Journalists Roundtable May 2, 2019

Nuclear power and alternative energy and their role in the climate change debate are still hot topics as a third hearing was held on the issue as a deadline for consideration of a bill to include nuclear plants in the Alternative Energy Portfolios Standards Act is nearing. A press conference on a bill that would […]

Journalists Roundtable: April 17, 2019

The House was in session the week and passed several bills addressing child sexual abuse. These bills were among recommendations stemming from the grand jury investigation of clerical abuse of children by Catholic priests. A number of press conferences were held that call for enactment of legislation. The PA Legislative Black Caucus held one to […]

Journalists Roundtable: April 11, 2019

The House and Senate were is session the week, which was highlighted by legislation removing the statute of limitations for criminal prosecution and civil suits by childhood sexual abuse victims. Several articles about model legislation – bills written by special interests and lobbyists, and shared with legislators nationwide –  came out after USA Today published a story about this process and prominently mentioned a Pennsylvania legislator. Also discussed was the Antwon Rose verdict. This involved a young black man shot in the back by a white police officer who was acquitted of charges. This week’s guests are: Liz Navratil, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Angela Couloumbis, Philadelphia Inquirer; and John Finnerty, with Community Newspaper Holdings Our host is Brian Lockman.

Journalists Roundtable: April 4, 2019

A special election in a state Senate seat based in Allegheny and Washington counties was won by Democrat Pam Iovino, the 13th female member of the 50-member state Senate. This represents the third time the 37th Senate seat has changed parties since 2012. A state senator has introduced his version of a bill adding nuclear energy to the list of alternative energy sources, which could affect Exelon Energy’s decision to close Three Mile Island in June. Pennsylvania counties are being asked to buy new voting machines, but how will those be paid for? Finally, the House Clerk has closed the ‘lobbyist room’ behind the House chamber in part due to the optics of allowing lobbyists special access. This week’s guests are: Elizabeth Hardison, reporter with Pennsylvania Capital-Star; Marc Levy with the Associated Press; and Chris Comisac, Bureau Chief with Capitolwire. Our host is Brian Lockman.

Journalists Roundtable: March 28, 2019

The House and Senate were in session this week, which started out with an opening prayer by freshman Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Centre/Clinton) that went viral, as it occurred on the same day the House swore in its first Muslim member. The House was sued last year for not inviting nontheists to give the invocation to […]

Journalists Roundtable: March 14, 2019

The House was in session this week and a number of press events and hearings were held to promote legislation, including a bill that would add the nuclear power industry into the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act. Also coming to a head is PA Turnpike borrowing, which has led to toll increases. The PA Turnpike […]

Journalists Roundtable January 31, 2019

In advance of his budget address on Tuesday, Feb. 5, Gov. Tom Wolf’s held a press conference highlighting his plan to increase the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $12 by July. Legislative approval is required to exceed the federally mandated minimum wage last increased in 2009. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is going around […]

Journalists Roundtable: November 15, 2019

House and Senate leadership elections were held this week as 50 new members came to Harrisburg to participate in the selection of the 2019-2020 House and Senate leaders. For the first time ever, House Democrats have three African-American members in their leadership. To talk about the composition of the new General Assembly after the 2018 General Election are this week’s guests: Mark Levy with Associated Press; Angela Couloumbis, with the Philadelphia Inquirer; and Stephen Caruso, Harrisburg Bureau Chief with The PLS Reporter. Our host is Brian Lockman.

Journalists Roundtable: November 8, 2018

The 2018 election saw both incumbents running for statewide office re-elected. Gov. Tom Wolf was elected to a second term and U.S. Sen. Bob Casey was elected to a third term. After congressional redistricting took place in the spring, new districts were more competitive, and as a result, Pennsylvania’s Congressional delegation became an even 9-9 […]

Journalists Roundtable: November 1, 2018

This week, Journalists Roundtable visited the headquarters of the Allentown Morning Call. The Lehigh Valley is one of many locations with an open congressional seats. The 7th Congressional District is considered a toss-up by most election handicappers. Democratic candidate Susan Ellis Wild, Republican candidate Marty Nothstein and Libertarian Tim Silfies are on the ballot. Also, former mayor Ed Pawlowski was sentenced to 15 years in prison last week. To talk about these topics and more are our guests: Nicole Radzievich, a reporter covering Easton and the 7th  Congressional District; Columnist Bill White, and Washington Correspondent Laura Olson. Our host is Brian Lockman.