Barletta endorsed by entire GOP Congressional delegation, Pries jumps in the race for the 15th district, former Governor Ridge in critical condition, Freed becomes U.S. Attorney for Pa.’s Middle District, and the NRCC and Costello campaigns launch ads targeting Houlahan on report about sweatshop labor.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

Entire GOP Delegation Backs Barletta: Congressman Lou Barletta announced the endorsement of the current Republican members of Congress from Pennsylvania in his run for Senate.

Pries Announces run for Open 15th District: Dauphin county Commissioner Mike Pries announced he is jumping in the race to be the Republican nominee in the open 15th Congressional district next year.

Ridge in Critical Condition After Cardiac Catheterization: Former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge is in critical condition after a cardiac catheterization this morning in Austin.

Senate Confirms Freed as U.S. Attorney for Pa.’s Middle District: The U.S. Senate confirmed Cumberland county District Attorney Dave Freed to be the U.S. Attorney for Pa.’s Middle District.

NRCC And Costello Campaign Launch Digital Ads Targeting Houlahan on AND1 Report: NRCC And Costello Campaign Launch Digital Ads Targeting Houlahan on AND1 Report

Statewide
State House Sound Bites: Next year’s Pa. budget projected to have $1 billion hole
State House Sound Bites: Next year’s Pa. budget projected to have $1 billion hole
StateImpact: Lycoming County Waste Water Spill Tops 63,000 Gallons
StateImpact: Public Health Researcher Issues Dire Warning Over Proposed Ethane Cracker Plant
Capitolwire: Next PA state budget could have a $1 billion hole to plug, projects IFO.

Philadelphia
Inquirer: Former Pa. Gov. and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge in critical condition in Texas hospital
Inquirer: Mistrial in Sen. Bob Menendez corruption trial after jury deadlocks
Inquirer: In a historic vote, a divided SRC moves to abolish itself
Inquirer: Mayor Kenney: Sheriff Jewell Williams should step down amid claims of sexual harassment
Inquirer: As GOP lawmakers disagree, Pa. gerrymandering suit returns to state court
Inquirer: Former Pa. Gov. and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge in critical condition in Texas hospital
Philly Tribune: Lehigh University dissolves fraternity for alcohol violations
Philly Tribune: State Senate approves local police using radar to nab speeders  
Philly Tribune: Pennsylvania’s 14 state universities waive fees for hurricane-displaced students    
KYW: Philadelphia School Reform Commission Votes To Disband

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Two GOP senators oppose Trump EPA nominee; Sen. Pat Toomey undecided
Pottstown Mercury: Lawyer: Delay effort used in Pennsylvania redistricting case
Pottstown Mercury: Judge O’Neill appointed to new post overseeing Montgomery County’s specialty courts

Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Mike Turzai to face ‘anti-establishment strains’ in GOP race for governor
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh no longer ‘financially distressed,’ according to state oversight team
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County officials: 2018 budget carries no property tax increase
Tribune Review: Western Pennsylvania Democrats to pick nominee for special U.S. House election
Tribune Review: State House Speaker Mike Turzai’s campaign for governor begins to take shape
Post-Gazette: Report recommends end to Pittsburgh’s distressed status, state oversight
Post-Gazette: Date set in special election to replace state Rep. Marc Gergely
Post-Gazette: Pa. appeals court: Trooper immune from excessive-force suit in Philadelphia traffic stop
Post-Gazette: Senate committee voices approval for Scott Brady’s U.S. attorney nomination

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Beaver County Commissioners propose 2018 budget
Beaver County Times: Rothfus joins other GOP House members in endorsing Barletta for U.S. Senate
Altoona Mirror: Senator opposed to more gambling

NEPA
Times-Tribune: No tax hike in 2018 Scranton budget; $300 tras fee stays  
Times-Tribune: Scavello said he helped Mount Airy casino
Times-Tribune: Partnership aims to distribute gunlocks, pill lockboxes in effort to stem tide of suicides
Times-Tribune: New Scranton board to select director for vacancy, Sheridan says ‘I’m out’
Times-Tribune: Cumberland County DA David Freed confirmed as U.S. attorney
TImes Leader:  Former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge hospitalized in critical condition
Times Leader: Fiscally distressed Luzerne County municipalities identified in new report

South Central
Patriot News: Tom Ridge has been a busy ex-governor, and that’s why his health news was such a jolt
Patriot News: Dauphin County commissioner announces bid for U.S. Congress seat
Patriot News: Baltimore police detective from central Pa. dies after being shot in the head Wednesday
Patriot News: Well wishes pour in for Tom Ridge, hospitalized in critical condition after heart procedure
Patriot News: Pa. court backs jobless aid for worker fired during police shooting protest
LNP: Medical marijuana registry update: More than 6,000 patients register in first 2 weeks
LNP: Here’s how to check if your county property tax bill is changing under reassessment
WHTM: Tom Ridge in critical condition after emergency heart procedure
York Dispatch: County considering $15 deed recording fee to fund demolition of blighted properties

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Protective zone or noose? Pennsylvania casino says expansion leaves it exposed
Morning Call: The House just passed its big tax bill. Here’s what is in it and what deductions vanish.
Morning Call: Bethlehem, Bangor launch program to fight opioid crisis
Morning Call: David Molony, Pa. House GOP candidate, wants voter feedback on major legislation
Morning Call: Northampton County Executive-elect Lamont McClure names transition team
Reading Eagle: Over 6,000 patients and 300 caregivers register for medical marijuana program in Pennsylvania
Reading Eagle: Berks County eyes first tax hike in five years

North by Northwest
WJET: Wolf announces launch of PA Link to Community Care site
WJET: Gaming machines may not see local truck stops after all
Erie Times-News: Ex-Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge hospitalized
Erie Times-News: City Council discusses community benefit agreements in wake of report

Opinion
Tribune Review: Center for Union Facts head: Pa. congressional delegation, support Employee Rights Act
Inquirer: In historic vote, a divided SRC moves to abolish itself
Inquirer: Collecting delinquent taxes crucial to funding Philly schools | Allan Domb
Post-Gazette: Downtown digs: Cultural Trust project deserves this state boost
Patriot News: Here’s how killing the estate tax could hurt charitable giving | Opinion