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Tom Wolf

Meek Mill Joins NJ Gov. Murphy To Celebrate Landmark Clemency Effort On Juneteenth Meek Mill Joins NJ Gov. Murphy To Celebrate Landmark Clemency Effort On Juneteenth
Meek Mill Joins NJ Gov. Murphy To Celebrate Landmark Clemency Effort On Juneteenth Gov. Phil Murphy celebrated Juneteenth by announcing a historic initiative in an effort to improve racial justice in New Jersey. The governor signed an executive order on clemency at Saint James AME Church in Newark on Wednesday, June 19. The order establishes standards for people to receive expedited consideration for pardons and commutations. Gov. Murphy said the goal is to fix the racial inequalities that have existed in the criminal justice system. "As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s ongoing journey toward racial justice for Black and Brown …
Philly's Meek Mill Pardoned By Outgoing Gov. Wolf Philly's Meek Mill Pardoned By Outgoing Gov. Wolf
Philly's Meek Mill Pardoned By Outgoing Gov. Wolf Philadelphia native and rapper Meek Mill was pardoned by Gov. Tom Wolf just days before the Democrat is slated to leave office.  Mill commemorated the occasion on social media early on Friday, Jan. 13.  The vacated offenses were weapons and drug charges filed in 2008, according to 6abc. Court records for the case were not immediately available.  Gov. Wolf noted that his final round of 369 pardons brings his career total to 2,540 — more than any governor in Pennsylvania's history, according to his office.  "I have taken this process very seriously — reviewing and giving careful thought to …
Berks Judge Dies; Flags Lowered Across PA Berks Judge Dies; Flags Lowered Across PA
Berks Judge Dies; Flags Lowered Across PA Berks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Paul M. Yatron has died, Gov. Tom Wolf announced on Tuesday, Dec. 6.  Yatron, who had served in Berks since 2006 and was most recently elected in 2015, had previously worked in the county district attorney's office, the state attorney general's office, and the state auditor general's office, according to his obituary in the Reading Eagle.  Gov. Wolf ordered all flags at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg and at all state buildings in Berks County to fly at half-mast until Yatron's funeral, which has not yet been announced. 
Death Sentence For PA Man Who Killed Both Mothers Of His Children: Report Death Sentence For PA Man Who Killed Both Mothers Of His Children: Report
Death Sentence For PA Man Who Killed Both Mothers Of His Children: Report A Pennsylvania man who killed both of the mothers of his children learned his fate Tuesday, May 10: Death, PennLive reports. Davone Unique Anderson killed Sydney Parmelee, 23, and Kaylee Lyons, 23, who was pregnant, in the very same Carlisle apartment in July 2020, while his 13-month old son was home, the outlet said. Pennsylvania currently has a moratorium on the death penalty under Gov. Tom Wolf. Anderson last March was charged with attempted murder of a fellow inmate in the Cumberland County Prison. Anderson apparently punched the inmate several times, sending him over the rai…
Pennsylvania Starbucks' Gets Its First Union In Unanimous Vote Pennsylvania Starbucks' Gets Its First Union In Unanimous Vote
Pennsylvania Starbucks' Gets Its First Union In Unanimous Vote The first ever Starbucks in Pennsylvania has been formed, according to union organizers. The Bloomfield Starbucks in Pittsburgh formed a union with a unanimous 20 to zero vote on Wednesday, April 13. "We urge Starbucks CEO to do what's right and sign the Starbucks Workers United Non-interference and Fair Election Principles," Pittsburgh Starbucks Workers United said in a statement. Gov. Tom Wolf has already tweeted his congratulations. Congratulations to Bloomfield Starbucks workers. https://t.co/WbGbAU33ll — Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) April 13, 2022 The vote results are un…
Bill Banning Transgender Girls From Girls' Sports Races Toward Pennsylvania Senate Bill Banning Transgender Girls From Girls' Sports Races Toward Pennsylvania Senate
Bill Banning Transgender Girls From Girls' Sports Races Toward Pennsylvania Senate A bill banning transgender girls from participating in girls' school sports is making was passed by the Pennsylvania House on Tuesday, April 12. Now heading to the Senate, the bill — passed in an 115-84 vote —would ban "students of the male sex" from playing on all-girls teams. A spokesperson for Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf said he'll veto the bill if it makes it to him, according to the Associated Press. Rep. Austin Davis of Allegheny County said the bill "demonstrates a lack of empathy." Rep. Valerie Gaydos, a former Division III lacrosse player, said allowing transgender girls to play on …
Majority Of Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballots Unconstitutional: Commonwealth Court Rules Majority Of Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballots Unconstitutional: Commonwealth Court Rules
Majority Of Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballots Unconstitutional: Commonwealth Court Rules The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has ruled that no-excuse mail-in ballots in the state are unconstitutional. The specific ballots the Court ruled on Friday morning were that of Act 77 which allowed residents to vote without giving any excuse for needing to vote by mail. The court believes that this act violates Article VII, Section 1 of the Pennsylvania constitution. In the ruling, Commonwealth Court President Judge Mary Hannah Leavitt wrote, "If presented to the people, a constitutional amendment to end Article VII, Section 1 requirement of in-person voting is likely to be adopted. But…
PA Health Secretary Resigning At End Of Year PA Health Secretary Resigning At End Of Year
PA Health Secretary Resigning At End Of Year Pennsylvania's acting Health Secretary Alison Beam will step down at the end of the year, according to a release by Gov. Tom Wolf's administration. "I am proud to have worked with Acting Secretary Beam over the past several years, and the commonwealth has been fortunate to have had the benefit of her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially as the Department of Health oversaw a massive vaccine roll-out over the course of the past year," Gov. Wolf said in the statement. "Thank you to Governor Wolf, his leadership team, and the incredibly dedicated Department of Health employees,"…
Here's Where Hochul Ranks In Popularity Among Nation's Governors, New Survey Says Here's Where Hochul Ranks In Popularity Among Nation's Governors, New Survey Says
Here's Where Hochul Ranks In Popularity Among Nation's Governors, New Survey Says The early returns for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul are not great since taking over for embattled former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to a newly released survey from Morning Consult. In the new survey, Hochul was ranked as the fifth-least favorable governor in the US, with less than half of those polled expressing approval of her time since taking over for Cuomo, who resigned amid multiple investigations in August. Related story - Hochul Sees Big Change In Approval, Brand-New Poll Reveals Hochul - whose polling numbers are only reflective of the time she took office beginning on Aug. 24 …
Pennsylvania School Mask Mandate Reinstated By State Supreme Court Pennsylvania School Mask Mandate Reinstated By State Supreme Court
Pennsylvania School Mask Mandate Reinstated By State Supreme Court Gov. Tom Wolf's school mask mandate has been reinstated by a temporary order of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Tuesday, according to court records. The mandate which requires all students, teachers and staff inside schools to wear face masks at all times, was scheduled to end on Dec. 4, but inlight of a pending court case the mandate will remain in effect, according to the order. Arguments in the case are scheduled to beginning Dec. 8.
COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturer Opens In Central PA COVID-19 Vaccine Manufacturer Opens In Central PA
Covid-19 Vaccine Manufacturer Opens In Central PA COVID-19 vaccines are now being manufactured in central Pennsylvania. The former Unilife plant, located at 250 Cross Farm Lane in York, is now BioTechnique. Unilife manufactured syringes and closed up shop after filing bankruptcy in 2017. BioTechnique was previously based in Madison, Wisconsin. BioTechnique purchased the building for $22 million which is approximately half of the cost of building a new facility, according to BioTechnique’s general manager John Clapham. The ribbon cut was held Tuesday. Gov. Tom Wolf and many community leaders attended the event. The follow day, Pennsylv…
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announces Bid For Governor Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announces Bid For Governor
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro Announces Bid For Governor Attorney General Josh Shapiro formally announced his bid for Pennsylvania governor on Wednesday. Shapiro, 48, is the first Democrat to enter the race, taking on the many Republican candidates who are already running for governor in the 2022 election. Among those are Lou Barletta, former U.S. representative, Charlie Gerow, conservative activist and vice-chair of the American Conservative Union, and William McSwain, former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Shapiro said in a two-minute campaign video there are already Republican candidates who "want to lead us down a da…
Authorities Probe Alleged Jail Attack Of PA Rep. Kevin Boyle Authorities Probe Alleged Jail Attack Of PA Rep. Kevin Boyle
Authorities Probe Alleged Jail Attack Of PA Rep. Kevin Boyle Authorities are investigating an alleged jail attack on a Pennsylvania State representative, who was arrested Friday on charges of harassment and violating a protection from abuse order. Democratic Rep. Kevin Boyle, 41, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County, is accused of trying to enter his estranged wife’s house in violation of a PFA order, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports citing a criminal complaint. Boyle, who has been a member of the house since 2011, was stripped of his committee chairmanship days before his arrest. He agreed to seek mental health treatment afte…
PA Doctors Offer Blanket Mask Exceptions For Students PA Doctors Offer Blanket Mask Exceptions For Students
PA Doctors Offer Blanket Mask Exceptions For Students In response to Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s recent mask mandate, some doctors are providing parents with exemptions so their children won’t be forced to wear a mask in school. The mandate went into effect on Tuesday, as a method to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths, as Daily Voice previously reported. The problem is the state created a loophole for parents to get doctor’s notes to exempt their children from having to wear masks if the doctor believes it could cause or worsen a medical condition, as the Associated Press noted. “The administration is aware th…
Mask Mandate Issued For Pennsylvania Schools Mask Mandate Issued For Pennsylvania Schools
Mask Mandate Issued For Pennsylvania Schools Gov. Tom Wolf has announced a mask mandate for Pennsylvania schools and daycares. The mandate says that masks must be worn inside all K-12 buildings, in buildings for early learning programs, and inside child care provider buildings. The mandate goes into effect on Sept. 7,
Neighboring Governors Fence In Cuomo, Jointly Calling On Him To Resign Neighboring Governors Fence In Cuomo, Jointly Calling On Him To Resign
Neighboring Governors Fence In Cuomo, Jointly Calling On Him To Resign Democratic governors in the state surrounding New York have become the latest to call for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to step away from office following the release of the Attorney General’s report into allegations of sexual harassment. On Tuesday, Aug. 3, New York AG Letitia James released the findings of an internal investigation led by Joon Kim and Anne Clark, which determined that Cuomo allegedly had inappropriate contact and conversations with at least 11 women. Original story - NY AG Investigation Finds Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Violating State, Federal Law The reaction from are…
'APPALLED': Area Governors Call For Cuomo's Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal 'APPALLED': Area Governors Call For Cuomo's Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal
'Appalled': Area Governors Call For Cuomo's Resignation Amid Sexual Harassment Scandal Democratic governors in the states surrounding New York are calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to step away from office following the release of the Attorney General’s report into allegations of sexual harassment. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, and Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee released a joint statement calling the allegations “appalling.” “We are appalled at the findings of the independent investigation by the New York Attorney General,” they stated. “Gov. Cuomo should resign from office.” The findings of an internal investigation led by Jo…
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge Taken To D.C. Hospital After Having Stroke Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge Taken To D.C. Hospital After Having Stroke
Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge Taken To D.C. Hospital After Having Stroke The former Gov. of Pennsylvania and first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge, was taken to a D.C. area Hospital Wednesday night following a stroke, according to his family. Ridge, 75, of Bethesda, Maryland, suffered the stroke Monday morning while at home. Ridge was conscious when he arrived at the hospital. He underwent a procedure to remove a blood clot, which was successful. He was in critical but stable condition early Wednesday evening. "The family requests your prayers for a full recovery. Further updates will be provided as events warrant," his family sa…
PA Gov. Tom Wolf Extends Proclamation of Disaster Despite Vote To Limit This Ability PA Gov. Tom Wolf Extends Proclamation of Disaster Despite Vote To Limit This Ability
PA Gov. Tom Wolf Extends Proclamation of Disaster Despite Vote To Limit This Ability Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf signed a renewal of the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, according to his office. The fifth renewal of the disaster emergency comes just two days after voters in the Keystone state approved a constitutional amendment to limit the governor's emergency powers. The amendment will require any governor of the state to receive approval from the legislature to extend any public emergency declaration beyond 21 days. The vote has yet to be certified by the state. The first proclamation was signed on March 6, 2020. The extension …
Gov. Tom Wolf Gets His First Dose Of Vaccine Gov. Tom Wolf Gets His First Dose Of Vaccine
Gov. Tom Wolf Gets His First Dose Of Vaccine Gov. Tom Wolf had his first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, reports abc27 Gov. Wolf says he did not want to “butt in line,” but as vaccines among adults in the state rise and more appointments have become available, he is ready to roll up his sleeve. Pennsylvania ranks tenth in the nation for vaccinations with 42% of Pennsylvanians having received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccines available. Wolf did not say which vaccine he received.
PA Senate GOP Members Block Gov. Wolf's Vaccine Passport PA Senate GOP Members Block Gov. Wolf's Vaccine Passport
PA Senate GOP Members Block Gov. Wolf's Vaccine Passport Government Tom Wolf says he supports a vaccine passport in Pennsylvania. But before it even is officially proposed three republican state senators have already announced a plan to introduce legislation banning it. Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill of district 28, Judy Ward of district 30 and Michele Brooks  of district 50 released a statement on Thursday regarding a memo they sent to their colleagues asking for their support. Their memo states, "requiring a vaccine passport for Pennsylvanians to live their lives day-to-day represents an extreme government intrusion into people’s persona…
Pennsylvania Surpasses One Million COVID-19 Cases Pennsylvania Surpasses One Million COVID-19 Cases
Pennsylvania Surpasses One Million Covid-19 Cases The state of Pennsylvania surpassed a million coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic on Thursday, March 25. The Pennsylvania Department of Health added 3,623 cases bringing the statewide total to 1,000,240 at noon. The state reported 41 new deaths for a statewide total is the statewide total to 24,917. The state says 4,614, 946 vaccine shots have be administer with 1,624,667 Pennsylvanians being fully vaccinated. The state has over 12 million residents. The DOH says nearly 10% of all adult residents have been vaccinated.  Gov. Tom Wolf tweeted about the state's vaccination per…
Pennsylvania Child Care Workers To Receive $600 Stimulus Aid Pennsylvania Child Care Workers To Receive $600 Stimulus Aid
Pennsylvania Child Care Workers To Receive $600 Stimulus Aid The Wolf Administration announced new plans to send one-time, $600 grants to child care workers across Pennsylvania. Child care providers licensed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) are eligible for the funds, Gov. Tom Wolf said. "A healthy, vibrant child care industry is a cornerstone of a healthy economy. As with many other sectors of our economy, Pennsylvania’s child care providers have been greatly challenged by this pandemic,” said Wolf. “ "For nearly a year, child care professionals have continued to work through a challenging environment, providing a …
$4.8 Million Awarded to Pennsylvania To Train Direct Care Workers $4.8 Million Awarded to Pennsylvania To Train Direct Care Workers
$4.8 Million Awarded to Pennsylvania To Train Direct Care Workers Pennsylvania has been awarded more than $4.8 million in Direct Care Worker Training Grants (DCWTG) to improve the quality of care provided by direct care workers while earning family-sustaining wages, officials announced. "As demand increases for essential services provided by direct care workers, their safety and the quality of care they provide must be maintained,” Gov. Tom Wolf said in a statement. “Nearly 90 percent of direct care worker jobs are filled by women who receive limited health benefits and earn relatively low wages. These grants not only benefit our loved ones in l…
Furniture Manufacturer Brings New Jobs To Montgomery County Furniture Manufacturer Brings New Jobs To Montgomery County
Furniture Manufacturer Brings New Jobs To Montgomery County Knoll, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of workplace and residential furniture with a longtime presence in the state is in the process of expanding its operations in Montgomery County, officials announced Wednesday. Knoll, Inc. is relocating from Michigan, and will create at least 138 new, full-time jobs through this project, Gov. Tom Wolf said in a release. "Knoll’s move and expansion plans demonstrate its continuing commitment to maintaining a presence in our commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf said.  “I’m pleased that Knoll has recognized the talent that our workforce has to offer and has ch…
PA Schools To Receive $2.2 Billion In COVID-19 Stimulus Aid PA Schools To Receive $2.2 Billion In COVID-19 Stimulus Aid
PA Schools To Receive $2.2 Billion In Covid-19 Stimulus Aid Pennsylvania has allocated $2.2 billion in federal stimulus funds to K-12 school districts and charter schools affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, officials announced. The funds will support food programs, technological improvements, and other education services, according to Gov. Tom Wolf. “All schools have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I commend school communities for rising to the challenge to combat the toll it has taken,” Wolf said. “This extra funding is critical to help schools meet the unique needs of educating students at this time while keeping school buildings …
PA's Rachel Levine Poised To Become First Openly Transgender Federal Official PA's Rachel Levine Poised To Become First Openly Transgender Federal Official
PA's Rachel Levine Poised To Become First Openly Transgender Federal Official President-elect Joe Biden has chosen Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine as his assistant secretary of health. This makes Levine poised to become the first openly transgender federal official confirmed by the U.S. Senate. "Dr. Levine has been a wise, calm, and dedicated partner during this pandemic and I couldn’t be prouder of the tireless work she’s done to serve Pennsylvanians," Gov. Tom Wolf said. "She will be missed, but I know she will be a tremendous leader at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services." Levine is a pediatrician having previously served as Pen…
Thousand More Pennsylvania National Guard Members Ordered To D.C. For Inauguration Day Thousand More Pennsylvania National Guard Members Ordered To D.C. For Inauguration Day
Thousand More Pennsylvania National Guard Members Ordered To D.C. For Inauguration Day An additional thousand Pennsylvania National Guard members are headed to Washington D.C on Inauguration Day. The troops are set to join the combined 25,000 U.S. Secret Service, Capitol police, and D.C. police at the U.S Capitol for the swearing in of President-elect Joe Biden, Gov. Tom Wolf said Friday. This addition will bring the total number of PNG members supporting operations in Washington, D.C., to approximately 2,000, Wolf said. For Trump’s inauguration in 2016, there were only about 8,000 members of security, The Guardian reports. Federal officials have yet to provide a reaso…
COVID-19: Pennsylvania Health Officials Roll Out New Vaccine Phases Amid Statewide Delay COVID-19: Pennsylvania Health Officials Roll Out New Vaccine Phases Amid Statewide Delay
Covid-19: Pennsylvania Health Officials Roll Out New Vaccine Phases Amid Statewide Delay Pennsylvania health officials announced a clearer, multi-phase path toward statewide vaccine distribution Friday, in the midst of a statewide inoculation delay. "There is a delay of about 24 hours through the hospitals, and both through Walgreens and CVS, our partners in the long-term care mission by up to 72 hours," Pennsylvania Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said.  "We expect that more vaccinations have been given, but that's the data we have right now." The largest concern for the state's health department was when the shipment of the second dose of vaccinations w…
55 More Defiant Pennsylvania Restaurants Ordered Closed -- Some Possibly For Good 55 More Defiant Pennsylvania Restaurants Ordered Closed -- Some Possibly For Good
55 More Defiant Pennsylvania Restaurants Ordered Closed -- Some Possibly For Good Pennsylvania officials ordered an additional 33 restaurants temporarily closed, and have sought an injunction against 22 establishments in repeated violation of COVID-19 orders.  The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Food Safety announced earlier this month announced it would be performing unannounced inspections in an effort to enforce Gov. Tom Wolf's temporary COVID-19 mitigation order. Wolf's order mandates the closure indoor dining, gyms and limiting indoor gatherings to a maximum capacity of 10 people, until Jan. 4. A Crawford County restaurant was initially ordered closed, b…
These 40 Pennsylvania Restaurants Were Ordered Closed Over COVID-19 Violations, DOA Says These 40 Pennsylvania Restaurants Were Ordered Closed Over COVID-19 Violations, DOA Says
These 40 Pennsylvania Restaurants Were Ordered Closed Over Covid-19 Violations, DOA Says Pennsylvania officials warned last week establishments defying COVID-19 orders could be shut down. For 40 of them, that's exactly what happened, the Department of Agriculture said, noting an additional 180 were warned, officials said. Earlier this month, Gov. Tom Wolf issued a temporary COVID-19 mitigation order closing indoor dining, gyms and limiting indoor gatherings to a maximum capacity of 10 people. That will remain in effect until Jan. 4.  Although state officials said most establishments in the commonwealth were following the orders, several others were not. And they were…