Activists are launching a campaign to contact Pennsylvania’s 253 lawmakers advocating the passage of a bill that they say would bring more transparency to the process of redrawing legislative and congressional boundaries.

Fair Districts PA, a coalition of groups that support redistricting reform, is calling the effort the “March Toward Transparency.” It’s intended to garner the votes needed to pass Senate Bill 222 and its companion bill in the state House, which would formally outline a process of public input when state legislative and congressional districts are drawn over the next year or two.

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For years, advocates had fought to take the power over redrawing district lines from the Legislature and give it to an independent commission, but support never materialized and time ran out, leaders say. Now, they want to push through a bill that — at the very least — would shed light on the process.

If passed, the legislation would mandate a series of live-streamed public hearings before and after lawmakers approve their preliminary plans. Then allow citizens to submit their own maps to “be given consideration equal to formal testimony presented at public hearings,” according to a sponsorship memo. It also would require the launch of a website for data, proposed maps and public comment.

“I’ve been advocating for it as a transparency process, and I think that’s a great story,” said House bill sponsor Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks, in remarks to the Fair Districts PA seminar. “I think most legislators want government to be transparent. It’s a very unifying message that everybody can get behind.”

Spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect that has spread throughout Pennsylvania since its discovery in Berks County in 2014. SLF feeds on the plant sap of many different plants including grapevines, maples, black walnut, and other important plants in PA. If you see SLF, help us stop it in its tracks! To report a sighting, use our reporting tool below or call our hotline at 1-888-422-3359.

Why You Should Care

SLF is a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors. If not contained, spotted lanternfly potentially could drain Pennsylvania’s economy of at least $324 million annually, according to a study carried out by economists at Penn State. The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species. It has a strong preference for economically important plants including grapevines, maple trees, black walnut, birch, willow, and other trees. The feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death.

As SLF feeds, the insect excretes honeydew (a sugary substance) which can attract bees, wasps, and other insects. The honeydew also builds up and promotes the growth for sooty mold (fungi), which can cover the plant, forest understories, patio furniture, cars, and anything else found below SLF feeding.

A Hershey resident who used to coach at Hershey Christian Academy has been charged in connection with the U.S. Capitol riots on Jan. 6, according to newly unsealed documents.

Leo Brent Bozell IV, 41, is charged with illegally entering a restricted building, disorderly conduct and impeding an official session of Congress, according to the federal affidavit. Footage from the riot shows Bozell inside the Capitol, including the U.S. Senate floor, according to an affidavit written by Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent Lynda W. Thomas.

The charging documents show the process of Bozell being identified, which included the online conversation about him, as he was wearing a Hershey Christian Academy sweatshirt during the riot.

Back in January, the Hummelstown-based academy released a statement after these social media postings indicated that Bozell might be associated with the school:

“Hershey Christian Academy, as an organization, does not engage in political activities, and has no political views of its own, nor does Hershey Christian Academy express any opinions on the political beliefs of others,” officials said on Jan. 15. “Hershey Christian Academy is available to any and all law enforcement authorities that are investigating this matter, and they will have our full cooperation.”

The school also said that he was not a board member, employee or representative of the academy. Now, court records show that Bozell was a coach with the school until March 2020.

The York County Republican Committee has voted to censure Republican Sen. Pat Toomey following his decision to find former President Donald Trump guilty of inciting the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot at the end of the weeklong impeachment trial.

Trump was acquitted by a 57-43 Senate vote Saturday afternoon, but Mr. Toomey was among seven Republicans voting to convict the former president. That night, the York County Republican Committee approved censuring Mr. Toomey during its meeting.

The committee, in a press release, said that Mr. Toomey’s voting record over the past four years runs counter to the principles of the GOP and that he’s out of touch with the core beliefs of Pennsylvania Republicans.

“For the past four years Sen. Toomey sat silently as a hyper-partisan Democrat Congress relentlessly attacked President Trump, impeaching him twice on fabricated charges,” said state House Rep. Dawn Keefer, a Republican who represents parts of York and Cumberland counties and who proposed the resolution.

“Given [Toomey’s] recent support of the second unconstitutional impeachment effort against a president who is no longer in office, the York County Republican Committee has reached the limits of its frustration,” she said.

PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Democratic Party’s State Committee voted to endorse the following candidates for the 2021 judicial races:

Judge Maria C. McLaughlin for Supreme Court
Superior Court Judge McLaughlin is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania who personifies the meaning of hard work. First in her family to attend college, Maria worked hard to earn her law degree and become a successful lawyer. A single mom for many years who has served on both the trial and appellate bench, Judge McLaughlin has a 29-year legal career with the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, and our Pennsylvania Superior Court.

Judge David L. Spurgeon for Commonwealth Court
Judge David Spurgeon has served in the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas since 2016. Assigned to the Family Division, he handles all matters involving children and families. He has been recognized as a national expert on domestic violence and has been named a Judicial Fellow by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges for his judicial leadership. Judge Spurgeon regularly participates as a panelist and contributor in various local, state, and national forums addressing intimate partner violence. He currently serves as the Chair of the Family Violence Work Group for the 5th Judicial District.

“We are thrilled to announce our endorsements of Judge Maria McLaughlin and Judge David Spurgeon,” said Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Patton Mills. “They are accomplished judges who have consistently stood up for the rights and safety of Pennsylvania families. We look forward to them bringing that same energy and commitment to the statewide courts.”

“Thank you to the PA Dems State Committee for the honor of this endorsement,” said Judge Maria McLaughlin. “I hope that my candidacy shines a light on the endless possibilities open to women and girls everywhere who come from humble beginnings.”

“I am grateful to the PA Dems State Committee for their endorsement and look forward to the work ahead,” said Judge David Spurgeon. “I have dedicated my career to the protection of families, and promise to bring compassion, fairness, and a sense of service to the bench of the Commonwealth Court.”

In order to earn the endorsement of the PA Democratic Party, candidates must have received 2/3rds of the votes cast by properly credentialed Pennsylvania Democratic State Committee members or their proxies.