Gov. Tom Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney met in Philadelphia on Friday to discuss gun violence in the city. Here is the Playbook. 

April 23rd Ups and Downs: A Delaware County Democrat is up for an award from a national Democratic PAC, the State Treasurer endorses a candidate for U.S. Senate, plus the former State Treasurer has a new role in Harrisburg. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

NBC News Talks To Biden Voters in Erie County: NBC News talked to Erie County Biden voters about President Joe Biden’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and what they’re watching for next in his administration. 

AP: Widening Fight Over Guns Features Prominently in Court Races: The Associated Press reports that the “fight over gun control” is “featuring prominently” in the upcoming three candidate GOP primary for the state Supreme Court. 

Wolf, Kenney, Shapiro and Outlaw Discuss Philly Gun Violence: KYW Newsradio reports that Gov. Tom Wolf, Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw met on Friday afternoon in West Philadelphia to discuss the gun violence in Philadelphia. 

PA GOP House Leadership To Fundraise with Lawmaker They Called to Resign: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that according to a campaign memo, House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) and Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) are slated to appear at a June 8 breakfast fundraiser for state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver). 

Schmidt Talks to CNN About Grove’s Election Fraud Comments: GOP Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt talked CNN’s New Day about state Rep. Seth Grove’s recent comments about election fraud in a Q&A with the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. 

Billy Penn Previews Krasner’s Reelection Bid: Billy Penn’s latest story titled, “Guns, bail, and public safety: Philly DA Larry Krasner is fighting for his political life” details Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s upcoming bid for a second term. 

Pittsburgh Mayoral Candidates Offer Different Ways to Spend COVID Relief Money: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and primary challenger state Rep. Ed Gainey offer different ways of spending money for the city from the American Rescue Plan. 

Morning Call/Muhlenberg College Polls Allentown Voters on Direction of City, Mayoral Election and More: The Allentown Morning Call reports that a new Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll asks people in Allentown about their thoughts on the direction of the city, if Allentown Mayor Ray O’Connell deserves reelection, and more.  

Post-Gazette Reports on Pittsburgh City Council District 2 Primary Race: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote a story titled, “Council District 2 primary race is perfect prototype” about the upcoming Democratic primary between Pittsburgh City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith and challenger Jacob Williamson.

PA Republicans Threaten To Block Utility Commission Appointments Over Wolf Climate Impasse: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that state Senate Republicans have told Gov. Tom Wolf that “they will block new appointments to the state utility commission unless he backs down from his effort to join a multistate climate plan to cut power-plant emissions.”

Billy Penn Grades Krasner’s Campaign Promises Kept in First Term: Billy Penn reports on Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s campaign promises four years ago that he kept and those that he didn’t keep.

Levine Talks to USA TODAY: Dr. Rachel Levine, assistant secretary of Health and Human Services in President Joe Biden’s administration, who previously served as PA’s Secretary of Health, talked to USA TODAY in an interview about “making history while working on Biden agenda.”

State House Passes Legislation Creating Toll Bridge Oversight: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that the state House passed House Bill 607, which was introduced by state Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Northampton), that is “designed to reign in the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, an effort that could win favor with motorists fed up with escalating toll costs.” 

Lamb Requests $22 Million in Earmarks for Six Transportation Projects in Pittsburgh Region: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) submitted regional funding requests for six projects worth a total of nearly $22 million to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. 

Keller and Scalise Urge American Energy Independence In Webinar: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that Rep. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) joined GOP House Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) in a webinar to discuss fossil fuels and natural gas during an online webinar.  

Keller to Sponsor SHOTS Act: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that Rep. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) said he’s sponsoring the Saving Hypodermic Injections and Offering Vaccines to Taxpayers Swiftly (SHOTS) Act, to ensure that American citizens “should have priority over undocumented immigrants for getting vaccinated against COVID-19.” 

Saccone Opens ‘Discovery Center’ Dedicated to Religion, Constitution: According to the Observer-Reporter, former state Rep. Rick Saccone (R-Allegheny) opened a “discovery center” dedicated to religion and the constitution.  

Clarion and Clearfield County Elected Leaders Endorse Fetterman for U.S. Senate: Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s U.S. Senate campaign rolled out a series of endorsements from officials in Clarion and Clearfield County including Clearfield County Commissioner Dave Glass, East Brady Borough Council President Barbara Mortimer, and more. 

The Collective PAC Announces Latest PA Endorsements: The Collective PAC, which describes itself as “the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political representation across all levels of government,” has endorsed Mark Lomax for Bucks County Sheriff, Tinu Moss for Delaware County Court of Common Pleas Judge, Tiffany Thomas-Smith for Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge, and Tierra D. Williams for Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors. 

Dean, Houlahan, and Meuser Talk Infrastructure Plan at Chamber Forum: The Reading Eagle reports that Reps. Madeleine Dean (D-Montgomery), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester), and Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) talked about infrastructure in a forum hosted by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance on Friday. 

Peduto to Introduce Hate Crime Legislation: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is planning on introducing legislation that “seeks to create local-level hate crime laws that will expand upon state law, which does not consider sexual orientation, gender identity or disability protected classes.”

Berks County Lawyers Rate 5 Judicial Candidates in Bar Association Poll: The Reading Eagle reports that the Berks County Bar Association recently conducted a poll regarding the candidates competing to fill two vacant Berks County Court judgeships.  

Braddock Council Candidate Arrested in Altoona On Heroin Trafficking Charges: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that three Allegheny County men, including Raemon Prunty, who is a candidate for a council seat in Braddock, were arrested in an alleged drug-trafficing operation in Blair County. 

Beemer Releases 1st TV Ad: Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas candidate Judge Bruce Beemer released his first TV ad prior to the May 18 primary. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Widening fight over guns features prominently in court race
AP: Infrastructure money could aid push to plug oil, gas wells 
AP: Pa. Sen. John Heinz remembered 30 years after his death in midair collision
Inquirer: Pennsylvanians pay extra for public pensions
Inquirer: Ron DeSantis is coming to Pennsylvania as his stock rises in a post-Trump GOP
Inquirer: Pa. Republicans threaten to block utility commission appointments over Wolf climate impasse
Inquirer: Asian American leaders see ‘a pivotal moment’ for political participation amid rising hate
USA Today: ‘Overwhelmed with hope’: Dr. Rachel Levine is making history while working on Biden agenda
Bucks County Courier Times: PA House looks at creating toll bridge oversight
Patriot News: Pa. Farm Show Complex, stuffed with millions of masks and other pandemic supplies, can’t host events
Patriot News: Submit your information for the 2021 primary voters guide
Patriot News: Candlelight vigil held at Pa. Capitol steps remembers Black people killed by police
Patriot News: COVID-19 hitting younger people harder; Pa. experts say vaccination offers the way out
Patriot News: COVID-19 update: Pa. nears 26,000 virus-related deaths as vaccination push continues
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House Republican leadership set to fundraise with lawmaker they called to resign
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: State officials warn local law enforcement, shelters, will be affected by dog law funding deficit
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Saying goodbye to one of our own | Five for the Weekend
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Federal health regulators urge states to restart use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine 
NBC News: Biden voters in Pennsylvania see promises kept on Covid. They’re watching for what’s next.
PLSReporter: Lawmakers look to bring more citizen voice to prison oversight
Fox News: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to speak in Pennsylvania amid 2024 presidential run speculation: report
Fox News: Philadelphia police struggle to find new recruits, union president says: Facing ‘an uphill battle’
CBS News: Pennsylvania lawmakers push bill banning transgender athletes from women’s sports
KDKA: Pennsylvania Department Of Health Tells Providers To Resume Administering Johnson And Johnson Vaccine 
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf Says Gun Violence In Pa. Must Stop
The Hill: DeSantis to speak in Pennsylvania, fueling 2024 speculation: report
Pittsburgh Business Times: Proposed sales tax exemption for data centers could make PA more competitive
Politico: Bartos super PAC muscles into Pennsylvania Senate race
Politico: The redistricting cycle is about to begin
Delaware Valley Journal: Is the Pennsylvania Budget Off To the Races?
CNN: Election official responds to GOP state lawmaker’s voter fraud revelation

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Guns, bail, and public safety: Philly DA Larry Krasner is fighting for his political life
Billy Penn: Philly DA report card: The promises Krasner kept (or didn’t) in his first term
Billy Penn: Students at Penn and Princeton are horrified over mistreatment of MOVE children’s remains
KYW Newsradio: Wolf, Kenney, Shapiro, Outlaw meet at Philadelphia gun violence summit
KYW Newsradio: Council hearing to stop online sheriff’s sales ends without resolution
KYW Newsradio: Drexel, Penn say COVID-19 vaccinations required for students this fall
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia slightly relaxes COVID-19 rules for bars and restaurants
KYW Newsradio: Fatal bike crash prompts renewed calls for safety changes near Art Museum
WHYY Newsworks: ‘This is unacceptable’: Gov. Wolf vows to work with lawmakers, law enforcement to quell gun violence
WHYY Newsworks: Supporters of Mumia Abu-Jamal rally on his 67th birthday for his release
WHYY Newsworks: Activists honor Walter Wallace Jr., nearly six months after Philly police fatally shot him
Philadelphia Tribune: Black coalition calls for an ammunition tracking system in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Walter Wallace Jr. is remembered 6 months after police fatally shot him
Inquirer: With ridership still low, SEPTA will continue to rely on pandemic aid to fund its $1.5 billion budget
Inquirer: Police in Philly and beyond are struggling with a shortage of police recruits and a surge in retirements
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia allowing bar seating starting Friday
Philly Voice: Philly to permit limited bar seating at restaurants

SEPA
Daily Local News: Lawmakers’ Longwood Gardens hearing: Public gardens create jobs, help economy
Daily Local News: Chester County gets $34.5 million to help residents struggling with rent, utility payments 
Daily Local News: County OKs $50,000 to support first-time homebuyers in Coatesville
Delco Daily Times: Delco officials outline challenges and accomplishments during pandemic
Delco Daily Times: Chester Water Authority says receivership no longer needed in Chester
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania COVID-19 cases see drop over last week, but still high
Delaware Valley Journal: Chester DA, Energy Transfer Enter Consent Decree on Mariner East Pipeline 
Delaware Valley Journal: Raider Brouhaha Roils Radnor: Cherished Nickname Jettisoned
Bucks Local News: Newtown Township Supervisor David Oxley announces campaign for another term

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh mayoral candidates offer different way of spending COVID relief money
Post-Gazette: Council District 2 primary race is perfect prototype
Post-Gazette: Housing proposals aim to boost HUD budget for building affordable units
Post-Gazette: Rep. Lamb requests $22 million in earmarks for six transportation projects in Pittsburgh region
Post-Gazette: White House announces $109M for energy jobs in hard-hit coal communities
Post-Gazette: Audit finds problems with city’s tax deferment programs
WESA: COVID Vaccine Inequity Between Black And White Allegheny County Residents Increases 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto to introduce city-level hate crime legislation
Tribune Review: Braddock Council candidate, 2 other Allegheny County men arrested in Altoona on heroin trafficking charges
Tribune Review: Incumbent Allegheny Township supervisor has a challenger in the Republican primary
City Paper: Advocates call on Port Authority to provide free fares for low-income riders
KDKA: Dozens Gather For March For Change In Pittsburgh’s Hill District
KDKA: Vigil To Remember Lives Lost To Police Brutality Held In Pittsburgh
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Launches New Map Showing COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Locations
KDKA: Doctors Worry As Demand For COVID-19 Vaccine Decreases In The Region, Make Clinics More Accessible
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 367 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing County Total To 95,857

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Former State Rep. Saccone opens ‘discovery center’ dedicated to religion, Constitution
Observer-Reporter: Blaine Township resident running for district judge
Observer-Reporter: Environmental education grants awarded on Earth Day
Observer-Reporter: Group sends letter to Biden, touting PA natural gas
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 death reported in Washington County
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 vaccination rate trends higher regionally than statewide
Altoona Mirror: League of Women Voters promotes fair redistricting
Altoona Mirror: Blair increasing fees to fill blight fund coffers
Altoona Mirror: Dems, allies detail plans for climate
Altoona Mirror: Recent uptick in virus cases may have peaked
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Vaccinations near 8 million across state; Mainline Pharmacy to distribute 100,000th dose
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Grants bring $516,000 to Greater Johnstown YMCA
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: No new COVID-19 deaths reported locally; Cambria adds 68 cases
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria, Somerset each add one COVID-19 death
KDKA: Greene, Washington Counties Work To Expand Internet Access
Beaver County Times: Leaders praise guilty Chauvin verdict, plan for future

NEPA
The Times Leader: Cartwright seeks continued federal funding for abandoned mine cleanup
The Times Leader: Luzerne County DA, council at odds over pay increases
The Times Leader: Luzerne County DA: Charter, precedent support salary increases
The Times Leader: Scranton-WB area earns another ‘A’ in air quality report
The Times Leader: Baker, Boback announce funding for Dallas/Misericordia sidewalk project
The Times Leader: TL’s O’Boyle to be honored by Leadership Wilkes-Barre
The Times Leader: 83 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Sunday
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre mayor: Financial report shows ‘what we expected’
Citizens Voice: Council, DA at odds over raises
Citizens Voice: Analyzing the differing opinions on DA special election this year
Citizens Voice: Dallas sidewalk project receives $133,880 state grant
Citizens Voice: Annual air report from American Lung Association shows clear skies in NEPA
Citizens Voice: 83 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Board of Elections OK’s six ballot drop box sites for primary
Times-Tribune: Annual air report from American Lung Association shows clear skies in NEPA
Times-Tribune: 65 Years Ago – Jerome Casey wins Democratic primary race for 10th Congressional District
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 cases, deaths dip in state, region Sunday

South Central 
York Dispatch: In Capital-Star Q&A, Seth Grove makes what CNN calls a ‘stunning revelation’ about election fraud
York Dispatch: Saturday update: Three new COVID-19 deaths reported in York County 
LNP | LancasterOnline: How a Mount Joy couple who attended Trump’s Jan. 6 ‘Stop the Steal’ rally ended up running for E-town school board
LNP | LancasterOnline: What is Partnership for Revival, the nonprofit that organized a bus trip to the Jan. 6 Trump rally?
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster says Muñoz wrongful death suit should be dismissed
Carlisle Sentinel: Selling Claremont: Key questions for the proposed sale of Cumberland County’s nursing home 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 57 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Saturday
Patriot News: Candlelight vigil held at Pa. Capitol steps remembers Black people killed by police  

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Poll: Allentown residents still positive about city, but many think it’s headed in the wrong direction
Morning Call: Could local governments compete with Comcast and Verizon for broadband internet?
Morning Call: Bethlehem’s Hill to Hill Bridge plan calls for $74.4 million in repairs and addition of a second span
Morning Call: The battle over school reopening is now being waged at the ballot box, with hot races for school board
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Case rate dips to 4-week low while death rate increases
Reading Eagle: Berks congressional delegation focuses on infrastructure plan at chamber forum
Reading Eagle: Berks County lawyers rate 5 judicial candidates in bar association poll
Reading Eagle: After Reading City Council approved no-parking sign rate increase, it got an unwelcome surprise
Reading Eagle: COVID vaccine demand down in Berks County
Reading Eagle: 201 more COVID cases for Berks County in the daily Pa. report
WFMZ: Pa. lawmakers discuss infrastructure, economy during ‘Congressional Conversation’ event
WFMZ: Biden administration proposal would reportedly raise capital gains tax to help fund American Families Plan
WFMZ: Some members of local Asian community breathe sigh of relief after Senate passes anti-hate crimes bill
WFMZ: Department of Health reports 4,164 new COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania, statewide total now 1,131,014
Express Times: Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines clear for use in Pa., N.J. after feds give OK
Express Times: 45% of Pa. population with at least one COVID vaccine dose as new cases start to fall

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Keller, Scalise urge American energy independence in webinar
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Rep. seeks to give citizens first priority for shots
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Access to meetings via remote methods continues in pandemic
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Tioga County greenway to get $500,000 grant
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 42 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: ‘Districts belong to the voters.’ How one man is raising awareness ahead of Pa. redistricting
Centre Daily Times: Primary election 2021 voters guide: Here are the candidates for Pennsylvania judicial races
Centre Daily Times: Primary election 2021 voters guide: Candidates for council, supervisor races in Centre County
Centre Daily Times: Primary election 2021 voters guide: Centre County district attorney and district judge races
Centre Daily Times: Primary election 2021 voters guide: State College, Bellefonte council and mayor races
Centre Daily Times: Primary election 2021 voters guide: Candidates for Bellefonte, State College school boards
Centre Daily Times: April 23 update: Centre County adds 33 COVID-19 cases; Pa. reports 4,188 new positives
Centre Daily Times: April 24 update: Centre County adds 80 COVID-19 cases and 2 deaths
Erie Times-News: Erie County reaches COVID-19 vaccination milestone
Erie Times-News: Erie City Hall security plan cost? Nearly $1M
Erie Times-News: How area lawmakers voted, week ending April 23

Opinion  
Ed Rendell: There’s room to reconcile the Biden and GOP infrastructure plans
Mark S. Singel: We just need to use our common sense in dealing with climate change
Sala Udin: Reimagining policing in America
Tierra Bradford and Terrell Thomas: District judge candidates must be transparent and engage voters
Lauren P. McKenna and Niki T. Ingram: Why judicial candidates on the Pennsylvania ballot need our rigorous vetting
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Frustration over Harrisburg’s inability to be efficient and meet problems head-on
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Please get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccination is our best shot at defeating this pandemic.
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Reforms should make voting easier, period
York Dispatch Editorial Board: College ‘promise’ assists students and community 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Police and gun violence needs immediate work
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The battle for cleaner water in Pittsburgh necessitates another PWSA rate increase
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: President Biden and Rep. Waters made ill-timed statements during Chauvin adjudication, highlighting the need for judicial reform
PennLive Editorial Board: After Derek Chauvin’s conviction, we need to change the way police do their jobs 
USA Today Editorial Board: Victims have waited long enough, open Pennsylvania’s courtroom doors
Pottstown Mercury Editorial: Marsy’s Law needed in Pennsylvania to support crime victims’ rights 
Shirley McCormick: The Republican candidate for PA’s 48th Senatorial District did not respond to invitations from the League of Women Voters
Jon DeArment: Amendments would empower legislature, improve state’s emergency response
Randy Padfield: Flexible disaster emergency declarations are a crucial part of response and recovery process
Chris Kelly: Chauvin verdict is progress, but don’t call it justice
Tony Norman: The long shadow of Derek Chauvin
Joe McClure: York Charrette examined city’s racial disparities in wake of 1960s riots
Jon Geeting: Yet Another Aimless Litter Task Force
Helen Ubiñas: ‘Hello, Sunshine,’ a new documentary about a Philadelphia community activist reveals the toll of activism 
Will Bunch: Biden’s ‘America First Lite’ policies on vaccine sharing, refugees are awful look for U.S. 
Paul Muschick: Wawa shooting: America is so numb to gun violence that it’s not even considered a mass shooting
Karin Klein: One reason tuition keeps soaring? Colleges’ unhealthy obsession with ‘yield’
Salena Zito: Ancient and lonely urban monuments evoke today’s political division
Christine Flowers: Philly progressives reveal their true desire–revolution
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Before blaming rural people for not getting vaccinated, remove the barriers
Keith C. Burris: Kindness is the revolution
David M. Shribman: Biden’s sprint to the 100-day mark
Sam Kidder: Mondale exemplified decency in public service
Rich Askey: A light at the end of the COVID tunnel
Frank Pizzoli: ‘Some fights need more help than others’: Ex-NFL star adds his voice to battle against transgender sports bills 
Drs. Steph Lee and Gabriel Cisneros: Improving children’s health starts with cleaner air
Nancy Eshelman: After the snow melts, it reveals an eyesore that seems ‘far worse than ever before’ 
JD Mullane: Earth Day passes quietly, with no fear
The Rev. Sandra L. Strauss: Let’s bend the moral arc toward environmental justice—It’s in our grasp
Maria Panaritis: How did an unemployed band tour manager come to manage vaccination sites? She said ‘yes’. 
Lisa R. Fox: Kids are suffering silently from trauma and need help
Bill Waddell: ‘I’m alive because I’m a white guy’
Tim Hartman: Redistricting musical chairs. It’s game on | Editorial Cartoon