Jason Richey, a partner at Pittsburgh’s K&L Gates law firm, announced his candidacy for the GOP race for Governor. Here is the Playbook. 

Jason Richey Announces 2022 Run for Governor: Jason Richey, an Allegheny County resident and partner at Pittsburgh’s K&L Gates law firm, released a 12-point plan that he calls his “Contract with Pennsylvanians,” which aims at launching the “Great Pennsylvania Comeback.”

AP: ‘Vaccine Passport Bill Takes First Step in Pennsylvania’: The Associated Press reports that a GOP-backed bill passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee along party lines, 6-4, with Democrats opposing the legislation to “prohibit governments and school districts from requiring a COVID-19 vaccination for any sort of access.”  

AP: ‘Medical marijuana law changes pass Pennsylvania House panel’: The Associated Press reports that a “proposal to permanently adopt pandemic-prompted changes to Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana law passed a state House committee on Monday, but most Democrats on the panel voted against allowing grower-producers to use pesticides.”

AP: ‘PA To Resume Work-Search Rule for Jobless Benefits’: The Associated Press reports that Jennifer Berrier, Pennsylvania’s acting labor and industry secretary, told a state House committee hearing that “work search requirements” will resume July 18. 

Gainey Talks about Mayoral Priorities: State Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), who won the Democratic Party nomination for Pittsburgh Mayor last week, talked to the Pittsburgh Business Times and WESA about priorities if he’s elected mayor in the fall.  

Peduto Reflects on 8 Years as Pittsburgh Mayor: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who lost his reelection bid in the Democratic Party primary to state Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny) last week, talked to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, WTAE, KDKA, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, and WESA about his 8 years as Mayor of Pittsburgh. 

PennLive: ‘Pa. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. is pitching a big, expensive plan to help kids. And he’s ready for a fight.’: PennLive reports that Sen. Bob Casey is “pitching a massive plan aimed at giving all kids a fair shot to succeed. His proposals include automatic Medicaid eligibility for all children, investing billions into an expansion of Head Start, permanent tax credits for families and money to fight child abuse.” 

Smucker Fined $5K for Bypassing House Security: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) “was fined $5,000 for failing to pass through a security screening on his way to the House floor last Wednesday.”

Davids Endorses Kenyatta for U.S. Senate: Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids has endorsed state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s campaign for U.S. Senate in PA, according to a press release from Kenyatta’s campaign. 

Barletta to Campaign in South Philly: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for PA Governor, will be campaigning in South Philadelphia today, according to a press release from his campaign. 

Parnell Talks to Bannon on War Room Podcast: Sean Parnell, a combat veteran who is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, joined Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast for an interview to talk about election integrity, while also calling for a “forensic audit” in Pennsylvania. 

Cartwright to Host Virtual Fundraiser on Tuesday: Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) will be hosting a virtual event on Tuesday evening along with a “high-ranking Democratic strategist to talk about what projects he’s trying to bring to our district and our strategies to win in 2022.”

Keller Proposes Exempting Race Cars from EPA Regulations: NorthCentralPA.com reports that Rep. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) has “sponsored a bill to permanently exempt race cars and other motorized racing vehicles from Environmental Protection Agency regulations.”

Arrington Gets 366 Days in Prison for Fraud: The Erie Times-News reports that “Ex-Erie City Council President Arrington gets a year and a day in prison for fraud.”

Bethlehem Elects 1st Female-Majority Council in City History: Lehigh Valley Live reports that Bethlehem voters have elected its “first female-majority council in the united city’s 104-year history.” 

York Daily Record: ‘Recount sought in tight York city district judge race’: The York Daily Record reports that a “petition filed in York County Court of Common Pleas on Monday is seeking a recount in the District 19-1-01 race for district justice,” after “Tom Harteis, a City of York employee and part-time paralegal, won by one vote on the Democratic ticket against longtime incumbent Linda Williams, according to unofficial results.” 

Luzerne County Council To Vote On Second Amendment “Sanctuary”: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Luzerne County Council is set to vote Tuesday on a resolution declaring the county a Second Amendment “sanctuary.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania to resume work-search rule for jobless benefits
AP: Vaccine passport bill takes first step in Pennsylvania
AP: Medical marijuana law changes pass Pennsylvania House panel
Spotlight PA: After citing privacy law, Pa. backtracks and discloses wasted vaccine details
Patriot News: Pa. House proposes change in Constitutional amendment process after mistake on child sex abuse reforms
Patriot News: What will Pa. schools look like next fall? Education officials answer questions about vaccines, masks and more
Patriot News: Pa. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. is pitching a big, expensive plan to help kids. And he’s ready for a fight. 
Patriot News: One year after the death of George Floyd, Pa. events aim to honor his memory
Patriot News: Pa. logs lowest COVID-19 count in months
Patriot News: Which states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases (5/24/2021): Where does Pa. stand?
Arizona Mirror: Group led by ‘kraken’ lawyer Sidney Powell hired the firm recounting AZ’s election to probe a PA election
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: There are no plans for them, but Pa. Senate panel approves bill banning vaccine ‘passports’
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Do your job’: Abuse survivors call on Senate to pass stalled lawsuit reform bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Starting July 18, Pa. unemployed must prove work search to receive jobless benefits
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Asian Americans, Hispanics are the fastest growing part of the U.S. population | The Numbers Racket
FOX43: Price of Politics: More than 81% of all bills introduced in Pa. never left committees | FOX43 Capitol Beat
Inquirer: A teachers union wants most PSERS trustees off the board
Inquirer: Allentown nonprofits rally to the defense of the Morning Call newsroom
City & State PA: Senate panel approves bill to ban vaccine passports
City & State PA: Welcome to the new City & State PA!
City & State PA: Who wants to run for governor as a Republican in 2022?
PLSReporter: Lawmakers push transparent drug pricing legislation
USA Today: Work search requirement for Pa.’s unemployed goes back into effect in July. What to know
StateImpactPA: Environmental advisory committees give OK to proposed RGGI rule
StateImpactPA: Going carbon negative and equity in energy among the topics at Penn State ‘Energy Days’ conference
CNHI: Abuse survivors rage at stalled reforms 
City Paper: Rick Santorum fired from CNN gig after racist comments about Native Americans
National Journal: States News
National Journal: House News
Delaware Valley Journal: Sean Parnell for Senate Campaign Complains Google Bias Buried Website
KYW Newsradio: Bill would halt Pa. schools, restaurants and more from requiring COVID-19 vaccinations
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania inches near Gov. Wolf’s 70% vaccination target for lifting mask mandate
KDKA: Several Pa. Counties Face Ballot Shortages In Primary Election
The Hill: Sixth House member issued $5,000 security screening fine
Erie Times-News: Pennsylvania Senate to consider bill to update anterless deer hunting license sales
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania to reinstate work search requirement for unemployment benefits in July
Politico: Fight looms over down payment aid to close racial wealth gap  

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Squatting for survival in Philadelphia: What it’s like to live in a ‘takeover house’
Philadelphia Tribune: Will Philadelphia see a rise in gun violence this summer?
Philadelphia Tribune: Morale down: Philly’s Black police face post-Floyd era
Inquirer: Riders tell SEPTA they want an end to service cuts
Inquirer: Convention Center vaccine site in Philly to remain open; Pa. and N.J. to lift most restrictions just in time for Memorial Day
WHYY Newsworks: Transit riders give their two cents on SEPTA’s proposed budget
Philly Voice: John Oliver tackles Republican Philly D.A. candidate Chuck Peruto on ‘Last Week Tonight’ 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Audacy eying female conservative to succeed Rush Limbaugh on WPHT, other stations, report says

SEPA
Newtown Patch: Fitzpatrick Demands Answers On COVID-19’s Origin
Daily Local News: Norley to stick with Dem party 
Delco Daily Times: Proposed gas facility in Marple brings community opposition 
Bucks County Courier Times: NAACP Bucks County to host George Floyd Memorial vigil on Tuesday in Doylestown 
Bucks County Courier Times: Feasterville man, 19, charged in insurrection: “Just pray … that I don’t get arrested by the fbi.” 
Inquirer: Montgomery County settles with the ACLU over claims its lawyers were barred from visiting jail inmates
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County OKs $2.3M contract for meal deliveries 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 101 coronavirus cases over three days, no new deaths 
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus positivity rate continues to decrease in Montco and SE Pa.

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Ed Gainey Reflects On Winning Tuesday’s Primary In A ‘City That Wants To See Justice’
WESA: ‘People Want New Leadership’: Bill Peduto Reflects On 8 Years In Office, And The Election That Ended It
WESA: Live In Allegheny County And Need Help Paying Rent? Millions In Pandemic Aid Still Available
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto reflects on nearly 8 years in office, looks ahead 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: India passes grim milestone, but local help is on the way
KDKA: Mayor Bill Peduto Says He Was Caught In Political Headwinds From The Left But Leaves City Better Off For The Future
KDKA: Port Authority Holding Public Meetings Seeking Feedback On Future Priorities 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 123 New Coronavirus Cases In Last 48 Hours
WTAE: WATCH: One-on-one with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, talks accomplishments for Pittsburgh after primary defeat
Pittsburgh Business Times: Ed Gainey on priorities, tackling city’s biggest business challenges if elected mayor
Tribune Review: After loss, Peduto touts progressive movement that propelled Ed Gainey to victory 
PA Political Podcast: Pittsburgh Post Primary w/ Councilwoman Erika Strassburger

SWPA 
Tribune Review: Monessen mayor’s Sunshine Act lawsuit targets city’s redevelopment authority
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania inches near Gov. Wolf’s 70% vaccination target for lifting mask mandate 
Observer-Reporter: State senator opens new South Hills office
Observer-Reporter: New COVID-19 deaths reported over weekend
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Vaccine network expands to family doctors, neighborhood pharmacies

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Dominion Voting Systems VP faces angry GOP voters, takes blame for Luzerne County ballot saga
Citizens Voice: County council to advertise for attorney about proposed DA special election 
Citizens Voice: Training continues for Wilkes-Barre Police Advisory Committee
Citizens Voice: 26 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Monday
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County’s write-in vote count nearly complete
Times-Tribune: With Memorial Day coming, more COVID-19 cases than last year, fewer deaths
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Second Amendment sanctuary designation up for vote Tuesday
The Times Leader: Outside attorneys sought for Luzerne County court action over DA race scheduling
The Times Leader: Back-to-back Monday night Luzerne County election-related meetings scheduled
The Times Leader: 26 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday
WFMZ: Republican nominee for Schuylkill County sheriff responds to claims he sent inappropriate messages to women 

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Rep. Lloyd Smucker fined $5,000 for bypassing House security 
LNP | LancasterOnline: UPDATE: Lancaster County finishes mail-in ballot remarking process
Patriot News: Congressman Lloyd Smucker fined $5000 for breaking security rules at U.S. Capitol
York Daily Record: Recount sought in tight York city district judge race; two win council seats in primary
York Daily Record: Paramilitary groups organized in Lancaster County 3 days prior to insurrection, FBI says
York Dispatch: Monday update: 65 new COVID-19 cases reported in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 14 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Monday

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: The significance of Bethlehem electing 1st female-majority council in 104-year history
Reading Eagle: Decades separated incumbent and challenger in Reading City Council race 
Reading Eagle: Risk of COVID community spread now ‘substantial’ in only 5 counties; Berks County remains ‘moderate’ 
Morning Call: Advocates push for Bethlehem officials to use pandemic relief money for permanent homeless shelter

North by Northwest
NorthCentralPA: US Rep. Keller proposes exempting race cars from EPA regulations
Erie Times-News: Ex-Erie City Council President Arrington gets a year and a day in prison for fraud
Erie Times-News: George Floyd vigil to be held at Erie’s Perry Square on May 25
Erie Times-News: Erie County has 19 new COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Officials look to township near capital as public safety example
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Upsets in primary favor justice reform
Centre Daily Times: House GOP tees up legislation on governor’s pandemic powers
Centre Daily Times: Evictions are set to soon resume. State College is reminding residents they have options

Opinion  
Mark Pinsley: Follow the constitution and let voters choose Pa.’s Lt. Governor
Gregory E. Deavens, Susan Jacobson, and David Thornburgh: Corporate America must stand up for voting rights
Ari Mittleman: We should celebrate last week’s jump in voter turnout
Kadida Kenner, Angelique Hinton, Ashley McBride and Brittany Smalls: We need the “For The People Act” to secure our democracy
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Too many races are already over
Inquirer Editorial Board: As SEPTA recovers from COVID-19, prioritizing Philly projects is vital to city’s future 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: City Council should expand affordable housing requirement in Lawrenceville, explore additional protections against displacement 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: CMU will require students to be vaccinated, but there should be options as well 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Staying home when sick 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Plane hijacking, kidnapping of Belarusian journalist are outrages; release Roman Protasevich
John L. Micek: A bad idea whose time has come (again). Pa. House panel to take up local gun preemption bill | Monday Morning Coffee
John L. Micek: Barber, Poor People’s Campaign call for ‘3rd Reconstruction’ | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Michael Coard: Is Philly’s Democratic leadership a friend or foe of Blacks? 
Clara Whaley Perkins: Communities traumatized by MOVE bombing still need help to fully heal
Holly Fernandez Lynch and Emily Largent: Is it OK to offer a shot at lottery money to get people vaccinated? As bioethicists we say yes.
Jen Devor: Jury duty desperately needs reforms, including more money for jurors in Philly
Danny Green: Colleges should make degrees more affordable — It’s good for the economy
Mark Szybist: PA legislators must lead on climate
Tony Norman: The past is never dead (it’s not even past)
Inga Saffron: Philadelphia needs to manage the return of the car as the pandemic subsides
Khushbu Shah: A Philly pediatrician on parents’ top fears on the COVID-19 vaccine | Expert Opinion
Marcela González Rivas: Clean water, rate increases and water equity
Bettina Hoerlin: In 1991, Philly vaccinated 6,000 kids against measles in a weekend. Let’s do it again
Dick Polman: Democrats shouldn’t negotiate with terrorists over 1/6 panel 
Chris Kelly: Coronavirus Diaries Day 472: GQP vs Truth