expanding vaccine eligibility to a new group of essential workers. Here’s who can get an appointment.
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 20% of Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated; Pa. reports 5K new COVID cases | COVID-19 vaccine map (04/09/21)

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Mail-in ballot suspense: Erie cases stir uncertainty
Erie Times-News: Erie School District: $13M surplus, but caution ahead
Erie Times-News: Saving grace or a ‘Band-Aid?’ Will Biden’s rescue plan fix Erie’s child poverty problem?
Erie Times-News: Questions cloud offer of Erie dorm for migrant children
Erie Times-News: Erie County’s COVID-19 cases rise for second straight week as variant spreads
Erie Times-News: Erie County’s COVID cases rise for 2nd straight week
Centre Daily Times:  There’s a lack of diversity in Centre County government. Candidates are trying to change that
Centre Daily Times: 95% efficacy for COVID vaccines doesn’t mean there’s a 5% infection risk. Here’s why
Centre Daily Times: April 9 update: Centre County adds 77 COVID-19 cases; Pa. reports 5,000-plus positives
Centre Daily Times: April 10 update: Centre County adds 79 COVID-19 cases; Pa. reports 4,882 new cases
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmaker provides assurances to health care administrators
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Muncy Borough explores options for new hall
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City officials: Accessibility lacking in parks
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 35 new COVID-19 cases

Opinion  
Mark S. Singel: Election reform can ensure free and fair elections that include mail-in voting
Greg Vitali: Pennsylvania’s environmental protection must be strengthened
Tom Ridge and Tom Daschle: 20 years after anthrax panic, America is still at risk for biological threats 
Salena Zito: Pennsylvania town saved by fracking fears Biden will kill its prosperity
Ruth Ann Dailey: Wolf’s woes shape 2022
Josh Lippert: Pennsylvania needs the federal infrastructure bill to help prepare our communities for flooding
Nancy Eshelman: Anti-Wolf sentiment over his COVID-19 rules hasn’t found a conspiracy it doesn’t like 
Paul Muschick: COVID-19 report card: Grading Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf after a year
Paul Muschick: Evidence that gun background checks work: Pennsylvania blocked 1,325 purchases in just 3 months
Jon Geeting: Let’s Make County Government A Thing in PA
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Rein in Pa. legislative per diems
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Disaster declarations: the governor’s domain
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: State university system must change
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Universities should make vaccines available for students, but not mandatory
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Amazon is growing its virtual health care platform faster than its in-person service can keep up
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: PNC is offering banking services to low-income families; others should follow suit
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The life of Prince Philip was nobility squared
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Christiana’s unclear, unfair policy on consultant fees should be revised 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We all have an ethical obligation to get vaccinated against COVID-19
Inquirer Editorial Board: Transitioning away from fossil fuels means transitioning away from housing injustice
PennLive Editorial Board: Why do people keep mysteriously dying after entering Dauphin County Prison?
Dr. Aviva Fohrer: Naloxone delivery falling short in Pa.
Charley Hall: AKC: Responsible choice, consumer protection laws protect pets better than pet store sales bans
Marissa Friedman: Bring voter registration to Philly high schools now 
Tony Norman: Fear and self-loathing away from the campaign trail
David M. Shribman: Many of history’s answers lie in the future
John L. Micek: Pa.’s horrible anti-transgender sports bill is horrible in dozens of other states, too | Friday Morning Coffee
Rev. Larry Pickens: Faith must honor the sacredness of others, even when they are different 
Jill Sunday Bartoli: No thoughtful person values money over human life
Keith C. Burris: Is there redemption?
David M. Sanko: Say thanks to your township supervisors
Joel L. Naroff: The case for infrastructure spending? Our future depends on it 
Will Bunch: Joe Manchin beats his chest for D.C. elites while struggling W. Va. waits for help 
Dr. Benjamin Levi: Child abuse is more than just bad parenting, and everyone needs to know the signs
Gilberto Vega: At the Kimmel Center, actions speak louder than words in diversity efforts 
Stephen K. Medvic and Berwood A. Yost: The GOP commitment to democracy
Ana White: Answering a child’s question: A land of the free, home of the brave — for whom? 
Maria Panaritis: Lost and found: A stranger’s ring, a family discovery 
Samuel Bilotta: The Presidency of the United States is sacred and future generations must learn this
John Cole: Comparing the gun numbers | Editorial Cartoon
Rob Tornoe: Cartoon: Home prices in Philadelphia are out of control

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