The AP highlights former President Donald Trump’s impact on the 2022 GOP primaries for Governor and U.S. Senate in PA. Here is the Playbook. 

May 28th Ups and Downs: Another Democratic challenger unseats an incumbent Mayor, PA reaches a COVID-19 vaccination milestone, plus a former GOP Senator is fired by CNN. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

AP Highlight’s Trump’s Impact on 2022 PA GOP Primaries: The Associated Press reports that former President Donald Trump “looms large” in the state’s GOP primaries for governor and U.S. Senate in 2022, adding that “Republican candidates with strong ties to Donald Trump are running and considered strong contenders for the party’s nominations — a powerful sign of the former president’s enduring popularity within the GOP.”

Philly Mag Profiles Fetterman: Philadelphia Magazine profiles Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s campaign for U.S. Senate and the “one moment” from his past that “could derail his Senate bid.”  

Mastriano ‘Unlikely To Face Consequences Over Newly-Released Jan. 6 Videos’: WITF reports that “Experts say Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams) is unlikely to face consequences for his actions at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump invaded the building to try to stop Congress from certifying Joe Biden’s election as president.”

Spotlight PA Details Grants That Helped Pa. Counties ‘Survive the 2020 election’: Spotlight PA reports that “Mark Zuckerberg helped some Pa. counties survive the 2020 election. Right-wing lawmakers say that was unfair.”

PennLive Highlight’s Wolf’s Push To Raise PA’s Minimum Wage: PennLive reports that “Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf keeps trying to raise the minimum wage. Will he ever succeed?”

Pittsburgh City Paper Details All The Times Parnell Criticized Trump: Pittsburgh City Paper provides “An extensive list of all the times Sean Parnell criticized Donald Trump.”

PA Republicans ‘Threaten to Impeach Philly Officials For Counting Undated Mail Ballots’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Top Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature threatened Friday to impeach Philadelphia elections officials if they count undated mail ballots from last week’s primary, a major escalation in ongoing legal and political fights over how elections are run.”

Post-Gazette Previews Infrastructure Proposal Push in PA: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “ahead of summer slog, lawmakers advance competing definition to sell a deal” on infrastructure.  

Pennsylvania Capital-Star Highlights PA Budget Season: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star wrote a story titled, “To spend or not to spend, Harrisburg asks this budget season.”

Toomey Absent From Jan. 6 Commission Vote, but Said He Wouldn’t Voted for It: USA Today reports that Sen. Pat Toomey, who was absent for the Jan. 6 commission vote on Friday afternoon, said he would have voted yes.

USA Today Highlights McClinton’s Call To End Prison Gerrymandering: USA Today reports on “why” Pennsylvania House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) “wants to end prison gerrymandering.” 

Casey Talks to The Times Leader About His ‘Five Freedoms for America’s Children’ Legislation: Sen. Bob Casey talked to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader about his plans to “re-introduce his Five Freedoms for America’s Children legislation,” adding that “throughout America, children lack health care, economic security, education, adequate nutrition and safety.”

Inky Highlights Police Reform Push in Philly: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philly Mayor Jim Kenney promised police reform. It’s a work in progress a year later.” 

Krasner Talks to KYW Newsradio’s ‘Flashpoint’ Podcast: Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner talked to KYW Newsradio’s “Flashpoint” podcast after his primary election victory and said that he doesn’t take his GOP opponent, Chuck Perutuo, “seriously.”  

York Daily Record Reports on PennDOT: The York Daily Record reports on “Why PennDOT faces an $8.1 billion shortfall for highways and bridges” 

Fettermans Visit Washington Pride Picnic: According to the Observer-Reporter, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and his wife Gisele Barreto Fetterman visited the Washington Pride picnic on Sunday. 

‘York County To Conduct Recount’ in a Dem Primary for District Court: The York Daily Record reports that “York County will conduct a recount in the Democratic primary for District Court 19-1-01, in which the longtime incumbent, Linda Williams, lost by one vote, to Tom Harteis, according to unofficial election results.

Houlahan Talks To Greta Van Susteren on Full Court Press: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) joined Full Court Press with Greta Van Susteren this past weekend for an interview to talk about cyber warfare, Afghanistan troop withdrawal, and her family history in the military.

Casey To Host Drive-in Town Hall in Altoona: On Tuesday afternoon, Sen. Bob Casey will be holding his fourth drive-in town hall meeting of the year in Altoona. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Trump looms large in Pennsylvania’s GOP primaries in 2022
AP: GOP lawmakers press Philly voting officials on ballot rules 
AP: Pennsylvania casinos lose in court over online lottery games 
AP: State using insecticide on invasive spotted lanternflies
AP: Flu cases plummet in Pennsylvania amid COVID-19 precautions
Spotlight PA: Mark Zuckerberg helped some Pa. counties survive the 2020 election. Right-wing lawmakers say that was unfair.
Spotlight PA: Internal PSERS documents show how Pa’s biggest pension fund got key financial calculation wrong
Spotlight PA: Anxiety runs high as Pa. begins massive overhaul of 60-year-old unemployment computer system
Spotlight PA: America’s richest school serves low-income kids. But much of its Hershey-funded fortune isn’t being spent.
Post-Gazette: Growing wary of China, senators hope to beef up scrutiny of economic ties and offshoring
Post-Gazette: What is infrastructure? Ahead of summer slog, lawmakers advance competing definitions to sell a deal 
Post-Gazette: To mask or not to mask? When it comes to unvaccinated children, it’s complicated.
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf keeps trying to raise the minimum wage. Will he ever succeed?
Patriot News: ‘The industry is plagued’: Pa. restaurant owners say lifting of COVID-19 restrictions doesn’t mean ‘return to normal’
Patriot News: Pa. ends COVID-19 restrictions on businesses and gatherings today 
USA Today: Sen. Pat Toomey was absent for the Jan. 6 commission vote, but said he would’ve voted for it
USA Today: Here’s why the Pa. House Democratic leader wants to end prison gerrymandering
City Paper: An extensive list of all the times Sean Parnell criticized Donald Trump
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: To spend or not to spend, Harrisburg asks this budget season
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s election code is in need of reform. But do the potential plans match local needs?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘It’s about America.’ Pa. lawmakers join efforts to expand Medicaid in Wisconsin
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s 2020 census response exceeds national average | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Headed for a state park this Memorial Day Weekend? Get ready for the crowds | Five for the Weekend
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. notches one of its ‘mildest’ flu seasons on record, Health Dept. says
WITF: Pa. Sen. Doug Mastriano unlikely to face consequences over newly-released Jan. 6 videos
Philadelphia Magazine: One Moment From John Fetterman’s Past Could Derail His Senate Bid
WHYY Newsworks: Why is it still so hard to see police bodycam footage in Pennsylvania?
City & State PA: New legislation targets federal COVID unemployment aid
PLSReporter: The Capitol Recap: Labor Department Explains New Unemployment Compensation System
The Times Leader: Casey to re-introduce Five Freedoms for America’s Children legislation
KDKA: U.S. Senator Bob Casey Planning To Introduce ‘Five Freedoms For American Children’ Bill 
WFMZ: Republican candidates with ties to Trump believed to strong contenders for Governor, U.S. Senate
StateImpactPA: Report shows rebound for natural gas as production, prices rise
StateImpactPA: Mariner East pipeline construction leaves hundreds without drinking water in Delaware County
StateImpactPA: As Philadelphia works to tackle climate change, a question emerges: Is PGW on board?
Capitolwire: State House hearing examines school mental health needs
KYW Newsradio: Heartbeat abortion bill in state House reflects how issue may shape governor’s race
KYW Newsradio: No permit should be required to carry concealed handguns, say some in Pa. House
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania’s unemployment benefits system finally getting an upgrade
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania using insecticide on invasive spotted lanternflies
KYW Newsradio: Flu cases plummet in Pennsylvania amid COVID-19 precautions
Philadelphia Business Journal: Sheetz becomes first convenience store chain to accept cryptocurrency 
The Hill: 9 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022
The Hill: Pittsburgh study finds 1 in 10 teens identify as gender diverse
The Hill: Pennsylvania Parole board denies Bill Cosby’s request
York Daily Record: Why PennDOT faces an $8.1 billion shortfall for highways and bridges 
York Daily Record: It’s official: Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 restrictions are over
York Daily Record: What COVID-19 had to do with an especially mild flu season in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania removes all Covid restrictions except for face coverings
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania’s flu season likely the mildest on record
CNHI: Candidates for governor, U.S. Senate jockeying for position with 2022 on the horizon
Inquirer: To mask or not to mask? As Pennsylvania begins to reopen, people have decisions to make.
Delaware Valley Journal: World No Tobacco Day: Can E-Cigarettes Help You Quit for Good?
CNN: These 11 Senators didn’t vote on the January 6 commission
CNN: Bill Cosby denied parole as board says former actor needs to meet more requirements  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Pa. Republican lawmakers threaten to impeach Philly officials for counting undated mail ballots
Inquirer: Philly Mayor Jim Kenney promised police reform. It’s a work in progress a year later.
Inquirer: Philly grapples with statues of Frank Rizzo, Christopher Columbus, and more a year after protests
Inquirer: Racial equity takes center stage in Philly budget negotiations
Inquirer: Philly to lift coronavirus restrictions June 2 — nine days early — but keep indoor mask mandate in place
Inquirer: Amazon got land SEPTA wanted. Will it delay a much-needed trolley upgrade?
Inquirer: Can water ice, booze, and cash encourage the unvaccinated and ambivalent to get shots? Philly-area officials are finding out.
KYW Newsradio: GOP lawmakers threaten to remove Philly voting officials over ballot rules
KYW Newsradio: Krasner on November DA opponent Peruto: ‘I don’t take him seriously’
KYW Newsradio: Push for Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium founder to be new Philly health commissioner
KYW Newsradio: New Council bill would end ‘rule of two’ to increase diversity in civil service jobs
KYW Newsradio: Marchers mark one year since teargassing during Philadelphia George Floyd protest
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia moves up the date to lift COVID-19 restrictions
KYW Newsradio: Temporary political posters by Philly artists join Art Museum permanent collection
Billy Penn: A week that changed Philadelphia: How the George Floyd protests unfolded
Billy Penn: Philly is lifting most COVID restrictions a week early
WHYY Newsworks: Philly commissioner says GOP is ‘playing games’ with impeachment threat over mail ballots 
WHYY Newsworks: Pennsylvania lifts capacity restrictions for businesses, retail shops 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly gamers, rejoice: Parks & Rec to include esports in future programming
Philly Voice: City Council introduces bill to increase diversity in city jobs 
Philly Voice: Philadelphia lifts remaining COVID-19 restrictions June 2, Masks still required indoors
Philly Voice: Philly may incentivize COVID-19 vaccines by offering $50 utility credits
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia accelerates reopening plan, will remove most Covid-19 restrictions on June 2
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia shouldn’t be hit as hard by the labor shortage as some other metros 
Philadelphia Tribune: Legislators seek to diversify city workforce by eliminating so-called ‘rule of two’
Philadelphia Magazine: Meet the Philly Lawyer on a Mission to End the Death Penalty

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Newtown Township to consider resolution designating Juneteenth as a township holiday
Daily Local News: Chester County commissioners want to continue virtual meetings
Daily Local News: At Chester County cemetery, honoring those who fought for freedom
Bucks County Courier Times: How Bucks veteran’s death may have fueled Lincoln’s assassination
WHYY Newsworks: An end to an era of ‘soft corruption’: Delaware County Council revamps its ethics code
Delaware Valley Journal: House Hearing Targets Aqua’s Efforts to Acquire More DelVal Public Utilities 
KYW Newsradio: Mixed feelings from suburban businesses as Pa. COVID-19 capacity limits lift
KYW Newsradio: COVID-19 cases continue to fall in Pennsylvania as summer approaches
Pottstown Mercury: Daily coronavirus cases continue to decrease in Montgomery County; 25 reported on Friday

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: What is infrastructure? Ahead of summer slog, lawmakers advance competing definitions to sell a deal            
Post-Gazette: Network of companies looking to move fracking wastewater in barges up and down Pittsburgh’s rivers
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh restaurants are back to 100% capacity. Now what? 
Post-Gazette: Many children lack access to summer programs in Allegheny County, study says
Post-Gazette: Israeli-Palestinian conflict prompts shows of support on both sides from Pittsburgh organizations
Post-Gazette: Study: Allegheny County’s struggles against COVID-19 reflect racial, economic disparities
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh to share its lead water solutions with EPA, other cities
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Daily cases under 100 for Allegheny County this week
Tribune Review: A year after George Floyd’s death, protesters reflect on what’s changed in Western Pennsylvania 
Tribune Review: Bipartisan effort aims to honor Purple Heart recipients 
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania’s new covid case average drops below 1,000 for 1st time since October
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports Under 50 New Coronavirus Cases 

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Fettermans visit Washington Pride picnic 
Observer-Reporter: No COVID-19 deaths in Washington, Fayette, Greene counties over holiday weekend
Altoona Mirror: Reps push anti-abortion bills
Altoona Mirror: Blair courts close to observe Juneteenth
Altoona Mirror: NAACP turns to Holsey
Altoona Mirror: COVID numbers improve
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: How they voted: Actions taken last week in the state Legislature 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Joyce tours CamTran, aids $6.1 million funding request
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Few COVID-19 cases reported locally, statewide

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Political observers: Ties to Trump could help Barletta 
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre officials to propose uses for Rescue Plan funds 
Citizens Voice: Tally of write-in votes continues; thousands of ballots still to go 
Citizens Voice: Treasurer wants military medals distributed to rightful owners, including local veteran 
Citizens Voice: County council will resume meeting in person, but maybe not until July 
Citizens Voice: Six new cases of COVID reported in Luzerne County
Times-Tribune: Scranton, Lackawanna County again at odds of tax collection rules 
Times-Tribune: Scranton announces new IT director, business administrator
Times-Tribune: Treasurer wants military medals distributed to rightful owners, including Scranton veteran
Times-Tribune: Demand for concealed carry permits in Lackawanna County increased over past decade 
Times-Tribune: Region reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since mid-July
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre City Council will welcome public back to meetings next month
The Times Leader: Closing near on Luzerne County juvenile detention center sale
The Times Leader: Only seven ZIP codes report 10 or more COVID-19 cases this week
The Times Leader: 6 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Monday; 315 statewide
Pocono Record: PA representatives weigh in on bill to allow for concealed carry without permit 

South Central 
York Daily Record: York County to conduct recount in a Democratic primary for district court judge
York Daily Record: Man who caused over $400K in damage to York City Hall enters mental health wellness court
York Dispatch: York County releases survey to learn more about residents’ broadband needs
York Dispatch: Man who disabled York City Hall ‘at its core’ enters Wellness Court, spent 9½ months in jail
York Dispatch: Friday update: York County reports new COVID-19 death for fourth consecutive day
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 11 new COVID-19 cases for Cumberland County Sunday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Manheim Township finds limited municipal support in call for a county health department
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County employers raising minimum pay to $15 in effort to fill chronic job openings
LNP | LancasterOnline: As US leaves Afghanistan, Lancastrians with ties to conflict have mixed feelings
LNP | LancasterOnline: COVID-19 capacity limits, social distancing rules end today in Pa.; mask requirement remains for unvaccinated

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Balancing taxpayer money and climate change, Lehigh Valley municipal, county officials plan for a greener future
Morning Call: Tax hike looms in Allentown School District even with $26 million in coronavirus relief aid
Morning Call: Jury trials are restarting in Lehigh County, and there’s a greater chance you’ll be called. Here’s what you need to know
Morning Call: Pennsylvania mask mandate will be lifted June 28 or when 70% of adults fully vaccinated, whichever comes first
Express Times: Will virtual options remain, as Lehigh Valley towns resume in-person meetings?
Express Times: Businesses, events return to 100% capacity Monday but masks remain
Express Times: Weekly Pa. COVID update: 70% of adults have 1 shot and the mask mandate has an expiration date
Reading Eagle: Study finds worrying blood-lead levels in children in Berks County, especially Reading
Reading Eagle: 56 more COVID cases in Berks County with 1200-plus completed vaccinations 
WFMZ: Will Republicans’ proposal on infrastructure be enough to win over Democrats?

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pa. state reps join abortion ban effort
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Legislature votes on multiple bills
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Final vote count shows write-in nominations
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council calls for full-time streets director after billing mistake
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commercial, industrial blight added to review on first reading
Erie Times-News: 1 year after George Floyd’s murder, Erie grapples with ‘necessary conversations’ about racism
Erie Times-News: Roll Call: Senate asks DNI to declassify more information on COVID-19 origins 
Erie Times-News: Domitrovich case: PA Supreme Court questions ‘appealability’ of order against Erie judge 
Erie Times-News: Silencing the sizzle: Citizens, some lawmakers push for changes to Pa.’s fireworks law
Erie Times-News: ‘It had to be addressed:’ Erie’s police chief talks about changes in wake of Floyd’s death 
Erie Times-News: 100%: Erie-area businesses allowed to open to full capacity on Monday
Centre Daily Times: Penn State faculty express concerns over search for new president, want greater role in selection
Centre Daily Times: COVID-19 cases increase in Centre County as they fall across Pennsylvania

Opinion  
Margo Davidson: To protect voting rights in Pa., for us all, the Senate needs to pass the For the People Act
Jake Wheatley: Hunger and food insecurity persists in Pennsylvania
Ronna McDaniel: Governor Wolf, Open The Keystone State
Ed Rendell: Our Beautiful City 
Mark O’Keefe: Does Pa.’s Primary Day rebuke of Wolf signal rough sailing for Dems in 2022? 
John L. Micek: Report: It’s time for Pa.’s horse racing subsidy to be put out to pasture | Friday Morning Coffee
Rogette Harris: Unfinished business. Did you know an election just happened? 
USA Today Editorial Board: There should be no such thing as the ‘working poor,’ raise Pa. minimum wage now
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Pennsylvania, nation moving in wrong direction on needed gun safety reform 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: GOP commissioners ought to leave hospital’s employee vaccination policy to hospital officials
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Let’s take time on this Memorial Day to honor those who died in service to our nation 
Inquirer Editorial Board: A year after George Floyd protests, the FOP still handcuffs Philly’s chance for police reform
Inquirer Editorial Board: For Philly, it’s time to put people before parking spaces 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The Dems’ Wolf problem
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Lawmakers need to allocate money if they want a pause in a proposed merger of state universities
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Government shouldn’t be able to require vaccine passports
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: As National Guard troops depart the U.S. Capitol, subtle security improvements are needed
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: How shall we honor them?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Biden’s behind-the-scenes approach to the Israel/Gaza problem was an effective approach
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Honoring Sgt. John Eade
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Baseball boondoggle shows why Nutting should sell Pirates
PennLive Editorial Board: The Best and Brightest students have overcome adversity, like COVID-19 
Kate Rivera: Philly’s elections are secure, but our poll infrastructure needs improvement
Samantha Rynearson: Lawmakers can improve patient outcomes lives across Pa. with step therapy reform
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Before blaming rural people for not getting vaccinated, remove the barriers
Amelia Carter: A year ago, 52nd Street was teargassed by police. Now we’re fighting back.
Samatha Jallah: Hope is hard to come by a year after George Floyd’s death, but it starts with discipline for police wrongdoing
Amy Janke: Changing school start times will be disastrous for Philly students 
Inga Saffron: Racing against time to save South Philadelphia’s ‘Black Main Street’
Brian Alnutt: It troubles me how some leftist scholars and conservative politicians have politicized history
Dr. Mark A. Noon: Nothing is small on Memorial Day
The Rt. Rev. Nathan D. Baxter: Sacrificing Isaac: A personal patriotic reflection
Regina A. Hairston: Help Build The Black Economy
Helen Ubiñas: How a call for artists is another sign of Philadelphia’s soaring gun epidemic 
Cristina Ciocirlan: Unemployed and uninterested: Too much time (and money) on their hands?
Mike Miorelli: From the editor: We’re going to continue to tell great stories
Blaise Baxter: How Pennsylvania can improve outcomes for stroke patients
Dick Polman: RIP, Va. Sen. John Warner. A Republican who worked across the aisle. Imagine that 
Ernest Owens: Why I Don’t Have a Problem With Steak 48’s $100 Minimum Dining Fee
Adrienne Abner: Opi­oid ad­dic­tion is a dis­ease, not a crime
Patrice Tomcik: Methane pollution standards needed
Aidan Segal: Universities must adopt antisemitism definition
Maria Panaritis: The Wentz Farmstead earns Underground Railroad status for ‘Jack,’ a man enslaved there 
Jim Adair: In defense of the Delco accent, on ‘Mare of Easttown’ and IRL 
Linda A. Kerns: ‘Mare of Easttown’ Unintentionally Celebrates the Greatness of the Philadelphia Suburbs
Keith C. Burris: Meet an American hero
Daniel J. Weaver: Much appreciated
Ruth Ann Dailey: TV’s Jesus fixation
Dante Brizill: On Memorial Day, remember the Black Rosies, the forgotten heroes of World War II
Ian McCurry: Dear unknown: A letter to a teenage gunshot victim 
Nick Lehr: For Black cowboys – from inner-city Philly to small-town Texas – horses and riding are a way of life
Tim Hartman: Located: Bipartisanship in Harrisburg | Editorial Cartoon