A majority of the Democrats running for U.S. Senate in 2022 are touting the bipartisan infrastructure bill, while a majority of Republicans in the race are criticizing the legislation. Here is the Playbook. 

Here’s What the 2022 Senate Hopefuls Think of the $1 Trillion Infrastructure Bill: A majority of the Democrats running for U.S. Senate in 2022 are touting the $1 trillion bipartisan bill that was passed on Tuesday as a success, while a majority of Republicans seeking to succeed Sen. Pat Toomey are criticizing the legislation.

Cook Political Report Highlights PA Senate Race: The Cook Political Report does a deep-dive into Pennsylvania’s 2022 race for U.S. Senate and provides insight into the frontrunners in the statewide contest.

‘The 2020 census data on race, ethnicity and voting population will be released Thursday. Here’s why those numbers matter.’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “the United States Census Bureau will give the public its first look Thursday at how racial and ethnic demographics in counties across the country changed over the last decade.”

‘Pennsylvania Senate plans first step to enhance public access to expense information’: The Caucus reports that “for the first time, millions of taxpayers’ dollars that all of Pennsylvania’s state senators and their staffs spend on travel, meals, per diems and other expenses will be posted online for easier and faster public viewing, The Caucus has learned.”

‘Trump loyalist Bannon urges followers to press Pa. Senate leader on election review’: The Caucus reports that “activists searching for evidence to back up former President Donald Trump’s false claims of a stolen November election have a new focus for their ire: the Pennsylvania Senate’s top Republican.”

‘Court tosses ruling against Pennsylvania COVID-19 measures’: The Associated Press reports that “a federal appeals court has dismissed a judge’s ruling that threw out Gov. Tom Wolf’s sweeping COVID-19 restrictions, saying the case is now moot because statewide mitigation measures have expired and Pennsylvania voters have since constrained a governor’s emergency powers.”

‘Gov. Wolf reins in PSERS travel and limits who can bill the pension fund for costly dinners’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf has cracked down on extravagant spending on travel at the state’s largest pension fund. In two recent orders, his administration stripped away two “perks” given top executives of the PSERS fund that exempted them from the normal spending controls imposed on state workers.”

‘Tioga County commissioners accuse pro-audit Sen. Doug Mastriano of grandstanding’: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that “Tioga County commissioners are speaking out on the demands of a state lawmaker to turn over voting machines as part of an audit of the 2020 election.”

‘Founder of Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to receive Pa. Society’s 2021 Gold Medal Award’: PennLive reports that “Dr. Ala Stanford of Philadelphia, the CEO and founder of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium, was selected to be the Society’s 2021 Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement.”

‘Child safety advocates launch billboard campaign against Sen. Kim Ward’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that Child USAdvocacy is “making good on their promise to keep the heat on state Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward for her refusal to advance a bill giving adult survivors of child sexual abuse their day in court,” by placing “two full-size highway billboards — one on Route 119 in Hempfield and a second on Route 30.”

‘House panel hears ‘controversial’ bill that would grant drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “a Republican-controlled House panel held a rare hearing on a Democratic-sponsored bill, which would allow undocumented immigrants to get a Pennsylvania driver’s licenses.”

‘Document circulating in conservative circles online claims to show ‘anomalies’ in Lancaster County 2020 election’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “a one-page document being circulated online purports to show anomalies in Lancaster County’s 2020 election results and is being used to rally public support for Audit the Vote PA’s effort to scrutinize election results across the state.”

‘Pa. senator wants to establish liability for parents who ‘opt-out’ of mask mandates in K-12 schools’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, says he wants to hold parents who refuse to comply with public school mask mandates liable if their child transmits COVID-19 or one of its variants to a classmate.”

‘On 2-year anniv. of Pa’s healthcare exchange, officials urge uninsured residents to sign up for coverage’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “State House Speaker Bryan Cutler and the Wolf administration celebrated the two-year anniversary of Pennsylvania’s state health care exchange on Wednesday, while encouraging uninsured Pennsylvanians to sign up for subsidized coverage.”

‘Wolf talks revitalization during Wednesday visit to Aliquippa’: The Beaver County Times reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf visited Aliquippa Wednesday morning to take a closer look at what a several-million-dollar investment into the city will look like.”

‘York County Prison, bucking Gov. Wolf, does not mandate COVID vaccine’: The York Dispatch reports that the “York County Prison will not require its employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine, one day after Gov. Tom Wolf mandated all state prison employees to get vaccinated or face regular testing.”

‘National teachers union president visits Scranton to encourage safe return to school’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Randi Weingarten, the president of the second largest teachers union in the country, used her teacher voice Wednesday to ask the West Scranton community if they want to be back in school in person this fall.”

‘Road sign honoring late Rep. Mike Reese unveiled’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “family members of the late Rep. Mike Reese joined state, county and local officials and scores of friends Wednesday for the unveiling the road sign that will designate a segment of Route 981 as the “Honorable Mike Reese Memorial Highway.””

‘Scott Conklin chosen to chair House State Government Committee’: WTAJ reports that “Pennsylvania House Democratic leadership has appointed State Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Centre, to serve as the Democratic chair of the House State Government Committee.”

‘Do I have to wear a mask or not? Philly’s new COVID mandate, explained’: Billy Penn reports that “starting Wednesday at midnight, Philly businesses and institutions have a choice: They can either require all employees and customers to wear masks inside, OR they can require proof of vaccination for all who enter their indoor space. This also applies to city buildings and offices.”

‘What the infrastructure bill could bring to Pittsburgh, according to Allegheny County Executive’: “Pittsburgh City Paper spoke to Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald on what the bipartisan infrastructure bill could bring to the Pittsburgh region.”

‘Philly businesses take Mayor Kenney’s mask mandate mostly in stride’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “reactions among businesses to Philadelphia’s move requiring masks indoors were muted Wednesday, amid concerns over how to implement the policy and whether customers would balk at a requirement that many had thought was gone for good.”

‘‘Less than adequate time’: Even supporters worry about Philly’s quick indoor mask mandate’: WHYY reports that “starting at midnight, Philadelphia businesses must require masking indoors, unless they require proof of vaccination. The announcement, made Wednesday morning by city officials, brought mixed feelings among business owners and public-facing employees who dealt with months long shutdowns and had only recently felt something of a return to normal.”

‘DA seeks contempt order against Philadelphia Police for failure to disclose officers’ disciplinary records’: WHYY reports that “the District Attorney’s Office, with Conviction Integrity Unit Supervisor Patricia Cummings, filed six motions Wednesday in Common Pleas Court asking a judge to hold the Philadelphia Police Department in contempt of court for failure to turn over complete police disciplinary records.”

‘Amid rise of COVID-19 cases, a GOP lawmaker puts on lab coat to push vaccine’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Rep. John Joyce (R-Blair) “strode into a tidy pharmacy here on Tuesday to praise the workers who were struggling to convince people to get the COVID-19 vaccine amid rising cases and swirling conspiracy theories that had prompted a desperate Facebook plea from a local pharmacist.”

‘How to replace your COVID-19 vaccination card if you live in Philly, elsewhere in Pennsylvania or New Jersey’: Philly Voice provides “info about how to access your vaccination records and obtain new cards in Philadelphia, elsewhere in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.”

‘Cartwright announces $10.7M COVID-19 relief funds for local venues’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) “announced 12 venues in Pennsylvania’s 8th District will receive a total of $10.7 million from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants (SVOG) program.”

‘Black Led Community Spotlight: Morgan Overton and Martell Covington of Young Democrats of Allegheny County’: Pittsburgh City Paper talked with Young Democrats of Allegheny County President Morgan Overton and Vice President Martell Covington about their positions in the organization. 

‘Federal Infrastructure Bill Could Bring Better Internet To Pennsylvania’: WESA reports that the “federal government soon could invest $65 billion in broadband internet expansion across the country, drawing on funding included in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed earlier this week by the U.S. Senate. U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle of suburban Pittsburgh and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves touted the legislation with other officials on Wednesday at a roundtable discussion at the Energy Innovation Center in the Hill District.”

‘City-County Building Lights Up In Honor Of Late Labor Leader Richard Trumka’: KDKA reports that “the Pittsburgh City-Council Building lit up in honor of the late Richard Trumka, the president of the AFL-CIO.”

‘Amazon touts surpassing of $1 billion invested in Pittsburgh over past decade’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that “Amazon.com Inc. announced it has contributed over $1 billion in infrastructure and employee compensation investments, among others, for the Pittsburgh region over the course of the past decade.”

‘Lehigh County looks to the future with 5-year capital spending plan’: WFMZ reports that “Lehigh County Commissioners approved the Armstrong administration’s 2022-2026 Lehigh County Capital Plan during their Wednesday night meeting.”

‘Ray Alberigi, former Lackawanna County commissioner, dies at 87’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that former Lackawanna County Commissioner Ray Alberigi “died early Wednesday morning at Moses Taylor Hospital. He was 87.”

‘Is it time to retire Carlisle’s borough seal? Carlisle Borough Council says it is’: The Carlisle Sentinel reports that “Carlisle’s borough council is in general agreement that it’s time for the seal to be retired.”

Barletta Campaign to Host Cigar Reception: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, will be hosting a cigar reception for his campaign for governor on Thursday evening in Harrisburg. Sheriff Nick Chimienti, Jr., Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick, Anthony Cristillo, and Dr. Jose Manjon are listed on the host committee. Those interested in attending can contact Jeremy Sheftel at Jeremy@loubarletta.com. 

Richey To Campaign in Wayne County: According to a press release, Jason Richey, a partner at Pittsburgh’s K&L Gates law firm who is seeking the Republican Party nomination for Governor in 2022, will be visiting Wayne County on Thursday to attend the Wayne County Fair. 

Barletta Blasts Philly Mask Mandate: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, sent out a press release on Wednesday criticizing Philadelphia’s new mask mandate. 

Barletta To Tour Cumberland County Small Businesses: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, will be touring small businesses in Cumberland County on Thursday morning, according to a press release from his campaign. 

Harrisburg & DC   
The Caucus: Pennsylvania Senate plans first step to enhance public access to expense information
The Caucus: Trump loyalist Bannon urges followers to press Pa. Senate leader on election review
AP: Court tosses ruling against Pennsylvania COVID-19 measures 
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf reins in PSERS travel and limits who can bill the pension fund for costly dinners 
Inquirer: Biden’s infrastructure bill gave us a preview of a key clash in Pa.’s 2022 Senate race. Here’s what we learned.
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania Senate plans first step to enhance public access to expense information 
Spotlight PA: You’re invited! A free reader Q&A on rising COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania
Morning Call: The 2020 census data on race, ethnicity and voting population will be released Thursday. Here’s why those numbers matter.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Top Senate leader announces all expenses will be publicly available next month 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: On 2-year anniv. of Pa’s healthcare exchange, officials urge uninsured residents to sign up for coverage 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: House panel hears ‘controversial’ bill that would grant drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. senator wants to establish liability for parents who ‘opt-out’ of mask mandates in K-12 schools 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: More than half of Pa. counties seeing substantial, high rates of community spread of COVID-19
Post-Gazette: Amid rise of COVID-19 cases, a GOP lawmaker puts on lab coat to push vaccine
Patriot News: Pa. Senate to put expenses online for the public to see how senators are spending your money 
Patriot News: Founder of Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to receive Pa. Society’s 2021 Gold Medal Award 
Patriot News: Philadelphia requiring masks at businesses indoors and large outdoor gatherings
Patriot News: COVID-19 hospitalizations surpass 900 in Pa.
City & State PA: U.S. Senate hopefuls are split over the bipartisan infrastructure plan 
The Times Leader: Casey heralds infrastructure benefits for Pennsylvania 
The Times Leader: Toomey opposes ‘too expensive, too expansive’ infrastructure proposal
CNN: Democratic organizations prepare to defend the Biden agenda during August recess 
KDKA: 2 Pennsylvania State Senators Propose Bill Allowing Parents To ‘Opt-Out’ Of School Mask Mandates 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Reports 1,811 New Cases, 22 Additional Deaths  

Philadelphia  
Billy Penn: Do I have to wear a mask or not? Philly’s new COVID mandate, explained
Inquirer: City officials spent weeks preparing Philly’s latest mask mandate. Not everyone is embracing it. 
Inquirer: Philly businesses take Mayor Kenney’s mask mandate mostly in stride 
Inquirer: Fired Philly baristas won their labor case against Starbucks. Here’s how. 
Inquirer: South Philly man set to avoid punishment for taking land from civic group that he cofounded 
Inquirer: New Philadelphia COVID-19 restrictions start at midnight, requiring indoor businesses to require masks or verify vaccination 
WHYY Newsworks: DA seeks contempt order against Philadelphia Police for failure to disclose officers’ disciplinary records 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly mandates masks or vaccine proof for businesses, requires shots for new city workers
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Less than adequate time’: Even supporters worry about Philly’s quick indoor mask mandate 
KYW Newsradio: District Attorney Krasner asks courts to hold Philadelphia Police Department in contempt
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia makes masking indoors mandatory for all businesses not already requiring vaccination
Philly Voice: How to replace your COVID-19 vaccination card if you live in Philly, elsewhere in Pennsylvania or New Jersey 
Philly Voice: Philly’s indoor face mask requirement returns at midnight Thursday
Philadelphia Business Journal: Kenney blasts lack of ‘effort and maturity’ as city loses ground in war on Covid-19 
Philadelphia Business Journal: New mask mandate places ‘unfair responsibility’ on Philadelphia restaurant owners, industry leader says 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Report details Amazon’s multibillion-dollar investment in Philadelphia region, but what about the bigger picture? 
Philadelphia Citizen: “Science Is Easier Than Trust” 
Philadelphia Magazine: Everything You Need to Know About Philly’s Plastic-Bag Ban 
Philadelphia Magazine: Going to a Philly Concert? You May Have to Bring Your Proof of Vaccination

SEPA
Daily Local News: Republican Kennedy launches bid for Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District seat
Philly Voice: Montgomery County’s new campaigns urge young people to get vaccinated
KYW Newsradio: To mask, or not to mask? School boards contend with decision, loud debates
Bucks Local News: State and Bucks County officials urge residents to apply for rental assistance
Pottstown Mercury: Montgomery County officials ‘keeping a close eye’ on COVID-19 increases and masking rules in county facilities

Pittsburgh 
City Paper: What the infrastructure bill could bring to Pittsburgh, according to Allegheny County Executive
City Paper: Allegheny County extended its local eviction moratorium, and data shows it’s necessary 
City Paper: Black Led Community Spotlight: Morgan Overton and Martell Covington of Young Democrats of Allegheny County
WESA: Federal Infrastructure Bill Could Bring Better Internet To Pennsylvania 
WESA: With One U.S. Senate Seat Up For Grabs In PA, The Field Continues To Grow 
WESA: ‘Too Much Scrambling’: Frustrated City School District Parents Weigh In On Proposed Delay 
Post-Gazette: Panel pushes broadband connection theme in touting Senate infrastructure bill 
Post-Gazette: ‘A huge slap in the face’: Parents protest Pittsburgh Public Schools’ plan to delay start of classes by 2 weeks
Post-Gazette: Scott Township examines parking and flooding issue on street off Greentree Road
Post-Gazette: ‘We wish we had better news’: Allegheny County reports almost 400 new COVID-19 cases as infections spike among kids
KDKA: City-County Building Lights Up In Honor Of Late Labor Leader Richard Trumka 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Parents Protest Delayed Start To New School Year 
KDKA: ‘We Wish We Had Better News’: Allegheny County Leaders Warn Of Rising COVID-19 Cases And Hospitalizations 
KDKA: City Seeks Feedback On Plans To Upgrade 35,000 Streetlights To LED
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 2-Day Total Of 377 New Cases
WTAE: Pittsburgh Public Schools parents rally after district pushes back start of school
Tribune Review: Allegheny County officials implore adults to get vaccinated as cases among children rise
Tribune Review: Peduto aide Majestic Lane leaving to work for Allegheny Conference 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Amazon touts surpassing of $1 billion invested in Pittsburgh over past decade 
Pittsburgh Business Times: County urges school districts to mask up this school year

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Wolf talks revitalization during Wednesday visit to Aliquippa
Tribune Review: Road sign honoring late Rep. Mike Reese unveiled
Tribune Review: Child safety advocates launch billboard campaign against Sen. Kim Ward
WTAE: ‘It means a lot’: Late state representative honored in Westmoreland County
WTAE: Gov. Wolf spotlights Aliquippa revitalization investments 
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf, Aliquippa Leaders Tout $11 Million In State Investments
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County adds 11 COVID-19 cases; Richland retirement community halting visits to avoid potential spread

NEPA
Citizens Voice: ‘Full bench recusal’ ordered in DA appointment lawsuit
Citizens Voice: Election board mum on lawsuit, discusses election process improvements
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre’s pension portfolio does well despite bond sale delay
Citizens Voice: Ray Alberigi, former Lackawanna County commissioner, dies at 87
Citizens Voice: Sen. Casey announces funding for food bank expansion
Citizens Voice: Dunmore attorney becomes Middle District’s newest federal bankruptcy judge
Citizens Voice: COVID relief grants awarded to arena, Kirby Center, other local venues
Citizens Voice: 39 new COVID-19 cases recorded in county
Times-Tribune: National teachers union president visits Scranton to encourage safe return to school
Times-Tribune: Ray Alberigi, former Lackawanna County commissioner, dies at 87
Times-Tribune: The shows must go on: NEPA entertainment venues hurt by pandemic shutdown get $10.7M in federal grants
Times-Tribune: Dunmore attorney becomes Middle District’s newest federal bankruptcy judge
Times-Tribune: No new COVID-19 deaths in NEPA
The Times Leader: Committee of seven to guide Luzerne County manager search
The Times Leader: Cartwright announces $10.7M COVID-19 relief funds for local venues
The Times Leader: Luzerne County poll worker training may become mandatory
The Times Leader: 39 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Wednesday; 1,811 statewide

South Central  
LNP | LancasterOnline: Document circulating in conservative circles online claims to show ‘anomalies’ in Lancaster County 2020 election 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Federal judge wants more time to decide if Ephrata man charged in Capitol attack a danger should remain jailed 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County returns to ‘high’ level of COVID-19 transmission: CDC
York Dispatch: York County Prison, bucking Gov. Wolf, does not mandate COVID vaccine 
York Dispatch: 57 new COVID-19 cases reported in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: Is it time to retire Carlisle’s borough seal? Carlisle Borough Council says it is
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 34 new cases of COVID-19 reported Wednesday for Cumberland County
Patriot News: Dauphin, Lancaster, Perry counties showing ‘high’ COVID-19 spread: CDC

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: The 2020 census data on race, ethnicity and voting population will be released Thursday. Here’s why those numbers matter.
Morning Call: Will Lehigh Valley students have to wear masks this fall? Here’s what school districts have planned
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 14 counties in ‘high’ community transmission areas as state adds 1,811 cases
WFMZ: Lehigh County looks to the future with 5-year capital spending plan 
WFMZ: Easton Mayor Panto says `ecotourism’ is helping boost the city 
WFMZ: How infrastructure bill could boost Berks road projects
Express Times: Muhlenberg College joins other area schools with faculty and staff vaccine mandate
Reading Eagle: With another wave of COVID swelling, Berks County health experts urge renewed vigilance 
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 66 COVID cases, tops in the delta variant surge

North by Northwest
WTAJ: Scott Conklin chosen to chair House State Government Committee
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Tioga County commissioners accuse pro-audit Sen. Doug Mastriano of grandstanding
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: UPMC stresses vaccination; Lycoming County cases rise
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Masks required at Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology this fall
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County approves land swap with Williamsport 
Erie Times-News: Masks mandated at all city of Erie buildings, including City Hall, as COVID cases escalate

Opinion  
Brian Fitzpatrick and Stephanie Wein: Pennsylvania is at the beginning of a public lands renaissance
Bob Mensch: Affordable funding for critical highway and bridge needs in Pennsylvania
Jennifer Rafanan Kennedy: Don’t leave out wage preemption in the fight to raise Pa.’s minimum wage 
Don Ritter: Two things we must do to avert disaster in Afghanistan
John L. Micek: House bill aims to protect intellectually disabled from false confessions | Thursday Morning Coffee
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pennsylvania lawmakers continue to collect per diems without receipts, a system ripe for abuse 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Highmark Health launches program to build diverse leadership for the future
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Beware bogus audit and ‘election integrity committee’ members knocking on doors in Lancaster County 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Confused by the city’s new COVID-19 restrictions? You’re not alone. 
Helen Ubiñas: Mothers of gunshot victims grieve in real time on social media 
Paul Muschick: How the owner of Allentown’s historic Americus Hotel proved the skeptics wrong
Joyce M. Davis: Next generation leaders value something in short supply today: straight talk and honesty | Social Views
Camera Bailey: In the time you read this article, a woman will be assaulted
Arden Tewksbury: Here’s the truth about fat in milk
Morton Rubenstein, M.D.: Congress must act to address climate change
Brittney Miller: I feel unsafe in broad daylight because of something I can’t change about myself 
Janet Rosenzweig, MS, PhD, MPA: Gov. Cuomo’s resignation offers parents a teachable moment on boundaries | Expert Opinion
Gene Therapy: No biggie, just checking the odds on the end of the world
Daniel Pearson: Tucker Carlson and the American right are taking the wrong lessons from Hungary