Gov. Tom Wolf nominates Veronica Degraffenreid as Secretary of State in PA. Here is the Playbook. 

March 26th Ups and Downs: PA’s Former Health Secretary is confirmed to serve as the U.S. Assistant Health Secretary, a former state Senate candidate is charged for his role in the Capitol riots, plus the Harrisburg Democratic Committee endorsed a candidate for mayor. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Pittsburgh Mayoral Candidates Debate: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and primary challengers state Rep. Ed Gainey and retired police officer Tony Moreno, participated in their first in-person mayoral debate on Friday. 

Lamb Talks About American Rescue Plan: The Beaver County Times reports that Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) met with residents and health care workers in Beaver County to discuss the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. 

AP: PA’s Unemployment Rate Stable in February, As Payrolls and Labor Force Grow: The Associated Press reports that the state’s unemployment rate in February was 7.3%, which is the same as January, while the labor force and payrolls grew, according to the state Department of Labor and Industry. 

Kearney Reintroduces ‘Breonna’s Law’: State Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) has reintroduced Breonna’s Law, which would ban no-knock warrants, WHYY reports.  

Toomey Talks to Meet the Press: Sen. Pat Toomey talked to Meet the Press on Sunday about expanding background checks on gun sales, which he thinks could pass the Senate. 

No Cop Money PA Endorses Gainey for Mayor: State Rep. Ed Gainey’s campaign for Mayor of Pittsburgh has been endorsed by No Cop Money PA, according to a press release from his campaign. No Cop Money PA is an organization of student and youth activists formed in June 2020 to call on candidates in Pennsylvania to reject police union contributions and endorsements. 

Philly Dems Don’t Endorse Krasner: In what KYW Newsradio describes as a “highly unusual move,” the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee executive board did not endorse incumbent DA Larry Krasner for reelection in the upcoming primary. The Philadelphia Democratic Party did not endorse a candidate for the primary race. Krasner will face Carlos Vega for the Democratic Party nomination. 

Color of Change PAC Endorses Krasner: The Color of Change PAC, which describes itself as the political action committee of the nation’s largest online racial justice group, announced that it has endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for reelection. 

Christian Appointed to Delaware River Port Authority: Philly Clout reports that Ted Christian, a senior adviser for Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns in Pennsylvania, was appointed by Treasurer Stacy Garrity to serve on the Delaware River Port Authority.  

Joyce Talks to Fox News About the ‘GRINCH Act’: Rep. John Joyce (R-Blair) talked to Fox News about his proposed Guarding Readers’ Independence and Choice (GRINCH) Act, which Fox News said will “safeguard children’s literature from being “canceled.”

Meuser Supports Prosecution of Capitol Rioters: The Citizens Voice reports that Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) supports the prosecution of the supporters of former President Donald Trump who stormed into the U.S. Capitol on January 6.  

PA7: EMILY’s List Endorses Wild: EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, endorsed Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) for reelection in Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District. Wild was one of 17 congresswomen that the group endorsed on Friday.  

Denlinger Talks to LNP | LancasterOnline About Becoming Deputy Auditor General: Former state Rep. Gordon Denlinger (R-Lancaster) talked to LNP | LancasterOnline about being appointed by Auditor General Tim DeFoor as his deputy auditor general for audits. 

Manhattan Investor Is Revealed as Mystery Bidder for Morning Call: The Allentown Morning Call reports that Gary Lutin, a former investment banker, is the mystery bidder who said he is willing to pay $30 to $40 million to buy the Morning Call Media Group. 

Sanguedolce Sworn In As Luzerne County DA: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Sam Sanguedolce was sworn-in as the Luzerne County District Attorney on Thursday afternoon.  

Salavantis Talks to Citizens Voice About Tenure As Luzerne County DA: Stefanie Salavantis talked to the Citizens Voice about her tenure as Luzerne County District attorney. Salavantis resigned from office on Thursday to run for Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas. 

Salsman Has Law License Suspended: The Elmira Star-Gazette reports that Bradford County District Attorney Chad Salsman, who faces multiple accusations of sexual assault and other crimes, had his law license suspended by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. 

For Our Future PA To Rally Outside of Toomey’s Office: On Tuesday, For Our Future PA is leading a rally outside of Sen. Pat Toomey’s Philadelphia office about their support for the American Rescue Plan. According to a release, the speakers and activists will be joined by state Reps. Brian Sims and Chris Rabb, who will also give remarks. 

Biden To Nominate Donaghy for Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, Department of Veterans Affairs: According to a release from the White House, President Joe Biden announced his intentions to nominate Maryanne Donaghy to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Accountability and Whistleblower Protection, Department of Veterans Affairs. According to the release, Donaghy attended Temple University School of Law and practiced law in Philadelphia and previously worked in the U.S. Attorneys’ Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Delaware, where she focused on white collar fraud. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania court again backs limits on abortion coverage
AP: Wolf picks top election adviser to lead Department of State
AP: Justice eyes court reforms to serve those on autism spectrum 
AP: Rate stable in February, as payrolls and labor force grow
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Across the nation, and in Pa., Republican wave of voting restrictions swells | Analysis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf nominates Veronica Degraffenreid as Secretary of State
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: New nursing home regs expected in fall, but staff say they can’t wait much longer
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Time is running out for Wolf to repopulate shorthanded charter school appeals board
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: State parks to host volunteers, in-person programs beginning in April
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Increases in royalties paid by oil and gas producers, lease rates targeted in Biden review
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Save the reopening date | Five for the Weekend
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf nominates Veronica Degraffenreid to head up Pa. Department of State
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa.: More than 4.7 million vaccine doses given out so far 
WHYY Newsworks: Suburban lawmaker reintroduces ‘Breonna’s Law’ to ban no-knock warrants
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained at 7.3% for February, unchanged from month prior
PLSReporter: Wolf nominates Degraffenreid for secretary of state
PLSReporter: Nursing home workers plead with Dept. of Health, ‘Don’t Hang Us Out To Dry’
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 86: A Reintroduction Is In Order
USA Today: Gov. Wolf nominates special adviser Veronica Degraffenreid as new Pa. secretary of state
Post-Gazette: Pa. Congressman Joyce introduces ‘GRINCH’ bill to stop ‘cancel culture’ of kids books
Post-Gazette: Red tape or climate protections? Infrastructure bill puts new spotlight on federal permitting
KYW Newsradio: The US House of Representatives could be a lot bigger
StateImpactPA: Injection wells exist to hold fracking wastewater — but the water can move. Here’s how
StateImpactPA: Smart Talk: Solar power initiatives highlight industry growth
Inquirer: As Americans scramble to get vaccinated, many rural, conservative Pennsylvanians feel no urgency
Inquirer: FBI probes Pa. school pensions amid furor over false investment report, sources say
The Hill: Murphy, Toomey say background check bill could pass Senate

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: DA Krasner fails to get his party’s support for reelection run
KYW Newsradio: With federal relief, Kenney outlines priorities, including public safety, COVID-19, city streets
KYW Newsradio: Philly Proud Boys president to be released pending Capitol riot trial
KYW Newsradio: City campaign aims to dispel vaccine hesitancy
KYW Newsradio: Krasner takes aim at house theft, as victims face long process of reclaiming property
KYW Newsradio: Philly leaders, community members come together for rally against violence
KYW Newsradio: Flashpoint: Responding to gun violence – more police and transparency; first Latina city solicitor; Philly OIC 
Billy Penn: To stop Philly gun violence, officials should put their money where their mouth is, protesters say
Billy Penn: Philly hopes to boost vaccinations 50% by end of April, but the pace has stalled 
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia will use federal relief money on building repair, academic recovery, and dealing with trauma
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia joins national day of protest against anti-Asian racism
Inquirer: Philly Proud Boys president Zach Rehl denies inciting Capitol riot as he fights for pretrial release 
Inquirer: Hundreds arrested in Philly uprisings may avoid prosecution through restorative justice
Inquirer: Philly has lost influential Latino leaders during COVID-19. The communities they shaped are grieving.
Inquirer: Deporting Asian refugees, activists say, is anti-Asian violence – and removals are up
Inquirer: At the Eagles’ stadium, a COVID-19 vaccination clinic designed for people with autism: ‘We need to meet them where they are’
Philadelphia Tribune: City Council to probe how Philadelphia will use federal coronavirus funding
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia launching $1.5M media campaign to combat vaccine hesitancy

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: PA Dems OK to intervene in anti-fracking lawsuit
Bucks County Courier Times: County police chiefs support radar bill
Bucks County Courier Times: Report: Racial inequity “pervasive” in schools
Delco Daily Times: Pot-smoking, swinging Parkside councilman defies resignation request
Delco Daily Times: Financial analysis of deprivatizing prison to be presented Thursday
WHYY Newsworks: Suburban lawmaker reintroduces ‘Breonna’s Law’ to ban no-knock warrants
KYW Newsradio: Report finds racial achievement gaps in suburban schools
KYW Newsradio: Delco offering emergency rental assistance for residents in need
Delaware Valley Journal: COVID Money Distribution Favors Large DelVal Counties Over Small 
Delaware Valley Journal: DVJ Delegation Report Card, March 26: Constitutional Questions, Farm Weddings
Bucks Local News: Yardley Borough Council President announces re-election campaign
Pottstown Mercury: Rodriguez: Pa.’s unfair school funding system costs local taxpayers
Daily Local News: Chester County holds memorial events honoring COVID-19 victims
Daily Local News: 1 out of every 3 adults at least partially vaccinated in Chester County

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: From policing to gentrification, Pittsburgh mayoral candidates debate the issues
Post-Gazette: Lamb moves to strengthen federal methane regulations, rolling back Trump-era rules
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. reports 7,132 new cases, 33 deaths
WESA: Peduto Takes Fire From Challengers, Stands By Record In Debate
WESA: Advocates Say Port Authority’s Fare Changes Would Fail The People Most In Need
WESA: Allegheny County COVID-19 Cases Highest In More Than Two Months
WESA: Allegheny County Jail To Start Testing All Newly Booked Inmates For COVID-19
WESA: March 20-26 Explained: Solidarity With Asian Americans, Unemployment Turmoil & PA’s Solar Future
KDKA: Peduto The Target As Pittsburgh Mayoral Debate Features Some But Not All Candidates
KDKA: National Day Of Action: Pittsburgh Among Cities Nationwide Standing Up Against Asian Hate
KDKA:  COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 447 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing County Total To 84,258
City Paper: Rep. Conor Lamb talks goals to reduce methane emissions from natural gas infrastructure
City Paper: PHOTOS: Pittsburghers gather for Stop Anti-Asian Violence, Stop China-Bashing protest
Tribune Review: Penn Hills mayor, officials buzzing over expected millions in pandemic relief
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Public Safety director concerned about recent mass shootings in U.S.
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland report highest daily covid totals in more than 2 months 

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Lamb talks Rescue Plan, health care
Beaver County Times: Soon, it might not matter what vaccine phase you’re in
Observer-Reporter: Former North Belle Vernon councilman dies from COVID-19
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases rise across Pennsylvania
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Nearly 30% of Cambria residents have received vaccine; state reaches 25k deaths
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Nearly 5,000 new COVID-19 cases reported statewide
Altoona Mirror: Council debates downtown street closure
Altoona Mirror: Figart makes bid for Council seat
Altoona Mirror: Grant sought to study paper mill
Altoona Mirror: Planners to seek Ag grant

NEPA
Times-Tribune: GOP picks Chermak to run for 22nd seat
Times-Tribune: Meuser encouraging state to provide vaccine doses to independent pharmacies
Times-Tribune: Local officials optimistic about the future of travel and tourism in region
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 cases increase across region
Times-Tribune: Some NEPA counties lag getting COVID-19 vaccinations to seniors
Citizens Voice: A new era: Sanguedolce sworn in as Luzerne County district attorney
Citizens Voice: Meuser supports prosecution of Capitol rioters
Citizens Voice: Meuser encouraging state to provide vaccine doses to independent pharmacies
Citizens Voice: EXIT INTERVIEW: Stefanie Salavantis reflects on tenure as Luzerne County DA
Citizens Voice: Rural Health Corporation slated to receive more than $2 million in funding
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre bids farewell to retiring City Clerk Jim Ryan
Citizens Voice: Local officials optimistic about the future of travel and tourism in region
Citizens Voice: 174 new cases of COVID-19 reported over last two days in Luzerne County
Citizens Voice: Some counties lag in COVID-19 vaccinations for elderly
The Times Leader: ‘A truly humbling experience’: Sanguedolce sworn in as DA
The Times Leader: FBI: Scavo bragged he ‘stormed the (expletive) Capitol’
The Times Leader: Apology issued by Wilkes-Barre Controller Snyder after guilty plea to public drunkenness
The Times Leader: Not on agenda, but Wilkes-Barre City Council hears about dirty streets
The Times Leader: Gov. Wolf visits NEPA to share Pennsylvania’s vaccination success
The Times Leader: Debating $15: Should Pa., US raise minimum wage?
The Times Leader: Debating $15: Prof says wage hike won’t tackle poverty
The Times Leader: Debating $15: ‘People can’t afford to live’
The Times Leader: Luzerne County coronavirus cases and hospitalizations still rising
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre ZIP code 18704 surging in new COVID-19 cases
The Times Leader: 118 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Saturday; 7,132 statewide

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Former Elanco state representative takes on new role as deputy auditor general 
LNP | LancasterOnline: As PA eases COVID-19 restrictions, return of white-collar workers would provide boost to downtown Lancaster businesses [Lancaster Watchdog]
LNP | LancasterOnline: Dozens gather in downtown Lancaster Saturday to protest anti-Asian racism
LNP | LancasterOnline: Latest Pennsylvanian charged in Capitol attack led election protests in Lancaster County 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pa. officials project every adult in Pa. will be able to get vaccinated by June 20
LNP | LancasterOnline: If eviction moratorium expires, Lancaster County’s homeless shelters could face incoming wave of residents
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle borough launches platform for residents to share ideas, weigh in on issues
York Dispatch: Saturday COVID update: New cases in York County more than double a day earlier
Patriot News: Palmyra man pleads not guilty to U.S. Capitol breach

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley leaders lend their voices as Pennsylvania examines a future without a gas tax
Morning Call: Morning Call mystery bidder revealed: A Manhattan investor who sees opportunity in Lehigh Valley news
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: State logs highest one-day total since Jan. 30; Northampton County has top rate again
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Northampton County leads surge as more than 7,000 additional cases reported statewide
Reading Eagle: Priscilla Campos seeking spot as district judge in Reading
Reading Eagle: In his own words: Reading City Council President Jeffrey Waltman shares his COVID experience
Reading Eagle: New Berks COVID cases still elevated, but Pennsylvania numbers explode
Reading Eagle: Berks County hit with 214 more COVID cases
Express Times: Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board illegally restricted wine shipping, high court rules
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 4,900 new cases, most since January; state near 25K deaths; 100K teachers vaccinated; state parks reopening facilities | COVID vaccine updates (03/26/21)
WFMZ: Vaccinations ramping up in our region
WFMZ: Teacher vaccinations ramping up in the Lehigh Valley

North by Northwest
Elmira Star-Gazette: Bradford County DA Chad Salsman, accused of sexual assaults, has law license suspended
Erie Times-News: $350M from stimulus headed to Erie residents
Erie Times-News: How Toomey, Casey voted, week ending March 26
Erie Times-News: Crawford County man charged in Jan. 6 Capitol riots
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State senator’s fertilizer bill passes through committee
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mayor, council leadership eager to see financial plan begin
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City committee to talk growth with industrial representative
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 44 new COVID-19 cases
KDKA: Crawford County Man Jeremy Vorous Arrested For Allegedly Storming Capitol On Jan. 6
Post-Gazette: Crawford County man charged in Capitol riot with illegally entering building
Tribune Review: Feds: Crawford County man called police ‘cowards,’ stormed U.S. Capitol during riots
Centre Daily Times: March 26 update: Pa. adds almost 5,000 COVID-19 cases, highest daily total in 2 months
Centre Daily Times: March 27 update: Centre County adds 181 COVID-19 cases as numbers surge statewide

Opinion  
Gisele Fetterman: It’s time for the Dreamers to be safe at home for good
Jennifer Stefano: Pennsylvania Lawmakers Aim to Keep Tom Wolf at Bay
Judy Schwank: Chancellor Greenstein’s frank comments should inspire us to save PASSHE
Rick Santorum: Congress passed an incumbent bailout bill
Mike Doran: The nation’s water infrastructure cannot be graded on a sliding scale
Larry Platt: How Not To Blow The Stimulus Windfall
Adam Garber: Pa. needs a common agenda to fight for policies to end gun violence  
Chris Kelly: The United States vs. Frank Scavo
Matt Shorraw: Improving the standard for equality across Pa.
Inga Saffron: Mayor Kenney’s lack of involvement in Somerset El closure isn’t just a transit issue. It’s a leadership failure.
Paul Muschick: Why Pennsylvania should not yet allow anyone to get COVID vaccinations
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Lancaster County residents don’t just want a county health department — they need one
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: A promising police partnership and a call for commonsense federal gun laws 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Home sales Pa.’s latest silver lining 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Thumbs up for farmers and Dr. Levine
Inquirer Editorial Board: U.S. won’t get behind ‘common sense’ gun laws, but in reality, that’s only the first step
Inquirer: 10 ideas to stem the tide of Philly’s gun-violence crisis
PennLive Editorial Board: The United Way says COVID-19 hit Alice hard, and she needs help 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Police officers must police themselves
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Balancing rights: Victims must be protected
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The larger fight against hate is ours
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: IRS wisely gives taxpayers the option to delay paying the piper 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pittsburgh’s convention center roof is a costly sieve 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Stop changing the clocks
Grayson Quay: Pennsylvania needs an interstate compact to end corporate handouts
Jen Devor: Help Voters Vote 
Ellen Yin and Nicole Marquis: Make cocktails-to-go permanent, and six other things Philly restaurants need to survive  
Keith C. Burris: Sacred right; sacred duty
Tine Hansen-Turton and Mike Clark: Government must invest in direct care professionals to support those with disabilities during the pandemic 
Adam Marles: It’s time to prioritize nursing home residents, staff
David M. Shribman: Guess who else wanted to give Americans a financial boost
Russell Zerbo: Minimize pollution
Ron Sofo and Shallegra Moye: No lives, time or money to waste
Tony Norman: Names change, but massacres stay the same
JD Mullane: How COVID ends and our post-pandemic life
Dom Giordano: Time to Restore Sanity in Philly Suburbs
Will Bunch: Georgia governor signed a voter suppression law under a painting of a slave plantation 
Jenice Armstrong: Vaux H.S. mentoring program has lost two students to gun violence. Now, 100 Black Men is out to save the rest. 
Ray E. Landis: ‘Freedom’ is not another word for selfishness and greed. But from guns to the pandemic, we’re treating it that way 
Ashley Garecht: The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is failing our teenagers with hybrid education
Anntwinette Dupree-Hart: ‘Their lives were snatched away’: My family’s struggle after losing two members to gun violence 
Tim Hartman: The state of Pa’s safety net | Editorial Cartoon