President Joe Biden delivered an address in the Lehigh Valley on Wednesday, while Craig Snyder announced his candidacy for U.S. Senate. Here is the Playbook. 

Snyder Announces Bid For Senate: The former chief of staff to Sen. Arlen Specter says that “common-sense conservatism” is the best path forward for the state, while he calls out “Trumpism” and “socialism.”

PA8: Cartwright Raises Nearly $515K in Q2: The Lackawanna County Democrat entered July with just under $920,000 cash on hand.

‘Biden visits Mack truck plant in Lehigh Valley to unveil his ‘Buy American’ plan’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that President Joe Biden went to Macungie Township on Wednesday “to a sprawling Mack truck plant in the Lehigh Valley to unveil a plan to pump more federal dollars into American products, like the red, white, and blue trucks lined up behind his lectern.”

Morning Call Details Biggest Takeaways From Biden’s Lehigh Valley Visit: The Allentown Morning Call provides “4 takeaways from Joe Biden’s first visit to the Lehigh Valley as president.”

‘’Election integrity committee’ in York County accused of voter intimidation’: The York Dispatch reports that “a group calling itself an “election integrity committee” drew allegations of voter intimidation after its members reportedly knocked on doors across York County asking about how and for whom residents voted.”

‘Fetterman slams Sinema over infrastructure: ‘Democrats need to vote like Democrats’’: The Hill reports that Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, “on Wednesday publicly criticized Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) for voicing opposition to a $3.5 trillion price tag on a spending package that includes large swaths of President Biden‘s jobs and families plan.”

‘UPMC leader Jeffrey Romoff to retire, be succeeded by executive VP’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that the “the UPMC board of directors unanimously chose Leslie C. Davis, a 17-year UPMC veteran, as Mr. Romoff’s successor. Ms. Davis, 62, will take over the top post effective Sunday.”

‘Panel to recommend Pa. move to mileage-based user fee as gas tax replacement to fund transportation needs’: PennLive reports that “a mileage-based user fee, package delivery fee and a toll to use limited-access lanes are among the new revenue options a governor-appointed panel is making to meet Pennsylvania’s transportation funding needs going forward.”

‘How the Trump-Biden split in Pennsylvania aligns with vaccine rates’: PennLive reports that “as of July 6, the average vaccine rate in counties that voted for Trump nationwide was just 35%, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The average vaccination rate nationwide in counties that voted for President Joe Biden was near 47%, and the gap between red and blue counties is growing, KFF said.”

‘Pa. GOP lawmaker says Senate committee will meet soon to vote on subpoenas for election review’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “even though he’s still waiting on Philadelphia County to respond to a sweeping request for equipment used in the 2020 and 2021 primary elections, the Republican state lawmaker who’s backing a “forensic investigation” of the results said it’s not a question of if his Senate committee will subpoena information — but when.”

‘A state ethics law probe follows Margo Davidson’s arrest for theft’: City & State PA reports that “following the arrest of one of its own members, the Pennsylvania House State Government Committee will launch a review of state ethics laws aimed at curbing criminal acts by public officials, its chairman announced this week.”

‘A ‘scheme?’ State House panel denounces Wolf’s carbon emissions plan’: City & State PA reports that “members of the Pennsylvania House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee voted Wednesday to send a letter to a state regulatory board denouncing Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to place a cap on carbon emitted by power plants throughout the state.”

‘Restaurants in Pa. ‘not out of the weeds’ yet, head of state hospitality group says’: PennLive reports that “the head of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association stressed Wednesday restaurants in the state continue to struggle because of the coronavirus pandemic.”

‘Bartos pitches less government in Senate campaign tour stop in Bethel Park’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that 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, campaigned in Bethel Park on Wednesday. 

‘Former congressman aiming at governor’s office promises to crack down on puppy mills in visit to Pittsburgh animal shelter’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, made an appearance at the Humane Rescue of Pittsburgh on Wednesday. 

‘Reports highlight how to repair the Appalachian economy without relying on fracking’: Pittsburgh City Paper reports that “a new report from the Ohio River Valley Institute shows how natural gas development led to economic distress and environmental hazards for those counties, which the report refers to as “Frackalachia.”

‘Officials urge President Biden to end Berks County Residential Center contract’: The Reading Eagle reports that “a group of elected officials is calling on President Joe Biden to permanently shut down the Berks County Residential Center.”

‘City officials create oversight board to distribute $20M to anti-violence groups’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia City Council and the mayor have formed a group to oversee the distribution of $20 million to community groups that are working to prevent gun violence.”

‘Five hospitalized after activists clash with police outside Mayor Kenney’s Old City home, two arrested’: WHYY reports that “a housing protest outside of Mayor Jim Kenney’s Old City condo ended in a scuffle that activists and police say left five hospitalized –– including a police sergeant with a broken finger. Two activists face possible criminal charges for allegedly assaulting an officer.”

‘Pittsburgh school leaders, City Council discuss ways to improve student performance’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent and board president met with City Council members Wednesday to discuss ways in which the city could help the district boost academic performance and close the achievement gap between Black and white students.”

‘Pittsburgh City Council Puts Charter Schools Under The Microscope’: KDKA reports that “Pittsburgh City Council put charter schools under the microscope on Tuesday during a discussion on closing the education gap in the city.”

‘Town Hall Calls Attention To Pittsburgh Air Quality Problems’: WESA reports that “residents from Clairton, Braddock, and some Pittsburgh neighborhoods held a town hall on Wednesday to highlight the region’s poor air quality and advocate for changes to federal air quality standards.”

‘Pittsburgh council sets community meetings on federal covid relief cash’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “a series of community meetings will be held in August to get more input about how Pittsburgh should spend the $335 million allotted to the city in the federal American Rescue Plan.”

‘Lehigh County commissioners forward 5-year capital spending plan’: WFMZ reports that “the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners advanced the county’s 2022-2026 capital plan during its Wednesday night meeting.”

‘Philly pilot project seeks to halt ‘stop-and-frisk’ policing for quality-of-life offenses’: WHYY reports that “a pilot project in Northwest Philadelphia will test what happens when officers reduce “stop-and-frisk” policing for so-called quality-of-life offenses like littering, panhandling, and carrying open liquor containers.”

‘Cumberland County votes to sell Claremont nursing home’: PennLive reports that “after 10 months of negotiating an agreement and opposition from a citizen’s group that wanted the county to keep the 192-year-old home, Cumberland County commissioners voted 2-1 Wednesday to sell the Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.”

‘Put People First! PA calls out Lancaster City government for polices they say hurt working class’: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that “Lancaster city government’s policies too often favor the rich and enable gentrification while ignoring the working class, a group of poor peoples’ advocates said at a City Council meeting Tuesday night.”

‘Social Security, energy, vaccines topics of Rep. Fred Keller’s town hall’: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that Rep. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) “fielded several telephone calls during a live stream town hall meeting this week that focused on his legislative agendas but also included discussion on Social Security concerns, energy independence and use of federal tax dollars.”

Morning Call Looks Back at History of Presidential Visits in Lehigh Valley: The Allentown Morning Call gives “a look back at the history of presidential visits to the Lehigh Valley.”

‘Fresh off Biden visit, Mack Trucks says it is hiring up to 400 in the Lehigh Valley this year to meet demand’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “the company plans to hire up to 400 employees this year for its Lower Macungie Township assembly plant, further growing a Lehigh Valley payroll that already numbers more than 2,500 people across two shifts.”

‘Mack Trucks wasn’t the only Lehigh Valley company that Joe Biden praised in speech’: Lehigh Valley Live reports that President Joe Biden “also lauded another nearby company — OraSure, maker of an at-home COVID-19 test,” during his speech in the Lehigh Valley. 

Banks Endorses Parnell: Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) has endorsed Sean Parnell for U.S. Senate, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jonathan Tamari.  

Barletta To Campaign in Indiana and Union Counties: Former Congressman Lou Barletta, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, will be campaigning in Indiana and Union counties today. He’s schedule to be in Indiana County this afternoon for a “Main Street Tour,” and will be holding a Meet & Greet in Union County in the evening. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Anti-Trump Republican enters Pennsylvania’s race for Senate
AP: Biden woos working class with new ‘buy American’ efforts
AP: Capitol riot arrest of restaurant owner rattles hometown
AP: New leader to take over UPMC as longtime CEO retires
Inquirer: Biden visits Mack truck plant in Lehigh Valley to unveil his ‘Buy American’ plan
McClatchy: Why is President Biden heading back to Pennsylvania? It’s more than the state where he was born
Patriot News: Panel to recommend Pa. move to mileage-based user fee as gas tax replacement to fund transportation needs
Patriot News: How the Trump-Biden split in Pennsylvania aligns with vaccine rates
Patriot News: Restaurants in Pa. ‘not out of the weeds’ yet, head of state hospitality group says
Patriot News: Pa. Turnpike’s annual toll increases to decline in coming years
Patriot News: Longtime UPMC leader Romoff will retire, replacement picked
Patriot News: These 7 Pennsylvania counties should mask indoors regardless of vaccination status, per CDC guidance
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations climb again: daily update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We have real work to do.’ Pa. Sen. Laughlin breaks silence, denounces election investigation
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. GOP lawmaker says Senate committee will meet soon to vote on subpoenas for election review
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Buy American’: In the Lehigh Valley, Biden touts manufacturing, as Senate gets infrastructure deal
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Watchdog groups allege campaign finance violations against ALEC in Pa., 14 other states
Roll Call: Conor Lamb preparing to launch Senate run in August
City & State PA: A state ethics law probe follows Margo Davidson’s arrest for theft
City & State PA: A ‘scheme?’ State House panel denounces Wolf’s carbon emissions plan
York Daily Record: You could end up paying 8 cents per mile to travel PA roads, other funding plans 
Bucks County Courier Times: COVID rates rising in Pennsylvania, but no calls for new restrictions 
USA Today: Unemployment fraud on the rise in Pa. Here’s what to look for
City Paper: Economy and racial equity in Pa. would benefit from increased public transit funds in federal infrastructure bill, says report
Post-Gazette: State commission finalizes funding plan for transportation that eliminates gas tax
Tribune Review: Pa. Turnpike Commission makes last $450M payment to PennDOT
WTAE: Pennsylvanians await solution to state’s gas tax
The Hill: Fetterman slams Sinema over infrastructure: ‘Democrats need to vote like Democrats’
The Hill: Biden touts new ‘Buy American’ proposal in Pennsylvania
The Hill: Watch live: Biden delivers remarks on manufacturing from Pennsylvania
CNN: Biden stays close to home as he plots blue-collar focused presidential travel 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 645 Additional Cases, 445 Patients Hospitalized
Real Clear Politics: Watch: President Biden Speaks On Proposed Measures To Support American Manufacturing

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Republican makes bid for U.S. Senate on anti-Trump agenda
WHYY Newsworks: Philly moving forward with grants program to fund community groups in anti-violence fight 
WHYY Newsworks: Five hospitalized after activists clash with police outside Mayor Kenney’s Old City home, two arrested 
WHYY Newsworks: Kenney urges residents to apply for rental assistance before moratorium expires Saturday
WHYY Newsworks: Philly pilot project seeks to halt ‘stop-and-frisk’ policing for quality-of-life offenses
Inquirer: Philadelphia is hoping to change the way it fights gun violence by funding smaller community groups 
Inquirer: Police clashed with protesters outside Mayor Kenney’s apartment on Tuesday 
Inquirer: Activists, including ‘Ya Fav Trashman,’ take bags of litter to MSB to protest Philly’s trash ‘epidemic’ 
KYW Newsradio: City officials create oversight board to distribute $20M to anti-violence groups
KYW Newsradio: 4 hurt, including 2 police, in fight during protest outside Mayor Kenney’s house
KYW Newsradio: Eviction moratorium ends this week; Philly, area counties offer rent assistance
Billy Penn: Philadelphia: Still no vaccine requirements for city workers, same with SEPTA and school district 
Billy Penn: Ya Fav Trashman and partners dump litter at Mayor Kenney’s feet to highlight city trash failures
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly Mayor Kenney won’t mandate COVID vaccine for city workers – but won’t rule it out

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: PA won’t issue disaster declaration for Bucks County flooding. Instead, Gov. Wolf seeks SBA assistance for residents
KYW Newsradio: Montgomery County officials recommend universal masking in K-12 schools
Delaware Valley Journal: ‘It’s Just a Matter of Time:’ Former Top Cop Chitwood Says Philly Crime Will Be Felt in Suburbs
Bucks Local News: Philadelphia Republican announces run for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania
Bucks Local News: Commissioners urge vaccinations as Bucks County sees slight uptick in COVID-19 cases
Pottstown Mercury: Big Berks County COVID vaccine provider seeing inoculations surge
Pottstown Mercury: New coronavirus cases in Montgomery County more than double during seven-day period

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: UPMC leader Jeffrey Romoff to retire, be succeeded by executive VP 
Post-Gazette: Bartos pitches less government in Senate campaign tour stop in Bethel Park 
Post-Gazette: Former congressman aiming at governor’s office promises to crack down on puppy mills in visit to Pittsburgh animal shelter 
Post-Gazette: Fitzgerald: No return to masks in Allegheny County . . . yet
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh school leaders, City Council discuss ways to improve student performance
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools passes COVID health plan; board member inquires about vaccine mandate
Post-Gazette: Handful of Dormont residents ask council to rescind new zoning ordinance 
KDKA: Pittsburgh City Council Puts Charter Schools Under The Microscope 
KDKA: Leslie Davis To Succeed Jeffrey Romoff As President And CEO Of UPMC 
KDKA: No New Mask Mandate Coming Yet, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald Says 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Discusses District’s Future With City Council Members 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Board Approves Health And Safety Plan
KDKA: South Pittsburgh Coalition For Peace Holds ‘Stop The Violence’ Rally In Response To Recent Shootings 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny County Death Toll Surpasses 2k
WESA: Allegheny County Isn’t Getting A Mask Mandate ‘Yet,’ Officials Say
WESA: Town Hall Calls Attention To Pittsburgh Air Quality Problems
WESA: Pennsylvania Supreme Court To Consider Police Use-Of-Force Provision
WTAE: Change at the top: Jeffrey Romoff stepping down as president and CEO of UPMC
Tribune Review: How UPMC’s new CEO Leslie Davis plans to lead the health giant
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh council sets community meetings on federal covid relief cash 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County officials won’t rule out local mask mandate
Pittsburgh Business Times: No new face covering mandate for Allegheny County, at least not yet, officials say 
Pittsburgh Business Times: UPMC’s critics hope for new chapter for health system 
Pittsburgh Business Times: UPMC’s incoming CEO talks about bright future, continued growth ahead 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Business community reacts to Romoff’s retirement announcement
Pittsburgh Business Times: Who is UPMC’s new CEO, Leslie Davis?
City Paper: Reports highlight how to repair the Appalachian economy without relying on fracking

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania won’t mandate face masks in public despite rising COVID-19 rates
Beaver County Times: Attorney General Shapiro investigating ways to spend billion-dollar opioids settlement
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 cases remain elevated but dip slightly; Cambria adds 10 positives

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Wolf announces $520,000 awarded to clean up Ashley Rail Yard
Citizens Voice: Feds creating database to aid in Capitol breach case
Citizens Voice: Almost 200 added to county’s fully vaccinated list
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council postpones vote on $600 rebate
The Times Leader: 15 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Wednesday; 645 statewide
Times-Tribune: Scranton School District highlights progress made in recovery
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority receives $2.3M state loan to eliminate pumping station, overflow point
Times-Tribune: Seven more COVID-19 deaths statewide, none locally

South Central 
York Dispatch: ‘Election integrity committee’ in York County accused of voter intimidation
York Dispatch: York County reports 33 additional cases of COVID-19 
Patriot News: Cumberland County votes to sell Claremont nursing home
Patriot News: New Cumberland County nursing home owner wants to ‘save Claremont’ 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Put People First! PA calls out Lancaster City government for polices they say hurt working class
LNP | LancasterOnline: Eight of Lancaster County’s 14 economic sectors still below their 2019 employment levels
Carlisle Sentinel: County approves agreements for Claremont sale; Allaire to begin management consulting immediately
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County’s COVID-19 data details for July 28

Lehigh Valley  
Morning Call: President Joe Biden tours Mack Trucks, promotes US manufacturing. ‘I can sum it up all in two words: Buy American.’ 
Morning Call: 4 takeaways from Joe Biden’s first visit to the Lehigh Valley as president 
Morning Call: Fresh off Biden visit, Mack Trucks says it is hiring up to 400 in the Lehigh Valley this year to meet demand 
Morning Call: Explainer: What is President Biden’s new proposed Buy American Rule? 
Morning Call: A look back at the history of presidential visits to the Lehigh Valley 
Morning Call: After decades of young people leaving the region, Lehigh Valley now has fastest growing rate of 18 to 34 year olds in Pennsylvania 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Northampton, Monroe near top case rates as vaccinations hold steady
Express Times: Joe Biden in the Lehigh Valley: Recapping the president’s visit to Mack Trucks
Express Times: Mack Trucks wasn’t the only Lehigh Valley company that Joe Biden praised in speech 
Express Times: Biden touts ‘made in America’ during 1st Lehigh Valley visit as president 
Express Times: Ahead of Biden’s visit, photos of prior presidents in the Lehigh Valley — from Truman to Trump
Reading Eagle: Officials urge President Biden to end Berks County Residential Center contract 
Reading Eagle: Reading’s new parking meters have caused new problems, resident tells City Council 
WFMZ: ‘Buy American’: President Biden speaks about American manufacturing at Mack Trucks 
WFMZ: Local lawmakers, officials disagree on whether Biden plan would help or hurt manufacturing jobs 
WFMZ: Lehigh County commissioners forward 5-year capital spending plan 
WFMZ: What will it take for Biden to bring blue-collar workers into the Democratic fold? Local pundit, union rep weigh in 
WFMZ: Berks still in ‘moderate’ COVID-19 spread as CDC issues updated guidelines

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Social Security, energy, vaccines topics of Rep. Fred Keller’s town hall
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County commissioners approve funding, personnel items
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport-Lycoming County land transfer gets tie vote from commissioners
Erie Times-News: All Aboard Erie joins multi-state push for high-speed rail
Centre Daily Times: Why is President Biden heading back to Pennsylvania? It’s more than the state where he was born

Opinion  
Dan Laughlin: Forensic probe of 2020 election will ‘further paranoid atmospherics’ | Opinion
Jennifer Stefano: Lawsuit claiming Pennsylvania has unequal school funding is misguided 
Paul Muschick: Pennsylvania’s unemployment fraud started with identity theft. How to protect yourself 
Anthony O’Brien: Bezos vs. Bernie: Why we need many more billionaires
Inquirer Editorial Board: By requiring vaccination for city employees, Philadelphia could lead by example 
Philadelphia Tribune Editorial: Bill McSwain can’t dodge the truth of the 2020 election
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Fix the holdup in jobless benefits 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: COVID-19 vaccination should be a job requirement for long-term care facility employees
John L. Micek: Could the Golden Rule sway some vaccine skeptics? A new poll points to yes | Thursday Coffee
Matt McCoy: Some nurses finally get the recognition they deserve 
Wayne Batchis: High fares for Regional Rail riders create a ‘tale of two transit systems’ in Philadelphia 
Joyce M. Davis: Here’s some easy ways to protect yourself from the dangers of social media | Social Views
Andrew Spiegel: Suspending IP rights for COVID-19 vaccines will hurt patients
Oren Spiegler: Don’t follow Senators Mastriano and Bartolotta over a cliff
Jay and Nancy Krevsky: President Biden should invest $4 billion instead of delegating it to Guatemala 
Jenice Armstrong: Anchors Camp is where youngsters can escape the mean streets of Philly and just be kids again