GOP Gubernatorial candidate Laura Ellsworth launches her first TV ad, Reed says he supports redistricting reform, and Joyce launches a new ad touting his support for Trump.  Good morning politicos, here’s the Playbook!

Ellsworth Launches First Ad of Governor’s Race: Republican Gubernatorial candidate Laura Ellsworth launched her first TV ad of the primary, introducing herself to voters, and branding herself as a “different kind” of leader.

Reed Puts Support Behind Redistricting Reform: State House Majority Leader Dave Reed put his support behind reforming the way Pennsylvania draws its Congressional maps before he leaves the state House at the end of the year.

Joyce Launches New Ad Touting Support for Trump: Republican Congressional candidate John Joyce launched a new ad touting his support for blue collar workers and President Trump.

Legislative Election Update
WCAU: Wolf Sets Special Election for Meehan’s Seat on General Election Day
Record Herald: 13th Congressional candidates speak out
Inquirer: Mary Gay Scanlon the top choice for Democrats in Pa.’s 5th District | Endorsement

Statewide
State House Sound Bites: A bipartisan group wants more resources for postpartum depression
State House Sound Bites: After years of stubborn deficits, PA’s budget process looks easier
StateImpact: PUC safety officials recommend restart of Mariner East 1 after inspection
StateImpact: Philadelphia bets millions that restoring mussels in the Delaware River Basin can improve water quality

Philadelphia
Philly Voice: SEPTA faces ACLU lawsuit after banning ads about housing discrimination
KYW: Wolf sets special election date for 7th District
WHYY: Mango running hard for Pa. governor’s office
WHYY: Bensalem mayor, public safety director send mixed signals on partnering with ICE
Inquirer: Onetime Pa. House employee claims he was fired for sticking up for embattled state rep
Inquirer: Year of the Woman? Maybe not in Philly-area congressional races
Inquirer: Democrat Ashley Lunkenheimer reveals a super PAC funder: Her mom
Inquirer: Wolf sets special US House election on general election day
Inquirer: Mayor Kenney calls again for state stores to sell marijuana
Inquirer: ‘Ignore the haters,’ Michelle Obama tells 8,000 Philly students
Inquirer: Bensalem drops plans to have its police officers partner with ICE, group says
Philly Mag: In Symbolic Move, Men Arrested at Starbucks Settle With the City for $1 Each

SEPA
Daily Local: Sen. Killion backs Wolf’s call for new shale tax
Daily Local: Frank Pryor receives endorsements from local elected Democrats for state House run
Daily Local: Wolf sets Nov. 6 special election to fill Meehan’s 7th District seat, lines up with general election
Delco Times: Wright scores top ballot spot in 5th District Dem primary
Pottstown Mercury: GOP lawmaker backs Gov. Wolf’s call for new shale tax in Pennsylvania
Bucks County Courier Times: Solutions for gun violence, state budget stalemates earn applause during 178th candidates’ forum

Pittsburgh
City Paper: 2018 Election Guide: District 20 Pa. House Race, Adam Ravenstahl vs. Mike Devine
WESA: Wolf Says ‘Terrible Conspiracy Theories’ Aside, Most Want To Bring Logic To Gun Debate
WPXI: Gov. Wolf hosts meeting on opioid epidemic
Tribune Review: New University of Pittsburgh commission to focus on 2020 election security
Tribune Review: 54th state House candidates take aim at state budget
Tribune Review: 54th state House candidates on the issues
Post-Gazette: State House employee fired after defending lawmaker accused of abuse
Post-Gazette: Environmental groups fear county Health Department beginning to deplete Clean Air Fund
Post-Gazette: In GOP gubernatorial race, all signs point to Laura Ellsworth for former Gov. Tom Corbett
KDKA: E. coli Outbreak Continues To Impact Pa., As Consumers Wonder How To Protect Themselves

Southwest
Beaver County Times: U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb lays out platform for Beaver County voters
Beaver County Times: FirstEnergy disputes report that grid won’t be affected by nuke plant closures
Altoona Mirror: Logan plans sewer project

NEPA
Pocono Record: ‘Heroes’ show up in Monroe court
Standard-Speaker: City to receive finance fix plan
Citizen’s Voice: NEPA unemployment rate drops to 5.1 percent
Times-Tribune: 112th District debate sparks fireworks

South Central
Patriot News: Lou Barletta says Bob Casey is a do-nothing senator. His own record isn’t much better
Patriot News: Casino operators make a push for Carlisle site; some residents push back
Patriot News: Pa. House GOP leader wants to open up primaries to independent voters, make other government reforms
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf sets Nov. 6 as date for U.S. House special elections
WGAL: House OKs bill to end food stamp work waivers
LNP: Pa. House staffer says he was fired for defending Rep. Nick Miccarelli on Facebook
LNP: Judge: PPL can remove ‘unauthorized’ LanCity Connect equipment

Lehigh Valley
Express Times: When the special election is (likely) scheduled to replace Charlie Dent
WFMZ: Gov. Wolf: Small business loan approvals support nearly 700 jobs
WFMZ: Republican gubernatorial candidates utilize attack ads to get ahead
Morning Call: Laura Ellsworth, the third Republican gubernatorial candidate, runs her first TV ad
Morning Call: Governor sets election date for replacing U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent
Reading Eagle: Joe Hoeffel seeks return to Congress

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: The Beta Theta Pi hearing has a new judge. Here’s why
Erie Times-News: Bike, foot patrols returning to Erie
Erie Times-News: Residents confront City Council, call for Arrington’s resignation

Opinion
Pottstown Mercury: Editorial: Gov. Wolf and state Sen. Tom Killion pitch Marcellus Shale tax
LNP: Wolf reignites push for gas severance tax
LNP: Civility and principle are needed in politics, but sadly, weren’t prominent in 11th Congressional District debate
Inquirer: Ten’s a crowd in Pa.’s Fifth Congressional District primary | Maria Panaritis
Inquirer: Ahead of the 2020 election, let’s address Pennsylvania’s election security so your vote can count | Opinion
Tribune Review: Right plan, wrong place?
Post-Gazette: A chaplain gets the boot: Father Conroy’s puzzling exit from the House
Patriot News: New RAND Corp. report on State System Schools should be a starting point for reform | Editorial
Patriot News: Just say ‘No’ to Wolf’s latest severance tax push | Opinion
Patriot News: The soda tax is an unfair tax on the poor | Opinion