Gerow: This July 4, take a minute to read the Declaration that started it all | PennLive

The Fourth of July doesn't fall until mid-week this year, but celebrations of Independence Day have already begun in earnest. How many of the revelers heading to the shore or backyard barbecues will take a few minutes to reflect on the Declaration and what it took to win our independence?

How many will think about the 56 men who labored in Philadelphia in the hottest days of 1776 under conditions that one Founder said "a more merciful God would not allow"?

Read more: Gerow: This July 4, take a minute to read the Declaration that started it all | PennLive

Gerow: That speedy Pa. budget? Thank Trump's booming economy | PennLive

Just as the summer solstice arrived, there were puffs of white smoke from the chimneys of the Capitol.

The Pennsylvania General Assembly had passed a budget for the fiscal year that begins at midnight on July 1. It forwarded to Gov. Tom Wolf a package not only passed on time, but with more than a week to spare before the constitutional deadline.

Read more: Gerow: That speedy Pa. budget? Thank Trump's booming economy | PennLive