Sean Parnell launched his 2022 campaign for U.S. Senate. Here is the Playbook. 

Parnell Launches 2022 Senate Bid: Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and author who was the GOP nominee for the 17th Congressional District in 2020, said that the control of the U.S. Senate in 2022 depends on Pennsylvania.

Ward Announces Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward revealed that she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer during an interview on the Marty Griffin show on NewsRadio KDKA on Tuesday morning.

Post-Gazette Editorial Board Endorses Gainey for Pittsburgh Mayor: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Editorial Board has endorsed state Rep. Ed Gainey’s bid for Mayor of Pittsburgh. 

Scranton Times-Tribune Editorial Board Endorses Cognetti: The Scranton Times-Tribune has endorsed Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti’s bid for a full term as Mayor of Scranton.  

Rendell Endorses Vega for Philly DA: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that former Governor Ed Rendell has endorsed Carlos Vega for the Democratic Party nomination for Philadelphia District Attorney over incumbent DA Larry Krasner. 

Street Endorses Krasner for Philly DA: State Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia), who has launched an exploratory committee for U.S. Senate for 2022, has endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s reelection campaign, according to a tweet from Krasner’s campaign. 

PennLive Previews SD48 Special Election: PennLive provides a preview of the upcoming special election in the state Senate’s 48th District.  

PennLive Highlights SD48 Candidates Position on Variety of Issues: PennLive highlights the candidates positions on “minimum wage, election reform, abortion, and more” in the upcoming special election for the state Senate’s 48th District. 

Fitzpatrick and Lamb Reintroduce ‘Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act’: According to a press release, Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick’s (R-Bucks) and Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) have reintroduced the “Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act,” which the press release says is a “bipartisan piece of legislation would prevent jurisdictions that defund the police from receiving certain federal grants, preventing specific federal taxpayer dollars from bankrolling jurisdictions that intentionally make their communities less safe.”

Inquirer: ‘Philly Cops Are Going All Out To Defeat DA Larry Krasner’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on how the Philadelphia police union is urging voters to unseat Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. 

Northeast Times Reports on Endorsements in Philly DA Race: The Northeast Times provides a breakdown of which elected officials in Northeast Philadelphia have endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Carlos Vega, or remain neutral in the Philadelphia District Attorney Democratic primary. 

USA Today Details What To Know About PA Ballot Referendum: USA Today reports on “what to know” about the upcoming Pa. constitutional amendments and ballot referendum.  

Post-Gazette Provides 2021 Primary Voter Guide: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette details all of the information needed for the upcoming primary on May 18. 

Krasner and Vega Talk to 6ABC’s Inside Story: Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Carlos Vega talked to 6 ABC’s Inside Story about their campaigns for Philadelphia District Attorney. 

WESA Highlights Pittsburgh Dem Mayoral Money Race: WESA reports that Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s campaign has “outraised and outspent” his challengers, but state Rep. Ed Gainey “draws on outside union support in a bitter campaign.” 

Quinn Proposes Open Primaries in PA: KYW Newsradio reports that state Rep. Chris Quinn (R-Delaware) has introduced legislation, House Bill 1369, that would “permit independent, non-partisan and unaffiliated voters to cast a ballot in either the Republican or Democratic primary.” 

PennLive Highlights Harrisburg Mayoral Primary Spending: PennLive reports that “spending in the 2021 Harrisburg mayoral primary will set a city record.” 

Bartos Campaign Sends Joint Letter with 6 State Sens/Reps Urging Parnell To Run for Congress, Not Senate: A few hours before Sean Parnell formally launched his campaign for U.S. Senate, Jeff Bartos’ U.S. Senate campaign sent out a joint letter that included signatures from 3 GOP state Senators and 3 GOP state Reps, along with 6 GOP county chairs, urging Parnell to run for Congress instead of Senate. The GOP officials who signed the letter are supporting Bartos’ bid for U.S. Senate. 

Shapiro ‘Urges Lawmakers to Federally Regulate DIY ‘Ghost Guns’’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Attorney General Josh Shapiro testified before a subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary Committee in Washington D.C. on Tuesday “urging lawmakers to federal regulate DIY ‘ghost guns’”. 

Philly DA Dem Candidates to Debate on Wednesday Afternoon: WURD Radio, the only African American owned and operated talk radio station in Pennsylvania, will be hosting a Philadelphia District Attorney debate on Wednesday afternoon between incumbent District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Carlos Vega. The debate will be broadcasted live on WURD radio and WURD TV on Wednesday afternoon from 1 pm – 2:30 pm. 

Houlahan Talks to MSNBC About Military Moms Matter Act: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) joined MSNBC’s Craig Melvin to talk about her effort to pass the ‘Military Moms Matter Act.’

Arkoosh To Hold Virtual Roundtable Discussion With SEIU Healthcare PA Workers on Investing in The Caregiving Workforce: According to a press release from Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh’s U.S. Senate campaign, she will be joining SEIU Healthcare PA workers to “discuss the needs of the caregiving workforce, including investing in workers and strengthening their right to join a union” during a virtual roundtable on Wednesday. 

Three Dem Candidates for Erie County Executive Have Filed for Bankruptcy: The Erie Times-News reports that Democrats Carl Anderson, Tyler Titus, and Rita Bishop have all previously filed for bankruptcy, respectively, according to court records. Anderson, Bishop, Titus and Dylanna Grasinger, the executive director of the International Institute of Erie, are all seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Erie County Executive.  

Pittsburgh City Council Unanimously Passes Hate Crime Bill: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “A local hate crime ordinance that goes beyond state law, extending protections to the LGBT and disability communities, was unanimously passed Tuesday by Pittsburgh City Council.” 

Erie Dem Mayoral Candidates to Debate on Thursday: The Erie Times-News reports that WJET-TV will broadcast a live political forum on Thursday that will focus on the three Democratic candidates for Erie mayor.   

Post-Gazette: ‘Allegheny County Council moves to create group to help police find, fund body cameras’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Allegheny County Council passed a bill on Tuesday that “would create a working group to help municipal police departments find funding and develop policies for using officer body cameras.”

PennLive Previews Perry County Races: PennLive provides a preview of the upcoming contested races in Perry County.   

Morning Call Details Bethlehem Mayoral Dem Money Race: The Allentown Morning Call reports on how much the Bethlehem Democratic mayoral candidates have raised thus far during the campaign. 

KDKA Previews Lone Primary Challenge in Allegheny County Council: KDKA provides a preview of the lone contested primary in Allegheny County Council between incumbent Councilman Bob Macey and challenger Steven Singer. 

Wolf To Join Elected Officials in Cumberland County and Pittsburgh To Urge Voters to Vote No On Disaster Ballot Questions: According to a press release from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Gov. Tom Wolf will speak in Mechanicsburg and Pittsburgh on Wednesday to “explain the stakes of the disaster ballot questions on the May 18th primary ballot and urge voters to vote NO on both questions.” Wolf will be joined by Cumberland County Commissioner Jean Foschi, and Silver Spring Township Fire President Douglas McDonald in Mechanicsburg, while Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Butler County Commissioner and volunteer firefighter Kevin Boozel will join Wolf in Pittsburgh. Wolf will speak in Philadelphia on Thursday about the matter.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Parnell announces candidacy for Pennsylvania Senate seat
AP: Fewer renters applying for relief; pandemic rules easing
Patriot News: Pa. Senate GOP Leader Kim Ward discloses she was treated for breast cancer
Patriot News: Pa. raises capacity for indoor, outdoor events beginning May 17
Patriot News: Growing season opens in the Pa. Capitol Hunger Garden
Patriot News: 40 Pa. counties have high spread of COVID-19, positive test rate drops for 3rd straight week
Patriot News: COVID-19 update: 53% of all Pennsylvanians have taken a vaccine dose
Patriot News: Which states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases (5/11/2021): Where does Pa. stand?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Senate Maj. Leader Ward announces stage one breast cancer diagnosis 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Thousands in Pa. could have compromised health data. A Senate panel wants answers 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf admin.: Maximum capacity for indoor and outdoor events to increase starting Monday 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: They’re ‘unsung heroes’: Pa. officials pay tribute to farm workers who kept food on the table during pandemic 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pittsburgh, Philly to share in federal recovery cash rolling out states, cities & counties
Post-Gazette: Following Biden executive order, AG Shapiro urges lawmakers to federally regulate DIY ‘ghost guns’
Post-Gazette: State Sen. Kim Ward being treated for breast cancer
City & State PA: Ward announces Stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis
City & State PA: Battle looms over use of $10 billion in federal funds coming to PA 
City & State PA: House report sets stage for election law overhaul 
City & State PA: How should Pennsylvania prioritize education spending?
MSNBC: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan on Military Moms Matter Act: ‘It’s really, really an important piece of legislation’
WESA: DOH Won’t Participate In Data Breach Hearing Tuesday, Citing Pending Litigation
WESA: Casey Introduces Police Reform Measures To Redirect Some 911 Calls Away From Law Enforcement
WFMZ: Pa. attorney general warns Congress on the dangers of ghost guns
KYW Newsradio: Primary ballot has 4 statewide questions, including 2 on governor’s emergency powers
KYW Newsradio: Proposal for opening primaries to all Pennsylvania voters
KYW Newsradio: Occupancy limits in Pennsylvania expanding again
WITF: This political power couple wants Latino candidates to win. Can they make it happen in Allentown?
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf loosens indoor, outdoor gathering and event restrictions starting Monday
PLSReporter: Gathering limits to change May 17 ahead of wider COVID-19 restriction rollback
KDKA: Sean Parnell Announces Bid For Republican Nomination For Pennsylvania’s Open U.S. Senate Seat 
KDKA: Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro Testifies On Capitol Hill About Closing Loophole On Ghost Guns
KDKA: Parents In Pa. Could Soon Have Power To Decide If A Child Should Repeat Grade Due To Pandemic Learning Loss 
KDKA: Acting Secretary Of Health And Deputy Don’t Testify At Contact Tracing Data Breach Hearing 
USA Today: Pa. constitutional amendments and ballot referendum: What to know about May 18 votes
York Daily Record: Pennsylvania further relaxes capacity limits on indoor, outdoor gatherings
York Daily Record: PA needs to wait for CDC before starting Pfizer vaccinations in 12- to 15-year-old children
Delaware Valley Journal: Voters To Weigh In on Four Ballot Questions
National Journal: Belief in “ghost guns” another front in the culture war
The Hill: Republican Sean Parnell jumps into Pennsylvania Senate race 
The Hill: EPA waives air quality gasoline regulation in 3 states, DC after pipeline hack
CNHI: Wolf administration officials skip hearing on contact tracing privacy breach
Real Clear Politics: In the Face of Most Democrats’ Opposition, U.S. Steel Cancels a Billion-Dollar Investment

Philadelphia 
6 ABC: District Attorney Larry Krasner and Challenger Carlos Vega on Inside Story
Inquirer: Ed Rendell backs Carlos Vega over Philly DA Larry Krasner in a late boost for the challenger
Inquirer: Philly cops are going all out to defeat DA Larry Krasner
Inquirer: Philadelphia is deciding how to spend its billions. We want to know what your priorities are.
Inquirer: Sheriff’s sales once again under scrutiny for alleged illegal contract with online vendor Bid4Assets
Inquirer: Can Philadelphia’s gas utility survive in a climate where fossil fuels are shunned?
Inquirer: Philly unveils reopening plans after 14 months of coronavirus shutdowns
Inquirer: Philadelphia announces lifting of COVID-19 restrictions; Pa. gathering limits increasing; Montco and Bucks start to vaccinate kids ages 12 to 15
Northeast Times: Where do local Dems stand on Krasner vs. Vega?
Billy Penn: Here’s what to do if you applied for a Philly mail ballot, but didn’t get it
City & State PA: Philadelphia sees tech jobs grow during COVID-19
WHYY Newsworks: Rendell endorses Vega for Philly DA, says recent wave of shootings was ‘the last straw’
WHYY Newsworks: The DA primary race: Larry Krasner
WHYY Newsworks: Ahead of primary, Philly crime victims and their families say DA Krasner isn’t ‘there for us’
WHYY Newsworks: Philly to lift all COVID restrictions, except masking, on June 11
WHYY Newsworks: Councilmember Jamie Gauthier opposes 48th and Chester ‘poop building’ project
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Announces COVID Restrictions to End on June 11th
Philadelphia Tribune: City Councilmember raises concerns over Kenney administration’s pledge to shift resources from police department
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia to lift ‘Safer at Home’ COVID-19 restrictions on June 11
Philly Voice: Philly aims to lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions on June 11, but first an incremental step toward that goal
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia will lift all Covid-19 business and event restrictions in June
Philadelphia Citizen: Separating Fact From Fiction 

SEPA
Daily Local News: Two vie for East Goshen court seat
Daily Local News: Chester County on cusp of ‘low risk’ virus transmission
Bucks County Courier Times: Meet the three Democrats running for Doylestown Borough mayor 
Bucks County Courier Times: In Perkasie, small business owner, former Pennridge football coach launch write-in campaign for mayoral seat
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County school leaders join Pennsylvania push for more state education funding
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County to offer those 12 and up vaccines when available; taking registrations now for shots
Delco Daily Times: Community Briefs: Zabel hosts job fair Thursday
KYW Newsradio: Some county providers start vaccinating kids 12 and older
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County recognizes May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County coronavirus vaccine clinics now serving those as young as 12
Bucks Local News: Pfizer vaccine approved for ages 12 and Up; new cases in Bucks County continue to drop

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Parnell joins crowded Republican field in U.S. Senate race 
Post-Gazette: ELECTION 2021: All the information you need for the Pennsylvania primary election
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Council moves to create group to help police find, fund body cameras
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passes hate crime bill
Post-Gazette: Study calls for changing Downtown Pittsburgh streets to help pedestrians, bikers 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: Infection rates up among younger Pennsylvanians; new capacity rule just in time for NHL playoffs
WESA: Peduto Outraises, Outspends Rivals, But Gainey Draws On Outside Union Support In Bitter Campaign 
WESA: Activists, Police Agree Body Cams Are A Good Idea. Allegheny County Council Passed A Bill To Help Local Police Pay For Them 
KDKA: Sean Parnell Announces Bid For Republican Nomination For Pennsylvania’s Open U.S. Senate Seat 
KDKA: 1 Allegheny County Councilman Faces Primary Challenge For Reelection 
KDKA: Allegheny County Council Approves Bill That Requires County Police To Wear Body Cameras 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 224 New Cases, 3 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Trump-backed Sean Parnell announces bid for U.S. Sen. Toomey’s seat
Tribune Review: Pa. covid case average drops to October level
City Paper: Former Congressional candidate Sean Parnell launches campaign for U.S. Senate 
City Paper: Five Minutes With … Tiffany Sizemore and Jehosha Wright 
Pittsburgh Business Times: City initiative launches violence prevention and intervention mini grant program

SWPA 
WTAE: State Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward reveals she was diagnosed, underwent treatment for breast cancer
WTAE: Westmoreland County commissioners report issue with some mail-in, absentee ballots
Tribune Review: State Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward reveals breast cancer diagnosis
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County puts out call for poll workers
Tribune Review: Citizen group appeals to Commonwealth Court to overturn Murrysville fracking ordinance
Beaver County Times: Six candidates running in Big Beaver
Beaver County Times: Two Republicans running for Franklin Twp. supervisor seat
KDKA: State Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward Reveals She Was Diagnosed With Breast Cancer
KDKA: Westmoreland County Officials Scrambling To Correct Mail-In Ballot Mistake
Observer-Reporter: Two candidates running for open Greene County judge’s seat
Observer-Reporter: Washington plans to reopen City Hall, hold in-person meetings
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Five running for four Democratic nominations in Windber Borough Council election
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State expands crowd limits as COVID-19 virus cases drop
Altoona Mirror: Possible vehicle ban draws attention
Altoona Mirror: City parts with Decker
Altoona Mirror: Latest numbers on virus mixed

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Some Luzerne County mail-in ballots sent with wrong return address
Citizens Voice: Attorney waives hearing on prostitution charge
Citizens Voice: State increasing indoor and outdoor capacities on May 17
Citizens Voice: County’s COVID-19 death toll hits 800
The Times Leader: Some Luzerne County mail ballots contain incorrect return address
The Times Leader: 81 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Monday, deaths at 800
Times-Tribune: Fewer voters seek mail-in ballots for this year’s primary in Lackawanna County
Times-Tribune: Area colleges to receive $58 million in COVID-19 relief funds
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County, Scranton housing authorities accepting housing voucher applications
Times-Tribune: Wolf relaxes occupancy limits on concerts, shows

South Central 
Patriot News: The Pa. Senate 48th District race: Who’s the best man for the job?
Patriot News: The Pa. Senate 48th District race: Candidates clash on minimum wage, election reform, abortion and more
Patriot News: Spending in 2021 Harrisburg mayoral primary will set city record
Patriot News: 2021 Primary Election: Here’s a look at the contested races in Perry County
Patriot News: Here’s what Harrisburg City Council’s 13 Democratic candidates say about 3 of its key issues
York Dispatch: Drop in mail-in ballots for primary to be expected, York County official says
York Dispatch: Tuesday update: Two additional COVID-19 deaths reported in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough Council sends Rep. Gleim a letter opposing legislation on transgender women in sports
Carlisle Sentinel: Pa. to increase indoor, outdoor event capacity on May 17
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough Council comments on HB972
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 21 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Tuesday

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Here’s how much money the Bethlehem mayoral Democratic candidates have raised
Morning Call: Pfizer vaccine approved for children as young as 12 years old will get ‘life back to normal,’ Lehigh Valley parents say
Reading Eagle: Democrats tour Reading to promote the Pennsylvania Rescue Plan
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners will return to boardroom in July with hybrid option for public
Reading Eagle: Reading lifts ban on parades, festivals and concerts
Reading Eagle: Nearly all of Berks’ new COVID vaccinations were second shots, latest report says
WFMZ: Easton to get more than $20M in COVID relief money, will not need to furlough city workers
WFMZ: Reading to re-open city hall, accept event applications
WFMZ: Latest round of fighting between Palestinians and Israelis has local residents praying for peace
Express Times: The ‘right’ federal funding means no more furloughs for Easton city workers

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: The race for Erie County executive: Democrats Bishop, Titus declared bankruptcy, too
Erie Times-News: Democratic candidates for Erie mayor to be featured in televised WJET forum
Erie Times-News: Aid for Erie’s aging fire rigs could come through ballot question opening up loan program
Erie Times-News: Unusually quiet race for Erie County judge: Piccinini unopposed as he seeks full term
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: DuBoistown rounds up smaller agenda items
Centre Daily Times: State College Borough Council votes to tweak, extend COVID-19 ordinance. Here’s what changed

Opinion  
Jennifer Stefano: For real attacks on democracy, look to Pennsylvania
Paul Muschick: My challenge to Pennsylvania lawmakers – whose $90,335 salaries are nation’s third highest
Michelle Sibert: A judge should have experience in the court room
Times-Tribune Editorial Board: Cognetti deserves full term
Citizens Voice Editorial Board: Vote ‘yes’ on racial equality amendment
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Biden, GOP on different trajectories
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Gainey for mayor of Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: School meals program’s success during pandemic should be built upon 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Reimagining the Tree of Life synagogue as a place of education and community deserves support
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: How to make the case for COVID-19 vaccination — and why we all, GOP officials included, should try
John L. Micek: New Yorker profile positions Pa.’s Mastriano as icon of Christian nationalism | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Joyce M. Davis: There’s no reason to be ignorant about the candidates in Harrisburg | Social Views
Haley Dervinis: The South Philly refinery site plan should support, not displace, residents
John Weaver: How the US killed bin Laden
Will Bunch Newsletter: A U.S. comeback, or looming civil war in ‘24? 
Dennis Zehner: Why more children have undetected vision problems
Gene Therapy: The Daily Double: Why do ‘Jeopardy!’ guest hosts keep multiplying?
Aly Kassam-Remtulla: Overburdened mothers deserve relief and equity after the pandemic