Charlie Gerow joins the GOP race for Governor. Here is the Playbook. 

2022 GOP Hopefuls Shred Wolf and Election Laws at PLC: Jockeying for the support of committed conservative activists, candidates aired grievances about Wolf’s handling of COVID-19 plus the state’s current election laws.

‘Charlie Gerow, GOP political strategist, joins governor’s race: ‘This is not some ego trip for me’: PennLive reports that “Charlie Gerow, the GOP strategist and regular commentator on TV and in the pages of The Patriot-News,” announced a bid for Governor. 

‘Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge hospitalized after suffering a stroke’: PennLive reports “Former Gov. Tom Ridge is in critical but stable condition at a hospital in Washington, D.C., where he was transported by ambulance on Wednesday morning after suffering a stroke at his home in Bethesda, Md, according to a longtime aide.”

‘Pa. certifies its 2021 primary election results: Here are the final results’: PennLive reports that “The Pennsylvania 2021 primary results are official,” are provide a list of the final results for multiple counties in the Harrisburg region. 

PennLive Highlights PSERS Pension Scandal: PennLive detailed the PSERS pension scandal in a story titled, “What is PSERS? A look inside the pension fund being investigated by the FBI.”

‘Veto-bound mixed-drink to-go bill passes Pennsylvania Senate’: The Associated Press reports that “The Republican-controlled state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation that substantially expands which outlets can sell bottles or cans of mixed hard alcohol drinks to go, although Democrats called it a poison pill that will kill other provisions designed to help restaurants and bars.” 

‘College Township council member considering run for Kerry Benninghoff’s PA House seat’: The Centre Daily Times reports that Democrat Paul Takac, a College Township council member, “announced this week that he has launched an exploratory committee” for the state House’s 171st District, a seat held by House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre). 

Shapiro Talks to the Bucks County Courier Times: Attorney General Josh Shapiro says the “GOP Big Lie is a danger to democracy,” in an interview with Phil Gianficaro of the Bucks County Courier Times.

Perry Talks To FOX43’s Capitol Beat: Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) joined FOX43’s Capitol Beat to talk about “the election, opposition, and PTSD in first FOX43 interview since Jan. 6.” 

‘Scott Perry votes against awarding medal to police who defended Capitol on Jan. 6’: The York Dispatch reports Rep. Scott Perry (R-York) “joined 20 GOP colleagues to oppose awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to all police officers who defended the Capitol during the violent Jan. 6 riots.”

‘Should Pa. lawmakers implement voter ID requirements?’: City & State PA talked to “several experts about the potential impacts of a voter ID requirement.”

‘A once in a lifetime opportunity’: House, Senate Dems want to use stimulus cash to address lead, asbestos in Pa. schools’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports “Democratic lawmakers in the state House and Senate say they want to spend $600 million in federal stimulus money to fix public schools from Scranton to Philadelphia inundated with lead and asbestos.”

‘After five years, advocates praise Philly pre-K, blame tax opponents for missed enrollment targets’: WHYY reports that “Wednesday marks the five-year anniversary of the legislation enacting Philadelphia’s expanded pre-K program, funded by Mayor Jim Kenney’s controversial tax on sweetened beverages. 

‘Potential crisis for democracy’: Threats to election workers could spur mass retirements’: POLITICO reports “Election workers and watchdogs say that after these officials preserved the integrity of the 2020 election despite enormous pressure from former President Donald Trump and allies, the climate could kick off a “brain drain” in their field.”

‘West Philly vies to host the nation’s official Juneteenth celebration’: WHYY reports “The Pennsylvania Juneteenth Initiative (PAJI) is behind the city’s Juneteenth Parade and Festival, which the organization hopes will one day become the official national celebration.” 

‘Old Forge appoints new councilman, new president’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that Old Forge council “voted 3-2 on Tuesday to appoint Republican Michael Komensky, 57, to serve out the remainder of former Councilman Robert Semenza’s term, which expires Jan. 3, 2022.  

‘In a first, Lancaster County recognizes Juneteenth with proclamation’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports “Lancaster County Government recognizes Juneteenth with a county proclamation.”

‘Luzerne County judge rejects election recount request’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Luzerne County won’t have to recount all May 18 primary Republican ballots in the county council race, a judge decided Tuesday. Ronald Knapp, who lost a Republican nomination for county council by 57 votes, had filed paperwork seeking a hand recount and reconciliation.”

‘DA blasts state audit on Washington County’s community service program’: According to the Observer-Reporter, Washington County District Attorney Gene Vittone is “blasting the state auditor general’s recent report on the county’s community service program for criminal defendants while calling one part of the audit “disingenuous” and questioning its overall accuracy.”

‘Parents sue over Black Lives Matter lessons in Lehigh Valley school district’: Lehigh Valley Live reports that “a pair of Christian parents sued the East Penn School District, claiming their children should be exempt from lessons concerning the Black Lives Matter movement.”

‘Chester County safest in the nation in pandemic mitigation’: The Daily Local News reports that “more than 92 percent of adults in Chester County are now fully or partially vaccinated for coronavirus.”

Owens to Fundraise for Barnette: Congressman Burgess Owens (R-UT) will be joining Kathy Barnette, a conservative commentator and former GOP congressional candidate who is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, for a dinner supporting Barnette’s campaign on Thursday evening. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Aide says former Homeland Security head Tom Ridge had stroke 
AP: Conservative activist to run for Pennsylvania governor
AP: Veto-bound mixed-drink to-go bill passes Pennsylvania Senate 
AP: Senators Would Stop ‘Micropolitan’ Label For 144 US Cities, Including State College 
AP: Judge to mediate dispute over Columbus statue in Pittsburgh
Spotlight PA: Fired Pa. contractor seeks to secure contact tracing data after learning personal info still online
Patriot News: Former Pa. Gov. Tom Ridge hospitalized after suffering a stroke
Patriot News: Pa. certifies its 2021 primary election results: Here are the final results
Patriot News: Charlie Gerow, GOP political strategist, joins governor’s race: ‘This is not some ego trip for me’
Patriot News: What is PSERS? A look inside the pension fund being investigated by the FBI
Patriot News: Expanded access to ready-to-drink cocktails takes another step forward in Pa.
Patriot News: Pa. lawmakers condemn Ocean City, Md. police for arrest of Harrisburg teens
Patriot News: Pa. reports 312 additional cases, 17 additional deaths: COVID-19 daily update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Former Pa. Gov. Ridge hospitalized after stroke, in critical but stable condition 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘A once in a lifetime opportunity’: House, Senate Dems want to use stimulus cash to address lead, asbestos in Pa. schools 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We are running out of time.’ Senate advances legislation to make to-go cocktails permanent
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Housing is not infrastructure. Housing is housing,’ Pa.’s Toomey says as mayors plead for help to alleviate housing crisis 
City & State PA: Should Pa. lawmakers implement voter ID requirements? 
City & State PA: Wawa vs. Sheetz: Let’s look at some stats leading up to the big debate 
City & State PA: Poll shows support for early voting and more funding for Pa. elections
Erie Times-News: Former governor Tom Ridge in critical, but stable condition after stroke
Erie Times-News: Friends, colleagues offer well wishes for former Gov. Tom Ridge, who suffered a stroke
USA Today: Will Pa. join regional climate change pacts? Lawmakers want a say in the decision.
Times-Tribune: Poll shows COVID-19 concerns sharply decline as vaccines flourish
PLSReporter: Senate narrowly passes bill reinstating and expanding to-go cocktails
WESA: State Plan Seeks To Privatize Some Aging Services, Draws Criticism
Inquirer: Pa. bars and restaurants can no longer sell cocktails to-go, and outdoor dining must return to pre-pandemic levels
Fox News: Tom Ridge suffers stroke, hospitalized in critical condition
Post-Gazette: Former Pa. governor Tom Ridge critical but stable after stroke
Post-Gazette: Republicans continue push against tolling nine state bridges
Post-Gazette: A week in, Pa. officials say new unemployment compensation system is working smoothly; others disagree
Philadelphia Business Journal: Wolf, lawmakers spar over controversial amendments to Pennsylvania’s cocktails to-go bill
KYW Newsradio: Governor, Pa. Democrats push for LGBTQ protections with Fairness Act
KYW Newsradio: Struggling with the new unemployment compensation system? L&I assures help is on the way
National Journal: Keys to the Keystone State 
The Hill: Ex-Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge hospitalized after stroke 
Citizens Voice: Poll shows COVID-19 concerns sharply decline as vaccines flourish
Politico: ‘Potential crisis for democracy’: Threats to election workers could spur mass retirements 
CNN: Ex-Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge hospitalized after suffering stroke  

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: After five years, advocates praise Philly pre-K, blame tax opponents for missed enrollment targets
WHYY Newsworks: West Philly vies to host the nation’s official Juneteenth celebration
WHYY Newsworks: Kensington encampments persist after a lawsuit, a canceled sweep, and protest
WHYY Newsworks: COVID expanded outdoor dining — and Philly officials say some changes may stay
Philadelphia Tribune: Kenney details racial, police reforms a year after George Floyd protests 
Philadelphia Magazine: Isaac Scott Photographed Philly’s Summer of Protest. Now He’s Won a National Magazine Award 
KYW Newsradio: Council committee passes bill for dumping fines of up to $1,000
Philly Voice: Philly releases first report on city’s progress addressing systemic racism
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia lawyer to receive American Bar Association’s highest honor
Philadelphia Citizen: Growing The Prison-To-Business Pipeline 
Philadelphia Citizen: The Story Of The Storytellers 
Inquirer: A confrontation is avoided as protesters of a Kensington clear out find common ground with those supporting it 
Inquirer: Consuewella Dotson Africa, longtime MOVE member, dies at 67

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: AG Shapiro on GOP voter suppression and The Big Lie 
Daily Local News: Chester County safest in the nation in pandemic mitigation 
Delco Daily Times: Radnor considers added protections to its historic sites
Bucks Local News: Bucks County lawmakers announce $870K in funding for local services, organizations 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County COVID-19 data hub and dashboards recognized for excellence 
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to fall in Montgomery County

Pittsburgh  
Post-Gazette: City Council discusses bill to increase pay for lifeguards at Pittsburgh pools
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh city employees will begin returning to their offices next week 
Post-Gazette: Is Donald Trump still president? Are aliens in cahoots with NASA?
Tribune Review: Judge to mediate dispute over Columbus statue in Schenley Park 
Tribune Review: Tarentum Democrat wins Republican nomination for mayor; 3rd Ward seat also to be contested
Tribune Review: In Allegheny County, 420 ‘breakthrough’ covid cases out of more than 600K fully vaccinated residents
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County hails Covid-19 vaccination rates
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 65 New Coronavirus Cases Over Last 48 Hours
WESA: New ‘Toxic 10’ List Outlines Worst Industrial Polluters in Allegheny County 
WESA: Pittsburgh’s Columbus Statue Remains Standing While Court Dispute Continues

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Gas impact fee revenue declines in Pennsylvania; Beaver County to see $425K 
Observer-Reporter: DA blasts state audit on Washington County’s community service program 
Observer-Reporter: Pennsylvania weeks away from COVID-19 herd immunity
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Senate GOP tout alternative to bridge tolling plan 
Tribune Review: Write-in votes creates race for Irwin mayor
Altoona Mirror: ‘Micropolitan’ label disputed
Altoona Mirror: Commissioners face taxing issues

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Old Forge appoints new councilman, new president 
Times-Tribune: Majority Lackawanna County commissioners vote to solicit proposals for countywide property reassessment 
Times-Tribune: After massive landfill expansion approved, Scranton City Council calls for state audit of DEP’s process 
Times-Tribune: Pennsylvania unlikely to hit scheduled target for vaccinations
Citizens Voice: Election board certifies results of May 18 primary; complaints continue about election problems
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre mayor’s recovery plan: Cut fees, issue stimulus checks 
Citizens Voice: Larksville police cite Forty Fort mayor for school board meeting confrontation 
Citizens Voice: County council set to name acting manager next week 
Citizens Voice: More than 700 residents added to county’s fully vaccinated list
The Times Leader: Luzerne County judge rejects election recount request
The Times Leader: 4 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Wednesday; 312 statewide 

South Central 
FOX43: Congressman Scott Perry talks about the election, opposition, and PTSD in first FOX43 interview since Jan. 6 | FOX43 Capitol Beat
York Daily Record: ‘It’s all garbage’: Why PA Rep. Scott Perry rejects medals for police who defended Capitol
York Dispatch: Scott Perry votes against awarding medal to police who defended Capitol on Jan. 6
York Dispatch: York City Council OK’s new director of community and economic development
LNP | LancasterOnline: In a first, Lancaster County recognizes Juneteenth with proclamation
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 7 new cases of COVID-19 reported Wednesday in Cumberland County
Patriot News: Pa. lawmakers condemn Ocean City, Md. police for arrest of Harrisburg teens

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Senate approves drinks-to-go measure to help restaurants and bars; detractors say it will do more harm than good
WFMZ: PennDOT’s proposal to toll 9 bridges faces large opposition
WFMZ: The end of to-go drinks in Pa. comes as a shock to local restaurants
Express Times: Parents sue over Black Lives Matter lessons in Lehigh Valley school district
Express Times: Juneteenth 2021: When and where to find events in the Lehigh Valley; what’s open, what’s closed?
Reading Eagle: Berks County vaccination rolls rise by about 5,000 in a week

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: College Township council member considering run for Kerry Benninghoff’s PA House seat
Erie Times-News: Should Biden receive Communion? What is Erie Catholic Bishop Persico’s stance?
Erie Times-News: Thomas J. Ridge collection, archives at Mercyhurst University in Erie
Erie Times-News: About 25% of Erie County’s teens have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County Commissioners speak on display controversy
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Impact fee to boost economy, despite $55 million dip in distribution
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Borough meeting postponed

Opinion  
Paul Muschick: A surprising thing about Republican Pennsylvania election reform – it would do more good than harm
Paul Muschick: Ginned-up controversy over takeout cocktails is Pennsylvania politics at its worst
Scott L. Bohn: To protect public safety and preserve infrastructure, Pa. should not allow heavier trucks on its highways 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Mass exodus of election officials presents real threat to integrity of vote
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Conversation, compromise needed to craft effective charter school reform
Inquirer: Philly sandwich showdown: Hoagies vs. cheesesteaks | Pro/Con
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Tolling bridges in Pennsylvania is not the answer to revenue needs for maintenance
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Realism plus? 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A rash of recent cyberattacks emphasizes the importance of investing in cybersecurity
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: CMU’s record grant will go toward investing in robotics, manufacturing technologies
Michelle Mardenborough: Voting should be easier, not harder, in Pennsylvania
Gene Therapy: Immoral and stupid, suppression will fail
Tom Ferrick: As ATVs overrun Philly, it feels like we’re living in Mad Max
John L. Micek: The pandemic hit these Pa. students hard. They’re looking to a better tomorrow | Thursday Morning Coffee 
Joyce M. Davis: From LGBTQ rights to climate change, today’s teens aren’t afraid to differ from the view of their parents | Social Views
Walter Tsou, MD, MPH: We need a new model of energy
Feng Jiao: Carbon dioxide removal can help solve the climate crisis and boost our economy
Dena Ferrara Driscoll: Philly public schools need to ditch uniform policies before September
Jeff Parks: Why Bethlehem needs a pedestrian bridge over the Lehigh River