President Joe Biden will deliver an address in Pittsburgh today. Here is the Playbook. 

Peduto Addresses Racial Equity Criticism in First Ad: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto released a 30 second spot and a 15 second spot that expresses the incumbent Mayor’s commitment to improving racial relations in the city and improving the police department and equality in housing, public safety, and education.

Post-Gazette Previews Biden’s Pittsburgh Address: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette provides a preview to President Joe Biden’s speech in Pittsburgh on Wednesday.  

Braddock Mayor Endorses Kenyatta for Senate: Braddock Mayor Chardaé Jones has endorsed state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s (D-Philadelphia) bid for the U.S. Senate, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Berrier Calls For Raising PA’s Minimum Wage to $12 an Hour: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Jennifer Berrier, the state’s acting secretary for Labor and Industry, along with state Sen. Jay Costa, and state Rep. Sara Innamorato called for increasing the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour with a pathway to $15 during a conference in Harrisburg on Tuesday.

Pennsylvania Capital-Star Reports on Which PA Members of Congress Have Been Vaccinated against COVID-19: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that out of the state’s 18 members of Congress, plus two U.S. Senators, 14 have been vaccinated, while 1 has not been vaccinated, and 5 are unknown if they have been vaccinated against COVID-19. 

PA Could Vote Earlier in 2024 Presidential Primary: Politico reports that Pennsylvania is one of the state’s mentioned that could vote earlier in the 2024 presidential primary. State Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) is quoted in the story saying that he, along with other state parties, talked to DNC Leadership after the primary last year about creating a “Rust Belt primary” in which multiple states would vote during the second week of March. 

Yaw Bill Addresses District Attorney Qualifications: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) has introduced a bill that would require a district attorney of a county to hold a valid license for practicing law in the state.  

Meuser Wants Independent Pharmacies Part of PA’s Vaccine Distribution: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) has sent a letter to PA’s Acting Secretary of Health, Alison Beam, “urging the commonwealth to reengage independent pharmacies as vaccine providers to increase access and promote equitable distribution” for the COVID-19 vaccine.  

Allegheny County Council Fails to Override Sick Leave Bill Veto: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that Allegheny County Council voted 9-5, with one abstention, which was one vote short of overturning the veto Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald made earlier this month. 

Peduto Hopes to Talk Water Infrastructure with Biden: KDKA reports that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto said he wants to talk to President Joe Biden during his visit to Pittsburgh about the repairs made to the city’s lead water pipes in the last few years and how they can build on it. 

Pittsburgh City Council to Consider ‘Clarifying Language’ For Eviction Moratorium: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Deb Gross introduced changes to the city’s eviction moratorium that would provide “clarifying language” for “landlords seeking to file against tenants during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Houlahan Hosts Discussion on Housing Assistance: The Daily Local News reports that Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) hosted a virtual roundtable on Tuesday on housing assistance. 

Hallam Introduces Bill to Ban Fracking in Most County Parks: Pittsburgh City Paper reports that Allegheny County Councilor Bethany Hallam is introducing a bill to ban fracking on most of Allegheny County parkland. 

Greene and Stollsteimer Elected to PA District Attorney’s Institute: The Delaware County Daily Times reports that Warren County District Attorney Rob Greene and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer have been elected to fill two vacancies on the Pennsylvania District Attorney’s Institute’s board of directors.  

Philly Gun Arrests Increase, But Convictions Drop Under Krasner: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that gun arrests are on a record pace in Philadelphia, while convictions have dropped under Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner.  

Inky: Immigration Activists Sue Berks Commissioners To Learn Plans for ICE Detention Center: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Make the Road Pennsylvania and several plaintiff community members cited a “deliberate effort by the Berks County commissioners to hide their decision-making,” about the future of the Berks County detention center. 

Former State Sen. Andrezeski Stays on Primary Ballot: The Erie Times-News reports that former state Sen. Anthony “Buzz” Andrezeski is staying on the ballot in the race for Erie County clerk of records.  

State Senate Honors Solano: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that the Pennsylvania Senate honored the life of the Patrick Solano with a condolence resolution this week. 

Mackenzie Appointed to Recycling Fund Advisory Committee: According to a press release from House Republicans, state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) has been appointed by Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) to serve as a member of the Recycling Fund Advisory Committee for the 2021-22 legislative session. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania election law reforms won’t be ready for primary
AP: Pennsylvania in talks to expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
WESA: Amendment Allowing Child Sexual Abuse Survivors To Sue Perpetrators Could Be Years Away
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Special Report: Dozens of members of Congress are vaccinated against COVID-19, but some still hesitate; How Pa. did 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: In Pgh return, Biden to unveil $2T plan to rebuild infrastructure, create jobs, move to clean energy 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Starting next week, Pa. school kids can be 3 feet, not 6 feet apart, under updated social distancing guidelines
Patriot News: Pa. lawmaker wants to tie school district dollars to students’ return to the classroom
Patriot News: Pa. advocates draw attention to victims of child abuse and neglect
Patriot News: Pa. changes COVID-19 guidance for schools
Patriot News: Face masks and social distancing will be required at summer camps and pools in Pa.
Patriot News: COVID-19 in Pa.: More than 5,000 new cases Tuesday, as Gov. Wolf touts vaccine rollout at HACC clinic
USA Today: Where is the COVID vaccine going in Pa?
USA Today: Pa. officials change social distancing recommendations
WITF: COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Are On The Rise As PA Prepares To Loosen Rules
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf: State On Track To Get Vaccine To Every Pennsylvanian By End Of April
KDKA: Rep. O’Neal: Gov. Tom Wolf To Announce Plans For Moving Past Phase 1A Wednesday  
Post-Gazette: Berrier asks Pa. to raise minimum wage to $12 an hour
PLSReporter: Wolf on vaccine passports, expanding eligibility and hitting Biden’s May 1 vaccine goal 
PLSReporter: Department of Education updates school guidance to align with CDC recommendations 
StateImpactPA: Alerted by high COVID “activity,” state health officials visited Shell’s Beaver County ethane cracker
Morning Call: Pennsylvania reduces safe COVID-19 social distancing in many schools to 3 feet; lessens school closure time after outbreaks
Morning Call: Pennsylvania fight over COVID-19 ‘vaccine passports’ may be brewing as Phase 1A of rollout nears finish
National Journal: Senate News
Politico: Dems could dethrone Iowa
CNN: Infrastructure was a Trump punchline but is a window into Biden’s soul

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Philly’s pandemic budget hole is big compared with other cities 
Inquirer: Philly City Councilmembers call for an increased focus on violence interruption as shootings continue 
Inquirer: Philly gun arrests are on a record pace, but convictions drop under DA Krasner 
Inquirer: Daily case counts have doubled in Philly in past month; many city vaccines have gone to non-residents; Delaware expanding vaccine eligibility to all adults
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia health chief says city may reimpose restrictions if Covid-19 cases keep rising
WHYY Newsworks: Philly police chief says agency can’t fund violence prevention even as spending grows 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Farley says pandemic ‘returning to where it began a year ago’ 
KYW Newsradio: Don’t know who to vote for in judicial elections? Philly lawyers are here to help
KYW Newsradio: As COVID-19 cases rise in Philly, over-65 population at particular risk 
Philly Voice: COVID-19 infections accelerating in Philly amid wave of variants

SEPA
Daily Local News: Congresswoman Houlahan hosts forum on equity in support of people still struggling from financial woes of pandemic
Delco Daily Times: Stollsteimer tapped for D.A.’s Institute
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks health director: Coronavirus spikes not outpacing vaccination rates here
WHYY Newsworks: Months into a new presidency, election tensions are still raw in this Bucks County school district
KYW Newsradio: Wolf: Pa. above average for first COVID-19 doses
Philadelphia Business Journal: Behind Montgomery County’s latest media blitz to boost local businesses
Montgomery Media: Tuesday update: Montgomery County reports 229 new coronavirus cases, 1 more death
Pottstown Mercury: Royersford moves to eliminate the per capita tax 
Delaware Valley Journal: Chester’s Sappey Hosts Conversation on Institutionalized Racism 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: In visit to Pittsburgh, Biden will speak from pro-union and well-worn carpentry facility 
Post-Gazette: Fitzgerald’s veto of paid sick leave bill remains after Allegheny County Council vote 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council to consider ‘clarifying language’ for eviction moratorium 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh launches new website to assist crime victims
Post-Gazette: PPE research center in South Park to expand with federal grant 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Gov. Wolf says end of Phase 1A coming soon
Tribune Review: Attempt to override Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s veto of paid sick leave law fails by 1 vote 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh officials endorse legislation to expand voting rights, condemn attacks on transgender athletes 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County and Pennsylvania see highest covid hospitalizations in a month
City Paper: Allegheny County Councilor Hallam introduces bill to ban fracking in most county parks 
City Paper: Teacher Steven Singer focused on boosting education and reforming the jail in run for Allegheny County Council 
KDKA: Mayor Bill Peduto Hopes To Talk Water Infrastructure With President Biden During Pittsburgh Visit
KDKA: Pres. Joe Biden Visiting Pittsburgh To Announce Multi-Trillion-Dollar Infrastructure Plan 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Council Expected To Vote On Paid Sick Leave Bill, To Introduce Bill To Get More Police Body Cameras 
KDKA: Pittsburgh-Area Leaders Concerned As Shootings And Homicides Rise In 2021
KDKA: Pittsburgh’s Black Lives Matter Mural Vandalized 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 412 New Cases, 2 Additional Deaths
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Council fails to override sick leave bill veto
WESA: As Biden Arrives To Propose Investments In American Manufacturing, Steelworkers Are On Strike

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Candidate for Cambria County sheriff, Stonycreek Township sued
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Greater Johnstown, other local school districts to receive millions in windfall relief funding
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State COVID-19 surge continues, topping 5,000 new cases
Beaver County Times: COVID-19 cases surge 22.9% in Pennsylvania
Beaver County Times: Pa. officials change social distancing recommendations
KDKA: Rep. O’Neal: Gov. Tom Wolf To Announce Plans For Moving Past Phase 1A Wednesday
Altoona Mirror: Duncansville officials mum on spike in arrests

NEPA
The Times Leader: Lackawanna County Commissioner gets GOP nod for Blake’s seat 
The Times Leader: Meuser wants independent pharmacies part of state’s vaccine distribution 
The Times Leader: Pennsylvania Senate honors the life of Patrick Solano 
The Times Leader: 106 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Tuesday. 1 more death
Citizens Voice: More than 100 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday

South Central 
Patriot News: COVID-19 in Pa.: More than 5,000 new cases Tuesday, as Gov. Wolf touts vaccine rollout at HACC clinic
LNP | LancasterOnline: New COVID-19 cases up 46% in Lancaster County in past week
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County residents can book COVID-19 vaccine appointments by phone starting Wednesday 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 94 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Tuesday
York Dispatch:  Pa. Health Department again experiences technical difficulties; York number rise

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Immigration rights advocates sue Berks County commissioners over the Berks Residential Center
Reading Eagle: How can there be a COVID surge when so many people have already had it and so many people have been vaccinated?
Reading Eagle: Berks records 287 new COVID cases, second most since late January
Reading Eagle: 
Morning Call: Allentown mayoral race: Upcoming candidate debates, forums
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Case rate increases 34% in one week
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 5M doses dispensed; Phase 1A nearing completion, Wolf says; new mass-vaccination sites in Lehigh Valley, Poconos; coronavirus cases continue statewide climb | COVID, vaccine updates (03/30/21)
Inquirer: Immigration activists sue Berks commissioners to learn plans for ICE detention center
WFMZ: Beam to join Schwank for town hall on COVID-19 vaccines
WFMZ: Berks health expert urges caution as COVID-19 cases rise

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Bill addresses district attorney qualifications
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 31 new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: Ex-state Sen. Andrezeski stays on primary ballot
Post-Gazette: A county left behind: Pennsylvania’s shift to bigger vaccine distributors leaves out McKean
Centre Daily Times: March 30 update: Mount Nittany Health ‘very concerned’ about rising COVID-19 cases

Opinion  
Mark Rozzi: Victims deserve justice. We are giving them a dual path.
Vincent J. Hughes: Sen. Doug Mastriano says being kicked off Twitter is “slavery”
Donna Bullock: Unequal treatment will never yield equal justice
Charles McElwee: John Heinz’s Legacy … and Pennsylvania’s Political Future
Salena Zito: Chris Frye Is Helping Stage New Castle’s Comeback
John L. Micek: Pa. federal court fight over Delaware River fracking ban heats up | Wednesday Morning Coffee  
John L. Micek: Is this year the year that local police departments finally get radar? | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Kari King: We can make childbirth safer for mothers in Pennsylvania
Bill White: Why the battle over Morning Call ownership matters
Rev. Charles Mock: Seek a ‘beloved community,’ led by those who empower the marginalized
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Wolf administration needs to be transparent about wasted COVID-19 vaccine doses and cease hiding behind 1955 law
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Rachel Levine’s appointment as assistant health secretary breaks barriers 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: State university system chancellor Greenstein would ax his own job if there’s no OK of merger rescue plan
York Dispatch Editorial Board: MLB All-Star Game should leave Georgia after state passes unjust voting law
Adam Marles: A year full of lessons from COVID-19’s impact on older Pennsylvanians
Joyce M. Davis: Here’s what happened to a child who spent 18 months in prison | Social Views
Tony Norman: Voter suppression is ready for its close-up
Bruce Katz, Victoria Orozco, Colin Higgins, and Aaron Thomas: The Virus and the City: A Tool For Equitable Recovery 
Syreeta Martin: One Year of COVID: Transformation (Re)Defined 
Lacey Wallace: Mass shootings are rare. Gun suicides are much more common, and kill more Americans
Paul Muschick: Why I’d be OK with sending a 70-year-old to prison for stealing a Snickers
Solomon Jones: George Floyd was somebody and his death can’t be in vain 
Jenice Armstrong: Slaying of beauty pageant finalist is another sign of how out of control gun violence is 
Will Bunch Newsletter: Why you should boycott Coke, Delta over Ga. law 
Trudy Rubin: There will be no peace in Afghanistan unless women’s rights are protected 
Lloyd E. Sheaffer: In this season of hope, we need it more than ever