A Centre County Democrat has announced his candidacy for the state Senate’s 34th District, while the NRCC targets Rep. Matt Cartwright in a new radio ad. Here is the Playbook. 

SD34: Corman Draws Challenge from Millheim Borough Council Prez: The Centre County Democrat describes himself as a “practical progressive” and stresses accountability, responsibility, and transparency.

NRCC Targets Cartwright in Radio Ad: The National Republican Congressional Committee released a minute-long radio ad that dings Congressman Matt Cartwright over gas prices.

‘Lawmakers mum on who’s paying for their trip to witness Arizona election audit’: The Caucus reports that GOP state Sens. Cris Dush and Doug Mastriano, plus GOP state Rep. Rob Kauffman, “who traveled to Arizona this week to witness the high profile effort by Donald Trump’s supporters to prove the 2020 election was stolen are refusing to say who paid for their travel, lodging and meals.”

‘GOP fight over 2020 election audit brews in Pennsylvania’: The Associated Press reports that state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), “who chairs the committee that handles election matters, said on Twitter on Thursday that the chamber “will not be authorizing any further audits on any previous election,” just “a day after three fellow Republican state lawmakers toured the Arizona Senate GOP’s audit.” 

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

LGBTQ Victory Fund Endorses Kenyatta For Senate: Metro Weekly reports that the LGBTQ Victory Fund, “the national organization dedicated to electing out LGBTQ individuals to office,” has endorsed state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s (D-Philadelphia) campaign for U.S. Senate. 

‘Rally in Harrisburg aims to continue conversation about justice and violence in the city’: PennLive reports that “Roughly two dozen people gathered at the steps of the Harrisburg capitol building on June 3 for the second annual March Against Injustice and Gun Violence.”

“Right To Keep and Bear Arms Rally” To Take Place on Monday in Harrisburg: PennLive reports that “A group of gun rights advocates will convene on the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg on Monday for a rally,” which will feature Rep. Scott Perry (R-York), plus “several Republican state representatives and gun rights advocates.” 

Schmidt Talks about Arizona Audit on CNN: GOP Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt talked to John Berman on CNN’s New Day about what’s going on in Arizona and how he believes it “isn’t an audit,” but instead “directed by partisan political operatives to reach a partisan political conclusion.” 

‘Pa. Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s Bill Looking To End Concealed Carry Permits Draws Scrutiny From CeaseFirePA’: KDKA reports that state Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Beaver) “says his bill is trying to help law abiding citizens, but CeaseFirePA says it will lead to an increase in crime and violent crime.”

‘Hazardous death notice bill reintroduced by Ward’: The Altoona Mirror reports that “State Sen. Judy Ward has reintroduced a bill vetoed by the governor last year that would require deaths from COVID-19 and other diseases that constitute a public hazard to be reported to coroners so they can alert people who’ve been exposed, help survivors get death certifications, keep accurate records and fulfill what they say is their legal responsibility.”

Gainey ‘Begins Meeting with Local Leaders’: KDKA reports that state Rep. Ed Gainey, who is “poised to become Pittsburgh’s next mayor,” has begun meeting with local leaders. 

‘Casey: It’s time to ‘chart a new course’ with proposed infrastructure bill’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that Sen. Bob Casey “called for action to get two multi-trillion-dollar proposals being considered by Congress “over the finish line,” during a virtual forum on Thursday. 

Raiford Talks to WTAE About Zappala’s Ban on Plea Deals for His Clients: WTAE reports that “Milton Raiford, the longtime Pittsburgh area defense attorney who criticized the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office as being systemically racist, told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 he was shocked when DA Stephen Zappala ordered his prosecutors not to do plea deals with Raiford’s clients as a result.” 

‘Peduto, Frankel want local communities to be able to enact gun laws’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and state Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) “led a group of community leaders speaking out Thursday against state laws preventing municipalities from enacting their own gun laws.” 

Keller Introduces the POWERS Act: NorthCentralPA reports that Rep. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) has introduced the “Protecting Our Wellbeing by Expanding Russian Sanctions Act or the POWERS Act, legislation that would immediately reinstate sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.” 

‘Allentown buys more time on proposed campaign finance regulations’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Allentown City Council on Wednesday again kicked the can on proposed campaign finance regulations, seeking more time to determine how to enforce reporting requirements and contribution limits.”  

Toomey Talks to Law Enforcement About How To Reduce Overdose Deaths: WFMZ reports that “Sen. Pat Toomey sat down with Lehigh County law enforcement, addiction specialists and health officials Thursday to find out what impact the pandemic had on drug deaths.” 

Wild Talks American Rescue Plan and Child Care Tax Credit Benefits: WFMZ reports that Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) held a roundtable discussion on Thursday in Stroudsburg to “explain the benefits of the American Rescue Plan” and also “talked to families about the benefits they can receive from the Child Care Tax Credit.” 

‘Demonstrators rally at Houlahan’s office’: The Daily Local News reports that “about three dozen immigrants rallied outside” of Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s (D-Chester) office on Thursday “to fight for citizenship for immigrants, preserving the environment and massive workforce funding.”

Barnette to Speak at Chester County March for Life: Kathy Barnette, a veteran and conservative commentator who is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in PA, will be speaking at the Chester County March for Life on Saturday. State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton) is also scheduled to speak at the event. 

Harrisburg & DC   
The Caucus: Lawmakers mum on who’s paying for their trip to witness Arizona election audit
AP: GOP fight over 2020 election audit brews in Pennsylvania 
AP: DA in Pittsburgh defends ending deals with lawyer who called office racist
Patriot News: Rally for gun owners’ rights slated for Monday in Harrisburg
Patriot News: Rally in Harrisburg aims to continue conversation about justice and violence in the city
Patriot News: A new report has listed this Pa. city as one of the best places to live: Guess which one it is
Patriot News: Pa. reports 36 more COVID-19 deaths: daily update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: After colleagues visit Arizona, top Pa. Senate Republican weighs election audit; House GOP says no
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Casey: It’s time to ‘chart a new course’ with proposed infrastructure bill
Metro Weekly: Malcolm Kenyatta earns Victory Fund endorsement in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race
ABC News: Pride flag taken down from Pennsylvania Capitol balcony hours after it’s raised 
KDKA: Bill Would Gives Parents Option To Decide What To Do With Their Child’s Remains After Miscarriage Or Abortion 
KDKA: ‘They’re Worth More Than $7.25 An Hour’: Push Continues For Minimum Wage Raise In Pennsylvania
City & State PA: This week’s biggest Winners & Losers
The Center Square: Analysis: Pa. schools have received most COVID-19 aid, so far
York Daily Record: A fee for each mile driven? Hot lanes? PennDOT looks for solutions to funding shortage
PLSReporter: PA Republican lawmakers at odds over election audit
Philadelphia Business Journal: Here’s the financial hit that Pennsylvania hospitals took during Covid-19 pandemic
The Hill: Pennsylvania Republicans call for Arizona-style election audit
Inquirer: Brace yourself: Pa. unemployment is getting a new computer system. Here’s what you need to know. 
Inquirer: School mask requirements are coming under fire as parents ramp up pressure on districts
Erie Times-News: Senate bill would allow Pennsylvania Game Commission to decide future of Sunday hunting
Pittsburgh Business Times: Advocates say RGGI needed to energize Pennsylvania economy  

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Indicted Philly politicians are collecting courtroom cash
WHYY Newsworks: How to replace aggression with job opportunities: City Council looks at ways to curb the violence
Inquirer: Other cities are thinking bigger than Philly as arts groups try to rebound from the pandemic
Inquirer: Philly judge gets 6-month suspension for ‘blatant and inexcusable’ misconduct on the bench 
Inquirer: Overdoses killed 1,214 Philadelphians in 2020 | Morning Newsletter
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia’s LGBTQ workers and businesses face plenty of challenges. Covid-19 was one more they didn’t need. 
Philadelphia Tribune: Free Library supporters protest, demand $15M budget increase
KYW Newsradio: Pandemic year brings near-record number of overdose deaths

SEPA
Daily Local News: Demonstrators rally at Houlahan’s office 
Daily Local News: Chester County the most vaccinated county in Pennsylvania
Bucks County Courier Times: Commissioner: Child welfare workers ‘bullied and traumatized’ in Bucks County courts 
Bucks County Courier Times: ‘Safe to remove the masks’: Central Bucks school board votes for optional face coverings 
KYW Newsradio: New LETI program to help Montgomery County drug addicts
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County police officers will help those with substance use disorder get treatment
Bucks Local News: State lawmakers take a stand against solitary confinement for vulnerable populations 
Delco Daily Times: Wolf pardons former Havertown ophthalmologist for pot arrest 

Pittsburgh 
WTAE: Only on 4: Attorney Milton Raiford speaks out on DA Zappala’s ban on plea deals for his clients, in clash over systemic racism
WESA: Zappala Doubles Down On Plea Bargain Denial
WESA: New City Plan Aims To Reduce Pedestrian Fatalities With Lighting, Improved Sidewalks
WESA: Opioid Overdose Deaths Continue To Rise In Allegheny County
WESA: A Tool To Create Affordable Housing In Pittsburgh Is About To Expire
Tribune Review: DA Zappala says office halted plea deals with Black attorney to avoid ‘false claims of racism’
Tribune Review: Legal expert: Public apology could quell DA Zappala controversy as some call for resignation 
Tribune Review: Peduto, Frankel want local communities to be able to enact gun laws 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County’s finances weathered pandemic, Controller Wagner says 
Tribune Review: State House committee hearing in Brackenridge focuses on blight 
Tribune Review: Coin toss will decide Democratic nominee to run for commissioner’s seat in Ross 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County’s covid hospitalizations dip below 100 for 1st time since October 
Post-Gazette: DA Stephen Zappala responds to criticism of stopping plea deals with Black attorney over race comments 
Post-Gazette: Lawmakers join Mayor Peduto and others in Pittsburgh to push for more local control over gun laws 
Post-Gazette: Local leaders press EPA on lead water needs and fixes 
Post-Gazette: Regional leaders push for state support of promise at Hazelwood Green 
Post-Gazette: Duquesne University to require students be vaccinated 
Post-Gazette: The Latest | COVID-19: No new deaths reported in Allegheny County; Duquesne U. requiring vaccinations
KDKA: DA Stephen Zappala Responds After Stopping Plea Deals With Attorney Who Called His Office ‘Systematically Racist’ 
KDKA: Poised To Become Pittsburgh’s Next Mayor, Ed Gainey Begins Meeting With Local Leaders 
KDKA: State Rep. Dan Frankel Proposes Changes At State Level To Curb Gun Violence 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Barbershop Signs Up To Be Part Of President Joe Biden’s Vaccine Outreach Program 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 33 New Cases, No Additional Deaths
Beaver County Times: Allegheny County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 45% of people fully vaccinated
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh City Council recommends resolution for purchase of SWAT robots 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Duquesne University to require Covid-19 vaccine for students

SWPA 
KDKA: Pa. Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s Bill Looking To End Concealed Carry Permits Draws Scrutiny From CeaseFirePA
Altoona Mirror: Hazardous death notice bill reintroduced by Ward
Altoona Mirror: Blair ag projects receive funding
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Pennsylvania State Police search Cambria County Election Office
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Bill to Honor Rep. Mike Reese with Road Designation Signed into Law
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Most area counties show new COVID-19 cases in single-digits
Beaver County Times: Historic preservation funds awarded in Beaver, Lawrence counties
Beaver County Times: Beaver County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 36% of people fully vaccinated
Observer-Reporter: Three Donegal supervisors sue again to cancel primary election results
Observer-Reporter: Two new COVID-19 deaths reported in Washington County

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County certifies results of May 18 election
Times-Tribune: DEP approves massive Keystone Sanitary Landfill expansion
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna tops among large counties in adult COVID-19 vaccinations
Citizens Voice: Election board set to certify primary results Friday
Citizens Voice: 34 new COVID cases reported in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: Unofficial but complete Luzerne County ballot count released ahead of Friday’s certification
The Times Leader: 34 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Thursday

South Central 
Patriot News: Child porn case against ex-Harrisburg councilman headed to plea court
Patriot News: Rally for gun owners’ rights slated for Monday in Harrisburg
Patriot News: Rally in Harrisburg aims to continue conversation about justice and violence in the city
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 17 new COVID-19 cases for Cumberland County Thursday 
York Dispatch: ‘This can never happen again’: York County commissioners get earful over election
York Dispatch: Municipalities say York City Council’s sewer fee legislation is illegitimate
York Dispatch: As COVID-19 cases drop and restrictions relax, health officials remain concerned
York Dispatch: York City Council confirms William Sleeger as fire chief 

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Allentown buys more time on proposed campaign finance regulations
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley health officials to Sen. Pat Toomey: Addiction in region needs to be addressed
WFMZ: Sen. Toomey meets with Lehigh County DA, health officials on how to reduce overdose deaths
WFMZ: Rep. Wild visits Stroudsburg to discuss American Rescue Plan, Child Care Tax Credit benefits
WFMZ: Allentown City Council delays campaign finance bill vote
WFMZ: Berks County updates on COVID cases, vaccination rates
Reading Eagle: Chamber expands its ‘Bringing PA Back’ initiative to drive economic recovery
Reading Eagle: Number of completed COVID vaccinations of Berks County residents passes 150,000

North by Northwest
NorthCentralPA: Keller introduces bill to reimpose sanctions on Russian pipelines 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City’s attorney named for federal lawsuit
Patriot News: New Williamsport police chief does not meet requirements of a job description few knew existed
Erie Times-News: COVID-19 dramatically changed Erie County’s 2020-21 flu season. Here’s why it was different
Erie Times-News: Erie County reports 13 new COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths

Opinion  
Val Arkoosh: Trifecta of anti-abortion bills threatens choice and women’s health
Mike Regan: ‘Woke’ Penn State has gone too far 
Nick Pisciottano: Steel can have a strong, responsible future in Pa.
Ben Sanchez and Rep. Mike Zabel: 72-hour firearm transfer waiting period could save lives in Pa.
John Baer: Want an eye-roll? Let’s make June ‘Pa. Legislature Appreciation Month’ 
Tony Norman: Systemic bullying by DA Stephen Zappala
Dom Giordano: Make 2022 elections all about pandemic response
Tony Payton Jr.: Connecting low-income families to high-speed internet: Let’s learn from past failures and build on what works
Zach Wamp and Meredith McGehee: Fitzpatrick’s vote sets a standard for Congress to follow
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pittsburgh Public Schools should use federal aid for long-term changes, not just short-term fixes  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Horse racing as an industry needs improvement 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Those collecting unemployment benefits should be looking for jobs 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: An independent attorney general
Inquirer: Will a new law to tackle hate crimes make Asians in America safer? | Pro/Con 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We’re on our way to a new normal, but we need more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19
John L. Micek: The pandemic changed a lot. But not the partisan debate over paid leave | Thursday Morning Coffee
John L. Micek: ‘Choose Wisely’: Cong’l Dems warn Pa. lawmakers against misusing $7B in stim cash | Friday Morning Coffee
Larry Platt: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs 
Anna Perng: All city rec centers should serve people with disabilities
Mike Hinson: Unlike NYC, Philly should allow police at Pride events to build trust with the LGBTQ+ community
Monica Medina McCurdy: COVID showed ‘housing is healthcare.’ Let’s build on the lesson
Gary Blumenthal: Low pay, high turnover among support professionals threatens quality of care for the disabled 
Phil Gianficaro: CDC’s recent push for mask-free world has some running for cover
Jim Snell: Renewable Fuel Standard makes us more reliant on foreign oil
Niki Marathe: We can reduce mental illness in adults if we increase access to early childhood education
Joanne Kilgour: Together, we can choose a different future for Appalachian communities
Eric Riley: Driving While Black (Again) 
Thomas Koenig: How Hard Is It To Open A Business in Philly? 
Jessica Blatt Press: North Broad’s Next Chapter 
Jessica Blatt Press: Watch: Infrastructure Is The New Black 
Trudy Rubin: Netanyahu, almost ousted, unintentionally boosted Palestinian demands for equality