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April 14th Playbook

Dr. Kevin Baumlin announced his candidacy for the 2022 U.S. Senate race. Here is the Playbook. 

Dr. Kevin Baumlin Announces 2022 U.S. Senate Run: Dr. Kevin Baumlin, the chief of emergency and urgent care services at Pennsylvania Hospital, released an announcement video that highlights his experience as an emergency room doctor and points to a few of his priorities that he’d address if elected to the U.S. Senate.

Lebanon Daily News Talks To SD48 Candidates: Republican Chris Gebhard, Democrat Dr. Calvin “Doc” Clements, Independent former state Rep. Ed Krebs, and Libertarian Tim McMaster talked to the Lebanon Daily News about their campaign for the upcoming special election for the state Senate’s 48th District. 

Pittsburgh Mayoral Candidates Debate: WESA and the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation hosted a debate with the Pittsburgh mayoral candidates on Tuesday night. 

Erie Dems ‘Reluctant’ To Endorse for Mayor: The Erie Times-News reports that the Erie County Democratic Committee did not endorse a candidate in the race for mayor of Erie. Mayor Joe Schember is facing a primary challenge from Tom Spagel and Sydney Zimmerman. 

Tuerk Talks To Allentown Morning Call: Matt Tuerk, Democrat running for Allentown Mayor, talked to the Allentown Morning Call’s Andrew Wagaman on Tuesday about his bid for office during a Q&A. On Wednesday, Wagaman will be interviewing Councilman Julio Guridy at 11 a.m. in the weeklong Q&A with the Allentown mayoral candidates.  

Allentown Mayoral Candidates Discuss What They Would Do With Federal Stimulus Money: WFMZ asked the five candidates running for Allentown mayor what would be their first priority in spending the $57 million that Allentown will receive in federal stimulus money. 

Fitzpatrick and Lamb Tour Southern U.S. Border: KDKA reports that Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) took a tour of the border between the United States and Mexico as a part of a trip with the Problem Solvers Caucus. 

Pittsburgh Councilmen Propose Task Force That Ensures ‘Equity First Spending Plan’ for COVID-19 Relief: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Councilmen Ricky Burgess and Daniel Lavelle introduced legislation to form a joint “Pittsburgh Recovery Task Force to steward an “equity first spending plan” for a portion of the estimated $354 million that Pittsburgh is slated to receive.”

Philly City Council Unveils Anti-Violence Agenda: WHYY reports that Philadelphia city councilmembers and community anti-violence advocates “unveiled a series of interventions they hope will help mitigate the crushing gun violence crisis.”

Costello Seriously Considering Senate Run: Former Congressman Ryan Costello (R-Chester), who has been mulling a run for U.S. Senate in 2022, tells PoliticsPA that he’s still making and taking calls about entering the race and is “seriously considering a run.” “I feel very strongly that higher taxes, bigger government and this woke culture nonsense requires someone who fights back and my record demonstrates that,” Costello told PoliticsPA. “In the meantime, best regards to all Republican candidates in the race or contemplating a run.”

Baumlin Urges CDC To Move Forward With Giving J&J Vaccine: Dr. Kevin Baumlin, the chief of emergency and urgent care services at Pennsylvania Hospital and 2022 U.S. Senate Democratic hopeful, released a statement in response to the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) announcement that it recommends a pause on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. “Just this past Saturday, I gave 52 J&J shots in the Point Breeze section of Philadelphia. I did that to help save lives,” Baumlin said. “I urge the CDC and FDA to move forward with giving the J&J vaccine to men and older adults. Meanwhile we should accelerate the distribution of Pfizer and Moderna first shots, and delay second shots to get vaccines in as many arms as possible. First shots, with the continued use of social distancing and masks, will save lives and prevent hospitalizations. We are losing too many Pennsylvanians, too many Americans. We must keep pushing forward with safe vaccines to save lives.”

Fitzpatrick & Delgado Launch Bipartisan Delaware River Watershed Caucus: According to a press release, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Antonio Delgado (D-NY) have launched the bipartisan Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus. The press release from Fitzpatrick’s office said that the caucus will “give voice to funding and conservation needs throughout the watershed.”

Barsoum Appointed Director of Chester County Voter Services: The Daily Local News reports that Karen Barsoum has been appointed to serve as the director of Chester County’s Department of Voter Services.  

Nearly 19K Mail-in Ballots Requested in Luzerne County: The Citizens Voice reports that as of Monday, 18,880 Luzerne County voters requested mail-in ballots for the May primary election.  

Allegheny County Voters Won’t Have The Option of Satellite Offices Ahead of Primary: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that voters in Allegheny County won’t “have the opportunity to visit satellite offices ahead of this May’s primary to apply for and vote their ballot all in one stop,” unlike November’s general election. 

Evans Most Talkative Dem on Twitter in Q1: Politico Huddle reports that Hamilton Place Strategies has a new analysis that showed Rep. Dwight Evans (D-Philadelphia) sent 1,740 tweets in Q1, making him the “most talkative Democrat on Twitter” in Congress. 

Land & Liberty Coalition Launches in Pennsylvania: On Monday, The Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum announced the launch of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Land & Liberty Coalition (PA-L&LC). According to a press release, the coalition describes themselves as a “grassroots organization created to partner with landowners, community leaders, economic development groups, clean energy businesses and elected officials to promote commonsense policies that advance renewable energy while protecting and benefiting local communities.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Voters to weigh in on government pandemic power struggle
AP: Pennsylvania pauses use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine
AP: State police to alter fitness standards that kept out women
Spotlight PA: Pa. ‘pauses’ Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after blood clotting reports
Spotlight PA: You’re invited! A free reader Q&A on how to fight back against misinformation in Pa.
Patriot News: Pa. ‘incredibly concerned’ about falling demand for COVID-19 vaccine as eligibility expands Tuesday
Patriot News: Pa. pauses use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine associated with clots 
Patriot News: Pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccine cause for ‘confidence’ in overall safety, Pa. official says
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 update: Nearly 40% vaccinated, state climbs back to 11th
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. joins national pause on Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. gets C-minus for infrastructure as Biden makes his pitch to the states
York Daily Record: Elections in Pa.: Directors, county officials describe ‘breaking point,’ need for reform
York Daily Record: Pennsylvania has put the Johnson and Johnson vaccine on pause. Here’s what that means
USA Today: Pa.’s unemployment claims system to go offline for 2 weeks. What you need to know
WESA: Infrastructure Plan Would Reduce Pennsylvanians’ Household Costs And Create Jobs, White House Says 
PLSReporter: State pauses use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine as feds launch review
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania pauses administration of Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Governor Wolf, Pennsylvania SBDC talk assistance for small businesses
KDKA: Pennsylvania Officials Recapture Nearly $800 Million In Unemployment Benefits From Fraudsters
KDKA: Pennsylvania Pauses Use Of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine
National Journal: NRSC’s hands-off approach to primaries will backfire
KYW Newsradio: Pa., NJ, Del. ‘pause’ use of J&J vaccine following federal recommendation 
Tribune Review: Pa. sees most covid cases since January with majority reported in eastern counties
Politico: NRSC raises $8.3M in March to cap $23M quarter
The Hill: Senate GOP campaign arm posts $23 million fundraising haul in first quarter
The Hill: Biden’s gun control push poses danger for midterms
Post-Gazette: State awards $10.8M for STEM education in Pa. schools   

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: More security cameras, gun buybacks and job trainings: Council unveils anti-violence agenda
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Cops are still killing us’: 150 protesters in Philly demand justice for Daunte Wright
WHYY Newsworks: Society Hill hotel tower that sparked backlash moves ahead
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Philly surpasses 1M doses
WHYY Newsworks: Philly region vaccine providers shift course as U.S. recommends ‘pause’ for J&J
Inquirer: Philly schools lose more money to tax breaks than any district in the country, a new report says 
Inquirer: Philly protesters march for Daunte Wright 
Inquirer: Photos from the Justice for Daunte Wright Solidarity Protest March
Inquirer: Scrambled plans, delays, and new fears accompany J&J COVID-19 vaccination pause across Philly region
Philadelphia Tribune: Krasner says resumption of community programs, services will quell gun violence
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia unemployment rose sharply during pandemic, Pew report finds 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia health chief says J&J vaccine pause won’t greatly impact city’s vaccine rollout 
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone 16 and older beginning Tuesday 
Philly Voice: City launches Safe Routes Philly to teach kids about traffic safety
KYW Newsradio: Black Point Breeze Matters fights new construction, gentrification in their neighborhood

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Aldan man charged with harassing U.S. Rep. Dean 
Delco Daily Times: Initiative promotes treatment without prosecution
Bucks County Courier Times: Assistant Bucks County DA demoted over DoorDash job resigns 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks plans to open new mental-health facility 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks, Montco pause J&J vaccine clinics
Daily Local News: Barsoum appointed director of Chester County Voter Services 
Daily Local News: Officials: More than half of Chester County has received at least first dose; Chester County ‘pauses’ J&J vaccine
KYW Newsradio: Bucks County prosecutor resigns in wake of DoorDash side gig
KYW Newsradio: Delco police join AG’s initiative that connects people to addiction treatment
Inquirer: Delco joins Pa. attorney general’s program that uses local cops to connect people with addiction treatment
WHYY Newsworks: Delco makes police a resource for those seeking addiction treatment
Bucks Local News: Pa. and Bucks County accelerate vaccination pace; all residents now eligible
Broad + Liberty: Zuckerberg-funded 2020 election grants skewed heavily toward PA’s ‘blue’ counties
Montgomery Media: County issues update on parks, trails, historic sites 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 255 daily new coronavirus cases, 4 deaths

Pittsburgh 
WESA: In First Broadcast Debate, Peduto Fends Off Attacks, As Rivals Sometimes Clash  
WESA: Pittsburgh Section 8 Discrimination Ordinance Is Before PA’s Supreme Court This Week
WESA: Pittsburgh Foundation Report Aims To Call Attention To Evictions And Propose Solutions
WESA: Group Gathers In East Liberty To Protest Police Killing Of Daunte Wright
WESA: Pittsburgh’s COVID Vaccine Providers Change Plans After Pause On J&J
Post-Gazette: Peduto stands by record on police issues; challengers in mayoral primary say resources can be used better 
Post-Gazette: Dickinson to take another run at Doyle in primary for 18th District U.S. House seat
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County voters won’t have the option of satellite offices ahead of primary
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh councilmen propose task force that ensures ‘equity first spending plan’ for COVID-19 relief 
Post-Gazette: Evictions don’t affect renters equally, and some landlords file more frequently than others, Pittsburgh Foundation study reports 
Post-Gazette: Over 100 protesters in East Liberty decry police shooting of Minneapolis-area man
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. reports 6,638 new cases, 66 deaths 
KDKA: Mail-In Ballots Go Out Next Week In Allegheny County, But Expect Some Changes
KDKA: Rep. Conor Lamb, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick Tour Southern U.S. Border As Part Of Congressional Delegation  
KDKA: Pittsburghers Protest Police Shooting Of Daunte Wright In Minnesota
KDKA: Emergency Rental Assistance Program Available For Western Pa. Residents
KDKA: City To Begin Pothole Blitz Ahead Of Street Resurfacing
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 430 New Cases, 1 Additional Death 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Foundation calls for eviction prevention system
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh to form commission to decide how to spend $355 million in federal stimulus cash
Tribune Review: It’s a ‘pothole blitz’ in Pittsburgh
City Paper: New PAC focused on racial equality in education endorses PPS school board candidates 

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Three Donegal supervisors want injunction to halt township’s primary election
Observer-Reporter: Staniszewski to be released from jail after DUI crash in Bedford County
Observer-Reporter: 14 apply for proposed Washington Citizens Review Board
Observer-Reporter: Information on judicial candidates available on bar association website
Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania COVID-19 cases holding steady
KDKA: Fayette County Launches Initiative To Vaccinate Homebound Residents
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: ‘Everybody is eligible’: Local COVID-19 vaccine programs open to all adults
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: More than 600K Pa. voters apply for mail-in ballots for primary election
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Virus surging: Cambria in triple digits, state adds 6,638 COVID-19 cases
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pa. halts use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine until at least April 20
Altoona Mirror: City council mum on Decker’s leave

NEPA
The Times Leader: Parts of Luzerne County primary ballot open to voters not registered as Democrats or Republicans
The Times Leader: Swoyersville woman pleads not guilty to charges in Capitol insurrection
The Times Leader: Proposed lease revised for Luzerne County tourism move to historic train station
The Times Leader: 147 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Monday; 2 new deaths
Times-Tribune: Cartwright urges people to get COVID-19 vaccinations
Times-Tribune: Cognetti appoints new Scranton parks and recreation director
Times-Tribune: State officials: J&J vaccine problem shouldn’t limit other vaccinations
Citizens Voice: Nearly 19K mail-in ballots requested in Luzerne County; all voters may vote in primary
Citizens Voice: Changes made to proposal to move visitors bureau to train station
Citizens Voice: 147 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday 

South Central 
Lebanon Daily News: Republican candidate in 48th District special election hopes to fill ‘void of leadership’
Lebanon Daily News: Civility needs to return to politics, says Democratic candidate for Senate special election
Lebanon Daily News: He served as a Dem and in GOP. He says voters will put him in state senate as Independent
Lebanon Daily News: Libertarian hopes to make Pennsylvania free again when he wins special election in May  
York Dispatch: Questions about registering, voting in May’s primary election? Here are some answers
York Dispatch: Tuesday update: Two new deaths linked to COVID-19 in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County surpasses 50,000 COVID-19 cases 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County ranks 4th in PA in April percentage increase in vaccinated residents
Carlisle Sentinel: Here is a look at what Midstate colleges and universities say about COVID vaccine requirements
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle school district may use COVID relief money to fund classroom air sanitizers
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 110 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Tuesday

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Replay Q&A with Matt Tuerk as we meet with the Allentown mayoral candidates this week
Morning Call: Northampton County executive commits $10 million to help small businesses through the pandemic
Morning Call: Bethlehem City Council candidates discuss Martin Tower, pandemic’s impact and making city safer
Morning Call: State recognizes slew of Lehigh Valley municipalities, leaders for ‘local government excellence’ in 2021 Governor’s Awards
Morning Call: The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been paused. How will it affect the Lehigh Valley’s expanded vaccine rollout?
WFMZ: Allentown mayoral candidates discuss what they would do with federal stimulus money
WFMZ: Reading council calls for campaign again illegal fireworks
WFMZ: Northampton County executive discusses pandemic, praises front line workers in state of the county address
WFMZ: Johnson & Johnson vaccine being taken out of the mix for now, as Pa. expands vaccine eligibility to all adults
Express Times: Bethlehem unveils climate action plan 1 year in the making
Express Times: No-appointment COVID vaccine clinic scheduled Friday in Northampton County
Express Times: Gracedale update: 87% of residents, 48% of staff vaccinated, executive says
Express Times: COVID in Pa: Vaccine pool opens to all as state records more than 6K new cases and pauses J&J shots | COVID-19 vaccine map (04/13/21)
Express Times: Pa. tells providers to stop Johnson & Johnson shots while FDA reviews rare blood clotting cases
Reading Eagle: Berks County joins law enforcement program to connect those battling addiction to treatment
Reading Eagle: Reading officials push for repeal of state fireworks law
Reading Eagle: Pa. Department of Health pauses administration of Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 550 new COVID cases

North by Northwest
WESA: Unaccompanied Migrant Children To Arrive In Erie Tuesday
Erie Times-News: Erie Dems ‘reluctant’ to endorse for mayor
Erie Times-News: At Erie-area dorm, officials await migrant children
Erie Times-News: COVID update: Erie vaccinates first Phase 2 recipients
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Reports: Clinton County has one of lowest vax rates in state
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 53 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: Centre County businesses received $1.4M for COVID-19 relief. More funds are available for grant’s second phase
Centre Daily Times: Pa. Health Department to pause regional vaccination clinic services, including Penn State site
Centre Daily Times: April 13 update: Pa. pauses Johnson & Johnson vaccine, adds more than 6,000 COVID-19 cases
The Meadville Tribune: Crawford County man charged in U.S. Capitol riot lectured by judge

Opinion  
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration again fails when it comes to transparency
Nathan Benefield: Why we should limit Pennsylvania governor’s emergency powers
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Streamlining the Endangered Species Act
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Prioritizing music education in schools
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Kudos to the volunteer vaccine hunters who spent countless hours finding COVID-19 vaccine appointments for others
Angela M. Liddle: Everyone has a role to play in protecting Pennsylvania’s children
Sterling Johnson and Jennifer Bennetch: Biden’s plan could be disastrous for low-income homeowners in Philly 
Gina Diorio: How local politicians are betrayed by their union friends
John L. Micek: Pa. to award $2.7M in grants to help fight addiction | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Tony Norman: ‘Riding the lightning’ in post-George Floyd America
Larry Eichel and Katie Martin: How Will We Recover? 
Renee Reber: Pennsylvania must stem pollution flowing to Chesapeake Bay 
Jenice Armstrong: After losing one boy to gun violence, this dad is smart to move his other sons out of Philly 
Selenia Tello: DACA recipients should be eligible to teach in Pennsylvania
Solomon Jones: Daunte Wright’s death was no accident 
Charles Hall: Why a ban on pet store sales won’t improve conditions for animals 
Will Bunch Newsletter: Police must end bogus, racist traffic stops 
Trudy Rubin: Can Beethoven temper the political tensions between U.S. and China? 
Dr. Maureen Barber-Carey: The toll of COVID on those with autism

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