July 12th Playbook

President Joe Biden will be delivering an address focused on voting rights in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Here is the Playbook. 

July 9th Ups and Downs: One Democratic Senate hopeful raises $2.5 million in Q2, voting reforms seem unlikely in the state, plus funding is eliminated for PA public broadcasting in the latest state budget. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

‘What you need to know about the GOP-backed audit of Pa.’s elections’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports on the details of Pennsylvania’s GOP-controlled Senate push “to review the 2020 election.”

‘End of term in sight, Wolf sets sights on school funding’: The Associated Press reports that “with just a year and a half left in office, Gov. Tom Wolf’s primary focus will be convincing the Republican-controlled Legislature to modernize how state aid is distributed to Pennsylvania’s public schools — a shift that could carry a price tag of $1 billion.”

‘Pa. lawmakers rally on 15th anniversary of the last minimum wage increase’: KYW Newsradio reports that “lawmakers and advocates in favor of a state minimum wage increase rallied at Sharon Baptist Church in Philadelphia on Friday, where the last Pennsylvania minimum wage increase was signed into law 15 years ago.”

‘EXCLUSIVE: Aide to Pa. senator accused of attacking attendant in dispute over lawmaker’s golf round’: KYW Newsradio reports that “an aide to Pa. Sen. Anthony Williams is accused of attacking an employee at a Montgomery County golf course. The senator was there but denies he did anything wrong.”

‘Former Pennsylvania prosecutor sentenced in sex case’: The Associated Press reports that former Bradford County District Attorney Chad M. Salsman, “who pleaded guilty to pressuring clients for sex when he was a defense attorney was sentenced Friday to 18 months to 5 years in prison.”

Houlahan Talks to CNN About GOP Audit Effort: Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) talked to CNN‘s State of the Union with Jake Tapper and “slammed efforts by Trump-allied Republicans to launch a partisan election audit in her state.”

‘Exclusive Interview with Pa. Chief Justice: Cosby not innocent but DA reprehensible’: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice Max Baer talked to ABC27’s Dennis Owens about “the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturning Bill Cosby’s sex assault conviction.”

‘Will Harrisburg Republicans save SEPTA and other transit agencies in time?’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “transit agencies and advocates are pushing for new stable funding as a deal that provided $400 million a year expires.”

‘Priorities of a Woods administration’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports on the five priorities that Marlin Woods, an Independent candidate for Pittsburgh Mayor, “has identified after listening to Pittsburgh voters so far.”

‘Kathryn Sherlock, mother of Kayden Mancuso, discusses Kayden’s Law’: “The mother of 7-year-old Kayden Mancuso, who was murdered in 2018 by her father, Jeffrey Mancuso, during a contentious custody battle remembers her daughter and discusses a pending child protection law in the PA Legislature that bears her daughter’s name in a conversation with The Bucks County Courier Times.

‘Bucks County leaders unveil first steps in ‘Ready for 100’ clean energy plan’: The Bucks Local News reports that “the road to a greener Bucks County begins with unplugged appliances, powered-down computers and far fewer printers in government facilities, according to plans laid out by the county’s Ready for 100 Committee.”

‘Pennsylvania Colleges Gear Up For Student Endorsement Deals’: WESA reports that “some of the state’s colleges and universities are lining up programs to help student athletes make money from their name, image or likeness.”

‘Smoking returns to Pennsylvania casinos after 1-year ban’: PennLive reports that “patrons at Pennsylvania casinos are once again permitted to smoke in designated areas on the gaming floor.”

Bucks County Courier Times Reports on Critical Race Theory: The Bucks County Courier Times highlighted critical race theory in a story titled, “Analysis: What is critical race theory, and could it be taught in Pennsylvania schools?”

‘A big-league push: A lobbying effort to save small-town baseball following pandemic shutdowns’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “minor league owners are sounding the alarm on Capitol Hill once again, highlighting the COVID-19 pandemic’s financial devastation throughout MLB’s extensive farm system. They are asking for direct federal relief after its entire 2020 season was canceled and as it faces 2021 revenue that stands at about half its typical level.”

‘Voting rights fight draws rally in Allentown, Biden to Pennsylvania’: Lehigh Valley Live reports that a “small rally Saturday in Allentown” called for the passage of “Senate Bill 1, the “For the People Act.”

‘Anti-blight legislation set to become law’: WFMZ reports that “New legislation aimed at fighting blighted properties,” which was introduced by state Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), “is set to become law in Pennsylvania.”

‘Rep. Keller, bankers mull moving ahead from pandemic’: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that “local banking and business officials discussed with U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, the issues they faced with COVID-19 and how they are moving forward in their operations.”

‘Tori Shriver named political director of EAS carpenters union’: City & State PA reports that Tori Shriver, who served as deputy political director for the carpenters union for four years, was named as the new political director of EAS carpenters union. 

‘Speakers criticize Pittsburgh City Council for American Rescue Plan proposal’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “many speakers who participated in a virtual public hearing Saturday urged Pittsburgh City Council to delay voting on a proposal on how to spend $335 million in American Rescue Plan money, saying more community input is needed.”

‘Pittsburgh Launches Move PGH, A New Way To Navigate The City’: WESA reports that “on Friday, the City of Pittsburgh launched Move PGH, a two-year pilot program to improve how people get around. The initiative creates travel hubs where people can access all the city’s options: buses, bikes, mopeds — and for the first time, stand-on electric scooters from Spin.”

‘Ryan Dodson replaces Denyse Kling as commissioner candidate in Manheim Township race’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “one of the winners of the May 18 Democratic Primary for Manheim Township Commissioner is withdrawing from the race and backing her former opponent. Denyse Kling, who was nominated for an open two-year seat, made her announcement through the township’s Democratic committee, which is appointing Ryan Dodson to replace her on that ballot.”

‘How will Lancaster County’s 3 poorest school districts use their Level Up funding? [Lancaster Watchdog]’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “school officials with Columbia Borough, Ephrata Area and Lancaster school districts told LNP | LancasterOnline that discussions are still taking place as to how they will allocate the combined $2.9 million in supplemental funds coming their way.”

‘Philly schools to keep student mask mandate for now, despite new CDC guidelines’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia officials say they are not changing the mask mandate for schools, despite guidance out on Friday from the CDC that fully vaccinated students may attend in-person classes without them.”

Gerow Speaks at CPAC: Charlie Gerow, CEO of Quantum Communications and Vice Chairman of CPAC and the American Conservative Union who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, spoke at CPAC this past weekend. 

Barletta To Campaign in York County: Former Congressman Lou Barletta (R-Luzerne), who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, will be holding a meet and greet in York County on Monday evening, according to a press release from his campaign. 

Benninghoff, Grove and Thomas to Unveil Reforms to Congressional Reapportionment: House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre), House State Government Committee Chairman Seth Grove (R-York), and state Rep. Wendi Thomas (R-Bucks) will be holding a press conference on Monday afternoon unveiling “reforms to congressional reappointment.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Biden to make speech on voting rights in Philadelphia
AP: End of term in sight, Wolf sets sights on school funding
AP: Former Pennsylvania prosecutor sentenced in sex case
Post-Gazette: Wolf, top Dems push for hourly wage increase
Post-Gazette: A big-league push: A lobbying effort to save small-town baseball following pandemic shutdowns
Post-Gazette: State’s instant firearm background check system sees drop in applications for first time in nearly a year
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: What you need to know about the GOP-backed audit of Pa.’s elections
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A federal investigation seeks to uncover the painful history of Native American boarding schools in Pa., nationwide
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. families can opt for an additional year of learning. What to know before July 15 deadline
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Catching up on this week’s biggest stories | Five for the Weekend
KDKA: On 15th Anniversary Of Last Minimum Wage Increase, Gov. Wolf Urges General Assembly To Hike The Wage
KDKA: Work Search Requirements For Unemployment Benefits Resume This Week
KYW Newsradio: Pa. lawmakers rally on 15th anniversary of the last minimum wage increase
KYW Newsradio: $30M for early education is a step in the right direction, governor says
KYW Newsradio: State directive prohibits counties from providing third-party access to voting systems
City & State PA: How can Philadelphia save its struggling transit system?
City & State PA: Tori Shriver named political director of EAS carpenters union
Inquirer: Will Harrisburg Republicans save SEPTA and other transit agencies in time?
The Center Square: Philadelphia lawmaker eyes U.S. Senate run
Bucks County Courier Times: Analysis: What is critical race theory, and could it be taught in Pennsylvania schools?
WESA: Pennsylvania Colleges Gear Up For Student Endorsement Deals
Patriot News: Smoking returns to Pennsylvania casinos after 1-year ban
Morning Call: Tech companies are using Pennsylvania roads to test self-driving vehicles. Are they following the state’s guidelines?
The Hill: Biden to deliver voting rights speech in Philadelphia 
Reading Eagle: More than 600,000 duplicate vaccinations deleted from the Pa. Department of Health dashboard
Vice News: Trump’s Election Lies Are Taking Over Republican Senate Races
Politico: Biden-allied group warns: Voters are largely clueless about POTUS’ accomplishments
CNN: Dem Rep.: GOP audit in Pennsylvania would be ‘enormously destructive’ 
ABC27: Exclusive Interview with Pa. Chief Justice: Cosby not innocent but DA reprehensible

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Biden is bringing his voting rights push to Philly
Inquirer: Will Harrisburg Republicans save SEPTA and other transit agencies in time?
Inquirer: A gender-neutral restroom in every school: Philly plans changes to make transgender kids feel safe 
Inquirer: Cosby accusers and their supporters hold vigil to denounce court decision overturning his conviction 
Inquirer: Philly’s gun-violence crisis has surpassed a bleak milestone with 10,000 shot since 2015
KYW Newsradio: EXCLUSIVE: Aide to Pa. senator accused of attacking attendant in dispute over lawmaker’s golf round
KYW Newsradio: Pa. lawmakers rally on 15th anniversary of the last minimum wage increase
KYW Newsradio: Fewer Philly cops on the streets due to recruitment restrictions, national sentiment, city leaders say
KYW Newsradio: Philly schools to keep student mask mandate for now, despite new CDC guidelines
KYW Newsradio: Cambodian Philadelphians denounce violent letter targeting community
KYW Newsradio: Cosby accusers protest comedian’s release at Independence Mall vigil 
Billy Penn: Scooter share legalized for Pittsburgh only, still banned in Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: Everything that’s happened at Four Seasons Total Landscaping since the November election 
Billy Penn: More hydrants are being opened in summer of fewer pools, but sprinklers are back to illegal
Philadelphia Tribune: New app connects conflict resolution volunteers to those in need
Philadelphia Gay News: Pennsylvania Youth Congress calls out corporations for lack of LGBTQ support
Philadelphia Business Journal: As Penn’s Gutmann and other college presidents plan exits, here’s what schools are looking for in their next leaders 
Philly Voice: President Biden coming to Philadelphia to deliver speech on voting rights 
WHYY Newsworks: How does adult guardianship work in the Philadelphia region?

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Kathryn Sherlock, mother of Kayden Mancuso, discusses Kayden’s Law 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County: We need nurses to work at Neshaminy Manor 
Bucks County Courier Times: ‘I’ll be the best tenant they’ve ever had’: As market booms, finding affordable housing in Bucks County a bust
Delco Daily Times: Incinerator foes bring their complaints to Delco council
Delaware Valley Journal: PA Dems Join GOP In Putting Up Roadblock to Wolf’s RGGI Plans 
Delaware Valley Journal: PA Dems: Joke’s Over — ‘Infrastructure Week’ Has Finally Arrived 
Delaware Valley Journal: Kayden’s Law to Improve Child Custody Rules Moves to House 
Delaware Valley Journal: PodQuotes! The Week of July 8, 2021
Delaware Valley Journal: Witnesses Find Comfort In a Cold Nose and Warm Paws at County Courthouse
Bucks Local News: Bucks County leaders unveil first steps in ‘Ready for 100’ clean energy plan
Pottstown Mercury: Rep. Houlahan secures millions for local movie theaters

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Priorities of a Woods administration
Post-Gazette: Speakers criticize Pittsburgh City Council for American Rescue Plan proposal
Post-Gazette: City of Pittsburgh launches Move PGH with promise of more accessible and equitable mobility
Post-Gazette: Developer drops bid for $10 million in state aid related to likely Amazon warehouse in Churchill
WESA: Pittsburgh Launches Move PGH, A New Way To Navigate The City
Tribune Review: Electric scooter fleet launches Move PGH program to broaden city mobility 
City Paper: Feds say Shaler teacher had a Lego model of Capitol during Jan. 6 insurrection arrest
City Paper: Pittsburgh launches first mobility app initiative for non-car transportation in the U.S.
KDKA: Several Southwestern Pa. Counties To Receive Grant Money

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Young Democrats rally for voting rights
Beaver County Times: County commissioners to look into building hazmat garage 
Tribune Review: New Kensington controller listed neighbor’s home for sale, but the owner wasn’t selling
Tribune Review: Leechburg officials want constable to stand down in their town
Altoona Mirror: PennDOT offers funding to modernize traffic lights
Altoona Mirror: Election 2020 audit attempt following Arizona footsteps

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County appoints acting director of Children & Youth
Citizens Voice: Lackawanna officials explain why COLTS/LCTA bus agency merger fell apart
Citizens Voice: County wins civil case brought by ex-H/R director
Citizens Voice: Four more COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Scranton plans to make interpretation/translation services available to all City Hall departments
Times-Tribune: Council plans to fill Scranton Zoning Hearing Board vacancies
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County officials explain why COLTS/LCTA bus agency merger fell apart
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County plans website redesign, upgrade
Times-Tribune: NEPA adds 24 COVID-19 cases; no new deaths third straight day
The Times Leader: State licensing agency investigating Luzerne County Children and Youth
The Times Leader: PA Department of State issues statement on ‘sham’ election review attempt
The Times Leader: Report: NEPA, Pennsylvania face physical, economic or social challenges
The Times Leader: Analysis: Minorities earn 23.4% less than non-Hispanic Whites in region
The Times Leader: 4 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday; 178 statewide

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Ryan Dodson replaces Denyse Kling as commissioner candidate in Manheim Township race
LNP | LancasterOnline: How will Lancaster County’s 3 poorest school districts use their Level Up funding? [Lancaster Watchdog]
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County mass vaccination site accounts for nearly 40% of fully vaccinated
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle community gathers to remember Bosnian genocide
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 10 new cases of COVID-19 reported over weekend in Cumberland County

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Voting rights fight draws rally in Allentown, Biden to Pennsylvania
WFMZ: Anti-blight legislation set to become law
WFMZ: Parents, students rally in Allentown for mask freedom in school
WFMZ: President Biden says executive order will level playing field for small businesses, benefit consumers
Morning Call: Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley are preparing for 5G’s arrival
Morning Call: These Lehigh Valley towns look to add open space tax to push back against development
Reading Eagle: Fleetwood man charged in Capitol insurrection to appear in federal court
Reading Eagle: Berks adds a single COVID case; 509 more residents vaccinated

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Rep. Keller, bankers mull moving ahead from pandemic
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mayor, council discuss department challenges
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council OKs sports complex plan
Erie Times-News: Grand reopening: Hagen History Center to reopen with free tours, new exhibits
Erie Times-News: How new PA budget affects Erie: More money for education, rental assistance

Opinion  
Pat Browne: Why we left $10 billion unspent in the state treasury
Jeff Haste: With audit, Pa. Sen. Mastriano is obscuring his own role in fomenting election chaos
Paul Muschick: Pennsylvania election audit: a waste of millions of tax dollars
Paul Muschick: How to stop fireworks: Make Pennsylvania lawmakers live through ‘war-zone experience’
Marjorie Dannenfelser and Kathy Rapp: Please urge your legislators to support the “Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act” 
Mark S. Singel: Too many Republicans still promote the “big lie,” and waste tax dollars on sham audits
Patrick Beaty: Changing voting laws via constitutional amendment subverts checks and balances
Tony Norman: Commentary: Marlin Woods wants to be moderate alternative for mayor
Eric Hartman: With merger vote looming: Do we want universities that help us remember and reimagine Pa.?
Joseph Otis Minott, Esq.: The latest climate change report projects dangerous temperature increases: Here’s what PA can do about it
Scott Bohn: Heavier truck traffic would pose serious safety threat
Richard Booker: Biden Housing Rule Would End Suburbs As We Know Them
PennLive Editorial Board: Providing citizens agendas for public meetings in advance just makes common sense 
Inquirer: Can universal basic income solve America’s wealth gap? | Pro/Con
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Saying no to no-knocks
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Public sector aid is for pandemic-related costs 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Vaccinating homebound adults 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Art not religion
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Unity isn’t about forgetting the past or papering over our differences. It requires working toward a more perfect union. 
Morning Call: ‘Fireworks are childish. Grow up, America’: Reaction to hundreds of personal fireworks displays in Lehigh Valley
Nancy Hudack: Lawmakers need to support this important funding increase for Pa.’s court-appointed guardianship program
David M. Shribman: Not so fast, Joe.
The Rev. Dr. Larry D. Pickens: The church must be a strong advocate for vaccinations in protecting our communities from COVID-19
Ruth Ann Dailey: Flawed from the start? What isn’t?
Frank Howard III: Abandoned mines program should be reauthorized
George Magakis Jr.: The Republican plot against American elections 
Elliot Markovitz: A beer isn’t going to persuade conspiracy theorists 
Keith C. Burris: Unhealthy and unequal
Eric Dixon and Ted Boettner: Repairing the damage in Appalachia
Andrew Crider: State has shortage of aviation hangar space
Lauren Waer: Pennsylvania’s leaders sided with fracking, despite the health risks
Nancy Shertzer: The list of freedoms for children starts at home
Chris Kelly: Task force bulldozing blight, evicting feral squatters
Courtney Duchene: Preparing For Launch 
Jo Piazza: My Neighbors Can’t Believe I Left San Fran for Philly. I Can’t Believe I Waited This Long
Allison Weidhaas: Releasing Cosby is an injustice to survivors like me 
Will Bunch: 6 months in, Biden’s critics still go after his brain. I only care about his heart 
Katie Lockwood: Some kids are struggling to adjust to fewer COVID-19 restrictions. Here’s my advice as a pediatrician and parent. 
Rob Tornoe: Cartoon: Team USA put a boot on Sha’Carri Richardson
Chris Barrett: Wireless connectivity is no longer a luxury; it’s become a necessity
John Cole: All you need to know about the Pa. GOP’s election ‘audit’ in one cartoon | Editorial Cartoon
Sherry Youtz: Saturday is Chronic Disease Day

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  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


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