Rep. Chrissy Houlahan announced her 1st quarter fundraising numbers, while the DCCC 2022 target list includes 2 PA Republicans. Here is the Playbook. 

Houlahan Raises Over $580K in Q1: The Chester County Congresswoman and potential 2022 U.S. Senate candidate raised over $580,000 in the first three months of the year and entered April with $3.5 million cash on hand.

DCCC Places Fitzpatrick and Perry on Initial 2022 Target List: Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Scott Perry, who were targeted by the DCCC during the 2020 cycle, outperformed the top of the ticket in their most recent races.

Keystone Crossroads Previews PA’s 2021 Judicial Elections: Katie Meyer, Sam Dunklau, and Chris Potter provide a voter guide to Pennsylvania’s 2021 judicial elections. 

Inky: Parnell ‘All But Certain’ to Run for U.S. Senate: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Sean Parnell, decorated combat veteran and favorite of former President Donald Trump who was the GOP nominee for the 17th Congressional District in 2020, is “99% sure” he’s running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022. 

Toomey Talks Gun Control, Voting Rights on FOX43 Morning News: On Wednesday morning, Sen. Pat Toomey talked to FOX43’s Matt Maisel to discuss gun control and voting rights. 

State House Advances 2-Year Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit Window: The Associated Press reports that the state House approved a bill on Wednesday by a 149-52 vote to “establish a two-year window for civil claims over childhood sexual abuse, part of a belt-and-suspenders approach that also includes a potential constitutional amendment.”

Barnette Talks to FOX & Friends About Senate Campaign: Kathy Barnette, a veteran and conservative commentator who was the GOP nominee for Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District in 2020, joined FOX & Friends on Wednesday morning to talk about her 2022 campaign for U.S. Senate. 

Smerconish Talks to Smukler About Voting Systems: Michael Smerconish talked to political operative Ken Smukler about “which systems of voting are most suitable towards free and fair elections, and which can allow fraud to potentially trickle in.” 

Wild Promotes American Rescue Plan in Telephone Town Hall: The Allentown Morning Call reports that Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) promoted the recently passed $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package in a telephone town hall meeting on Tuesday evening.  

Harrisburg Republicans Meet with Kansas’s Kobach to Talk Election, Immigration Policy: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that Pennsylvania GOP legislators, organized by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), met with former Kansas GOP Secretary of State Kris Kobach to discuss “model legislation on election policy, among other topics.” 

State House Passes Bill Stiffening Penalty on Those Aiding or Soliciting A Person to Die By Suicide: PennLive reports that the state House passed a bill on Wednesday, sponsored by state Rep. Dawn Keefer (R-York), by a 162-39 vote that would “increase the sentence for a person who encourages an individual under age 18 or someone who has an intellectual disability to die by suicide.”

Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council Endorses Peduto for Mayor: According to a press release from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s reelection campaign, the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council has endorsed his campaign. 

Allegheny County Bar Association Releases Highly Initial Judicial Candidate Ratings for 2021 Primary: On Tuesday, the Allegheny County Bar Association announced its initial ratings for those individuals running for judicial office in the May 18 primary election. Additional ratings will be released on subsequent April dates as additional candidates seek ratings from the ACBA.

Bucks County FOP Endorses Stancu in Dem DA Primary: The Bucks Local News reports that the Bucks County Fraternal Order of Police (Lodge 53) has endorsed Antonetta Stancu in the Democratic primary for Bucks County District Attorney. 

Santarsiero To Introduce Legislation to Expand Ballot Drop Box Access: The Bucks Local News reports that state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) introduced the Safe Drop Act, which would require counties to provide a minimum of one drop box for every 20,000 residents. The drop boxes would have to be available to voters 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the beginning of mail in balloting until the polls close at 8:00 pm on Election Day.

Meuser To Visit Border with Mexico: The Reading Eagle reports that Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) announced in a telephone town hall meeting on Wednesday that he will be visiting the border with Mexico on Sunday. 

Kadida Kenner to Lead the New Pennsylvania Project: Kadida Kenner, who is currently the director of campaigns at the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center where she leads the We the People – PA campaign, Why Courts Matter – PA, and the Judicial Independence Project of Pennsylvania (JIPPA), will be the next executive director of the New Pennsylvania Project. The organization’s mission is to bring “a new, diverse generation fully into the political process,” according to a press release. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: State House advances 2-year child sex abuse lawsuit window
AP: Pennsylvania pension system officials disclose federal probe
AP: Wolf: Vaccine ‘winning’ against virus despite state surge
Spotlight PA: ‘A turning point’: Thousands in Pa. prisons will be offered COVID-19 vaccine
Bucks County Courier Times: Will you need a vaccine passport in Pennsylvania? Here’s what we know
Patriot News: Child sex abuse law reform moves to Pa. Senate: Why some stakeholders are optimistic this time
Patriot News: Pa. House passes bill stiffening penalty on those aiding or soliciting a person to die by suicide
Patriot News: Bill clears Pa. House allowing fire companies, other nonprofits to hold online raffles and drawings
Patriot News: Faculty oppose Pa. state universities’ proposed consolidation plans
Patriot News: COVID-19 hospitalizations continue upward trend in Pa.
Philadelphia Citizen: Who’s Running for Judge in PA? 
NBC News: In a Pennsylvania town, a Facebook group fills the local news void
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: House passes statutory window for old child abuse lawsuits, splitting GOP majority
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Harrisburg Republicans meet with Kansas’s Kobach to talk election, immigration policy 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: State officials warn residents as Pa. enters peak wildfire season
City Paper: “I think Black people do drive”: Fact checking Pat Toomey’s recent claims about BIPOC driving statistics
City Paper: New legislation seeks to move Pennsylvania to Daylight Saving Time permanently
Post-Gazette: Less than 8% of faculty support plans to merge six state-owned universities,
WHYY Newsworks: A voter guide to Pennsylvania’s 2021 judicial electionsAPSCUF says 
Inquirer: Trump favorite Sean Parnell is ‘99% sure’ he’s running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Pennsylvania Hospital emergency medicine chief jumps into Pa. Senate race
Inquirer: COVID-19 has upended education. How will schools solve for learning loss?
Inquirer: As Pa. expands vaccine eligibility to phase 1B, frontline workers compete for coveted appointments
Morning Call: Gov. Wolf says Pennsylvania not working on ‘vaccine passport’ but leaves open possible use by private organizations; Republicans continue pushback
WITF: Document: Feds’ Proposal Refers To Expanded ‘Bed Space’ In Berks Detention Center
PLSReporter: Upcoming abortion hearings reignite debate in Harrisburg
PLSReporter: House passes childhood abuse survivor bill in second attempt to create retroactive window for litigation
KYW Newsradio: Republican Kathy Barnette of Montco announces run for US Senate 
National Journal: Senate News
Delaware Valley Journal: Pennsylvania Strikes Out for MLB All-Star Game
Pittsburgh Business Times: Wolf sets timeline for at least first dose of Covid-19 vaccine

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly pols eye wage and business tax cuts ahead of next city budget 
WHYY Newsworks: Pennsylvania Senate race already underway; Philly D.A. election update
Billy Penn: At least one quarter of all Philly residents have gotten a vaccine shot
Inquirer: Philly schools need more: In town hall, principals talk about a crisis in the district
Inquirer: Two execs exit CBS after accusations of racist, sexist behavior involving Philly’s CBS3 and other stations
KYW Newsradio: After prison stint, ex DA now leading North Philly vocational training center
KYW Newsradio: 130 murders in Philadelphia this year, surpassing New York City
Philadelphia Magazine: Man Claims the Philadelphia Parking Authority Fired Him for Being Gay
Philly Voice: Italian-American groups sue Philly, mayor for canceling Columbus Day

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Stancu supported by Bucks County Fraternal Order of Police in Democratic Primary
Bucks Local News: Senator Santarsiero to introduce legislation to expand ballot drop box access
Daily Local News: Rally to end cash bail coming to Coatesville this Saturday
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Montco gets its largest vaccine allotment; 2 new clinics open Friday 
WFMZ: Kathy Barnette enters race for US Senate in Pennsylvania
KYW Newsradio: Republican Kathy Barnette of Montco announces run for US Senate
Bucks County Courier Times: Program aims to keep 32 families from going homeless during the pandemic
Delaware Valley Journal: Cost of De-Privatized Delco Jail Could Run $49M a Year 

Pittsburgh  
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County election officials say primaries should go smoothly
Post-Gazette: Wolf says vaccine is winning race against rising cases; Allegheny County ‘well into’ 4th wave 
Post-Gazette: Port Authority opens registration for public meetings on proposed fare changes 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Gov. Tom Wolf Visits McKeesport Clinic To Discuss Equity In Vaccine Rollout
KDKA: Pittsburgh City Council Votes To Amend Eviction Moratorium 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 418 New Cases, 5 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Wolf in McKeesport: Every resident wanting vaccine should receive dose by May
Tribune Review: Allegheny County is in the ‘fourth wave’ of covid cases, officials say
Pittsburgh Business Times: Covid-19 vaccination pace increases, but so do cases in Allegheny County 
City Paper: Sex workers in Pittsburgh discuss local impact of damaging anti-trafficking law FOSTA-SESTA 
WESA: Mass Vaccination Clinics Announced As Region Experiences Fourth Wave Of COVID-19 Cases 
WESA: Allegheny County Health Department Puts Mon Valley On Air Pollution Watch
WESA: Allegheny County Health Department Opens Its First COVID Vaccine Clinic In The Mon Valley
WESA: Despite Criticism, Port Authority CEO Says Proposed Fare Changes Should Benefit Low-Income Riders

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: County political leaders want transparency
Beaver County Times: Beaver County published wrong election count
Observer-Reporter: Facade repairs underway at Washington County Courthouse
Observer-Reporter: Wolf praises grocery store workers as they become eligible for vaccine
Altoona Mirror: Bender seeks re-election
Altoona Mirror: James plans supervisor run
Altoona Mirror: White to run for township supervisor
Altoona Mirror: Residents urged to book vaccines
Altoona Mirror: Dean Township citizens criticize new supervisor’s changes
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County surpasses 30,000 covid cases
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Double-digit COVID-19 cases across region, hospitalizations increasing

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Broadband in county’s rural areas could improve with grant help
Times-Tribune: 2-week rate of new COVID cases dips in state, region
Citizens Voice: Officials to tour White Haven library, possible new home of county visitors bureau
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre delivering vaccine to elderly high-rise residents
Citizens Voice: 121 new COVID-19 cases recorded in county on Wednesday 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County officials to visit suggested White Haven tourism bureau site 
The Times Leader: 121 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Wednesday; 1 death

South Central 
York Daily Record: Killing the Chesapeake: Report says it will cost Pa. $521 million a year to save the bay 
York Daily Record: PA-American Water Co. buys York sewer plant for $235M, suburban customers plan to appeal 
York Daily Record: York County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 15% people fully vaccinated
York Dispatch: Wednesday update: 2 more die due to COVID-19 in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Continued rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations spurs concern in Lancaster County 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 53 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Wednesday

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Susan Wild, Bob Casey promote relief for Lehigh Valley families, childcare workers in $1.9 trillion package
Morning Call: Allentown NIZ authority looks to save millions on PPL Center debt payments 
Reading Eagle: U.S. Rep.Dan Meuser to visit border with Mexico
Express Times: Reaching vaccine holdouts brings Pa.’s acting health secretary to Lehigh Valley
Express Times: Lehigh Valley nonprofit gets $1.6M in federal funds to expand COVID vaccine access
Express Times: Pa. COVID update: Pa. reports 4,643 new COVID cases as 35% of eligible residents have 1 vaccine shot | Pa. COVID vaccine map (04/07/21)
WFMZ: Acting Pa. health secretary visits Lehigh Valley to address vaccine hesitancy
WFMZ: Lehigh Valley non-profit awarded more than $1.5 million to vaccinate the most vulnerable
WFMZ: Vaccine no-shows a growing problem for local providers
WFMZ: Police officers among latest category to receive vaccine

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie’s Phase 1B demand for COVID vaccine not as ‘overwhelming’
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council considers new burning rules
Centre Daily Times: April 7 update: Centre County reaches 15,000 cases of COVID-19; Pa. adds 4,643 positives
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Health official: Area sees spike in virus cases
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Montoursville Borough Council gives water bill payment reprieve

Opinion  
Dawn Keefer: Protecting female athletes’ right to compete
David Thornburgh: How You Can Make Voting Fair in PA
Susan Wild and Charlie Dent: The nation faces its most challenging test since World War II. That’s why both parties must work together again
Ed Rendell: The strategy Biden needs to pass his infrastructure plan
Katherine Gilmore Richardson: Imagine if Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium helped solve Philly’s other major health crises 
John L. Micek: Metcalfe brags about owning the libs. What legislating and feeding raccoons have in common | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Tribune Review Editorial Board: A mental health clinic has to go somewhere 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Can we turn the corner on hunger?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Port Authority must maintain as well as expand
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: While under investigation, Rep. Gaetz should resign from the Judiciary Committee
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Lancaster County residents clearly want restaurants to comply with COVID-19 safety measures
Rodney Gardner and William Bentley: Putting children in jail changes them, but not for the better
Gene Therapy: Ohio joins Pennsylvania with ‘stand-your-ground’ law, also known as ‘make my day’
Ernest Owens: Philly Politicians Are Condemning Derek Chauvin. Why Are They Silent on Local Police Brutality?
Jenice Armstrong: The Columbus Day holiday is based on a lie. Yet, some people don’t want to let it go 
Lauren Footman: Solving gun violence in Philly needs more than buzzwords
Nic Esposito: I’m not joining Philly’s Spring Cleanup until the Kenney administration does more for our streets 
Frank Pizzoli: ‘No one is asking for this’: LGBTQ advocates lash transgender sports bill 
Mark O’Keefe: My family’s experience explains why mental health reform has to be part of the solution to mass shootings 
Helen Ubiñas: Political theater continues to distract us from real discrimination 
Mary Frances Berry: Speaking out for women of color nominees to Biden’s cabinet