Rep. Madeleine Dean announced she will not run for U.S. Senate in 2022. Here is the Playbook.

Dean Rules Out Senate Run: Congresswoman Madeleine Dean told the Philadelphia Inquirer that she hopes in the “not too distant future” to become a member of the House appropriations committee.

‘GOP’s major election overhaul advances in Pa. House as Democrats call it a ‘farce’: Spotlight PA reports “Pennsylvania Republicans in the state House advanced their proposed election overhaul legislation Tuesday over the strong objections of Democrats, who called it an attack on voting rights.”

‘How a Trump ally rode Trump’s election fraud lie to political prominence’: POLITICO reports that state Sen. “Doug Mastriano’s determined efforts to discredit the 2020 election results have made him a contender for Pennsylvania governor.”

Wolf Talks to KDKA Radio: Gov. Tom Wolf talked about “joining the RGGI, how to prevent an energy crisis, lifting mask mandates earlier than June 28 and more” during an interview on the KDKA Radio Morning Show with Larry Richet and Kevin Battle. 

‘Mastriano letter part of U.S. House investigation into Jan. 6 attack on Capitol’: WITF reports that “A letter from Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano that includes numerous false claims about Pennsylvania’s 2020 election has surfaced in a U.S. House committee’s investigation into the causes of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.”

‘Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 emergency declaration formally ends’: The Associated Press reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration on Tuesday certified the results of the May primary election, bringing a formal end to the disaster emergency declaration that the Democrat first issued at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

‘Bill to let Philly voters recall elected officials gets vote’: The Associated Press reports “Philadelphians would be able to hold an election to remove elected officials under a bill the House State Government Committee advanced Tuesday on party lines.”

‘Wolf joins Democratic legislators to push anti-discrimination bill to support the LGBTQ community in Pa.’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Midway through Pride Month, Gov. Tom Wolf and Democratic allies in the General Assembly have announced their latest push to pass anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians.”

‘It’s last call — for now for to-go cocktails, as House and Senate jockey over bill’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports “Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 disaster declaration is over, and to-go cocktails are ending with it — at least until lawmakers approve a bill that lets sales continue.”

‘Pennsylvania state representative Malcolm Kenyatta calls voting bill ‘artisanal voter suppression’: The Philadelphia Inquirer released a video of state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) addressing House Bill 1300 at a House State Government Committee meeting. 

Martin Talks to City & State PA: City & State PA interviews Dr. Jamie Martin, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, about her “concerns” with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s school integration plan. 

‘Longtime gaming opponent Pa. House Speaker Bryan Cutler returns campaign contributions from ‘games of skill’ PAC’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports House Speaker Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) “said Tuesday he returned $38,500 in campaign contributions from political action committees associated with the skill games industry.”

‘Lancaster County’s 16 superintendents, union presidents send letter to Martin opposing his school reform bill’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “The leaders of Lancaster County’s school districts and teachers unions last week sent a letter to state Sen. Scott Martin, voicing their opposition to Martin’s bill that would ease the expansion of charter schools in the state and give businesses the ability to steer more of their tax dollars directly to charters and other private schools.” 

‘Martin bill adds cyber charter discount for districts, cuts proposed commission to circumvent school boards’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “School districts could get a slight discount on payments to cyber charter schools and would maintain their authority to approve charter schools in the latest iteration of a school reform proposal” by state Sen. Scott Martin (R-Lancaster).

‘Anna Verna, first woman president of Philadelphia City Council, dead at 90’: WHYY reports that Anna Verna, who was the first and only woman to serve as president of Philadelphia City Council, died at the age of 90. 

‘Kenney, Council getting even closer to new budget agreement, but not done yet’: KYW Newsradio reports “Philadelphia City Council and Mayor Jim Kenney have made some progress in budget negotiations, agreeing on a package of modest tax cuts. However, they have some hurdles still to overcome in getting a new budget agreement.”

‘A controversial Philly parking tax-cut proposal has collapsed’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports “City Council Majority Leader Cherelle Parker abandoned her controversial proposal to cut Philadelphia’s parking tax Tuesday after fierce criticism from progressives and urban development advocates.”

‘Don’t blame police reform for Philly’s skyrocketing murder rate, Kenney says’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney “said police reform shouldn’t be conflated with the unrelenting gun violence that has the city preparing for what could be its deadliest summer ever.”

‘City Council bill aims to protect neighbors from construction accidents’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia City Council “could vote Thursday on a bill intended to ensure excavation work is being done safely by qualified contractors and that neighbors are better informed about construction work.” 

‘Commissioner Josh Parsons warns against new infrastructure spending in senate testimony’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports “Lancaster County Commissioner Josh Parsons on Tuesday urged Congress not to burden future generations with debt to pay for a big infrastructure proposal backed by President Joe Biden, especially, he said, since large portions of coronavirus relief funds have yet to be spent.”

‘Former Old Forge Council President Semenza pleads guilty to taking bribes’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports “In a subdued voice, former Old Forge Borough Council President Robert Semenza on Tuesday told a federal judge he took bribes to help a business owner being sued by the borough.”

‘Reading learns about the $61 million it will receive from the American Rescue Plan’: The Reading Eagle reports that “Reading is slated to receive more than $61 million from the American Rescue Plan passed by Congress this year and will have until 2026 to use the funds.” 

‘Luzerne County council candidate’s recount request denied’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Luzerne County council candidate Ronald Knapp lost his quest for a hand recount of all May 18 primary election Republican ballots cast in that race.”

‘York City Council approves $280K purchase of body and in-car cameras’: The York Dispatch reports “The York City Police Department will receive 40 new body cameras and 20 in-car camera systems under a $280,000 agreement unanimously approved by York City Council on Tuesday.”

Kenyatta To Talk to Inquirer LIVE on Wednesday Evening: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, will be talking to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s digital editor Annie Bryan in a one-hour special interview on Wednesday evening about “the fight for LGBTQ+ rights after a year of marriage equality facing threats of reversal, as well as their own personal experiences as engaged, queer people.”

Richey To Campaign in Centre and Adams Counties: According to a press release, Jason Richey, a partner at Pittsburgh’s K&L Gates law firm who is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor in 2022, will be meeting with various “businesses and political leaders” in State College and Gettysburg on Wednesday and Thursday. 

Zama Calls for ‘New Kind of Leadership’ In Video: Dr. Nche Zama, a renowned cardiothoracic surgeon who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor in 2022, released a video discussing his belief that Pennsylvania is in need of a “new kind of leadership.”

Christus Joins Senate Banking Committee GOP Staff: POLITICO reports that Nicole Christus, who was previously a staffer on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, is “joining the Senate Banking Committee Republican staff” to “work for ranking member” Sen. Pat Toomey.

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: GOP’s major election overhaul advances in Pa. House as Democrats call it a ‘farce’ 
Spotlight PA: Wolf, Pa. Democrats again push for passage of LGBTQ discrimination protections
AP: Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 emergency declaration formally ends 
AP: Republican election bill pushed ahead over Dems’ objections 
AP: Mixed drinks to-go legislation in peril in Pennsylvania 
AP: Bill to let Philly voters recall elected officials gets vote
Inquirer: Pa. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean won’t run for Senate, further shaping 2022 Democratic primary
Inquirer: Pennsylvania state representative Malcolm Kenyatta calls voting bill ‘artisanal voter suppression’
Inquirer: A GOP strategist who worked for Reagan will run for Pa. governor as a ‘conservative happy warrior’
Patriot News: Wolf, lawmakers renew push for anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ community 
Patriot News: The party is over for cocktails-to-go in Pennsylvania – or is it?
Patriot News: Only 1 Pa. county has high COVID-19 spread as state positivity test rate falls below 2%
Patriot News: Pa. reports 24 new deaths, 453 cases: COVID-19 daily update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Elections officials, advocates see some to like — but a lot to raise eyebrows — in Pa. House GOP election bill 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf joins Democratic legislators to push anti-discrimination bill to support the LGBTQ community in Pa. 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s last call — for now for to-go cocktails, as House and Senate jockey over bill 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. utility companies say they can meet summer 2021 energy needs 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Trump wanted U.S. Supreme Court to order new election in Pa., other states 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Teachers come under pressure as politicians, parents battle over ‘critical race theory’
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers mull end to extra federal COVID-19 unemployment benefits and advance bill to stop employers from requiring vaccine
Morning Call: Pennsylvania drug disaster declaration to continue; most recent data shows 5,399 dead of overdoses in 12 months
York Daily Record: Cases are down. Mask rules are lifting. We’re all tired of COVID. Is the pandemic over in PA?
York Daily Record: Will PA put to-go cocktails on ice? Wolf urges Senate to legalize to-go alcohol for good.
USA Today: End the “embarrassment” of Pa. not banning sexual orientation discrimination, Democrats urge 
WITF: Mastriano letter part of U.S. House investigation into Jan. 6 attack on Capitol
City & State PA: APSCUF President Dr. Jamie Martin: ‘The students have to be heard’
WESA: Acting Physician General Says Pennsylvania Could Still Reach 70% Vaccination Before The State’s Mask Order Expires
Post-Gazette: Voting overhaul package passes Pa. House committee — with only GOP support
Post-Gazette: State’s top doctor thinks Pa. will reach Wolf’s vaccination goal
PLSReporter: Wolf pushes back against Republican election legislation
KYW Newsradio: GOP-backed election reform bill moves forward in state House
National Journal: HOTLINE EXTRA: Madeleine Dean rules out Senate bid
KDKA: ‘The COVID-19 Pandemic Is Not Over,’ Pennsylvania Health Leaders Say
KDKA: State Lawmakers Seeking To Reintroduce The ‘Fairness Act,’ Increase LGBTQ+ Protections Under State Law  
The Hill: Pennsylvania Rep. Madeleine Dean won’t run for Senate
The Hill: Pennsylvania ends COVID-19 emergency declaration 
The Hill: Past criticism of Trump becomes potent weapon in GOP primaries
The Hill: Study: People in five states were infected before first coronavirus cases were confirmed
Politico: How a Trump ally rode Trump’s election fraud lie to political prominence
CNN: Pennsylvania House committee advances election overhaul bill with new restrictions 
CNN: Democrats, led by Cortez Masto, seek answers from Citizenship and Immigration Services on DACA delays 
CNN: Congressional Gold Medal vote for January 6 police officers overwhelmingly passes House as 21 Republicans vote no
Huffington Post: After Criticizing Trump, GOP Senate Candidates Now Desperate For His Endorsement  

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: RIP Anna Verna, first and only woman president of Philadelphia City Council
Billy Penn: Philly to hit 70% partially vaxxed, higher than other cities — despite health department setbacks 
Inquirer: Anna Verna, the first and only woman to serve as president of Philadelphia City Council, dies at 90
Inquirer: Don’t blame police reform for Philly’s skyrocketing murder rate, Kenney says
Inquirer: A controversial Philly parking tax-cut proposal has collapsed
Inquirer: City Council bill aims to protect neighbors from construction accidents
Inquirer: The battle in Philly DA’s Office: Conviction Integrity Unit report shows rocky path to reform
Inquirer: With the end of the pandemic, so goes cocktails to-go
Inquirer: Pa. attorney general alleges $10 million Medicaid fraud in Philly for transportation and home care
Inquirer: Photos of the late Anna Verna
WHYY Newsworks: Anna Verna, first woman president of Philadelphia City Council, dead at 90 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly’s proposed parking tax cut dies in council budget talks 
WHYY Newsworks: Kenney offers sober progress report on Philly’s fight against systemic racism 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly DA turns to residents for solutions to city’s gun violence epidemic 
WHYY Newsworks: Krasner finds ‘horrendous abuses of power’ among cops, prosecutors in special report 
KYW Newsradio: First female president of Philadelphia City Council dies at 90
KYW Newsradio: Kenney, Council getting even closer to new budget agreement, but not done yet
KYW Newsradio: Philly government, police make progress in fighting systemic racism, commission says
Philadelphia Business Journal: As city reports progress, Kenney says Philadelphia must do more to improve racial equity
Philadelphia Tribune: Local leaders call for significant investment in Black businesses 

SEPA
Inquirer: Pa. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean won’t run for Senate, further shaping 2022 Democratic primary
Delco Daily Times: Clean-up continues at Brookhaven spill site as residents worry about long-term effects
KYW Newsradio: School goes remote for final week due to gasoline spill in Delco
Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania DEP inches closer to setting PFAS limits 
Bucks Local News: COVID cases, hospitalizations plunge as vaccination campaign continues in Bucks County

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Advocates And Lawmakers Question State Plan For Senior Services, Say It Would Hurt Local Area Agencies On Aging
Post-Gazette: Impact fee payments shrink as natural gas price, drilling declined in 2020
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh launches Pedestrian Safety Action Plan; meeting Wednesday
Post-Gazette: Port Authority receives unexpected $19.3 milion federal grant for Bus Rapid Transit
Tribune Review: Pa. physician general, local health leaders tour UPMC outpatient facility to tout treatment, continue vaccine push
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh city, labor leaders cry foul over work being done at Sheraton Station Square hotel
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Offices, Facilities Closing Friday In Observance Of Juneteenth
KDKA: 2k Dead From COVID-19 In Allegheny County As US Death Toll Tops 600k
Pittsburgh Business Times: Back to Downtown Q&A: Laura Drogowski is finding pathways for people 
Pittsburgh Business Times: City of Pittsburgh announces return-to-office plans for staff

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: $33 million in impact fee money coming to SW Pennsylvania communities this year 
Observer-Reporter: Washington, Greene counties to receive grants for affordable housing projects 
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 death reported in Washington County 
Tribune Review: Commissioners remain silent on suspended Westmoreland election bureau director
KDKA: Local Governments Will Get Less Money From Gas Drilling This Year
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Lawmakers begin moving election bills, setting up showdown with Wolf 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset commissioners designate $350,000 for preliminary work on Summit Township bridge project 
Altoona Mirror: City Council lifts virus restrictions

NEPA
The Times Leader: NEPA Democrats share frustration as national agenda faces hurdles 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County council candidate’s recount request denied 
The Times Leader: Prospective law firms identified for DA election timing litigation 
The Times Leader: 9 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Tuesday; 1 death
Citizens Voice: Judge rejects Knapp’s primary recount effort 
Citizens Voice: More than 1,200 county residents added to fully vaccinated list
Times-Tribune: Former Old Forge Council President Semenza pleads guilty to taking bribes 
Times-Tribune: Scranton officials demand Lackawanna County reduce delinquent tax attorney fees 
Times-Tribune: Covington Twp. accepts two supervisor resignations 
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 deaths declining in NEPA

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Longtime gaming opponent Pa. House Speaker Bryan Cutler returns campaign contributions from ‘games of skill’ PAC 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County’s 16 superintendents, union presidents send letter to Martin opposing his school reform bill 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Martin bill adds cyber charter discount for districts, cuts proposed commission to circumvent school boards
LNP | LancasterOnline: Commissioner Josh Parsons warns against new infrastructure spending in senate testimony 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County COVID-19 case and death rates drop to lowest levels since start of pandemic
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 7 new COVID-19 cases reported for Cumberland County Tuesday 
York Dispatch: York City Council approves $280K purchase of body and in-car cameras

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Planning underway for how Reading will allocate $61M in relief funds
WFMZ: Juneteenth becomes official Reading holiday this year
WFMZ: Fairness Act reintroduced by Gov. Wolf to support members of the LGBTQ community
WFMZ: Reading City Council steps in on illegal dirt bike issue, pass ordinances to assist police
Reading Eagle: Reading learns about the $61 million it will receive from the American Rescue Plan
Reading Eagle: Reading declares Juneteenth a city holiday
Reading Eagle: Reading will take a few months to study dangerous intersections
Reading Eagle: Pa. found ‘forever chemicals’ in Berks drinking water. Here’s what you need to know
Reading Eagle: 1,544 more Berks County residents finish COVID vaccination process
Morning Call: Freedom to fry? Allentown restaurateurs, council members seek repeal of ban in certain neighborhoods
Morning Call: Northampton County water rate hike to be subject of public hearing
Morning Call: Things to know about Juneteenth 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City considers firm to assist with economic strategy
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Area agencies to receive money for housing assistance
Erie Times-News: COVID-19: Erie County surpasses 50% vaccination milestone
Erie Times-News: Millcreek neighborhood asks FAA to stop multifamily development proposed near Erie airport
Erie Times-News: Owners of 10 Erie County parcels pay combined millions in property tax
Centre Daily Times: Centre County construction company Glenn O. Hawbaker sued over wage theft allegations

Opinion  
Paul Muschick: Ghost guns: Allentown shooting hammers home the danger
Marc Stier: This year, we need a Pa. budget for the people – not just the powerful
Inquirer Editorial Board: Expand speed cameras beyond Roosevelt Boulevard 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Beyond beer, donuts and lotteries: Best reason to get vaccinated is to be protected from COVID-19
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Local companies increasing wages benefits everyone
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: President Biden’s tougher stance on China will make the U.S. more competitive
John L. Micek: On DACA’s anniversary, a Dreamer dreams of a path to citizenship for all | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Darin Fox: What is needed to properly enforce Pennsylvania dog laws
Salena Zito: Where’s the beef? Thanks to Russian hackers, it’s ever closer to home
Shoba Sivaprasad Wadhia: U.S. immigration laws need to align with American values 
Corinne Pierce: Legislators must pass Senate Bill 225 to stop delays in medical treatment
Paul M. Kellermann: Penn State should require faculty, students and staff to be vaccinated, like more than 500 other colleges
Abdul-Aliy Muhammad: After 40 years, AIDS still devastates communities of color
John Plonski: Pennsylvania’s national parks and their gateway cities can lead American renewal
Brian King, Andrea Rishworth, and Ruchi Patel: Spike in opioid overdose deaths during pandemic reinforces need for a holistic approach to public health issues
Richard Master: Don’t let Mideast peace slip from our grasp again
Kevin Schreiber: The boost of an outdoor economy in York County
Trudy Rubin: Three cheers for Biden not holding a joint press conference with Putin