🥶 I’m ready to balmy up. What about you?
🗞️ PoliticsPA Guide is compiled by Steve Ulrich. To read in your browser, click here. Has this email been sent to you? Subscribe for free.
Weather in Pennsylvania
🌥️ Washington | Rising clouds, 12
🌥️ Royal Port | Rising clouds, 16
☀️ Nottingham | Sunny, 17
Sports PA
🏈 Eagles (16-3) | Sun vs. Washington
🏒 Penguins (20-21-8) | Thu vs. Anaheim
🏒 Flyers (22-20-6) | Detroit 2-1 (overtime) | Thu vs. New York Rangers
🏀 Sixes (15-27) | Denver 109-144 | Friday vs. Cleveland
🔊 What we hear. A special election has been called for Tuesday, March 25, for the 35th Legislative District seat held by overdue Assemblyman Matt Gergely.
📱 Social media. PPoliticsPA has a number of social media sites where you can get the latest political news from across the Commonwealth: Twitter | Blue | Facebook | LinkedIn
The most crucial story
1. Sworn in as Attorney General of Pennsylvania on Sunday
“York County District Attorney Dave’s Sunday took the oath of office on Tuesday to become Pennsylvania’s attorney general.
“The best results I have ever seen have been achieved through a spirit of cooperation and teamwork, from the Navy to UPS and certainly as a prosecutor,” she said Sunday. “I believe that the Office of the Prosecutor General has the potential to become a channel of cooperation. This office can work with a dynamic network of people and organizations, agencies and systems. (PolitykaPA)
Elsewhere
DeFoor sworn in for another term as PA auditor general. “Tim DeFoor, the first person of color to win election to statewide office in the commonwealth, was sworn in on Tuesday to a second term as Pennsylvania’s Auditor General. “I strive to be a leader who does the job right, draws conclusions based on facts, not politics, and serves the people of Pennsylvania,” DeFoor said. “By making government better, not tearing it down.” (PoliticsPA)
Garrity sworn in as state treasurer for a second term. “On Tuesday afternoon, Stacy Garrity was sworn in for a second term as state treasurer in the presence of family and dignitaries from the Northern Region and across the Commonwealth. “We must put aside past disagreements, seize this opportunity and find common ground. We cannot develop through division. We can and will grow by working together to make Pennsylvania a leader among states.” (PoliticsPA)
The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed a mail-in voting dispute in Pennsylvania. “The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear a request by civil rights and voting rights groups to strike down Pennsylvania’s mandate that mail-in ballots have a handwritten date on the outer envelope, which they say is unnecessary and results in the unnecessary disqualification of legal ballots ” (Reuters)
Trump Administration Orders All Federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Staff Placed on Leave. “The memo directs agencies to place DEI office staff on paid leave by 5 p.m. on Wednesday and to close all public DEI websites by the same date.” (AP)
Country
2. Fetterman is pushing for the PA housing program to become a nationwide pilot program
“Pennsylvania’s hugely popular home renovation program is once again being considered for a federal pilot program.
U.S. Senator John Fetterman last week introduced legislation to create a statewide pilot program for Whole Home Repairs, a popular state program that provides forgivable grants and loans to homeowners and small owners who want to repair and weatherproof their homes.” (City and state)
Elsewhere
Fetterman is doing everything in his power to dispel rumors of a party switch. “I’m not just a Democratic senator — I’m a senator for all Pennsylvanians,” Fetterman wrote on Twitter two weeks ago. “My job is to find common ground and get results for everyone.” (PoliticsPA)
Michelle Henry reflects on her time as attorney general. “Pennsylvania’s outgoing attorney general reflects on her tenure and talks about being the state’s newest inspector general.” (City and state)
Pennsylvania gaming revenues hit record highs in 2024 for one main reason. “Pennsylvania gaming revenues hit a record high in 2024, topping $6 billion for the first time, driven largely by the growth of online gaming.” (Beaver County times)
Arcade gaming regulation is back on the table in Pennsylvania. “The multi-year effort to regulate and tax skill gaming in Pennsylvania gained momentum last week from its most vocal supporter of the legislation.” (Central Square)
Residents were ordered to pay an $850,000 bond to appeal an Ohio derailment settlement. They vow not to give up. “Residents challenging Norfolk Southern’s $600 million settlement for devastating East Palestine train crash have asked court to throw out judge’s order requiring $850,000 bail to continue appeal for higher compensation and more information about contamination.” (AP)
Around the Republic of Poland
3. Northampton County Executive says he won’t run for another term
“Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure he will not run for re-election this year, he said Tuesday, likely setting off a fierce fight for his successor.
This statement marks a change in the position of McClure, who announced in November 2023 and in December that he would run again this year.” (LehighValleyNews.com)
Elsewhere
‘Are we really a country of law and order?’: Pardon of January 6 western Pennsylvania rioters receives divided reaction. “Four years ago, Winston Pingeon stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow officers, the only line of defense between an angry mob that vastly outnumbered them and the U.S. Capitol. Even now, the memories of that brutal day still linger in 31-year-old Mr. Pingeon’s mind. (Pittsburgh Postal Newspaper)
The Lancaster County voter registration fraud investigation has been transferred to the PA AG’s office. “The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office has taken over an investigation into alleged fraudulent voter registration applications filed in several counties ahead of the 2024 presidential election, officials confirmed Tuesday.” (LNP | Lancaster on the Internet)
$1 million from the state prevented the closure of a rural hospital, but its problems did not end there. “Like other rural hospitals, Bucktail Medical Center in rural Clinton County has faced financial and operational challenges.” (PA reflector)
The Commonwealth University Clearfield location will close after the spring 2027 semester. “The university cited declining student numbers and “the need for significant investment in the Clearfield location were key factors in this decision.” (Progress in Clearfield)
Editorial
4. What do you mean
1 item
5. The world’s best snow art
“The World Snow Sculpting Championships in Stillwater, Minnesota, had a novel winner this past weekend.
🏆 The Falcon team from Mongolia defeated 11 competitors from around the world thanks to “Głos”. Taiwanese band “Whispers in the Breeze” won People’s Choice and Artists Choice awards. (Axles)
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