Sen. Pat Toomey is scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden later this week to talk about infrastructure. Here is the Playbook. 

Toomey To Talk Infrastructure With Biden in Thursday Meeting: Sen. Pat Toomey, along with 5 other GOP Senators, are scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden on Thursday to talk “about the best ways to invest in American infrastructure,” according to a press release from the White House.

Parnell to Make ‘Major Campaign Announcement’: According to a press release, Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and author who was the GOP nominee for the 17th Congressional District in 2020, is scheduled to make a “major campaign announcement” on Tuesday afternoon in McCandless. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jonathan Tamari reports that “this is likely the launch” of a 2022 U.S. Senate campaign. 

Inquirer Editorial Board Announces 2021 Primary Endorsements: The Philadelphia Inquirer has released their endorsements for the 2021 primary election.  

Rendell Is Endorsing Vega for Philly DA: According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, former Governor Ed Rendell will endorse Carlos Vega for the Democratic Party nomination for Philadelphia District Attorney over incumbent DA Larry Krasner.  

Allegheny County Dem Black Caucus Endorses Peduto: According to a tweet from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s reelection campaign, the Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus has endorsed him for his bid for a third term. 

Reschenthaler Whips Votes for Stefanik: According to Punchbowl News, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Washington) has been whipping votes for Rep. Elise Stefanik’s bid to replace Rep. Liz Cheney as House Republican Conference chair. 

Spotlight PA Provides Details About Upcoming Primary: Spotlight PA reports on the upcoming May primary and answers “some of the most frequently asked questions about voting and what Pennsylvanians will see on their ballot.” 

PennLive: ‘Bill gives parents option of having their child repeat a grade to make up for learning loss’: PennLive reports that a bill, sponsored by state Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Centre), was unanimously approved by the state Senate Education Committee that would allow “parents to hold back their child from being promoted to the next grade in 2021-22 due to learning loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Post-Gazette: ‘Sen. Casey calls for mental health supports in police encounters with people with disabilities’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Sen. Bob Casey said on Monday that he plans to “reintroduce two bills that would provide more funding for police training and mental health services to avert violent encounters between law enforcement officials and people with disabilities.”

York Dispatch: ‘Phillips-Hill bill would ban ‘vaccine passports’; Wolf has said they won’t be required’: The York Dispatch reports that state Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) plus two other GOP colleagues “introduced the bill to ban what are more widely known as “vaccine passports” — even though Gov. Tom Wolf has already said he has no plans to require them at the state level.” 

Inky Highlights Progressives Support for Krasner: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the Philadelphia District Attorney’s race between incumbent Larry Krasner and challenger Carlos Vega is “shaping up as the clearest test yet of whether Philly’s progressive movement can evolve from being a thorn in the Democratic establishment’s side to a full-fledged political force.”

WTAE: ‘Mayoral candidates feud over investigation into PAC tied to Ed Gainey’: WTAE reports that “Pittsburgh’s mayoral candidates are feuding over an Action News investigation into a political action committee with ties to candidate Ed Gainey.”

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Previews Pittsburgh’s Mayoral Race: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports on the upcoming Pittsburgh mayoral race that they said “features 2 established candidates and 2 novices.” 

KDKA Previews Allegheny County Sheriff Race: KDKA highlights the upcoming Democratic Party primary for Allegheny County Sheriff between Kevin Kraus and Dom Costa.  

Bucks County Courier Times: ‘PA lawmakers ask Biden to stop National Guard PFAS permit appeal’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that “Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing President Biden to direct the Air National Guard to withdraw an appeal to a permit capping PFAS limits at 70 parts per trillion.”

Billy Penn Highlights Philly GOP DA Candidates Website: Billy Penn reports on the “unorthodox campaign website” of Chuck Peruto, a Republican running for Philadelphia District Attorney.  

PLSReporter: ‘Grove releases election hearing report, highlights potential changes to mail-in ballots, election guidance’: According to the PLSReporter, state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) “released a 98-page report Monday reviewing ten election hearings held by the House State Government Committee over the last several months, aimed at making significant changes to how elections are handled in the commonwealth.”

Luzerne County Council to Discuss 2nd Amendment Sanctuary Proposal: The Citizens Voice reports that Luzerne County Council “will discuss a proposal to declare the county a Second Amendment sanctuary at a Tuesday work session.”  

Morning Call Reports on Northampton County Executive Money Race: The Allentown Morning Call reports that Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure has “amassed more than $180,000 as he prepares for an anticipated general election showdown with Republican challenger Steve Lynch.” 

York County Bar Association Poll Rates 2 Judicial Candidates As Unqualified: The York Dispatch reports that a recent poll from the York County Bar Association’s 470 members showed that just one of the three candidates were rated as “qualified” for the county’s common pleas judge. Suzanne Smith rated as qualified, while Joe Gothie and Steve Stambaugh’s scores fell within the “not presently qualified” rating.

Daily Local News Details Chester County Common Pleas Court Race: The Daily Local News reports that five attorneys are running for nominations for two open Common Pleas Court judicial positions in Chester County.  

Scranton Times-Tribune Highlights Lackawanna County Register of Wills: The Scranton Times-Tribune provides a preview of the Democratic Party primary for Lackawanna County Register of Wills/clerk of the orphan’s court race between incumbent Fran Kovaleski and challenger, former county Commissioner, Patrick O’Malley.  

York Daily Record Highlights York City Council Races: The York Daily Record previews the four candidates that are running for two seats on York City Council.  

Lehigh Valley Live Previews Bethlehem City Council Races: Lehigh Valley Live reports that there are five candidates vying for the four open seats on Bethlehem City Council in the upcoming primary election. 

Pottstown Mercury Previews Pottstown 5th Ward Council Seat: The Pottstown Mercury previews the race in Pottstown’s fifth ward council seat between incumbent Democrat Dan Weand and Republican Jenifer Green.  

Beaver County Times Previews Races in Beaver Falls and Bridgewater: The Beaver County Times provides previews of the races for Bridgewater Council, plus the Beaver Falls mayoral and council races. 

NAACP Calls For Community College to Be Located Downtown in Erie: The Erie Times-News reports that the Erie chapter of the NAACP held a march on Monday to “urge the Erie County Community College board to locate the new school in the city.”  

Wendy Bell No Longer at WJAS: According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Wendy Bell, a conservative talk show host, is no longer in the weekday lineup on talk radio station WJAS. A spokesperson for the company that owns the radio station said it is a “personnel matter and it’s currently being handled by the company.”  

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Independents can vote on ballot questions, and more things to know about the May 18 primary
Inquirer: Pennsylvania Republicans make an opening bid for election changes: ‘We have a god-awful’ law
Post-Gazette: Sen. Casey calls for mental health supports in police encounters with people with disabilities
Post-Gazette: Pa. Senate gets bill that would allow parents to decide if a child should repeat grade
AP: Flight 93 families hope heroism award helps keep story alive
Morning Call: Senators press Pa. Gov. Wolf to open state before Memorial Day weekend; Wolf tells them to urge people to get vaccinated
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s unemployment system will be modernized, go offline for a few days
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Fewest cases reported in 7 months
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Work search requirements, digital hearings advance as lawmakers tinker with Pa. unemployment 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The Great Labor Divide: How Dems and the GOP view the decline of union workers | The Numbers Racket 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The tax filing deadline is one week away. Here’s how Pa. residents can file for free online
Patriot News: Bill gives parents option of having their child repeat a grade to make up for learning loss
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 update: Numbers show more progress
Patriot News: Wendy Bell, conservative Pittsburgh radio host, removed from air due to ‘personnel matter’: Reports
USA Today: Will Pennsylvania allow youth 14 and older to get a COVID vaccine without parental consent?
PLSReporter: Grove releases election hearing report, highlights potential changes to mail-in ballots, election guidance
WESA: Pennsylvania’s Rate Of COVID-19 Vaccinations Drops About 90% In A Month
CNHI: Abuse survivors press for action on window bill
CNHI: Bill would allow parents to ask that their kids get a do-over on the 2020-21 school year
StateImpactPA: In letter, lawmakers try to bypass Wolf, ask RGGI administrator to block Pa.’s entrance 
StateImpactPA: Cancer-causing benzene continues to flow from PES refinery complex in Philadelphia
KDKA: Child Sex Abuse Victims Continue To Wait For Justice As Legislation Stalls In Harrisburg  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Larry Krasner has progressives in a new position: Defending a controversial incumbent 
Inquirer: Chuck Peruto’s comments about Black people, ‘gay bashing,’ and ‘the girl in my bathtub’ draw controversy in his Philly DA bid 
Inquirer: As COVID-19 vaccination uptake slows, Philly Counts prepares for an outreach surge 
Inquirer: Esperanza has been a success at vaccinating Latinos, but Black Philadelphians still lag behind 
Inquirer: Pfizer vaccine cleared for use in 12-to-15-year-olds; Philly to announce COVID-19 reopening plan Tuesday
Billy Penn: The unorthodox campaign website of Philly’s Republican DA candidate
WHYY Newsworks: Philly still weeks away from completing evaluation of new anti-violence program 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: MLK Drive reopening this summer; Flyers offering COVID vaccines, free tickets
Philadelphia Tribune: Will Philly NAACP boss who shared anti-Semitic meme run for another term at the top? He’s not saying
KYW Newsradio: Biden advisor advocates for funding Philadelphia anti-violence initiatives
KYW Newsradio: Effort to have Philadelphia LGBTQIA+ business aid follow Pittsburgh plan
Philadelphia Magazine: This Philly Journalist’s NPR Podcast About AI Will Scare the Hell Out of You
Philadelphia Business Journal: Prominent Philadelphia trial lawyer Herbert Kolsby remembered as fierce advocate, consummate teacher

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: PA lawmakers ask Biden to stop National Guard PFAS permit appeal 
Bucks County Courier Times: How Bucks County government, towns and schools can spend the nearly $300M coming under the American Rescue Plan 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County coroner: Commissioners’ $1 million cut to office violated Sunshine law 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County school leaders join Pennsylvania push for more state education funding
Daily Local News: Five attorneys seek seats on Chester County Common Pleas Court bench
Daily Local News: Rep. Herrin meets with constituents
Daily Local News: Chester County Health Department partners with EMS agencies to offer at-home COVID vaccines
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus positivity rate continues decline in Montgomery County and SE Pa. 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 161 new coronavirus cases, five deaths over three days
Bucks Local News: Raymond announces candidacy for Ward 2 Newtown Borough Council seat
Pottstown Mercury: Green seeks rematch with Weand for 5th Ward Pottstown council seat

Pittsburgh 
WTAE: Mayoral candidates feud over investigation into PAC tied to Ed Gainey
KDKA: Democratic Primary Likely To Determine Allegheny County’s Next Sheriff
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 191 New Coronavirus Cases, 5 Additional Deaths
Post-Gazette: White House launches fund to distribute $335M for Pittsburgh, $381M for Allegheny County 
Post-Gazette: Wendy Bell taken off the air at WJAS radio 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: Pa.’s new cases nearly half as last Monday; AHN reacts to FDA’s Pfizer announcement
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh’s mayoral election features 2 established candidates and 2 novices
Tribune Review: Wendy Bell out of WJAS lineup 
Tribune Review: State posts lowest number of new covid cases in 7 months
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s how much 10-county Pittsburgh region is getting from $350B American Rescue Plan 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County awards $15M to hospitality businesses via CHIRP grants 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Will U.S. Steel remain committed to growth in the Pittsburgh region?
City Paper: Wendy Bell is off the Pittsburgh airwaves … again 
WESA: Pittsburgh Residents Can Now Apply For Free Housing Legal Help 

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Primary voters will be asked to decide three amendments to state constitution, and fire referendum 
Observer-Reporter: No COVID-19 deaths in three-county area for four straight days
Beaver County Times: Everything you need to know about vaccine hesitancy and what it means for Beaver County
Beaver County Times: Wendy Bell not on the air due to ‘personnel matter’
Beaver County Times: Ambridge police to receive body-worn cameras in coming weeks
Beaver County Times: Incumbents, newcomers on May ballot for Bridgewater Council
Beaver County Times: Incumbents challenged in Beaver Falls mayoral, council race
Beaver County Times: County to host naloxone distribution event in Ambridge
Post-Gazette: Seven counties working to discover solutions to pandemic woes — including potentially forming a regional health department
KDKA: Washington County Leaders Remind Business Owners To Apply For Hospitality Relief Money
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Region’s counties report fewer than 20 COVID-19 cases

NEPA
Times-Tribune: O’Malley targets Kovaleski in political comeback bid   
Times-Tribune: Region reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since mid-March
Times-Tribune: Voters to decide fate of four ballot questions in primary 
Citizens Voice: NEPA counties, metro cities can now get fiscal relief totaling $330 million 
Citizens Voice: County council to discuss 2nd Amendment sanctuary proposal 
Citizens Voice: Voters to decide fate of four ballot questions in primary 
Citizens Voice: Political scene 5/10/21 
Citizens Voice: 32 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Monday
The Times Leader: Deadline today for primary election mail ballot applications and on-demand voting 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council to discuss tax break request 
The Times Leader: Schwager waives hearing on patronizing prostitute charge 
The Times Leader: 32 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday

South Central 
York Daily Record: Primary 2021: Four candidates vying for two open York City Council seats 
York Daily Record: Dozens of voters in York received wrong mail-in ballot for the May 18 primary, county says 
York Dispatch: Phillips-Hill bill would ban ‘vaccine passports’; Wolf has said they won’t be required 
York Dispatch: Poll of York County Bar Association attorneys rates 2 of 3 judicial candidates as unqualified
York Dispatch: York City department heads retiring; mayor says more jobs need to be filled 
York Dispatch: 16 months after ICE prison contract ended, York County gives feds a deadline 
York Dispatch: Monday update: 96 additional COVID-19 cases in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: Attorney announces run for South Middleton area magisterial district judge
Carlisle Sentinel: Pa. Senate committee approves bill allowing parents to opt for children to repeat a grade
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 28 new cases of COVID-19 in Monday’s two-day report for Cumberland County
Patriot News: Grant will fund roundabout to facilitate the development of a 460-acre mixed-use development
Patriot News: Dickinson College joins growing list of schools mandating COVID-19 vaccinations

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: 5 candidates fight for 4 seats in the Bethlehem City Council race
WFMZ: Victims, advocates demand full vote from Senate on sex abuse legislation
WFMZ: PA slated to benefit from America Rescue Plan, State Lawmakers tour Reading
WFMZ: Northampton Co. residents voting by mail must complete new application every year
WFMZ: Local restaurants struggling to fill jobs, as hiring slows in U.S.
Morning Call: Ahead of Northampton County executive race, Lamont McClure stockpiles $180,000 war chest
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Fewest cases reported in 7 months
Reading Eagle: Berks County leaders share their experience getting the COVID vaccine
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 53 new COVID cases as longer-term trends show a decline and rate of vaccinations rises

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: New bills could change children’s vaccines
Erie Times-News: NAACP pushes for community college to be located downtown
Erie Times-News: With Porreco campus off table, debate over Erie County Community College home heats up
Erie Times-News: Erie County: No COVID-19 deaths reported in 11 days and counting

Opinion  
Mike Regan: What a “yes” vote means on the May 18 ballot questions
Judy Ward: Use your voice to make your choice in the primary elections
Reggie Shuford: Violent crime in Pa. is a problem. But it’s not a reason to end reform.
Larry Platt: A cash gimmick to help voter turnout in Philly
Salena Zito: How Eric Holder failed 
Inquirer Editorial Board: 2021 primary election: Endorsement guide 
Times-Tribune Editorial Board: Earmarks might force consensus
Times-Tribune Editorial Board: Dempsey best choice for LC judge
Citizens Voice Editorial Board: Vote yes on expansion of firefighting loan program
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: It’s time for paid family leave
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Approving funding to cap abandoned oil and gas wells would aid the environment and protect jobs
Jeanne Williams: The Commonwealth Foundation is misleading voters
John L. Micek: States saw a revenue rebound through February. How did Pa. do? | Monday Morning Coffee
Jamie B. Parker: Guns must be stored safely in homes to prevent children from dying
Joshua Holze: States, including Pa., pick judges very differently from US Supreme Court appointments
Jan Mutchler: Lehigh Valley senior citizens face some of nation’s toughest financial challenges
Richard Whiteford: Don’t sit out the election on May 18
Tisa Loewen: As Philly reckons with MOVE remains tragedy, anthropologists must confront our role
Hillary Rothrock: An investment in homecare is an investment in healthy families & communities
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy: Ideas We Should Steal: Reduce Gun Violence Through Better Policing
Jessica Blatt Press: Watch: Let Millennials Lead The Way 
Joseph N. DiStefano: A resurgent Philly job training group aims to serve Rev. Leon Sullivan’s legacy in new-tech times
Dick Polman: Laud Liz Cheney for defending the truth. But don’t forget that her father lied us into war