It is now official. Governor Rendell signed the state budget yesterday after a weekend full of intrigue. With the state House and Senate not due back into Harrisburg until the middle of September, please see below for all the latest political news from around the state.

Rendell signs $28B Pennsylvania budget - Brad Bumsted, Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Rendell’s plans to spend big criticized - Brad Bumsted, Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Many questions remain on proposed Marcellus Shale extraction tax in Pennsylvania - Donald Gilliland, The Patriot News

Specter relishes role grilling Supreme Court nominees - Daniel Malloy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Onoroto seeks grassroots campaign money - Debra Erdley, Pittsburgh Post Gazette