CNN places Pennsylvania’s Senate seat as the most likely to flip in 2022 in their latest rankings. Here is the Playbook. 

CNN Places PA Senate Seat as Most Likely to Flip in Latest 2022 Ratings: In their fifth consecutive ratings update, Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate seat remains the most likely to flip partisan control in 2022.

‘State Republicans Pushing For Forensic Audit’: ABC23 reports that state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) is “leading the forensic election audit proposal” and now he’s “reportedly preparing subpoenas” for the counties that rejected his request for “detailed election information.” The report also states that Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman “says he’s working with Mastriano” on the matter. 

‘Pennsylvania congressman aided Trump effort to flip Justice Department on Big Lie’: CNN reports that Rep. Scott Perry’s (R-York) “role in undermining the legitimacy of Joe Biden’s election victory has become increasingly clear in the months since Election Day, dividing Republicans in his Harrisburg-based district and giving Democrats hope of knocking off the five-term congressman in 2022.”

‘Candidate for Senate Conor Lamb visits Chester County’: The Daily Local News reports that Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) “swept through Chester County, Wednesday, six days after he announced a run for U.S. Senate.” 

Real Clear Politics Highlights Barnette’s Senate Campaign: Real Clear Politics highlights Republican Kathy Barnette’s campaign for U.S. Senate in a story titled, “Conservative Senate Candidate Faces PA’s Electoral Realities.”

‘The Pa. counties that lost and gained the most population in the last 10 years, ranked’: Spotlight PA reports on Pennsylvania’s population “winners and losers” according to “data released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau.”

‘Pa.’s political mapmakers finally have new census data. Now the hard work begins.’: Spotlight PA reports that “after months of delays, the U.S. Census Bureau on Thursday delivered the population data needed to redraw Pennsylvania’s political maps, officially setting off a process that will help determine the balance of power in Harrisburg and Washington.”

‘Four take-aways from Pennsylvania’s 2020 U.S. Census data’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star provides a “few noteworthy changes from the 2020 Census data as redistricting efforts continue.”

‘Pennsylvania is America’s 5th-biggest state and other first-day takeaways from a weird U.S. Census’: PennLive reports that “the final release of 2020 Census data came out Thursday, and it’s a mixed bag of results for Pennsylvania.”

‘MAP: Which Pennsylvania counties gained and lost the most population in 2020 Census?’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “counties in the southeastern part of the state, including the Lehigh Valley, saw the most growth compared to 2010, while large portions of rural western, central and northern Pennsylvania saw the biggest declines. The map below gives the full picture. Dark purple indicates the highest growth, while dark red indicates the biggest decline. Select a county to see the actual population numbers and change from 2010 to 2020.”

‘Philly, suburbs drive Pennsylvania’s population growth’: The Associated Press reports that “Philadelphia and its suburbs continued to attract new residents, and south-central Pennsylvania also grew at a healthy clip, but most of the rest of the state’s 67 counties lost people over the past decade, according to new population data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.”

‘Guards union warns Wolf of legal action over vaccine mandate’: The Associated Press reports that “the union that represents about 10,000 guards in Pennsylvania’s state prisons told Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday it plans legal action to stop his effort to force them to get COVID-19 vaccines over the next month.”

‘With $370M in COVID relief to spend, Wolf looking at vaccine incentives’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf is in tight-lipped negotiations with legislators, particularly his fellow Democrats, over how to spend $370 million in federal stimulus money allocated to his office for “pandemic response” — with few strings attached,” although “… Wolf went on to suggest that he was interested in using the money to incentivize skeptics to get vaccinated.”

‘Pa. nursing homes will need 80% of staff vaccinated to avoid testing requirement — but it’s not a mandate’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports “if Pennsylvania nursing homes don’t have at least 80% of their staff vaccinated by Oct. 1, the Department of Health announced Thursday, all employees would have to undergo regular coronavirus testing — but the Wolf administration stopped short of issuing a vaccination or testing requirement.”

‘How many people in Pa. use cannabis for addiction? The Wolf admin won’t say.’: Spotlight PA reports that “in 2018, the Wolf administration endorsed cannabis and kratom as a treatment for opioid use disorder, despite an absence of research and concerns from experts that it could give patients false hope — or actively harm them. A recent Spotlight PA story set out to measure the impact of that decision, three years later.”

‘Pennsylvania’s state colleges say they can’t require vaccines. Some faculty think politics are at play.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Pennsylvania’s university system says it would need legislation to require vaccines. Some faculty leaders question that and say if that’s true, system leadership should be asking for it.”

‘Philly’s population has grown to more than 1.6 million, and the region is getting more diverse’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philadelphia gained roughly 77,800 residents between 2010 and 2020, growing the city’s population to more than 1.6 million, according to the first local and demographic results from the 2020 census, released Thursday.”

‘Reading now the 4th largest city in Pennsylvania, according to census data’: The Reading Eagle reports that “Reading surpassed Erie as Pennsylvania’s fourth most-populous city in 2020, according to census data released Thursday.”

‘While most of Pa. shrunk, the Lehigh Valley grew, Census data shows. The area’s Hispanic population had a lot to do with it.’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “though many parts of Pennsylvania lost residents since 2010, the population of the Lehigh Valley grew by nearly 40,000 people over the last decade, with increasing numbers of Hispanic residents driving the change, the 2020 decennial census data shows.”

‘Allegheny, Butler, Washington counties show population growth in 2020 Census’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Allegheny, Butler and Washington counties were the only counties” in western PA “that grew in population over the past decade, according to the census.”

‘Allegheny County population grows by 2.2% in latest U.S. census’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Allegheny County grew in population over the last decade, bucking a trend of statistical loss that had occurred for more than half a century, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed Thursday.”

‘U.S. Census: Central Pennsylvania’s population growth outpaces the state’: The York Daily Record reports that “central Pennsylvania’s counties all added population over the past 10 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, but some experienced slower growth than others.”

‘Population gains could boost Lancaster County’s clout in Harrisburg’: The Caucus reports on “the Census data released Thursday” which “will be used to craft new lines for Pennsylvania’s U.S. House districts and all 253 General Assembly districts.”

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

‘Gov. Wolf makes stop in Lancaster to tout success of COVID-19 vaccines’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “flanked by Union Community Care officials as well as city and state lawmakers, Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday made the case for getting a COVID-19 vaccination in the City of Lancaster.”

‘At least 4 of Pa.’s state universities now will require masks in classrooms this fall’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “at least four state-owned universities in Western Pennsylvania with more than 24,000 students collectively notified their campuses Thursday of plans to require masks indoors this fall — including classrooms — regardless of vaccination status, as concern grows over rising COVID-19 cases.”

‘ICE’s decadeslong relationship with York County Prison ends’: The York Dispatch reports that “after nearly three decades, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will no longer house detainees at York County Prison.”

‘Erie County, city populations drop again, extending trend, 2020 census shows’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Erie County’s population declined 3.5% over the last decade, dropping by 9,690 people to 270,876, according to 2020 decennial census data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.”

‘Population in three area counties, including Lackawanna grew, while four others lost residents’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “the populations of Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Pike counties increased slightly over the past decade, while four other counties in the northeast region saw an exodus of residents, according to data released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.”

‘Opponent gone, Wechsler unopposed for city tax collector’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Cathy Nealon Wechsler moved closer to becoming Scranton’s next tax collector because her lone opponent on the Nov. 2 election ballot dropped out.”

‘At Gainey’s request, URA board delays vote on Downtown property sales to PNC’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “PNC Bank’s bid to buy two Downtown properties on Wood Street across from its headquarters will have to wait a bit longer. The Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority board delayed a vote Thursday on the sale of the Skinny Building at the corner of Forbes Avenue and Wood and the adjacent John M. Roberts and Co. building at 429-431 Wood for $1.3 million at the request of member Ed Gainey, the state representative and Democratic nominee for mayor.”

‘Brian Allen challenges Scott Perry in congressional primary election’: ABC27 reports that “Brian Allen, a Republican, will be challenging Representative Scott Perry in the U.S. House of Representatives 2022 primary election to represent the 10th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.” PoliticsPA first reported on Allen’s bid for Congress in March. 

‘Westmoreland commissioners pressed to take public opinion into account when spending relief funds’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “Westmoreland commissioners will convene a public hearing to gather recommendations on how the county should spend $105 million in American Rescue Plan funds. No date has been set.”

‘Tioga mayor alleges discrepancies in borough finances, calls for answers’: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that “Tioga Borough Mayor David Wilcox says he is left “dissatisfied” with how borough officials have handled allegations that money is missing from borough accounts.”

‘Penn State faculty leading Friday rally at Old Main to demand COVID-19 vaccine mandate’: The Centre Daily Times reports that “a faculty-based Penn State group that’s garnered more than 2,500 signatures calling for a vaccine mandate plans to hold a rally Friday to present the university president with its petition.” 

‘Delaware County to spend more than $1.6M for I.T. technology’: The Delaware County Daily Times reports that “after a November computer hack forced county officials to pay a $500,000 cyber ransom, Delaware County Council approved a $2.4 million I.T. infusion that they say is the beginning.”

‘Comcast’s Brian Roberts and Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium’s Dr. Ala Stanford to receive Philadelphia Award’: The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that “Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium Founder Dr. Ala Stanfordand Comcast CEO Brian Roberts were named recipients of this year’s Philadelphia Award for leading efforts to address racial and social disparities in health care and education.”

Richey To Campaign in Pike 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 meeting with business leaders in Pike County on Friday. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Philly, suburbs drive Pennsylvania’s population growth
AP: Guards union warns Wolf of legal action over vaccine mandate
AP: Prosecutors: SEPTA managers took bribes in years-long scheme
Spotlight PA: The Pa. counties that lost and gained the most population in the last 10 years, ranked 
Spotlight PA: Pa.’s political mapmakers finally have new census data. Now the hard work begins.
Spotlight PA: How many people in Pa. use cannabis for addiction? The Wolf admin won’t say.
Patriot News: Pennsylvania is America’s 5th-biggest state and other first-day takeaways from a weird U.S. Census 
Patriot News: 44 Pa. counties lost people in the past decade. See which counties gained the most 
Patriot News: With only 60% vaccinated, Pa. ‘encourages’ nursing home staff vaccination, but isn’t mandating it 
Patriot News: Pa. logs more than 2,000 new COVID-19 infections in a day
Inquirer: Pennsylvania’s state colleges say they can’t require vaccines. Some faculty think politics are at play.
Inquirer: For big Pa. pension fund, a great investment — except for the founder’s arrest
Inquirer: Pa. nursing homes will need 80% of staff vaccinated to avoid testing requirement — but it’s not a mandate
Morning Call: Pennsylvania beauty salon controversy? Lawmaker seeks changes on renting of chairs
Morning Call: MAP: Which Pennsylvania counties gained and lost the most population in 2020 Census?
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 2,089 cases push state near ‘high’ transmission rate, hospitalizations rising
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Four take-aways from Pennsylvania’s 2020 U.S. Census data 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Prison guards sue, other unions bargain over Wolf’s vaccine policy for state workers 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With $370M in COVID relief to spend, Wolf looking at vaccine incentives 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Health Department says nursing homes need 80 percent of staff vaccinated — or increase testing 
City & State PA: A new third party by the name of SAM is looking to breakthrough in PA 
City & State PA: This week’s biggest Winners & Losers
Post-Gazette: At least 4 of Pa.’s state universities now will require masks in classrooms this fall
Post-Gazette: State health department wants nursing home staff vaccinated by October
WESA: Pediatricians Say Lack Of School Mask Mandates Could Lead To More COVID-19 Deaths In Kids
ABC23: State Republicans Pushing For Forensic Audit 
Express Times: Pa. prison guards union blasts Wolf over mandatory COVID vaccinations for some state workers
KYW Newsradio: Fearing new prosecution for sexual assault, Cosby plans to plead the fifth
WHYY Newsworks: York County Prison has no more ICE detainees. Advocates call it a ‘partial victory’
Politico: Nation’s largest teachers union backs vaccine mandates
KDKA: Report: Pennsylvania State Senate Developing Online Tool To Increase Transparency
KDKA: Attorney General Josh Shapiro: 200 Tons Of Drugs Destroyed Through Take Back Program 
KDKA: Department Of Health To Nursing Homes: Vaccinate 80% Of Staff Or Face Frequent Testing
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports Over 2,000 New Cases
CNN: Pennsylvania congressman aided Trump effort to flip Justice Department on Big Lie 
Tribune Review: AG Shapiro announces 200 tons of drugs collected during 4 years of take-back program
Real Clear Politics: Conservative Senate Candidate Faces PA’s Electoral Realities
The Daily Beast: MAGA Fraudster Smears Dems Using Decoy TMZ

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Jim Kenney gets Rickrolled in campaign for governor (that’s not happening) 
Inquirer: Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney says he won’t run for Pa. governor or U.S. Senate
Inquirer: Philly’s population has grown to more than 1.6 million, and the region is getting more diverse
Inquirer: Schools, airports, venues, and prisons are using rapid antigen tests to screen for the coronavirus. Time will tell if it works. 
Billy Penn: Hot vax bummer: Block parties are allowed again in Philly, but applications are down at least 50% 
Billy Penn: Philly area restaurants requiring vaccination: a running list
KYW Newsradio: Philly, suburbs drive Pennsylvania’s population growth
KYW Newsradio: ‘Whatever it takes’: Philly-area veteran marches to D.C. for help halting city’s gun violence
KYW Newsradio: These Philly restaurants and venues are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Philadelphia Business Journal: Comcast’s Brian Roberts and Black Doctors Covid-19 Consortium’s Dr. Ala Stanford to receive Philadelphia Award
WHYY Newsworks: A memoir describes Philadelphia man’s wrongful conviction and fight for justice
Philadelphia Citizen: What We Can Learn From The Fight For Marriage Equality 
Philadelphia Citizen: “Science Is Easier Than Trust”  

SEPA
Daily Local News: Candidate for Senate Conor Lamb visits Chester County
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County to spend more than $1.6M for I.T. technology 
Bucks County Courier Times: How many people live in Bucks County, Pennsylvania 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks considers mandatory vaccines for jail staff as inmate cases rise
KYW Newsradio: As community spread increases in Montco, these COVID-19 guidelines will change
WHYY Newsworks: Delco funds Health Department start-up costs ahead of January debut
Pottstown Mercury: Delaware County officials offer thanks to Chester County for ‘life saving’ work
Delaware Valley Journal: Rick Loughery Wins a Second Term as National Chairman of Young Republicans
Delaware Valley Journal: New Delco Health Department Will Cost $10 Million for First Year, Consultant Says 
Montgomery Media: Mask debate continues at Souderton Area School District

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County population grows by 2.2% in latest U.S. census
Post-Gazette: At Gainey’s request, URA board delays vote on Downtown property sales to PNC 
Post-Gazette: Nazi salute, jeering directed at Fox Chapel school board members after approving mask mandate
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: Pa. reports more than 2,000 new case and wants 80% of nursing home employees vaccinated by Oct. 1
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Butler, Washington counties show population growth in 2020 Census 
Tribune Review: Out-of-state covid hot spots ‘desperate’ to transfer patients to Western Pa. hospitals 
City Paper: Allegheny County gains population for first time in six decades, says census
KDKA: City’s Community Health And Safety Office Launches Website 
WESA: GOP-Led General Assembly Doesn’t Plan To Extend Governor Tom Wolf’s Opioid Crisis Emergency Declaration 

SWPA 
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Butler, Washington counties show population growth in 2020 Census
Tribune Review: Westmoreland commissioners pressed to take public opinion into account when spending relief funds
Beaver County Times: How many people live in Beaver County, Pennsylvania
Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania nursing homes ordered to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among staff or face more testing
Beaver County Times: Allegheny County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 55% of people fully vaccinated
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: L&I doesn’t rule out unemployment benefits for workers who refuse COVID vaccine
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: New Census data shows population shifts in Pa.
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Richland retirement community halting visits to avoid potential COVID spread; Cambria County adds 11 cases
WESA: Wolf Trumpets Investments In Aliquippa As The Former Steel Town Braces For Cracker Plant Opening

NEPA 
Times-Tribune: Population in three area counties, including Lackawanna grew, while four others lost residents
Times-Tribune: Opponent gone, Wechsler unopposed for city tax collector
Times-Tribune: Northeast Pennsylvania region adds 122 COVID-19 cases, no new COVID-19 deaths
The Times Leader: Luzerne County DA’s office aiming to supply law enforcement required at airport
The Times Leader: 45 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Thursday; 2,089 statewide
Citizens Voice: 45 new COVID-19 cases recorded in county

South Central 
ABC27: Brian Allen challenges Scott Perry in congressional primary election
Carlisle Sentinel: Silver Spring Township man to run for 10th Congressional District seat 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 39 new cases of COVID-19 reported Thursday for Cumberland County
York Daily Record: U.S. Census: Central Pennsylvania’s population growth outpaces the state
York Daily Record: How many people live in York County, Pennsylvania 
York Daily Record: York County Prison moves closer to 2-year contract with controversial jail contractor
Patriot News: Harrisburg schools to require masks, offer vaccine clinics
The Caucus: Population gains could boost Lancaster County’s clout in Harrisburg
LNP | LancasterOnline: Gov. Wolf makes stop in Lancaster to tout success of COVID-19 vaccines 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County population continues steady, modest growth, according to Census data
LNP | LancasterOnline: Protesters decry Penn Medicine LG Health staff vaccine mandate 
LNP | LancasterOnline: As COVID-19 cases spike, Lancaster County school districts on their own to decide whether to mandate masks
York Dispatch: ICE’s decadeslong relationship with York County Prison ends 

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Reading now the 4th largest city in Pennsylvania, according to census data 
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 57 COVID cases; Pa. passes 2,000 for the second time in the delta surge 
Morning Call: While most of Pa. shrunk, the Lehigh Valley grew, Census data shows. The area’s Hispanic population had a lot to do with it.
Morning Call: These 2 charts show how much the Lehigh Valley’s diversity increased in 2020 Census 
WFMZ: Census data show population growth in the Lehigh Valley 
WFMZ: 2020 census shows population gains in Reading, Berks 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie County, city populations drop again, extending trend, 2020 census shows
Erie Times-News: Pennsylvania nursing homes ordered to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among staff or face more testing
Erie Times-News: 2020 Census: city of Erie loses population
Erie Times-News: Erie County, city populations drop again, extending trend, 2020 census shows
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Tioga mayor alleges discrepancies in borough finances, calls for answers
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners to meet with property owner about possible coroner building
Centre Daily Times: Pennsylvania Senate plans first step to enhance public access to expense information
Centre Daily Times: Penn State faculty leading Friday rally at Old Main to demand COVID-19 vaccine mandate

Opinion  
John Baer: Conor Lamb offers Pa. Democrats a whole new race in the nation’s most competitive 2022 primary
Ce-Ce Gerlach and Joshua Siegel: Why Allentown should spend less on police and more on social services
Jeff Kupfer: Removing tax provisions for energy hurts American consumers in more ways than one
Elizabeth Stelle: Voters Rejected the Governor’s “Lone Wolf” Pandemic Response—The Same Applies to RGGI
Bruce Katz, Karyn Bruggeman, and Colin Higgins: The Virus and the City: What $9.2 Billion in Rescue Funds Means for Philly 
Larry Platt: Wanna Take on Systemic Racism? Infrastructure 
John L. Micek: Ahead of tough 2022, progressive PAC pitches infrastructure, Biden budget to Pa. | Friday Coffee
John L. Micek: In our mad, polarized, COVID surge summer, the only way out is through 
Paul Muschick: How two Lehigh Valley students are helping guide Pennsylvania education policy
Inquirer: Should colleges mandate COVID vaccines for the fall semester? | Pro/Con
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: After trampling incident, East Hempfield officials are right to press Spooky Nook for safety procedure review
Christopher Beem: Why refusing the COVID-19vaccine isn’t just immoral – it’s ‘un-American’
Sarah Klotz: How Native students fought back against abuse and assimilation at US boarding schools
Will Bunch: Are Biden and the Democrats making a giant political goof by helping out the white working class? 
Priya Mammen: Doctors and public health officials are falling short in COVID communication | Expert Opinion
Sterling Johnson: Tree planting can’t achieve climate justice without renter protections and AC access 
Raymond E. Janifer, Sr.: The legacy of Colin Kaepernick: Young Black NFL players stay silent or be exiled 
Caitlin Brown: My young son can’t attend my wedding under Philly’s new COVID restrictions 
John H. Jewett: The blood from the pandemic is on Trump’s hands
Connie Bihon: The critical race theory is about truth