Gov. Tom Wolf visited Philadelphia on Thursday and talked about the impact of the opioid epidemic in Pennsylvania and the need for legislation to address the matter. Here is the Playbook. 

‘Parents, including a top Pa. Republican, are suing over the school mask mandate. Here’s what to know about the cases.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “after months of heated school board meetings, the battle over whether children in Pennsylvania schools have to wear masks has shifted to the courts. At least three lawsuits have been filed challenging the order by Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration, which took effect last week and has generated protests in some school communities.”

‘The latest partisan audit is risking voters’ personal data’: The Washington Post reports that “a partisan review of the 2020 election results in Pennsylvania threatens to endanger the personal information of the state’s 7 million voters.”

‘As Pennsylvania prepares to fight deadly overdose crisis without a disaster declaration, doctors warn against sharing prescription records with insurance companies’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “as state leaders prepare to fight a bad-as-ever drug overdose crisis without a disaster declaration, Pennsylvania family doctors want to make clear the fight shouldn’t include sharing people’s prescription records with insurance companies.”

‘Gov. Wolf calls drug issue in Philly ‘sad and depressing’ after tour of Kensington’: WHYY reports that “Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf took a tour of the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia and vowed to do more to help people impacted by the opioid epidemic.”

‘PA GOP is ‘risking an identity theft catastrophe’ says the state’s Lieutenant Gov.’: MSNBC reports that “Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman reacts to his state Republican Party approving subpoenas that would look into the personal information of voters, and says that a majority of Pennsylvanians are appalled by the move.”

‘PA Dem: GOP fraudit pursuit is ‘financial scam’’: MSNBC reports that “Rep. Conor Lamb says the PA GOP subpoenas for voters’ personal information is an “attack” on democracy, one of many ways to “scare people out of voting,” but he explains how it’s also a “financial scam” to send emails and raise money off of it: “There’s no mystery about what’s going on here. These people are desperate to maintain their power.”

‘Capital-Star Q+A: RINO hunter Joe Gale wants to make sure conservatives are energized for 2022’: Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale, who is running for the GOP nomination for Governor, talked with the Pennsylvania Capital-Star for a Q&A about his campaign.

‘Pa.’s looming dementia care crisis, by the numbers’: Spotlight PA and PublicSource reports that “Pennsylvania is headed for a profound eldercare crisis, experts warn, as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia rates continue to climb, the state’s readiness plan continues to falter, and the exorbitant costs of care pressure state budgets and family budgets alike.”

‘The PSERS board once again rejects its staff’s investment advice’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “for the second time in a month, board members at Pennsylvania’s largest pension fund have rejected a staff investment proposal — and this time almost unanimously.”

‘Pennsylvania liquor stores put 2-bottle limit on some booze’: The Associated Press reports that “Pennsylvania’s state-run liquor system will begin rationing sales of a few dozen products on Friday in response to what it describes as supply shortages beyond its control.”

‘Rep. Perry says Gen. Milley should ‘absolutely resign’ after ‘treasonous’ action’: Fox Business reports that “Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., reacted to reports that a new book alleges U.S. Gen. Mark Milley secretly called Chinese officials out of fear former President Trump would create conflict, on “Mornings with Maria” Wednesday. Perry said Milley should “absolutely resign” after engaging in “treasonous activity.””

‘AG Shapiro argues DA Krasner can’t sue his office over opioid settlement’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Pennsylvania’s attorney general argued in court papers Wednesday that Philadelphia’s district attorney doesn’t have the right to sue his office over a national opioid settlement that could bring up to $1 billion to the state — but that elected officials in Philly have criticized as too low.”

‘Hotline’s Redistricting Profiles: The Philadelphia Area’: National Journal’s Hotline profiles upcoming redistricting for the Philadelphia area. 

‘PHEAA to offer financial incentive to retain employees until their jobs are eliminated’: PennLive reports that “the state’s student aid agency is looking to offer a financial incentive to a quarter of its employees in an attempt to convince them to stick around until it completes its transition out of its role as a federal student loan servicer.”

‘Biden billboards are the work of former governor candidate Scott Wagner’: PennLive reports that “former York County state Sen. Scott Wagner, never gentle about his politics, is getting some national attention for his latest visual haymaker: A set of highway billboards showing a gun-toting President Joe Biden dressed as an Afghan fighter, beside the slogan “Making the Taliban Great Again!””

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

‘Krasner (sort of) backs Shapiro for governor’: Philly Clout reports that Philadelphia District Attorney “knocked” Attorney General Josh Shapio “as “a centrist or conservative Democrat who says he’s progressive.” And then he offered a halfhearted endorsement of sorts.”

‘Philly DA Larry Krasner won’t debate his Republican challenger, calling it ‘a waste of time’’: Philly Clout reports that Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner “​​refused to debate Chuck Peruto before the Nov. 2 general election, taking a two-day, circuitous path to acknowledging the snub.”

‘Titus, Davis face off in Erie Chamber debate at the Erie Art Museum. Here are some key takeaways’: The Erie Times-News reports that “the first Erie County executive debate Wednesday offered two competing, broad-stroke visions for the economy. But fell short on details — and on sparring.”

‘Democratic nominee Tyler Titus seeks to transcend gender in county executive race’: The Erie Times-News highlights Tyler Titus’ campaign for Erie County Executive. 

‘Republican Brenton Davis summons ‘underdog’ spirit in county executive race’: The Erie Times-News highlights Brenton Davis’ campaign for Erie County Executive. 

‘See who came out to City & State PA’s Labor Power 100 event’: City & State PA reports that “more than 150 labor leaders and elected officials gathered in Philadelphia Tuesday night for City & State Pennsylvania’s Labor Power 100 event, celebrating the most powerful people in labor and industry.”

‘Report: Pa. keeps place as top electricity exporter, sends record amount of power in 2020’: StateImpactPA reports that “Pennsylvania exported a record amount of electricity last year.”

‘$400M neighborhood funding joins long list of Philadelphia Council bills on Friday agenda’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia City Council resumes meetings Friday after a three-month summer break.”

‘Riding into the future: Port Authority moves forward with projects to transform Pittsburgh transit’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “Port Authority is moving ahead on two fronts that will change the future of public transit in the Pittsburgh area — one in the near future and the other over the next 25 years.”

‘Luzerne County Council, DA argue they have standing to continue election timing suit’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “in a court filing Thursday, Luzerne County Council and County District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce argued they have legal standing to file litigation challenging the county Election Board’s decision to hold the DA election Nov. 2.”

‘Greene County gets $2.5 million federal grant for broadband infrastructure’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “a jolt to southwestern Pennsylvania’s internet connectivity will come soon with $2.5 million of federal funding to Greene County, lawmakers said Thursday.”

‘Delco’s Jail Oversight Board to vote on the fate of Pennsylvania’s only for-profit county prison’: WHYY reports that “the fate of Pennsylvania’s only privately managed county prison, the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Delaware County, will soon be decided.”

‘Pa. Supreme Court ruling gives PennLive win in fight for records tied to troubled Golden Living nursing home chain’: PennLive reports that “the state Supreme Court on Thursday ended a three-year legal battle over public records access between PennLive and the new owners of the former Golden Living nursing homes in Pennsylvania.”

‘Columbus monument to remain at Penn’s Landing, uncovered, after lawsuit settled’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “the 106-foot-tall Christopher Columbus monument at Penn’s Landing will remain in place, with coverings removed, for the foreseeable future, according to both parties involved in a lawsuit over the fate of the monument.”

‘Proposal would limit new drive-thrus and parking for Pittsburgh restaurants’: Pittsburgh City Paper reports that “Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto isn’t asking for a ban on new drive-thrus, but he is proposing a zoning change that would limit newly constructed ones, as well as other rules to benefit pedestrian restaurant customers.”

‘Central York School District begins cracking down on mask exemptions’: The York Daily Record reports that “the Central York School Board is implementing more strict mask policies beginning Thursday to fall more in line with state expectations.”

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania liquor stores put 2-bottle limit on some booze 
Spotlight PA: Pa.’s looming dementia care crisis, by the numbers
MSNBC: PA Dem: GOP fraudit pursuit is ‘financial scam’ 
MSNBC: PA GOP is ‘risking an identity theft catastrophe’ says the state’s Lieutenant Gov. 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Capital-Star Q+A: RINO hunter Joe Gale wants to make sure conservatives are energized for 2022 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Ag. Sect’y Redding announces ‘return’ of Pa. Farm Show in 2022 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Health Dept: More than 5,786 new COVID cases; 2,323 hospitalized
Patriot News: PHEAA to offer financial incentive to retain employees until their jobs are eliminated 
Patriot News: Biden billboards are the work of former governor candidate Scott Wagner
Patriot News: Pa. student aid agency asks for $40 million more from state to maintain maximum grant award 
Patriot News: ‘Peace and Justice in PA’ to honor those who fight racism, discrimination 
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-19 surge continues with nearly 6,000 new cases, 72 deaths
Patriot News: COVID-19 cases are spiking in these Pennsylvania ZIP codes this week
Patriot News: Health care rationing: Idaho enters COVID-19 nightmare Pa. hopes to avoid
Inquirer: The PSERS board once again rejects its staff’s investment advice
Inquirer: Parents, including a top Pa. Republican, are suing over the school mask mandate. Here’s what to know about the cases.
Morning Call: Pennsylvania leaders prepare to fight deadly overdose crisis without a disaster declaration
Morning Call: Grace Packer murder inspires Pennsylvania legislation proposing stronger protection against child abuse
Morning Call: Pennsylvania is limiting sales of these 43 liquor products. See the list
City & State PA: See who came out to City & State PA’s Labor Power 100 event 
City & State PA: This week’s biggest Winners & Losers 
Capitolwire: Proposed overhaul of Pa. nursing home care splits labor union, health care group at Senate hearing
Fox Business: Rep. Perry says Gen. Milley should ‘absolutely resign’ after ‘treasonous’ action
StateImpactPA: Report: Pa. keeps place as top electricity exporter, sends record amount of power in 2020 
StateImpactPA: Group sues to stop permit for new natural gas plant 
National Journal: Hotline’s Redistricting Profiles: The Philadelphia Area
National Journal: Pennsylvania Republicans vote to subpoena voters’ personal information, and Democrats are messaging more forcefully in support of vaccine mandates.
KYW Newsradio: Some politicians blame worker shortage on Americans choosing unemployment over jobs, but what does data say?
Washington Post: The latest partisan audit is risking voters’ personal data
Politico: Trump endorsements stoke dissension in GOP ranks
CNN: Democratic legislation aims to address State Department restrictions on certain diplomats
Huffington Post: The Filibuster’s Fate Is Already Decided. Just Look To The 2022 Democratic Senate Candidates.  
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Reports 5,786 New Cases, 72 Additional Deaths

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Philly DA Larry Krasner won’t debate his Republican challenger, calling it ‘a waste of time’
Inquirer: AG Shapiro argues DA Krasner can’t sue his office over opioid settlement 
Inquirer: Columbus monument to remain at Penn’s Landing, uncovered, after lawsuit settled 
WHYY Newsworks: Gov. Wolf calls drug issue in Philly ‘sad and depressing’ after tour of Kensington 
Chalkbeat Philadelphia: Shutdowns, testing, quarantines have become a maze for Philadelphia parents to navigate
KYW Newsradio: ‘Need to do more’: Wolf ‘begging’ legislature for new action on opioid epidemic
KYW Newsradio: $400M neighborhood funding joins long list of Philadelphia Council bills on Friday agenda

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: County files exceptions to state labor ruling
WHYY Newsworks: Delco’s Jail Oversight Board to vote on the fate of Pennsylvania’s only for-profit county prison
Daily Local News: Good news for proponents of rail service to West Chester
Bucks County Courier Times: Montgomery County employees have until next month to get COVID vaccine

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: As scooter use increases, Pittsburgh officials remind people about ‘common sense’
Tribune Review: More questions arise about Allegheny County Jail contractor, including employment history
Tribune Review: ‘This is the worst I’ve seen’: Longer waits reported at Western Pa. hospitals 
Post-Gazette: Riding into the future: Port Authority moves forward with projects to transform Pittsburgh transit
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County breakthrough cases increasing, but vaccinated still avoid serious illness
WESA: Port Authority Revenue Seems To Be On The Rise, But Nowhere Near Normal 
WESA: Downtown Pittsburgh Office Occupancy Is Way Down, But Energy Use? Not So Much. 
City Paper: Proposal would limit new drive-thrus and parking for Pittsburgh restaurants 
KDKA: UPMC Names President Of Hospitals And President Of Physician Services 
KDKA: Steelers Remind Fans Of Indoor Mask Requirement At Heinz Field Ahead Of Sunday’s Game 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny County Reports 574 New Cases, 2 Additional Deaths

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Much of info sought by Senate GOP already available 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 surge continues; state reports few deaths, hospitalizations among ‘breakthrough’ cases
Post-Gazette: Greene County gets $2.5 million federal grant for broadband infrastructure
WTAE: South Greensburg child care center says no to state mask mandate
Beaver County Times: Active COVID-19 cases rise at cracker plant as county rates leap

NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council, DA argue they have standing to continue election timing suit
The Times Leader: 112 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Thursday; 3 deaths
Citizens Voice: Younger people now larger proportion of new COVID-19 cases
Citizens Voice: More than 100 new COVID cases, 3 deaths recorded in county
Times-Tribune: Olyphant woman in Capitol riot case rehires lawyer she replaced
Times-Tribune: Younger people now larger proportion of new COVID-19 cases 

South Central 
York Daily Record: Central York School District begins cracking down on mask exemptions
York Daily Record: York County high school moves to remote learning because of high number of COVID cases
York Dispatch: Seven new COVID deaths in York County; Northern closes high school and middle school as hundreds quarantine
Carlisle Sentinel: Watch Now: 2022 Farm Show sets theme, schedule for live events at Harrisburg’s Farm Show Complex
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 104 new cases of COVID-19 reported for Cumberland County Thursday; hospitalizations increase to 73
LNP | LancasterOnline: PA Farm Show to return in 2022 with live events, competitions and, of course, milkshakes
Patriot News: Pa. Supreme Court ruling gives PennLive win in fight for records tied to troubled Golden Living nursing home chain
Patriot News: Corporate relocations by Rite Aid, Harsco spark questions over jobs, ripple effects

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Reading misses deadline to change requirements for the public works director job 
Reading Eagle: No new overdoses as poisoned-street-drugs crisis appears to wane in Berks County 
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 142 COVID cases as state overall blows away delta case record
WFMZ: Nationwide shortage of nurses impacting hospitals, long-term care facilities in the Lehigh Valley 
Morning Call: This Lehigh Valley concert hall has issued the strongest COVID vaccination rules among area venues 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 5,786 additional cases, 72 deaths reported; infections up 34% in school-age children

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Titus, Davis face off in Erie Chamber debate at the Erie Art Museum. Here are some key takeaways
Erie Times-News: Erie County executive candidates Tyler Titus and Brenton Davis debate issues at Erie Art Museum
Erie Times-News: Erie County executive candidate Tyler Titus to debate Republican rival Brenton Davis
Erie Times-News: Davis runs for Erie County executive
Erie Times-News: Republican Brenton Davis summons ‘underdog’ spirit in county executive race
Erie Times-News: Democratic nominee Tyler Titus seeks to transcend gender in county executive race
Erie Times-News: NFG sues city of Erie over $1.3M in fees, seeks to dismantle ordinance that authorizes them
Erie Times-News: Hospital beds filling up in Erie area with patients suffering from COVID-19 delta variant
Centre Daily Times: After disorderly mask debate, Penns Valley school board takes meetings fully remote
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Montoursville mulls over mask mandate until midnight

Opinion  
Val Arkoosh: It’s critical that we elect leaders who can go toe-to-toe on science
Bob Casey: Families and workers deserve transparent data on nursing homes vaccination rates
Fred Keller: Real solutions come from real people
John Baer: COVID-19 is our common enemy, but we’re battling one another instead of fighting it 
Paul Muschick: COVID-19 vaccines are working in Pa. Here are the numbers that prove it
Bill White on antimaskers at Northampton Area school meeting: Surprisingly, Steve Lynch wasn’t the nuttiest speaker
Cassie Miller: Pa. logs 6.2% decrease in noneducation workers in state, local government | Friday Morning Coffee
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: State Senate GOP wants your personal information to conduct a review of the 2020 election. Are you OK with that?
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Central York student speaks out on diversity book ban: ‘Enough is enough’
Inquirer Editorial Board: Philly police contract does not fulfill the promise that Black Lives Matter 
Ernest Owens: Philly Will Pay $2 Million to Settle a Police Brutality Case. It Will Also Give Cops a Raise. Why?
Anusha Viswanathan: Bucks County’s anti-maskers have become a microcosm of national extremism 
Chris Kelly: Coronavirus Diaries: Day 555: Anti-mask Abington parents deserve detention
Gordon Prince: How vaccine mandates will impact Chester County businesses
Chad Dion Lassiter: The voter suppression crisis no one is talking about 
Rasheed Ajamu: New activist-focused TV series will do more harm than good
Will Bunch: A broken America should build a monument to Joe Manchin’s massive ego 
Gloria Merrick: Celebrate Latino culture Saturday at the annual festival on Derry Street | Latino Touchpoint
Trudy Rubin: Liberty Medal shines a needed light on embattled dissidents abroad, as U.S influence wanes 
Fletcher McClellan: Constitution Day 2021: What Would James Madison Think? 
Larry Platt: The Citizen Recommends: Why Andrew Sullivan Mattes Now 
George Magakis, Jr.: Gov. Abbott’s glib pledge to eliminate rape is ludicrous 
Michael Mark: We are in a race against climate change