Inside Elections keeps Pennsylvania’s governor’s race in the “battleground” category, while PoliticsPA asks who should Republicans nominate for Governor in 2022. Here is the Playbook. 

Reader Poll: Who Should Republicans Nominate for Governor in 2022?: Republicans have already begun lining up for the 2022 open statewide seat, while chatter on the Democratic side has been quiet.

Reader Poll: Democrats Should Nominate Kenyatta for U.S. Senate in 2022: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta edged out Rep. Conor Lamb in the PoliticsPA Reader poll on who the Democrats should nominate for U.S. Senate in 2022. Kenyatta secured 38% of the vote, while Lamb tallied 35% of the vote in the eight candidate poll.

Inside Elections Keeps PA Governor Race As A ‘Battleground’ In Latest Ratings: Pennsylvania remains as one of eleven states listed under the “battleground” category.

‘Budgeteers hashing out ed funding, use of coronavirus money’: The Associated Press reports “Pennsylvania’s plans for its share of coronavirus relief and a potential boost in education funding are among the issues being negotiated as lawmakers and the governor entered the final week of their budget year on Thursday.”

USA Today Highlights What To Watch in PA Budget: USA Today provides an update on the talks between lawmakers and Gov. Tom Wolf as we approach the budget deadline and details “5 things to watch.” 

‘Bill banning COVID-19 ‘vaccine passports’ on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf, who vows veto’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports “legislation that would ban local and county governments, as well as public school districts and colleges and universities from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccinations, colloquially referred to as “vaccine passports,” is on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk.”

‘Fight over to-go cocktails spills back into Pa. Senate’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports “In the span of two hours Thursday afternoon, the Pennsylvania House stripped out language approving the private sale of canned cocktails from a bill permanently legalizing to-go mixed drinks, before approving it 170-31. The proposal now returns to the Senate, which cracked open a three-way political fight between restaurants, the liquor lobby, and the union representing public liquor system employees over whether private alcohol sellers could edge in on a $31.8 million — and growing — market for pre-packaged mixed drinks.”

‘Bill allowing students to repeat a grade due to COVID-19 goes to Gov. Wolf. But will he sign it?’: PennLive reports “legislation that gives parents the option of having their child repeat a grade due to COVID-19-related disruptions in their education this past year is going to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk…  A Wolf spokeswoman said the governor will review the bill when it gets to his desk.”

‘Casey Unveils New Legislation To Expand Access to Home Care’: WESA reports “Sen. Bob Casey announced legislation Thursday that would help more seniors and people with disabilities access at-home care through Medicaid.”

City & State PA’s Biggest Winners & Losers This Week: City & State PA highlights the three winners and losers in Pennsylvania politics this week. 

‘Kayden’s Law passes Pennsylvania State Senate; legislation now moves to State House for consideration’: The Bucks Local News reports that the state Senate passed Senate Bill 78, also known as Kayden’s Law, which is “legislation that will provide urgently needed reform to Pennsylvania’s child custody statute.”

‘Pa. senator’s crash-related speeding citation prompts him to try to change the law’: PennLive reports state Sen. Mike Regan (R-York) “is proposing legislation to require a full investigation before police cite a driver for speeding when a crash occurs. The genesis for the bill was a citation he received for speeding following his March 21 motorcycle crash.”

‘Zimmerman 1 of 3 GOP reps to oppose bill to reform state’s voting law, says he still doubts 2020 election’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports on state Rep. Dave Zimmerman’s (R-Lancaster) opposition to House Bill 1300. 

‘Giuliani’s law license suspended over ‘demonstrably false’ Pa. election claims’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Rudy Giuliani’s law license has been suspended by a New York appellate court, which said he made “demonstrably false” statements on behalf of Donald Trump after the election. Many of those statements were made about Pennsylvania’s election.”

‘Aiming to ‘protect renters’, Philly Council limits landlords’ use of eviction records’: WHYY reports that “Philadelphia City Councilmember Kendra Brooks’ push to limit landlords use of tenants’ eviction records passed City Council Thursday 16-1.” 

‘Philly is pouring millions into violence prevention as shootings soar. What does that money buy?’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “lawmakers heralded anti-violence spending as the highlight of a new budget deal. But exactly how the money will be used — and how quickly — remains unclear.”

‘Lawmakers block demolitions on South Philly’s ‘Black Main Street’ in last meeting before summer break’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Philadelphia City Council on Thursday “approved bills pausing demolitions in a South Philadelphia neighborhood rich in Black history, expanding death benefits to families of city workers who died of COVID-19, and prohibiting landlords from rejecting potential tenants based only on their credit scores.”

‘Philly Council to mandate affordability in certain gentrifying areas under new bill’: WHYY reports “Philadelphia City Councilmembers Maria Quiñones-Sánchez and Jamie Gauthier are reviving a push for mandatory inclusionary housing with a new overlay that would require developers building in certain areas to include affordable homes in new residential projects containing 10 or more units.”

‘Paid Sick Leave Remains Live Issue At Allegheny County Board Of Health’: WESA reports “Although an effort to enact a paid sick leave fell short at Allegheny County Council three months ago, the idea remains alive at the county’s Board of Health. On Thursday, the board held a public hearing on its own proposal to require paid sick time at workplaces throughout the county.”

‘Biden nominates Chadds Ford man to board of National Institute of Building Sciences’: The Delaware County Daily Times reports that “William Holloway of Chadds Ford, who heads up Bernardon, an award-winning firm that provides architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture services, was nominated Wednesday by President Joe Biden to the Board of Directors of the National Institute of Building Sciences.”

‘Bill that would end discriminatory motor vehicle stops reintroduced in City Council’: Philly Voice reports “legislation that would prohibit Philadelphia police officers from stopping drivers solely for various minor infractions was reintroduced in City Council on Thursday after changes were made to clarify when cops would be permitted to perform traffic stops.”

‘Two Democratic lawyers apply for Luzerne County DA race nomination’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports “Luzerne County’s Democratic Party received letters of interest from two lawyers interested in running for county district attorney in the Nov. 2 general election, party Chairwoman Kathy Bozinski said Wednesday.”

‘After municipal primary ballot issues, Lancaster County ends relationship with mail ballot vendor’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports Lancaster County’s “board of commissioners voted unanimously to end the county’s contract with Michigan Election Resources — now known as Plerus — to seek damages from the company and to search for a new vendor.”

‘Pedri reflects on tenure as Luzerne County manager’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports on Luzerne County Manager C. David Pedri reflecting on his time as county manager. 

‘Bethlehem to move Christopher Columbus monument from Rose Garden to Catholic cemetery’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “The Christopher Columbus monument in the Bethlehem Rose Garden will make the journey to a new location this year after city officials received complaints about the black granite tribute to the Italian explorer.”

‘Ex-City Council President Arrington gets delay in reporting to prison for fraud sentence’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Sonya Arrington has received another delay in her federal fraud case, with this one giving the former Erie City Council president another 49 days before she must report to a federal prison in West Virginia.” 

‘Cannonball! Former lieutenant governor’s residence swimming pool set to open’: PennLive reports “the swimming pool complex at the former Pennsylvania lieutenant governor’s residence is set to re-open July 6.”  

314 Action Endorses Houlahan: 314 Action Fund, a national organization that helps elect STEM professionals to office, has endorsed Rep. Chrissy Houlahan’s (D-Chester) 2022 reelection bid. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Budgeteers hashing out ed funding, use of coronavirus money 
AP: ‘Sanctuary schools’ policy approved by Philadelphia school board
Philly Clout: Republicans are fighting to hold on to their last bastion of power in Philadelphia
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. immigrants hopeful, but skeptical that Dem control in D.C. will finally create a path to citizenship
Patriot News: Pennsylvania Senate gives final passage to ‘vaccine passport’ bill
Patriot News: Bill allowing students to repeat a grade due to COVID-19 goes to Gov. Wolf. But will he sign it?
Patriot News: Stalemate breaks on mixed drinks to go for Pennsylvania bars and restaurants; issue rests in state Senate’s hands
Patriot News: Tom Wolf’s chief of staff, budget secretary to leave Pa. governor’s office
Patriot News: Pa. maximum state grant for college students to rise to a historic high of $5,000 
Patriot News: Cannonball! Former lieutenant governor’s residence swimming pool set to open 
Patriot News: COVID-19 vaccine update: 3 in 4 Pa. adults have had at least one dose
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bill banning COVID-19 ‘vaccine passports’ on its way to Gov. Tom Wolf, who vows veto
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Fight over to-go cocktails spills back into Pa. Senate
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Top Wolf aides leaving admin. next month for private sector
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A state senator got cited for violating this Pa. traffic law. Now he wants to repeal it
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Nellie Bly push loses steam, funding source as budget negotiations continue
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We don’t just stop at Juneteenth’: Civil rights leader, lawmakers call for more action on social justice reform
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. House panel approves legislation to clean up toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in Pa., nationwide
USA Today: Why voters may decide if an ID is needed at the Pa. polls. Here’s the latest
USA Today: Pa. lawmakers, Wolf close to budget deadline: 5 things to watch
USA Today: Wolf ‘neutral’ on repeat-a-grade bill but has concerns about districts’ costs, staffing
USA Today: This Pa. lawmaker is keeping donations from the skill games industry — others won’t say
WESA: State Senator Supports Another Audit of General Election, Despite No Evidence of Fraud
WESA: Casey Unveils New Legislation To Expand Access to Home Care 
City & State PA: This week’s biggest Winners & Losers
Inquirer: Biden started big. This week showed the limits of what he can pull off.
Inquirer: Rudy Giuliani’s Pa. election lies are at the center of New York’s decision to suspend his law license
Inquirer: Renewed hope on the horizon for permanent cocktails to-go in Pa.
Inquirer: How many people in Pa. got vaccinated and still got COVID-19? The state isn’t counting.
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Legislature passes vaccine passport ban and limits on secretary of health; Gov. Wolf plans veto
PLSReporter: A Message From Pennsylvania Legislative Services
KYW Newsradio: Giuliani’s law license suspended over ‘demonstrably false’ Pa. election claims
WFMZ: Lawmakers looking to reform the juvenile criminal justice system
WFMZ: Pennsylvania’s unemployment compensation system faces issues, leaving many frustrated
StateImpactPA: Will RGGI affect your electric bill? It could, but the state could also mitigate impacts 
StateImpactPA: Pennsylvania youth trek to White House to support climate justice initiative 
Pittsburgh Business Times: House passes cocktails-to-go bill again, but without controversial provision
The Hill: Earthquake: Black candidates rack up city wins
KDKA: Pa. Senate Passes Constitutional Amendment To Require Voters To Show ID
KDKA: Senators Reach Tentative Bipartisan Plan On National Infrastructure  

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Republicans are fighting to hold on to their last bastion of power in Philadelphia
Inquirer: Watch the moment Helen Gym and activists were detained while protesting for public school funding 
Inquirer: Philly is pouring millions into violence prevention as shootings soar. What does that money buy?
Inquirer: Lawmakers block demolitions on South Philly’s ‘Black Main Street’ in last meeting before summer break 
Inquirer: Philly City Council approves making tenant screening more transparent and helping renters with past evictions
Inquirer: From ‘Boyz N the Hood’ to ‘Parks and Rec,’ the Philly Register of Wills is using pop culture to talk about wills 
Inquirer: Philly school board takes a ‘sanctuary schools’ stance protecting immigrant students from ICE           
Inquirer: SEPTA passes a budget intended to draw back riders 
Inquirer: How many in Pa. got vaccinated and still got COVID? | Morning Newsletter
WHYY Newsworks: Philly plans to — slowly — start implementing its long-delayed plastic bag ban next month 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council to mandate affordability in certain gentrifying areas under new bill 
WHYY Newsworks: Aiming to ‘protect renters’, Philly Council limits landlords’ use of eviction records 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council passes protections for Doctors’ Row Black historic district 
KYW Newsradio: City Council passes budget, dozens of other measures before summer recess
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia to collaborate with 14 other cities on solutions to national gun violence crisis
Philly Voice: Bill that would end discriminatory motor vehicle stops reintroduced in City Council
Philly Voice: Philadelphia joins 15 cities in national anti-violence collaboration

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Kayden’s Law passes Pennsylvania State Senate; legislation now moves to State House for consideration
Bucks County Courier Times: PA Senate passes Kayden’s Law, mandating judges put child safety first in custody judgements
Bucks County Courier Times: No Bucks County representation on Governor’s Commission on African American Affairs
Daily Local News: Kayden’s Law passes Pennsylvania State Senate; legislation now moves to State House for consideration
Daily Local News: Shusterman backs special education legislation
Delco Daily Times: Biden nominates Chadds Ford man to board of National Institute of Building Sciences

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Paid Sick Leave Remains Live Issue At Allegheny County Board Of Health
WESA: New Website Seeks Community Input On Pittsburgh’s Blighted And Abandoned Properties
Post-Gazette: ‘This is our town’: Pittsburgh officials plead for end to violence, plan gun tracking unit as crime rises
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh-area police look to use radar devices after bill passes in state Senate
Post-Gazette: Retired KDKA-TV anchor Stacy Smith will get special award at Mid-Atlantic Emmys
Beaver County Times: Allegheny County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 50% of people fully vaccinated
KDKA: Anti-Violence Organizations In Pittsburgh React To New Law Enforcement Initiatives

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Mon council race draws two candidates
Observer-Reporter: Controversial GOP-led voting bill would create elections audit bureau
Observer-Reporter: Uniontown man denied bond while awaiting trial in U.S. Capitol attack
Post-Gazette: Former Derry Mayor Kevin Gross, accused of pulling a gun on 4 children, acquitted
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Senate sends governor bills for do-over school year option, vaccine requirement ban
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Audit: Cambria County’s financial position strengthens; 2022 tax cut floated 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local case averages in single digits, three deaths in region
KDKA: Former Derry Mayor Accused Of Pulling Gun On Teens Acquitted Of All Charges
Altoona Mirror: ISC gets $664,000 for stream projects

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Two express interest in Democratic nod for DA
Citizens Voice: Pedri reflects on time as county manager
Citizens Voice: Cartwright secures $1 million for area business development
Citizens Voice: More than 500 added to county’s fully vaccinated list
The Times Leader: Two Democratic lawyers apply for Luzerne County DA race nomination
The Times Leader: Pedri reflects on tenure as Luzerne County manager
The Times Leader: Rep. Cartwright secures $1M for Wyoming Valley business development
The Times Leader: 11 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Thursday; 221 statewide
Times-Tribune: Scranton eyes citywide strategic economic development plan 
Times-Tribune: Scranton, DEP officials tell flood victims no easy answers, no quick fixes to stormwater problems 
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 deaths slowly disappearing in NEPA 

South Central 
York Daily Record: State Sen. Mike Regan pleads guilty to 2 traffic citations in serious motorcycle crash 
York Daily Record: York County judge seems interested in possible free speech issue in Justice For Dante case
York Daily Record: ‘Love and discipline’: In the midst of violent spree, York leaders say they have a plan
LNP | LancasterOnline: Zimmerman 1 of 3 GOP reps to oppose bill to reform state’s voting law, says he still doubts 2020 election 
LNP | LancasterOnline: After municipal primary ballot issues, Lancaster County ends relationship with mail ballot vendor 
York Dispatch: U.S. Attorney: York City is ‘ground zero’ for gun violence 
York Dispatch: At board meetings around York County, parents railed against mask, vaccine mandates for next school year. No district was proposing any 
York Dispatch: COVID-19 cases in York County decrease, but variants cause concern
Patriot News: Pa. senator’s crash-related speeding citation prompts him to try to change the law 
Patriot News: Cannonball! Former lieutenant governor’s residence swimming pool set to open
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 81% of nursing home residents, 57% of staff vaccinated
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 2 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Cumberland County Thursday

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Bethlehem to move Christopher Columbus monument from Rose Garden to Catholic cemetery
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Potter County has worst vaccination rate and most cases
Reading Eagle: Berks commissioners approve $15 million grant program to help vulnerable populations
Reading Eagle: 3 new Berks COVID cases is the lowest total in nearly a year
WFMZ: Officials report declines in COVID cases in Berks County

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Ex-City Council President Arrington gets delay in reporting to prison for fraud sentence
Erie Times-News: COVID-19 relief money will provide relief for some Millcreek residents plagued by potholes
Erie Times-News: State approval: Erie County Community College is given the go-ahead to grant degrees
KDKA: Pennsylvania Lawmaker Chris Sainato Defends $1.8 Million In Taxpayer-Paid Expenses
Centre Daily Times: Is radar on the way for Centre County police? What’s next after PA Senate passes bill
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County commissioners talk American Rescue Plan funds
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council to review accessibility upgrades
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Stream bank rehabilitation eyed for James Short Park

Opinion  
John Baer: Pa.’s budget process needs an upgrade; I suggest swapping our needs for theirs 
Ryan Aument: Decrease the CNI tax rate to increase economic opportunity in Pa.
Alex Baloga: Restaurants and retail will all benefit from allowing cocktails-to-go
Paul Muschick: A threat looming for 7 years finally is nipping at the heels of Pennsylvania officials. It could cost billions.
Fletcher McClellan: The University of All of Them: PASSHE merger mania is on the fast track 
Regina A. Hairston: Harrisburg should not pass up this opportunity to invest in the Black economy
Lauren Vidas: Philly’s redistricting should get us closer to one district, one councilmember
Stephen Rodriguez: This budget season, the General Assembly must address education funding inequality in Pa.
John L. Micek: ‘I’m not tired of standing up. Are you?’ As deadline looms, progressives push their budget agenda | Thursday Morning Coffee 
John L. Micek: These are the best and worst-run cities in the country. How did Pgh. and Philly stack up? | Friday Morning Coffee
Larry Platt: Should Mayor Kenney Resign? 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: LGBTQ rights in Pa. are now up to Seth Grove
Inquirer Editorial Board: Harrisburg Republicans keep finding new ways to harm Pennsylvanians 
Inquirer Editorial Board: RGGI will reduce carbon emissions and bring millions to Pennsylvania. This shouldn’t be a fight. 
Inquirer Editorial Board: What they’ll do on summer vacation: Every City Council member’s plans for their three-month recess 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pittsburgh’s leaders should combat a shrinking labor pool with incentives
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Growing Allegheny National Forest benefits all of Pennsylvania
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The Supreme Court’s defense of ‘Obamacare’ heralds — finally — the end of serious legal challenges
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Major League Baseball is rightly cracking down on a long-winked-at form of cheating
Sharon Pillar: Rebuild the economy by unlocking the power of solar energy
Tony Norman: When ‘woke’ generals and silly congressmen collide
Jonathan Zimmerman: SCOTUS siding with Pa. high schooler on Snapchat rant is a bigger free speech victory
Jesenia De Moya Correa: It’s Immigrant Heritage Month. The smallest Latino achievement is a huge success story.
Darrell L. Browning: Warehouse would scar Kutztown’s rural character
Megan McDonough: Support Rep. Conor Lamb in making The Water Act a priority
Aja Graydon: Cheer for Black girls with orange hair, long nails, tats, and lashes 
Trudy Rubin: What Americans should learn from China’s shutdown of Hong Kong’s last pro-democracy newspaper