PoliticsPA Podcast. Huge debate night in PA as GOP, Dem candidates square off. Mask whiplash strikes Philly. Biden nominates new U.S. Attorneys. Here is the Playbook.

PA Weather
Plum | Mostly Sunny, 83
Palmyra | Mostly Cloudy, 67
Pen Argyl | Partly Sunny, 64

PA Sports
76ers (lead 3-1) | lost at TOR, 110-102; tonight vs. TOR
Flyers (25-43-11) | won vs. PIT, 4-1; tonight at CHI
Penguins (45-24-11) | lost at PHL, 4-1; TUE vs. EDM
Phillies (6-10) | MON-THU vs. COL
Pirates (8-8) | MON-WED-THU vs. MIL
Union (5-1-2) | draw at MONT, 1-1; SUN vs. NSH

News

PA Senate Race: Ad Watch: Senate Edition 4/22: It’s our fourth edition of Ad Watch: Senate Edition. Here are the latest ads from the Oz, McCormick, Sands and Fetterman campaigns since our last edition.

• Debate/Forum Calendar: As we close in on 30 days remaining before the May 17 primary, there are currently six forums or debates on the calendar for voters to hear from the candidates.
• Inquirer: The Pa. Democratic Senate candidates debate again tonight. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.
• Inquirer: The Pa. GOP Senate front-runners will debate for the first time. How to watch and what to watch for.
• Spotlight PA: Pa. primary election 2022: Watch Spotlight PA’s Democratic U.S. Senate debate live
• NBC News: Fetterman’s past gun incident rattles Black Democrats in Pa. Senate race
• Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Where do Democrats vying for U.S. Senate in Pa. compare on key issues? 
• Post-Gazette: U.S. Senate Democrat candidates echo Ed Gainey and push for all-hands approach to gun violence
• Delaware Valley Journal: PODCAST: Carla Sands Says Oz Chose to Serve Turkey First, Not America First
• Levittown Now: Oz Campaign Event Brings Former Trump Administration Official To Area
• KYW Newsradio: Pa. GOP Senate candidates: Get to know them, where they stand
• The Hill: Can Dr. Oz complete his GOP metamorphosis with a Senate win?
• AP: Trump’s Oz, Vance endorsements bring cash windfall, backlash
• ABC27: This Week in Pennsylvania: Conor Lamb
• CBS21: Face the State | Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Sean Gale
• Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Senate candidate visits Muncy Township
• ABC27: Who’s running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania?
• ABC27: 4 things to watch for in the Pennsylvania GOP Senate Debate
• ABC27: What to watch for in Dr. Oz’s first televised Senate debate
• NBC10: Will Trump’s Endorsement Push Voters to Oz in Pa. Senate Race? Here’s What They Say

PA Governor Race: ‘GOP governor candidate Corman unveils voter integrity plan’: ABC27 reports that “Republican candidate for Pennsylvania governor Jake Corman unveiled his “Pennsylvania Election Integrity Reform Plan” on Thursday, April 21.”

• WGAL: One-on-one with Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro
• WHYY: Amid Trump-initiated turbulence in the Pa. governor race, Dave White makes his move
• WHYY: What you need to know ahead of the 2022 Pa. primary election
• Observer-Reporter: GOP governor, lieutenant governor candidates visit area

Ups and Downs 4/22: Happy Earth Day! Primary debate and forum season is now in full swing and the candidates for statewide and regional office are sharpening talking points, gathering endorsements, and looking for fundraising dollars.

Podcast: Less Than a Month to Go….: With less than a month to go until the May primary, who’s rising, who’s falling, and how will things shake out?

‘Big greenhouse gas state taking biggest climate step yet’: The Associated Press reports that “more than two years after he started work on it, Gov. Tom Wolf is set to enact the centerpiece of his plan to fight climate change, making Pennsylvania the first major fossil fuel state to adopt a carbon pricing policy — but it might be a short-lived victory.”

‘Witnesses ask Pennsylvania Senate to let 1.1 million independents vote in primaries’: The Citizens Voice reports that “Senate Bill 690 would add Pennsylvania to the 41 other states that let independents and nonaligned voters participate in primaries.” 

‘Court filings show U.S. Rep. Scott Perry further linked to attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election’: PennLive reports that “U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) has been linked to meetings with former White House staff as they planned a strategy to overturn the 2020 presidential election, according to a deposition transcript of Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.”

‘Pa. education secretary departs Cabinet post to pursue other professional opportunities’: PennLive reports that “Pennsylvania Education Secretary Noe Ortega is the latest member of term-limited Gov. Tom Wolf’s cabinet team to announce his departure as the administration winds to a close.”

‘Biden nominates Jacqueline C. Romero to be successor to Bill McSwain as U.S. Attorney in Philly’: Philly Voice reports that “President Joe Biden on Friday nominated Jacqueline C. Romero to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, where she would assume the role as top prosecutor previously held by Bill McSwain.”

‘Biden to nominate Karam as region’s new U.S. attorney’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “President Joe Biden wants longtime Scranton criminal defense attorney Gerard M. Karam to serve as the new U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.”

‘Some states make bridge inspection reports available. Pennsylvania, and others, keep them secret.’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “despite the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s decision to keep bridge inspection reports and notes of those reviews from public view, the Post-Gazette is publishing the notes in a searchable database for more than 22,000 bridges.”

‘Sean Meloy and Chris Deluzio battle in primary to replace Rep. Conor Lamb’: KDKA reports that “two Democrats are on the May ballot for a swing seat in the U.S. House of Representatives that Lamb is giving up to run for the U.S. Senate.”

‘Social media posts from Congressional candidate called into question’: The Reading Eagle reports that “video and text messages attributed to a candidate for the Republican nomination for the 6th Congressional District have drawn fire from GOP sources for their elements of anti-Semitism, sexism and racially tinged language.”

‘‘The People’s Convoy’ rolls into Harrisburg; holds rally at Pa. State Capitol’: PennLive reports that ““The People’s Convoy” rolled into Harrisburg with flags and signage at the Pennsylvania State Capitol complex.”

‘Pennsylvania air quality shows little improvement in latest State of the Air report’: StateImpactPA reports that “the latest State of the Air report shows air quality is generally improving in Pennsylvania, though some areas are still struggling with pollution.”

‘Wolf administration seeks to save birds with ‘Lights Out’ program’: KDKA reports that  “the Wolf administration announced it would be seeking to reduce light pollution in Harrisburg to help migrating birds.”

‘Chung: ‘We can’t arrest our way out of addiction’’: The Altoona Mirror reports that “U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania Cindy Chung said arrests and prosecutions are not enough to address the problems faced by law enforcement.”

‘Mask whiplash strikes Philly amid changing rules across US’: The Associated Press reports that “people in Philadelphia could be excused if they felt a sense of whiplash Friday as the city abandoned its indoor mask mandate just days after becoming the first U.S. metropolis to reimpose compulsory masking in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.”

Legislative Election Updates

‘More diverse candidates are on the ballot for Harrisburg in 2022, but Latinos are largely left out’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “this disconnect is particularly notable in Allentown, a majority-Latino city, and other central Pennsylvania cities.”

‘House candidate Cashaw reveals child endangerment charge from 20 years ago’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that “Michael Cashaw, a candidate in this year’s Pennsylvania House of Representatives 72nd Legislative District race, came forward Friday about a child endangerment charge he says he faced two decades ago.”

‘Deja Alvarez could be the nation’s first openly transgender, Latina state legislator’: The Hill reports that “If Deja Alvarez walks through the doors of Pennsylvania’s 275-foot tall state capitol in January, it could very well be the first time in the building’s — and the nation’s — 116-year history that an openly transgender woman of color has entered as a state lawmaker.”

‘Election 2022: Two running for 94th state House seat’: The York Daily Record reports that “incumbent Republican Stan Saylor faces challenger Wendy Fink in the May 17 primary.”

‘Election 2022: Two Republicans vying for 169th state House seat’: The York Daily Record reports that “incumbent Republican Kate Klunk faces challenger Matthew Smith in the May 17 primary.”

‘Election 2022: Your guide to the 47th state House race’: The York Daily Record reports that “incumbent Republican Keith Gillespie faces challenger Joe D’Orsie in the May 17 primary.”

‘Your guide to the 2022 primary for Pennsylvania Senate in Bucks, Montco’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that “Republican and Democratic candidates for the primary race for Pennsylvania Senate discuss issues in our Voters Guide.”

‘Election 2022: Your guide to candidates for state House in Bucks, Montgomery counties’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that “all of Bucks County’s legislative delegation is up for election this year, and voters in several districts are guaranteed to send new faces to Harrisburg.”

‘Oropeza, Dillon campaign speak to civic group’: The Northeast Times reports that “Sam Oropeza and the campaign manager for Jim Dillon spoke at Monday night’s Take Back Your Neighborhood meeting.”

Regional Spotlight: Southeast and Lehigh Valley
Inquirer: Philadelphia is the only top-10 U.S. city where lawmakers are still meeting virtually 
Inquirer: Inside the Kenyatta Johnson jury room: Juror details deadlocked deliberations in bribery case 
Inquirer: Philly elections chief pleads for more money as costs explode 
Philadelphia Magazine: Republican Philly Judge Sues Daily Beast for Calling Her “QAnon-Linked”
Inquirer: ‘We’re happy for him’: Kenyatta Johnson’s supporters say they’re pleased with bribery mistrial 
Inquirer: South Philly residents demand input in redevelopment of refinery site 
Inquirer: A look at Philly’s gun violence crisis through the eyes of those experiencing it. 
Inquirer: Five takeaways from our investigation of the crisis in Philadelphia jails
Fox Business: Philadelphia looks to expand police budget: ‘Pendulum is switching back,’ says Fraternal Order of Police head 
WHYY: Philadelphia lawmakers question nonfunctioning city surveillance cameras 
WHYY: Will the government have a better shot at convicting Johnson at a second trial?
WHYY: Officials unveil ambitious plan to stem gun violence in Philadelphia, but funding is elusive   
WHYY: Kenyatta Johnson back in City Council after mistrial in his bribery case 
WHYY: Following violent weekend, Philly DA Krasner points to COVID impact on crime prevention efforts
WHYY: New group to monitor Philly police following car stop reforms 
WHYY: ‘We are still on the battlefield’: Chester residents rally in response to Delco’s new contract with controversial trash incinerator company
WHYY: ‘We are in a true crisis’: Delco Council introduces emergency ordinance to address potential Crozer hospital closures
WHYY: Philly area finally off the ‘worst 25’ list for ozone pollution, but still gets failing grade
Philadelphia Magazine: Marc Lamont Hill on the State of Media, Defunding the Police, and His New Book
Morning Call: Pa. and Lehigh Valley residents can get recreational marijuana in New Jersey. Here’s what they risk bringing it over the border
Morning Call: ‘If they have it in their possession in Pennsylvania, they’re in violation’: Lehigh Valley law enforcement officials urge residents to mind state, local laws as New Jersey starts recreational marijuana sales 
Morning Call: Northampton County’s McClure on state of the county: Supporting Gracedale, fighting opioid epidemic are most pressing concerns going forward
Morning Call: Allentown Health Bureau director to lead city’s community and economic development department
Morning Call: Allentown School District is looking to raise taxes by more than 5% 
Morning Call: Where you can drop off your mail-in ballots in Lehigh and Northampton counties for May 17 primary election
Morning Call: Allentown School District cuts ties with Ortiz Ark Foundation following video showing use of racial slur by nonprofit leader
Morning Call: Amid shortage of health care workers, Pennsylvania nurses could have a long wait for a license
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Cannabis Festival | PHOTOS
Daily Local News: Rep. Houlahan and her father talk roots in Ukraine
Daily Local News: Berks, Montgomery commissioners vote to form passenger railroad authority [Updated]
Daily Local News: All aboard: Montgomery County holds public hearing on proposed passenger rail authority
Daily Local News: State officials, local lawmakers tout West Chester University opportunities for students with autism
Daily Local News: West Chester Borough Council votes to reestablish Gay Street open air market while waiting for PennDOT
Daily Local News: Sappey applauds passage of bills supporting dairy industry
Daily Local News: Chester County launches campaign to combat sexual violence
Philly Voice: Rep. Dwight Evans unveils $51 billion proposal to fight gun violence in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia officials don’t expect mask mandate to return, scrap benchmark system 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Kensington revitalization effort among 3 Philadelphia-area projects awarded RACP grants totaling $6.5M
Philadelphia Tribune: Pew addresses how Philadelphia’s economic recovery is going
KYW Newsradio: Councilman Jones proposes Philly regulation of Airbnbs
KYW Newsradio: Report: Slight improvements, but air pollution remains high in greater Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Habitat for Humanity project, delayed after neighbors’ protests, approved by Council
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia police introduce new diversity chief
KYW Newsradio: Philly advocates call for parole reform, 2nd chances for formerly incarcerated people
Billy Penn: The Philadelphia agency responsible for keeping children safe is failing families, says scathing new report 
Billy Penn: Philly’s parks and rec system deserves millions more in Kenney’s budget, advocates urge at City Hall rally 
Billy Penn: Kenyatta Johnson mistrial: How South Philly feels about their accused representative 
Billy Penn: Where can Philadelphians buy recreational marijuana in New Jersey? And is it really allowed? Here’s what you need to know 
Billy Penn: Philly businesses would have to offer pre-tax SEPTA passes under new City Council plan, potentially saving workers hundreds each year
Bucks County Courier Times: On-demand voting starts Monday in Bucks County; poll workers still needed for May primary
Levittown Now: Bucks County Board Of Elections Advises Residents Of Confusing Mailers From Groups
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County declares health care emergency
WFMZ: Behind the Ballot: Candidates for Pa. governor, seats in Congress participate in debates as primary election approaches 
WFMZ: Northampton County Executive McClure lays out partial plan for spending $30 million of federal aid 
WFMZ: Berks commissioners consider printing paper poll books as backup plan to electronic poll books
WFMZ: Cannabis Festival attracts large crowds in Berks Co. 
WFMZ: More projects set to begin this year under bipartisan infrastructure law 
WFMZ: Allentown City Council OKs budgetary changes 
WFMZ: Pa. plans to put enforceable maximum contamination levels in place for ‘forever chemicals’ 
WFMZ: Northampton County’s McClure says small business pandemic grants are over 
WFMZ: Governor announces plans for roundabout on Rt. 222 in Upper Macungie 
Bucks County Courier Times: PA officials push plan that could double rebate for seniors, disabled
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks OKs 10.75% raises over 4 years for 400 county employees
Bucks County Courier Times: New leadership for the Bucks County Courier Times, Intelligencer
Montgomery Media: 2022 Primary election candidate list
Montgomery Media: Pa. awards $5 million to Montgomery County projects to improve safety, mobility
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County election board relocates satellite office, polling places
Bucks Local News: Caroline Thompson elected council president during rare spring reorganization meeting in Yardley
Bucks Local News: Lawmakers announce funding for new Northampton Township fire station
Bucks Local News: Senator Santarsiero secures nearly $2M for local investments in science and technology
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown rejects $6M in funding to replace lead piping
Reading Eagle: Federal and state officials tout impact of infrastructure law funding in Berks 
Reading Eagle: Reading kicks off Earth Day by showcasing its climate action plan
Express Times: Lehighvalleylive.com reporter tapped for new Bethlehem community development position

Opinion  
Bill McSwain: I Will Cut Pennsylvania’s Gas Tax in Half
Frances Wolf: Everybody can help give someone a second chance
Mark S. Singel: It’s not too late to avoid the “Code Red” that threatens our democracy
Nathan Benefield: Stagnant Pa. economy requires real business-tax reform
Thomas C. Gross: Legalizing marijuana in Pennsylvania poses risks for drivers and children
Paul Muschick: New Jersey and New York legalized marijuana: Should Pennsylvania be next?
Brendan Foster: Where are the trans women dominating women’s sports?
Larry Platt: Building A Better Budget 
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy: How Philly Sees Philly: No More Councilmanic Prerogative 
Marc Stier: Is This Really Taxadelphia? 
John L. Micek: Pa. Battleground Poll: Dems can win on immigration if the message is right | Friday Morning Coffee
Salena Zito: Talking electric vehicles at the oldest gas station in America
Paul Muschick: We should increase fines for leadfoots speeding in work zones
Redmond Clark: How Lehigh University’s solar project went wrong
PennLive Editorial Board: Kudos to the Republican candidates who respect Pennsylvania voters  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: PIAA, just say no to NIL 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pittsburgh needs to see its mayor 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Americans must learn from a fading COVID crisis
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Excessive noise can cause real harm. It’s time to take it seriously.
Jeffery Gerritt: No more platitudes, Mr. Mayor: Give youth, ex-offenders a voice against violence
Zoe Linder-Baptiste, Dan Distler, and Kerry Wilson: The new system to rate flood risks is accurate and fair
William Lambers: We must get food to starving Ukrainians in Mariupol
Tim Hartman: So what’s fueling the air wars in the GOP race for U.S. Senate? | Editorial Cartoon
Ray E. Landis: Here’s the new strongmen. The same as the old strongmen. There’s no backing down