Right 2 Know: Recent Episodes
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The PLS Reporter's Justin Sweitzer and Sam Zern break down Pennsylvania political news and interview key lawmakers in this weekly show.
Voters will head to the polls in less than a month to vote on two ballot questions that would overhaul the governor's disaster powers, and Sam and Justin break down what the changes would mean for the Keystone State. Plus, Justin looks back at two years of covering Harrisburg. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam return to the podcast to discuss the state's halt in using the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and what it could mean for vaccine hesitancy. Plus, Sam examines what types of legislation could result from the end of the House State Government Committee's election oversight hearings. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam return to talk about a GOP bill that would ban transgender girls from competing on women's school sports teams, as well as what a series of hearings on abortion means for the broader abortion debate in Harrisburg. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam return to the podcast to discuss the state's new expanded and expedited vaccine rollout, as well as a historic education funding lawsuit that is headed to trial this fall. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam return to the podcast to discuss not one... not two... but three bill packages that are being reintroduced in Harrisburg. From economic recovery to gun reforms to anti-hate crime laws, there's plenty to talk about this week. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
With both chambers of the legislature back for session, Justin and Sam examine the status of a proposed emergency constitutional amendment, as well as a bill that criminalizes spitting on law enforcement officers. Plus, the duo provides the latest on four special elections slated for May 18. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam return to examine how two major developments in Washington will impact the Keystone State. First, they look at what the passage of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Act will mean for Pennsylvanians. They then shift their focus to President Joe Biden's bold goal to have all adults eligible for vaccinations by May 1 and what that means for Pennsylvania's vaccine rollout. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
With March 6 marking the one-year mark since the first COVID-19 case was identified in the commonwealth, Justin and Sam walk through what the coronavirus pandemic meant for state government over the last year, as well as what issues lawmakers will still have to grapple with in the coming months. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam have plenty to talk about on the latest episode of the podcast. From what the latest census updates mean for redistricting, to a bipartisan proposal to legalize recreational marijuana, the duo walks through the latest developments in Harrisburg. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam return to discuss the state's ever-evolving COVID-19 vaccine rollout, including the recent revelation that a mistake in vaccine administration has led to a shortage of available Moderna vaccines. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Gov. Tom Wolf gave his first pandemic-era budget address on Feb. 3, which called for an increase in the state's personal income tax rate to pay for a proposed 11 percent spending increase. The budget plan was panned by Republican legislative leaders, who deemed it "dead on arrival." In our latest podcast, Justin and Sam examine Wolf's plan and its future in the state legislature. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Everything old is new again. That's true in Harrisburg at least, where Gov. Tom Wolf is once again reviving a plan to tax natural gas production. Justin and Sam discuss Wolf's latest attempt to use severance tax revenue to fund workforce development initiatives. The duo also looks at a COVID-19 relief bill moving through the legislature. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
In the latest episode of Right 2 Know, The PLS Reporter team breaks down the first House State Government Committee hearing looking at the administration of the 2020 general election. Plus, in her final appearance on the podcast, Asha takes a look back at her time covering Pennsylvania state government. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
To kick off the new term, two House committees advanced a flurry of proposed amendments to the state constitution that would impact everything from gubernatorial disaster powers to judicial elections. In our latest podcast, our team breaks down the major amendments that could be coming to a ballot near you in the not-so-distant future. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
From one capitol building to another, our team takes a look back at a contentious week that saw a heated floor debate in Harrisburg and violent riots in Washington, D.C. Plus, they review what congressional lawmakers had to say about Pennsylvania's voting laws during a late-night debate on electoral votes. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin, Sam and Asha reflect on the highs and lows of 2020, discussing the biggest news and the things that got missed in what may be the longest 366 days ever. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
As the season winds down, we turn our attention to what’s coming up next year by going through the dozens of co-sponsorship memos already circulating the legislature. Justin, Sam and Asha talk through the biggest issues on lawmakers’ minds, and maybe some of the fun ones too. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
The state has finalized the second half of its budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year and The PLS Reporter team takes some time to break down everything that's in it. Plus, Justin, Sam and Asha offer their takes on the best Thanksgiving dishes while reflecting back on what they're thankful for in 2020. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
With the 2020 general election having come and gone, The PLS Reporter team takes a look at election results, legal challenges and the aftermath of this year's unprecedented election landscape. Plus, the trio discusses another major day from earlier this month centered around a Pennsylvania delicacy: National Scrapple Day! Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
With less than a week until Election Day, the team at The PLS Reporter breaks down what's on Pennsylvania ballots this year. Plus, they examine the state's election security measures and the impact that new Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett could have on the ballot return deadline in the state. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Last week, The PLS Reporter team sat down to discuss the latest in Pennsylvania elections, including the opening of satellite election offices in Philadelphia, a move that drew criticism from President Donald Trump. Justin, Sam and Asha also discuss an attempt to create an election review panel in the General Assembly, as well as whether counties will be given extra time to pre-canvass mail ballots. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Capitol watchers saw not one, but two vetos this week as Gov. Tom Wolf rejected two proposals sent to him by the General Assembly. Plus, Justin and Sam review the escalating war of words between the Democratic governor and Republican lawmakers. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam often focus on action in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, but this week they shift their attention to the state's judicial branch to break down three major court orders that will impact everything from the state's coronavirus response to elections in November. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Sam review the House's passage of an omnibus election bill just two months before the November presidential election. Will the governor's impending veto spell doom for election changes ahead of November? Plus, the duo also takes a look at the chamber's latest attempt to end the governor's COVID-19 disaster declaration. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin is joined by Sam Zern, The PLS Reporter's newest state government reporter, to discuss recent concerns about how changes at the United States Postal Service could impact Pennsylvania elections. Plus, Sam outlines how rodents in Pennsylvania differ from those in Texas. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Harrison discuss a topic that's never been addressed on the podcast before: sports! With Gov. Tom Wolf and Republican leaders at odds over whether fall youth sports should take place this year, the duo looks at how one state athletic association has a big decision to make. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
Wouldn't it be nice if opening schools during a pandemic was as easy as saying "Open Sesame?" Unfortunately, it's not that simple, so Justin is joined by PLS Legislative Reporter Harrison Cann to analyze recent discussions in the legislature about how to reopen schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
Justin and Andrew take a look at Gov. Tom Wolf's decision to let a unanimously-passed public records bill become law without his signature. Plus, Andrew recounts his favorite moments in Harrisburg before saying farewell and moving to Kansas. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
Andrew and Justin heard you like constitutional amendments so they discuss a pair of controversial ones that passed the General Assembly last week. They also break down the latest COVID-19 mitigation efforts from Gov. Tom Wolf and what they might mean for schools to reopen. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
Andrew and Justin are settling into a new summer grove--one in which there is a lot of news going on. They preview where the legislature might be going in the coming month or two, focusing on energy issues and what changes lawmakers are eying ahead of the November general election. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
It's almost Fourth of July weekend and Andrew and Justin fittingly talk about changes to the state's fireworks law, including an interview with Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks). They also discuss the recent uptick in the state's COVID-19 cases and the difficulties Gov. Tom Wolf might encounter in enforcing his mask-wearing order. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
Proposed gaming expansion? Justin and Andrew say "hit me" and talk about the prognosis for an expansion of video gaming terminals in the state. They also talk about the effect new House leadership might have on the legislative process and make some really bad gaming puns. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart Radio.
Today is Juneteenth and Justin and Andrew start off the podcast by reflecting on the important holiday (you can read more on the history of Juneteenth as an official holiday in Pennsylvania here). They also discuss recent hearings on policing reforms and how the movement to defund the police is resonating in Harrisburg. Like what you hear? You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Andrew and Justin recap yet another packed week in Harrisburg. They start with the legacy of House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) and who might replace him as speaker. They then move onto the police reform landscape and how civil disobedience from a group of House Democrats might prompt action. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart Radio.
They're still counting ballots across the state but that didn't stop us from sitting down with election analyst Ben Forstate to talk about what we can glean from mail-in voting in the primary election, the changing relationship between citizens and their state officials and what it all means for November. Like what you hear? You can follow us at Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play and iHeart.
It was quite a week in Harrisburg and Andrew and Justin are here to walk you through every step of it. We start with a crash course on the interim budget, signed into law Friday by Gov. Tom Wolf. We move on to controversy roiling the House over a member testing positive for COVID-19 and who knew what when. We finish up with a push to roll back Wolf's disaster declaration--with time for fat-free Cheez-Its in between. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, iHeart and Spotify.
Andrew and Justin hit the airwaves before Gov. Tom Wolf's weekly re-opening announcement but they still have the biggest news from the week in audio form. Specifically, they break down a House committee vote to end the COVID-19 disaster declaration, as well as what effects Wolf's standoffs with the General Assembly might have going forward. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart Radio.
Andrew and Justin discuss, as is now tradition, the latest batch of counties to partially re-open--and why some areas were halted in their efforts to go rogue and join their ranks. Then, Justin walks us through his reporting on where the state stands in comparison to its neighbors in terms of transparency and processing open records requests during the pandemic. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
The southwest is (partially) liberated from the "red phase" of Gov. Tom Wolf's stay-at-home order but Andrew and Justin break down why Beaver County is the exception and why they are none too pleased. We also dive into Senate hearings on COVID-19 in nursing homes and the state's unemployment compensation system. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart.
We break down the news, hot off the press, that 24 counties will be partially re-opening next week. Jusin talks more about what that means that the Wolf Administration's testing and contact tracing plans. Then Andrew gets all fiscally-minded and dissects Friday's stormy revenue updates and what it means for the crafting of the state budget. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Justin and Andrew finally encountered Skype issues--but fear not, they forged ahead to talk about this week's anti-closure protest at the capitol. And get your colored pencils ready folks, because Justin breaks down what the new tiered re-opening system means for you and your community. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Spotify and iHeart Radio.
Justin and Andrew break down what little we know thus far about Gov. Tom Wolf's plan to begin the reopening of Pennsylvania, which is still likely at least a few weeks away (hint: there will not be balloons). They also look at the regional compact Wolf is making with northeast governors and Justin is romantic about the democratic process, with lawmakers tussling over whether to rebuke Wolf's mitigation strategies or not. Like what you hear? Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play
Things got testy this week in the House, with lawmakers disagreeing over the way forward in the state's COVID-19 response. Justin and Andrew break it all down in their latest socially distant podcast. They also dive into the debate over releasing inmates from state correctional institutions ahead of Gov. Tom Wolf's order on the matter Friday. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Justin and Andrew are making like the General Assembly and using video calls to get the job done. They discuss the legislative effort to move the state's primary election due to COVID-19 and, in a break from coronavirus news, discuss Gov. Tom Wolf's veto of a petrochemical tax credit. Like what you hear? Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Andrew and Justin may be apart but the podcast lives on to give you the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak in Pennsylvania, from the order shutting many businesses to potential legislative responses. Remember to wash your hands folks and stay home (perhaps enjoying the robust Right 2 Know archives?). Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
In our year of existence we've never had a bonus episode so Gov Gals Sarah and Nicole decided to change that. They sit down with Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) in honor of International Women's Day, to hear about the first-year lawmaker's background, why she decided to run for office and her advice for other women following in her footsteps. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Budget hearing season is wrapping up so we chatted with Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Allegheny), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, about how things are going. We also get his thoughts on the state's tax credit programs and potential changes to school safety funding. And if you like cheesecake, boy do we have the podcast for you. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
It is week two of budget hearings and Andrew and Justin run down the big issues facing two of the most significant agencies: the Department of Education and Department of Human Services. Those range from changes to the state's TANF programs to better supporting mental health services in schools. We also dabble in a little Pennsylvania Dutch. Like what you hear? Follow us Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Google Play
Andrew didn't know who Gus, the PA Lottery mascot was, so we made him title the show in honor of rodents everywhere. Beyond that, Justin breaks down the week in budget hearings, including struggles at the aforementioned Lottery and Department of State. Andrew swoops in and talks about some of the juicy General Assembly races after candidates got their petitions in earlier this week. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
By God, that's Southeast Spotlight music! That means Marco Cerino has nabbed Rep. Mike Zabel (D-Delaware) to talk about some controversial votes in the House, how his background as a prosecutor has prepared him for lawmaking and his legislation to bar corporate bonuses for company's which have mass layoffs. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
It is a cash-filled episode of Right 2 Know, as we begin the yearly budget dance by breaking down what Gov. Tom Wolf would like to see in the 2020-21 spending plan. Then, we hear from Senate Appropriations Chair Pat Browne (R-Lehigh) to get a Republican response. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
It's high time we had a guest again on R2K and we fill the void with a substantive chat with Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster) on the upcoming budget battle, the way forward for PASSHE and a tricky re-election fight in Lancaster County. He also discusses his professional football career and plugs Turkey Hill. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play
The General Assembly's 16th retirement is also its most dramatic: House Speaker Mike Turzai announcing he will not seek another term. We break down Turzai's legacy and hear from the man himself in a one-on-one interview after his Thursday announcement. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play?
Justin and Andrew channel their inner Carly Rae Jepson, as they hear from some of the major players in a debate over whether to make using a cell phone while driving a primary or secondary offense. We also get some juicy updates on the battle to raise the minimum wage and Justin outlines what counties are looking for in the next budget. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Play.
Justin and Andrew went to the Farm Show, E-I-E-I-O. And while there they went to hearings, E-I-E-I-O. With a farm bill here and agritourism there. Here a milkshake, there a milkshake, everywhere a milkshake. Justin and Andrew went to the Farm Show... Like what you heard? Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
It is time for our last episode of the year and it is fitting that we close it out with some of our friends here at PLS, reflecting on the year that was and looking ahead to what 2020 has in store for PA politics. We also answer pressing questions, such as "Is Diehard a Christmas movie?" and eat Christmas cookies. Like what you hear? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Tis the season to be jolly ... and air our interview with Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). Our Philadelphia Correspondent Marco Cerino joins Justin in talking about the year in review, discussing the fate of a minimum wage hike and breaking down Costa's proposal to shake up the campaign finance system. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
This week was a big one for criminal justice reform, so Andrew sits down with John Wetzel, secretary of the Department of Corrections, to discuss some of the biggest policy proposals. They also discuss the impending closure of SCI Retreat and the balance between economic and moral considerations in corrections. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Despite being briefly waylaid by a persistent set of church bells near the office, Andrew and Justin proceed to look at some of the recent retirements in the General Assembly. With the help of the 2020 Election Magic 8 Ball (TM) they look at what it all means for elections next year. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Whew. What a week. Justin and Andrew are thankful they lived to tell the tale on Right 2 Know, talking about the fate of a plan to raise the minimum wage, statute of limitations reform and more. We also discuss the best Thanksgiving food because of course. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Our Philadelphia Pal (TM) Marco Cerino sits down with freshman Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), who is part of a batch of lawmakers who flipped seats in the Philadelphia suburbs. The pair chat about the challenges of getting up to speed as a new legislator, charter school reform and the challenges of mass transit in Ciresi's district. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Monday is Veterans Day and it is fitting that we sit down with one of the most prominent veterans in the General Assembly: Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon). In addition to asking him to reflect on his service, we discuss property tax elimination, his controversial fetal remains bill and Lebanon Bologna. Like what you hear? Download episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Off-year election, scmoff-year election; Justin and Andrew bring you everything you need to know before you head to the polls next week. We focus most heavily on the controversial Marsy's Law question, hearing from Marsy's Law for Pennsylvania Director Jennifer Riley and ACLU Legal Director Elizabeth Randol on their differing points of view on the crime victims' rights amendment. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify.
Justin and Andrew bring you up to speed on everything you need to know on the latest election reform package zooming through the General Assembly. They also give you all the PA politics costume ideas you need to wow the crowd at your Halloween parties. Like what you hear? Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Google Play and Spotify
It is just Andrew and Justin this week to crack jokes about longshot presidential candidate Mark Sanford's visit to Harrisburg. The primarily focus, however, is what is on the docket during next week's session. We drill down on changes to the parole system, Sunday hunting and regulatory reform. Andrew also makes a joke about cracker plants and saltines for the millionth time. Like what you hear? Find us on Spotify, iTunes and Google Play.
Our good pal Marco Cerino nabs Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) for a chat about her first term as Minority Caucus Chair and hears a bit about the ins and outs of making sure the caucus is humming along smoothly. He also gets a behind the scenes look at last summer's budget negotiations and gets an update on prison gerrymandering and recreational marijuana. Like what you hear? Follow the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
With the General Assembly back in action for the fall session, Justin and Andrew catch up with House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). They talk about his first year as leader, the recent announcement that Pennsylvania would join a regional cap-and-trade initiative and the feasibility of gun control this session. Like what you hear? You can find all episodes on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
In this week's episode of Right 2 Know, our Philadelphia correspondent Marco Cerino sits down with Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia). The pair chat about criminal justice reform, gun control and the close of Philly's Hahnemann University Hospital. We also hear about Marco's love of Law and Order. Like what you hear? Follow us on iTunes, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
This week on Right 2 Know we ring in lawmakers' return to Harrisburg by interviewing Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh). We talk with him about how his personal experience has informed his work on mental health policy, what more the commonwealth should be doing for those in need of behavioral health services and get an update on the Suicide Prevention Taskforce. He also does a stellar impression of Rep. Marty Flynn and tells us his favorite Muppets character. Like what you hear? Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
Fresh off their respective vacations, Justin and Andrew are ready and raring to go. They break down the top issues on the agenda for this fall, including charter school reform, energy policy and gun control. In even bigger news, they also discover that iHeart Radio still exists. Like what you hear? Follow the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
In a continuation of our two-part series focusing on criminal justice reform, we sit down with Rep. Sheryl Delozier (R-Cumberland) to hear about the issue from a Republican lens. We also talk about the upcoming vote on Marsy's Law, which will be on ballots in November, and hear about Delozier's baseball fandom. Like what you hear? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
Justin is away on vacation but the Right 2 Know train keeps on chugging along, as our Philly correspondent Marco Cerino sits down with House Minority Whip Jordan Harris. The pair talk about Harris' work on criminal justice reform, the recent uptick in gun violence in the city and how his first session as whip is coming along. This is the first installment in a two-part mini series focusing on criminal justice reform. Like what you hear? You can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
Come on down to the ol' Right 2 Know homestead, as we talk about the push to eliminate property taxes. Justin shares what he learned from a Senate Republican Policy Committee Hearing on the topic and he hears from Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill) and Rep. Frank Ryan (R-Lebanon) on what might be a path forward to reform. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the show on Spotify, iTunes and Google Play.
Justin and Andrew talk about the renewed calls for legislation to address gun violence in the commonwealth, coming on the heels of two mass shootings last weekend. We get the latest on potential "red flag" legislation and run down why lawmakers may be looking to put more resources into mental health programming in schools. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
Justin and Andrew are joined in the flesh by our Philadelphia correspondent Marco Cerino, who is ready and willing to talk about the political lay of the land in Philly and his reporting on gun violence in the city. Cheesesteaks, the Eagles and Jersey Shore may also have been discussed. Like what you hear? Be sure to subscribe on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
The temperatures may be cooling off in Harrisburg but the policy talks are heating up in the R2K studio. Justin talks about how the national immigration debate has come to Berks County, while Andrew gives an update on the latest legal challenge to the General Assistance repeal. And we talk about The Bachelor and how it would be much better with a dose of politics. Like what you hear? Follow us on Spotify, iTunes and Google Play.
Justin and Andrew have melted in the heat wave so it is up to our Philadelphia correspondent Marco Cerino to sit down with our guest this week, Rep. Todd Stephens (R-Montgomery). The pair talk about the ongoing debate surrounding the Attorney General's newfound concurrent jurisdiction for gun crimes in Philly, as well as beefing up mass transit in the suburbs. Rep. Stephens also updates us on his efforts to get the federal government to address water contamination caused by the former Willow Grove Air Force base. If you like what you hear, follow us on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
One of the most recognizable (and at times controversial figures) in Pennsylvania politics, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman joins Andrew and Justin to chat about his recreational marijuana listening tour, criminal justice reform and the challenges of his new job. Discussion of Bigfoot and Dad bods also ensues. If you like what you hear, follow us on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
This is how the budget ends, not with a bang but with Andrew and Justin discussing the finer points of the $33.9 billion spending plan. We break down where the legislative debate heads from here (minimum wage anyone?), the meteoric rise of Sen. Katie Muth and what is on the menu for our 4th of July cookouts. Like what you hear? Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
Andrew and Justin are joined this week by the one and only Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong). We talk about the state of liquor policy, including potential updates to Act 39, with the Liquor Control Committee Chair. The discussion then turns to more important matters: the Pittsburgh Pirates, hot sausage and mattress racing. Like what you hear? Follow us on iTunes, Spotify or Google Play.
We break down the latest news in Harrisburg, complete with sound effects. Justin gives us the latest on education spending in the budget, as well as drama surrounding Gov. Tom Wolf's severance tax. Meanwhile, Andrew chats with Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) about his proposal to ease roadblocks to deploying 5G in the state. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
Cash rules everything around the latest episode of Right 2 Know, as Justin and Andrew dig into the latest updates on the state budget. Justin also schools us on the prospects of Gov. Tom Wolf's Restore Pennsylvania initiative and we school Justin on the wonder that is the Farm Show milkshake. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) joins the podcast this week to talk about regulatory reform, rural broadband and the record number of women serving in the General Assembly. She also shares the best spots to visit in York County and her secret interest in archaeology. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
Andrew was off in Carbon County so Justin must lead the way in the latest episode of Right 2 Know. He performs marvelously, talking with Rep. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) about the latest on talks to raise the minimum wage, the struggling Harrisburg School District and why technology is ruining us all. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
In this week's episode, Justin breaks down his reporting on lobbying over the controversial nuclear bailout bill. Also, the pair discuss what a vote on the Down syndrome abortion legislation might mean for Democratic caucus. And we save some time for ... arson dogs? Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
This week we talk with Brandon Flood, secretary of the Board of Pardons, on his personal background, as well as his plans to move the agency forward, criminal justice reform and even fashion tips. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play.
Andrew and Justin talk tax revenue, regulatory reform and abortion (with a smidgen of French language content mixed in). Meanwhile, Philadelphia correspondent Marco Cerino sits down with Philly mayor candidate and Sen. Anthony Williams about his campaign and the city's relationship with Harrisburg. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Google Play (and, coming soon, iTunes!).
We catch up with Auditor General Eugene DePasquale to hear about what goes into producing 5,000 audits a year, the future of the PA Turnpike and his love of endurance racing, Star Wars and sports. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify.
Another busy week at the state Capitol and Justin Sweitzer and Andrew Bahl break it down on the latest edition of Right 2 Know. From Medicaid fraud to police reform to amphibians, we look back on the week that was in Harrisburg. Like what you hear? Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Google Play (and, coming soon, iTunes!).
No guest this week, but Justin Sweitzer and Andrew Bahl break down the week's news. We focus on the debate over altering the statute of limitations for child sex abuse (including exclusive quotes from Rep. Mark Rozzi), tackle a bill to boost the nuclear power industry and have a bit of fun.
In the inaugural episode of the Right 2 Know podcast, PLS Reporter journalists Andrew Bahl and Justin Sweitzer sit down with freshman Rep. Andrew Lewis (R-Dauphin) to talk about his busy start to his Harrisburg career, the potential for government reform and what his experience as an Army intelligence officer was like. Follow @thePLSReporter on Twitter for more news and analysis.