Congressman Dan Meuser mulls a gubernatorial bid, while multiple U.S. Senate Democratic candidates say they support abolishing the filibuster. Here is the Playbook.
Meuser Mulls Gubernatorial Bid: Rep. Dan Meuser told PoliticsPA that he thinks Pennsylvania can be “an economic leader” with the right “Governor and leadership.” A spokesperson tells PoliticsPA that his campaign “did register a number of domains.”
Regan Hospitalized Following Motorcycle Accident: State Sen. Mike Regan’s Chief of Staff told PennLive that Regan is recovering from serious injuries to his legs at Penn State Hershey Medical Center following a motorcycle crash on Sunday morning.
Fetterman and Kenyatta Support Abolishing the Filibuster: In a Politico story titled, “Killing the filibuster becomes new ‘litmus test’ for Democratic candidates,” 2022 U.S. Senate hopefuls Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) both are quoted about their support for abolishing the filibuster.
AP: Senate GOP Won’t Fast-Track Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit ‘Window’: The Associated Press reports that a majority of Republicans in the state Senate said on Monday that they would not “employ a rarely used emergency process to amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to give victims of child sexual abuse a two-year windown in which to file civil lawsuits, possibly delaying a final vote on the window until 2023.”
Rothfus and Young Join Brobson Campaign as Finance Co-Chairs: Judge Kevin Brobson, GOP candidate for PA Supreme Court, has named former Congressman Keith Rothfus (R-Allegheny) and Allison Young, managing partner of Red, White and Blue Strategies (RWB), as Finance Co-Chairs for his campaign.
Wolf Announces Solar Energy Initiative: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that Gov. Tom Wolf announced that 50% of the state government’s electricity will be produced through a major solar energy initiative to be completed by 2023.
HD60: Pyle Endorses Major: The Tribune Review reports that former state Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong) has endorsed his former Chief of Staff Abby Major, 36, to replace him in the state House. Republicans will formally nominate their candidate Wednesday, Major said, according to the Tribune Review, while Butler County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Catherine LaLonde said that Democrats will vote on their candidate Thursday evening for the special election.
Brady Joins Jones Day: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that Scott Brady, the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PA, is joining Jones Day as a partner in the firm’s Investigations & White Collar Defense practice. Brady has been mentioned as a potential candidate for statewide office in 2022.
PennLive: PA House Passes Bill to Loosen Rules on Substitute Teachers: PennLive reports that legislation, sponsored by state Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland), to “provide more flexibility when it comes to finding substitute teachers to staff classrooms,” won unanimous approval in the state House on Monday.
Northampton County Council President Seeks Reelection: WFMZ reports that Lori Vargo Heffner, president of Northampton County Council, is running for a second term.
Harrisburg & DC
AP: Senate GOP won’t fast-track child sex abuse lawsuit ‘window’
AP: Pennsylvania eases mask mandate for vaccinated people
AP: Pennsylvania lawmaker in hospital after motorcycle accident
Inquirer: Former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain is taking a step toward running for Pennsylvania governor next year
Spotlight PA: Ballot questions should be clear, but two written by the Wolf administration don’t pass the test
Spotlight PA: Child sex abuse survivors in Pa. denied legal relief as emergency effort fails
Post-Gazette: In one sentence, Pa.’s State System leader roils university merger plans
Patriot News: Pa. Senate nixes ‘window’ for victims of child sex abuse but advocates remain hopeful
Patriot News: Pa. House passes bill to loosen rules on substitute teachers
Patriot News: Pa. eases face mask order for people fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Patriot News: Child abuse reports have dropped sharply in Pa. and experts are worried
Patriot News: COVID-19 update: 3.3 million in Pa. have received at least one vaccine dose
Patriot News: Which states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases (3/22/2021): Where does Pa. stand?
Patriot News: 25 Pa. counties have substantial spread of COVID-19; positive test rate rises for first time in 3 months
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Abuse survivors dealt another setback, as GOP Senate says it won’t take up emergency reform
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. solar energy initiative to supply 50 percent of state government power by 2023
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Sen. Mike Regan hospitalized after motorcycle accident
Bucks County Courier Times: PA police arrested 20,200 for pot last year
PLSReporter: State updates legislative redistricting website as reapportionment commission kicks off
PLSReporter: Wolf says half of state government’s electricity will come from solar by 2023
PLSReporter: Pa. Senate leader says chamber won’t move expedited constitutional change for child sex abuse survivors
USA Today: Pa. Senate leader nixes emergency amendment expanding window for child sex abuse victims
KYW Newsradio: Pa. aligns its mask mandate with CDC’s recommendations for fully vaccinated people
Fox News: Pennsylvania police under fire for Facebook group posts critical of BLM protesters
Fox News: Detective divorcing wife after she was seen in videos at US Capitol riot with other man
WESA: Nearly 80% Of PPS Teachers Have Been Partially Vaccinated
WESA: Student Homelessness Has Likely Increased During Pandemic Though Tracking Hasn’t Kept Up
Morning Call: Pennsylvania eases indoor mask mandate for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19
The Hill: Democrats look to Georgia model ahead of 2022 Senate races
Politico: Killing the filibuster becomes new ‘litmus test’ for Democratic candidates
StateImpactPA: Wolf Administration to buy half of state government’s electricity from solar
StateImpactPA: Group worries that new air pollution permit could allow Clairton coke works to pollute more
StateImpactPA: Community group created to advise TMI cleanup
StateImpactPA: Contaminated Chester County site still mired in legal fights over redevelopment plan
Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia clean water initiative marks 10 years into its 25-year plan
KYW Newsradio: A year after Philadelphians were ordered to stay home, the city shows signs of recovery
KYW Newsradio: Philly LGBTQ leader calls for greater protections for trans women after latest attack
Inquirer: With Biden cash, execs see a rare chance to cut Philly’s job-crushing business taxes
Inquirer: Mobile vaccine clinics ramp up efforts to reach Philly’s most vulnerable communities: ‘Let’s bring vaccine to them’
Inquirer: COVID-19 cases rising again in Pa. and N.J.; all but one Philly elementary school cleared to reopen; last day for walk-ins at convention center
WHYY Newsworks: More aid is on the way for Philly renters. Here’s what you need to know to apply
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: FEMA’s Center City site will soon switch to one-shot J&J vaccine
Billy Penn: Temple University opening North Philly vaccine site for students, faculty, staff, and city residents
SEPA
Bucks Local News: Congressman Fitzpatrick joins county leaders, state legislators in voicing vaccine distribution concerns to Governor
Bucks Local News: Shake-up in the Bucks County District Attorney’s office leaves one prosecutor demoted, one promoted
Bucks Local News: Bucks County ramping up vaccination pace as commissioners secure sixth site
Bucks Local News: Bucks County launches new assistance program for renters impacted by COVID-19
Pottstown Mercury: Coronavirus positivity rate increases in Montgomery County and SE Pa.
Daily Local News: Increasing cases pushes Chester County out of ‘low risk’ virus category
Delco Daily Times: Delco native’s new book looks at Bush family women
Pittsburgh
WESA: Manufacturers Should Be Only Ones Allowed To Make 3D Printed Guns, Says State Senator
WESA: Police Facebook Group Leads To Amplified Calls For Independent Oversight
WESA: HUD’s Pledge To Investigate Discrimination Met By Cautious Optimism Among Local LGBTQ Housing Groups
Post-Gazette: Ahead of infrastructure bill, Congress brings back earmarks. But what does that mean for Pittsburgh?
Post-Gazette: USDA extends pandemic SNAP, child hunger benefits while federal officials assess food aid programs’ future
Post-Gazette: Article on local police officers prompts discussions about tightening social media policies
Post-Gazette: State reports nearly 4,000 new virus cases
Pittsburgh Business Times: Former U.S. Attorney for Western PA joining Jones Day
Tribune Review: Sharpsburg’s Kayla Portis becomes borough’s first Black councilperson
Tribune Review: Highmark boasts $490M operating gain in 2020 — better than pre-pandemic
KDKA: ‘We Are Tired Of Living In Fear:’ Hundreds Gather To Call For End To Violence Against Asian-Americans
KDKA: AP: Posts To Private Pittsburgh-Area Police Facebook Group Show Hostility, Hate
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 425 New Coronavirus Cases Over Last 48 Hours
SWPA
Tribune Review: Special election to replace former state Rep. Jeff Pyle to be May 18
Tribune Review: Westmoreland commissioners to hold info session on coronavirus vaccines
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: House panel debates prescription drug price transparency
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Effort to change Constitution for sex-abuse survivors falls apart
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pa. announces landmark solar power deal for eastern counties
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: One COVID-19 death statewide, 11 cases across four counties
Observer-Reporter: Mount Pleasant police chief, magistrate candidate under fire for social media group
Altoona Mirror: Pa. schools to get billions in COVID-19 relief aid
Beaver County Times: Beaver County among lowest vaccination rates
NEPA
The Times Leader: Poll shows Barletta favored by GOP voters to run for governor
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council has packed Tuesday meeting agenda
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council to discuss lease relocating tourism and visitors’ center inside historic train station
The Times Leader: 46 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday
Citizens Voice: One question resolved, one remains in DA controversy
Citizens Voice: Political scene 3/22/21
Citizens Voice: 46 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Monday
Times-Tribune: O’Malley withdraws Kovaleski petition challenge, then they rip each other
Times-Tribune: Scranton to assist city residents stressed by pandemic with housing costs
Times-Tribune: State allows COVID-19 vaccinated more leeway in gathering
South Central
York Dispatch: Police: Sen. Regan injured when motorcycle failed curve, hit van
York Dispatch: Official: ‘Good shot’ sewer authority will vote on York wastewater system sale on Wednesday
York Dispatch: 146 additional COVID-19 cases reported in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons to talk with LNP|LancasterOnline; send us your questions
LNP | LancasterOnline: Ephrata Borough to promote assistance program for utilities customers facing disconnection
Patriot News: Pa. senator hospitalized with injuries from a motorcycle crash
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County names primary bidder for Claremont as matter becomes more politicized
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 47 new cases of COVID-19 Sunday and Monday combined for Cumberland County
Lehigh Valley
WFMZ: Issue at Allentown property has city council members calling for more landlord laws
WFMZ: Group of Pennsylvania lawmakers wants to blow up state’s fireworks law
WFMZ: Northampton County Council president seeks reelection
WFMZ: Spring Township to receive $2.73M in federal stimulus funds
Morning Call: Allentown Council members vow to wage ‘war on slumlords’; news conference leads to shouting match with Center City landlord
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: March declines wiped out by wave of additional cases
Reading Eagle: Berks remains among 25 counties where the risk of spreading COVID is substantial
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 55 new COVID cases, but trends show rise after a week of spikes
Express Times: Fowl play? Easton City Council to revisit ban of backyard chickens.
Express Times: COVID in Pa: 1.7M residents fully vaccinated, but case counts starting to creep upward; DOH provides masking guidelines for vaccine-covered residents; hospitalizations trending upward | Pa. COVID vaccine map (03/22/21)
North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Though short of signatures, Andrezeski gets on ballot
Erie Times-News: City to irate Ravine Drive neighbors: No decision yet
Erie Times-News: Erie County has 17 new COVID-19 cases as of Monday
Patriot News: Almost 100 people come out to protest university consolidation plan involving Lock Haven: Report
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 10 new COVID-19 cases
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County approves flood wall, House passes COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act
Centre Daily Times: March 22 update: Centre County adds 75 weekend COVID-19 cases as positivity rate rises
Opinion
Amen Brown: Criminal access to illegal guns is a real threat in our communities
Jennifer Breen Feist, Corey Feist, and Susan Wild: Time to prioritize the mental health of our frontline health care heroes
Inquirer Editorial Board: Phasing out Pa.’s gas tax creates a new challenge: What comes next?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Tolling bridges isn’t the answer
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: In case of emergency, don’t avoid the ER
Antoinette Kraus: Pa. residents will see expanded healthcare through the American Rescue Plan. Here’s how
Joseph Minott: Philadelphia should fund sidewalks like it funds streets
Dr. Sandra Narayanan: Every minute of delay can mean a week of recovery for stroke patients
Elaine Maimon: A Year of COVID: Higher Ed Will Never Be The Same Again…
John L. Micek: Worrying experts, COVID testing is declining nationwide. Where does Pa. fall? | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Emily A. Largent: No, vaccine seekers, your condo is not a congregate living facility
Tarik S. Khan: ‘House call heroes’ can get more people vaccinated in Philly and beyond
Krista K. Thomason: It is totally normal to have vaccine envy right now
Jacob Winch: Gen Z – Your voting rights depend on your state legislatures
Tom Stiglich: Cartoon: Philly’s tragic March Madness