Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Pittsburgh today. Here is the Playbook. 

Harris To Visit Pittsburgh on Monday: Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh will deliver remarks highlighting the importance of the Child Tax Credit and hold a roundtable discussion as part of the Task Force on Worker Organizing and Empowerment.

Reader Poll: Who Should Democrats Nominate for U.S. Senate in 2022?: Sen. Pat Toomey’s decision to not seek a third term opened the floodgates of Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls. The field is still forming, but chatter about the pivotal seat is well underway among politicos.

June 18th Ups and Downs: A pair of potential statewide candidates win a straw poll for Governor and U.S. Senate at a conservative conference, a congressman votes against a bill that lauds law enforcement for defending the Capitol on January 6, plus a Philadelphia native wins his second Pulitzer prize. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

‘Call him Father’s Day happy. Senator’s daughter follows in his footsteps and loves it’: PennLive reports on state Rep. K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bucks) “following in the footsteps” of her father, state Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks).

Buxton Dies at 72: PennLive reports that former state Rep. Ron Buxton, “who represented Harrisburg for 20 years in the state House, died Friday at his home, sources have confirmed to The Patriot-News.”

‘With new amendment strategy, Pa. GOP could target voter ID, mail-in ballots’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Faced with veto threats at every turn from Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf, legislative Republicans are embracing their inner populists by looking to a new tool to pass their priorities: constitutional amendments.”

‘An unchecked box could result in unintentional donations for two U.S. Senate candidates’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that Sean Parnell and Kathy Barnette, who are both Republicans seeking their party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, “are the latest Pennsylvania politicians to take a page out of former President Donald Trump’s financing playbook — one that automatically signs donors up for monthly donations.”

‘Latino Affairs Caucus receives official recognition from Pa. General Assembly’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Following a six-year wait, by the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the Latino Affairs Caucus has received official recognition from the Legislature.” 

‘In response to the silencing of conservative voices, Bucks Congressman joins colleagues in introducing Campus Free Speech Act’: The Bucks Local News reports Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) “has joined a group of his colleagues in introducing the Campus Free Speech and Restoration Act. This bill is a response to the silencing of conservative voices across the nation.”

‘Smucker angry that billionaires’ taxes were leaked to news outlet’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) “says he’s angry about a recent investigative news project detailing how the wealthiest Americans paid very little in federal income taxes, even as the value of their fortunes grew substantially.”

Fitzpatrick Talks to CNN About Infrastructure Bill: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) talked to CNN’s Dana Bash to “discuss their efforts to pass a bipartisan infrastructure bill.”

Houlahan Talks to Bloomberg About U.S. Russia Relations: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Air Force veteran, talked to Bloomberg’s David Westin about “the U.S. relationship with Russia.”  

Mastriano and Klacik Fundraise for Barnette: State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin), a potential candidate for Governor, and Kimberly Klacik, a former GOP Congressional candidate in Maryland’s 7th District, joined Kathy Barnette, a conservative commentator and former congressional candidate who is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, for a reception supporting Barnette’s campaign on Friday evening. 

‘Pittsburgh’s Black leaders see hope if Gainey can gain mayor’s office’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that state if Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), who is the Democratic Party nominee for Pittsburgh Mayor, is elected as the first Black mayor of Pittsburgh, it “won’t solve everything, but it would mark an important rite of passage for communities of color to have a seat at the table, civil rights activists and Black political leaders say.”

‘Environmental activists rally in Point Breeze to ‘keep the pressure’ on county Executive Fitzgerald’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Less than one week after protesters gathered outside Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s office, they gathered again — this time outside his Point Breeze home late Sunday afternoon to emphasize their demand that he stop supporting shale gas drilling and the petrochemical industries.”

Morning Call Highlights Allentown Dem Mayoral Money Race: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Allentown Democratic mayoral candidates spent $330,000 combined on primary race, including $125,000 in final two weeks.”

Inky Details Philly Budget: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on “What to know about the new Philly budget after City Council and Mayor Jim Kenney finally made a deal.”

‘Philly City Council presses ahead with benefits bill for airport workers after American Airlines seeks delay’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson said he’s moving forward with a bill to provide new health benefits for several thousand service workers at the airport, despite pushback on the costs from American Airlines, the city’s dominant air carrier.”

‘Philly anti-violence activists are hopeful about new funding for prevention efforts’: WHYY reports that “Anti-violence activists are applauding a funding deal announced Thursday that will see the city spend more than $155 million on programs and initiatives designed to quell the gun violence epidemic, which is putting Philadelphia on pace to set a new single-year record for homicides despite police taking a record number of illegal guns off the street.”

‘Elected vs. appointed county manager debate continues’: The Citizens Voice reports on the debate in Luzerne County if it’s “chief executive” should be “appointed or elected.” 

‘Race teaching laws go local’: The Altoona Mirror reports “the conservative campaign to ban “critical race theory” in education made its way to statehouses this month, with some lawmakers now seeking to ban entire concepts from state offices, schools and public universities.”

‘Coatesville Democrats resign in protest over racial issues’: The Daily Local News reports that “Earlier this year, virtually the entire membership of the Chester County Democratic Committee’s regional zone in Coatesville resigned their positions, in apparent protest over what was seen as lack of attention by the party to issues of racial insensitivity and diversity, the MediaNews Group has learned.” 

‘Both Sides On Paid Sick Leave Speak Up Ahead Of Allegheny County Public Hearing’: KDKA reports that “The topic of paid sick leave is back in Allegheny County. Next week marks the end of a 30-day public comment period before the proposal heads back to the County Board of Health.”

‘Congress members visit Upper Darby food pantry’: Delaware County Daily Times reports that Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Delaware) and James P. McGovern (D-MA), chairman of the House Committee on Rules and co-chair of House Hunger Caucus, toured “Multicultural Community Family Services, Inc. in Terminal Square Friday to get an understanding of hunger in the immigrant community.”

‘After calls for its destruction, Columbus monument in Bethlehem is moving’: Lehigh Valley Live reports that “Bethlehem has reached a compromise” to the Christopher Columbus monument. 

June 18th Playbook: The Chester County Democratic Committee elected a new chair, while PoliticsPA asks who should Democrats nominate for U.S. Senate in 2022. Here is the Playbook.

Thompson Joins State Department as House Director in Office of Legislative Affairs: POLITICO reports that Stacy Thompson, who most recently was senior legislative assistant and foreign policy adviser for Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester), is “joining the State Department as House director in the office of legislative affairs.” 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Key Pennsylvania state senator backs Arizona-style election audit 
AP: Pennsylvania’s employment grew in May, as labor force shrank
Patriot News: LGBTQ anti-discrimination laws vie for legislative support in Pa. and Congress 
Patriot News: Call him Father’s Day happy. Senator’s daughter follows in his footsteps and loves it 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With new amendment strategy, Pa. GOP could target voter ID, mail-in ballots
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: An unchecked box could result in unintentional donations for two U.S. Senate candidates 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Latino Affairs Caucus receives official recognition from Pa. General Assembly 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s Juneteenth in Pa. Here’s how and where to mark this historic day near you | Five for the Weekend
Morning Call: With workers in short supply, Pennsylvania lawmaker sees opportunity for minimum wage increase
Inquirer: Insurers want Pa.’s Medicaid business so badly they keep suing the state
WITF: Pennsylvania Latino Convention Returns To Reading, Aims To Tackle Poverty, Health Inequities And Other Issues
CNHI: Education funding taking center stage at state Capitol
Fox News: ‘Rush Limbaugh Show’ comes to an end as ‘inspired’ new hosts get set to launch new era 
The Times Leader: Senate Committee advances legislation, nominates new victim advocate
KYW Newsradio: Pa. cocktails-to-go legislation is stuck between an amendment and a veto
CNN: This House Democrat is trying to end food insecurity in the United States 
CNN: Problem Solvers co-chairs on bringing bipartisanship back to Congress
CNN: Key House Dem, Republican optimistic infrastructure deal will ‘get over the finish line’ — full interview
CNN: The struggle to mandate Covid-19 vaccines for health care workers

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: What to know about the new Philly budget after City Council and Mayor Jim Kenney finally made a deal
Inquirer: Philly City Council presses ahead with benefits bill for airport workers after American Airlines seeks delay
Inquirer: Questions persist over Philly’s mishandling of MOVE remains
Inquirer: Barring an Israeli food truck from a Philadelphia street fair draws public ire
WHYY Newsworks: Philly’s new budget includes mini cut to wage tax, more anti-violence funding
WHYY Newsworks: Philly anti-violence activists are hopeful about new funding for prevention efforts
WHYY Newsworks: After abuses at residential facilities, Philly to create new youth ombudsperson office
WHYY Newsworks: Does the U.S. need a truth and reconciliation commission?
Philadelphia Gay News: Local advocates react to Supreme Court’s ruling
KYW Newsradio: Eviction moratorium to end soon, but Philly program helping tenants
KYW Newsradio: COVID-19 cases continue to plummet in Pennsylvania

SEPA
Bucks Local News: In response to the silencing of conservative voices, Bucks Congressman joins colleagues in introducing Campus Free Speech Act
Daily Local News: Coatesville Democrats resign in protest over racial issues
Daily Local News: Chester County gets $34M for rent assistance for county residents
Delco Daily Times: Congress members visit Upper Darby food pantry
Delco Daily Times: Delco celebrates Juneteenth in many places and in many ways

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh’s Black leaders see hope if Gainey can gain mayor’s office
Post-Gazette: Environmental activists rally in Point Breeze to ‘keep the pressure’ on county Executive Fitzgerald
Post-Gazette: Juneteenth celebrated as a day of service, song and remembrance
Post-Gazette: Lawsuit says Jefferson Hills man struck George Floyd protester with car on Veterans Bridge
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh officials warn of road closures ahead of vice president’s visit on Monday
Tribune Review: Part of East Carson Street to be closed for Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Pittsburgh
KDKA: Both Sides On Paid Sick Leave Speak Up Ahead Of Allegheny County Public Hearing
KDKA: March Calls For Justice For Antwon Rose II On Day Marking 3 Years Since His Death
KDKA: City Of Monessen Celebrates Juneteenth For The First Time With Ceremony At City Hall
KDKA: Pittsburgh’s City-County Building Illuminated In Honor Of Juneteenth
WESA: As U.S. Considers Revisiting Steel Tariffs Against The EU, Local Manufacturers Remain Divided On The Issue
WESA: County Council Wants To Stop ‘We Buy Houses!’ Real Estate Wholesalers From Preying On Vulnerable
WESA: Demonstrators Gather To Remember Antwon Rose II On Three-Year Anniversary Of His Death
WESA: June 12-18 Explained: Election Law Changes, UPMC’s Hospital Costs & A Plan To Outsource Medicaid Services

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Race teaching laws go local
Altoona Mirror: School officials react to Wolf’s charter reforms
Altoona Mirror: Celebrating Juneteenth
Altoona Mirror: Youth violence incidents concerning council
Altoona Mirror: Blair Tea Party sets meeting
KDKA: Westmoreland Co. Board Of Elections Making Changes, Restructuring
Observer-Reporter: Pennsylvania reports 272 new COVID-19 cases 

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Elected vs. appointed county manager debate continues
Citizens Voice: Pro-choice rally draws small crowd in downtown Wilkes-Barre
Citizens Voice: Cocktails to go no longer allowed
Citizens Voice: 10 new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: Luzerne County voting system discussed following primary election complaints 
The Times Leader: At least 10 citizens apply for Luzerne County manager search committee 
The Times Leader: 1 new case of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Sunday; 166 statewide
Times-Tribune: Black Scranton Project hosts Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party celebration 
Times-Tribune: Cocktails to go no longer allowed 
Times-Tribune: Only eight new cases of COVID-19 reported in NEPA

South Central 
Patriot News: Ron Buxton, longtime state representative for Harrisburg, dies at home 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Smucker angry that billionaires’ taxes were leaked to news outlet 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Less than a third of Lancaster County’s bridges in ‘good’ condition; Biden’s proposed plan could boost repair efforts
LNP | LancasterOnline: Chokeholds, strikes to the head banned in new Northern Lancaster County Regional police use-of force-policy
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle celebrates Juneteenth, now a federal holiday, after a long year
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 2 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Cumberland County over weekend

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Allentown Democratic mayoral candidates spent $330,000 combined on primary race, including $125,000 in final two weeks
Morning Call: Pennsylvania last call to 4 a.m.? Lehigh Valley bar owners say ‘It’s stupid’
Morning Call: ‘It just blessed my soul’: Lehigh Valley celebrates Juneteenth in Bethlehem, Allentown 
Morning Call: UFOs: The federal government thinks they might be real, and they’ve visited the Lehigh Valley before
Morning Call: Despite accidents, Pennsylvania officials offer little transparency on safety of chairlifts at resorts like Camelback
Express Times: After calls for its destruction, Columbus monument in Bethlehem is moving 
Express Times: Weekly Pa. COVID update: New cases hits all-time low. Half of Lehigh County residents fully vaccinated.
Reading Eagle: Fightin Phils management hopes words of support for stadium renovations will translate to financial support 
Reading Eagle: Reading kicks off Juneteenth by raising a flag outside City Hall 
Reading Eagle: Reading leader celebrated for being named Pa. Superintendent of the Year 
Reading Eagle: Newsmakers for June 20
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds nearly 900 more completed vaccinations
Reading Eagle: Berks County lags the Pa. averages in most vaccination categories but not all
WFMZ: Gov. Wolf slams House GOP’s election reform bill
WFMZ: Allentown celebrates Juneteenth with music, food and fun 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Bill creates roadblock for Pennsylvania to join Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Thousands of dollars in construction permits to boost Williamsport economy
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County planners consider noise ordinance
Centre Daily Times: State College Borough could be in for a legal battle over park vs. affordable housing. Here’s why
Centre Daily Times: Centre County, PA see decline in COVID-19 cases along with drop in vaccine demand
Erie Times-News: Robert Brace case: Waterford farmer loses appeal, must fix wetlands
Erie Times-News: Erie’s Manus Sunoco to get $60,000 assist from city
Erie Times-News: Erie region law agencies ramping up traffic enforcement efforts
Erie Times-News: House votes to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, real war powers

Opinion  
Mark S. Singel: Saying a prayer for Tom Ridge
Noe Ortega: Charter schools are public schools – they have to be held accountable to the taxpayers
David M. Sanko: Townships support legal advertising reform that could save taxpayer dollars
Bethlehem Area School District Board of Directors: How two Pennsylvania Senate bills would dismantle public education as we know it
Paul Muschick: East Penn lawsuit: Teaching about a topic isn’t the same as indoctrination
Paul Muschick: How to teach work-zone speeders a lesson
Adam Marles: We’re pleading for help for the residents of Pa. nursing homes
Ahmed Ahmed: I am both a Lancastrian and a refugee — there’s no difference
Inquirer Editorial Board: With a $3 billion surplus, Harrisburg should cut the word ‘scarcity’ from the vocabulary
USA Today Network: Perry betrays his brothers in arms
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Mixed drinks to-go
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: What do pressers prove?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Heritage of stench
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Elevating overlooked art
PennLive Editorial Board: The PA STEAM Academy could transform Harrisburg and the futures of its children 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Celebration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday was a long time coming 
Morning Call: ‘Teaching uncomfortable truths is not discrimination’: Reaction to East Penn parents suing district over conversations about race
Reading Eagle: Investment in trails is good for region
Eric Failing: Thank you PA House and Senate for your continued support of the EITC 
Bonnie Bates: Why my faith compels me to support the Equality Act
Christine Flowers: Sinning is bad, but not being sorry is worse
Maria Panaritis: How the changeover from Republicans to Democrats may give Delaware County its own Fairmount Park
Rev. Sandra L. Strauss: Pa. lawmakers must protect and expand our sacred right to vote
Tim Potts: It’s unclear if Cumberland County Commissioners are unable or unwilling to keep Claremont
Noah Ryan: Keep Claremont in county hands
Helen Ubiñas: Can we stop talking about a Philly ATV park and just build one already? 
Gal Inbar: Tech and ethics against terror
Kaitlyn Brennan and James Fogarty: Put families, students at the center of stimulus investments
Alex Goldblum: Israel and Palestine after the war
Keith C. Burris: Sons, daughters and fathers
Ruth Ann Dailey: Moreno, Miranda and counting  by skin color
John Cole: How state lawmakers and voters view election reform | Editorial Cartoon
Trey Jackson: The Voting Rights Protection Act eliminates voter rights and voter protection
Frank Stearns: The government does not care