Right 2 Know

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.