With the help of females, Gov. Corbett’s approval rating increased. This is the first time the Governor’s approval rating has increased since he was elected.

Check out Terry Madonna and Michael Young’s bi-weekly column, this week they discuss why the debt negotiations were drawn out and difficult.

Gov. Corbett named his puppies Harry and Penny after entries from residents across the Commonwealth.

PoliticsPA Reports

Corbett Approval Rating Jumps To 44%, According To New Quinnipiac Poll
Thanks to increased support among Pennsylvania’s female voters, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett now has a 44-36 job approval rating — the first such uptick since he took office, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on Wednesday.

Madonna & Young’s Politically Uncorrected: The Age Of Ideology
To be sure, there were real and serious issues about spending and taxes that underlaid the debt debate. Moreover, as a nation we are inarguably spending too much money given the demands of entitlements and the level of taxes. So some of what we went through was probably necessary. But why did it last so long, become so rancorous, and end up costing so much to resolve?

National

Des Moines Register: Santorum Makes Sweet Offer To Ames Straw Poll Attendees
Early Returns: Casey skips an early recess
Early Returns: Scaringi’s challenges in Daily Caller
Lebanon Daily News: Holden explains ‘yes’ vote on debt ceiling act

Statewide

Standard Speaker: Underage gambling could be addressed with criminal offense
AP via Standard Speaker: Corbett names first puppies Harry and Penny
AP via York Dispatch: Pa. keeps close watch on Congress’ deficit deal
Daily Times: Auditor general report finds major problems with Liquor Control Board
WITF: Corbett’s ratings up, ex-chairman of PLCB pro-privatization, lawmakers in ALEC defend model bill
KDKA: Why are Governor Corbett’s Approval Ratings up?
PA Independent: Energy deregulation benefiting consumers
State Impact – NPR: Newly discovered EPA Report links fracking with contaminated well water State Impact – NPR: Federal Judge says EQT Misled Landowners

Philly

PhillyNow: Arlen Specter Is Not Endorsing Karen Brown For Mayor Despite Previous Reports
WHYY Newsworks: Rudnick and Foster File To Challenge Cindy Bass in Eighth District Council Race
Inquirer: OSHA Rules In Favor Of Workers In School Project
Inquirer: City’s New Valet-Parking Taxes Irk Some Restauranteurs
Philly School Files: Wild SRC Meeting; Jordan Calls For Ackerman’s Ouster

Philly Suburbs

Lehigh Valley Live: Tom Corbett signs off on Bucks County murderer’s execution

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: North Hills’ population growth prompts redrawing for districts
KDKA: Corporations Writing Legislation
Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Onorato questions drilling referendum’s legality

Southwest

Indiana Gazette: Meetings set on tax collection change
Indiana Gazette: Homer City council sets voluntary water restriction
Indiana Gazette: Indiana council approves BID amid opposition

Lehigh Valley

Morning Call: Police: State Rep. Brennan’s blood alcohol level almost four times over legal limit

South Central

Patriot-News: Rep. Marisco blasts Harrisburg mayor’s fiscal recovery plan
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Sen. Eichelberger speaks to new patriot groups
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Shippensburg Borough Council hears ideas for use of Community Development Block Grant funds
York Dispatch: York council candidate wants to invigorate voters
Lebanon Daily News: Local Democrats unveil new website
Lebanon Daily News: Lebanon County girls among Corbett’s ‘Name the Pups’ winners
Gettysburg Sun Gazette: Rep. Everett talks impact fees, schools, I-80 tolls

NEPA

Citizens Voice: Third Circuit to rehear case on immigration ordinance
Citizens Voice: County controller subpoenas sheriff’s gun-permit applications for audit
WNEP Channel 16: Officials: Housing crisis as result of gas industry
The Times Tribune: Scranton City Council schedules public meeting for Thursday on public safety cuts

North by Northwest

Erie Times-News: Democrats set special election for Erie City Council seat
Erie Times-News: Erie County Human Relations Commission asked to dismiss discrimination case

Opinions

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey: Protecting Pa. jobs from overzealous EPA
Daily News Editorial: Debt ‘Deal’ Only Delays Some Tough Decisions A Few Months
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Editorial: Bad, Needed Deal: More an act of extortion than political compromise
Delaware County Times Editorial: Government Lax In Going After Unpaid Taxes
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Editorial: FAA fiasco: Congress botches another funding issue
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Editorial: Map of principle: Redistricting, at all levels, should be free of politics
Patriot-News: Before liquor privatization issue is decided, Pa. must know all financial implications
Citizens Voice Editorial: Gas drilling rush has been packed full of surprises
Standard Speaker Editorial: Ban self-renting for candidates
Inquirer Editorial: PHA’s Legal Costs Detract From Its Mission
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