A Luzerne County Democratic state Senator announced that he is switching party registration to Independent, while more candidates join the Democratic race for Auditor General. Here is the Playbook. 

Yudichak Switches from Dem to Indy: On Tuesday morning, the Luzerne County Democrat announced that he was switching his party registration to Independent as the “only way” he can “faithfully and fully” serve his district.

GOP Group Hits Cartwright, Lamb on Impeachment: The $300,000 television and digital ad buy from the American Action Network links Reps. Matt Cartwright and Conor Lamb to the impeachment effort and claim that the investigation is a “politically motivated charade.”

Fountain Announces Bid For Auditor General: The longtime employee employee of the Auditor General’s office believes her experience in the office, coupled with being a Certified Public Accountant, makes her the most qualified candidate seeking to succeed Auditor General Eugene DePasquale.

Pittsburgh City Controller Michael Lamb Announces Bid for Auditor General: Lamb, who was reelected to serve a fourth term as Pittsburgh City Controller earlier this month, said the state needs an Auditor General with a “proven record of independence and a proven commitment to transparency and accountability.”

Legislative Election Update: 

HD-33: Carrie DelRosso, an Oakmont councilwoman and public relations consultant, announced that she is seeking the Republican nomination for the seat held by state Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny). 

HD-160: State Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-Delaware) announced that he will retire at the end of his term. Barrar has served in the state House since 1997. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania lawmaker switches from Democrat to independent
AP: Pittsburgh’s controller to run for state auditor general
AP: Bill limiting gifts to public officials moves in Legislature
AP: Paciolla named AP’s news editor for Pennsylvania, Ohio, NJ
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Veteran Dem Pa. Sen. John Yudichak says he’s becoming an independent
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf nominates senior Senate GOP aide Crompton to fill appeals court vacancy
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House Committee advances gift ban bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bullies will face tougher penalties under House, Senate bills
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Opponents of cap-and-trade contemplate legislative, legal options to stop RGGI 
Inquirer: Democrats fear a suburban Philly congressional race is their ‘biggest recruiting failure in the country’
WITF: Bill requiring medical providers to bury fetal remains passes Pa. House 
Post-Gazette: Pa. legislators to fight Wolf’s carbon cap proposal with bills and a lawsuit
Post-Gazette: Pa. hourly minimum wage would rise to $9.50 in compromise bill
PLSReporter: Yudichak to register as independent, caucus with GOP in blow to Democratic hopes of re-taking Senate 
PLSReporter: Gift ban legislation clears critical House committee 
PLSReporter: House Judiciary passes bills aimed at protecting corrections officers; vote on ’monumental’ criminal justice reform to come
PLSReporter: “Enough is enough”: Lawmakers call for increased criminal penalties for bullies
StateImpactPA: Lawmakers, criticizing Wolf’s executive order on joining cap-and-trade program, say it’s their call to make 
The Center Square: Report warns inaction on Pa. school funding could lead more schools into distress
LNP | LancasterOnline: It’s legal for Pa. police to have sex with those in custody, but bill would change that  
National Journal: District “Biggest Recruiting Failure in the Country” for Dems 
Patriot News: Pa. Dems lose a state senator: John Yudichak of Luzerne County declares himself independent, will caucus with GOP
Patriot News: Toxic PFAS chemicals, found across Pennsylvania, get the Hollywood treatment
Patriot News: Top Senate GOP staffer Drew Crompton nominated to Pa.’s Commonwealth Court
Patriot News: Is it the Deep State or policy experts doing their job? | Battleground Pa. podcast
Patriot News: Pa. state House committee considers bills aimed at bolstering safety of state prison system staffers
Morning Call: Bills paving way for lawsuits by child sex abuse survivors move closer to approval in Harrisburg
Morning Call: Life, death, big money cited as lawmakers debate certifying prescribers of opioid abuse-fighting medicine 
The Hill: Bernie surrogate: Moderate candidates more frightened by Sanders than Trump 
CNN: Pennsylvania outlaws solitary confinement for death row inmates
National Review: Who Decides Where Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Should Live?

Philadelphia 
Philly Voice: Philadelphia FOP calls Eagles’ Malcolm Jenkins a ‘non-resident, washed up football player’
KYW Newsradio: Pa. attorney general takes aim at gun straw purchases
KYW Newsradio: Judge denies request to detain Michael White for missing court appointments 
WHYY Newsworks: Amid parent backlash, Philly schools unveil $12 million asbestos plan
WHYY Newsworks: Advocate for nixing library book late fees gives her take on what’s becoming a national trend
WHYY Newsworks: New Philly program aims to help renters by giving repair loans to their landlords
Inquirer: Under pressure, Philly School District touts new environmental safety plan
PLSReporter: Philly “red flag” laws awaiting review and Mayor’s signature 
Philadelphia Tribune: Report: Philly Mayor Kenney’s office bottled up $134.6M in unspent soda tax revenue

SEPA
Bucks Courier Times: Veterans urge Fitzpatrick to support Trump impeachment
Delco Daily Times: Longtime state Rep Steve Barrar retiring, will not seek re-election
Delco Daily Times: State Senate eyes measure to aid sex-abuse victims 
Inquirer: Democrats fear a suburban Philly congressional race is their ‘biggest recruiting failure in the country’
Inquirer: New funding ahead for PFAS drinking water cleanup as legislature passes bill that will help Montco, Bucks
KYW Newsradio: Gov. Wolf to sign Willow Grove naval base water cleanup bill
Daily Local News: 4th sinkhole forms along Mariner East route at Sleighton Park
Daily Local News: Dinniman recognizes Schuylkill Township Historical Commission chairwoman
Pottstown Mercury: Sen. Muth to hold Affordable Care Act enrollment event 

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Pittsburgh City Controller Launches Bid For Auditor General
Tribune Review: Oakmont councilwoman to seek state House seat next year
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh receives perfect score for LGBTQ protections
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh council members request documents, audit related to park tax
Tribune Review: Western Pa. lawmakers fight Gov. Wolf on Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Tribune Review: Penn Hills council delays proposed code of ethics vote
KDKA: Conservative Group Targets Conor Lamb On Impeachment In TV Ads 
KDKA: KDKA Exclusive: PA Auditor General Blasts Pittsburgh Public Schools For Proposed Tax Increase Despite High Travel Costs 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Scores 100 On National Index Measuring LGBTQ Inclusiveness 
Post-Gazette: City Controller Michael Lamb to run for state auditor general
Post-Gazette: Detroit jury sent home for the night after deliberations begin in Chelsa Wagner trial
Post-Gazette: City Council wants more transparency, audits on existing agreements with Parks Conservancy
Post-Gazette: Pa. legislators to fight Wolf’s carbon cap proposal with bills and a lawsuit 
Post-Gazette: Shale gas stymies efforts to combat climate change 
City Paper: Pittsburgh controller Michael Lamb is running for state Auditor General 
City Paper: Pre-natal Down syndrome abortion bill, mandated fetal burial law clear Pa. legislature

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Local state legislators back fetal remains bill
Beaver County Times: Wolf, Bartolotta call for probation reforms
Beaver County Times: Beaver County reaches tentative contract with county detectives bureau
Altoona Mirror: Dem seeks seat in 13th  
Altoona Mirror: Blair hires new county administrator
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset County holding line on taxes, commissioners unveil budget plan
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Senate sends Sunday hunting measure to governor 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Statute of limitations reform clears key hurdle in Senate Judiciary Committee
Observer-Reporter: Sewage authority board member resigns in wake of court challenge by district attorney
Observer-Reporter: Matthew Mascara is part of a political dynasty
Observer-Reporter: Cal U. loses bid to appeal order to turn over records to O-R

NEPA
The Times Leader: Yudichak: Switch from Democrat to Independent a ‘deeply personal decision’ 
The Times Leader: Swift reaction to Yudichak’s switch 
The Times Leader: Rates to increase with proposed WB sewer system sale
Citizens Voice: Yudichak leaves Democratic Party 
Citizens Voice: Yudichak’s decision prompts anger from Dems, GOP praise 
Citizens Voice: W-B councilwoman, residents express reservations over proposed budget
Times-Tribune: State Sen. John Yudichak switches parties
Times-Tribune: Local lawmakers introduce bills to deter bullying
Times-Tribune: Scranton hears consultant on zoning update 
Times-Tribune: Downtown Scranton parking fees and tickets to rise in 2020

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: It’s legal for Pa. police to have sex with those in custody, but bill would change that 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster city sending out shutoff warnings to customers who haven’t scheduled water meter upgrades 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pass with care: Miller bill sets bicyclists, horse and buggies as ‘vulnerable’ with increased fines for injuring them 
LNP | LancasterOnline: D.C.’s Stephen Campbell will be Lancaster city’s new public works director
Patriot News: Top Senate GOP staffer Drew Crompton nominated to Pa.’s Commonwealth Court
Patriot News: Coroner Graham Hetrick leads way in balancing death probes and organ donation
Patriot News: Human Harvest: Behind the scenes of organ donation, a tug of war over saving lives and pursuing justice
Patriot News: Human Harvest: Skin, bone & tissue donation takes giving to extremes
Patriot News: Age-old Amish death rituals disrupted by organ donation requirements, Pa. funeral director says
Patriot News: Opioid epidemic boosts organ donations in Pa.: ‘He lost his battle … but he could help save and heal’
Patriot News: Organ donation’s high stakes: Cases are rare, but 1 life can save 8
Patriot News: How PennLive won a battle with a Pa. coroner over access to autopsy reports
York Dispatch: North York councilman denies calling challenger homophobic slur 
Carlisle Sentinel: Bill Tracker: First responders sound alarm as proposal to curb ‘surprise’ medical bills gains momentum

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Reading officials say no tax increase needed for next five years
Reading Eagle: Rozzi’s bills to aid child sex abuse victims teed up for key vote 
Reading Eagle: Tulpehocken School Board retires policy that banned girls from competing on boys teams 
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvanians want more from their state parks, report says
Morning Call: Bethlehem Mayor Robert Donchez criticizes councilman for ‘unwarranted personal attack’
Morning Call: Emmaus stormwater problems has council paddling upriver to solve budget woes
Morning Call: Bills paving way for lawsuits by child sex abuse survivors move closer to approval in Harrisburg
Morning Call: Life, death, big money cited as lawmakers debate certifying prescribers of opioid abuse-fighting medicine 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Limited Sunday hunting bill passed by state Senate 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City departments want $827,679 more in 2020 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: No tax increase expected in county budget
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Transportation committee adopts regional transportation plan 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners to consider personnel, contracts Thursday
Erie Times-News: Recount discovers nearly 400 uncounted votes; but outcome of Erie controller’s race unchanged 
Erie Times-News: City to Erie Coke: Fix wastewater violations by December 

Opinion  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Take bolder steps: UAW leaders need new ideas to restore integrity, trust 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Not above the law: Athletes should be held accountable for violence 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: History from the deep: Long lost WWII ships have been found 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Aiming for equity: PPS pursues a laudable, lofty goal
Inquirer Editorial Board: Unreasonable to deny pregnant workers reasonable accommodations at their jobs
Eugene DePasquale: Pa. must get real about the cost of cleaning up climate change disasters 
Chris Murphy, Pat Toomey and Joe Manchin: 3 senators: We’re ready to resume bipartisan gun background check talks with Trump anytime
Paul Muschick: Why I applaud State Sen. Yudichak’s defection from Democratic party
Thomas J. Botzman: Private higher ed. is a good investment for students, taxpayers alike
John L. Micek: 3 numbers that drive home the terrible reality of death by incarceration in Pa. | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Sara Pentlicky: Pa. House bill mandating burial of fetal remains unfairly polices pregnant women 
John Dziak: What will Rich Fitzgerald’s legacy be?
Paul Muschick: 38 people shot in six months. So why isn’t Allentown included in gun violence hearings?
Matthew T. Mangino: Impeachment represents very different things in a divided country
Dan Simpson: If defeated, where would Trump go?
Tony Norman: The white nationalist in the White House
Will Bunch: Why America needs the truth on Trump’s mysterious medical dash to Walter Reed 
Dennis Jett: How rich guy Gordon Sondland bought his ambassadorship: Five questions answered | Analysis
Jenice Armstrong: A call went out to black men in response to shootings of kids. Hundreds responded, warming my heart. 
Ehson Kashfipour: For Penn Law community, it’s time to claim victory and move on in name change fight 
Helen Ubiñas: In a play for peace, Parkway student activists go up against police — in basketball 
Gene Therapy: Move the impeachment hearings to prime time. No seriously.
Chris Kelly: Waiting for that clock to chime