President Joe Biden nominates University of Pennsylvania President Amy Gutmann to serve as the ambassador to Germany. Here is the Playbook. 

July 2nd Ups and Downs: A state rep leads a successful push for the poorest schools in Pennsylvania to receive more state funds, a West Philly Democrat is implicated in a deed fraud scheme, plus a former state Senator is nominated to serve on the National Council on the Arts. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

‘Trump ally in Pennsylvania raises 2020 election audit plan’: The Associated Press reports that state Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin) “led a private briefing Wednesday for Republican senators on his plan” to bring an Arizona-style audit to Pennsylvania. 

Spotlight PA Highlights 5 Issues Pa. Lawmakers Will Face in the Fall: Spotlight PA reports that “Pennsylvania’s General Assembly is headed into a long summer recess after a flurry of legislative activity. But several key issues remain unresolved and will have to wait until lawmakers reconvene in the fall.”

‘Val Arkoosh would be the first Pa. woman elected to the Senate. But she’s running as Dr. Arkoosh.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh “being the only politically established woman in the Democratic field isn’t something Arkoosh is shying away from — but it’s not something she’s particularly highlighting either.”

‘Pennsylvania progressives are angry Gov. Tom Wolf didn’t ‘fight the fight’ on the state budget’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Gov. Tom Wolf, “once embraced by the left as the one person standing between the GOP-led legislature and new antiabortion laws and other conservative goals, Wolf is now facing fresh criticism from some in his own party who say he let Republicans steamroll him in negotiations over the $40 billion spending plan.”

‘Infrastructure success could help keep swing Pa. districts — and the U.S. House — blue’: NBC News reports Reps. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh) “are top GOP targets,” and that “their political future could hinge on the success of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure package.” 

‘Former PA Gov. Tom Ridge acknowledges concerns about possible disability’: The Erie Times-News reports that “Tom Ridge, the former Pennsylvania governor and the first Secretary of Homeland Security, acknowledged Friday that he faces concerns with long-term impairment after having a stroke on June 16.”

Schlossberg Talks to the Morning Call About School Funding: State Rep. Mike Schlossberg (D-Lehigh) talked to the Allentown Morning Call in an interview about Pennsylvania’s poorest school districts getting more state funding based on “Level Up” legislation that Schlossberg proposed.”

‘US labor secretary visits Philly, says inequities, child care holding back workforce’: KYW Newsradio reports that “U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh visited Philadelphia to help celebrate the Fourth of July weekend.”

Jill Biden Visits Philly: KYW Newsradio reports that First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visited Philadelphia on July 4.

‘Will six Pa. State System universities merge? A vote is expected this month.’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “with a boost in state funds, the leadership at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education will decide this month how best to address system struggles — including a final vote on consolidating six universities into two, regional campuses.”

Casey Talks to The Times Leader about Filibuster and Spears’ Conservatorship: Sen. Bob Casey talked to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader editorial board about how he “believes the filibuster needs to be changed,” plus his concerns “about the conditions pop star Britney Spears described in telling a court about her ongoing conservatorship, adding that it raises questions of a national scope.”

‘Casey promotes ‘Five Freedoms for America’s Children’’: Sen. Bob Casey talked to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader editorial board on Friday about his “Five Freedoms for America’s Children” plan — a legislative initiative he believes would set all American children up to succeed.”

Castor Talks to Delaware Valley Journal About Cosby’s Case: Former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor talked to the Delaware Valley Journal in a Q&A about the decision from the Pennsylvania state Supreme Court to release Bill Cosby. 

‘Bucks County senator announces bill to limit deals like the one that freed Cosby’: WHYY reports that state Sens. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne) and Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) “plan to introduce legislation that would require all future non-prosecution agreements to be in writing in order to be enforceable.”

‘Rep. Fitzpatrick: Any investigation of US Capitol riot must be bipartisan’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) “insists he voted against the latest plan to investigate the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol for the same reason he voted for an earlier plan to have an independent investigation.”

‘Cartwright sees hope for Scranton-NYC train through infrastructure bill’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) “on Friday was joined by local passenger rail advocates following the House passage of the INVEST in America Act to highlight progress on efforts to connect Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Greater New York City area through passenger rail service.”

‘Meuser introduces the Stop Inflationary Spending Act’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Luzerne) “introduced the Stop Inflationary Spending Act, a bill that would require the Congressional Budget Office to provide a 5-year inflation projection for all bills considered through budget reconciliation.”

‘Pa. mayors petition congressional delegation for $500 million investment in parks’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “more than a dozen Pennsylvania mayors, including Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, this week petitioned Congress to invest $500 million in parks nationwide to address equity in urban communities.”

‘Committee recommends renaming Spruce Street, Central Scranton Expressway after Biden’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “a Scranton City Council-created committee recommends renaming the Central Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street after President Joe Biden — the city’s preeminent native son.”

‘How Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted in U.S. House last week’: The Allentown Morning Call reports how Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted during the legislative week ending July 2.

‘How Reps. Kelly, Thompson voted on Jan. 6 committee, Confederate statues, global health’: The Erie Times-News reports how Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) and G.T. Thompson (R-Centre) voted on January 6 commission, confederate statues, global health, and more last week.

‘Here’s how the lawmakers who represent Centre County in Congress voted June 25-July 1’: The Centre Daily Times reports on how Reps. Fred Keller (R-Snyder) and G.T. Thompson (R-Centre) voted “between June 25 and Thursday.”

‘Eye on the Capitol: Congressional votes for the week of June 28-July 2’: The Johnstown Tribune-Democrat reports on how Reps. John Joyce (R-Blair) and G.T. Thompson (R-Centre) voted for the week of June 28-July 2. 

‘Pennsylvania lawmakers may never reach agreement on voting issues, those on both sides say’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Two years ago, lawmakers in Harrisburg approved one of the largest pieces of election reform legislation in Pennsylvania history, built on compromise and bipartisan support. Today, the Legislature can’t seem to pass the simplest of reforms — even ones that county election officials say are crucial to improving their operations and have backing from members of both political parties.”

‘‘The table has been set’: Pa. lawmakers pass bill that could speed up 5G network deployment’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “After years of back and forth discussions — and some interruptions by a global pandemic — Pennsylvania lawmakers passed legislation in June that standardizes the process for installing the infrastructure that is needed to deploy 5G networks. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the legislation into law on Wednesday.”

‘Amtrak’s proposal for Philadelphia-to-Reading service comes with a hefty price tag’: KYW Newsradio reports “Earlier this year, Amtrak proposed expanding passenger rail service. Part of that national plan would create service between Philadelphia and Reading, though it’s still uncertain if that addition will ever see the light of day.”

‘Reps. Fitzpatrick and Foxx discuss China’s influence on U.S. universities’: Fox News reports on Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC) talking about “China’s influence on U.S. universities.”

‘Pennsylvania earmarks $1.6 million for PFAS cancer study’: The Bucks County Courier Times reports that “Temple University’s study into possible links between PFAS contamination and cancer is getting $1.6 million from Pennsylvania taxpayers.”

‘Crocamo set to take reins from Pedri this week’: The Citizens Voice reports that Romilda Crocamo will be taking over as the Luzerne County’s Manager this week. 

‘Hundreds turn out for inaugural 5K in memory of late state Rep. Mike Reese’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that hundreds turned out on July 4 for the “inaugural Mike Reese Memorial 5K Roast, Run & Family Fun event, organized in memory of former state Rep. Mike Reese, who died unexpectedly in January.”

‘KDKA Investigation Uncovers Scam Using Pittsburgh Democratic Mayoral Candidate Ed Gainey’s Name’: KDKA reports that people in Pittsburgh have received text messages “sent from a fake Facebook account bearing” Pittsburgh mayoral candidate and state Rep. Ed Gainey. 

‘Voting rights rallies held in 3 western PA communities’: WTAE reports that a “crowd of people rallied with signs” in support of the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act in Mt. Lebanon, Wexford, and Forest Hills on Friday afternoon. 

‘The Potential Impact Energy Plan ‘RGGI’ May Have On Pennsylvanians’ Electric Bills Debated’: KDKA reports that “a local business and business group is warning that electricity rates could go up if Governor Wolf goes forward with an energy plan that links Pennsylvania to many other Northeastern states.”

‘Pennsylvania Set To Change Law On Milk Label Dates’: KDKA reports that “a new state law will change how “sell by” and “best by” dates are handled for milk.”

‘Carlisle moves to make open container provisions permanent in downtown district’: The Carlisle Sentinel reports “Carlisle Borough is moving quickly to give its downtown bars, distillery and breweries a way to continue serving up drinks for customers to enjoy outside.”

‘Gale opposes appointments to Montgomery County advisory board’: The Pottstown Mercury reports that Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Governor, opposed “several appointments to the Higher Education & Health Authority board” during Thursday’s Montgomery County Board of Commissioners meeting.

Rev. Dr. Roger Raymond Fischer Dies at 80: Former State Rep. Roger Raymond Fischer, who served the 47th state House District from 1966-1988, died at the age of 80, according to the Observer-Reporter, powered by Legacy.com. 

Kenyatta To Deliver Speech in Gettysburg: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, will be at the Pennsylvania State Memorial at Gettysburg National Military Park on Tuesday morning to deliver a speech to “lay out his plan for a new day for democracy in America – marking six months since the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6.” 

Houlahan To Host Town Hall: WFMZ reports that Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) will be hosting her first in-person town hall since the start of the COVID-19 restrictions on Tuesday evening. The town hall will focus on jobs and the economy. 

Kilgore Named Senior Adviser to Doyle: POLITICO reports that Hank Kilgore will be senior adviser to Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Allegheny). Kilgore most recently was assistant VP of government affairs at CTIA.  

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Trump ally in Pennsylvania raises 2020 election audit plan
AP: Biden picks Penn president for Germany ambassador
AP: Activists call for Ocean City boycott over trash burning
Spotlight PA: Pa. lawmakers are on summer break. Here are 5 issues they’ll face this fall.
Spotlight PA: Lawmakers renew call for stronger addiction treatment oversight as two Pa. providers charged
NBC News: Infrastructure success could help keep swing Pa. districts — and the U.S. House — blue
Inquirer: Val Arkoosh would be the first Pa. woman elected to the Senate. But she’s running as Dr. Arkoosh.
Inquirer: Pennsylvania progressives are angry Gov. Tom Wolf didn’t ‘fight the fight’ on the state budget
Inquirer: Bill Cosby’s release from prison hinged on Bruce Castor’s word. But the ex-DA hasn’t always been consistent.
Inquirer: Pa. and N.J. racial gap in access to in-person learning last year was among the worst in the nation, new report says
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Will six Pa. State System universities merge? A vote is expected this month.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A national park for Pa. and N.J.? Supporters of a new proposal say it’s possible and long overdue
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. state prison inmates mount hunger strike, calling for end to solitary confinement
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Who needs the Mouse? Pennsylvania is your destination for fun | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Traveling this July 4 holiday weekend? You’re not the only one | Five for the Weekend
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania lawmakers may never reach agreement on voting issues, those on both sides say
Post-Gazette: ‘The table has been set’: Pa. lawmakers pass bill that could speed up 5G network deployment
Post-Gazette: Battle lines: PennDOT, Republicans at war over proposed bridge tolls
Erie Times-News: Former PA Gov. Tom Ridge acknowledges concerns about possible disability
City & State PA: Who wants to run for governor as a Republican in 2022? 
Fox News: Reps. Fitzpatrick and Foxx discuss China’s influence on U.S. universities
Fox News: Biden nominates UPenn president for ambassadorship following China disclosure complaint
Broad + Liberty: Second wave of Covid-19 was more deadly for Pa. nursing homes than first wave
StateImpactPA: DEP report: Pennsylvania extracted more natural gas than ever during pandemic
StateImpactPA: You might want to mask up: Fireworks cause spikes in air pollution
StateImpactPA: Environmental groups pressure central Pa. food company to clean up wastewater plant
KDKA: The Potential Impact Energy Plan ‘RGGI’ May Have On Pennsylvanians’ Electric Bills Debated
KDKA: Gov. Tom Ridge Releases Statement For First Time Since Stroke
KDKA: Pennsylvania Set To Change Law On Milk Label Dates
KDKA: Pension Contribution Rates Increase For Around 94K Public School Employees In Pennsylvania
KDKA: Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity Looking To Reunite People With Unclaimed Property
Patriot News: Lawmakers hope to tweak “Cosby rule” after comedian’s court-ordered release on sex assault charges
Patriot News: Younger adults are most hesitant about COVID-19 vaccine, slowing march to sufficient immunity
Patriot News: Pa. Agriculture Department offering $1.4M in grants for plans to combat COVID-19 food system impacts
KYW Newsradio: Long list of bills signed, vetoed by Gov. Wolf
Tribune Review: Pa. mayors petition congressional delegation for $500 million investment in parks
The Hill: Biden names nominee for US ambassador to Germany
The Hill: Pennsylvania state lawmaker briefed colleagues on his plan for election audit: report
Pittsburgh Business Times: RGGI on the agenda for Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania ends fiscal year with $40.4 billion in collections, highest revenue surplus in commonwealth history
Politico: The geriatric Senate confronts a youth movement
Politico: Biden names more ambassadorships, including Amy Gutmann for Germany
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania updates open records law, adding requirement that public meeting agendas be posted online
CNN: The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2022
CNN: Biden announces pick for US ambassador to Germany

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Penn President Amy Gutmann nominated to serve as ambassador to Germany
KYW Newsradio: First Lady Jill Biden visits Philly, says city is ‘back together’
KYW Newsradio: US labor secretary visits Philly, says inequities, child care holding back workforce
KYW Newsradio: Amtrak’s proposal for Philadelphia-to-Reading service comes with a hefty price tag
KYW Newsradio: New Philly program to help low-income families with tangled property titles 
Inquirer: Biden will nominate Penn President Amy Gutmann as ambassador to Germany 
Inquirer: Jill Biden comes ‘home’ to Philly for July Fourth celebration
Inquirer: Watchdog groups warn that Patriot Front’s march through Philly reflects increasing recruitment, activity in the region 
Inquirer: The number of Philly high school students who are homeless may be four times higher than what’s been reported
Inquirer: Meet Philly’s new Youth Poet Laureate: ‘Everyone has a story to tell’
Billy Penn: UPenn president Amy Gutmann is Biden’s pick for ambassador to Germany 
Billy Penn: A list of bizarre career moves by attorney Bruce Castor, whose deal helped free Cosby 
Billy Penn: What we know about white supremacists getting chased out of Philly
Billy Penn: Secret Philly: Inside the Masonic Temple, the intricate landmark next to City Hall
WHYY Newsworks: Philly and SEPTA issue tech challenge to help people with disabilities navigate transit
Philadelphia Tribune: ‘We need more help’: City, state leaders press Biden for further aid to reduce violence
Philly Voice: First lady Jill Biden celebrates Fourth of July in Philadelphia
Philly Voice: Amy Gutmann’s ambassador nomination the latest link between President Biden and Penn
Philadelphia Business Journal: Biden nominates Penn President Amy Gutmann to serve as ambassador to Germany 

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Rep. Fitzpatrick: Any investigation of US Capitol riot must be bipartisan
Bucks County Courier Times: Pennsylvania earmarks $1.6 million for PFAS cancer study
Delaware Valley Journal: Why Did Cosby Go Free? A Q & A With Former Montco D.A. Bruce Castor
WHYY Newsworks: Bucks County senator announces bill to limit deals like the one that freed Cosby
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Board of Elections approves additional ballot drop boxes, security measures
KYW Newsradio: Worker bonuses, child care credits part of Delco back-to-work initiative
Pottstown Mercury: Gale opposes appointments to Montgomery County advisory board
Pottstown Mercury: New Hanover eyes firm to help spend federal stimulus dollars
Pottstown Mercury: New Hanover supervisors pick Maskrey to fill vacancy

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: City launches new loan program for child care centers with emphasis on minority and women owned businesses
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County air quality poor at Parkway East, Liberty monitors 
WTAE: Voting rights rallies held in 3 western PA communities
KDKA: KDKA Investigation Uncovers Scam Using Pittsburgh Democratic Mayoral Candidate Ed Gainey’s Name
KDKA: Activists Rally For Voting Rights In Wexford
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 40 New Coronavirus Cases Over Last 72 Hours
Tribune Review: Allegheny County family’s overdose loss inspires law designed to ‘save lives’
Tribune Review: Nurse shortage is crippling hospitals, centers that provide care in Western Pa.
City Paper: Allegheny County air quality dips into unhealthy range after July 4 fireworks
WESA: Environmental Groups Seek Pre-Trial Ruling Against U.S. Steel
Pittsburgh Business Times: Report sees recovery, stability in region’s energy industry
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh’s civilian labor force drops below prior pandemic lows, now at levels last seen in 1990s

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Eye on the Capitol: Congressional votes for the week of June 28-July 2 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Officials: Police reform efforts getting underway in Pa. 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Bedford, Indiana sole counties to log additional COVID cases 
Tribune Review: Hundreds turn out for inaugural 5K in memory of late state Rep. Mike Reese
Tribune Review: Voter rights rally held outside Westmoreland County Courthouse 
Altoona Mirror: Courts, representatives plan end to COVID eviction ban
Altoona Mirror: Blair Commissioners
Altoona Mirror: PNG field among first to be audited
Observer-Reporter: One new COVID-19 death reported in Greene County

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Following Cosby release, Sen. Baker wants non-prosecution agreements in writing
Citizens Voice: State budget boosts education funding, but Wilkes-Barre Area still “underfunded”
Citizens Voice: Crocamo set to take reins from Pedri this week
Citizens Voice: Mullery announces nearly $325,000 in fire, EMS grants
Citizens Voice: No communion for Catholics who support abortion rights? Not likely
Citizens Voice: Four new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Monday
The Times Leader: Web Extra: Casey on filibuster, Spears’ conservatorship
The Times Leader: Casey promotes ‘Five Freedoms for America’s Children’
The Times Leader: Cartwright sees hope for Scranton-NYC train through infrastructure bill
The Times Leader: Meuser introduces the Stop Inflationary Spending Act
The Times Leader: Baker legislation would require written non-prosecution agreements 
The Times Leader: Yudichak: 2021-2022 budget invests in Northeastern Pennsylvania jobs
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre Mayor Brown introduces partners in recovery plan programs
The Times Leader: Well-run elections will be key focus for Crocamo
The Times Leader: Manager search committee appointments postponed due to eligibility issue
The Times Leader: First payments made to municipalities under American Rescue Plan Act
The Times Leader: Report: COVID 19 has disrupted region’s housing market in a positive way
The Times Leader: 4 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Monday; 98 statewide
Times-Tribune: New Amtrak funding excites Scranton to NYC train advocates
Times-Tribune: Distribution of rental assistance money proving to be challenge to counties in NEPA, state
Times-Tribune: Committee recommends renaming Spruce Street, Central Scranton Expressway after Biden
Times-Tribune: Councilmen McAndrew, Schuster object to Scranton business administrator, IT director appointments
Times-Tribune: Plastic bags may be banned throughout state
Times-Tribune: Luzerne County reports area’s lone new COVID-19 death

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Fireworks complaints on the rise in Lancaster city, as state revenue skyrockets [Lancaster Watchdog]
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘We loved him’: Pequea Twp. mourns ‘unexpected’ death of supervisor Anthony Cazillo
LNP | LancasterOnline: Thaddeus Stevens College sticking with vaccine reversal despite ‘vaccine passport’ veto
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County’s emergency management director in Florida to assist with condo collapse
LNP | LancasterOnline: Raising vaccination rate in Lancaster County could cut cases in half, model shows
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle moves to make open container provisions permanent in downtown district
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle Borough Council discusses open container amendment
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 6 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County over holiday weekend
York Dispatch: ‘People … are suffering’: 2017 fireworks law causes headaches, complaints and fires, but there’s no hurry to repeal it
York Dispatch: York County seeks public input on strategic plan
York Dispatch: York County, city officials to talk about childhood lead exposure and behavior issues

Lehigh Valley       
Morning Call: How Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted in U.S. House last week
Morning Call: DEP issues “Code Orange” for Lehigh Valley’s air quality on Tuesday
Morning Call: A year after George Floyd’s murder, Lehigh Valley school districts continue to tackle race, class and poverty among students
Morning Call: As pandemic masking requirements end, some Lehigh Valley businesses are erring on the side of caution
Morning Call: Where Lehigh Valley school districts are at in their diversity and inclusion efforts
Morning Call: Q&A: New Lehigh Valley chamber board chair wants to move the needle forward for LGBTQ community
Morning Call: From the editor: Taking the slings and arrows over the Gerlach story
WFMZ: U.S. Rep. Houlahan will host in-person town hall focused on jobs, economy
WFMZ: New legislation in Pa. aims to address fireworks safety concerns
Express Times: Pa. weekly COVID update: Almost 76% of Pennsylvanians have 1 shot as hospitalization rate hits new low
Reading Eagle: Plan to save the Fightin Phils starts to take shape
Reading Eagle: Berks County wants public opinion on future of parks and recreation 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Courts, representatives plan end to eviction ban
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Pennsylvania grant money going to fire, emergency responders throughout Lycoming County
Erie Times-News: How Reps. Kelly, Thompson voted on Jan. 6 committee, Confederate statues, global health
Erie Times-News: ‘A good fit’: Erie County Community College gets temporary home, new president
Centre Daily Times: Here’s how the lawmakers who represent Centre County in Congress voted June 25-July 1
Centre Daily Times: Centre County is trying a new affordable housing program. Here’s how it could help seniors, families
Centre Daily Times: Centre County adds 2 COVID-19 deaths as cases continue to decline in Pennsylvania

Opinion  
Paul Muschick: Q&A: State Rep. Mike Schlossberg scored big for Allentown and Bethlehem school districts. ‘This is just the start, I hope’
Conor Lamb and Ro Khanna: Use federal funds to spur new tech hubs
Mark S. Singel: This Fourth of July, there is concern for the republic
Andrew Cuff: Delusions of Progressive ‘Resistance’ in PA’s Heartland
Mark O’Keefe: Were Wolf’s budget season trades worth the price of a deal? Democrats may find out in 2022 
Susan Higginbotham, Chris Kirchner, and Karen Baker: Why we need Sen. Toomey’s support on a critical bill
Phil Armstrong and Geoff Brace: In Lehigh County, we’re spending COVID relief funds wisely and it’s helping
Ron Klink: Build Back Better with American-made steel
John L. Micek: Pa. lawmakers look to take a bite out of food delivery fees paid by restaurants | Friday Morning Coffee
Kadida Kenner: What to the descendants of enslaved people is the Fourth of July?
Brad Simpson: Why newspapers remain the best vehicle for public notices 
Phil Gianficaro: Kayden Mancuso is gone, but to some, who are we to judge?
Jon Geeting: Does Council Want To Limit Housing? 
Charles F. McElwee: Philadelphia Reflects Big Cities’ Public-Safety Challenges
Herb Field: Mastriano has launched an all-out assault on our democracy 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Pennsylvania lawmakers are willing to spend plenty on themselves, but not so much on pandemic-hit Pennsylvanians
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: On Fourth of July, celebrate safely, respectfully and by protecting others 
Inquirer Editorial Board: America’s founders fought for the right to debate critical race theory 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Bipartisanship to the rescue
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: China exports propaganda
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Standing up for small entrepreneurs 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Covering student mental health needs
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Future space explorers
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pursuing happiness
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Second Ave. shelter will meet needs unmet too long
Tony Norman: Cosby is free in the eyes of the law, but guilty everywhere else
Tyrique Glasgow, Joshua Isserman, and Ben Keys: Roger Taney’s statue will be ousted from U.S. Capitol. Next: Renaming the Philly street
Kristin Luebbert: I’m a Philly teacher and I’m not scared of critical race theory 
Malav Kanuga: Philadelphia deserves anti-racist media 
Keith C. Burris: Veneration of the Founders
Nell Williams: What won’t the infrastructure plan do? Repair our crumbling schools. 
Gene Collier: Freedom remains ill-defined and even elusive, but it’s well worth celebrating
Louis R Urciuolo: The hypocrisy of House Bill 1532 
Mike Schnierle: Ready-to-drink make it too convenient to drink and drive 
Errin Haines: As Americans, we were told myths about our history. We must confront our truths.
Roger Baumgarten: The PRO Act would hurt independent contractors and their customers
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Rural America’s pandemic lesson—Yep, we were right
Robby Wax: Israel needs a willing partner to produce peace
Oren Spiegler: Would Juneteenth have been approved as a federal holiday under President Trump?
Lawrence Tonzi RN CRNP MSN: Nurse practitioners who volunteer at free clinics should be able to prescribe medicine
George Magakis, Jr.: What the Catholic Church’s ban on abortion really means 
David M. Shribman: Bringing the Pentagon Papers to the public
Eric Turman: Federal funding offers hope for homeless students 
Christine Flowers: No, Montco, the Constitution Is Not a ‘Technicality’
Roxanne Patel Shepelavy: More Than BBQs and Mattress Sales 
Vicki Shabo and Marcia St. Hilaire-Finn: COVID exposes dire need for child care and paid leave
Ray Weaver: Biden’s position
Ruth Ann Dailey: Red, white and so very blue
Daniel Freedman: Social bonds can improve cancer care
John Cole: We found the folks who want to repeal Pa.’s fireworks law | Editorial Cartoon
Larry Robertson: Democrats are making some bad decisions
Morgan Plant: Methinks the gentleman doth protest too much!
Dick Polman: N.Y. indictment is just the start of Trump’s troubles