A Republican has announced his candidacy for the 4th Congressional District. Here is the Playbook. 

GOP Businessman Launches Bid for PA4: Christian Nascimento, Vice President of Product at Comcast and former Methacton School Board president, lists “better education, better opportunities, and better security” as his campaign’s priorities.

‘Pennsylvania teachers unions: Schools should require masks’: The Associated Press reports that “Pennsylvania’s two statewide teachers unions on Wednesday urged K-12 schools to require masks in school buildings, a measure that state officials are encouraging but have not mandated as students prepare to return to class.”

‘Why were so many Jan. 6 rioters from Pennsylvania?’: The Caucus reports that “prosecutors have filed charges in at least four dozen cases involving Pennsylvanians who allegedly played some role in the insurrection as of Aug. 3, according to data collected by George Washington University’s Program on Extremism.”

‘Ending gerrymandering: the redistricting fight in Pa.’: WHYY talks with Carol Kuniholm, state Rep. Wendi Thomas, and House Minority Leader Joanna McClinton “about the redistricting process and what’s at stake.”

‘A Democratic veterans group is backing Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania’s Senate race’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that VoteVets, a national Democratic group that supports veterans, has endorsed Rep. Conor Lamb’s (D-Allegheny) bid for U.S. Senate. 

‘People in rural Pennsylvania are desperate for internet. Biden’s infrastructure bill could help.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “more money to get people online could significantly change lives. But don’t expect it to change political views.”

‘Pa. Democrats’ constituencies are growing. How does that impact 2022?’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “changing demographics and redistricting may mean a path back to power after more than a decade in the wilderness.”

‘Gainey shares thoughts on UPMC, vaccines and COVID relief as he awaits mayoral election’: PublicSource interviewed state Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), who is the Democratic Party nominee for Pittsburgh Mayor, “and asked him how he views several key issues facing the city, including the use of relief funds, municipal consolidation and COVID-19 vaccination efforts.”

‘Pa. state government, school retirees have company in longing for cost-of-living adjustments’: PennLive reports that “retired Pennsylvania public school and state government employees are not alone in hoping to someday see a cost-of-living adjustment in their pension benefits. More than 30 states have suspended, reduced or eliminated “COLAs” since 2009, according to testimony offered by a representative of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Wednesday.”

‘Pennsylvania may use taxpayer dollars for major golf events’: The Associated Press reports that “Pennsylvania officials have held out the potential for taxpayer-paid subsidies to help entice the U.S. Golf Association to bring more Opens and elite amateur events to two courses in the state, a news organization reported.”

‘Senate environmental panel urges opposition to regional greenhouse gas initiative’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports “as Pennsylvania prepares to enter a regional cap-and-trade program, a Senate committee has renewed its opposition — urging a state regulatory board to object to the Keystone State’s participation.”

‘Sen. Bob Casey touts legislative plan aimed at helping kids during visit to Centre County’: The Centre Daily Times reports that Sen. Bob Casey “stopped in Centre County Tuesday and visited Step by Step School for Early Learning to talk about the importance of quality early childhood education.”

‘Pittsburgh’s Labor Day Parade Canceled Again, Amid Rising Coronavirus Cases’: WESA reports that “for the second year in a row, the coronavirus has forced the cancellation of Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade — among the country’s largest and highest-profile celebrations of the union movement.”

‘Lancaster County approves new mail ballot vendor for 2021 election’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “the Lancaster County commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday to hire a new vendor to print and manage the county’s mail ballots, even as they disagreed over the safety of voting by mail.”

‘Mayor Kenney firmly rejects calls for National Guard, saying it’s not trained to fight city crime’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “while acknowledging the city is in the throes of a gun-violence crisis on pace to claim a record number of lives this year, Mayor Jim Kenney on Wednesday firmly rejected calls from some prominent community activists to ask the state to send in the Pennsylvania National Guard.”

‘Lancaster County to observe Juneteenth as paid holiday, close government offices in observance’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “Lancaster County government will close for a day next year in observance of Juneteenth, joining the state and federal governments in formally commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Juneteenth as part of its 2022 holiday schedule, which now includes 11 federal holiday observances for the next year.”

‘City of Philadelphia considers appeal of judge’s decision to let Columbus statue stay’: WHYY reports that “a judge blocked the removal of a Christopher Columbus statue in South Philadelphia’s Marconi Plaza that became a flashpoint during protests last year –– but the decision has less to do with an underlying cultural battle around the monument and more with city protocols.”

‘Meuser cites ‘human error’ in failure to report family stock buys’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “a report published in Legistorm, a non-partisan, for-profit company that researches, verifies and publishes information about members of Congress and congressional staff since 2006, stated that U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser “failed to report in a timely way that his wife and children purchased as much as $600,000 worth of stock at the depths of the pandemic stock market crash.””

‘Plastic bag and straw ban set for West Chester’: The Daily Local News reports that “effective Jan. 1 2022, the borough will ban distribution by businesses of plastic bags and straws.”

‘Herrin highlights Pa. childcare needs at public hearing’: The Daily Local News reports that “strengthening Pennsylvania’s childcare system and supporting children and families was the focus at state Rep. Dianne Herrin’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on Tuesday.”

‘Pa. representatives meet in Montgomery County for hearing on protecting children from abuse in school’: WFMZ reports that state Rep. Todd Stephens “hosted a House Children and Youth Committee hearing, which was prompted by an allegation of abuse within North Penn School District.”

‘Limerick eyes ways to limit fireworks in township’: Montgomery Media reports that “township supervisors instructed the staff Tuesday night to begin putting together options for limiting the use of private fireworks.”

‘District Judge and former Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Broscius dies at 66’: Lehigh Valley Live reports that “District Judge Patricia Broscius died Wednesday morning at the age of 66 following a long battle with cancer, officials confirmed Wednesday morning. She served many years in the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office and was the first head of the office’s Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit.”

‘Republicans will get to nominate replacement for Scranton tax collector’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Republicans will have a chance to nominate someone new for Scranton tax collector after all. Lackawanna County Director of Elections Beth Hopkins said Kevin Gallagher’s failure to pay a $100 filing fee to accept the Republican nomination for tax collector doesn’t mean there’s no vacancy to fill the nomination.”

‘Chermak again questions lien fees charged to certain delinquent Scranton taxpayers’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Lackawanna County Commissioner Chris Chermak contends a controversial fee should not apply to delinquent county and Scranton School District taxes included in liens filed against certain city properties.”

‘Pennsylvania casino revenue sets new record in July as sports wagering more than doubles’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports that “Pennsylvania casino revenue hit an all-time high in July, another sign of strength for the state’s gaming market following months of closures and restrictions last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

‘New State Law Changes Milk Expiration Date Requirements’: KDKA reports on the “new state law is changing how long milk can stay on store shelves.”

Harrisburg & DC   
The Caucus: Why were so many Jan. 6 rioters from Pennsylvania?
AP: Pennsylvania teachers unions: Schools should require masks
AP: Pennsylvania may use taxpayer dollars for major golf events
AP: Judge rules Columbus statue in Philadelphia can remain
AP: LLWS returns without fans, international teams
Inquirer: A Democratic veterans group is backing Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania’s Senate race 
Inquirer: People in rural Pennsylvania are desperate for internet. Biden’s infrastructure bill could help.
Patriot News: Pa. teachers unions urge K-12 schools to require masks 
Patriot News: Pa. state government, school retirees have company in longing for cost-of-living adjustments
Patriot News: Greens fees: How taxpayer dollars are helping lure U.S. Opens and other national golf tournaments to Pa.
Patriot News: New COVID-19 infections rise in Pa.; deaths surpass 28,000: daily update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Democrats’ constituencies are growing. How does that impact 2022?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Senate environmental panel urges opposition to regional greenhouse gas initiative
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Civics groups reflect on voting rights on the anniversary of the 19th Amendment 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 booster shots to roll out starting next month, feds say
City & State PA: The state’s top teacher’s union calls for schools to require masks
WHYY Newsworks: Ending gerrymandering: the redistricting fight in Pa.
KDKA: New State Law Changes Milk Expiration Date Requirements 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 2,332 New Cases, 25 Additional Deaths
Roll Call: Floor staffers were a quiet force on Jan. 6. Now they’re getting an award
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania casino revenues top record $423M in July
StateImpactPA: DCNR’s 25-year plan for state parks stresses need to address effects of climate change
The Hill: Judge overturns Philadelphia’s decision to remove Christopher Columbus statue
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania casino revenue sets new record in July as sports wagering more than doubles

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: City of Philadelphia considers appeal of judge’s decision to let Columbus statue stay 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly gets ready for back-to-school, amid surge in gun violence, with familiar tactics 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly says it will use existing vaccine network to give out COVID booster shots
Inquirer: Mayor Kenney firmly rejects calls for National Guard, saying it’s not trained to fight city crime 
Inquirer: Philadelphia-area Afghans wait with anxiety and hope for their loved ones’ safety: ‘This didn’t have to happen this way’ 
Inquirer: Philadelphia HHS speaks about clearing Kensington’s encampment
Inquirer: Video: Philadelphia city workers clear out homeless encampments on Kensington Avenue
Inquirer: Photos from the morning the City of Philadelphia along with social services moved homeless campers living along Kensington Avenue. 
Inquirer: U.S. has a plan for coronavirus booster shots. Pa. and Philly say they’re ready
Billy Penn: ‘There still is no answer’: Philly cracks down on Kensington encampments again as homelessness crisis intensifies
Philadelphia Citizen: Funding Food Justice 
Philadelphia Citizen: How To Help Haiti And Afghanistan Right Now 
KYW Newsradio: Everything you need to know about Philly’s COVID-19 vaccine and mask guidance
KYW Newsradio: Kensington homeless encampment cleared out
Philly Voice: Christopher Columbus statue can remain in Marconi Plaza, Philly judge rules
Philadelphia Tribune: Gun violence epidemic leaves families in pain and fear

SEPA
Delaware Valley Journal: ‘Regular Guy’ Bob Kennedy Thinks He’s the Right Guy for 6th CD
Delaware Valley Journal: Local Veterans Have Mixed Views of Biden’s Afghan Evacuation 
Daily Local News: Plastic bag and straw ban set for West Chester
Daily Local News: Herrin highlights Pa. childcare needs at public hearing 
WFMZ: Pa. representatives meet in Montgomery County for hearing on protecting children from abuse in school
Montgomery Media: Limerick eyes ways to limit fireworks in township
KYW Newsradio: Bucks County shifts guidance, now recommends masks in schools
Bucks County Courier Times: Accusations fly at county meeting as school mask debate intensifies
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Health Department amends school guidance after hospitals request masking

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Pittsburgh’s Labor Day Parade Canceled Again, Amid Rising Coronavirus Cases 
WESA: In A ‘Compromise,’ City School Board Unanimously Votes To Start School Sept. 3
WESA: Pitt Volunteers Work To Help Afghan Civilians Apply For Asylum In The US
WESA: No Vaccine Mandate For Most Southwestern Pennsylvania Health Care Workers, Other Medical Systems Take Harder Stance 
WESA: Majestic Lane Discusses City’s Increase In Diversity, What It Means For Talks On Equity
WESA: US Census Data Show How Pittsburgh’s Racial And Ethnic Population Changed 
PublicSource: Gainey shares thoughts on UPMC, vaccines and COVID relief as he awaits mayoral election
Post-Gazette: ‘The responsible thing to do’: Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade canceled for second year in a row
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools sets Sept. 3 as first day for students
Post-Gazette: The plan for a large underground mine in Allegheny County has been in the works for years. Now, it gets a public debut.
Post-Gazette: Ross commissioners detail problems in police department, don’t release report
Post-Gazette: Mars Area school board adds patriotism to district mission statement
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County reports more than 300 cases and two dozen deaths
WTAE: Pittsburgh’s Labor Day Parade canceled for second year
WTAE: Pittsburgh Public Schools board approves new start date 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade canceled, other service events on 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County leaders not considering blanket mask, vaccination mandates 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Public Schools board OKs Sept. 3 start date 
Tribune Review: Covid-19 cases, hospitalizations continue slow, steady climb in region
KDKA: Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade Canceled Over COVID-19 Concerns 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Changes Start Date Again To Sept. 3 
KDKA: Allegheny County Leaders Continue To Push For Vaccinations Amid Delta Surge
KDKA: ‘I Think Pulling Out Was Probably The Right Decision:’ Local Veteran Shares Thoughts On Afghanistan
KDKA: ‘That Exit Strategy Was 100% Wrong:’ Two Local Veterans Concerned With Afghanistan Exit Strategy 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: New Data Shows 26 Additional Coronavirus-Related Deaths In Allegheny Co.
Pittsburgh Business Times: Fitzgerald: County isn’t contemplating restrictions despite Covid surge

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Wolf administration marks 50th anniversary of intermediate unit in Coal Center
Observer-Reporter: WHS to offer third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to immunocompromised
Observer-Reporter: Maggi still has ‘sufficient’ antibodies a year after COVID-19 vaccine
Beaver County Times: Allegheny County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 56% of people fully vaccinated
Beaver County Times: COVID-19 booster shot for Pfizer, Moderna vaccines will be available Sept. 20
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria, Clearfield and Centre counties add COVID-19 deaths
KDKA: District Judge To Reconsider Case On Potential Gun Range In Washington County
Pittsburgh Business Times: Westmoreland, Butler join highest level of CDC Covid map
Altoona Mirror: Tea Party to discuss COVID issues

NEPA
The Times Leader: Meuser cites ‘human error’ in failure to report family stock buys
The Times Leader: Luzerne County DA’s Office will provide law enforcement at airport
The Times Leader: 47 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Wednesday; 1 death
Times-Tribune: Republicans will get to nominate replacement for Scranton tax collector
Times-Tribune: Chermak again questions lien fees charged to certain delinquent Scranton taxpayers
Times-Tribune: Scranton School District to require masks for high, substantial COVID-19 transmission levels
Times-Tribune: Deaths climbing as COVID-19 keeps surging
Citizens Voice: Initiative aims to get kids health insurance 
Citizens Voice: 1 new death, 47 new COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County

South Central 
York Dispatch: Another York County school district hands down mask mandate amid surging COVID cases 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County approves new mail ballot vendor for 2021 election 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County to observe Juneteenth as paid holiday, close government offices in observance 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County’s Afghanistan veterans react to country’s fall to Taliban 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County courts reinstating mask policies for all starting Monday 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 44 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths for Cumberland County Wednesday

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Northampton County to review another $624,000 in pandemic aid 
WFMZ: Pa. DHS acting secretary visits child care provider in Allentown 
WFMZ: Tensions rise over mandate of masks in Berks schools 
WFMZ: Northampton County district judge remembered for fairness, compassion while helping child sex abuse survivors 
Morning Call: With federal government mandating vaccine for nursing home staff, Northampton County will end bonus incentivizing shots 
Morning Call: Northampton County district judge, former assistant prosecutor dies after bout with cancer. ‘A voice for the voiceless’
Morning Call: Allentown police forming community board to strengthen neighborhood relationships following spate of violence 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Death rate doubles in a week, 1,275 hospitalized
Reading Eagle: Berks health experts discuss the latest surge in COVID cases with county commissioners 
Reading Eagle: Reading schools propose full masking in buildings through Nov. 4 
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners decline partnership to manage Kaercher Creek Lake 
Reading Eagle: Berks County sets delta surge COVID case record with 92
Express Times: Pa. is requiring state prison guards to be vaccinated. County prisons aren’t following. 
Express Times: District Judge and former Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Broscius dies at 66 
Express Times: Route 22 widening project is still on hold, but infrastructure bill could change that 
Express Times: Despite pandemic, Northampton County takes in $8K more in drug forfeiture cash

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Sen. Bob Casey touts legislative plan aimed at helping kids during visit to Centre County
Centre Daily Times: State College’s council refuses to rescind PSU frat’s noise waiver for outdoor concert. Here’s why
Patriot News: Williamsport settles contempt claim over agreement to make City Hall ADA compliant
Erie Times-News: Federal pandemic unemployment benefits end next month in Pa. What to know
Erie Times-News: Erie County wavers between red and orange on CDC’s COVID Data Tracker map
Erie Times-News: Most Erie County employees are vaccinated. They’ll still get a $300 incentive check
Erie Times-News: Vaccine incentive program faces pushback

Opinion  
Doug Mastriano: Reflecting on the collapse of Afghanistan
Paul Muschick: Overpaid Pennsylvania senators will be more open about their expenses. Why that’s not enough
Louise Hayes: 25 years after welfare reform, we need to ensure a real safety net for Pa. families 
David Garlock: Life without parole has turned Pa.’s prisons into hospices for the hopeless 
​​Keena Minifield: As someone who has been evicted, I want Congress to fully fund housing
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: State Senate will soon require members to post spending online
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A modestly higher dog license fee is needed
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: As East Cocalico Township rec board chairman faces reckoning over his alleged role in the insurrection, we all need to reckon with Jan. 6 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Address Philly’s housing crisis by fixing ‘tangled titles’ for homeowners
John L. Micek: Report: Aging Pa. schools ‘uniquely vulnerable’ to environmental health hazards | Wednesday Coffee
Christine Flowers: Columbus statue decision is a victory for all
​​Benjamin D. Fisher: A new tobacco tax would break Biden’s promise to low-income communities 
Solomon Jones: How could America build a strong democracy in Afghanistan when we don’t have one here? 
Ernest Owens: We Told Our Wedding Guests They Had to Be Vaccinated. Here’s What Happened Next
Stacey Novak: No one answers the phone at the PA Unemployment Compensation office 
Ira Beckerman: Mr. Barletta would not make it hard to cheat, but hard to vote 
Gene Therapy: The one thing everyone knows about Afghanistan: Not my fault.
Roger Aronoff: Biden’s EV Boondoggle is China’s Big Win
Sheldon H. Jacobson and Janet Jokela: Two steps colleges should take to reopen safely this month 
Bill White: ‘You’re not the boss of me!’ crowd makes pandemic worse