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May 5th Playbook

Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff will visit Allentown on Wednesday. Here is the Playbook. 

Trevor Southerland Named New HDCC Executive Director: Southerland served as the executive director of the Virginia House Democratic Caucus in 2018 – 2019.

Emhoff To Visit Allentown on Wednesday: According to a press release from the Office of the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff will visit Allentown on Wednesday as a part of the “Getting America Back on Track” tour.

Wolf Tells KDKA PA Won’t Renew Contract with Insight Global Following Contact Tracing Data Breach: Gov. Tom Wolf told KDKA Newsradio in an interview on Tuesday that Pennsylvania’s contract with Insight Global, “the company that was hired to conduct contact tracing for the state, will not be renewed.” This decision from Wolf was made after “a recent data breach that potentially exposed personal information of roughly 72,000 Pennsylvanians that was collected as part of the state’s COVID-19 contact tracing efforts.”

Inquirer Editorial Board Endorses Brobson in GOP Primary for PA Supreme Court: The Philadelphia Inquirer Editorial Board has endorsed Judge Kevin Brobson for the GOP nomination for the PA Supreme Court. Brobson is one of three Republicans seeking the party nomination. 

HD59: KDKA Previews Special Election: KDKA previews the upcoming special election for the state House’s 59th District between Republican Leslie Baum Rossi, Democrat Mariah Fisher, and Libertarian Robb Luther. 

Haste To Retire As Dauphin County Commissioner: PennLive reports that long-time Dauphin County Commissioner Jeff Haste will be retiring from the position on May 31, to “develop his own firm that will focus on business development and government relations.” 

Inquirer Previews Philly DA Primary: The Philadelphia Inquirer provides a preview for the upcoming Democratic primary between Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Carlos Vega. The Inquirer reported that “many interviewed” for the article say that Vega can beat Krasner, but “most said the incumbent remains the favorite but weren’t confident enough to offer a prediction.”

KYW Newsradio Profiles Krasner: KYW Newsradio profiles Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s legal career as a public defender, his first term as Philadelphia District Attorney, and his campaign for a second term.  

KYW Newsradio Profiles Vega: KYW Newsradio profiles Carlos Vega, who is challenging Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in the upcoming Democratic primary, about his upbringing and his campaign for Philadelphia DA. 

Protect Our Police PAC/SP&R Poll Shows ‘Philly DA Race Tightens’: Broad + Liberty reports that a poll commissioned by Protect Our Police PAC, a political action committee aiming to unseat Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research, shows an “increasingly competitive race” for Philadelphia District Attorney. 

Sanders Endorses Krasner: Sen. Bernie Sanders has endorsed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s reelection campaign. In the 2020 Democratic presidential primary, Krasner endorsed Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s campaign

KYW Newsradio: ‘FOP drives spike in party-switching ahead of District Attorney primary’: KYW Newsradio reports that about 7,000 Philadelphians have switched party registration to become Democrats prior to the upcoming primary and that “the District Attorney’s race between incumbent Larry Krasner and challenger Carlos Vega appears to be the primary motivation.”

NBC10 Previews Philly DA Primary: NBC10 provides a preview for the upcoming Democratic primary between Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Carlos Vega.  

Krasner and Vega to Debate Tonight: KYW Newsradio reports that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner and primary challenger Carlos Vega will square off in a live debate on Wednesday evening starting at 7 PM, hosted by KYW Newsradio and NBC10/Telemundo62. Questions to the Philadelphia District Attorney candidates will be provided from KYW Newsradio crime and justice reporter Kristen Johanson and community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg, and NBC10 political reporter Lauren Mayk. NBC10 anchor Jacqueline London will be the moderator.

Shapiro Endorses Cognetti for Scranton Mayor: Attorney General Josh Shapiro has endorsed Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti’s reelection bid.  

USA Today Reports on PSERS Investigation: USA Today reports on “what you need to know” about the Pennsylvania teacher retirement system that is under investigation. 

Observer-Reporter: ‘Mihalek to co-sponsor legislation to protect data collected for vaccine registration’: According to the Observer-Reporter, state Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny) said she will be “co-sponsoring legislation that will safeguard health data collected during vaccine sign-ups” following a “data breach that compromised the health data of thousands of Pennsylvanians that was gathered through COVID-19 contact tracing.”

Post-Gazette: ‘Pittsburgh Likely to Consider Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban This Summer’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger “put forth a resolution expressing the “intent to introduce” an ordinance limiting the use of plastic bags, pending the expiration of a state regulation barring cities from enforcing rules on single-use plastics.”

Philadelphia Tribune: ‘Philadelphia City Councilmembers question Kenney’s commitment to growing Black-owned businesses in spending plans’: The Philadelphia Tribune reports that “Philadelphia legislators slammed the Kenney administration Monday for not investing in the growth of Black- and brown-owned businesses in its proposed spending plans.”

Gerow and McSwain To Speak At Montco GOP Spring Reception: Charlie Gerow and Bill McSwain are listed as the “special guests” for the Montgomery County Republican Committee Spring Reception scheduled for Wednesday night in Blue Bell. Gerow and McSwain have both been mentioned as potential candidates for Governor. On Monday night, Gerow spoke at a Centre County GOP gathering, while McSwain spoke at a York County GOP reception on Tuesday night. 

Dean For Senate Dot Com?: According to the Twitter account, @CATargetBot, “deanforsenate.com” was registered as a website. A spokesperson from Rep. Madeleine Dean’s (D-Montgomery) campaign tells PoliticsPA that the website isn’t Rep. Dean’s. The spokesperson from Dean also told PoliticsPA in response to speculation about Dean being a potential candidate for U.S. Senate that, “she loves her work in the House, but isn’t ruling anything out at the moment.” 

CNN: Reschenthaler Makes Calls for Stefanik in GOP Leadership Fight: CNN reports that Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Allegheny) was working the phones on Tuesday and making calls on behalf of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who is “working behind the scenes to lock down enough support to replace Rep. Liz Cheney as the No. 3 in GOP leadership.”

Beck and Zur Talk to Pittsburgh City Paper About Judicial Campaigns: Jill Beck, an attorney from Pittsburgh who is running for the PA Superior Court, and Ilan Zur, a prosecutor from Pittsburgh who is one of 39 candidates running for judge in the Allegheny Court of Common Pleas, talks to Natalie Bencivenga about their campaigns. 

Lehigh Valley Live Previews 9 Candidates for Lehigh County Bench: Lehigh Valley Live reports on the nine candidates that are seeking the three vacant seats on the Lehigh County bench.  

Scranton Times-Tribune Previews GOP Primary for Lackawanna County Sheriff: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports on the upcoming Republican primary for sheriff between former Police Chief David Elliot and former Deputy Sheriff Corporal Glenn Capman. The winner will face incumbent Democratic Sheriff Mark McAndrew in November. 

Pottstown Mercury: ‘Few primary contests in Chester County municipal races’: The Pottstown Mercury reports that there are only five contested primaries for municipal posts out of the 17 primaries in northern Chester County townships and boroughs in The Mercury’s coverage area.

Scranton Times-Tribune Previews Dem Primaries in Dunmore: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports on the upcoming Democratic primaries for Dunmore mayor, council, and controller.  

Gruda Joins Rubio’s Reelection Campaign: POLITICO reports that Matt Gruda, who most recently was the campaign manager for Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks), is now the political director for Sen. Marco Rubio’s (R-FL) reelection campaign.  

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania lifting COVID-19 restrictions on Memorial Day
AP: Wolf takes next step to start carbon emissions caps in 2022 
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania will lift most COVID-19 restrictions on Memorial Day
Patriot News: Pa. lifts COVID-19 restrictions on businesses on Memorial Day, mask order will end when 70% are vaccinated
Patriot News: Lifting of COVID-19 mitigation orders in Pa. welcomed, but GOP says it’s overdue
Patriot News: Who qualifies for the SBA’s $5 billion ‘Supplemental Targeted Advances’ and how can a business or non-profit apply?
Patriot News: Amending Pa. governor’s emergency powers could be hinderance: Pa. Agriculture Secretary
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 update: hospitalizations drop by more than 200
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf admin.: Pa. to lift COVID-19 restrictions by Memorial Day; mask order once 70 percent of adults are vaccinated
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Native leader takes Pa.’s Santorum to history class: ‘Our history helped to shape the current U.S. government’ 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: New initiative aims to give Pennsylvanians with intellectual, development disabilities greater vaccines access 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Census experts make $2B ask for census data infrastructure improvements
USA Today: Pa.’s teacher retirement system is under investigation. What you need to know
Erie Times-News: Pa. COVID relief: The money is coming, but where is the state’s plan to spend it? 
York Daily Record: PA to lift business restrictions, mitigation efforts ahead of Memorial Day as vaccinations increase
Inquirer: Chancellor faces tough questions on university mergers at legislative hearing
Inquirer: Interest in Pennsylvania’s state parks has only grown even as pandemic restrictions lift
WESA: Health Care Providers Push Vaccination Efforts In Pennsylvania’s Amish And Mennonite Communities
WLVR: Voting By Mail in Pennsylvania Dates Back To Colonial Times
WITF: Facing Burnout, Worker Shortages, Nurses Say COVID-19 Shows Need For Staffing Ratios
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania Turnpike adds nearly $200 million to capital spending as commercial traffic returns
Post-Gazette: The governor’s emergency power: Pa. officials make case for its use in helping ag industry
Post-Gazette: State creates call center for people with disabilities, autism to get vaccine
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf says COVID-19 restrictions to be lifted Memorial Day, but masking will continue
City Paper: Five Minutes With … Jill Beck and Ilan Zur
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania state parks prepare for another summer surge
Times-Tribune: Casey pushes for investments in home care for seniors and disabled 
Fox News: GOP Rep blasts Biden on illegal immigration: More ‘got-aways’ than a sold-out Penn State game
National Journal: Contentious primaries on horizon for Senate Dems
The Hill: Pennsylvania lifting COVID-19 restrictions, but not mask mandate, on Memorial Day
The Hill: Trump supporter admits to voter fraud after casting dead mother’s ballot in 2020
The Hill: CNN’s Don Lemon blows up over Santorum remarks
The Hill: House GOP campaign arm adds to target list
CNN: It just got harder for Democrats to hold their House majority in 2022 
CNN: Elise Stefanik moves to quickly consolidate GOP support as Liz Cheney replacement: ‘The fix is in’
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. lawmakers debate plan to consolidate state universities

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Carlos Vega is making Philly DA Larry Krasner fight for his job as the election nears
Inquirer: Some suburban commuters might not return to Philly. City Council is skeptical of giving them a tax cut. 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania will fully reopen on Memorial Day, lifting COVID-19 rules. Philadelphia won’t follow suit — yet.
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia district attorney candidate profile: Larry Krasner
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia district attorney candidate profile: Carlos Vega
KYW Newsradio: FOP drives spike in party-switching ahead of District Attorney primary
KYW Newsradio: City officials urge kids 12 and older to get vaccinated before next school year
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania to lift all COVID-19 mitigation orders except masking on Memorial Day
NBC10: Philly DA Larry Krasner Touts Reforms to Criminal Justice System in Re-Election Bid
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: State to lift all restrictions except masking on Memorial Day
Philly Voice: ‘Help for the Hurdles’ launches in Philly, aims to assist homeless shelter residents get jobs
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania will remove COVID-19 restrictions on Memorial Day
Philadelphia Tribune: Philadelphia City Councilmembers question Kenney’s commitment to growing Black-owned businesses in spending plans 
Philadelphia Tribune: Vincent Hughes, Sheryl Lee Ralph-Hughes host vaccination clinics
Philadelphia Business Journal: Chapter 11 business bankruptcy filings in Greater Philadelphia drop 27% in 1Q
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia opens applications for $1M Illuminate the Arts grant program

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Few primary contests in Chester County municipal races 
Delco Daily Times: City of Chester getting funds to help low-income families obtain housing
Daily Local News: Chester County picked for new low-income housing mobility program
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus positivity rate decreases in SE Pa. counties
Bucks Local News: Former Morrisville Borough Councilman reported as missing, endangered 
Bucks Local News: ‘WE ARE WINNING THIS FIGHT:’ New COVID-19 cases falling rapidly in Bucks County as vaccination campaign continues

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh to consider restrictions on plastic bags 
Tribune Review: 5 Democrats running for 4 spots on ballot for Baldwin Council
Tribune Review: O’Hara teacher/attorney Dave Turner seeking Lower Valley judge seat 
Tribune Review: Lawsuit against Allegheny County judge over virtual access dismissed 
Tribune Review: Declining covid hospitalization streak ends in Pa., Allegheny County
Post-Gazette: U.S. Steel has options to consider after canceling Mon Valley upgrade 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh likely to consider single-use plastic bag ban this summer
Post-Gazette: Port Authority pledges to consider reduced fares for low-income riders after it finishes current changes
Post-Gazette: Wolf administration to lift all COVID restrictions on Memorial Day — except masks
KDKA: Mail-In Ballots For Allegheny County Will Only Require Single Regular, First-Class Stamp 
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh To Expand Gun Violence Data Tracking 
KDKA: Gov. Wolf Announces Most COVID-19 Mitigation Orders Will Be Lifted By May 31 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 12 Additional COVID-19 Related Deaths Between The Months Of February And May

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Mihalek to co-sponsor legislation to protect data collected for vaccine registration
Observer-Reporter: Toothman agrees to facts to avoid trial in judicial conduct case
Observer-Reporter: 23 new COVID deaths reported across Pennsylvania
KDKA: Voters In Part Of Westmoreland Co. Will Pick New State Rep. In Special Election On May 18
Altoona Mirror: Blair begins mailing ballots
Altoona Mirror: Coalport — Council tables talks on fire dept.
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Lawmakers want to eliminate Department of State’s role in publicizing ballot questions
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Spring COVID-19 surge eases, two deaths across region

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Two Republicans to compete for a shot to unseat Democratic county sheriff 
Times-Tribune: Democratic contests for Dunmore mayor, council, controller in May 18 primary election 
The Times Leader: Pa. to lift mitigation orders — except masks — on Memorial Day
The Times Leader: 83 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Tuesday
Citizens Voice: Casey pushes for investments in home care for seniors and disabled
Citizens Voice: 83 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday 

South Central 
Patriot News: Long-time Dauphin County commissioner stepping down to start business
Patriot News: Retiring top Dauphin County official leaves with low-cost health care
Carlisle Sentinel: Joint stipulation indicates Placey’s judicial discipline case will not go to trial
Carlisle Sentinel: Wolf to lift mitigation orders on Memorial Day, mask order once 70% of Pa. adults are vaccinated
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 50 new cases of COVID-19 and one death in Tuesday’s report for Cumberland County
LNP | LancasterOnline: 20 LNP|LancasterOnline, Caucus staffers earn statewide journalism awards for work in 2020 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pa. will lift all COVID-19 restrictions on Memorial Day; here’s a look at what is changing
York Dispatch: York Dispatch staff win awards in statewide media competition
York Dispatch: Tuesday update: 123 additional COVID-19 cases reported in York County

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff visiting Allentown for ‘Getting America Back on Track’ tour
Express Times: Nine candidates seek three vacant seats on the Lehigh County bench
Express Times: ‘It’s about time’: Lehigh Valley jails to start vaccinating inmates against COVID
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: Wolf lifting restrictions but mask-wearing still necessary; case average keeps dropping | Pa. COVID vaccine map (05/04/21)
Morning Call: After Allentown mayoral candidates use City Hall footage on campaign trail, City Council proposes changes to ethics code 
Morning Call: County jail inmates across the Lehigh Valley to be vaccinated against COVID next week
Reading Eagle: Reading continues debate on removing college credit bonus for its police promotions 
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania ethics commission fines West Reading’s borough manager 
Reading Eagle: Reading proposes public art policy to bring colorful crosswalks and murals to the city 
Reading Eagle: Vaccination numbers for Berks residents show peak was in late April

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: State College’s council OKs $74K contract with Glenn O. Hawbaker despite legal trouble. Here’s why
Centre Daily Times: Early voting, ballot drop boxes and more: What to know before the May 18 primary election
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mansfield University president speaks on board vote to integrate schools
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Economic committee hears from manufacturing specialist
Erie Times-News: Erie doctor: Vaccinating younger teens should lower COVID cases, help schools in fall

Opinion  
Bryan Cutler: Ballot measures protect state’s small businesses
Donna Bullock: Pretextual stops target Black drivers disproportionately but are still legal in Pa.
Salena Zito: In the face of most Democrats’ opposition, US Steel cancels a billion-dollar investment
Inquirer Editorial Board: Judge Kevin Brobson is the best choice in Pa. Supreme Court in Republican primary | Endorsement 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Mayor Peduto’s OnePGH plan is too little, too late 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: SBA must act fast to save thousands of America’s small performing arts venues — before it’s too late
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: State lawmakers: End philosophical and religious exemptions from childhood vaccination in Pennsylvania. We can’t risk more outbreaks.
Sharif El-Mekki: Biden’s American Families Plan can boost Philly students and teachers 
JD Mullane: Why “just do what the cops say” may not be a good argument
Marilyn Kelly-Cavotta: LGBTQ vets deserve equal treatment when they come home
Joyce M. Davis: Harrisburg’s Comprehensive Plan Working Group takes questions from PennLive at 6 p.m. today on Facebook Live
John L. Micek: Pa. House panel moves to make take-out cocktails permanent | Wednesday Morning Coffee 
John L. Micek: Report: Pa. has 2nd highest number of people in U.S. serving life without parole | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Odette Mucha: Here’s how Pa. can level the playing field with clean energy
Sean Stratton: Jobs, lives at risk without the Chinook
Misha Valencia: Period products should be free in public bathrooms 
Bruce Ledewitz: America won’t find God. But we might find something else 
Dana Rasmussen: Consider facts when questioning trans feminine participation in sports
Leah Blain: How to make a mental health plan to help you process the pandemic
Gabriel Filippelli: Biden’s infrastructure plan targets lead pipes that threaten public health across the U.S. – including Pa. 
Will Bunch Newsletter: Will a rape scandal kill writing’s ‘macho style’? 
Trudy Rubin: As journalists worldwide face repression, GOP lies threaten U.S. media future

One Response

  1. How ethnic of Doug Mastriano to shave his head for the thug Mussolini look.

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