The state legislature voted to end Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration. Here is the Playbook. 

‘Pa. General Assembly votes to terminate Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency declaration’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “using its newly expanded emergency powers, the GOP-controlled Legislature voted to end Gov. Tom Wolf’s pandemic disaster declaration this week. With a 30-20 Senate vote and 121-81 House vote, Wolf has no power to veto the resolution.” 

‘House GOP unveils ambitious proposal to revamp election law’: The Associated Press reports that “an ambitious Republican proposal to revamp Pennsylvania election law was unveiled Thursday, a 149-page bill that would change deadlines, adopt new rules for early voting, alter mail-in ballot procedures and mandate IDs for all in-person voters.”

‘As Biden’s Plan Struggles, Lamb Pushes For More Moderate Infrastructure Bill’: WESA reports “as President Biden struggles to find support for his massive infrastructure plan, U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb is playing a key role in crafting a more moderate proposal with the hopes of getting bipartisan buy-in.”

‘Party officials ponder replacing Flynn as state rep’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports on the potential candidates for the special election for the state House’s 113th District in November. 

City & State PA’s Biggest Winners & Losers This Week: City & State PA highlights the three winners and losers in Pennsylvania politics this week.  

‘Activists target top Republican in Pa. Senate as they push for gift ban’: Spotlight PA reports that “a group of activists marched through the Capitol’s hallways Wednesday… demanding that lawmakers pass legislation to ban public officials from accepting gifts from special interests and others trying to influence public policy.”

‘Joe Manchin’s filibuster drama is shaping an early debate in Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the debate about the filibuster is “the latest sign that Pennsylvania’s Democratic Senate candidates are running on a largely progressive platform in a state Joe Biden won by about 1% of the vote.” 

‘Even Conor Lamb Is Done With the Filibuster’: Slate reports that Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny), “The moderate Democrat says the Capitol riot changed his mind,” on the filibuster.

‘Pa. Sen. Jim Brewster urges officials to pause vote on state university consolidations’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny) is “seeking a two-year pause in the process” of next month’s schedule voted that “could be one of the final steps in consolidating six state-owned universities into two institutions.” 

‘Getting closer, not there yet: What still needs to be hammered out in Philly city budget’: KYW Newsradio reports “Philadelphia City Council and the Kenney administration have made some progress as they are still negotiating next year’s city budget, which takes effect July 1,” adding that “a package of tax bills appears to be the main sticking point.”

‘Philly Council passes bill cracking down on people riding dirt bikes on city streets’: WHYY reports that Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed a bill, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Alan Domb and Derek Green, “aimed at cracking down on people riding dirt bikes on city streets after months of complaints from city residents who don’t like the vehicles.”

‘Philly Council passes tougher Airbnb regulations’: WHYY reports that Philadelphia City Council passed new legislation, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, “aimed at toughening regulations and improving transparency around short-term rentals, like those found on services like Airbnb or Vrbo.” 

‘Council Members In The City Of Washington Table Vote On Citizen Police Review Board’: KDKA reports that Washington City council leaders “tabled the vote to create a citizen police review board on Thursday. City council leaders and the NAACP want to meet with the FOP and reach a consensus before voting.” 

Titus Talks To MSNBC: Erie School Board President Dr. Tyler Titus, who is the Democratic Party nominee for Erie County Executive, joined Jonathan Capehart on MSNBC’s The Sunday Show for a five-minute interview. 

Heyrich Joins Black Rock Group: POLITICO reports that Samantha Heyrich is “now senior director at Black Rock Group. She is a Treasury and Pat Toomey alum.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: House GOP unveils ambitious proposal to revamp election law 
AP: Lawmakers vote to end emergency declaration, extend waivers 
AP: Coal plants in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Ohio to shut down
Patriot News: Pa. Legislature ends Gov. Wolf’s pandemic disaster emergency declaration
Patriot News: Pa. lawmakers to vote on widespread election changes, including curbside voting, ID requirements
Patriot News: Pa. Senate passes bill requiring government agencies to publicize their agendas
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf says he will veto any bill that suppresses voter access
Patriot News: Successful Pa. jobless claims nearly triple since Tuesday rollout: ‘We’ve come a long way,’ an official says
Patriot News: Fireworks anger residents across Pa., but they may be here to stay
Patriot News: CDC awards Pennsylvania $36M to address health disparities in minority, rural communities
Patriot News: House passes bill named for fallen Johnstown K-9 officer, Titan
Patriot News: COVID-19 patients needing ICU falls to 156: Pa. update
Inquirer: Joe Manchin’s filibuster drama is shaping an early debate in Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race
Spotlight PA: Pa. GOP proposes major election overhaul, including stricter voter ID and in-person early voting 
Spotlight PA: Activists target top Republican in Pa. Senate as they push for gift ban 
Spotlight PA: Legislature votes to immediately end Pa.’s coronavirus disaster declaration while keeping waivers in place 
Spotlight PA: Six of 15 board members of embattled Pa. pension fund officially call for removal of its top command
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: House GOP releases election reform plan; includes voter ID, early voting 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. General Assembly votes to terminate Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency declaration 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: L&I attempting to address new UC system issues, concerns
Washington Post: The Trailer: The “Arizona model”: Republicans trek to Phoenix, planning 2020 election audits back home 
Slate: Even Conor Lamb Is Done With the Filibuster
USA Today: ‘The state of emergency is over’: Pa. Senate votes to end Wolf’s disaster declaration
KDKA: Legislature Votes To End Gov. Tom Wolf’s Pandemic State Of Emergency But Maintains Many COVID-Related Regulations
KDKA: Pennsylvania Commission On LGBTQ Affairs Addresses COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
City & State PA: This week’s biggest Winners & Losers 
City & State PA: Pa. lawmakers vote to end Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency declaration 
City & State PA: House passes Down syndrome abortion ban after heated debate
Pittsburgh Business Times: These banks were the biggest PPP lenders in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Business Times: Senate votes to end Pennsylvania’s emergency declaration
Pittsburgh Business Times: Some impacts of the vote on emergency declaration remain unclear
Post-Gazette: ‘Why are you letting them off the hook?’: Speaker asks state university leaders given lax General Assembly support 
Fox News: PA Senate votes to end governor’s COVID-19 emergency declaration, keep protections in place
Montgomery Media: Report: 2020 DUI arrests decrease in Pennsylvania
WHYY Newsworks: Does Pa.’s new unemployment system work? It depends who you ask.
The Hill: Pennsylvania Senate votes to end governor’s emergency declaration for COVID-19
The Hill: Former Penn State president reports to jail in Sandusky sexual abuse case
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania ranks poorly for job opportunities and employment growth
CNN: New infrastructure deal faces Democratic resistance as liberals call for an end to bipartisan talks
Huffington Post: Pennsylvania Lawmaker Has Mic Cut Off After Blasting State’s GOP As ‘100% White’

Philadelphia  
Inquirer: Philly City Council is considering mandatory funding to boost affordable and accessible housing 
Inquirer: A vote on a controversial parking tax cut was delayed as Philly budget negotiations dragged on 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council passes bill cracking down on people riding dirt bikes on city streets 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council passes tougher Airbnb regulations
Philadelphia Citizen: Listen: Philly Under Fire Podcast 
KYW Newsradio: Getting closer, not there yet: What still needs to be hammered out in Philly city budget
Philly Voice: Philly to drop COVID-19 indoor mask mandate Friday

SEPA
Bucks Local News: State House passes bill to increase burial benefits to ensure veterans are laid to rest with military honors
Delco Daily Times: As vaccinations continue, a sense of normalcy starts to prevail in Delaware County 
KYW Newsradio: Ex Chesco sheriff, deputy ordered to pay back thousands in theft case
Pottstown Mercury: ‘Juneteenth’ celebration planned for Pottstown

Pittsburgh 
WTAE: New candidate for Pittsburgh mayor: Marlin Wood enters race as an Independent
WESA: As Biden’s Plan Struggles, Lamb Pushes For More Moderate Infrastructure Bill
WESA: Black, Young And Educated Resume Civil Saturdays With Similar Goals, New Campaigns
Post-Gazette: Smaller transportation bill passes U.S. House committee as talks stall on larger infrastructure package 
Post-Gazette: Amid increase in shootings on North Side, officials and anti-violence advocates stress greater collaboration
Post-Gazette: Juneteenth organizers and Pittsburgh officials negotiate to resolve $140K bill 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Cheswick coal-fired power plant to close in September
Tribune Review: Independent Marlin Woods to announce bid for Pittsburgh mayor 
Tribune Review: Pa. Sen. Jim Brewster urges officials to pause vote on state university consolidations
Tribune Review: Attorney Milton Raiford apologizes for leaving client’s case during Zappala dispute; seeks to be restored
Tribune Review: Cheswick Generating Station, Allegheny County’s only coal-fired power plant, to close
Tribune Review: Judge orders primary ballot recount for tied commissioner race in Ross Township
KDKA: 10 City Pools Not Opening Next Week, One Councilmember Blames Low Pay For Lifeguards
City Paper: A Pittsburgher met with transit secretary Buttigieg to discuss region’s public transit needs

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: O’Neal co-authored ventilator legislation approved by Pennsylvania House
Observer-Reporter: State System draws opposition of university mergers
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases remain low in Southwestern Pennsylvania 
KDKA: Westmoreland County Election Bureau Director Suspended By Commissioners
KDKA: Council Members In The City Of Washington Table Vote On Citizen Police Review Board
Tribune Review:  Westmoreland commissioner expresses confidence in election office as director’s suspension continues
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Solicitor: Investigation targets sheriff’s office
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown voters may get to decide city manager residency debate; council moves question forward
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 hospitalizations nosedive, area counties all show fewer than 20 new cases
Beaver County Times: Commissioners give thanks to county CYS workers
Beaver County Times: Beaver County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 38% of people fully vaccinated

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Party officials ponder replacing Flynn as state rep 
Times-Tribune: Former Old Forge Borough President to plead guilty to bribery 
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 cases, deaths rise, but long-term trends still good
The Times Leader: Speaker announces special election for Flynn’s 113th District seat 
The Times Leader: Public attendance among changes for Wilkes-Barre City Council meetings 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County in state’s top 20 for tax refunds 
The Times Leader: 22 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Thursday; 1 death
Citizens Voice: Solicitor: ‘No evidence’ recount would change election
Citizens Voice: Council candidate Knapp appeals primary results
Citizens Voice: County seeks interim manager to serve after Pedri’s departure
Citizens Voice: Former Old Forge Borough President charged by FBI
Citizens Voice: Vaccine totals continue to increase in county

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Manheim Township paid nearly $80,000 in separation agreement with former manager, documents show 
LNP | LancasterOnline: City Council tables removing seniority points, instead promoting officers and firefighters based on merit
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough among 10 All-America City Award recipients
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 11 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Thursday
York Dispatch: GOYORK 2045 extends public comment period through Sunday
Patriot News: Prominent attorney William Costopoulos joins central Pa. law firm

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: With ‘Housing First’ approach, Rep. Freeman bills would address blight and homelessness
WFMZ: Rally in Collegeville calls on lawmakers to change fair funding formula for education
WFMZ: Easton to seek input on how to spend $10.3M in relief funds
WFMZ: Berks County Commissioners approve second round of COVID funding for hospitality industry
WFMZ: Berks County to receive over $884,000 in grants towards criminal justice programs
Morning Call: Legislature terminates Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster declaration: ‘This vote restores liberty’

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Waterford zoning case: Will council settle suit against its president?
Erie Times-News: Racial justice scholar: Erie’s inclusion push largely about ‘common human decency’
Erie Times-News: Erie County takes COVID-19 vaccine show on the road with mobile unit
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council to return to in-person Council meetings
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council talks debt, refinancing options

Opinion  
Gene Yaw and Scott Martin: Energy production is important to Pennsylvania’s environmental future
John Baer: Who’s served by Pa. joining the ‘let’s audit the 2020 presidential election’ club? 
Paul Muschick: It’s June 2021. Why are Pennsylvania Republicans still bickering over the 2020 election?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: State lawmakers should disclose their spending in an easy-to-find online spot
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: President Biden’s decision to review student loan repayment options rather than offer forgiveness is reasonable
Inquirer Editorial Board: Philly’s extremely ordinary budget for an extraordinary time 
Inquirer: Should Pa. schools adopt critical race theory curriculum? | Pro/Con
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Health care employees ought to be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Planning now for a stronger York County
Erika Guadalupe Núñez: Philly must allocate $100,000 more to deportation defense fund 
Nadia Dowshen, Chris Renjilian, and Alfred Atanda Jr.: ‘They just want the chance to play’: Reject transgender sports bans 
Phil Gianficaro: Neshaminy High’s racist nickname must go
Andy Daga: It’s time to cut the cord on electric vehicles
Conrad Benner: An anti-people redesign in Headhouse Square frustrates Philadelphians
John L. Micek: Why is Joe Manchin? What the Dems really need to do about their W.Va problem 
Miles Bryan: Move the Flower Show back to the Convention Center
Marilyn J. Roossinck: How virus detectives trace the origins of an outbreak – and why it’s so tricky
Trudy Rubin: Biden-Putin summit tests the strengths of democracy vs. autocracy