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May 4th Playbook

The PA Supreme Court selected Mark Nordenberg to serve as the chair of the legislative reapportionment commission. Here is the Playbook. 

PA Supreme Court Selects Former Pitt Chancellor Mark Nordenberg To Chair Legislative Reapportionment Commission: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced on Monday afternoon that Mark Nordenberg, former Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, will serve as the chair and fifth member of the reapportionment commission.

Emhoff To Visit Allentown on Wednesday: According to a press release from the Office of the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff will visit Allentown on Wednesday as a part of the “Getting America Back on Track” tour.

WaPo: Cohen ‘Probably Will Be Nominated’ For Canada Ambassador: Comcast Executive David L. Cohen, who hosted Joe Biden’s first official fundraising event as a presidential candidate, “probably will be nominated” for Canada Ambassador, according to the Washington Post.

HD60: KDKA Previews Special Election: KDKA previews the upcoming special election for the state House’s 60th District between Republican Abby Major, Democrat Frank Prazenica, and Libertarian Andrew Hreha.

GOP Lawmakers Call for Wolf To Fire Vendor That Mishandled Virus Data: The Associated Press reports that Republican state lawmakers said that Pennsylvania “should immediately terminate the no-bid state contract of a company that performed COVID-19 contact tracing and exposed the private medical information of tens of thousands of residents.” 

Inky Provides Philly Primary Voter Guide: The Philadelphia Inquirer provides a primary voter guide for Philadelphians. 

Inky Previews Philly Suburbs Primary Ballots: The Philadelphia Inquirer provides a guide to what voters in the Philadelphia suburbs will see on their primary ballot in two weeks.  

KYW Newsradio Breaks Down Fundraising for Philly DA Race: KYW Newsradio reports that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s campaign has “attracted about twice as many contributions and raised about twice as much money from other parts of the country as he has from the city and suburbs,” while “challenger Carlos Vega, on the other hand, has received the vast majority of his funding from local donors.” 

Billy Penn Details Endorsements in Philly DA Race: Billy Penn provides an update on who is backing Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s reelection campaign and who is supporting primary challenger Carlos Vega for District Attorney in Philadelphia, adding that “the challenger has more union backing, while the incumbent has more pols in his corner.”

Gainey Talks to Pittsburgh City Paper About Mayoral Bid: State Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Mayor of Pittsburgh, talked to Natalie Bencivenga about his run for mayor and “why he says he’ll make Pittsburgh “a city for everybody.”

Alyssa Milano to Fundraise for Kenyatta: Alyssa Milano is holding a fundraising event on Zoom in support of state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s campaign for U.S. Senate on Tuesday evening. 

KYW Newsradio: PIAA Asks Department of Health to change mask policy during high school sports: KYW Newsradio reports that the PIAA, “the association that oversees scholastic sports in Pennsylvania is asking the Department of Health to roll back its requirement that all athletes have to wear masks, even when they’re in the game.” 

NextGen America Endorses Krasner: NextGen America, the liberal super PAC founded by Tom Steyer, announced that they have endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s bid for a second term. 

EMILY’s List Endorses Cognetti for Scranton Mayor: EMILY’s List, the PAC that supports getting pro-choice Democratic women elected to office, announced that they have endorsed Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti’s reelection bid. 

How To Submit Questions for Harrisburg’s Mayoral Candidates: PennLive and CBS21 News are taking submissions for questions for the upcoming “Candidates Conversation” with the five candidates for Harrisburg mayor, which will be taped Wednesday afternoon and streamed on Wednesday evening. 

Kelly Heads to Southern U.S., Mexico Border: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) is going to the southern U.S. border with Mexico to “find out the starting place for all this,” after “unaccompanied children were held in a converted sports hall in Erie for nearly two weeks last month.”

Scranton Times-Tribune Previews Dem Scranton City Council Races: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports on Democratic Councilmen Kyle T. Donahue and Tom Schuster; former Scranton and Lakeland Superintendent William F. King; certified nurse midwife Heather Mecone; and drug and alcohol counselor Charles Wasko’s bids for Scranton City Council.

Argall Calls For Schuylkill County Commissioner Halcovage to Resign: The Pottsville Republican Herald reports that state Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) has joined “many of his fellow Republican officials” in asking Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr. to resign “in the wake of allegations of sexual harassment at the courthouse and possible impeachment proceedings.” 

McSwain to Headline York County GOP Reception: Former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain, who is the chairman of the Freedom PA PAC and is a potential 2022 candidate for governor, is scheduled to speak on Tuesday evening at the York County Republican Committee’s Spring Reception, according to the York County GOP website. 

Pittsburgh City Council to Hold Hearing on Wednesday on Loss of Black Population: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Council “will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday for community members and activists to address their concerns on what they’re calling a “mass displacement” of the city’s Black population.”

WHYY: Philly Councilmembers call for a ‘bold investment’ to fight gun violence: WHYY reports that several Philadelphia City Councilmembers are calling for “more funding for anti-violence programs in the next fiscal year and beyond, as the city says gun violence has become the leading cause of death among young Black and Latino men.” 

City of Washington Considers Citizens Police Review Board: KDKA reports that the city of Washington is considering a seven member citizens police review board. On Thursday afternoon, “a first reading of the ordinance will take place,” while a Council vote on the ordinance will take place in June. 

McParland Named As Kenyatta’s U.S. Senate Campaign Finance Director: Catherine McParland announced that she has joined state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s U.S. Senate campaign as the Finance Director. According to a spokesperson from the Kenyatta campaign, previous roles for McParland, a Philadelphia resident, include serving as Finance Assistant to Josh Shapiro’s 2016 race for Attorney General, Deputy Finance Director on Bob Casey for Senate, Finance Director for Kahlil for Philly, Finance Director for Montco Victory, and Finance Director for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. 

NFIB Hires New State Director in Pennsylvania: The National Federation of Independent Business announced today that Greg Moreland will be the next State Director for the small business organization, according to a press release from NFIB. Moreland, who served two combat tours in the U.S. Army, received the Purple Heart medal after sustaining injuries in an IED explosion in 2012. Inside the PA Capitol, Moreland has held numerous roles including being a research analyst on both the House Transportation Committee and House Labor and Industry Committee, Policy Advisor to Speaker of the PA House Mike Turzai, and most recently as Chief of Staff to the late Senator David J. Arnold.

Casey Names Adams Press Secretary: Natalie Adams, who has served as Pennsylvania Press Secretary for Sen. Bob Casey since October 2019, has been named Press Secretary this week. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: One ritzy fundraiser shows how tough selling lobbying reform in Pa. will be 
Spotlight PA: Pa. Supreme Court picks former Pitt chancellor to chair powerful redistricting commission
AP: Ex-Pitt chancellor Nordenberg to chair redistricting panel
AP: GOP: Wolf should fire vendor that mishandled virus data
Patriot News: Bill to keep governor’s hands out of constitutional amendment process passes Pa. House panel 
Patriot News: Police reform in Pa. could increase diversity, ban chokeholds, more 
Patriot News: COVID-19 proves dangers of ‘corporate’-driven hospital care, need for minimal nurse-to-patient ratios, nurses’ groups say 
Patriot News: Which states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases (5/3/2021): Where does Pa. stand?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pitt’s Nordenberg to lead Pa. legislative redistricting commission 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: DOS: More than 741k Pa. voters have asked for mail-in ballots 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: After advertising error, Pa. Legislature moves to bring amendment process in-house 
Morning Call: Ahead of Pennsylvania primary election, which party has made biggest gains?
Morning Call: As New Jersey moves to loosen COVID-19 restrictions, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says Pennsylvania evaluating possibilities every day 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Daily vaccinations fall 19%
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf urges more vaccinations, says he is optimistic Pa. can start to return to normal. ‘We just want to be safe.’
USA Today: Pa. data breach: What you need to know after COVID-19 contact tracing info leaked
USA Today: ‘Pennsylvania workers are being left behind.’ Why our minimum wage trails neighboring states 
York Daily Record: Reporter’s notebook: Why we hope to help erase the stigma of poverty from Pa.’s working poor
York Daily Record: Who they are: 38 Pennsylvania residents arrested for involvement in Capitol insurrection
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. tipped wage workers rally behind Wolf’s proposed minimum wage hike
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf On Lifting COVID-19 Restrictions: ‘I Want To Go As Fast As We Can’
KDKA: 13,000 COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Thrown Out In Pennsylvania 
WESA: Why Pennsylvania’s Medicaid Program Has Seen Consistent Increase In Enrollment Numbers
WESA: Passage Of The Federal Equality Act Would Expand Discrimination Protections For LGBTQ Pennsylvanians
WESA: Vaccine Hesitancy Highest Among Jobs Like Construction And Farming
York Dispatch: Police: Prostitute who robbed john in York County tried to blackmail PA Bar Association president
Post-Gazette: Dems test infrastructure pitch with expansion of services for seniors, people with disabilities 
Delaware Valley Journal: Stalled PA Crime Victims’ Rights Law Has One Last Chance
StateImpactPA: Law meant to push drilling further from houses had little impact, study finds
Pittsburgh Business Times: Wolf on easing restrictions: ‘I want to go as fast as I can’ 
KYW Newsradio: PIAA asks Department of Health to change mask policy during high school sports
KYW Newsradio: Republican Pa. lawmakers call for investigation of unsecured contact tracing data
CNN: Pennsylvania man sentenced to 5-year probation after voting in name of dead mother  

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia district attorney attracts more out-of-state than local donors in re-election race
KYW Newsradio: Africa family, Penn Museum set to meet about MOVE victim remains
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia Water Department needs smaller rate increase than planned
Inquirer: Philly Voter Guide: May 18, 2021
Inquirer: Philadelphia scales back requested water rate increase, to 10.2%
Billy Penn: Philly DA race: With no party endorsement, Vega and Krasner wrestle for support
Billy Penn: Should Philadelphia expand the board that hears appeals on property violations and firearm permits? (ballot question)
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Councilmembers call for a ‘bold investment’ to fight gun violence

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County eyes tax decrease as budget numbers firm up 
Inquirer: What’s on your ballot in the Philly suburbs in the 2021 Pennsylvania primary
Daily Local News: Judge candidate switches parties 
Daily Local News: Chester County excelling in administering vaccines; 2 of 3 residents now vaccinated 
KYW Newsradio: May 18 primary: Here’s how to vote in Philly suburbs
Bucks County Courier Times: Ex-Bucks first assistant DA pays county back over $8,400 for DoorDash job 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 320 new coronavirus cases, 7 deaths over three days
Pottstown Mercury: Primary candidates urged to take The Mercury’s online survey
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown proposal would limit chickens to large lots

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Former Pitt chancellor to chair Pennsylvania redistricting committee
Post-Gazette: In the Mon Valley — where U.S. Steel has canceled major investment — many left wondering what went wrong 
Post-Gazette: City council to hold hearing on loss of Black population in Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: Pa. hits the 50% mark in vaccinations; Pfizer vaccine may be authorized for kids ages 12-15
KDKA: Pittsburgh Police Launch Website To Track Police Reform Changes 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 454 New Coronavirus Cases In Last 48 Hours
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pitt’s former chancellor chairing PA Legislative Reapportionment Commission 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Survey seeks to gauge region’s interest in returning to downtown for work or leisure purposes
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh council, activists to talk about ‘mass displacement’ of Black residents 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh to track gun violence data with help from ‘Everytown’ grant
Tribune Review: Plum Republicans challenging to be on the November ballot
Tribune Review: 6 Leetsdale Democrats running for 4 council spots on November ballot
Tribune Review: New covid cases continue statewide drop, rise in Allegheny and Westmoreland
City Paper: Five Minutes With … Ed Gainey 
City Paper: Five Minutes With … Bhavini Patel 
City Paper: Protester injured by police projectile, then charged for same incident claims mistreatment during preliminary hearing 
City Paper: Pittsburgh City Paper announces partnership with journalist Natalie Bencivenga 
WESA: State-Owned University System Moves Closer To Consolidating Six Schools

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Ballot questions serve as ‘referendum’ on Wolf’s handling of pandemic 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: More than 50% vaccinated in Pa., Blair County records state’s only COVI-19 death
Observer-Reporter: League of Women Voters offers hints on choosing judicial candidates 
KDKA: Resignation Of State Rep. Jeff Pyle Leads To Special Election On May 18 With 3 Candidates
KDKA: Citizen Police Review Board In The Works For City Of Washington
Altoona Mirror: Governor honors Flinton resident

NEPA
Pottsville Republican Herald: Argall asks Schuylkill County Commissioner Halcovage to resign
Times-Tribune: Five Democrats vying for Scranton City Council nominations outline positions, priorities 
Times-Tribune: State Treasurer hosts small business roundtable
Times-Tribune: New city clerk takes oath of office
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 cases, deaths dip in region, state
Times-Tribune: Long-term COVID-19 spread indicators look significantly better
Citizens Voice: Primary polling sites finalized, new sites included; Exeter to vote in West Wyoming
Citizens Voice: Monday is last day to register to vote; first day for drop boxes, in-person voting 
Citizens Voice: Candidate database now available 
Citizens Voice: Political scene 5/3/21
Citizens Voice: 42 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Monday
The Times Leader: Plymouth Township celebrates anniversary of leaving Act 47 status 
The Times Leader: 38 Luzerne County polling places changing for May 18 primary 
The Times Leader: Coronavirus vaccination efforts stepped up in Luzerne County 
The Times Leader: 42 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday

South Central 
York Dispatch: Third public forum on citywide surveillance proposal slated for Tuesday 
York Dispatch: York City Council cancels Tuesday’s legislative meeting 
York Dispatch: Monday update: 199 new COVID-19 cases since Saturday in York County
Patriot News: Central Pa. police work on change after George Floyd’s murder, but activists hope for more 
Patriot News: ‘Doing what we can to help’: How police departments are responding to calls for racial justice, reform 
Patriot News: Cumberland County commissioners give residents opportunity to review 2021-22 budget 
Patriot News: 129 Dauphin County restaurants impacted by pandemic awarded $3 million in grants 
Patriot News: What do you want to ask Harrisburg’s mayoral candidates?
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County judge candidates speak at forum, but audience more concerned about school culture 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 79 new cases of COVID-19 in Monday’s two-day report for Cumberland County
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘Take these damn masks off these kids’: Solanco parents protest mask requirement in schools [photos] 
LNP | LancasterOnline: 8 people in Lancaster County died from COVID-19 last week; here’s what state, county data says

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Second Gentleman visiting Allentown Wednesday
WFMZ: Voting officials in Lehigh Valley discuss upcoming primary election, filling out mail-in ballots 
WFMZ: Debate about policing rages on in Washington, and in the Lehigh Valley 
WFMZ: Emmaus mayor announces May proclamations 
WFMZ: Hamburg Center future: State lawmakers hope to generate jobs, some neighbors concerned 
Morning Call: Doug Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, to visit Lehigh Valley on Wednesday
Morning Call: Dozens remember victims of police violence — and discuss what to do next — at Bethlehem rally
Reading Eagle: PennDOT invites the public to online meeting on its funding crisis that could result in tolling the Lenhartsville Bridge 
Reading Eagle: COVID exposes need for greater broadband access in Berks
Reading Eagle: 2 vying for Republican nomination for Upper Bern Township supervisor
Reading Eagle: 2 candidates are seeking the Republican nomination for supervisor in Tulpehocken Township
Reading Eagle: 3 Republicans seek 2 open seats for Spring Township supervisor
Reading Eagle: 5 Republicans vying for four seats on Mohnton Borough Council
Reading Eagle: Republicans seeking 4-year and six-year terms on the Centre Township Board of Supervisors
Reading Eagle: Spotted lanternfly control in Berks set back by funding cuts 
Reading Eagle: COVID cases in Berks start to fall; 29 new cases are reported, a 6-month low
Express Times: Nearly a third of Pa. fully vaccinated; just under half with at least one shot; cases keep falling; Lehigh Valley over 73K cases | Pa. COVID vaccine update (05/03/21)

North by Northwest
Post-Gazette: Rep. Kelly, questioning feds’ handling of unaccompanied children in Erie, heads to southern border
Erie Times-News: ‘It’s about looking forward’: How Erie County schools might spend $100M+ in stimulus funds 
Centre Daily Times: Pa.’s Physician General visits BJC, takes questions on COVID-19 herd immunity, Beaver Stadium
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City, school boards tackle budgets
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Little League World Series announces US-only tournament for 2021

Opinion  
Rich Askey: How Pennsylvania schools should spend $7 billion in federal money
Jon Geeting: Yo, Council: Go All The Way With Sheriff Reform 
The Rev. Kevin Witt: Tell your legislators you don’t want kids in adult prisons
William Sproule: Pa. attorney general’s crackdown on wage theft sets a good example
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Rehab vs. jail: Saves money and lives 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: There is momentum for expanding Medicare to those younger than 65 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Welcome effort makes high-tech jobs all-inclusive
Inquirer: Is it time to ditch Philly’s iconic cobblestones? | Pro/Con
Bruce Katz, Kian Kamas and Luise Noring: The Urban Wealth Fund Solution 
Tony Norman: A salute to the journalists on the front lines
Saleem Ghubril: The unsung heroes of public education
Michael Hassett: Have you heard of Tonga? Why it matters to U.S. interests

3 Responses

  1. Nordenberg adds prestige to legislative reapportionment commission. Do not disappoint please.

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