Roll Call lists Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District in the top 10 House Districts likely to change after redistricting. Here is the Playbook. 

Roll Call: PA15 Ranked in Top 10 Districts ‘Surely to Change After Census Release’: The national outlet mentions that Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District now represents 674,000 people, while the state is slated to lose a seat after reapportionment.

‘4 takeaways from new Pa. census data and what it means for redistricting’: Spotlight PA provides “four takeaways from the new census data and what it means for the state House and Senate maps.”

‘Pennsylvania redistricting experts demand better map-drawing process; ‘partisan interest’ shouldn’t define it’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Carol Kuniholm, an expert on how the state’s elected leaders have drawn heavily criticized political maps, says the latest map-drawing process is off to a fair start — but the final result is still unknown.”

‘Here’s what Pa.’s and N.J.’s chunk of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill might buy’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “elected officials, advocacy groups, and transit agencies across Pennsylvania and New Jersey are already dreaming about the projects that could result.”

‘Two Pa. lawmakers are working on bipartisan election reform. Here’s what they’ve proposed’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “two months after a panel of lawmakers released a report on election integrity, the Republican and Democratic heads of a Senate committee with election oversight are putting its recommendations into action.”

‘Pa. has long been a home for refugees. Will Afghans be the next to find shelter here?’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “advocates and lawmakers said this week that Pennsylvania could — and should — continue that tradition as a safe haven for Afghans.”

‘Sen. Corman says Penn State would likely face ‘pushback in Harrisburg’ if it mandated COVID vaccines’: WPSU reports that “State Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman said he supports how Penn State has been responding to COVID-19, and while he would not want to pull the university’s state funding if it mandated vaccines, others in the General Assembly might.”

‘Ask the Experts: Why is critical race theory so controversial?’: City & State PA “reached out to some experts on the subject to help describe what critical race theory is, how it relates to education and the potential impacts of policies banning certain teachings.”

‘Senate lawmakers are seeking a bipartisan approach to election reforms’: City & State PA reports that “after Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a doomed election reform bill crafted by House Republicans earlier this summer, lawmakers in the state Senate are now taking a different approach as they prepare to introduce legislation that leaves out some of the more controversial provisions that sank the original bill.”

‘Sen. Bob Casey returns to the Lehigh Valley after pandemic pause, talking about how pandemic makes it even more urgent to end childhood hunger, make child care affordable’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “while the political and everyday world has undergone a tectonic shift in the last 17 months, Sen. Bob Casey arrived in the Lehigh Valley Tuesday delivering a familiar message.”

‘Five children died in a fire at a Pa. child care home. The tragedy changed state law, but some say more must be done.’: PennLive reports that “under a new state law, child care operators must meet more stringent fire safety requirements to operate. Inspectors are looking to make sure of it. Still, some say more must be done to help ensure the safety of Pennsylvania’s 6,400 licensed child care facilities.”

‘US appeals court revives lawsuit over gun club restrictions’: The Associated Press reports that “a federal judge should not have thrown out a legal challenge to township zoning rules that restricted operations at a gun range in western Pennsylvania and limited “sportsman’s clubs” to nonprofit entities, an appeals court ruled Tuesday.”

‘What Lehigh Valley congressional candidates are saying about Afghanistan’: Lehigh Valley Live reports that “U.S. Rep. Susan Wild, the Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 7th Congressional District, and two Republicans who want to run against her, have weighed in on the situation in Afghanistan.”

‘What will new Chesco census numbers mean in Washington, Harrisburg?’: The Daily Local News reports that “Chester County’s population grew at a fast clip over the past 10 years along with other so-called “collar counties” in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania, according to U.S. Census figures.”

‘Chester County commissioners want emergency pipeline plans’: The Daily Local News reports that “Chester County emergency officials are seeking to have a plan prepared to deal with the possibility – or eventuality – of a natural-gas liquid pipeline disaster in the county, largely responding to events surrounding the Mariner East Pipeline construction projects, and others, which have experienced a host of problems over the past several months.”

‘Fitzpatrick says collapse of Afghanistan avoidable, pushed US into danger’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that “the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan has put the United States and its allies in greater danger of terrorist activity within their borders, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick said Tuesday.”

‘2020 Census data reveals a more diverse Lancaster County’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “Lancaster County’s 6.5% growth over the last 10 years came entirely from nonwhite populations, a trend that appears to have been boosted in part by Puerto Rican migration after Hurricane Maria hit the island.”

‘Gov. Wolf endorses Democrat Tyler Titus in historic run for Erie County executive’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf has endorsed Democrat Tyler Titus for Erie County executive.”

‘Lancaster County to approve new election vendor, following mail ballot errors in 2021 municipal primary’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “the Lancaster County commissioners are expected to hire a new vendor to print and manage mail ballots, after ending the county’s relationship with a previous vendor responsible for errors in the 2021 primary election.”

‘Pittsburgh Will Help To Resettle Refugees Fleeing Afghanistan Crisis’: WESA reports that “Pittsburgh will serve as a resettlement site for those fleeing Afghanistan as the U.S. beats a frantic retreat from the country, a local aid group announced Tuesday.”

‘Mars Area School Board Bans Teaching Critical Race Theory, Passes ‘Patriotism Amendment’’: WESA reports that “the Mars Area school board unanimously approved an amendment Tuesday night that would prohibit teaching critical race theory in classrooms, making it one of the first districts in the region to make such a change. Board members did so by approving a “patriotism amendment” to the district’s mission statement.”

‘A vaccine mandate for Philly schoolteachers won’t be in place when classes start’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “the Philadelphia School District is likely to require COVID-19 vaccinations for all of its 20,000-plus employees, but that mandate won’t be in place by the start of the school year.”

‘Judge rules that Christopher Columbus statue can stay in South Philly’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “a Philadelphia judge on Tuesday ruled that the controversial Christopher Columbus statue at Marconi Plaza in South Philadelphia can remain there, reversing a decision by city officials to have it removed.”

‘Johnstown population drops again by 12.2%, Census shows’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports that “Johnstown’s population dropped by 12.2% for the second decade in a row.”

‘State College Borough Council passes ordinance for ‘COB’ overseeing police. Here’s what it means’: The Centre Daily Times reports that “the State College Borough Council voted unanimously Monday night to form the COB, which should be formally established by October once the nine-member board is filled.” 

‘East Cocalico Twp. supervisors to discuss recreation board chair’s charges for involvement in Jan. 6’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “the East Cocalico Township board of supervisors this week will discuss the Jan. 6 riot-related charges against a volunteer member of the township’s recreation board.”

‘Scranton officials again urge residents to apply for rent, utility and mortgage relief’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Scranton officials again urged residents struggling to pay rent, mortgage and utilities to take advantage of a $1.1 million fund established several months ago.”

Levin Endorses Parnell: Mark Levin, a conservative talk show host, has endorsed Sean Parnell for U.S. Senate. 

ACLC President Darrin Kelly to Make ‘Important Labor Day Parade Announcement’: According to a press release, Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council President Darrin Kelly, labor leaders and elected officials will make an “important Labor Day Parade announcement” today at 12:00 pm on the portico of the City County Building in Pittsburgh. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: 4 takeaways from new Pa. census data and what it means for redistricting
Inquirer: Here’s what Pa.’s and N.J.’s chunk of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill might buy
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Two Pa. lawmakers are working on bipartisan election reform. Here’s what they’ve proposed
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. has long been a home for refugees. Will Afghans be the next to find shelter here?
AP: US appeals court revives lawsuit over gun club restrictions
Morning Call: Pennsylvania redistricting experts demand better map-drawing process; ‘partisan interest’ shouldn’t define it
Patriot News: Inspectors find 229 smoke detector violations, other fire safety issues at Pa. child care facilities
Patriot News: Five children died in a fire at a Pa. child care home. The tragedy changed state law, but some say more must be done.
Patriot News: Another major hospital system in Pa. announces COVID-19 vaccination mandate
Patriot News: Most of Pa. now showing substantial levels of COVID-19 cases, or worse
Patriot News: Pa. logs 2,027 new COVID-19 infections in a day as hospital cases grow
City & State PA: Ask the Experts: Why is critical race theory so controversial?
City & State PA: Senate lawmakers are seeking a bipartisan approach to election reforms 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 2,027 New Cases, 27 Additional Deaths
Reading Eagle: What should you do with your COVID vaccination card and when might you need it?
StateImpactPA: Sunoco pays $85,000 for spills in four counties
Politico: Election officials call for audit guidelines after Trump-fueled surge

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: A vaccine mandate for Philly schoolteachers won’t be in place when classes start
Inquirer: Judge rules that Christopher Columbus statue can stay in South Philly 
Inquirer: In a Kabul under Taliban control, Philly-area Quakers try to get one man out to safety 
Inquirer: Coronavirus spread is high and hospitalizations are rising across the Philadelphia region
WHYY Newsworks: SEPTA union asks for hazard pay and higher wages as contract negotiations begin
Chalkbeat Philadelphia: Philadelphia teachers union says the district has not opened talks on vaccine mandate — and wonders why not
Philadelphia Tribune: Observers point to many different reasons for gun violence
KYW Newsradio: Judge blocks city plan to remove Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Philly teachers union on proposed COVID-19 vaccine mandate: We’re waiting
KYW Newsradio: Philly FDA adviser says COVID-19 booster would be ‘focusing on the wrong thing’

SEPA
Daily Local News: What will new Chesco census numbers mean in Washington, Harrisburg?
Daily Local News: Chester County commissioners want emergency pipeline plans
Bucks County Courier Times: Fitzpatrick says collapse of Afghanistan avoidable, pushed US into danger
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks changes school guidance, urging masks for all students in fall
Bucks County Courier Times: Conduct complaint against Bucks County Judge Alan Rubenstein dismissed
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County mask debate: A look at parent petitions, county guidance
Delco Daily Times: Local observers see blame enough to go around in Afghanistan
Delco Daily Times: Upper Darby has big plans for American Rescue funds
Inquirer: In a reversal, Bucks County recommends all students be masked in schools
Inquirer: West Chester will randomly test students who don’t submit proof of vaccination
WHYY Newsworks: Bucks County changes school COVID-19 guidance again to recommend masking
Philadelphia Business Journal: Chester County distributing $5.9M in state pandemic relief to local hospitality businesses
Delaware Valley Journal: Opinions Vary on New Mask Mandates as COVID-19 Cases Rise
Bucks Local News: Bucks County providing third doses of Pfizer vaccine to Immunocompromised 
Pottstown Mercury: Citing delta concerns, Montgomery County officials urge masking indoors
Pottstown Mercury: Phoenixville, Spring-Ford, OJR school officials wrestle with mask issue

Pittsburgh 
WPXI: Pittsburgh-area lawmakers, Duquesne University expert, talk about crisis in Afghanistan
WESA: Pittsburgh Will Help To Resettle Refugees Fleeing Afghanistan Crisis
WESA: Mars Area School Board Bans Teaching Critical Race Theory, Passes ‘Patriotism Amendment’
WESA: With New Census Data, Pennsylvania’s Congressional Redistricting Can Really Get Moving
Post-Gazette: Chaotic Afghan pullout engulfs lawmakers in political firestorm as Congress weighs next steps
Post-Gazette: Some board members express skepticism on pushing back Pittsburgh schools start date 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Latest: State offering free testing and vaccinations in schools; White House eyeing booster shots; Steelers requiring masks
KDKA: Parents Criticize Pittsburgh Public Schools Leaders During Community Hearing
KDKA: Pittsburgh Groups Preparing For Afghan Refugees
KDKA: Club Cafe On Pittsburgh’s South Side To Require Proof Of Vaccination Against COVID-19 For Entry  
WTAE: Afghan refugee in Pittsburgh speaks on what’s happening in Afghanistan
WTAE: COVID-related hospitalizations on rise in western Pa.
Pittsburgh Business Times: Going mobile: Port Authority of Allegheny County now allowing smartphones for transit fare payments
City Paper: Panel will discuss impacts of Battle of Blair Mountain labor uprising on workers today 
City Paper: Port Authority launches mobile pay for Pittsburgh-area buses and inclines
Tribune Review: Western Pa. groups prep for fleeing Afghans seeking to resettle in Pittsburgh
Tribune Review: Trib honored with national Edward R. Murrow Award for journalism excellence

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown population drops again by 12.2%, Census shows
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State board rejects bids to add conditions to qualify for medical marijuana
Beaver County Times: Majority of Beaver Valley school districts not requiring masks prior to start of 2021-22 year
KDKA: Nearly 90 Percent Of People Hospitalized With COVID-19 In Westmoreland County Are Unvaccinated
Observer-Reporter: DOH announces free COVID-19 testing, encourages vaccine clinics in schools

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Scranton officials again urge residents to apply for rent, utility and mortgage relief
Times-Tribune: Behind on stadium rent because of COVID-19, RailRiders owner works out payment plan
Times-Tribune: Region COVID-19 death toll moves past 1,900 mark
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre sees insurance premiums soar
Citizens Voice: Council authorizes DA to provide police presence at airport 
Citizens Voice: Behind on stadium rent because of COVID-19, RailRiders owner works out payment plan 
Citizens Voice: 2 deaths, 45 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: 45 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Tuesday; 2 deaths

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County to approve new election vendor, following mail ballot errors in 2021 municipal primary
LNP | LancasterOnline: East Cocalico Twp. supervisors to discuss recreation board chair’s charges for involvement in Jan. 6
LNP | LancasterOnline: 2020 Census data reveals a more diverse Lancaster County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Here’s which Lancaster County schools will require facemasks this fall
LNP | LancasterOnline: Masks should be worn in schools to preserve in-person learning: LG Health 
York Dispatch: COVID-19 cases continue to climb as Biden pushes for third vaccine booster
York Dispatch: What York Co. parents can expect as schools reopen this week 
York Daily Record: York County police departments will work with ‘co-responders’ on mental health calls
Carlisle Sentinel: Rep. Gleim, police departments to host scam prevention seminar
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 54 new COVID-19 cases for Cumberland County Tuesday; hospitalizations increase fifth straight day

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Sen. Bob Casey returns to the Lehigh Valley after pandemic pause, talking about how pandemic makes it even more urgent to end childhood hunger, make child care affordable
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: State reports 2,000 additional cases with Northampton County on top again
Express Times: What Lehigh Valley congressional candidates are saying about Afghanistan
Express Times: Afghanistan to COVID: Sen. Bob Casey holds Lehigh Valley drive-in town hall (PHOTOS) 
Express Times: Longtime Lehigh Valley resident named to one of Pa. game commission’s top jobs
Reading Eagle: Berks commissioners may transform residential center into all-female facility
Reading Eagle: Reading offers concert tickets for COVID vaccination

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Gov. Wolf endorses Democrat Tyler Titus in historic run for Erie County executive 
Erie Times-News: Erie County now has high rate of COVID community transmission as school year approaches
WPSU: Sen. Corman says Penn State would likely face ‘pushback in Harrisburg’ if it mandated COVID vaccines
Patriot News: Judge criticizes Little League over COVID-19 decisions, but won’t let 2 teams into world series
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pa. to offer weekly COVID-19 testing for K-12 schools
Centre Daily Times: State College Borough Council passes ordinance for ‘COB’ overseeing police. Here’s what it means

Opinion  
Marian K. Schneider: Mastriano’s ‘wild vote chase’: Pa. Senate leaders must put a stop to this
Dave Galluch: Leadership Void Leads to Economic Time Bomb
Paul Muschick: I was wrong to oppose vaccine mandates. Why it’s time.
Wendell Young IV: Employers should mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for workers now
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Honoring the grief wrought by COVID-19 in Lancaster County and helping Haiti 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Duquesne City School District, troubled for years, scores a win: 7th graders are coming home this fall
Mary Ellen O’Connell: Why Lehigh Valley is particularly hurt by heat and pollution
Will Bunch Newsletter: Penn State is a world leader in science, except for keeping its own kids healthy 
Joyce M. Davis: After billions of dollars and thousands of lost lives, Afghanistan fooled us again | Social Views
Michael Graham: Biden Stops the Buck, But Passes the Blame
Nandini Deo: The U.S. never prioritized Afghan women and girls
Gregory Confer: Rep. Scott Perry pushed the Big Lie and helped to damage our democracy
Jodi Rudoren: Lessons From the Fall of Cuomo
Marty Hann: Children can ask some tough questions