President Joe Biden delivered an address in Philadelphia on Friday at an event celebrating Amtrak’s 50th Anniversary. Here is the Playbook. 

April 30th Ups and Downs: Pennsylvania will lose a U.S. House seat after reapportionment, President Joe Biden shouts-out Pittsburgh during his address to Congress, plus a bill sponsored by a GOP state rep in Luzerne County is signed into law. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Politico: Conor Lamb moves toward Pennsylvania Senate run: POLITICO reports that Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) has told donors and supporters that he’s likely to run for U.S. Senate in 2022. 

Politico: Parnell Expected to Run for Senate: POLITICO reports that Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and conservative author who was the GOP nominee for the 17th Congressional District in 2020, met with GOP leaders in Washington D.C., including National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL), last week as he “moves towards a potential Senate campaign.” 

Biden Delivers Speech in Philly on Friday: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that President Joe Biden “called for a major investment in rail service to create jobs and fight climate change” as a part of his $2 trillion infrastructure proposal, during the event celebrating Amtrak’s 50th Anniversary. 

PA Supreme Court to Pick Chair of Redistricting Panel: Spotlight PA reports that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will select the chair of the five member redistricting panel. 

Spotlight PA Reports on State House and Senate Maps: Spotlight PA published a story on Monday morning titled, “Are Pa.’s state House and Senate maps gerrymandered? Depends on how you measure them.”

Emhoff To Visit Allentown on Wednesday: According to a press release from the office of the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff will be traveling to Allentown on Wednesday.  

Kenyatta Talks Biden Infrastructure Proposal on MSNBC: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, joined MSNBC’s The Last Word with Ali Velshi to discuss President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal and more. 

Perry Hosts Tele-Town Hall: The Carlisle Sentinel reports that Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) hosted in first town hall in nearly nine months where he “offered little reflection on his role in the events surrounding the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol, instead pivoting to cultural politics and, at certain points, a more populist message.” 

Philadelphia Tribune Breaks Down Philly DA Endorsement Race: The Philadelphia Tribune reports on the endorsements made in Philadelphia’s District Attorney race and the candidates discussing “racial bias in the criminal justice system during a well-attended virtual forum Tuesday evening sponsored by the East Mount Airy Neighbors and West Mount Airy Neighbors.”

Billy Penn Provides Primary Voter Guide for Philly: Billy Penn has released it’s “Procrastinator’s guide to the May 2021 primary election in Philadelphia.”

SD22 Candidates Talk to Scranton Times-Tribune About Major Issues in PA: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports on the candidates positions on major issues including taxing, marijuana legalization, and more for the upcoming special election for the state Senate’s 22nd District. 

SD22 Candidates Debate: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports on Democratic Party candidate state Rep. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna), Libertarian Party candidate Nathan Covington, and Green Party candidate Marlene Sebastianelli debated on Saturday morning at the University of Scranton. GOP candidate Chris Chermak was not at the debate. 

SD22: Lamb Campaigns for Flynn: Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) sent out a tweet on Sunday evening which included a few pictures and mentioned that he knocked doors over the weekend in Scranton for state Rep. Marty Flynn’s campaign for the state Senate’s 22nd District. 

Post-Gazette Reports On Policing As Key Issue in Pittsburgh Mayoral Race: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the “future of policing” is a key issue in the upcoming Democratic Party primary for Mayor of Pittsburgh.  

Legend Tweets Out Support for Krasner: John Legend sent out a tweet endorsing Larry Krasner’s bid for a second term as Philadelphia District Attorney. Legend also supported Krasner’s bid for the office in 2017.  

Post-Gazette: Casey backs stronger trade protections, social programs in global battle with China: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Sen. Bob Casey called for “the U.S. tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump on imports of steel and aluminum to remain in place, while laying out five economic policy principles to curb China’s influence through trade barriers and domestic social programs proposed by President Joe Biden.”

Scranton Dem Mayoral Candidates Debate: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and Scranton City Controller John Murray, who are both seeking the Democratic Party nomination for Mayor of Scranton, debated on Saturday. 

Scranton Times-Tribune Previews Scranton Mayoral Race: The Scranton Times-Tribune provides a breakdown of the Democratic Party primary race for Mayor of Scranton between incumbent Mayor Paige Cognetti and Scranton City Controller John Murray.  

Harrisburg Mayoral Candidates Participate in Forum on Saturday: PennLive reports that the Harrisburg mayoral candidates discussed “Harrisburg’s debt crisis” during a candidate forum on Saturday hosted by the grassroots group Concerned About the Children of Harrisburg, or CATCH. 

Cruz and Pashinski Introduce H.B. 1275: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that state Reps. Angel Cruz (D-Philadelphia) and Eddie Day Pashinski (D-Luzerne) introduced legislation that “would establish the Pennsylvania Preferred Food Bucks Program that would promote Pennsylvania’s delicious and nutritious produce by providing a benefit incentive to SNAP participants when they purchase qualifying fruits and vegetables.”

Carlisle Sentinel Previews MDJ and Government Seat Races in Cumberland County: The Carlisle Sentinel provides previews of the contested MDJ and municipal government races in Cumberland County for the upcoming primary.  

The Times Leader Details Potential Luzerne County DA Candidates: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports on the possible candidates for Luzerne County District Attorney.

Wild Announces Additions To Her Team: Rep. Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) announced that Patrick Miller, who was previously from HillVets, will serve in the D.C. office, while Maureen Caporaso, who is a Gold Star Family fellow, will be based in Pennsylvania, according to a press release from her office.

Erie Times-News Previews Erie City Council Races: The Erie Times-News reports on the eight Democrats and two Republicans vying for seats on Erie City Council in the upcoming primary.  

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Leaders deadlock on final member of district-drawing panel 
AP: Judge running for high court disavows QAnon conspiracy 
AP:  US Steel ends plans for $1.5B Pennsylvania plant upgrades
AP: Man admits to voter fraud in casting dead mother’s ballot 
Spotlight PA: Pa. Supreme Court will pick chair of powerful state redistricting panel 
Spotlight PA: Are Pa.’s state House and Senate maps gerrymandered? Depends on how you measure them.
Spotlight PA: Spotlight PA wins 11 statewide journalism awards
Inquirer: Biden touts a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ for Amtrak during Philly visit
USA Today: Pa. Supreme Court to pick Legislative Reapportionment Commission chair
USA Today: Barely making it: Real workers debunk myths about living on minimum wage in Pennsylvania
Morning Call: As more Pennsylvanians die of drug overdoses, lawmakers call for review of treatment centers, fines
WHYY Newsworks: Monday is the last day to register to vote in the 2021 Pa. primary
Billy Penn: Should Pennsylvania strip the governor’s disaster declaration powers? (ballot questions) 
Billy Penn: Should Pennsylvania fire departments and EMS companies be able to apply for loans? (ballot question) 
Billy Penn: Should Pennsylvania amend its constitution to prohibit discrimination based on race and ethnicity? (ballot question)
Politico: Conor Lamb moves toward Pennsylvania Senate run
Politico: Republican Sean Parnell expected to run for Senate in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Legislative reapportionment panel deadlocks on 5th member; sends decision to Pa. Supreme Court
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: State lawmaker looks for ‘supplement’ to dwindling dog warden presence 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Black Caucus pushes for universal collection of racial data from traffic stops
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Here’s what you need to earn to rent a home in Pa. | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Thank you for supporting award-winning journalism | Five for the Weekend
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden celebrates Amtrak’s 50th birthday and pitches more rail investment in Philadelphia
WITF: ‘The next chess move’: Emergency powers ballot questions set the stage for a balance-of-power showdown in Pa. 
PLSReporter: The Capitol Recap: Clean Power Coalition Discusses RGGI
Fox News: Biden celebrates and prepares to expand Amtrak despite decades of cost overruns and bad service
Fox News: UPenn, Princeton apologize after remains from 1985 Philadelphia bombing were used without families’ knowledge
Washington Post: The politicians who tried to overturn an election — and the local news team that won’t let anyone forget it
StateImpactPA: US Steel cancels $1B upgrade to Pittsburgh plants
Post-Gazette: Sen. Casey backs stronger trade protections, social programs in global battle with China
Post-Gazette: SPECIAL REPORT | Dementia wards in Pennsylvania were ravaged during the pandemic
Delaware Valley Journal: NJ Just Poured $1 Billion Into Aging Nuclear Plants. Will PA Follow Suit?
National Journal: Charlie Cook’s 2022 Look Ahead: Governor Races
The Hill: Biden-affiliated nonprofit group launches ad blitz in swing states
The Hill: Biden plugs infrastructure with a personal favorite: Amtrak

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Procrastinator’s guide to the May 2021 primary election in Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: UPenn hires lawyer who led 1985 MOVE commission to investigate handling of remains
Inquirer: Biden touts a ‘once-in-a-generation opportunity’ for Amtrak during Philly visit
Inquirer: A former Haverford GOP chair left Delco amid scandal. Now Philly Democrats want to elect him judge.
Inquirer: Former Penn anthropologist gives remains of MOVE bombing victim to Philly funeral home 
Inquirer: Philly kids, teachers march for schools, racial justice: ‘Normal was never enough’
Philadelphia Gay News: LGBTQ organizer Deja Alvarez steps up for Rep. Brian Sims’ Philly House seat
WHYY Newsworks: Biden celebrates trains in Philly, and Pa. crosses its fingers for infrastructure funds 
WHYY Newsworks: Why the air quality in Philly might be worse than we know 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Our participation is paramount’: Black bikers ride to get out the Philly vote
Philadelphia Magazine: The Bizarre, Infuriating Story of Philly Fighting COVID’s Meteoric Rise and Swift Fall
Philadelphia Tribune: Philadelphia DA candidates rack up endorsements, discuss racial bias
Philly Voice: Philadelphia Police Department will ask for more funding, citing cost to continue Taser rollout
KYW Newsradio: President Biden speaks in Philadelphia, sells Amtrak expansion & infrastructure plan
KYW Newsradio: ‘Disrespected’: Leaders of burnt-out health care workers testify at Pennsylvania house
KYW Newsradio: Race in Philly: Changing Climate looks at relationship between racial inequity and pollution
KYW Newsradio: Black bikers ride through communities to boost voter registration

SEPA
Daily Local News: Chester County officials, residents call for redistricting reform
Daily Local News: Chester County Commissioners recognize Envirothon winners
Bucks County Courier Times: A year of judicial emergency in Bucks County: How has justice been served in pandemic?
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks farmers: It’s high time hemp gets its due as ‘miracle’ plant is more than just pot
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County DA: Two women tried to vote for dead mothers in November election
Delco Daily Times: Receiver says Chester has to ‘walk before it can run’
Delco Daily Times: Marple man who sent in vote from dead mother for Donald Trump gets probation after guilty plea
Pottstown Mercury: Levine seeks re-election as district court judge
Pottstown Mercury: Retired Hatfield police officer seeks district judge post
Pottstown Mercury: Mercury wins 7 journalism awards in statewide contest
Inquirer: A Delaware County man admitted he cast an illegal ballot for ex-President Trump and gets sentenced to probation
Inquirer: Montgomery County man charged in Capitol insurrection
Inquirer: In Philly suburbs, sewer systems are for sale, and citizens push back, fearing rate hikes
KYW Newsradio: Suburban, statewide COVID-19 positive test percentages drop
Bucks Local News: Paul Salvatore announces candidacy for 1st Ward Newtown Borough Council seat
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Commissioners observe Arbor Day with new Dogwood on county grounds 
Delaware Valley Journal: DelVal Dems Flip Votes on ‘Essential Family’ Nursing Home Visits

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Lamb Says Pittsburgh Finances Weathered ‘Challenging’ 2020, Remains Cool On OnePGH
WESA: Demonstrators Gather To ‘End The Cycle Of Violence’ Against Transgender People
WESA: 90.5 WESA Newsroom Wins Eight Keystone Media Awards
WESA: April 24-30 Explained: GOP Vaccine Hesitancy, PPS’s Busing Quagmire & PGH Mayor’s Race Gets Heated
Post-Gazette: Future of policing is key issue in Pittsburgh mayoral race
Post-Gazette: Lamb: City’s finances weathered ‘the storm’ but pandemic-related losses still a concern
Post-Gazette: Officials bemoan U.S. Steel plans to scrap $1.5B Mon Valley Works upgrade
Post-Gazette: Lobbying continues for reduced Port Authority fares for low-income riders
Post-Gazette: Post-Gazette staff earns state journalism honors
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Clinic brings vaccine to Swissvale
Tribune Review: U.S. Steel nixes $1 billion upgrades at Mon Valley Works facilities
Tribune Review: Sharpsburg Mayor’s race sees 2 Democratic nominees vying for top office
Tribune Review: Who are the Western Pa. residents charged in Capitol insurrection?
Tribune Review: Trib Executive Editor Susan McFarland to retire
Tribune Review: Democrats in 3-way race for Tarentum mayor
Pittsburgh Business Times: U.S. Steel cancels upgrades to Mon Valley Works
Pittsburgh Business Times: Environment, labor groups respond to U.S. Steel’s canceled investment in the Mon Valley
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Health Department says permitting issues were not the cause of canceled U.S. Steel investments
Pittsburgh Business Times: See which 2020 Pittsburgh Business Times stories just won statewide honors
KDKA: Local Steel Experts Say US Steel’s Decision To Drop $1.5 Billion Mon Valley Project Makes Sense
KDKA: U.S. Steel Scraps Investment Project In Mon Valley Works
KDKA: Report: City Of Pittsburgh’s Finances Weathered The Pandemic Slightly Better Than Other Cities
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public School Students Return To The Classroom For The First Time In A Year
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 271 New Coronavirus Cases, No Additional Deaths
City Paper: U.S. Steel cancels $1 billion upgrades to local facilities; plans to close high-emissions batteries at Clairton Coke Works
City Paper: Pittsburgh City Paper wins four 2021 Keystone Media Awards

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Ortitay calls for investigation into COVID-19 contact tracing data release
Observer-Reporter: PA senators follow party lines in reaction to Biden speech
Observer-Reporter: Greene County seeks poll workers
Observer-Reporter: Two more COVID-19 deaths reported in Washington County
Altoona Mirror: All registered voters can vote on ballot questions
Altoona Mirror: Council considers jake brake ban
Altoona Mirror: Judge OKs Burke’s name on ballot
Altoona Mirror: Blair planners hire new solicitor
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Blair, Westmoreland add 100+ COVID-19 cases over weekend

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Candidates in state 22nd Senate district special election detail taxing, marijuana legalization and other plans
Times-Tribune: With Chermak absent, three state Senate candidate debate issues
Times-Tribune: Scranton mayoral debate a cordial policy pitch
Times-Tribune: Cognetti, Murray face off in race for Democratic nomination for Scranton mayor
Times-Tribune: Ballot drop boxes installed at six government buildings ahead of primary election
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County Voter Guide Database
Times-Tribune: Luzerne County Voter Guide Database
Times-Tribune: Schuylkill County Voter Guide Database
Times-Tribune: Three seek Democratic bid for Scranton tax collector
Times-Tribune: Police station, recreation, fiscal responsibility top issues in Jefferson, Covington supervisor races
Times-Tribune: Region sees 260 new cases, two deaths, on Saturday
The Times Leader: Eyes turn to possible Luzerne County DA candidates
The Times Leader: Reps. Pashinski, Cruz introduce legislation to stretch PA SNAP dollars
The Times Leader: Callers complain Wilkes-Barre City Council agenda lacks details
The Times Leader: Committee OKs small games bill for fire departments, veterans groups
The Times Leader: American Rescue Plan relief for restaurants available beginning Monday
The Times Leader: 57 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Sunday
Citizens Voice: Candidates in state 22nd Senate district special election detail taxing, marijuana legalization and other plans
Citizens Voice: With Chermak absent, three state Senate candidate debate issues
Citizens Voice: District Judge Alexandra Kokura Kravitz seeks promotion to Luzerne County bench
Citizens Voice: Mail-in ballot locations announced
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre council ups dumping fine, takes flak on agenda detail
Citizens Voice: 57 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday

South Central 
Patriot News: Shadows of Harrisburg’s debt crisis show up at mayoral candidates’ Saturday forum
Carlisle Sentinel: Perry minimizes his Jan. 6 role, stresses corporate criticism in tele-town hall
Carlisle Sentinel: Primary Preview 2021: MDJ and municipal government seats in Cumberland County
Carlisle Sentinel: Sentinel staffers win 21 state awards for journalism, named top paper in its circulation category
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 46 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Saturday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lingering effects of 2020 election still impact Lancaster’s upcoming municipal primary [Lancaster Watchdog] 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County elections employee improperly shares voter’s signature with local party official 
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘A roving nightmare’: Former Lancaster police chief recounts summer protests on podcast 
York Dispatch: City Council candidate: York ‘lifted me up when I didn’t deserve it’
York Dispatch: Saturday update: 159 new COVID-19 cases reported in York County

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Allentown Democratic mayoral candidates heatedly debate as May 18 primary draws closer
Express Times: Ballot-on-demand voting, secure ballot drop-off boxes available for upcoming primary election
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: All RiteAid sites now offering COVID vaccines; half the Lehigh Valley has a shot; 4K new cases reported statewide | Pa. COVID vaccine updates (4/30/21)
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley recipe for hot local elections: Mix controversial construction projects with transparency concerns, stir in a pandemic, bake for a year in Zoom
Morning Call: The number of people skipping their second COVID shot is rising — including in the Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: From the editor: Election coverage has changed, but we’ve got it covered 
Reading Eagle: Latest census numbers extend Pennsylvania’s losing streak in Congress
Reading Eagle: Fall of Saigon anniversary evokes painful memories for Vietnamese Americans in Berks
Reading Eagle: 2 vying for Democratic nod for Alsace Township supervisor
Reading Eagle: 2 Democrats, 2 Republicans seek nominations in race for Maidencreek Township supervisor
Reading Eagle: The work of 4 Reading Eagle staffers recognized in Pa. media awards
Reading Eagle: Berks County on verge of 100,000 completed COVID vaccinations
WFMZ: May Day rally in Allentown over workers’ rights, immigration

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council race: eight Democrats, two Republicans on primary ballot 
Erie Times-News: Erie Times-News staffers win 7 Keystone Media Awards
Erie Times-News: How area lawmakers voted, week ending April 30 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Officials await word on American Rescue Plan funding parameters
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Thousands in funds go to municipalities through plan
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmakers, business leaders share concerns about COVID-19 financial impact
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council members speak on ways to ‘clean up’ River Valley Transit
Centre Daily Times: The municipal primary election is weeks away. Here’s what to know ahead of May 18
Centre Daily Times: ‘Building community together.’ What to know about a new restorative justice program in Centre County

Opinion  
Josh Shapiro and Shira Goodman: Pennsylvania is home to alarming numbers of extremists, and some are our neighbors
Seth Grove: Election reform must focus on integrity and access
Bill White: Why I’m (finally) hopeful about gerrymandering reform in Pennsylvania
Paul Muschick: It’s time to end mask requirements for outdoor youth sports
Paul Muschick: Why Biden is right that the IRS needs an extra $80 billion 
Bill White: Why I’m (finally) hopeful about gerrymandering reform in Pennsylvania
Rogette Harris: Unfinished Business: Here’s what President Biden has done in his first 100 days
Paul Mathison: Pennsylvania CEOs must act on redistricting reform
Salena Zito: Primary in Pittsburgh
Dave Mowery: Don’t overlook the upcoming primary election 
Shira Goodman and Jeremy Bannett: Pa. lawmakers just can’t resist comparing things to the Holocaust & Nazis. It’s time to banish this lazy and offensive rhetoric from our dialogue
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: President Biden must keep his promise to raise the annual refugee cap 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Lancaster County’s mass COVID-19 vaccination site should remain open until the job is done — and elected officials should urge inoculation 
PennLive Editorial Board: Here are three ways Black Lives Matter protests changed America  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Kill the inheritance tax
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: State Fish and Boat Commission experimenting with both stocked and wild trout
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Chernobyl Exclusion Zone provides economic boost to Ukraine
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: W.Va. makes smart offer to lure new residents
Cheryl Matherly and Ricardo Hall: College and community must both combat anti-Asian bias 
Nydia Han: Asian Americans saw this coming
Bill Johnston-Walsh and Stephanie Sun: We must join together to stop the hate against Asian Americans. Here’s how you can help 
Jobert Abueva: How I went from ‘meh’ to impassioned about celebrating my Asian heritage 
Riley Ross and Teri Ravenell: In wake of Derek Chauvin verdict, Pennsylvania can learn from Maryland’s police reform
Rick Grimaldi: The failure to unionize Amazon is the union’s own fault 
Helen Ubiñas: For five years I’ve called Philadelphians to the Art Museum steps to fight gun violence. What’s next? 
Sam Kreiser: Building Equity for All: To increase home values and correct injustice, start in Pa. schools
John L. Micek: Study: States’ personal income hit 20-year high in 2020 | Monday Morning Coffee
Michael Fuentes: Ban police profanity to improve community relations
Ramona Harris: Lifetime parole forces families to live with invisible shackles 
Daryl Grant: Why there’s little room in Black community for skepticism of COVID-19 vaccine 
Tom Royer: COVID-19 first threatened our company, then it made us better
Keith C. Burris: The return of ‘W’
David M. Shribman: Biden rides the winds of political change
Ernest Owens: Dear White People: Wanna DM Me on the Latest Racist Outrage? Read This First
Will Bunch: Why it took Joe Biden to carry out the Bernie Sanders presidency 
Peter Berkowitz: An Open Letter to Swarthmore President Valerie Smith
Ray E. Landis: My family’s long-term care story – and what it says about the challenges we all face 
Dick Polman: This is Amy Coney Barrett’s supreme conflict of interest 
John Cole: Bridge Out: Pa.’s census shortfall, explained | Editorial Cartoon
Chris Kelly: Done crying wolf, fed-up officials stalk Bond