Mastriano shares documents with Jan. 6 Committee. The battle over mail ballots may be headed to U.S. Supreme Court. Difference between Poll Workers and Poll Watchers. Could PA cities craft own gun laws? Here is the Playbook.

PA Weather
Indiana | Showers and Thunderstorms likely, 72
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Mount Pocono | Showers and Thunderstorms, 75

PA Sports
Phillies (22-29) | d. San Francisco, 6-5; FRI-SUN vs. LA Angels
Pirates (22-27) | d. LA Dodgers, 8-4; FRI-SUN vs. Arizona

News

What The Supreme Court Decision Means for PA: The United States Supreme Court issued an emergency stay in the ongoing debate over undated mail ballots while it decides whether to hear an appeal in the case.

What Does An Election Worker Do?: As a former director of elections for a Pennsylvania county, it is important for you – the discerning reader – to understand just what is at play. 

PA Governor Race: ‘Pa. GOP gubernatorial nominee shares documents with Jan. 6 panel, agrees to interview’: Politico reports that “the Jan. 6 select committee received materials this week from Pennsylvania GOP gubernatorial nominee Doug Mastriano — and with them, perhaps, a new dilemma.”

‘Doug Mastriano doubles down on comparing U.S. gun control to Nazi Germany’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Doug Mastriano, the Pennsylvania Republican nominee for governor, is doubling down on a comparison he made four years ago likening gun control in the United States to policies pursued in Nazi Germany before the Holocaust.”

PA Senate Race: ‘Fetterman will have announcement ‘soon’ on return to campaign trail’: Politico reports that “Pennsylvania Democratic Senate nominee John Fetterman went to an appointment Wednesday afternoon at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital, his first follow-up visit since being discharged from the hospital after being treated there for a stroke.”

‘Hearing set for David McCormick’s hand recount request in GOP Senate primary against Mehmet Oz’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court has scheduled a hearing on GOP Senate candidate David McCormick’s lawsuit seeking a hand recount of ballots in 12 Pennsylvania counties.”

‘Dallas teacher wins GOP nomination in 22nd Senatorial District’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “according to unofficial results, the known write-in votes in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties show Thomas Bassett holding a clear and decisive lead on the Republican side in the May 17 primary. Bassett, 31 of Pittston, will face incumbent Democrat Sen. Marty Flynn in the November general election.”

‘Twenty-nine more petitions submitted in 36th Senate District recount effort’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “more than two dozen new petitions were submitted Wednesday seeking a hand recount of ballots cast by Republican voters in two Lancaster County legislative primary contests last month.”

‘Leard wins Democratic primary for 120th state House District as write-in candidate’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Fern Leard won the Democratic nomination for state representative of the 120th Legislative District with 586 write-in votes in the May 17 primary election, according to unofficial results from the Luzerne County Bureau of Elections.”   

‘Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf repeats call to dole out $2,000 checks from federal relief money; Republican spokesman says it’s ‘PR stunt’’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday continued to call attention to his proposal to dole out checks up to $2,000 to many Pennsylvania families, but Republicans remain wary, with one spokesperson calling it a “PR stunt.””

‘Gas price-shocked Pennsylvanians looking for relief: Harrisburg unlikely to provide it any time soon’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “while a spokesperson for AAA says near-record gasoline prices could rise higher — the Pennsylvania average was $4.76 a gallon Tuesday — relief seems unlikely to come from Harrisburg any time soon.”

‘Pennsylvania’s highest court could give cities the go-ahead to craft their own gun laws’: Spotlight PA reports that “while Pennsylvania voters might look to the General Assembly to take action on new gun laws after the massacre of nearly 20 children in Texas, the judiciary will likely determine the direction of the commonwealth’s firearms policies in the coming months.”

‘An obscure state law could blunt the impact of up to $1 billion in federal funding for Pennsylvania’s broadband expansion’: Spotlight PA reports that “an obscure provision tucked into Pennsylvania law nearly two decades ago could complicate the state’s access to a massive influx of federal funding to expand broadband by creating roadblocks for local governments seeking to build their own networks.”

‘College Voucher Program introduced as legislation, could threaten Pitt funding’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that “Pennsylvania State Representative Eric Nelson officially introduced legislation on Wednesday that would make his proposed College Voucher Program law.”

‘Wolf touts $1.75M investment Berks baby formula-maker’: WFMZ reports that “a newly opened plant in Berks County wants to be the lead nationally in dealing with the baby formula shortage.”

‘Despite bipartisan support, it’s unclear what’s holding up the Fairness Act in Harrisburg’: City & State PA reports that “as many are celebrating Pride month, LGBTQ Pennsylvanians are continuing the fight for protections from discrimination.”

‘Malvern-based chipmaker Vishay hosts U.S. Commerce Secretary and Rep. Houlahan, pushing Congress to help semiconductor firms’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo visited a semiconductor manufacturer in the Philadelphia suburbs Wednesday, as she and local officials expressed support for proposed legislation in Washington that seeks to boost the key sector and bring manufacturing back to America.”

‘Pretrial hearing rescheduled for suspended Somerset DA Thomas’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that “a hearing to consider any pre-trial motions filed by attorneys in suspended Somerset County District Attorney Jeffrey Thomas’ sex assault case has been rescheduled for June 16.”

‘Lawmakers tour American Keg Company in Pottstown, touts efforts to save jobs’: WFMZ reports that “U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo toured the American Keg Company in Pottstown, Montgomery County. Lawmakers like Congresswoman Madeleine Dean and Senator Bob Casey said Raimondo helped the company get the steel it needs. It is the only steel beer keg maker in the country.”

‘Pottstown explosion: Fire chief says meth lab ruled out as possible cause while propane, natural gas under scrutiny’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “five days after an explosion blew apart a Pottstown duplex and killed five people, borough Fire Chief Frank Hand said investigators have ruled out the possibility a meth lab caused the blast while natural gas and propane remain under scrutiny as possible causes.”

‘Medical marijuana card company draws scrutiny for using unofficial Pa. doctor listing to attract patients’: Spotlight PA reports that “an unofficial online directory of doctors who can approve patients for medical marijuana in Pennsylvania has been used by a competitor to steer people to his business, drawing complaints and calls on state health department officials to intervene.”

‘Pa. COVID updates: Your guide to finding resources on cases, vaccines, and tests’: Spotlight PA “compiled a list of resources you can use to stay up to date on the pandemic in Pennsylvania. This page will be updated on the first business day of every month.”

‘Newt Gingrich blasts Pennsylvania Democrats’ entry in ‘green’ energy initiative’: Fox News reports that “Democrats nationwide are showing their preference for party doctrine over the economic well-being of their constituents, led by President Biden’s pursuit of a green agenda, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich said Wednesday.”

Regional Spotlight: Northeast
The Times Leader: House approves Boback’s bill to create day care program for older veterans
The Times Leader: Eleven Republicans interviewed for vacant Luzerne County Council seat
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Election Bureau down three workers after terminations
The Times Leader: Rothchild, Kinsman, Brooks represent NEPA on Pride Power 100 list
The Times Leader: Baker working to establish child sexual abuse prevention program
The Times Leader: Request for $41.7 million in Luzerne County American Rescue funds detailed 
The Times Leader: Yudichak appears before Luzerne County Council urging infrastructure loan guarantee
Times-Tribune: Local unemployment rate continues to drop
Times-Tribune: Clarks Summit fills council vacancy
Times-Tribune: Taking it to the streets: Scranton again holds pop-up city halls in neighborhoods
Times-Tribune: Dupont Mayor Daniel Lello dies; remembered as quiet leader and community servant
Citizens Voice: Cartwright announces $9.5 million for early childhood education
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County’s GOP Senate recount open to the public
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre mayor makes Facebook page public after criticism
Citizens Voice: Gun control group holds Back Mountain rally
Citizens Voice: Casey, health officials officials discuss formula shortage

Opinion  
Charles F. McElwee: Pennsylvania’s no longer America’s least eccentric state
Paul Muschick: Pa. lawmakers want term limits on school boards and judges – but what about themselves?
Jenny DeHuff: Remembering when marriage equality became a reality 
Dr. Michal Maksimak: Parents should remain calm during formula shortage
Michael Coard: Gun violence reduction laws will pass only when more Blacks get guns
John L. Micek: Report: Black, Hispanic adults less likely to receive CPR, especially in public | Wednesday Coffee
Inquirer Editorial Board: Philly could finally get public bathrooms. Are we ready for them? 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Two politicians who can do something about gun violence 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Congress isn’t acting on data privacy, so Pennsylvania should 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A casualty in the war on journalism
Joyce M. Davis: Grace United Methodist Church in Harrisburg apologizes to LGBTQ+ community in celebrating a legacy of 200+ years | Social Views
J.P. Leskovich: Irwin over Lee? Don’t stereotype Pittsburgh’s Jewish voters
Tarah Williams: Most people support abortion staying legal, but that may not matter in making law
Mike Hinson and Mar Escalante: Should police be allowed to march in Philly Pride? | Pro/Con
Gene Therapy: Hollywood in the park, a look back
Emilie J. Heath: Dogs deserve better than puppy mills