President Joe Biden will visit Philadelphia today, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick raises $1.1 million in Q2, plus former state Rep. Rick Saccone floats a bid for Lt. Governor. Here is the Playbook. 

Exclusive: Fitzpatrick Raises $1.1 Million in Q2: The Bucks County Republican’s Q2 haul is the most his campaign has ever raised in a quarter.

Saccone Floats Lt. Gov Bid: The former GOP state Rep. and onetime congressional hopeful confirmed to PoliticsPA that he’s “carefully considering” a run for the statewide office.

Biden to Deliver Voting Rights Speech in Philly on Tuesday: According to a release from the White House Press Office, President Joe Biden will be in Philadelphia “to deliver remarks on actions to protect the sacred, constitutional right to vote.”

‘Pa. House GOP commits to public meetings, vows ‘most transparent’ congressional redistricting process ever’: Spotlight PA reports that state Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) “committed Monday to transparency measures aimed at making the decennial redrawing of the state’s congressional map a more open process than in the past.”

‘Wolf celebrates new Pa. law allowing student athletes to be compensated’: WHYY reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf, State Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman (R-Centre), and various student athletes gathered at Penn State University Monday to celebrate the signing of a bill that allows student athletes to profit off their name, image, and likeness.”

‘2021-22 Budget Breakdown: Education, Higher Ed | The Numbers Racket’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star provides a “breakdown of the education-related expenditures included in the 2021-22 fiscal year budget.”

‘It’s under attack’: Attorney General Josh Shapiro vows to fight Postal Service changes after meeting with Lehigh Valley workers’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “a year after changes in the post office left postal customers across Pennsylvania and the nation fuming, state Attorney General Josh Shapiro met with Lehigh Valley postal workers to discuss again defending the service’s standards against cuts.”

‘Pennsylvania lawmakers’ debate on school children wearing masks likely to intensify following new CDC guidance’: The Allentown Morning Call reports “with Pennsylvania schools facing difficult decisions on students’ wearing masks and new research raising concerns on carbon dioxide inhalation, the chairperson of the Senate Education Committee plans to schedule a public hearing to hash out the matter.”

Dent Calls CPAC A “Political Freak Show”: CNN reports that former Congressman Charlie Dent (R-Lehigh) called the Conservative Political Action Conference, which took place this past weekend in Dallas, a “political freak show.” CNN adds that “former President Donald Trump won the conference’s informal straw poll to be the GOP nominee in 2024.”

‘Pa. Leaders Propose Charging Fee For Each Package Delivered By Amazon, FedEx And Others’: KDKA reports that “Governor Tom Wolf’s Transportation Review Options Commission has proposed charging a fee for each package delivered by Amazon, FedEx, UPS and others.”

‘Big change, big opinions: Pa. university system board to vote this week on merging 6 campuses’: PennLive reports that “the governing board of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education will decide on a plan to combine six universities into two institutions,” this week.

‘Should state universities consolidate? Here’s what Pa. government officials think’: PennLive reports on how “various state leaders” feel about the proposed plan of combining six universities into two.

‘Pennsylvania says it counted 500K duplicate COVID-19 shots’: The Associated Press reports that “​​Pennsylvania’s Department of Health has reduced the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses that had been administered by about 500,000, saying the numbers were duplicates.”

‘PIAA says no extra sports eligibility for students who repeat a grade’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Gov. Tom Wolf’s “recently passed law that allows students in Pennsylvania to voluntarily repeat a grade in school this year because of lost education opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic… does not grant extra eligibility for high school sports.”

Reading Eagle Reports on Critical Race Theory: The Reading Eagle reports that critical race theory is a “hot topic at the state, county and local level.” 

‘Senators Yudichak, Flynn introduce ‘Officer John Wilding’s Law’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “state Sen. John Yudichak and Sen. Marty Flynn Monday introduced Senate Bill 814 — also known as Officer John Wilding’s Law.”

‘Annexing Wilkinsburg would be good for Pittsburgh, city controller says’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb believes “a merger between the city and the borough would be mutually beneficial.”

‘Wilkinsburg to seek further community input on merger with Pittsburgh’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett and a local group advocating for the merger of the borough with the city of Pittsburgh are open to delaying a referendum on the issue until next spring to solicit more robust community input, they announced Monday.”

‘City council will hold preliminary vote Wednesday on Pittsburgh’s American Rescue Plan funds’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “at the second of two public hearings on Pittsburgh’s allocation of the $335 million in American Rescue Plan money it is receiving — despite public calls to postpone the vote on approving the funds — City Council President Theresa Kail-Smith announced that a preliminary vote will be held on Wednesday.”

‘Pittsburgh City Council considering changes to COVID-19 sick leave mandate’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “some members of Pittsburgh City Council are looking into an amendment that would change when the city’s Temporary Emergency COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave expires to when 90% of the eligible population of Pennsylvania is fully vaccinated.”

‘Allegheny County President Judge Kim Clark says systemic racism exists in courts’: Pittsburgh City Paper reports that “Allegheny County President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark recently released a letter to the public stating her acknowledgement of the systemic racism found within the courts and that changes must be made in Allegheny County in an attempt to create a system that serves justice equally.”

‘Luzerne County Council faced with rare windfall to allocate’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Luzerne County council members “are set to start discussing” how they will spend the $112.89 million in federal American Rescue Plan funding on Tuesday “with a work session presentation from the administration on types of projects that may be selected under the preliminary federal guidelines.”

‘DA Larry Krasner aims to keep teen offenders out of criminal justice system with new restorative program’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports “calling it one of his “proudest achievements,” Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner announced a new program Monday to divert youth offenders from the criminal justice system, require them to meet with their victims, and give them an opportunity to choose a better path forward.”

‘Public can weigh in on Allegheny County’s plan for air quality monitoring’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the Allegheny County Health Department is requesting public comment on its new 2022 Air Monitoring Network Plan.

‘Erie eyes new full-time post to oversee $76 million from American Rescue Plan’: Erie Times-News reports that “Erie Mayor Joe Schember’s administration is accepting applications for a program manager to help oversee the city’s allocation of American Rescue Plan funds.”

‘Demonstrators show solidarity with Cuban anti-regime protestors Sunday night’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “demonstrators gathered in downtown Lancaster on Sunday night to show solidarity with protestors in Cuba calling for an end to their country’s decades-long dictatorship.”

Scheller Rolls Out Farmers and Veterans Coalition: Lisa Scheller, a former Lehigh County Commissioner and businesswoman who is seeking the GOP nomination for Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, announced the Farmers for Scheller Coalition and Veterans for Scheller Coalition. Arland Schantz will serve as the chair of Farmers for Scheller, while Shawn Welch will be the Veterans for Scheller Coalition Coordinator.

Snyder Talks to PA Kitchen Table Politics Podcast: State Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Greene) joined the PA Kitchen Table Politics Podcast to talk about Greene County.  

Commonwealth Strategic Partners Hires Hazlett As Director of Federal Government Affairs: Commonwealth Strategic Partners (“CSP”), a bipartisan public policy firm, announced that Katie Hazlett has been hired to serve as Director of Federal Government Affairs. Hazlett most recently served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs “advocating for the Administration’s priorities before the Senate and the House of Representatives, while managing the external affairs engagement activities and the intergovernmental relationships with state and local governments,” according to a press release. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Pa. House GOP commits to public meetings, vows ‘most transparent’ congressional redistricting process ever 
Spotlight PA: Jobless Pennsylvanians, attorneys fear more problems as work-search requirement returns
AP: Pennsylvania says it counted 500K duplicate COVID-19 shots
Patriot News: Should state universities consolidate? Here’s what Pa. government officials think
Patriot News: Big change, big opinions: Pa. university system board to vote this week on merging 6 campuses
Patriot News: ‘This is a huge opportunity’: Penn State athletes, Gov. Wolf praise name, image and likeness legislation
Patriot News: More than 14 million COVID-19 vaccine doses given in Pa.: daily update
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. House Republicans commit to hearings, increased transparency in redistricting process
WHYY Newsworks: Wolf celebrates new Pa. law allowing student athletes to be compensated
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s a ‘win-win.’ Pa. lawmakers, student-athletes celebrate name, image, likeness legislation 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: 2021-22 Budget Breakdown: Education, Higher Ed | The Numbers Racket 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Turning DelWaterGap into national park would have ‘many benefits,’ DCNR Secretary Dunn says 
KYW Newsradio: Former U.S. Attorney McSwain to run for Pennsylvania governor, asks for Trump’s help
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania Republicans seek public input on redistricting plans
Inquirer: Pennsylvania’s top judge called charging Bill Cosby ‘reprehensible.’ Now the prosecutor is firing back.
Inquirer: Pa. vaccination doses were overcounted by 500,000 shots, state says
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers’ debate on school children wearing masks likely to intensify following new CDC guidance
Morning Call: What is Pennsylvania’s work search requirement for unemployment? Here’s how to complete, track it
Morning Call: MAP: Where coronavirus is in Pennsylvania
City & State PA: House GOP seeks public feedback on redrawing congressional maps
Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania GOP lawmakers boast ‘most transparent’ congressional redistricting plan
Delaware Valley Journal: New Back to School PA PAC For School Board Candidates Statewide
Delaware Valley Journal: In PA, More Hispanic Voters Turning to GOP
StateImpactPA: As Pa.’s crucial RGGI vote nears, here’s a quick look at the carbon emissions program
KDKA: Pa. Leaders Propose Charging Fee For Each Package Delivered By Amazon, FedEx And Others
KDKA: Pennsylvania’s Instant Firearm Background Check System Sees Drop For First Time In A Year 
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf Voices Support For New Law Allowing Student Athletes To Profit Off Of Name, Image And Likeness
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 3-Day Total Of 547 New Cases, 13 Additional Deaths
York Daily Record: Cosby case rips open wounds that just won’t heal. Here’s why.
CNN: Charlie Dent: CPAC is a political freak show   

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Trump is putting Bill McSwain in the hot seat with his election lies. And he just turned up the heat.
Inquirer: Between trash pickup and library closures, Philly government is far from reopened 
Inquirer: DA Larry Krasner aims to keep teen offenders out of criminal justice system with new restorative program 
Inquirer: Police recruiting is down across the country. ‘We are working in a movement,’ Philly’s top cop tells the incoming class. 
Billy Penn: Philadelphia issues more than 1,000 tickets for trash left outside, despite ongoing pickup delays

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: PA budget includes $416M in new education funding, so why is Bucks County’s neediest district getting less this year
Bucks County Courier Times: Why MoveOn.org wants defamation suit over Jan. 6 petition by Worthington, NAC thrown out 
Inquirer: A Chester County jury is being asked to decide if two state constables broke the law patrolling controversial pipeline project
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus positivity rate remains low in SE Pa. counties
Daily Local News: Chester County reports a 0.94 percent COVID positivity rate

Pittsburgh 
WTAE: Wilkinsburg pumps brakes on merger with city of Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Annexing Wilkinsburg would be good for Pittsburgh, city controller says 
Post-Gazette: City council will hold preliminary vote Wednesday on Pittsburgh’s American Rescue Plan funds
Post-Gazette: Wilkinsburg to seek further community input on merger with Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council considering changes to COVID-19 sick leave mandate 
Post-Gazette: Imitate China to compete with it? Lawmakers debate science funding bills as a way to seed U.S. industry
Post-Gazette: As COVID-19 recedes nationally, county officials grapple with long-haul economic symptoms
Post-Gazette: Public can weigh in on Allegheny County’s plan for air quality monitoring
Post-Gazette: Local home care workers leave to march on Washington for higher wages
Post-Gazette: Feds now say ex-Shaler teacher charged in Jan. 6 insurrection did not have a ‘constructed’ model of the Capitol 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County’s human services chief breaks down department’s budget
Post-Gazette: PIAA says no extra sports eligibility for students who repeat a grade
WESA: Advocates Slow Down Effort To Merge Wilkinsburg with Pittsburgh
WESA: State Attorney General Says Sackler Settlement ‘Is Not Perfect,’ But Will Help Combat Opioid Crisis 
KDKA: Another $7 Million To Go Towards People In Pittsburgh With Housing Needs After COVID-19 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 41 New Cases In 72 Hours
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh aims to make transit easier and more convenient with new platform that connects public and private transportation offerings in one hub
Pittsburgh Business Times: Study finds cutting coal-generated power will save lives in region
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh ranks among top 10 cities to own an electric vehicle due to infrastructure, electricity prices
Tribune Review: Residents ask Pittsburgh council to slow down spending federal relief cash
City Paper: Allegheny County President Judge Kim Clark says systemic racism exists in courts

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Fair Districts plans meeting
Altoona Mirror: Grants keep programs afloat
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Seven new COVID-19 cases, no deaths reported across region
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: New COVID-19 case totals in region increasing at lowest rate since June 2020
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Vote on state university consolidation plan set for Wednesday
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Out-of-state workers answering PA’s unemployment assistance hotline
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases continue to dwindle statewide
Beaver County Times: Wendy Bell joins speakers & singers at Arise USA! event at Beaver park

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Proposed law bearing fallen Scranton officer’s name would add penalties for running from arrest
Times-Tribune: Health Department reports 10 new COVID-19 cases in NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council faced with rare windfall to allocate
The Times Leader: Senators Yudichak, Flynn introduce ‘Officer John Wilding’s Law’
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council meeting in-person Tuesday after more than a year of remote sessions
The Times Leader: Boback bill amending Flood Plain Management Act becomes law
The Times Leader: Rep. Toohil: Here’s how to report unemployment benefits fraud
The Times Leader: 2 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Monday; 133 statewide
Citizens Voice: In-person county council meetings resume this week
Citizens Voice: Council to discuss proposed homestead exemption Tuesday
Citizens Voice: Nearly 1,000 added to county’s fully vaccinated list

South Central 
York Dispatch: Grove to lead hearings to make redistricting process more open
LNP | LancasterOnline: Demonstrators show solidarity with Cuban anti-regime protestors Sunday night
LNP | LancasterOnline: All but 3 Lancaster County school districts raise property taxes in 2021-22 
Carlisle Sentinel: Claremont sale debate could boil over into other matters after weeks of acrimony
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: Five new cases of COVID-19 reported for Monday in Cumberland County
Patriot News: State officials announce grants to assist with French company’s central Pa. facility expansion

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: ‘It’s under attack’: Attorney General Josh Shapiro vows to fight Postal Service changes after meeting with Lehigh Valley workers
Morning Call: Allentown church claims city’s denial of plans for sober house was discriminatory
Reading Eagle: Critical race theory a hot topic at the state, county and local level
Reading Eagle: What is critical race theory? Berks scholars explain
Reading Eagle: Berks man charged in Capitol insurrection will remain behind bars, federal judge rules
Reading Eagle: After 17 months of pandemic, Reading Hospital has no COVID patients
WFMZ: Berks Co. man remains behind bars for involvement in U.S. Capitol riot
WFMZ: Reading Hospital now reporting zero COVID-19 patients

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: ‘Athletes will no longer be forced to choose.’ Gov. Wolf, Penn State leadership celebrate NIL legislation
Centre Daily Times: Penn State president discusses the benefits of NIL for student-athletes
Erie Times-News: Erie eyes new full-time post to oversee $76 million from American Rescue Plan
Erie Times-News: Erie economy gaining momentum, but job gains remain uneven 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Audit attempt follows Arizona effort’s footsteps
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City zoning amendments approved
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners OK contract; City council OKs projects budget

Opinion  
Allyson Y. Schwartz: Sensible election reforms can address partisan gridlock
Ed Rendell: Biden knows Afghanistan withdrawal is the right thing — despite political risks
John L. Micek: With Pa. in play, nat’l party committees raise $337M through June | Monday Morning Coffee
John L. Micek: Black Americans are more likely to be harmed by high drug prices. How one Pa. lawmaker is trying to help | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Teri Ooms: Northeastern Pa. struggled to recruit and retain skilled employees long before COVID-19 
Inquirer Editorial Board: As Pa. Republicans further the Big Lie, we’re trapped in a factless debate that won’t end 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Moving about on e-scooters
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pope Francis stumps the band
Dom Giordano: Big Fish Wades Into School Election Funding
Solomon Jones: Attempts to suppress Black voters have evolved, but not ceased
Vinod Thomas: Along the East Coast, climate change demands urgent action 
Ray E. Landis: Medicare is headed for a crisis. We’re not ready – but there’s still time 
David L. Faust: Here’s how to replace gas tax revenue 
Marie Fishel: Election fraud exists, but not in the manner some claim 
Dick Polman: Rupert Murdoch is launching Fox Weather. What could possibly go wrong?