A Democrat joins the race for HD182 with state Rep. Brian Sims endorsement, while former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to hold a fundraiser for state Sen. Doug Mastriano this weekend. Here is the Playbook. 

HD182: Sims Endorses LGBTQ Public Health Advocate to Replace Him: Deja Alvarez enters the race with endorsements from state Rep. Brian Sims, Philly Dems Chairman (and former Congressman) Bob Brady, and state Sen. Sharif Street. She is the first openly trans Latinx candidate for the Pa. legislature.

Giuliani To Fundraise for Mastriano: ABC27 reports that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani will host a fundraiser for state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams) on Saturday in Chambersburg. Mastriano is reportedly interested in seeking the GOP nomination for Governor in 2022.  

Roll Call Highlights PA Members with “Higher Ambitions” That May Be Impacted by Redistricting: Roll Call reports that “the census data delay could affect candidates in Pennsylvania” and specifically mentions Reps. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) and Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny), who are “seriously considering” running for Senate, plus Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) who is reportedly considering running for Governor. 

Philly Clout: ‘The Philly DA’s race becomes the first 2022 debate for Josh Shapiro and Bill McSwain’: Philly Clout reports that both Attorney General Josh Shapiro and former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain “want to be governor of Pennsylvania. But they’re not interested in answering some pressing political questions.”

Inquirer Reports on Krasner’s First Term: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philly elected Larry Krasner district attorney to reform the system. Here’s what he did,” while adding that “Many of Krasner’s biggest reforms have been successfully instituted, even as they’ve been overshadowed by surging gun violence and opposition from the police union.”

Inquirer Highlights Vega’s Campaign: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on Carlos Vega’s upbringing, from helping out in his mother’s bodega, to his current campaign for Philadelphia District Attorney. 

Harrisburg Mayoral Candidates Participate in Last Debate Before Primary: PennLive reports that the Democratic candidates for Harrisburg mayor participated in a virtual forum on Wednesday night, which was the final debate before the primary. 

Harrisburg Mayoral Candidates Answer Question About Privatization of Public Services: PennLive asked the Harrisburg mayoral candidates the following questions submitted by a reader: “With local municipalities pushing more privatization of services, and recent talks in Harrisburg of selling our water/sewer assets, where do the candidates stand on selling/leasing assets similar to the parking deal? Do any candidates pledge to not sell/lease or otherwise privatize Harrisburg’s remaining assets?”

Harrisburg Mayoral Candidates Talk About Policing: PennLive reports on what the Harrisburg mayoral candidates would do about policing in the city. 

PennLive Previews Dauphin County Races to Watch: PennLive previews the races to watch in Dauphin County for the upcoming primary election.  

KDKA: ‘Pittsburgh Mayor Candidates Focus On Public Safety And Race’: KDKA’s Jon Delano talked to the four candidates for Pittsburgh mayor about which issues separate them from each other.  

Pottstown Mercury: ‘Otten reintroduce pipeline early warning proposal’: The Pottstown Mercury reports that state Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-Chester) “has reintroduced legislation that would place the costs of early detection and warning systems on pipeline operators rather than taxpayers and ensure that these systems are in place prior to pipeline operation.” 

ABC27 Explains 4 Ballot Questions in 60 Seconds: ABC27’s Dennis Owens details the 4 ballot questions on the upcoming primary ballot in 60 seconds.  

Tribune-Review Highlights HD59 Special Election: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review highlights the campaigns of Republican Leslie Baum Rossi, Democrat Mariah Fisher, and Libertarian Robb Luther in the upcoming special election for the state House’s 59th District.  

Tribune-Review Previews HD60 Special Election: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review previews the upcoming special election for the state House’s 60th District between Republican candidate Abby Major, Democratic candidate Frank Prazenica, and Libertarian candidate Andrew Hreha. 

KDKA Previews Upcoming Primary Process: KDKA reports that “Allegheny County Election Officials Say Tuesday’s Primary Should Be A Smoother Process Than November.”

Carlisle Borough Council Appoints 7 People to Truth and Reconciliation Commission: The Carlisle Sentinel reports on the seven people named by Carlisle Borough Council to serve on its new Truth and Reconciliation Commission.  

Inquirer: ‘Philly Health Commissioner Resigns over cremating MOVE victims without telling family; Kenney apologizes’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley resigned Thursday after admitting that he arranged for the cremation and disposal of remains from victims of the 1985 MOVE bombing found about four years ago in the city Medical Examiner’s Office, but without identifying the remains or notifying family members.”

Morning Call Highlights Lehigh County Judge Race: The Allentown Morning Call provides a preview of the candidates for the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas and reports on what rating they each received from the Bar Association of Lehigh County.  

Erie Times-News Previews 2021 Primary: The Erie Times-News provides a “voters’ guide to the races, candidates, issues in the 2021 primary.”

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat Previews Dem Race for City Council: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that four current Johnstown City Council members – Marie Mock, the Rev. Sylvia King, Ricky Britt, and David Vitovich – are seeking reelection, plus Laura Huchel aiming “to join council for the first time.”

Johnstown Tribune-Democrat Highlights GOP City Council Primary: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that the Johnstown City Council election “includes the largest field of Republican Party candidates in recent memory,” adding information about Dr. Joseph Taranto, Charlene Stanton, and James Staton Jr.’s campaigns. 

Tribune-Review Previews Westmoreland County Judge Races: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports “4 district judge seats in Westmoreland County have contested primary races this spring.” 

Observer-Reporter Highlights Washington County Judge Race: The Observer-Reporter reports that “two candidates are vying to replace Senior Judge Katherine Emery, who retired from her position as president judge in the Washington County Courthouse in January.”

Tribune-Review Previews Contested Greensburg Council Primaries: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “2 challengers face 2 incumbents in the Greensburg council primary.” 

The Collective PAC Announces 4 Judicial Candidate Endorsements: The Collective PAC, which describes itself as “the nation’s largest political action committee dedicated to increasing Black political representation across all levels of government,” has endorsed Lori Dumas and Amanda Green-Hawkins for PA Commonwealth Court, Maraleen Shields for Lehigh Court of Common Pleas, and Greg Yorgey-Girdy for Philadelphia Municipal Court.

Protect Our Care PA Launches Seven-Figure Investment: Protect Our Care Pennsylvania, a pro-Democratic Party healthcare organization, launched The Campaign to Reduce Drug Prices, a seven-figure investment to “demonstrate the urgent need for comprehensive legislation to lower drug prices,” according to a press release. The campaign will include research, paid and earned media, and grassroots and grasstops engagement. They are currently running a national television ad, plus digital ads in 12 states, including Pennsylvania. 

Pro-Biden Group Launches Ad In PA Promoting American Jobs Plan: First reported by POLITICO, Building Back Together, the “advocacy group founded by allies” of President Joe Biden, released a 30 second ad promoting the American Jobs Plan in four states, including Pennsylvania. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania voters to decide racial equity amendment 
AP: Pennsylvania follows relaxed federal guidance on masks 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: An ‘energy choice’ bill has some lawmakers worried local government could lose power 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Fully vaxxed Pennsylvanians can go mask-free, state health officials confirm 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Wolf, Chesapeake Bay guvs propose ‘Billion for the Bay’ federal funding initiative 
WHYY Newsworks: All politics is national — Pa. voters driven to engage with local races amid larger polarization
York Daily Record: 80-year-old Army veteran from Pennsylvania, the oldest person arrested for insurrection 
York Daily Record: CDC says vaccinated people don’t need masks indoors. Pennsylvania will follow suit
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Native American mascots in Pa. high schools: Honoring local history or offensive?
WESA: When It Comes To Ballot Questions, It May Not Be What You Say, But How You Say It
USA Today: Mastriano and Giuliani: Why they are working together again in central Pa. 
USA Today: Pa. power struggle between Wolf and GOP goes beyond ballot questions. What to know.
USA Today: House GOP want to make it ‘easy to vote but hard to cheat.’ What election laws may change in PA
Post-Gazette: Sen. Pat Toomey and GOP leaders pitch infrastructure plan to President Biden amid rising inflation, labor market concerns
Post-Gazette: Tens of millions of dollars in new COVID-19 aid headed for Pennsylvania colleges and their students
Inquirer: Pa. says fully vaccinated people can stop wearing masks after surprise CDC announcement; N.J. holds off on new guidance
ABC27: Four Pa. ballot questions explained in 60 seconds
PLSReporter: The Capitol Recap: Agriculture officials advocate for increased fees to prevent puppy mills
Fox News: Pennsylvania attorney general investigating massive coronavirus contact tracing data breach
StateImpactPA: What’s your question about Biden’s climate plan? Ask, and we’ll get an expert to answer
KYW Newsradio: New CDC mask guidelines to go into effect in Pennsylvania
CNN: Philadelphia health commissioner resigns after mayor learns he cremated and disposed of 1985 MOVE bombing victims’ remains
Morning Call: MAP: Where coronavirus is in Pennsylvania
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 update: ICU cases fall below 400 
Patriot News: These 15 ZIP codes in Pa. have the most new COVID-19 cases since last week  

Philadelphia
Philly Clout: The Philly DA’s race becomes the first 2022 debate for Josh Shapiro and Bill McSwain 
Inquirer: Philly health commissioner resigns over cremating MOVE victims without telling family; Kenney apologizes
Inquirer: Philly elected Larry Krasner district attorney to reform the system. Here’s what he did. 
Inquirer: Carlos Vega’s campaign to be Philly DA started in his mom’s bodega 
Inquirer: Philadelphia extends eviction moratorium through June 30
Billy Penn: Philly health commissioner resigns over MOVE remains: Tom Farley’s rise to power and fall from grace 
City & State PA: Philadelphia Health Commissioner out for mishandling bomb remains
WHYY Newsworks: Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley resigns over mishandling of MOVE bombing remains 
WHYY Newsworks: Hundreds march in West Philadelphia to remember lives lost in 1985 MOVE bombing 
WHYY Newsworks: Councilmember Parker introduces bill to cut Philly parking taxes 
WHYY Newsworks: The DA primary race: Larry Krasner
WHYY Newsworks: The DA primary race: Carlos Vega
WHYY Newsworks: KYW Newsradio reporter Cherri Gregg to join WHYY as host 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Citizens Bank Park will return to full capacity in June
Philadelphia Tribune: Democratic DA candidates go head to head as May 18 primary looms 
KYW Newsradio: ‘This action lacked empathy’: Philadelphia health commissioner resigns over cremation of MOVE bombing victims
KYW Newsradio: ‘We want accountability’: March marks 36 years after MOVE bombing
KYW Newsradio: Council member proposes lowering Philly parking tax
KYW Newsradio: Trouble understanding the conflict in the Middle East? Philly political experts explain
Philly Voice: Philly health commissioner resigns over handling of MOVE bombing victims’ remains 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Cherri Gregg leaving KYW Newsradio for rival WHYY 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia Health Commissioner Thomas Farley resigns following improper handling of MOVE bombing victim remains 
Philadelphia Citizen: Watch: MSNBC Anchor Ali Velshi On Biden’s First 100 Days  
Philadelphia Citizen: Real Criminal Justice Reform 
WHYY Newsworks: Councilmember Parker introduces bill to cut Philly parking taxes 

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Otten reintroduce pipeline early warning proposal
Pottstown Mercury: Mail-in ballots, preparedness examined in Montgomery County ahead of May 18 primary
Pottstown Mercury: 2 vie for GOP nod in East Vincent supervisors primary
Bucks County Courier Times: Lessons from 2020 have Bucks County guide prep for mail-in ballots in May 18 primary
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County eases masking guidance for outdoor sports, exercise
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 91 new coronavirus cases, 2 deaths in daily report 
Delco Daily Times: County finds $4M savings by deprivatizing prison
Delco Daily Times: Radnor considers tax credit for firefighters, EMS
Daily Local News: Three candidates square off for MDJ bench
Daily Local News: Two vie for judge in Downingtown

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Candidates Focus On Public Safety And Race
KDKA: Allegheny County Election Officials Say Tuesday’s Primary Should Be A Smoother Process Than November 
KDKA: Pittsburgh City Controller’s Audit Calls For More Funding For Citizen Police Review Board 
KDKA: Pittsburghers Divided Over City’s Push For Bike Lanes 
KDKA: CDC Says Vaccinated People Can Go Maskless In Most Places, But Some Businesses Still Require It 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 142 New Cases, No Additional Deaths 
WESA: Congressmen Mike Kelly And Guy Reschenthaler On Why They Voted Out Liz Cheney From Leadership 
WESA: Pittsburgh ‘Well Served’ By Police Review Board, Audit Says, While Urging More Funding 
WTAE: Allegheny County Elections Division ready for primary
WTAE: Coronavirus in Western Pa.: Over 235,000 cases in 14 counties, according to PA Dept. of Health
City Paper: Pittsburgh-area rep. Mike Kelly joins House GOP in ousting Liz Cheney from leadership for rejecting Trump’s “big lie”
City & State PA: Pittsburgh could join other municipalities in lawsuit over plastic bag
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh controller’s audit of police review board validates goals, director says  
Tribune Review: Covid cases in Pennsylvania, Allegheny and Westmoreland counties continue to slow 
Post-Gazette: Pa. follows CDC lead on vaccinated people dropping masks

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Senate passes bill that would enable parents to hold children back 
Observer-Reporter: Two candidates vying to become Washington County’s next judge 
Observer-Reporter: Local providers prepare to vaccinate youth
Tribune Review: 3 candidates vie to fill vacancy in 59th district special election
Tribune Review: 3 candidates vie for state Rep. Jeff Pyle’s seat in special election
Tribune Review: 2 challengers face 2 incumbents in Greensburg council primary
Tribune Review: 4 district judge seats in Westmoreland County have contested primary races this spring
Tribune Review: Westmoreland officials say voters who receive mail-in ballots this weekend should use drop boxes 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland to get $105M in covid relief funds, could use money for capital improvements
KDKA: Westmoreland County Election Bureau In Need Of Poll Workers And Election Judges For May Primary
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Five Democrats running in Johnstown City Council primary 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Taranto, Charlene Stanton, James Stanton seek GOP nominations in Johnstown City Council race 
Beaver County Times: Mayor challenged in Economy primary race 

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Local Republican congressmen vote to oust Cheney 
Citizens Voice: Election board approves curing of ballots on primary election day 
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre mayor optimistic about city’s pension plans 
Citizens Voice: 51 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Thursday
The Times Leader: Voters may have chance to vote at polls if mail ballots defective
The Times Leader: 51 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Thursday; 1 death
Times-Tribune: Nursing professionals highlight challenges, needs at hearing with Democratic state reps 
Times-Tribune: PEMA director urges voters to reject constitutional amendment on emergency powers 
Times-Tribune: Tegna names new WNEP president 
Times-Tribune: Mask-wearing requirements lifted for Pennsylvania’s fully vaccinated

South Central  
Patriot News: Harrisburg’s mayoral candidates meet up in last forum before May 18 primary
Patriot News: Harrisburg’s mayoral candidates take readers’ questions: Privatization of public services
Patriot News: What would Harrisburg’s mayoral candidates do about policing in the city?
Patriot News: Primary election 2021: Dauphin County races to watch include CD schools, Harrisburg council
Patriot News: Three years late and millions over budget, Mt. Rose construction project is ‘not anywhere near completion’
York Dispatch: Thursday update: One new COVID-19 death reported in York County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster city Vietnamese woman stands in solidarity with AAPI Community in a rally this Saturday
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough Council names seven to its Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH says CDC mask guidance for fully vaccinated people in effect for Pa.
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 30 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Thursday

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Tom Ridge, Charlie Dent among anti-Trump Republicans threatening to create a 3rd party
Express Times: Do you get to vote for a Lehigh Valley district judge? A guide to who’s running where. 
Morning Call: Crowded field of Lehigh County judge candidates to be narrowed Tuesday. Here’s who bar association recommends.
Morning Call: Northampton County constable candidate with history of domestic violence says he wouldn’t enforce protection from abuse orders
Reading Eagle: Berks County election officials delay plan to buy electronic poll books
WFMZ: Ahead of primary election, Pa. Republicans release list of recommendations to change the process for future elections
WFMZ: Reps. Schlossberg, Schweyer visit Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living, highlight American Rescue Plan
WFMZ: Lehigh County OKs financing plan for airport upgrades
WFMZ: Berks County ramps up vaccination rates

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie County voters’ guide to the races, candidates, issues in the 2021 primary
Erie Times-News: Another COVID-19 variant found in Erie County
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City quarterly financial report shows areas for improvement
Centre Daily Times: Centre County health providers begin giving COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 12 to 15

Opinion  
Kerry Benninghoff: May 18 ballot questions are not about our past 
John Baer: Is a ‘Three-Day War’ between Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf and lawmakers real or pretend? 
George Will: Pennsylvanians can begin a national reckoning of executive overreach
Pete Peterson: Horse racing helps drive our state’s agricultural economy
Mark Schweiker: 20 years since 9/11 attacks, trial date must finally be set for conspirators
Joseph Minott: PA can take a huge step in tackling climate change right now
Mandy Warner and Wesley Look: PA can do right by fossil fuel workers while tackling climate change
Andrea Custis: We need to close the digital divide in Pa.’s communities of color 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Summer events are harbingers of brighter days
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We all must do our part to stop the tide of hate against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Inquirer Editorial Board: How many violations will be enough for Gov. Wolf to pull the plug on Mariner East?
Brian Charles: What Threatens Larry Krasner’s Progressive Vision?
Ernest Owens: Philadelphia Owes the MOVE Survivors Reparations, Not Just An Apology 
Chelsie DeSouza: Constant crime alerts from the Citizen App made me want to leave Philadelphia
Greg Walker: Investing in education saves money in reducing crime
Andrea G. Wittchen: How the election process prevents widespread fraud
Paul Muschick: Grieving survivors plan memorial trail: ‘If we don’t bring awareness to military suicide, how are we going to stop it?’
Iresha Picot: Reopening MLK Drive to cars is bad for Philadelphia’s collective mental health
Will Bunch: The great U.S. political fight of the 2020s is over the future of work 
John L. Micek: Report: The 2020 electorate was the most diverse ever | Friday Morning Coffee