Marc Scaringi considers a run for Lt. Governor. Here is the Playbook. 

Scaringi Considers Run for Lt. Governor: The one time U.S. Senate GOP candidate and lawyer for the Trump campaign in Pennsylvania following the 2020 presidential election said that he’s considering a run for the statewide office.

‘County won’t offer up voting machines to election audit’: The Associated Press reports that Tioga County, which is “one of three counties targeted by a Pennsylvania state lawmaker for an Arizona-style “forensic investigation” of the state’s 2020 presidential election sought by former President Donald Trump will not allow third-party access to its voting machines.”

‘Pennsylvania state university system merges 6 schools into 2’: The Associated Press reports that “six of Pennsylvania’s 14 state-owned universities will be consolidated into two new institutions under a unanimous vote Wednesday by the State System of Higher Education’s governing board.”

‘What you need to know about Bill McSwain’s letter to Donald Trump on Pa. voter fraud’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports on “everything you need to know about Bill McSwain, the letter, and the response it has received from Republicans and Democrats.”

‘The election claim at the heart of Bill McSwain’s feud with Bill Barr came from Delco. And it’s been debunked.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “the specific allegation of electoral misconduct that blew open the relationship between Bill McSwain and former Attorney General Bill Barr this week — and may have hurt McSwain’s gubernatorial prospects before he even launched his campaign — arose out of Delaware County and has since been debunked.”

‘Pa. state senator says aide claims racial slur prompted brawl at golf club’: 6ABC reports that “state Senator Anthony Williams is breaking his silence over a fight that occurred at a Montgomery County golf club involving his cousin who is also a senate aide assigned to his office.” 

‘Lt. Gov. John Fetterman Mocks State Sen. Doug Mastriano’s Election Audit Request’: KDKA reports that “just over a week after State Sen. Doug Mastriano has requested an “audit” of the 2020 presidential election, Lt. Governor John Fetterman and candidate for the U.S. Senate mocked the audit effort on his Twitter page.”

‘With child tax credits on the way, Pa. Dems call out Republicans who voted against American Rescue Plan’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Democrats in Pennsylvania marked the arrival of the payments by reminding voters that no Republican voted for the American Rescue Plan, hoping to use it as political ammo ahead of the U.S. Senate race here next year.”

‘Pittsburgh City Council Gives Preliminary Approval To COVID Aid Spending Plan’: WESA reports that “despite pleas by activists and the city’s likely next mayor to delay, Pittsburgh City Council gave its preliminary approval to Mayor Bill Peduto’s plan for spending $335 million in federal COVID relief. The move sets up a final vote for next week, though councilors emphasized that future amendments to the spending plan were possible.”

‘Proposal to rename Central Scranton Expressway, Spruce Street after Biden draws pushback’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “a proposal to rename the Central Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street after President Joe Biden drew pushback from several public commenters at Tuesday’s city council meeting.”

‘Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro announces launch of police misconduct database’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “State Attorney General Josh Shaprio on Wednesday appeared alongside local state lawmakers, Pittsburgh police Chief Scott Schubert and Michelle Kenney, the mother of Antwon Rose II, to announce the launch of a statewide police misconduct database.”

‘One-on-one interview with Antwon Rose’s mother on anniversary of police misconduct database’: Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 WTAE sat down one-on-one with Michelle Kenney, the mother of Antwon Rose, to talk about the database for police misconduct.

‘Candidate for North Braddock mayor charged with assault’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Cletus Lee, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor in North Braddock, “has been arrested and charged with assault after a reported domestic incident.”

‘While An Allegheny County Councilwoman Wants Critical Race Theory Taught In Schools, A State Lawmaker Moves To Prohibit That’: KDKA reports that “An Allegheny County councilwoman has introduced a resolution asking all local school districts to teach critical race theory. But some state lawmakers want to prohibit such theories from being taught in Pennsylvania, calling them racist and divisive.”

‘Why Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala continues to avoid scrutiny’: Pittsburgh City Paper details Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala’s public feuds and controversies and “how he continues to avoid scrutiny.” 

‘Allegheny County health board approves sick leave pay, air pollution rules’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the Allegheny County Board of Health on Wednesday endorsed paid sick leave in the county and the Mon Valley Air Pollution Episode Rule.”

‘Allentown Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach seeking $100,000 in GoFundMe campaign for legal defense’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “facing two misdemeanor charges related to her interactions as a social worker with a homeless teenager, Allentown Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach is seeking $100,000 in a GoFundMe campaign for her legal defense.”

‘Mad or nah?’: Kenney remains unwilling to declare gun violence a citywide emergency’: WHYY reports that “Tamara Russell, aka P.O.C., hit the streets of Philadelphia to hear how residents feel about the mayor’s hesitancy, which he says stems from, at least in part, protecting the public’s civil liberties.”

‘Philadelphia250 launching semiquincentennial task force, looks to fund community projects’: Philadelphia Business Journal reports that “the local nonprofit organizing Philadelphia’s commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday is firming up its itinerary as the clock ticks on the five-year countdown to 2026.”

‘State rep, Biden elector to speak at NAACP annual banquet’: The Citizens Voice reports that state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, will be the “keynote speaker at the NAACP Wilkes-Barre Branch annual dinner in October.”

‘Erie County Council to discuss a plan for spending $26 million in federal COVID recovery money’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Erie County Council on Thursday will discuss a tentative allocation plan for roughly $26 million in federal recovery money coming to the county.”

‘Somerset commissioners ‘hopeful’ about bipartisan highway bill’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that “​​with federal officials mulling a potentially unprecedented infrastructure bill, Somerset County’s commissioners are pushing for a bipartisan pitch by lawmakers in five states that would provide $1.75 billion for highways and bridges in the Appalachians.”

‘Commissioners consider creating board to study county government’s structure’: According to the Observer-Reporter, “the Washington County commissioners are hoping to create an 11-member board to study and review the county government that could eventually recommend changes to its structure.”

‘Lycoming County commissioners talk election integrity, meaning of votes audit’: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that “the Lycoming County commissioners have opinions about election integrity and the recent call for an audit of 2020 election results in three counties, including Tioga.”

‘Morrisville Borough Council appoints new borough manager’: Bucks Local News reports that “during a special meeting on July 13, the Morrisville Borough Council voted unanimously to appoint Judith Danko as its borough manager.”

Dellicker To Make Announcement About PA7 Race: Kevin Dellicker, a businessman and veteran, will be making an announcement about the 7th Congressional District race on Thursday, according to a press release. Dellicker has events scheduled in Stroudsburg, Nazareth, and Bethlehem during the day and a “campaign rally” scheduled in Allentown on Thursday night. Dellicker, a Republican, told PoliticsPA earlier this month that he was “leaning towards a run.” 

DSCC, DCCC, and DNC Launch Ad in Pennsylvania Highlighting Democrats’ Tax Cut For Middle-Class Families: The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and the Democratic National Committee have launched a joint digital advertising campaign in Pennsylvania, that includes PA-7, PA-8, and PA-17, highlighting the expanded Child Tax Credit’s monthly payments that “start hitting Americans’ bank account today.” The five figure ad buy begins running on July 15 “thought a native advertising platform,” according to a press release. 

Arkoosh Announces ‘Commonwealth Conversations’ Tour: Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in PA, announced the launch of a “commonwealth conversations” tour. She’s slated to be in Allegheny County on Friday, Erie County on Saturday, and Montgomery County on Sunday. 

Pittsburgh’s Labor Day Parade To Take Place in 2021: WESA’s Chris Potter reports that “Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade — one of the biggest in the US and a frequent stop for national political figures — is BACK this year, after being scrubbed due to COVID in 2020.”

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and Union Leaders Host PRO Act Week of Action, Statewide Tour: According to a press release, “The Pennsylvania American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) announced this week that they will kick off a statewide tour called the “PRO Act Roadshow” focused on educating working people across the Commonwealth on the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) and labor law reform. The PRO Act Roadshow will launch on Monday, July 19, 2021 in Delaware County and make several stops at union halls across the state through July 24th to meet with some of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO’s 700,000 members, community leaders, and elected officials.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania state university system merges 6 schools into 2
AP: County won’t offer up voting machines to election audit
AP: Indigenous children’s remains turned over from Army cemetery
Patriot News: Pa. votes to combine six state universities
Patriot News: Pa. ranks 20th for fully vaccinated adults: COVID-19 update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Rural Pa. county says it will not willingly hand over election materials for 2020 audit 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. State System unanimously moves to consolidate six schools into regional campuses
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Western Pa. birders question state Game Commission over removal of protected species’ nests
Inquirer: What you need to know about Bill McSwain’s letter to Donald Trump on Pa. voter fraud 
Inquirer: The election claim at the heart of Bill McSwain’s feud with Bill Barr came from Delco. And it’s been debunked.
Inquirer: Tech companies are using Pennsylvania roads to test self-driving vehicles. Are they following the state’s guidelines?
Inquirer: Board OKs controversial plan to merge six Pennsylvania state universities
Inquirer: Two Pa. constables were cleared of bribery charges, convicted of a lesser count in Mariner pipeline case
Post-Gazette: State System approves mergers of Pennsylvania schools — Cal U, Clarion and Edinboro to become one
Post-Gazette: With child tax credits on the way, Pa. Dems call out Republicans who voted against American Rescue Plan
Post-Gazette: Pa. commission proposes adding and increasing fees, axing gas tax to fund transportation needs
WESA: Pennsylvania State System Merges Six Universities Into Two With Unanimous Vote
WITF: As delta variant spreads in U.S., Pennsylvania COVID-19 vaccinations stall
City & State PA: PASSHE unanimously approves plan to integrate six schools into two
City & State PA: Shapiro celebrates launch of police misconduct database
Yahoo News: In setback to Trump ally, Pennsylvania county will not comply with vote probe
USA Today: Trump’s AG Bill Barr denies he blocked election fraud probes in Pa. Here’s the latest.
KDKA: Lt. Gov. John Fetterman Mocks State Sen. Doug Mastriano’s Election Audit Request 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 273 New Cases, 13 Additional Deaths
StateImpactPA: Biden administration officials eye more money for land restoration projects in Pennsylvania
StateImpactPA: Study: Biden climate policy would have $1T in health benefits, save thousands of lives
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Pennsylvania has 3rd lowest rate as delta variant surges nationwide
WFMZ: 1st expanded child tax credit payments to go out this week
Delaware Valley Journal: PA GOP Reps Promise Most Transparent Redistricting Process Ever
Delaware Valley Journal: Republicans React to Biden’s Philadelphia Speech
Reading Eagle: Pa. Department of Aging launches rebrand of Medicare program
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education approves university integration plans

Philadelphia 
6ABC: Pa. state senator says aide claims racial slur prompted brawl at golf club
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia250 launching semiquincentennial task force, looks to fund community projects
Philadelphia Business Journal: Hilco details progress made at Philadelphia refinery site as it preps for development
Philadelphia Business Journal: Thousands of Philadelphians left the city during the pandemic – but they didn’t all flee to the suburbs
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Mad or nah?’: Kenney remains unwilling to declare gun violence a citywide emergency
KYW Newsradio: Michelle Obama-endorsed free meal program to help 5,000 Philadelphia-area families
Philadelphia Gay News: Black and Brown LGBTQ organizers start to formulate a new Philly Pride
Inquirer: Remote work is here to stay, and experts say Philly needs to adapt to compete 
Inquirer: Philly region’s COVID-19 case counts tick up slightly. Officials fear worse to come.

SEPA
Daily Local News: Sen. Casey makes the ask for public transportation 
Daily Local News: Judge dismisses constable charges in Mariner East Pipeline project case  
Delaware Valley Journal: Citizens Call Out Pennsbury School Board For Silencing Speech
Inquirer: Two Pa. constables were cleared of bribery charges, convicted of a lesser count in Mariner pipeline case
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County to declare disaster declaration as flood damage assessment continues
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 48% of people fully vaccinated
KYW Newsradio: Bucks County officials ‘assess and say prayers,’ seeking relief from flood disaster
Montgomery Media: Demonstrators decry Montco D.A. decision to pursue charges against North Penn student
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County seeks new farmers to preserve farms for future generations
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County records 78 new coronavirus cases, one death over seven days
Bucks Local News: Morrisville Borough Council appoints new borough manager
Bucks Local News: ‘HEARTBREAKING:’ Bucks County Commissioners, officials survey flood damage in Lower Bucks
Bucks Local News: New Hope resident gets a taste of politics behind-the-scenes as Congressional intern
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County offering open space funds to municipalities 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council moves forward on spending $335 million COVID-19 funds
Post-Gazette: Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro announces launch of police misconduct database
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County health board approves sick leave pay, air pollution rules 
Post-Gazette: Candidate for North Braddock mayor charged with assault 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County officials concerned about delta variant, emphasize need for vaccinations
WESA: Pittsburgh City Council Gives Preliminary Approval To COVID Aid Spending Plan 
WESA: Pennsylvania Attorney General And Antwon Rose’s Mother Announce Launch Of Police Misconduct Database  
WESA: A Success In Lawrenceville, Inclusionary Zoning Rules Could Move Down The Street 
WESA: Poster Campaign Wants To Bring Awareness To Pennsylvania’s Incarcerated Youth 
WESA: COVID Cases Still Low In Allegheny County, While Opioid Overdoses Continue To Plague Residents
KDKA: Despite Pushback, Pittsburgh COVID-19 Relief Funding Spending Plan Passes Preliminary Vote
KDKA: Antwon Rose’s Mother, Michelle Kenney, Says Launch Of Pa. Database For Police Misconduct Records Is ‘Groundbreaking’
KDKA: While An Allegheny County Councilwoman Wants Critical Race Theory Taught In Schools, A State Lawmaker Moves To Prohibit That
KDKA: North Braddock Mayoral Nominee Cletus Lee Charged With Assault
KDKA: Allegheny County Council Commends Former KDKA Reporter Paul Martino
KDKA: Judge Delays Decision On Release Of Alleged Capitol Rioter Robert Morss
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 2-Day Total Of 55 New Cases
WTAE: One-on-one interview with Antwon Rose’s mother on anniversary of police misconduct database
WTAE: Council gives initial OK to spending plan for $335 Million in federal ARP aid
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Health Department OKs paid sick leave bill
Pittsburgh Business Times: Proposed law to cut down on air pollution moves forward in Allegheny County 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Delta variant cases rise in Allegheny County, but infection rates remain low
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh council advances proposal to spend $335 million in covid relief cash
Tribune Review: Officials: 60% of eligible Allegheny County residents fully vaccinated
Tribune Review: No recent covid deaths in Allegheny, Westmoreland counties; cases trending up slightly
City Paper: Why Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala continues to avoid scrutiny 

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset commissioners ‘hopeful’ about bipartisan highway bill
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Township, borough clash on $451K grant for access road at the Ridge
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Post-holiday COVID-19 surge less severe in state, vaccines come to farmers market
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State sees jump in new COVID-19 cases
Beaver County Times: Group calls for improvements to county emergency alert system
Altoona Mirror: County to apply for trail project grant 
Observer-Reporter: Commissioners consider creating board to study county government’s structure
Observer-Reporter: Public university mergers given final approval

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Proposal to rename Central Scranton Expressway, Spruce Street after Biden draws pushback 
Times-Tribune: Here’s what else happened at Scranton City Council’s meeting July 13
Times-Tribune: Fraudulent unemployment claims growing locally, statewide 
Times-Tribune: In NEPA, 30 new COVID-19 cases but no additional deaths
Citizens Voice: State rep, Biden elector to speak at NAACP annual banquet 
Citizens Voice: County council takes first step toward homestead exemption
Citizens Voice: Local employers see fraudulent unemployment claims grow
Citizens Voice: More than 100 added to county’s fully vaccinated list
The Times Leader: Luzerne County tax rebate plan advances 
The Times Leader: 4 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Wednesday; 273 statewide

South Central 
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough meets financial expectations at year’s midpoint
Carlisle Sentinel: Former Camp Hill borough manager alleges council worked privately against development of Chick-fil-A
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 3 new cases of COVID-19 reported for Wednesday in Cumberland County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Council approves John Bey as Lancaster city’s new chief of police 
York Daily Record: York County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 42% of people fully vaccinated
Patriot News: Harrisburg is best place to live in Pa., says US News

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Allentown Council member Ce-Ce Gerlach seeking $100,000 in GoFundMe campaign for legal defense
Morning Call: Da Vinci Center receives $3 million in federal funding to support new facility in downtown Allentown
WFMZ: Former political consultant serving prison time for tax evasion, role in pay-to-play schemes asking for reduced sentence 
WFMZ: Northampton County to consider $1.15M in small-business aid 
WFMZ: Rise in overdose deaths locally part of national trend
Express Times: If you don’t want your child to have to wear a mask, get vaccinated, Bethlehem’s top educator says

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners allocate more funding to Let’s End COVID
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County commissioners talk election integrity, meaning of votes audit
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Jersey Shore looks to fill empty seat on borough council
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Salaries OK’d for South Williamsport police chief, assistant chief
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners allocate more funding to Let’s End COVID
Erie Times-News: Erie County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 45% of people fully vaccinated
Erie Times-News: Erie County Council to discuss a plan for spending $26 million in federal COVID recovery money
Erie Times-News: 2022 consolidation approved for Edinboro, Clarion and California universities. Here are the details 

Opinion  
Sheryl Delozier: Marsy’s Law still has not been implemented in the Commonwealth
Scott Conklin: Bipartisan infrastructure deal will bring much needed upgrade to Centre County’s broadband
Paul Muschick: I applaud Gov. Wolf for taking a serious step on climate change
Abraham Gutman: If you oppose banning critical race theory, you need to also reconsider another Pa. law 
Jenice Armstrong: State Sen. Anthony Williams says a racial slur instigated his aide’s fight at a golf shop 
Thomas Koenig: Which Party Is Sane Enough to Win Philly’s Suburbs?
Donald Gilligan: Joining RGGI will strengthen Pennsylvania’s recovery 
John L. Micek: As child tax credit checks hit mailboxes, ‘I’m looking forward to having the safety net,’ Pa. mom says | Thursday Morning Coffee
Inquirer Editorial Board: With 100 children shot in Philadelphia, why won’t Mayor Kenney declare a gun violence emergency?  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: County and VA joining forces to reduce veteran suicides
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Two for moderate majority
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: As delta variant takes hold, schools may need to bring back mask-wearing in the fall to protect unvaccinated kids
Morning Call: Your View by nine agencies: Why Congress must act quickly to help crime victims
Joyce M. Davis: A Black-owned business asks for help to weather another COVID-19 summer | Social Views
Joyce M. Davis: PA Senators speak to PennLive about juvenile justice reform at 4 p.m. Wednesday on Facebook Live
Randall Tenor: Members of the General Assembly, please don’t allow Senate Bill 119 to pass 
Ronald E. Billet: Who ‘owns’ the Susquehanna River? York County or Lancaster County?
Jessica Blatt Press: Ideas We Should Steal: Rewards for Shopping Local 
Ernest Owens: ICYMI, Philly Police Made Sure to Defend the Free Speech of White Supremacists
Jabari Jones: West Philly business owners have lost faith in the city to keep them safe 
William C. Kashatus: Octavius Catto statue doesn’t do justice to Black civil rights
Daniel Pearson: Let students ride SEPTA for free all day, every day
Gene Therapy: Cable news forced to ratchet up the fear factor
John Currie: No more time to procrastinate; we’re burning up