Former President Donald Trump has called for an audit of the results from Pennsylvania’s presidential election in 2020. Here is the Playbook. 

Trump Calls For PA Election Audit: Former President Donald Trump issued a statement praising PA pols who recently traveled to Arizona, and pressured Sens. Corman and Argall to conduct an audit.

June 4th Ups and Downs: The Allegheny County District Attorney faces calls to resign, the push for campaign finance reform in Allentown is delayed, plus cocktails to-go become one step closer to becoming permanent in PA. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Times-Tribune Highlights Barletta’s Governor’s Bid: The Scranton Times-Tribune highlights former Congressman Lou Barletta’s (R-Luzerne) bid for the GOP nomination for Governor in 2022.  

‘Conservatives rally at the Pa. Capitol to celebrate referenda wins’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “As pandemic restrictions lifted across the state this week, critics of Gov. Tom Wolf’s executive actions over the past 15 months took a victory lap on the Pennsylvania Capitol steps on Saturday.”

Diamond and Gleim Introduce Ban on Teaching “Critical Race Theory” in PA Schools: The Carlisle Sentinel reports that state Reps. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) and Bar Gleim (R-Cumberland) have “sponsored a bill that would prohibit teaching critical race theory in Pennsylvania schools.” 

‘Aument proposes to suspend no-excuse mail voting, to encourage lawmakers to make changes to PA’s voting law’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that state Sen. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) “said his goal is to pressure lawmakers from both parties to address flaws in the state elections law that many officials, Aument included, say contributed to widespread distrust among voters over the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.”

Hughes Talks to City & State PA About PA Budget: State Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) talked to City & State PA in a Q&A about the Pennsylvania budget. 

‘Nearly a dozen Pittsburgh state reps condemn DA Zappala’s actions against Black attorney who criticized the DA’s office’: Pittsburgh City Paper reports that “Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala has faced significant fallout for an email he sent in May to his deputy prosecutors forbidding them from offering any plea deals to the clients of a well-known Black lawyer who five days prior criticized Zappala’s office for being “systematically racist.” 

‘Election Board certifies Flynn victory, will meet again Monday’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “The Luzerne County Board of Elections on Friday certified the results of the 22nd Senatorial District race won by Democrat Marty Flynn over Republican Chris Chermak” and will meet on Monday afternoon to “consider the certification of the results of the May 18 Primary Election.” 

‘Election audit proposal draws criticism from Chester County Democratic lawmakers’: The Daily Local News reports that the GOP push to audit the election has drawn criticism from Chester County Democrats.  

Inky Highlights How Racial Justice Protests Have Changed Philly Politics: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on “How last year’s racial justice protests changed Philadelphia politics.”

‘Philly progressives, urbanists blast $130 million cut to city parking tax’: WHYY reports that “Opposition is rising to a City Council proposal to slash Philadelphia’s parking tax rate by nearly a third, in exchange for the promise of better pay and more work for lot employees and a boost to the city’s economy.”

“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.” 

Major and Rossi To Be Sworn-In: According to a press release from House Republicans, newly elected state Reps. Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Butler/Indiana) and Leslie Rossi (R-Westmoreland/Somerset) will take the oath of office as state reps on Monday, starting at noon. 

DeSantis Talks to Zito Before Allegheny County GOP Dinner: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis talked to the Washington Examiner’s Salena Zito prior to his speech he delivered in Pittsburgh for the Allegheny County Republican Committee’s Lincoln Day Dinner in May.  

Arkoosh To Hold Infrastructure & Jobs Roundtable in Pittsburgh: According to a press release, Val Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners and Democratic Party candidate for U.S. Senate, will hold a roundtable discussion with Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, and Tim White, Senior Vice President of Development, Regional Industrial Development Corporation, on “local infrastructure needs and jobs, overlooking the Hazelwood Green property, a local infrastructure priority.”

McSwain Talks to Delaware Valley Journal Podcast: Former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain, who is the chairman of the Freedom PA PAC and is a potential 2022 GOP candidate for governor, talked to the Delaware Valley Journal’s podcast about crime, campaigns and counting ballots.

Richey Visits Johnstown: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that Jason Richey, a partner at Pittsburgh’s K&L Gates law firm who is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor in 2022, touted his “Contract with Pennsylvania” during a campaign visit to Johnstown. 

Phil Murphy To Serve Within Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration: POLITICO reports that “Phil Murphy, longtime senior adviser and legislative director to Chair Mike Doyle (D-Pa.) of the communications and technology subcommittee on E&C, is leaving for a senior political appointee position within Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: State police serve search warrant on county election office
AP: PFAS chemicals found in a third of water samples, state says
Inquirer: Pennsylvania GOP leaders face growing pressure to pursue an Arizona-style 2020 election ‘audit’
Inquirer: With a $40 million limit, Pa.’s biggest pension fund is lawyering up to confront FBI probe
USA Today: Will an Arizona-style election audit happen in Pa.? Here’s what the state’s leaders say
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Walk as free people’: Conservatives rally at the Pa. Capitol to celebrate referenda wins
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Trump pressures Pa. Senate GOP to approve legislative audit of 2020 election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: After a year of Zoom and telework, Capitol staff make steady return to Harrisburg
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Alle. Co. DA Zappala faces rising criticism over reports he retaliated against Black attorney
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The return of vacation season? | Five for Your Weekend 
CBS21: Face the State | Senator Bob Casey and PA Sen. John Yudichak
Pennsylvania Newsmakers: Senator Bob Casey, and Credit Unions on Consumer Finances
ABC27: This Week in Pennsylvania: June 6 Pt. 1
ABC27: This Week in Pennsylvania: June 6 Pt. 2
ABC27: This Week in Pennsylvania: June 6 Pt. 3
ABC27: This Week in Pennsylvania: June 6 Pt. 4
City & State PA: Vincent Hughes: ‘We’re running a $3B budget surplus in Pennsylvania’
PLSReporter: The Capitol Recap: Labor Secretary, Sen. Saval urge lawmakers to raise minimum wage
Post-Gazette: Senate leader proposes series of state transportation funding reforms
Fox News: PA father says he’s pulling youngest child from public schools over critical race theory
StateImpactPA: Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery demolition to take four years, new owner Hilco says
StateImpactPA: Western Pennsylvania Conservancy sells land along Clarion River for the Allegheny National Forest
StateImpactPA: Pennsylvania sprays for gypsy moths in 19 counties, hoping to bring down a spike in the leaf-eating insect
StateImpactPA: Planned solar project near Gettysburg denied key permit
KDKA: New Online Tracker For Pa. Unemployment Compensation Now Available To Bookmark
The Root: How We Do: Malcolm and Matt’s Instagram-to-Engagement Story
Delaware Valley Journal: Biden’s Billion-Dollar Push for EV Charging Stations Just an Opening Bid 
Delaware Valley Journal: Pennsylvania Drive Smart Act Unveiled: Would Update Transportation Laws
Patriot News: Toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ found in drinking water across Pennsylvania: Search the database
KYW Newsradio: New study shows access to health care much harder for elder Pennsylvanians
KYW Newsradio: Why Pennsylvania unemployment claim portal is unavailable this weekend
The Hill: Report: At least 10 states giving federal welfare funds to anti-abortion clinics
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers’ push to improve mental health would give insurance companies access to private prescription records
Politico: To LNG or not to LNG
Altoona Mirror: Voting rights push may run into opposition from states  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: How last year’s racial justice protests changed Philadelphia politics
KYW Newsradio: ‘Fallen into a trap’: Will pandemic force change to Philly’s tax structure?
KYW Newsradio: City Council debates controversial bill to cut parking tax
KYW Newsradio: Philly police to launch new pilot program aiming to end stop and frisk bias
KYW Newsradio: George Floyd mural in Olney vandalized with white supremacist graffiti 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly progressives, urbanists blast $130 million cut to city parking tax
WHYY Newsworks: Regional Roundup – 06/07/21
Philadelphia Magazine: What Will Happen to Center City If Commuters Never Return?

SEPA
Daily Local News: Election audit proposal draws criticism from Chester County Democratic lawmakers
Daily Local News: Populations ups and down in Chester County reported in new census numbers
Bucks County Courier Times: Could stalled PA ‘red flag’ bill prevent first responder, vet suicides?
KYW Newsradio: Feds: ‘Pattern of choking and beating women’ by Bucks County assault suspect in January 6 insurrection
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania COVID-19 cases keep falling amid rising heat
Inquirer: Accused Bucks Capitol rioter once assaulted an ex with pizza and tried to drown her, feds say in bid to keep him locked up
Inquirer: COVID-19 cases are dropping in the Philly suburbs: ‘We are finally where we need to be’ 
Delaware Valley Journal: PECO Seeks Rate Increase of 9 Percent for Average Household 
Delaware Valley Journal: Montco Ignores Election Law, Counts Undated Ballots
Delco Daily Times: Delco overhauls oversight for juvenile detention
Bucks Local News: Bucks County seeks public input, photos for update to comprehensive plan

Pittsburgh 
City Paper: Nearly a dozen Pittsburgh state reps condemn DA Zappala’s actions against Black attorney who criticized the DA’s office
Tribune Review: In letter, state representatives demand Zappala rescind policy prohibiting plea offers to Black attorney
Tribune Review: Advocates push for citizen input and transparency in new congressional and legislative maps
Tribune Review: Overdose deaths spike in Allegheny County amid pandemic’s isolation
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland county projects among those hoping for state RACP funding
Post-Gazette: The $65 billion broadband debate: technology, affordability, and the urban-rural divide are roadblocks in talks
Post-Gazette: A ‘space race’ level attack on public health issues will involve Pittsburgh 
WESA: Blight Hurts Communities, And PA Legislators Say They Want To Help
WESA: “They Have To Have A Livable Wage”: One Pittsburgh Home Care Worker On President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan
KDKA: Victims Of Gun Violence Remembered With Two Large Local Events

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | GOP governor hopeful Richey touts ‘Contract with Pennsylvania’ in local stop
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Troopers search Cambria County election office; nominating petitions from primary race sought, solicitor says
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Second day with fewer than 500 new COVID-19 cases in state
Beaver County Times: County chemical plant workers rally against ‘risky’ contract proposals
Observer-Reporter: Former Washington Co. couple negotiating plea deal in Capitol insurrection case
Observer-Reporter: Statewide COVID-19 vaccinations top 10 million
KDKA: Two Former Washington Co. Residents Reportedly Negotiating Plea Deals For Role In Capitol Riots
Altoona Mirror: Area’s COVID-19 stats continue to improve

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Barletta, in his second try for state office, seeks to run Pennsylvania
Times-Tribune: Luzerne County Board of Elections certifies special election, delays certification of primary
Times-Tribune: New York Times profiles downtown Wilkes-Barre businesses after four-month visit
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 deaths finally dropping as much as new cases
The Times Leader: Election Board certifies Flynn victory, will meet again Monday 
The Times Leader: WB’s recovery from pandemic underway, yet still a struggle
The Times Leader: Cartwright announces $848,440 grant for WVSA for stormwater improvements
The Times Leader: Medicare beneficiaries reminded to take advantage of preventive benefits
The Times Leader: Number of ZIP codes with more than 10 cases of COVID-19 drops to 5 this week
The Times Leader: 8 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Sunday; 402 statewide
Citizens Voice: Election board certifies special election, delays certification of primary
Citizens Voice: New York Times profiles downtown Wilkes-Barre businesses after four-month visit
Citizens Voice: 8 more cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday

South Central 
WGAL: Pennsylvania election audit rally held in Harrisburg
Carlisle Sentinel: Reps. Diamond, Gleim, introduce ban on teaching “critical race theory” in Pennsylvania schools 
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission elects chairs, sets second meeting
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: Cumberland County sees 30 new COVID-19 cases over weekend
LNP | LancasterOnline: Aument proposes to suspend no-excuse mail voting, to encourage lawmakers to make changes to PA’s voting law
LNP | LancasterOnline: Manheim Twp. man charged in Capitol riots was there to advance pro-life cause; doesn’t believe election was stolen: attorney
York Dispatch: Municipalities say York City Council’s sewer fee legislation is illegitimate
York Dispatch: Parliament Arts director named York Mayor Helfrich’s new chief of staff
York Dispatch: Saturday update: York County reports new COVID-19 cases
York Daily Record: York City Councilman Lou Rivera won’t face more charges after statute of limitations passes
York Daily Record: York mayor names new chief of staff  

Lehigh Valley       
Morning Call: Pennsylvania hospitals took a financial hit from the pandemic, but Lehigh Valley hospitals fared better than most
Morning Call: Investors make up a fifth of the Lehigh Valley housing market, but not all the bidding wars
Reading Eagle: Berks County COVID positivity rate drops to 3.2%
Express Times: Weekly Pa. COVID update: Restrictions and cases both dropping, case rate sees biggest decrease yet

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: $6.4 million savings with PA charter school reform: Here is what your district would save 
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council debates proposed changes to zoning code for short-term rentals 
Erie Times-News: Erie County Office of Children & Youth to hire 29 people to meet new state mandate 
Erie Times-News: Erie County’s COVID-19 numbers decline for fourth straight week 
Centre Daily Times: Green space or affordable housing? State College Borough Council facing ‘moral dilemma’ with park
Centre Daily Times: COVID-19 cases, positivity rate drop in Centre County and Pennsylvania 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Free beer, other new incentives for Biden’s ‘vaccine sprint’ 

Opinion  
Dan Meuser: The cost of ‘tax and spend’
Elder Vogel Jr.: Bringing light to mental health issues impacting Pa. agricultural workers
Mark Pinsley: Our laws should represent women, too
Mark S. Singel: Let’s hope America’s pendulum swings back to the center, soon
Liz Empson and Matthew Yarnell: Enough is Enough: Pa. needs to protect seniors, respect caregivers
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Charter school reform needed to better align costs, ensure parents have quality education choices
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: The Big Lie persists and continues to shape our politics in Pennsylvania and across US, imperiling our democracy
PennLive Editorial Board: Pennsylvania needs more doulas to help more women survive childbirth 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Mr. DA: Explain yourself
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: End closed primaries 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Reagan versus Trump?
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Life aversion
Inquirer Editorial Board: Evictions don’t have to go ‘back to normal’ after the CDC moratorium expires 
Bill DeWalt: RGGI provides opportunities for Pennsylvania
Akela Lacy: Philadelphia keeps revisiting MOVE bombing history because we never truly learned it 
Alfred A. Schlert: How our schools stayed open for in-person learning
Brook Lenker: PA needs protective buffers from fracked gas development
Christopher Briem: Clairton is dead, long live Clairton
Abdul-Aliy A. Muhammad: The MOVE bombing was deliberate, not an act of last resort
Lou Berneman: March-in rights won’t lower drug prices 
Ira Beckerman: Treasurer Garrity should protect taxpayers first 
Kathryn Z. Klaber: Klaber’s Viewpoint: The environment as a political weapon
Richard Black: Graham Spanier shouldn’t serve jail time
Keith C. Burris: The moderating impulse
Scott Bricker: On the bike path to safer city streets
Gina Pelusi: Gun violence stopped my mom’s music. It won’t silence my voice
Paul Muschick: If you sent money to a scammer via MoneyGram, here’s your chance to get some of it back
Sarah H Kim: We need immigration reform to help people who have lived in this country and paid taxes for decades
Ruth Ann Dailey: Biden missed opportunity for unity
David M. Shribman: What’s in a name?
Trudy Rubin: 5 shifts in Israel and Palestine that challenge the status quo 
Maria Panaritis: Mare of Easttown filming locations are half the Delco delight of my Marcus Hook sojourn with a show scout
Lloyd E. Sheaffer: It’ll take more than free doughnuts to get Americans vaccinated 
John Cole: All you need to know about Lou Barletta’s 2022 platform. In one cartoon | Editorial Cartoon
Chris Kelly: Greetings from Garbageville