Former Vice President Joe Biden delivered remarks of Democratic unity in Philadelphia on Tuesday evening, while a newly released GOP poll shows President Donald Trump with a narrow edge over the Democratic frontrunners in PA. Here is the Playbook.
Biden and His PA Supporters Call for Unity: Former Vice President Joe Biden delivered a message of Democratic unity on Tuesday evening in Philadelphia, signaling a pivot from moving past feuding with Sen. Bernie Sanders for the primary and instead pointed the focus on President Donald Trump.
GOP Poll: Trump Leads Biden by 1, Sanders by 4: The latest poll from Firehouse Strategies, a public affairs firm founded by 3 senior aides on Marco Rubio’s 2016 presidential campaign, shows President Donald Trump’s lead over the Democratic frontrunners shrinking in comparison to December polling.
Two PA Mayors Endorse Biden: In a release from former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign, more than 50 mayors across the country who formerly supported former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s campaign have endorsed Biden. Media Mayor Bob McMahon and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan Walker were the two Pennsylvania mayors included in the list of endorsements.
PA10: NEA Fund Recommends Eugene DePasquale for Congress: The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education (NEA Fund), which supports pro-public education candidates, announced on Tuesday its support for Auditor General Eugene DePasquale’s bid for the 10th Congressional District, according to a release from his campaign.
Harrisburg & DC
The Caucus: ‘It seems pretty silly to me.’ Pa. House members say their expense details should not have been redacted
Patriot News: The $100,000 Club: 9,751 Pa. state government employees earn six figures
Patriot News: Search the database of Pa. state government’s $100,000 Club in 2019
Patriot News: Key facts and figures in the $100,000 Club of Pa. state government
Patriot News: Is Trump’s response to the coronavirus enough? | BattlegroundPA podcast
AP: Nearly 10K state government workers are paid at least $100K
AP: Virus spreads in Pennsylvania; St. Patrick’s parade canceled
AP: Coronavirus spreads in Pennsylvania, as cancellations grow
Inquirer: After a canceled rally in Cleveland, Biden celebrates Michigan win in Philly. Thanks Sanders for his ‘tireless energy’
Inquirer: Trump promised to bring back manufacturing in Pennsylvania. He didn’t. Will it cost him?
Inquirer: Before Pennsylvania votes, Joe Biden, Bernie Sanders face a similar test in Michigan
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Healthcare and insurance in Pa. | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pensions position, lawmakers prepare as coronavirus economic impact trickles into Pa.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Health officials: Pa. now has 11 coronavirus cases; eight in Montgomery County alone
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: These are the two big ways it will be easier to vote in Erie County this year
PLSReporter: HDPC confronts charter school funding
PLSReporter: Legislature weighing options to mitigate impacts of COVID-19
WHYY Newsworks: Privacy vs. public health: How Pa. and N.J. weigh disclosing coronavirus patient details
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania Attorney General Shapiro charges 4 people with running $2M oxycodone pill mill
The Hill: Top Democratic super PAC says Biden will be the nominee
The Hill: Obama calls for protecting ObamaCare ahead of Supreme Court battle
The Hill: Swing state voters increasingly concerned about coronavirus
CNN: Obama strikes a serious tone in video celebrating Obamacare anniversary
Philadelphia
Inquirer: After a canceled rally in Cleveland, Biden celebrates Michigan win in Philly. Thanks Sanders for his ‘tireless energy’
Inquirer: Philly announces first coronavirus case; first patient dies in New Jersey, St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled
Inquirer: Philly warns against large gatherings after first coronavirus case, New Jersey reports its first death
Inquirer: Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade remains on, despite coronavirus. An expert of the 1918 flu pandemic thinks that’s a terrible idea.
Inquirer: Philadelphia conventions are being canceled amid coronavirus spread, which could have a big economic impact
Inquirer: How much would a payroll tax cut add to your paycheck? Philly accountants lay it out
Inquirer: The Palm, once Philadelphia’s power-lunch hub, has closed
WHYY Newsworks: Philly wants to try ‘basic income’
WHYY Newsworks: Philly announces its first COVID-19 case, Pa. total now stands at 12
WHYY Newsworks: Anti-Asian propaganda on display in City Hall
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly Council pushes ahead with proposal to regulate overdose prevention sites
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly confirms first presumptive coronavirus case as officials advise against large, public gatherings
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly nonprofits to observe National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day
PLSReporter: Philadelphia confirms first coronavirus case
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Coronavirus News: Philly’s First Case, School Closings, Lots of Bar Soap
KYW Newsradio: With first coronavirus case in Philadelphia, health officials recommend avoiding crowded public gatherings
KYW Newsradio: Philly, NJ-area colleges alter schedules, consider online courses amid coronavirus
KYW Newsradio: Coronavirus concerns prompt major conventions to cancel in Philly
Philly Voice: As Philly confirms its first coronavirus case, residents urged to avoid public gatherings
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia cancels St. Patrick’s Day Parade
SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Coronavirus town hall hosted by U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan focuses on facts
Pottstown Mercury: Lawmaker proposes worker protections during coronavirus emergency
Delco Daily Times: State, Delco join forces to battle construction misclassifications
Delco Daily Times: Some Delco public schools to close for a day to prepare for coronavirus
Daily Local News: WCU moves to remote learning due to virus
Bucks Courier Times: Bucks County reports first two coronavirus cases
Bucks Courier Times: New Britain officials express environmental concerns over trailer park proposal
Inquirer: West Chester University cancels all in-person classes because of coronavirus, instruction will go online
Inquirer: Private contractor offers to end running Delco prison
Montgomery Media: Telford council hears voting machine, census updates
Bucks Local News: Homelessness drops in Bucks while housing crisis needs increase
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Burgess, Lavelle propose creation of city Commission on Racial Equity
Post-Gazette: White House likely to pursue federal aid for shale companies hit by oil shock, coronavirus downturn
Post-Gazette: Transcript: Post-Gazette’s Politically Inclined podcast debuts with Bethany Hallam interview
KDKA: Mayor Peduto Introducing Bill To City Council To Improve Pedestrian Safety
KDKA: Veterans Affairs To Host Town Hall Meeting
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Council to consider legislation aimed at eliminating racial inequalities
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh zoning change would eliminate parking spot requirement for row housing
City Paper: Y’22 is a new movement to put young people in Pittsburgh’s board rooms
WESA: Pittsburgh City Council Introduces ‘Ten Commitments’ Of Racial Equity
WESA: EPA Proposes Regulating PFAS Chemicals In Drinking Water; What Are They?
SWPA
Beaver County Times: Lamb bill canceling disabled vets’ student loans passes House
Beaver County Times: Aliquippa’s mayor backs Biden after Bloomberg quits
Beaver County Times: Ambridge council: ‘No new lawyer to defend Beemac decision’
Altoona Mirror: Board splits Second Amendment vote
Altoona Mirror: Richardson resigns from council
Observer-Reporter: Professor sees political animosity — and the antidote of thoughtful discussion
Observer-Reporter: County tourism agency an economic driver, study says
Observer-Reporter: Blight Working Group to survey Washington
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown yet to begin city manager search
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State Sen. Pat Stefano will host seminar
NEPA
The Times Leader: Yudichak, Kaufer host rally for tax-credit bill
The Times Leader: Luzerne County won’t pursue legal action challenging stormwater fee
The Times Leader: Property sale and street cleaning discussed at Wilkes-Barre council work session
Citizens Voice: Yudichak, Kaufer rally for bill to establish Energy and Fertilizer Manufacturing Tax Credit
Citizens Voice: Retreat prison no stranger to closure controversy
Citizens Voice: NEPA summit will gauge readiness for coronavirus outbreak in region
Citizens Voice: County will not pursue stormwater fee litigation
Citizens Voice: Brown announces plans to clean Wilkes-Barre’s streets
Times-Tribune: Scranton councilwoman responds to personal attacks at packed meeting
Times-Tribune: Yudichak, Kaufer rally for bill to establish Energy and Fertilizer Manufacturing Tax Credit
South Central
Patriot News: Harrisburg council backs creation of a state law that allows undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses
Patriot News: The $100,000 Club: 9,751 Pa. state government employees earn six figures
Patriot News: Search the database of Pa. state government’s $100,000 Club in 2019
Patriot News: Key facts and figures in the $100,000 Club of Pa. state government
Patriot News: Is Trump’s response to the coronavirus enough? | BattlegroundPA podcast
LNP | LancasterOnline: County government, local medical professionals to hold press conference Thursday on COVID-19
Carlisle Sentinel: Bill Tracker: Proposal offers senior property tax relief
York Dispatch: York City’s amnesty program ‘off to a good start’
Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: State total now at 12 as schools begin to close, colleges go online-only
Morning Call: Muhlenberg College ending in-person classes because of coronavirus; most students must leave on-campus housing by Saturday afternoon
Reading Eagle: Northwest Reading residents express concerns at community meeting
Reading Eagle: Perry Township considers policy for recording meetings
Reading Eagle: Laureldale swears in new mayor
North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Judge strikes state House candidate Hayes from ballot
Erie Times-News: Feds approve budget for east Erie crime plan
Erie Times-News: Coroner: Drugs more prevalent in Erie County deaths
Patriot News: Williamsport mayor urges boycott of planned National Socialist Movement rally
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: These are the two big ways it will be easier to vote in Erie County this year
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Peaceful protest organized to counter National Socialist Movement rally
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County Commissioners sign off on levee grant
Opinion
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Take bite out of blight: Allegheny County should create fund to demolish vacant properties
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Free thought and the library: Censorship efforts must be rejected
Inquirer Editorial Board: Philly needs to make tough calls on coronavirus — canceling St. Patrick’s parade was the right one
Dawn Keefer & Mike Regan: Stormwater fees on the rise
Abraham Gutman: Is State Sen. Anthony Williams a syringe exchange champion or supervised injection site NIMBY warrior? Both.
John L. Micek: Coronavirus in Pa.: Facts vs Fiction | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Stephen Moore: Biden and Bernie to Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia: Drop Dead
Terry Jarrett: Pennsylvania should take the lead on advanced energy technologies
Robert B. Doherty: Coronavirus epidemic makes the case for universal health care coverage
Mike Krauss: Philly should have a public bank, but do it right
Christine Flowers: Shooting down the plan to ‘shooting galleries’
Charlie Gerow: Either Bernie or Biden will face an energized Republican party
Jonathan C. Rothermel: The world needs American leadership on coronavirus. Right now, that’s not happening
Chris Kelly: Stamping out the hateful bolognavirus
Varun Verma: As coronavirus spreads, politicians should have the guts to make unpopular decisions
Will Bunch: Joe Biden needs to say now who’ll be in his White House. It’s the only way he beats Trump
Jenice Armstrong: Don’t believe the myth that black people can’t get coronavirus
Dan Simpson: A dearth of American leadership
Tony Norman: The Nazi and the Judge: A Love Story
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Announcing to be first woman U.S. President