A Democratic PAC released an ad criticizing Lt. Gov. John Fetterman. Here is the Playbook. 

Dem PAC Hits Fetterman On 2013 Gun Incident: The Collective PAC is airing radio ads in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh criticizing Lt. Gov. John Fetterman over the 2013 incident when he pulled a gun on an unarmed Black man.

SD48 Candidates Debate: PennLive reports that Democrat Dr. Calvin Clements, Independent candidate Edward Krebs, and Libertarian candidate Tim McMaster participated in a 90-minute forum hosted by the League of Women Voters on Tuesday. Republican Christopher Gebhard did not participate due to a scheduling conflict. All four candidates are running in May’s special election for the 48th state Senate District.

PennLive: Bill Allowing Child Sex Abuse Victims’ Lawsuits Moves to Pa. Senate: PennLive reports that the state Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a measure by a 11-3 vote that “would establish a two-year retroactive window for time-barred victims to file civil lawsuits against predators or the institutions that ignored their abuse. The measure would allow victims to go to court even if they are years or decades beyond the statutes of limitations.”

Bill To Prevent Retail Shutdown in Disasters Passes State House: The Associated Press reports that the state House passed a bill on Wednesday by a 117-84 vote to “allow retailers to be open if they restrict operations to a single employee and a single customer, or can fulfill drive-up sales that limit contact.”

PLS Reporter: New Bipartisan Caucus Kicks Off With Introductory Press Conference: The PLSReporter reports that the PA Once Caucus, a group of 16 lawmakers which includes eight Democrats and eight Republicans, that aims to “bridge the partisan divide” in Harrisburg announced their “first slate of legislative proposals.”

Pennsylvania Capital-Star Previews Pittsburgh’s Mayoral Race: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports on Pittsburgh’s 2021 Democratic mayoral primary race. 

Gross Endorses Gainey for Mayor of Pittsburgh: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Deb Gross has endorsed state Rep. Ed Gainey’s bid for Mayor of Pittsburgh.  

Teamsters Endorse Peduto: According to a press release from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s campaign, Teamsters Local 926 has endorsed his reelection bid. 

Joyce Introduces the PASSPORT Act: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rep. John Joyce (R-Blair), who has received the COVID-19 vaccine, has introduced the Protecting Americans’ Safety, Security, and Privacy Over Repressive Tyranny Act, or PASSPORT Act, which would “prohibit federal funds from being used to develop, implement, support, or endorse vaccine passports.”

Butler Eagle Sues Google and Facebook: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the Butler Eagle is the “latest newspaper to sue Google and Facebook on antitrust grounds, saying the two digital behemoths control most of the digital advertising in the U.S. and are threatening the survival of newspapers by siphoning off ad revenue.”

Former State Senate Candidate Pleads Not Guilty, Aways Trial on Federal Charges in Capitol Riot: According to the Scranton Times-Tribune, Frank Scavo, who previously was the GOP candidate for the state Senate’s 22nd District in 2020 and the state House’s 114th District in 2019, formally pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges that he illegally entered the Capitol and demonstrated inside during the January 6 riots. 

Dean To Appear At Press Conference Calling to End the Filibuster: POLITICO reports that Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery) is one of the House Democrats that’s slated to appear at a press conference today calling for the end of the filibuster. 

Fitzpatrick and Wild Cosponsor The Endless Frontier Act: Punchbowl News reports that Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) are co-sponsors of the updated version of the “Endless Frontier Act,” which would “authorize tens of billions of dollars in new spending for the National Science Foundation — to be renamed the “National Science and Technology Foundation” — to help boost U.S. high-tech research and advanced manufacturing.”

Casey and Toomey Introduce Legislation to Name Federal Courthouse in Harrisburg After Judge Sylvia Rambo: The Carlisle Sentinel reports that Sens. Bob Casey and Pat Toomey introduced legislation on Tuesday to name the U.S. Courthouse in Harrisburg in honor of Judge Sylvia Rambo. The courthouse is expected to open in 2022.  

Casey To Host Drive-in Town Hall in York County on Friday: The York Dispatch reports that Sen. Bob Casey will be holding a drive-in town hall meeting on Friday in Spring Garden Township, which will be moderated by Thaís Carrero, director of Pennsylvania’s CASA branch, an immigrant advocacy organization. 

Bernstine Appointed to Subcommittee on Small Business: According to a press release from House Republicans, state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver) has been appointed to the Subcommittee on Small Business under House Commerce Committee Chairman Brad Roae (R-Crawford). 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Relief for child sex abuse survivors revived in Pa. Senate after Wolf administration error
AP: After months of study, lawmakers face election law decisions
AP: Lawmakers move closer to letting child sex abuse victims sue
AP: Bill to prevent retail shutdowns in disasters passes House
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bill aiding abuse survivors clears critical Pa. Senate committee hurdle. But will it see a vote? 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A Keystone Election: Meet the 2021 candidates for Pittsburgh mayor
Patriot News: Bill allowing child sex abuse victims’ lawsuits moves to Pa. Senate 
Patriot News: Pa. within a few weeks of intensifying campaign against COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy
Patriot News: Pa. averaging more than 100,000 shots of COVID-19 vaccine per day 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Natural gas, manufacturing leaders ask Biden to bolster Marcellus 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Senate bill would up state’s requirement for solar and wind energy
PLSReporter: New bipartisan caucus kicks off with introductory press conference
PLSReporter: In reversal, Senate committee advances statutory window for abuse survivors
Post-Gazette: Rep. John Joyce got the COVID-19 jab. And he opposes any government-backed document to prove it.
Post-Gazette: 16 Pa. legislators form bipartisan working group in state House 
Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania has plenty of COVID-19 vaccines. Will enough people get them? 
Chalkbeat Philadelphia: Pennsylvania should increase early childhood investment by $250 million, national report says
StateImpactPA: Pittsburgh’s air improving, but still gets an ‘F’ from American Lung Association
KYW Newsradio: With demand in decline, Pa. set to launch campaign to combat vaccine hesitancy
Politico: Democrats’ ambitions narrow as political reality sets in
Inquirer: More coronavirus vaccinations are key to fully reopening Pennsylvania and New Jersey, governors say 
CNN: The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Push for new police accountability reforms in Philadelphia, statewide  
WHYY Newsworks: ‘The war is far from over’: What the Chauvin verdict means to Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: After Chauvin verdict, Philly mothers who lost children to violence want change here 
WHYY Newsworks: On 52nd Street, local shop owners feel relief while chains remain boarded
Billy Penn: Policing and mental health: Experts call Philly’s new 911 script a good idea, but too long 
Billy Penn: Remains of children killed in MOVE bombing sat in a box at Penn Museum for decades
Inquirer: Controversy flares over how Penn and Princeton treated a MOVE bombing victim’s remains 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania might be turning the corner on COVID-19 cases; two Philadelphia zip codes have seen the fastest rise of new cases 
Philly Voice: Philly businesses commit to increase diversity, invest in Black-owned suppliers
Philly Voice: Philadelphia reacts to Chauvin conviction: ‘The only right and just verdict’
Philly Voice: Philly’s high COVID-19 case count means restrictions will stay put, health commissioner says

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County appoints its first Board of Health 
Daily Local News: Chesco residents laud guilty verdict in murder of George Floyd
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks, Montco still see high vaccine demand
KYW Newsradio: Judge rules Sunoco must clarify safety concerns along Mariner East Pipeline
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Vaccines rolling out in Montgomery County, but long road ahead
Montgomery Media: Demand for coronavirus vaccine remains high in Montgomery County
Delaware Valley Journal: Local DelVal Leaders React to Derek Chauvin Verdict 
Delaware Valley Journal: PA Parents Eye Education Alternatives in the Wake of COVID Pandemic

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Police Review Board Proposal Returns To Allegheny County Council For Vote 
WESA: Two Black Activist Groups Look Toward The Future Of Racial Justice In Pittsburgh 
WESA: Coronavirus Cases In Allegheny County Are Slowly Declining
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A Keystone Election: Meet the 2021 candidates for Pittsburgh mayor
Post-Gazette: Councilwoman Gross endorses Peduto challenger Gainey for mayor 
Post-Gazette: ‘This movement is about systemic change’: Pittsburgh-area activists praise Chauvin guilty verdict but say more work remains 
Post-Gazette: New coalition of 43 groups pushes Port Authority to reduce fares for low-income riders 
Post-Gazette: B-PEP’s Stevens calls for ‘immediate’ suspension of traffic stops by police
Post-Gazette: Demand for COVID-19 vaccinations withers in Pennsylvania, while high case counts persist
Pittsburgh Business Times: Natural gas, manufacturing leaders ask Biden to bolster Marcellus 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh awarded $3.4 million in state grants for transportation improvement projects
Pittsburgh Business Times: County officials urge people to get their vaccinations
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh awaiting federal guidance on stimulus cash
Tribune Review: Peduto issues order for new ‘deconstruction’ policy to fight Pittsburgh blight
Tribune Review: State greenlights $48 million in transportation infrastructure projects
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Public Defender Barry Wingard seeking Sharpsburg district judge position
Tribune Review: Allegheny County’s covid case average drops to lowest in month
Tribune Review: Covid vaccine supply overtakes demand in Allegheny County
City Paper: Justice For George Floyd protesters gather and march through Pittsburgh following Chauvin 
KDKA: ‘No One Is Above The Law’: Southwestern Pa. Police Officers React To Derek Chauvin’s Guilty Verdict 
KDKA: American Lung Association’s ‘State Of The Air’ Report Ranks Pittsburgh Ninth For Worst Air In U.S. 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Police Soliciting Bids For Less Lethal Munitions, Including Tear Gas 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 340 New Coronavirus Cases, 12 Additional Deaths 

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Bernstine’s Chauvin tweets spark controversy
Beaver County Times: County overdoses, drug deaths rise in pandemic
Observer-Reporter: Washington County commissioners agree to COVID-19 vaccines
Observer-Reporter: Local activists pleased with Chauvin verdic
Post-Gazette: Butler newspaper sues Google, Facebook on federal antitrust complaints
KDKA: Pa. Turnpike Installing Its First Solar Microgrid To Power Hempfield Twp. Facility
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Bishop McCort’s Smith to testify before state Senate committee regarding school choice, education funding
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local COVID-19 hospitalizations double in one month, new cases flattening

NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County set to start mailing ballots Monday
The Times Leader: 152 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Wednesday; 1 death
Citizens Voice: 152 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County
Times-Tribune: Scavo pleads not guilty, awaits trial on federal charges in Capitol riot
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 still spreading in Pennsylvania, NEPA

South Central 
Patriot News: Candidates seeking 48th Senatorial District seat put their differences on display 
Patriot News: Threats of breathing polluted air in central Pa. remain, despite air quality report card showing improvements
Carlisle Sentinel: Casey, Toomey introduce legislation to name federal courthouse in Harrisburg after Judge Sylvia Rambo 
Carlisle Sentinel: Residents speak out in support of and against diversity initiative at South Middleton School District 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 59 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Wednesday 
York Daily Record: York County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 21% people fully vaccinated
York Dispatch: Sen. Casey to hold drive-in town hall Friday in York County  
York Dispatch: Wednesday update: Two new COVID-19 deaths reported in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County elections office receives over 22,000 mail-in ballot requests as primary approaches 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster region’s air quality again ranks among worst in the US: report

Lehigh Valley  
Reading Eagle: Bill allowing child sex abuse survivors to file lawsuits as adults clears Pa. Senate committee
Reading Eagle: Lawmakers criticize PennDOT’s plans to toll 9 bridges, including one in Berks County
Reading Eagle: Completed COVID vaccinations in Berks County pass 80,000 mark
Reading Eagle: State awards $1.55 million in funding for 6 Berks County projects
Morning Call: Bethlehem mayor gives support for proposed flatiron-style building with 90 apartments, but historic commission worries about size
Morning Call: Lehigh University to require students have COVID-19 vaccine this fall
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf: full reopening could happen 2 weeks after 65-70% of population vaccinated, could be sooner if people wear mask, socially distance
Express Times: Bethlehem council not on board with Martin Tower changes without more details on redevelopment
Express Times: Lehigh Valley air quality grades show room for improvement, per national scorecard
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 44% of eligible Pennsylvanians have 1st COVID vaccine; young people driving Pa.’s new infections; Lehigh U. 1st college to require vaccines as Bethlehem school district urges teen vaccinations. | COVID vaccine map (04/21/21)
WFMZ: Lehigh University to require COVID vaccine for fall semester
WFMZ: Reading gets $375K grant for Buttonwood Gateway West project

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County Commissioners file lawsuit against controller
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Three projects in Lycoming County to get more than $700,000 from state
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport projected to get $25.8 million in stimulus
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Senate sends bill on license requirements for DAs to House
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Action plan can be viewed on housing, community development
Patriot News: Lycoming commissioners get court order to pay employees, vendors as feud with controller continues
Centre Daily Times: April 21 update: Centre County adds 65 COVID-19 cases, 1 death; Pa. has 4,602 positives

Opinion  
Fred Keller: Here’s how to solve the border crisis
Rich Askey: With stimulus money flowing to Pa. schools, we need to help students catch up
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Floyd decision just a step on road to reform
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Bid to pack court is blatant power grab by Democrats, with no chance of success 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Kendra Brooks’ eviction bills might have finally cracked the code for fair housing  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: President Biden must not sacrifice human rights for green energy 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The hidden price of proposed monitoring for drinking is too high 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Walter Mondale: A progressive who epitomized decency
John L. Micek: Fewer drivers, but more Pa. traffic deaths in 2020. Why? | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Joyce M. Davis: Derek Chauvin’s conviction is just the beginning of racial justice in America | Social Views
JD Mullane: After Floyd, where do we go from here?
Kim Kelly: Amazon’s dystopian antiunion working conditions are not what Philadelphians deserve
Abdul-Aliy Muhammad: Penn Museum owes reparations for previously holding remains of a MOVE bombing victim 
Helen Ubiñas: Families of murdered Philadelphians know the hollow victory of justice 
Solomon Jones: Looking into Derek Chauvin’s eyes as he was convicted of George Floyd’s murder 
Dan Farrell: Cite speeders and pay for I-83 South Bridge repairs
Molly Rearden: Please support the Appliance Efficiency Standards Legislation
Gene Therapy: Treasury takes the hoax out of ‘Russia hoax,’ no one notices
James Peterson: It’s All In The Name 
Dre Reed: Who thought it was a good idea to use NRA videos at Philly rec centers?