Toomey Backs Gun Control Deal. Schmidt to Testify Before Jan. 6 Committee as Hearings Continue. Hens-Greco endorsed as Allegheny County Dems chair. Here is the Playbook.

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News

“Laughable, Ludicrous … Lie,” Says Perry Spokesperson: The January 6 Select Committee has alleged that congressman Scott Perry has pursued a presidential pardon.

Supreme Court Allows ‘Undated’ Ballots in PA: The United States Supreme Court has denied the application for stay of the 3rd Circuit Court decision to allow the counting of so-called undated mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania.

Sources: Kelly Not Seeking Reelection as Allegheny Dems Chair: Two sources are reporting that Eileen Kelly, chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Party, will not seek reelection to the post at the group’s upcoming meeting.

PA Senate Race: ‘U.S. Senate race in Pa. could be potential referendum on national firearm debate’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “in a state that’s suffered more than a dozen mass shootings this year and has seen its two population centers rattled by near-nightly gun violence, officials and activists on both sides of the aisle are looking to November’s election for U.S. Senate here as a potential referendum on the status of the nation’s gun debate.”

• Politico: Senate Dems’ best chances to expand majority may run through 2 unconventional lieutenant governors
• Inquirer: Mehmet Oz pictured at launch of his general election campaign

‘Pat Toomey among the key 10 Senate Republicans supporting newly unveiled gun control deal’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “a group of senators, including a key bloc of Republicans — among them Pennsylvania’s Pat Toomey — has put forward a “commonsense, bipartisan” deal on gun reform amid a surge in mass shootings.”

‘Budget mavens Browne and Saylor’s reelection losses not a factor in negotiations, experts say’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “some state government watchers, legislators and staff say there’s a potential that legacy burnishing, by both the leaders and Wolf, could result in a tough fight for a compromise. Others say Browne, Saylor and Corman are stalwart fiscal conservatives who won’t change their approaches to bargaining.”

‘Pennsylvania House Republicans want to save billions in surplus tax money’: WITF reports that “Pennsylvania’s next state budget is due by month’s end, and lawmakers are beginning to hammer out the details of what will surely be a spending plan that is larger than the $39.8 billion plan approved last June.”

‘Wolf vows to veto legislation ‘censoring’ education on sexual orientation, gender identity in schools’: PennLive reports that “proposed legislation that two Lancaster County Republican state senators plan to soon introduce dealing with discussions and materials about sexual orientation and gender identity in schools is not welcomed by Pennsylvania’s Gov. Tom Wolf.”

‘Former City Commissioner Al Schmidt to testify for select committee on Jan. 6 Capitol attack’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “former Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt, a target of former President Donald Trump’s false claims about 2020 election fraud, will testify Monday for the Congress’ Jan. 6 Select Committee.”

‘Fitzpatrick 1 of 5 Republicans to vote for gun control measures in House’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that “Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick broke ranks with the majority in the Republican Party on Wednesday, becoming one of only five GOP members to vote with Democrats to approve gun control legislation.”

‘U.S. Rep. Scott Perry takes to talk radio to counter-attack against pardon allegation’: PennLive reports that “midstate Congressman Scott Perry took to conservative talk radio Friday to blast the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 attacks on the U.S. Capitol and, in particular, its scrutiny if his personal involvement in former President Donald J. Trump’s efforts to stay in power after his 2020 election loss to Joseph R. Biden Jr.”

‘Shamaine Daniels calls for criminal investigation of U.S. Rep. Scott Perry’: PennLive reports that “U.S. Rep. Scott Perry’s opponent in the November election on Friday called for a criminal investigation related to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.”

‘General Services secretary to depart at end of the month’: PennLive reports that “Curt Topper, who served as the head of the state Department of General Services since 2015, becomes the 34th Cabinet member to depart Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration, according to a senator’s count.”

‘Pennsylvania pulls gay pioneer’s marker over 1993 interview’: The Associated Press reports that “a roadside historical marker installed less than a year ago to honor a gay rights pioneer has been removed after a state senator raised concerns with Pennsylvania’s state history agency about the man’s 30-year-old memories of an early sexual encounter with another boy.”

‘A ‘tidal wave’ in psychology: Advocates call on lawmakers to approve psilocybin treatment’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “a bill is now before a Pa. House committee, but its prospects appear uncertain.”

‘Rep. Keller: January 6th committee is a distraction from focusing on real issues’: Fox News reports that “Rep. Fred Keller, R-Pa., slams the Jan. 6 committee for being an excuse for Democrats to not focus on real issues impacting Americans.”

‘Why Pennsylvania may finally lower its sky-high corporate net income tax rate’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that “in the waning days of his second and final term, Wolf has what may be his last shot to amend this part of the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The governor and General Assembly — the state Senate and House of Representatives, Republicans and Democrats — all seek to lower the rate in the name of competitiveness in business attraction and retention.”

‘State reps endorse Hens-Greco, Overton for Allegheny County Democratic Committee’: WESA reports that “local members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives endorsed Sam Hens-Greco and Morgan Overton for chair and vice-chair of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee on Friday afternoon. The move came as current chair Eileen Kelly said she would not run for another term.”

‘Speaker Cutler, and Consumer Protection’: “This week’s Pennsylvania Newsmakers features special guest Bryan Cutler, Pennsylvania Speaker of the House, who discusses important issues before the legislature: abortion, guns, and the upcoming state budget debate. Then, Mike Wishnow, Senior Vice President of the CrossState Credit Union Association, and Beki Landon, Senior Vice President of Belco Community Credit Union, join host Terry Madonna for an update on the increasing use of debit and credit cards, interchange rates, and consumer protection.”

‘This Week In Pennsylvania: Mike Schlossberg, Gilbert Ambler’: ABC27 reports that “in this week’s episode, Owens will talk about how the November showdown for U.S Senate has been set. How John Fetterman may not be on the campaign trail for a little bit longer, and about how a state lawmaker is facing a DUI charge,” and more.

‘Neafcy wins GOP nod for 146th House Dist. with write-in votes’: The Pottstown Mercury reports that “it turns out there will be a contest in Pennsylvania’s 146th House District after all — and it will be a rematch. Although there was no Republican candidate on the ballot in the May primary, former Limerick Township supervisor Thomas Neafcy won enough votes as a write-in candidate to clinch the Republican nomination.”

‘Suspended Somerset DA wants ‘wiretap’ statements tossed; state aims to include alleged previous ‘bad acts’’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that “suspended Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas wants recordings of conversations between him and a woman he’s accused of sexually assaulting to be excluded from his upcoming trial.”

Regional Spotlight: Southeast and Lehigh Valley
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks lawmaker introduces assault weapons ban. Can it pass in Pennsylvania?
Inquirer: Former State Rep. Mike Driscoll replaces convicted Bobby Henon on Philly City Council
Billy Penn: Shake Shack declines to drop Martin’s, but says they’re in ‘active conversations’ about the bakery’s ties to Mastriano
Inquirer: Philly-area faith leaders remember gun violence victims and rally for change
Inquirer: Philly’s mayor says he has a $184M antiviolence strategy. Some elected officials say the plan is inadequate.
Billy Penn: Cutting through the budget BS with Rebecca Rhynhart: 4 takeaways
Billy Penn: In Democratic ward elections full of infighting (and physical fighting!) Philly progressives make key gains
Morning Call: How Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted on gun control bills
Bucks Local News: Pennycuick bill backs use of ‘magic mushrooms’ to treat PTSD
Daily Local News: Tredyffrin challenger seeks to oust Chester County GOP chairman; Dems stick with Valyo
WHYY: Legislative effort to rehire retired Philly police officers is on ice
Daily Local News: Hennessey bill would send unsafe drivers to school
Morning Call: 3 takeaways on how Allentown could spend its remaining $28 million from American Rescue Plan
Inquirer: Local legislators see bipartisan gun deal as important first step
Inquirer: A proposed LNG plant in Chester would be gigantic and hardly anyone knows about it
Inquirer: Philly releases reports on city’s mishandling of MOVE bombing victims’ remains
Inquirer: Amtrak’s new bus service links Reading and Pottstown to Philly. Is it a precursor to rail service?
Inquirer: Kenney says Philly is ‘doing everything it can’ as probe into South Street mass shooting continues
Inquirer: Philly Proud Boys president Zach Rehl charged with sedition alongside four other leaders accused in Jan. 6 attack
Inquirer: Business owners say weak enforcement is emboldening the violence on Philly’s South Street
Inquirer: Clerical error allowed South Street shooter to get a carry permit, despite earlier gun arrest
WFMZ: Wolf Administration highlights $200 million scholarship plan to help fill roles in healthcare, education
WFMZ: Gov. Wolf proposing sending checks to Pa. residents, but would that help or hurt amid high inflation?
Reading Eagle: Wolf announces $8.25 million investment in Berks infant formula plant
Billy Penn: As Philadelphia Water transitions to ‘smart meters,’ residents are getting blindsided by huge bills or shutoffs
Billy Penn: What can Philly learn from Detroit? Local leaders are heading to the Midwest to find out
WHYY: Gun violence activists, city officials brainstorm a way forward on gun violence prevention
WHYY: After South St. mass shooting, Philly mayor says removing guns only way to stop increased street violence
WHYY: Philly police believe more officers could prevent an escalation of violence this summer. Advocates say the problem runs deeper
WHYY: “Since when is getting your mail a privilege?” Germantown residents rally for better mail service
Daily Local News: Houlahan to host telephone Town Hall on gun violence
Daily Local News: Chester County commits to increasing affordable housing supply
Daily Local News: West Chester’s first Black mayor awarded honorary doctorate from Lincoln University
Reading Eagle: Pa. Senate passes bill allowing Reading, other cities to dispose of confiscated dirt bikes and ATVs
Delaware Valley Journal: Rep. Williams Wants Feds, State to Intervene in Philly Crime Crisis
Delaware Valley Journal: Putin Bans Brian Fitzpatrick From Russia
Philly Clout: Billy Lanzilotti still active in Republican South Philly ward politics, despite party’s expulsion
AP: Jan. 6 hearing doesn’t change many minds in Philly suburbs
Philadelphia Tribune: Philadelphia native gets Interior Department appointment
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly school district superintendent reflects on 10 year tenure
Fox News: Liberal Philadelphia DA Krasner’s policies are ‘getting people killed’: Retired police officer
Delco Daily Times: Prison K-9 unit disbanded by Delco council
Morning Call: ‘Not satisfied yet’: Bethlehem controller says investigation of former finance director Mark Sivak is ongoing
Morning Call: Five years after Bethlehem council rejected a sweeping ethics ordinance, members will consider anti-conflict of interest law
Morning Call: ‘Enough is enough:’ About 1,000 gather in Bethlehem to demand action on gun violence
Morning Call: A meeting about critical race theory attracted dozens of East Penn residents. Instead of race, they heard about math scores and life skills.
Reading Eagle: Former Reading Mayor Joseph Eppihimer remembered as caring for the city
Reading Eagle: Rep. Tim Hennessey among targets for fair school funding protesters [Updated]
WFMZ: Measure aiming to put constitutional question on abortion to voters gaining steam in Pa. Senate
WFMZ: Community mourns loss of former Reading Mayor Joseph Eppihimer
WFMZ: Berks offers survey to help identify where internet access needs to be improved
WFMZ: Amtrak begins bus service from Philly to Reading, Pottstown
WFMZ: City of Reading hopes to approve program that would provide teens with hands-on experience
WFMZ: Easton mayor, police chief try to set the record straight about purchase of armored vehicle at City Council meeting
WFMZ: Berks man remains held for alleged role in Capitol riot while attorneys file status report
City & State PA: In wake of South Street shooting, an existential threat to businesses
Philadelphia Magazine: Post-COVID, Does Center City Have a Future?
Express Times: Easton mayor apologizes for cursing at public meeting during Pudding Bar discussion
Express Times: Ex-director’s alleged thefts caused ‘great damage’ to public trust, Bethlehem controller says
Express Times: Hundreds rally in Bethlehem to end gun violence

Opinion  
Salena Zito: Democrats’ Pennsylvania floodwall
Ryan Bizzarro: Time to pump the brakes on Pa. gas price hikes
Nick Pisciottano: We must protect Pennsylvanians from price fixing
Mark S. Singel: We must rise up against evil
Paul Muschick: Finally, hope that fireworks could be banned in Allentown and other Pennsylvania cities
Marc Stier: Cut corporate taxes, but make corporations pay their fair share
Salena Zito: David McCormick looks forward to a promising political future
Will Bunch: Why is no one talking about Doug Mastriano’s plan to destroy public education in Pa.?

1. Benjamin Mannes: Regardless of what happens in November, an overhaul of the Pennsylvania GOP is long overdue

Susan Gordon: An environmentalist grapples with John Fetterman’s views on fracking
Teri Henning: Legislators must fund home healthcare now
Joshua Siegel: Pennsylvanians need policy and courage, not more thoughts and prayers
Greg Alvarez: Everyone wants Pennsylvania to be the next “hydrogen hub”— buyer beware
David Nathan: Pennsylvania’s approach to alcohol vs. marijuana makes no sense
John L. Micek: Analysis moves Pa.’s closely watched governor’s race to ‘Leans Dem’ | Friday Morning Coffee
PennLive Editorial Board: Three things Pennsylvania lawmakers should do tomorrow to protect our children
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Pa. Supreme Court should allow cities to impose gun regulations aimed at improving safety
Inquirer Editorial Board: It’s up to Pa. voters to preserve democracy in November
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: What is Rep. Perry trying to hide from the public?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The January 6 committee might do the Republicans a favor
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Downtown shooting shows risks of idealistic bail reform
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Tribute to a Post-Gazette legend
James Largay: Examining the abuse of power and its consequences
Fletcher McClellan: Here’s why the Jan. 6 committee’s public hearings won’t reprise Watergate
Chuck Ardo: Trump, allies blame Antifa. They’re looking in the wrong place
Ad Crable: With Pennsylvania hunters aging out, new methods to control deer may be necessary
Earl Henry: Why are we in these cultural wars of conservative vs liberal?
Jill Sunday Bartoli: Will we be Putin’s America?
John Cole: What’s really polluting the Chesapeake Bay? | Editorial Cartoon
Jeffery Gerritt: Ukraine economy devastated
John L. Micek: Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards reminds us what heroism looks like