Former President Donald Trump issued a statement on Monday afternoon pressuring two GOP state Senate leaders to support an “audit” of the 2020 presidential election results in Pennsylvania. Here is the Playbook. 

Trump Targets Corman and Argall Over 2020 Election Review: Former President Donald Trump issued a statement pressuring two GOP state Senate leaders to support an “audit” of the 2020 presidential election results.

‘Pennsylvania Republicans have a path to victory in 2022. Pro-Trump candidates may not follow it.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “The 2020 elections showed one tried and true way Republicans can still win in Pennsylvania. But with former President Donald Trump still looming over the party, will they follow it next year?”

‘Pennsylvania Republicans eye referendums to get past vetoes’: The Associated Press reports “Republicans who control Pennsylvania’s Legislature are increasingly looking to take a different avenue to write laws, voter referendums, to get around Gov. Tom Wolf and make policy that the Democrat cannot block with his veto pen.”

Fetterman Talks to City & State PA: City & State PA interviews Lt. Gov. John Fetterman for a story titled, “How John Fetterman redefined the role of lieutenant governor.” 

McSwain Talks to Delaware Valley Journal: Delaware Valley Journal interviews former U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain for a story titled, “As 2022 Looms, Bill McSwain Is Still Swinging Away.”

‘GOP lawmakers look to ban vaccine passports’: City & State PA reports “As Pennsylvanians set their sights on a future without COVID-19, Republican lawmakers in Harrisburg are looking to ensure that such a future does not include many of the government-imposed restrictions used by state officials to combat the coronavirus pandemic.” 

‘Republicans aim again to block governor’s climate strategy’: The Associated Press reports “Republicans who control Pennsylvania’s Legislature are reprising a fight from last year, passing legislation Monday to require Gov. Tom Wolf to go through them if he wants to impose a price on greenhouse gas emissions from power plants.”

‘A West Philly Dem is going tough on crime. Progressives say his bill is ‘terrifyingly awful’: WHYY reports that state Rep. Amen Brown (D-Philadelphia) has “set off a firestorm in Harrisburg by proposing a bill that would establish new mandatory minimum sentences — an approach much more in line with Republicans’ criminal justice platform than his own party’s.”

‘Voter ID shaping up to be the speed bump to slow election reform in Pa.’: PennLive reports that “Election reform is an issue getting focus in both the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives in the final days before the summer legislative recess.”

‘Gov. Tom Wolf shares wish list for state’s potential proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; Pa. Senate pumps brakes’: PennLive reports “Opening a new front in the fight to place Pennsylvania in the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Gov. Tom Wolf and Democratic legislative allies laid out a vision Monday of what the state could do with $250 million-plus annually expected from the future sale of allowances to energy companies for each ton of greenhouse gases they create while powering Pennsylvania.”

‘Marijuana activists rally in Harrisburg to remind state legislators of the need for cannabis reform’: PennLive reports that a rally in Harrisburg, organized by “the national Organization for the Reform of Marijuana” called for state lawmakers to support marijuana legalization.  

‘Pa. Senate committee takes up the future of illegal skill games as top lawmakers return industry funds’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that illegal skill games “were the topic of a Monday Senate Community, Economic, and Recreational Development Committee public hearing on the future of gaming in Pennsylvania.”

‘Pennsylvania’s gas-well revenue down as price, drilling drop’: The Associated Press reports that “Pennsylvania’s counties and municipal governments will see the lowest level of annual fee revenue they get from Marcellus Shale gas wells, as drilling slowed and prices sank during the pandemic, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said Monday.” 

‘Bill prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals introduced again in state House’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the state Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) and “other members of the LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, along with Gov. Tom Wolf and LGBTQ+ activists, will give speeches on the steps of the Pennsylvania State Capitol in support of the legislation, also known as HB 300,” on Tuesday. 

‘Environmentalists call for Fitzgerald to withdraw support from fracking, petrochemical industries’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that “A coalition of local environmental groups and Allegheny County residents rallied downtown Monday to call on County Executive Rich Fitzgerald to withdraw his support from the fracking and petrochemical industries in the region, but Fitzgerald declined to comply.” 

‘What’s holding up Philly budget talks? Everyone wants a slice of stimulus money — or to be mayor.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports “As Mayor Jim Kenney and City Council President Darrell L. Clarke have seen while budget negotiations dragged on, having lots of cash doesn’t always make things easier.”

‘Philly may compromise on a wage tax cut by reducing it more for residents than commuters’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philadelphia City Council members are considering a compromise on Mayor Jim Kenney’s proposal to cut the city wage tax, the strongest indication yet that Kenney and lawmakers are close to reaching a deal on next year’s budget.”

‘Krasner: Philly is limited in enforcing against riding dirt bikes, ATVs on city streets’: WHYY reports that “After hundreds of people illegally riding dirt bikes and ATVs roared through Center City and Port Richmond on Saturday night, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner says the city is limited in how much enforcement it can do.” 

‘Increasing gas taxes suggested as temporary solution to PennDOT funding crisis’: The Reading Eagle reports that “a short-term solution to Pennsylvania’s transportation funding crisis may include a 4.2 cents a gallon increase in gasoline taxes with the ultimate goal of replacing the gas tax within a decade.” 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania Republicans eye referendums to get past vetoes 
AP: Republicans aim again to block governor’s climate strategy 
AP: ‘We need more’: Democrats frustrated as agenda faces hurdles 
AP: Pennsylvania’s gas-well revenue down as price, drilling drop 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania Republicans have a path to victory in 2022. Pro-Trump candidates may not follow it.
Patriot News: Voter ID shaping up to be the speed bump to slow election reform in Pa.
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf shares wish list for state’s potential proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; Pa. Senate pumps brakes
Patriot News: Marijuana activists rally in Harrisburg to remind state legislators of the need for cannabis reform
Patriot News: Raising dog license fee to $10 ‘an easy fix to a big problem’ of keeping canines, communities safe
Patriot News: COVID-19 hospitalizations, new cases stay low over 3-day period
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf proposes funneling cap-and-trade dollars to transition fossil fuel workers 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Senate committee takes up the future of illegal skill games as top lawmakers return industry funds 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement on the brink, supporters say it’s time for a ‘yes vote’ on licensing fee increases 
USA Today: A new PA report recommends a series of election changes. What might change 
USA Today: Fight over skill games, ‘illegal gambling’ prompts Pa. lawmakers to return campaign cash 
USA Today: Should Pa. voters show ID every time they vote? Two Republican lawmakers want a referendum
City & State PA: How John Fetterman redefined the role of lieutenant governor 
City & State PA: GOP lawmakers look to ban vaccine passports 
City & State PA: With incentive bills, Wolf, Dems want RGGI to become a reality in Pa.
KDKA: Pennsylvania Lawmaker Introduces Bill That Makes It Illegal For Any Employer To Require Workers To Be Vaccinated 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Second Lady Gisele Fetterman Calls On Pennsylvanians To Support Bills Helping Bureau Of Dog Law Enforcement 
KDKA: Gov. Wolf And Democratic Lawmakers Looking To Help Communities Affected By Climate Change 
PLSReporter: Report: School district budget survey shows ‘guarded optimism’ amidst federal relief
CNHI:  Wolf touts financial benefits of climate change partnerships; lawmakers move to bar participation without their OK
CNHI: Pa. lawmakers seek to bar vaccine requirements
Post-Gazette: Pa. House GOP preparing for battle with Wolf over election reform measure
Fox News: PA Gov. Wolf calls GOP-backed election bill ‘extremist proposal’ to ‘take away’ voting rights
Pittsburgh Business Times: Democrats unveil plan to spend proceeds from RGGI 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania processes nearly 250,000 unemployment claims with new system
KYW Newsradio: Bill would ban vaccine passports, limit Health Department pandemic response
The Hill: Republicans being warned not to fake Trump endorsements: report
StateImpactPA: Democrats unveil RGGI investment plan while Republicans move to block entry to program 

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: What’s holding up Philly budget talks? Everyone wants a slice of stimulus money — or to be mayor. 
Inquirer: Philly may compromise on a wage tax cut by reducing it more for residents than commuters 
Inquirer: Getting ATVs and dirt bikes off Philly streets requires ‘imagination,’ not just enforcement, Krasner says 
Inquirer: Legalizing marijuana leads to fewer worker comp claims, Temple research finds 
WHYY Newsworks: A West Philly Dem is going tough on crime. Progressives say his bill is ‘terrifyingly awful’
WHYY Newsworks: Krasner: Philly is limited in enforcing against riding dirt bikes, ATVs on city streets
WHYY Newsworks: ‘That ain’t justice’: Case backlog, jail conditions frustrate people in Philly’s criminal justice system
WHYY Newsworks: Philly parking tax vote delayed again as protesters target Parkway Corp.
Billy Penn: ‘Nothing left uncarved’: A guide to the 250 sculptures on Philadelphia City Hall
KYW Newsradio: Philly Council again delays budget action, as arguments continue over taxes, spending
KYW Newsradio: Bill to relax Philly youth curfew laws relies on the creation of evening resource centers
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly NAACP opens way for new leadership
Philadelphia Citizen: Listen: Philly Under Fire Podcast 
Philly Voice: As Philly police seize more illegal ATVs and dirt bikes, Krasner seeks a ‘bigger solution’
Philadelphia Business Journal: Exit interview: Retiring Temple President Richard Englert on his legacy and his ‘perfect’ successor

SEPA
Daily Local News: Chester County Democrats select new party leader 
Delco Daily Times: Medical marijuana sales strong, but recreational legalization still on back burner 
Pottstown Mercury: Poll supports increased funding for child services in Delaware County 
Pottstown Mercury: Coronavirus positivity rates continue to fall in SE Pa. counties
KYW Newsradio: DEP considers changing route of Mariner East pipeline after Marsh Creek spill
Bucks County Courier Times: Federal judge tosses suit to overturn natural gas drilling ban in the Delaware River Basin 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Bill prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals introduced again in state House 
Post-Gazette: Rallying enviro groups call out Allegheny County’s Fitzgerald as a fossil-fuel friend 
Post-Gazette: As pandemic fades, officials wonder what happens next for Allegheny County Jail’s population
Post-Gazette: Juneteenth $140k bill ‘rescinded,’ says organizer 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Environmentalists call for Fitzgerald to withdraw support from fracking, petrochemical industries
Tribune Review: Natural gas price drop means less money for towns 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 26 New COVID-19 Cases, 4 Additional Deaths
City Paper: Allegheny County gets grant to help reduce jail population through enhanced probation services

SWPA 
WTAE: Pennsylvania auditor general cites misuse of Alternative Sentencing Program by Washington County judges
KDKA: City Of Washington Police Chief Says He Wants Body Cameras Before A Review Board
Tribune Review: Ligonier approves resolution to support anti-gerrymandering bill
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State representative accepting nominations for volunteerism award
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 cases steadily declining, but positivity rates rising among ages 0 to 49
Observer-Reporter: Few new COVID-19 cases reported across the state over weekend

NEPA
Citizens Voice: County council to interview applicants for interim manager to replace Pedri 
Citizens Voice: Gas impact fees generate $146M for Pennsylvania counties, municipalities
Citizens Voice: More than 1,900 residents added to fully vaccinated list
Times-Tribune: Gas impact fees generate $146M for Pennsylvania counties, municipalities
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 cases hitting new lows
The Times Leader: Luzerne County screening attorneys for court challenge over DA race timing
The Times Leader: Seven apply for Luzerne County acting manager post
The Times Leader: 4 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Monday; 170 statewide 

South Central 
Patriot News: Marijuana activists rally in Harrisburg to remind state legislators of the need for cannabis reform
York Dispatch: Hanover mayor will have no opponent on November ballot
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County Commissioner proposes making Juneteenth a county holiday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Over 100 protesters march to demand LGH rescind its COVID-19 vaccine policy
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County updates mask policy for county buildings
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 1 new probable COVID-19 cases reported for Cumberland County Monday

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Increasing gas taxes suggested as temporary solution to PennDOT funding crisis
Reading Eagle: Is it time for Berks County to conduct a property reassessment? It’s a little complicated.
Reading Eagle: Almost 40% of Berks County’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID, state data show
WFMZ: Berks Co. Senator, supporters rally in Harrisburg for dog law enforcement funding
Express Times: Pa. Turnpike unveils a possible remedy to the growing issue of truck parking 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Waterford zoning case: Will council settle suit against its president?
Erie Times-News: Millcreek neighborhood asks FAA to stop multifamily development proposed near Erie airport
Erie Times-News: COVID-19: Erie County surpasses 50% vaccination milestone
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: COVID variant increases need for vaccination

Opinion  
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Awful ‘audit’ idea hatched by GOP in Pa.
Inquirer Editorial Board: Is probation the key to gun violence prevention? Not the way Philly is trying. 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Slow down, yinz guys
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Teaching 9/​11
John L. Micek: Survey: Pa. School officials overwhelmingly say they will use COVID relief money to fill a year of lost learning | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Andrew Shoffner: The plan to consolidate Pa. State System universities is short-sighted. Vote ‘No’
Adam Marles: Pa. is reopening, but the pandemic continues in nursing homes. We need help in the state budget
Nancy Wilt, Michael Faccinetto, and Karen Beck Pooley: Pennsylvania gets chance to fix broken school funding systems
Teri Henning: The legislature must support additional funding for home healthcare
David Jenkins: Delivering conservative leadership on climate change
David L. Faust: Repeal the state sales tax
Diana Lind: How To Make The Parkway Grand Again 
Deanna Burney: Philly’s district should spend less money on contractors and more on the schools
Jenice Armstrong: This Father’s Day, what dads of gun violence victims really need is support
Emily Savidge: Living through the pandemic changed my mind on forced ‘positive’ thinking
Ernest Owens: I’m Boycotting the Philly Pride Parade Until It’s Under New Leadership
Frank Suran: Make voting worthwhile to get more voters to the polls
Murali Balaji: Hindu Americans can lead in embracing the Equality Act 
Jeffrey Barg: Jill Biden isn’t the real Jilly from Philly