Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Pittsburgh on Thursday to promote President Joe Biden’s infrastructure proposal. Here is the Playbook. 

Lugar Center: Fitzpatrick Ranked As Most Bipartisan Member For The 116th Congress: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) earned the highest bipartisan score ever recorded in history by the Lugar Center and the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.

PA Dems Expand Communications Team: The Pennsylvania Democratic Party has brought in Jack Doyle to serve as Senior Communications Advisor, while Rosie Lapowsky will be the Deputy Communications Director for the state party.

Buttigieg Visits Pittsburgh To Talk Biden Infrastructure Plan: KDKA reports that Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Pittsburgh on Thursday to promote President Joe Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure proposal. 

Bucks County Courier Times Previews Primary Races: The Bucks County Courier Times reports on the upcoming primary races in Bucks County.  

Philly Clout Highlights Ward Endorsements in Philly DA Race: Philly Clout talks to Philadelphia Democratic Party Chairman Bob Brady about the sample ballots being ordered this Friday for the city’s 69 wards by the Philadelphia Democratic Party and how “the race has narrowed significantly.”

Inquirer: Carlos Vega is threatening to sue DA Larry Krasner’s campaign and an activist supporting him’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Carlos Vega, who is challenging incumbent Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner in the Democratic Party primary, “filed a notice of his intent to sue” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s campaign, Real Justice PAC, and Shaun King. 

WTAE Reports on Allegheny County Common Pleas Race: WTAE reports on the upcoming race for Allegheny County Common Pleas that includes 39 candidates vying for 9 positions on the bench.  

Times-Tribune: Toomey touts reintroduction of Thin Blue Line Act: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that Sen. Pat Toomey “met with local law enforcement leaders Thursday to highlight the reintroduction of his Thin Blue Line Act in Congress.” 

KYW Newsradio Breaks Down the Philly DA Debate: The Rundown from KYW Newsradio has a nearly half-hour conversation detailing Wednesday night’s “fiery, contentious” Philadelphia District Attorney debate. 

NBC News NOW Highlights Emerge PA: NBC News NOW highlights the work of Emerge Pennsylvania.   

WFMZ: ‘Allentown Voters To Decide Whether English Remains City’s Official Language: WFMZ reports that on Wednesday night, Allentown City Council approved putting a referendum question before voters that “if approved, could remove English as the city’s official language.” This question will appear on the Nov. 2 election ballot. 

Hazleton Standard-Speaker: ‘Impeachment process begins for Schuylkill County commissioner’: The Hazleton Standard-Speaker reports that state Reps. Jerry Knowles, Joe Kerwin, and Tim Twardzik introduced a resolution “calling upon the House Judiciary Committee to begin an investigation” of Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcove Jr. 

Reading Eagle: ‘Berks County officials plan to investigate merits of creating a county health department’: The Reading Eagle reports that Berks County Commissioners on Thursday “took a first step toward investigating the possibility of creating a county health department.” 

Two Candidates for District Court Seat in Reading Participate in Online Forum: The Reading Eagle reports that two of the three candidates seeking nominations for the district judge race in Reading “made their case for the position during an online forum Wednesday.” 

Reading Eagle Talks to 2 GOP Wyomissing Mayoral Candidates: The Reading Eagle talked to incumbent Frederick C. Levering and Ronald C. Stanko about the GOP race for Wyomissing mayor.  

York Daily Record Highlights District Judge Linda Williams Primary Race: The York Daily Record reports on District Judge Linda Williams facing Gabriel Chorno and Tom Harteis for the District 19-1-01 seat, “which serves the first, seventh, and 12th wards in York.” 

Arkoosh To Hold Facebook Live Discussion With Collett: According to a press release from Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh’s U.S. Senate campaign, she will be hosting a Facebook Live discussion on Friday morning at 11 a.m. to celebrate National Nurses Week with nurse and state Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) to talk about “the challenges faced by nurses and other frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Parnell To Deliver Keynote Speech at Luzerne County GOP Spring Dinner: Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and author who is reportedly considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2022, will deliver the keynote address at the Luzerne County Republican Party’s Spring Dinner on Saturday evening. In 2020, Parnell launched an unsuccessful campaign for Congress, losing to Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) by just over 2 points in the 17th Congressional District.  

Mastriano To Headline ATRO Spring Dinner: State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Adams) is listed as the guest speaker for the Abington Township/Rockledge Borough Republican Organization’s Spring Dinner on Friday evening in Montgomery County. Mastriano has been mentioned as a potential candidate for Governor in 2022. 

Beck Releases 1st TV Ad: Jill Beck, an attorney from Pittsburgh who is running as a Democrat for the PA Superior Court, released her campaign’s 1st TV ad prior to the May 18 primary. 

Beemer Releases 2nd TV Ad: Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas candidate Judge Bruce Beemer released his second TV ad prior to the May 18 primary. 

PLC 2021 Panels Announced: According to a press release, the panels and “conversations” for this year’s Pennsylvania Leadership Conference have been announced. The four panels that are scheduled are “Re-Opening PA, Powering PA: Responsible Energy Policy, Health Care Reimagined, and Ensuring Election Integrity.” The five “conversations” that are scheduled are “Empowering Parents Through School Choice, Fairness in Women’s Sports, Political Power of Labor Unions, Proper Role of Courts, and Conservative Civility.” The four GOP lawmakers in PA that are scheduled to participate in one of the panels and “conversations” include state Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana), and state Reps. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) and Barbara Gleim (R-Cumberland), and Seth Grove (R-York). 

Harrisburg & DC   
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: As budget season approaches, Harrisburg finds a way to investigate and legislate 
Spotlight PA: Pa. can’t fine addiction treatment facilities that break rules. Some lawmakers want to change that.
Inquirer: Vaccine hesitancy is high among Pa. Republicans, but few party leaders are doing much to change skeptics’ minds
Inquirer: Biden’s proposed economic plans reverse recent history. Will voters follow?
Inquirer: ‘Lying now, or lying then?’ Under Pa. rules, many are convicted on recanted statements. 
Patriot News: Pa. aims to collect nearly $18 million in unpaid student fees, without using collection agencies 
Patriot News: 44 Pa. counties have substantial spread of COVID-19 as positive test rate drops again
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 update: 43% of adult residents fully vaccinated
WESA: With Hundreds Of Thousands Of Backlogged Claims, Advocates Say Pennsylvania Unemployment System Upgrade Could Cause Problems
WITF: As primary nears, Wolf administration campaigns against emergency powers ballot questions 
Town Hall: ‘Very Slippery Path’: PA Senate GOP Frontrunner Slams Facebook’s Decision to Uphold Trump Ban
PLSReporter: Climate Impact Assessment projects rising temperatures, heavy precipitation risks
York Daily Record: Penn State coach James Franklin: ‘Get vaccinated’ if you want fans back in Beaver Stadium
York Daily Record: Who they are: 39 Pennsylvania residents arrested for involvement in Capitol insurrection
USA Today: Why PA’s annual temperature is expected to rise 6 degrees by the middle of the century
Fox News: Top PA Republican calls out Biden, ‘elitist environmentalists’ over at least 1,000 lost steel jobs 
KDKA: Lawsuit Filed Against Pennsylvania Department Of Health, Global Insight Over Contact Tracing Data Breach
KDKA: Pennsylvania’s Temperature Will Be Nearly 6 Degrees Higher By 2050, Climate Report Says
Bucks County Courier Times: ‘We need to act on this’: Anti-Semitism nears all-time high in Pennsylvania, ADL says
StateImpactPA: Study finds patients near US Steel plant had worse asthma after 2018 fire 
StateImpactPA: To cut methane leaks — and maybe work on their image — 2 Pa. gas drillers eye ‘responsibly sourced’ label 
City & State PA: Former Pitt Chancellor scores high marks to lead divided redistricting
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania Democrats call for 2-stage minimum wage bump
CNN: A Philadelphia physician raised $500,000 and is sending oxygen tanks to help India battle its Covid crisis
Huffington Post: Racial Justice Groups Rip CNN For Giving Cover To Rick Santorum’s Racism
Tribune Review: Lawsuit contends company and Pa. health department knew of contact tracing data breach for months

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: The origins of ‘Ozzie,’ a nickname a former congressman doesn’t want jurors to hear
Inquirer: Carlos Vega is threatening to sue DA Larry Krasner’s campaign and an activist supporting him 
Inquirer: A new bill would raise wages and require health benefits for workers at Philadelphia International Airport 
Inquirer: 24 exonerations. $37 million paid. Sizing up Philly’s wrongful conviction problem.
Billy Penn: New legislation would let police confiscate more dirt bikes from Philly streets
Billy Penn: Mail ballot drop boxes and drop-off locations for the 2021 primary election in Philly
WHYY Newsworks: Philly’s police union and diversity top issues at DA candidate forum 
WHYY Newsworks: Vega signals he could sue Krasner, activist Shaun King for libel and slander
Philadelphia Tribune: Proposed legislation would provide airport workers with health benefits
KYW Newsradio: Vega is suing Krasner campaign, accusing it of ‘shameful and maliciously false’ statements
KYW Newsradio: Push in City Council to get Philadelphia airport workers $15 per hour wage
KYW Newsradio: Unemployed Philadelphians call on state to ‘release the funds’
KYW Newsradio: Joe Biden: Philadelphia fans most informed, most obnoxious in the world
KYW Newsradio: KYW Newsradio anchor, editor, reporter Mark Abrams announces retirement after 24 years
KYW Newsradio: ‘They’re killing us’: Demonstrators call out Colombia’s humanitarian crisis 
Philadelphia Citizen: Philly Under Fire Episode 5: “Killadelphia”

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: As primary approaches, Bucks County Dems, GOP voters have choices in row office races
Delco Daily Times: New board proposed to oversee juvenile center
Delco Daily Times: Radnor continues to debate Raider nickname
Inquirer: Delaware County officials announce citizen board to help oversee troubled Juvenile Detention Center
Inquirer: Pennsylvania approves private takeover of Royersford sewer system; rates will increase 70%
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 84 new cases of coronavirus, 3 deaths in daily report
WHYY Newsworks: A rare public meeting brings a loud virtual outcry of ‘No’ to Chester incinerator
Pottstown Mercury: Norristown lawyer seeks district judge post 

Pittsburgh 
WTAE: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg plugs Biden’s jobs plan in Pittsburgh
WTAE: Voters will choose 9 judges out of 39 candidates for Allegheny County Common Pleas judges
WESA: Pittsburgh Is The Perfect Place To Talk Infrastructure, Buttigieg Says
WESA: Pittsburgh Voters Will Consider Ballot Measures That Could Affect Police And Jails 
WESA: Toomey ‘Perplexed’ By U.S. Steel’s Cancellation Of $1.5B Mon Valley Works Upgrade 
Post-Gazette: Buttigieg views aging Pittsburgh bridges, says it’s time for ‘generational investment’ 
Post-Gazette: Energy secretary lays out need for funding for clean energy, fossil fuel research near Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Local school leaders push state to boost education funding 
Post-Gazette: Churchill residents voice concerns regarding proposed e-commerce warehouse 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: Demand for vaccine doses in Pa. nosedives; clinic for Char Valley students
KDKA: ‘A State Of Disrepair’: Transportation Sec. Pete Buttigieg Drops By Pittsburgh, Tours Bridges And More As Part Of Infrastructure Plan 
KDKA: Resolution At Pittsburgh City Council Meeting Would Ban Plastic Bags In The City 
KDKA: Pa. State Senator Working On Legislation To Make It A Requirement To Test For Legionella In Buildings
KDKA: ‘It’s A Joke’: Passengers, Critics Call For Overhaul Of Pittsburgh’s Amtrak Station 
KDKA: Around The Table: Pittsburgh Mayoral Race
KDKA: School Leaders Call On State Legislature To Make Bigger Investment In Education
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 177 New Cases, 2 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg promotes $2.3 trillion infrastructure package in Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Allegheny County paid sick leave bill presented to board of health 
Tribune Review: 2 Republicans vie to replace Democratic Harrison commissioner 
Tribune Review: 5 Democrats vying for 4 primary nominations in West View 
Tribune Review: Covid cases in Allegheny, Westmoreland, state remain steady; vaccine efforts inch along
City Paper: Activists sound off during city council public hearing on displacement of Black Pittsburghers 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania AFL-CIO issues letter asking U.S. Steel to restore Mon Valley upgrades 

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: County to survey broadband access, fill gaps 
Observer-Reporter: Former Hopewell Township supervisor violated state Ethics Act 
Observer-Reporter: No new COVID-19 deaths in Washington, Greene, Fayette counties
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Shade disbands police department 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local COVID-19 surge easing, statewide numbers also down
NEPA
Hazleton Standard-Speaker: Impeachment process begins for Schuylkill County commissioner
Citizens Voice: Toomey touts reintroduction of Thin Blue Line Act 
Citizens Voice: ‘Dude in Forty Fort’ waives election fraud charge
Citizens Voice: 64 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Thursday
Times-Tribune: Cognetti announces task force to improve Scranton licensing, permits processes
Times-Tribune: Toomey touts reintroduction of Thin Blue Line Act
Times-Tribune: ‘Dude in Forty Fort’ waives election fraud charge
Times-Tribune: Lack of fair funding could lead to receivership in Scranton, superintendent says
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 cases, death approach grim regional milestones
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Manager, DA clash over voter fraud case
The Times Leader: Luzerne County tops 100,000 vaccinations
The Times Leader: 64 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Thursday

South Central 
York Daily Record: District Judge Linda Williams in York faces two challengers in the primary 
York Daily Record: York Daily Record wins Keystone Media Awards with solid investigations, gripping features 
Patriot News: West Perry School District shortchanged itself $533,000 in state funding, audit shows
Patriot News: ‘A third-world problem’: 584 million gallons of Harrisburg-area wastewater discharged untreated in 2020 
Patriot News: If you have a mail-in ballot for the May primary, here’s where you can take it
York Dispatch: York County commissioners change some polling locations ahead of primary 
York Dispatch: New wristband program designed to help York County police identify mental health needs
York Dispatch: Thursday update: Two new COVID-19 deaths reported in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: AG: West Perry School District missed out on more than $500K in state busing reimbursements
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 26 new cases of COVID-19 in Thursday’s report for Cumberland County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Fewer Lancaster County residents file new claims for jobless benefits 
LNP | LancasterOnline: How a new program could help Lancaster County residents resolve foreclosure, debt issues without legal action
LNP | LancasterOnline: If prison leaves East King Street, ‘unique’ redevelopment possibility would replace it, officials say 

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Allentown voters to decide whether English remains city’s official language 
WFMZ: Calls for increase in state spending on education grow louder as Pa. budget deadline looms 
WFMZ: Should state of emergency decisions be up to the governor, or should he share that power with the Legislature? Voters will decide May 18 
WFMZ: South Whitehall commissioners fail to fill board vacancy 
WFMZ: ANIZDA to return $20.2 million to Pa. revenue department 
WFMZ: 30% of Berks residents fully vaccinated, county says
Reading Eagle: Candidates seeking district court seat in Reading make their pitches during online forum 
Reading Eagle: Berks County officials plan to investigate merits of creating a county health department 
Reading Eagle: How many more Berks residents must get vaccinated for county’s share in lifting Pa. mask mandate? 
Reading Eagle: 2 Republican candidates vying to be Wyomissing mayor 
Express Times: Lehigh Valley educators rally for lawmakers to increase school funding by at least $1.15B 
Express Times: Allentown, Easton among Pa.’s ZIP codes with the most new COVID cases 
Express Times: Plan to lift Pa. COVID restrictions catches Lehigh Valley venues off guard. What’s next? 
Express Times: Pa. new COVID case rate drops to level last seen in March; 51% of population has at least 1 shot
Morning Call: Facing ‘an exacerbated crisis’ because of pandemic, Lehigh Valley school leaders urge Pennsylvania lawmakers to increase education funding 
Morning Call: ‘Work together for once’: Residents frustrated after South Whitehall commissioners can’t agree on a replacement for commissioner who resigned 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmaker visits city businesses
Erie Times-News: Erie County goes seven days without reporting a COVID-19 death

Opinion  
John Joyce: The Democrats are trying to undermine our elections 
John Baer: Pennsylvania primary voters should think hard about changing the Constitution 
Yassmin Gramian: PennDOT: Flexibility in emergencies ensures people and commerce keep moving
Amen Brown: It’s time to recycle our recycling
Melissa Shusterman: Pa.’s waitlist system is an injustice to its disabilities community 
Ernest Owens: Not Enthusiastic About Voting for Either Larry Krasner or Carlos Vega? You’re Not Alone. 
Jamie Gauthier and Kenyatta Johnson: 5 ways Philly should spend stimulus dollars to curb violence 
Larry Platt: In Search of the Spirit of Reinvention 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pa.’s state college system’s decision to freeze tuition is the right one in the face of structural change 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: CNN commentator Rick Santorum needs a lesson on Native American history 
Inquirer Editorial Board: City Council should fight Kenney’s cuts to eviction prevention budget
PennLive Editorial Board: Voting is important, but what you do after that is even more so 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: The South Asian Association of Lancaster seeks to help pandemic-ravaged India. Please support this effort if you can.
John L. Micek: Wolf: Pa. voters need to ‘think carefully’ about emergency powers amendments | Friday Morning Coffee 
John L. Micek: ‘Democracy requires full representation’: Group pushes for racially equitable redistricting | Thursday Morning Coffee
Stanley J. Kocon: ‘Buy American’ policies are good for Pennsylvania
Will Bunch: By wrecking state universities, GOP crushes American Dream for its own communities 
Mark O’Keefe: Pa.’s volunteer fire departments are in crisis. How Pa. lawmakers are moving to help
Dom Giordano: Souderton’s ‘fierce determination’ to stay in school
Dan Simpson: The complicated politics of India
Helen Ubiñas: This pre-reopening euphoria feels like hope 
Paul Muschick: Want shorter baseball games? The answer is obvious. But I hate myself for suggesting it.
Trudy Rubin: India’s COVID-19 tragedy has lessons for global vaccinations. Hint: It’s not by waiving vaccine patents