The Koch brothers target Barletta in a new ad campaign, harassment allegations shake up the Montco GOP chair race, and Groen looks to return to politics.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

Koch Brothers Group Targets Barletta Ahead of Key Senate Race: The Koch brothers group Americans for Prosperity is targeting Congressman Lou Barletta over his vote on the spending bill Congress passed in March with online ads and mailers in the midst of the Senate election.

Ellis Exits Montco GOP Chair Race Following Harassment and Abuse Allegations: Tom Ellis, who was running to be chairman of the Montco GOP, exited the race after City & State asked him about abuse and sexual harassment allegations against him in the past.

City & State: Ousted PA Dem leader Marcel Groen eyeing run for MontCo party chair: The former head of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party is looking to ease back into a leadership role after a year of public criticism that ultimately culminated in his ejection from the state party. Marcel Groen, who chaired the PDP from 2015 until earlier this year, told City & State PA that he’s thinking about seeking the chairmanship of the Montgomery County Democratic Committee at the organization’s June meeting.

Statewide
State House Sound Bites: Ohio lawyers find PA “instructive” in quest to overturn congressional map
State House Sound Bites: PHEAA announces good news (and bad news) for student grants
StateImpact: Jobs, economy vs. environment at air permit hearing for Marcus Hook energy hub
StateImpact: Mariner East construction, operation halted again in Chester County

Philadelphia
Inquirer: SRC adopts $3.2B Philly school budget – with question marks
Inquirer: Are Berniecrats about to take control of a South Philly ward?
Inquirer: Pennsylvania GOP Senate candidate Lou Barletta new target of conservative group
Inquirer: SEPTA’s 2019 budget funds new buses and trains but plans for drop in ridership revenue
WHYY: Pa. dairy farmers struggling to find greener pastures in tough milk market
WHYY: Koch brothers turn on Pa. conservative running for U.S. Senate
KYW: Sunoco gas pipeline and construction project shut down again amid safety concerns

SEPA
The Intelligencer: Sen. Toomey to head opioid overuse field hearing in Bensalem
Pottstown Mercury: State judge halts Sunoco pipeline work in Chester County
Bucks County Courier Times: State officials recognize Bucks County first responders during National EMS Week
Delco Times: It’s official: Miccarelli booted from committee posts

Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Prosecutor Peter Phipps clears Senate Judiciary Committee, one step closer to becoming federal judge
Post-Gazette: Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline ordered shut down — again
Post-Gazette: Peoples still pursuing PWSA, confirms meetings with city council
Post-Gazette: State officials: Releasing details of Amazon incentives program could damage state’s bid
Post-Gazette: City pinpointed as most responsible for Allegheny County’s population drop
Post-Gazette: PG big winner at Golden Quill Awards
Tribune Review: Gov. Wolf: Jerk and jagoff have same meaning; neither word is profane
Tribune Review: Trib clinches best enterprise reporting, best of show at Golden Quill journalism awards
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh City Hall equipped with drug that can counteract a drug OD
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh event will explore letting citizens draw congressional districts
WESA: Wolf To Sign Updated Sex Offender Bill
WESA: GOP County Chair Raja Shows Interest In State Senate Seat

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Economy to make pay rates official
Altoona Mirror: Water authority to apply for dam renovation permit
Altoona Mirror: Water authority generates $1M

NEPA
Times Leader: Crestwood OKs $40M final budget proposal; no teacher layoffs expected
Times Leader: Residents press WB council over crime, blight
Times-Tribune: County eliminates 45 cellphones, will save $20,000 per year
Standard-Speaker: Deficits drops to $2.8M in latest budget numbers

South Central
Patriot News: TMI fails to sell its power for 4th year, as premature closing date approaches
Patriot News: Twenty questions: Cumberland Valley officials take residents’ questions about McCormick Farm
Patriot News: Cumberland Valley unveils middle school plan for McCormick Farm site
Patriot News: PHEAA finds money to avoid $705 cut in state grant awards to college students
Carlisle Sentinel: Study: Some public pensions funds could run dry in downturn
Carlisle Sentinel: Three Mile Island again fails to clear power auction
LNP: Maryland bans pigeon shoots: Animal welfare groups push to end ‘incredibly cruel’ tradition in Pennsylvania
LNP: Memorial Day travelers will pay 50 cents more per gallon of gas than last year in Lancaster County

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Appeals court upholds Boyertown transgender bathroom policy
Morning Call: Despite concerns of police chief, Bethlehem takes step to decriminalize marijuana
Reading Eagle: Get ready to pay more for gas this Memorial Day weekend
Reading Eagle: Most Berks municipalities see increase in population

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Thousands in Centre County lack internet access. What’s being done to bridge the ‘digital divide’?
Sharon Herald: County waiting for Wolf to replace judges
Erie Times-News: Council reneges on ECGRA expansion; Dahlkemper, Foust frustrated

Opinion
Inquirer: Larry Krasner: Time to rethink probation and parole | Opinion
Inquirer: If not higher taxes, find another way to help cash poor Philly schools | Editorial
Post-Gazette: Local climate action: Energy efficiency to reduce pollution is good policy
Post-Gazette: When to start over: Finding a new structure after exiting Iran deal
Patriot News: Here’s how to fix Pa.’s State System schools | Colin McNickle
Patriot News: If Congress cuts food stamps, 1.8 million in Pa. won’t know where their next meal is coming from
LNP: Threat reporting program is worthwhile, but more needs to be done to ensure safety of Pennsylvania students
Reading Eagle: Editorial: A way forward on redistricting