AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has died at the age of 72. Here is the Playbook. 

PA7: Wild Outraises Scheller in Q2: Rep. Susan Wild raised just over $600,000 from the beginning of April to the end of June, while Lisa Scheller raised just under $225,000 during that same time period.

‘‘Relentless champion of workers’: Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO chief and Pittsburgh-area native, dies’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Richard Trumka, the gruff union leader who rose from a Greene County coal patch to the highest echelon of the U.S. labor movement, died suddenly Thursday after a heart attack at age 72.”

‘Reaction to Richard Trumka’s death’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the sudden death of Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO and a southwestern Pennsylvania native, drew reaction from across the region and the country on Thursday.”

‘GOP 2022 gubernatorial hopefuls spar over Pa. vote by-mail law’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “the issue has emerged as a litmus test that’s drawn some clear dividing lines.”

Lamb Releases Senate Announcement Video: Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) released his U.S. Senate campaign’s announcement video on Friday morning. He is scheduled to “make an announcement” on Friday afternoon at IBEW Local #5 in Pittsburgh. 

‘A fight about identity politics breaks out in Philly Gayborhood State House race’: Philly Clout reports that “Jonathan Lovitz looked to create buzz this week when his Democratic bid for the State House’s 182nd District drew a big-time endorsement. His critics buzzed instead about a perceived dig at 2022 primary rival Deja Alvarez, sparking a debate about identity politics.”

‘Republican lawmakers tell Gov. Wolf opioid disaster declaration will end; vow to keep crisis a top priority’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “top Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers, acting with authority given them by voters in the May primary election, told Gov. Tom Wolf the opioid crisis disaster declaration will end this month. At the same time, Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman of Centre County and House Speaker Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County said the crisis would remain a top legislative priority.”

‘Pa. extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for pregnant persons’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Pennsylvania will double the length of postpartum Medicaid coverage for eligible mothers in an effort to address Pennsylvania’s high maternal mortality rate and improve maternal healthcare, state officials announced Thursday.”

‘Senator Ryan Aument calls for senate committee to hold hearing on addressing fireworks law’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “Pennsylvania’s expanded fireworks law is being called into question by a Lancaster County state senator who says his constituents are “rightfully frustrated” by the disruptive explosives.”

‘Pa. Department of Corrections changing visitation policy amid rise in COVID-19 cases’: PennLive reports that “Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary John Wetzel announced Thursday several additional steps the department is taking because of the increase in COVID-19 cases.”

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

‘FOP continues to fight Pittsburgh’s police review board referendum’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the union representing Pittsburgh Police is continuing to fight a referendum approved by voters in November that granted expanded powers to the city and the Citizen Police Review Board.”

‘Allegheny County judge requests delay in evictions’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Allegheny County Common Pleas Court President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark has petitioned the state Supreme Court for permission to delay eviction proceedings in the county.”

‘Cover story: Jeffrey Romoff: The man behind the curtain’: The Pittsburgh Business Times reports about “reflecting on Jeffrey Romoff’s legacy at UPMC and the path forward under Leslie Davis’ leadership.”

‘Fitzgerald Announces Mask Mandate For Unvaccinated County Workers’: WESA reports that “Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said unvaccinated county employees must wear masks and submit to “constant” COVID-19 testing following the recent surge in cases.”

‘Gov. Wolf: $2.3M in COVID relief helping Lackawanna County restaurants’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf Thursday visited Cafe Rinaldi in Old Forge to highlight $2.3 million in state grants awarded to Lackawanna County restaurants adversely affected by the pandemic.”

‘Return of masks looms as possibility with new school year in central Pa.’: PennLive reports “while most schools in the Harrisburg region are not requiring students to wear masks inside school buildings for the start of the school year, they have left enough wiggle room in their health-and-safety plans that would allow them to reinstate face coverings should the coronavirus pandemic worsen. At least two Dauphin County school districts have said they will require students to wear masks in school buildings when classes resume in a few weeks.”

‘Sappey to hold panel discussion on education’: The Daily Local News reports that “state Rep. Christina Sappey will hold a virtual panel discussion on K-12 education in Pennsylvania Thursday, Aug. 12 at 6 p.m.”

‘Coleman selected borough manager for Kennett Square’: The Daily Local News reports that “after a nearly year-long search, Kennett Square once again has a borough manager. Kyle Coleman, the deputy village manager for the Village of Estero, Fla., was named borough manager, replacing former Joe Scalise, who resigned in October of 2020.”

‘Carlisle proposes homeowner relief, emergency services reimbursements in latest round of COVID-related CDBG funding’: Carlisle Sentinel reports that “the latest round of Carlisle’s Community Development Block Grant funding specifically targeted for activities related to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic proposes to direct a large portion of the funding to assist homeowners with their utility bills.”

‘Scavo’s lawyer discussing plea deal in Capitol riot case’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that former Old Forge School Director Frank Scavo, ​​who previously was the GOP candidate for the state Senate’s 22nd District in 2020 and the state House’s 114th District in 2019, is “considering a plea bargain of the charges he faces in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot case, according to a federal court document.”

Kinkead Talks With Sisters of the Night Caucus Podcast: The Sisters of the Night Caucus Podcast talks with state Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) about “running for office, PASSHE, and more.”

Baumlin Calls for Wolf Administration To Require Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Services: Dr. Kevin Baumlin, a Philadelphia doctor seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, is calling on Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration to require proof of vaccination for indoor services, according to a press release from his campaign. Baumlin writes that “a new mask mandate is not the answer,” while adding that he believes “vaccinated Pennsylvanians should not have to wear masks or go back indoors” because of those who are unvaccinated.

Orts Criticizes Senate Infrastructure Bill Compromise: Eric Orts, a professor at Penn’s Wharton School of Business who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, released a statement criticizing the Senate’s compromise on an infrastructure bill. 

Parnell Opposes Biden’s Eviction Moratorium: Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and author who was the GOP nominee for the 17th Congressional District in 2020 and is seeking his party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in 2022, released a statement detailing his opposition to President Joe Biden’s eviction moratorium, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jonathan Tamari.

Union Leaders and Dem Groups to Rally Against Perry’s Opposition to Biden’s ‘Build Back Better Agenda’: According to a press release, For Our Future PA, CASA, Fire Perry Fridays, SEIU, AFSCME, the 99% Pennsylvania, and others are scheduled to rally on Friday morning in York County and speak out against Rep. Scott Perry’s (R-York) opposition to President Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better Agenda.”

Sims Launches Lehigh Valley and Central PA Tour: State Rep. Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia), who is running for the Democratic Party nomination for Lt. Governor, has launched a multi-county tour of the Lehigh Valley and central PA. He’s scheduled to be in Bethlehem and Schuylkill County this weekend. 

Bartos Launches Digital Ad Highlighting Statewide Bus Tour: Jeff Bartos, a Montgomery County real estate developer who was the GOP Lt. Governor nominee in 2018 and is seeking the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate, released a 30 second digital ad that highlights Bartos’ recently completed 67 county bus tour.

Lynn Named Casey Comms Director: POLITICO reports that Mairead Lynn is now the Communications Director for Sen. Bob Casey. She previously worked for EMILY’s List and Senate HELP. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Richard Trumka, longtime president of AFL-CIO, dies at 72
AP: Pennsylvania to start housing unvaccinated inmates together
Spotlight PA: Pa. patients swear by cannabis as a tool to fight opioid addiction. The research still isn’t there.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: GOP 2022 gubernatorial hopefuls spar over Pa. vote by-mail law
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, a Pa. native, dies, age 72
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: GOP lawmakers say they will not extend Gov. Wolf’s opioid emergency declaration
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for pregnant persons
Morning Call: Republican lawmakers tell Gov. Wolf opioid disaster declaration will end; vow to keep crisis a top priority
WESA: 9 States Have A Transgender School Sports Ban On The Books. Now It’s Being Talked About In Pennsylvania
Patriot News: Pa. Department of Corrections changing visitation policy amid rise in COVID-19 cases
Patriot News: As COVID-19 vaccination mandates gain momentum, Pa. health care workers remain largely free to decide
Patriot News: COVID-19 hospitalizations soar past 600 in Pa.
WITF: AG Shapiro Touts $1B Settlement With Opioid Companies Amid Criticism From District Attorneys 
City & State PA: This week’s biggest Winners & Losers
Post-Gazette: Combating fentanyl and other opioid use through better education
Fox News: Pennsylvania mom who fled Iran after Islamic revolution urges Americans to guard their freedoms
National Journal: Most candidates who rallied at the Capitol aren’t gaining traction. But some are. 
Delaware Valley Journal: Work Search Requirement Added, But Will It Ease Worker Shortage?
Philadelphia Business Journal: Amazon opens first Pennsylvania grocery store in Bucks County
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Health Department Reports 1,731 New Cases, 7 Additional Deaths
Politico: “He reminds me of my Beau”
CNN: Richard Trumka, head of powerful AFL-CIO labor federation, has died 
Huffington Post: Senate Democrats’ Plan For The Summer: It’s The Economy, Stupid

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: A fight about identity politics breaks out in Philly Gayborhood State House race
KYW Newsradio: New Philadelphia curfew comes with plans for community centers to help kids who are out too late
KYW Newsradio: COVID-19 vaccination mandates may be needed, Philadelphia FDA vaccine expert says
KYW Newsradio: More than $1B lost for low & middle income Philadelphians due to tangled titles
KYW Newsradio: These Philly restaurants and venues are requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination
Inquirer: City reschedules clear-out of Kensington homeless encampments for Aug. 18
Philly Voice: Nearly 20,000 Philly students are behind on state vaccinations, could face bans from school 
Philly Voice: Grant applications open for Philadelphia anti-violence organizations on Friday
Philadelphia Tribune: Homicides, shooting victim rates trending downwards but mayor warns of a ‘long process’ to reduce violence 
Billy Penn: In the debate over MLK Drive, both sides agree: the city skipped necessary community input

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County mandates masks in county buildings; may require Fair Acres nurses to vaccinate
Daily Local News: Sappey to hold panel discussion on education
Daily Local News: Coleman selected borough manager for Kennett Square
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks, Montgomery County health officials differ on school plans
Inquirer: Township supervisor cited for harassment after hitting someone with sign during Central Bucks school masking news conference
Inquirer: Amazon’s concept to reinvent grocery shopping has come to Warrington, with Bensalem next
Delaware Valley Journal: School Board President Silences West Chester Mom Over CRT
Bucks Local News: Lower Makefield-Yardley Republicans endorse Pirooz Abir for Pennsbury School Board

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: ‘Relentless champion of workers’: Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO chief and Pittsburgh-area native, dies
Post-Gazette: Reaction to Richard Trumka’s death
Post-Gazette: FOP continues to fight Pittsburgh’s police review board referendum 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County requiring vaccinations for new employees
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County judge requests delay in evictions
Post-Gazette: Concerns raised over contracts meant to help ACJ end solitary confinement
Post-Gazette: Unvaccinated at Pitt — students and employees — face special quarantine rules as school unveils fall COVID-19 policy
Post-Gazette: Dormont Council requiring masks at meetings
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 LATEST: White House discusses COVID-19; Can your employer insist you get vaccinated?
Post-Gazette: Data provides a snapshot of COVID-19 surges in Allegheny County communities
WESA: Fitzgerald Announces Mask Mandate For Unvaccinated County Workers 
WESA: Fentanyl Strips Could Help Prevent Overdose Deaths, But They’re Illegal 
KDKA: Longtime AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Has Died, Sen. Chuck Schumer Says 
KDKA: New Allegheny County Employees Required To Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19 
KDKA: Pennsylvania SPCA Says It Needs More Funding, Does Not Receive Donations Sent To ASPCA 
KDKA: Allegheny County Health Director Says Delta Variant Is Fueling Rising Cases, Hospitalizations 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Cover story: Jeffrey Romoff: The man behind the curtain
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County government to require its unvaccinated workers to wear masks, new hires to get the vaccine
Pittsburgh Business Times: AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka dies
Tribune Review: Allegheny County to require covid-19 vaccination for all new hires
Tribune Review: University of Pittsburgh announces indoor mask mandate, other protocols for fall
Tribune Review: Neighbor Spotlight: Bridgeville Mayor Betty Copeland named Mayor of the Year
WTAE: Allegheny County says all new employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19
WTAE: Pitt requiring masks indoors regardless of vaccination status
City Paper: Richard Trumka, a Western Pa. native and lion of organized labor, has died

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Beaver County COVID-19 vaccine tracker: 42% of people fully vaccinated
Beaver County Times: Aliquippa gets $140K for “Bricks” blight removal, future development
Beaver County Times: Local doctors are imploring unvaccinated residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Observer-Reporter: No plan to reinstate mask mandate in Allegheny County yet, according to Fitzgerald
Observer-Reporter: Trumka, labor leader and Greene native, dies
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Feds OK Pennsylvania’s plan for $1.6 billion in American Rescue Plan schools funding
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Mask-wearing now recommended for most of region, state adds 1,731 new COVID-19 cases
The Center Square: This is the Worst County to Live in Pennsylvania

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Wolf urges COVID-19 vaccines during visit to tout hospitality industry grants
Times-Tribune: Scavo’s lawyer discussing plea deal in Capitol riot case
Times-Tribune: Auditor general’s office won’t review DEP’s approval of landfill’s expansion permit
Citizens Voice: Scavo’s lawyer discussing plea deal in Capitol riot case
Citizens Voice: Some local businesses are updating mask policies
Citizens Voice: More than 50 new COVID-19 cases reported in county
The Times Leader: Gov. Wolf: $2.3M in COVID relief helping Lackawanna County restaurants
The Times Leader: Luzerne County schools get $668,975 in grants for healthy food options
The Times Leader: 52 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Thursday, 1 death

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Senator Ryan Aument calls for senate committee to hold hearing on addressing fireworks law
LNP | LancasterOnline: CDC eviction moratorium will remain in Lancaster County if COVID-19 spread rate stays high
LNP | LancasterOnline: Ephrata man charged in Capitol attack a danger, should remain locked up: prosecutors 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Millersville University to require masks indoors regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle proposes homeowner relief, emergency services reimbursements in latest round of COVID-related CDBG funding 
Carlisle Sentinel: Surge in demand, flat funding, limited staffing push human services system to edge in Cumberland County 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 39 new cases of COVID-19 reported Thursday in Cumberland County
Patriot News: Return of masks looms as possibility with new school year in central Pa.
York Dispatch: 53 new COVID-19 cases reported in York County 

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Northampton County to require face masks at all county buildings amid rise in COVID-19 cases
WFMZ: Biden sets goal of having half of all passenger vehicles sold by 2030 be electric
WFMZ: Rep. Wild visits Girl Scouts camp in Lehigh County
Reading Eagle: Berks and Pa. set delta surge date records in cases, again
Morning Call: Northampton County brings back mask mandate in county buildings amid surging COVID-19 cases
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Northampton County’s rate doubles in a week as 1,731 cases added statewide
Express Times: Face masks once again required in Northampton County buildings 

North by Northwest
Morning Call: Penn State requiring masks at all campuses
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: PennDOT, FEMA to handle Muncy Borough projects
Centre Daily Times: CDC: Centre County now has ‘substantial’ COVID-19 transmission, masking indoors advised

Opinion  
John Baer: Time to focus on the truth about delta and ignore the fiction of election fraud 
Rick Rovegno: Claremont employees deserve praise for their courage under pressure 
Addison Del Mastro: Skyrocketing prices are creating a housing crisis in Pennsylvania 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Fracking in Pennsylvania used toxic ‘forever chemicals’ as Pa. officials maintain willful ignorance 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Systemic issues at Medical Examiner’s Office require firm response 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: With Lancaster County now seeing substantial COVID-19 transmission, schools need to deal wisely with the delta threat
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Cleaner air must be the goal; carbon cap-and-trade is the way forward
Inga Saffron: As 10-year tax abatement nears its end, Philadelphia’s architectural treasures are left vulnerable
Will Bunch: Cori Bush’s eviction victory reminds Dem establishment why it can’t win without progressives 
Daniel Semenza: Philadelphia has a crisis of homicides, but also of neglecting gun violence survivors 
Rev. Beth Utley: It’s past time to ensure equality for a half million LGBTQ Pennsylvanians
Rod E. Wilt: Pa.’s competitive energy costs an important economic development tool
Solomon Jones: Where is the FOP when it comes to supporting police officers hurt on Jan. 6? 
Helen Ubiñas: Meet Temple University Hospital’s team of victim advocates
Cloyd Gatrell: Democrats were against Trump from the day he was sworn in 
Christine Flowers: Cuomo Bashed for Wrong Reasons
Claire Wolters: How To Become A Block Captain – And Rock At It 
Jo Piazza: Healing Past The Trauma 
Katherine Rapin: “A Massive Amount Of Heartbreak” 
Trudy Rubin: China is pushing a big COVID-19 lie that makes a new pandemic harder to prevent 
David L. Faust: Thank Republican presidents for the national debt