Congressman Conor Lamb launched his candidacy for U.S. Senate. Here is the Playbook.Â
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PA8: Daniels Seeks Pro-Trump Lane in Viral Video, Criticism of DC Cops: The NEPA hopeful garnered attention in conservative media for his campaignâs first digital ad of the 2022 cycle, while also appearing in mainstream news outlets for his criticism of the officers who were attacked while defending the Capitol.
August 6th Ups and Downs: The labor movement loses an influential leader, the Pennsylvania Lottery âhits the jackpot,â plus a new beer is released that pays homage to a memorable moment of the 2020 presidential election cycle. All of that and more are in this weekâs Ups and Downs.
âGovernor says he wonât require masks in Pennsylvania schoolsâ: The Associated Press reports that âGov. Tom Wolf on Friday ruled out a mask requirement for Pennsylvania schools as the academic year is about to begin, saying he will leave the decision to school districts.â
âFriction grows between Pennsylvania lawmakers, Wolf administration over masks in schoolsâ: The Allentown Morning Call reports that âstate lawmakers concerned about children wearing masks all day in schools questioned Acting Health Secretary Alison Beam on Friday and were told the state supports federal masking recommendations, but is leaving final decisions up to school boards.â
âRedistricting reform advocates want to end prison-based gerrymandering. Experts say itâs possibleâ: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that âredistricting reform advocates lost their chance at having an independent commission determine state legislative districts. But theyâre not giving up on pushing for a fair process, and many of them are starting with prison-based gerrymandering.â
âTheft charges brought down a state lawmaker. But Pa.âs taxpayer-funded system for perks was already ripe for abuse.â: Spotlight PA reports that âtheft charges against a Philadelphia-area Democrat highlight Pennsylvaniaâs lax rules for reimbursing lawmakers with taxpayer and donor money, two state-run systems with little transparency and even less oversight.â
âOnline group planning door knocking campaign in Lancaster County in attempt to audit 2020 electionâ: LNP | LancasterOnline reports that âa group falsely claiming that the 2020 presidential election in Pennsylvania was riven with fraud is preparing to go door to door in Lancaster County so its members can conduct their own audit of last Novemberâs results.â
âTioga County rally calls for audit of 2020 electionâ: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that âdozens of people gathered outside the Tioga County Courthouse to show their support for a probe into the voting process that resulted in the defeat of President Donald Trump.â
âDemocrats spar over how to pass the Pennsylvania testâ: POLITICO reports that âConor Lambâs entry into the race on Friday sets the field in a key race for control of the Senate.â
âUS Senate candidate, PA lawmaker call for investigation after reports on Pitt fetal tissue researchâ: Fox News reports that âthe University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) is facing fresh calls for an investigation on its federally funded research on fetal tissue, after information surfaced that many say is troubling. Republican state Rep. Kathy Rapp, who chairs the majority for the legislatureâs Health Committee, sent a letter Thursday requesting Pennsylvaniaâs auditor general review Pittâs state and federal funding. Pennsylvania Republican Sean Parnell, who is running for U.S. Senate, also called for an investigation.â
âW.Pa lawmaker wants to fight deepfakes in Pa. politics. But will he hit a 1st Amendment wall?â: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that âstate Rep. Nick Pisciottano wants to make sure deepfake videos donât interfere with Pennsylvaniaâs elections in the future. The Allegheny County Democrat has introduced legislation that would make the dissemination of political deepfakes within 90 days of an election subject to civil liability and potential fines.â
âGOP wonât renew Wolfâs opioid declaration, leaders sayâ: City & State PA reports that âRepublican leaders in the Pennsylvania General Assembly said this week that they will not look to renew Gov. Tom Wolfâs opioid emergency declaration, which gave his administration extra flexibility to respond to the Keystone Stateâs opioid crisis.â
â9/11 victimsâ families want Biden out of memorials in NY, Pa.â: PennLive reports that âfirst responders, survivors, and family member of the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are telling President Joe Biden to stay away from their memorial events this year. The roughly 1,800 individuals released a statement telling Biden to keep out of events observing the tragedyâs 20th anniversary, including some located in New York and Pennsylvania.â
ââOne of usâ: State labor leaders remember AFL-CIOâs Richard Trumkaâ: City & State PA reports that âAFL-CIO President Richard Trumkaâs unexpected death on Thursday shocked the nation, prompting many to remember his work and legacy in the labor movement.â
âWhy PSERS investment strategy has failed to pay off for Pa. taxpayers and school employeesâ: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that âpoor investments by the stateâs biggest pension fund have forced taxpayers and school employees to pay for more for their pensions. Critics call PSERSâ strategy deeply flawed.â
âBig Pa. pension plan posts record for investment returns, but still trails other fundsâ: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that âthe stateâs mammoth pension plan for public school teachers has recorded a record return on investments. However, other plans have done even better.â
âPa.âs transportation funding pitch faces a rough roadâ: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that ârecommendations from Pennsylvaniaâs Transportation Revenue Options Commission might never pass the proposal stage in the attempt to eliminate the stateâs gasoline tax and replace it with a package of other taxes and fees.â
âConor Lambâs Decision To Run For U.S. Senate May Lead To Elimination Of His Congressional Districtâ: KDKA reports that âCongressman Conor Lambâs decision to run for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate leaves an opening in his House seat in suburban Pittsburgh. But itâs not clear if Lambâs district will still exist after next year.â
âIt will take a lot of traveling to win Toomeyâs Senate seat, Conor Lamb says in Erieâ: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that âhobnobbing with many of the Democrats who helped turn Erie County blue in the 2020 presidential election, U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb kicked off the second day of his U.S. Senate campaign by saying it will take âgoing everywhereâ across Pennsylvania for him to win the seat.â
âSenate aspirant Lamb brings campaign to WBâ: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that âtwo days after announcing a run for Pennsylvaniaâs open U.S. Senate seat, Rep. Conor Lamb brought his campaign to the Wyoming Valley on Sunday afternoon.â
âState lawmakers ask Philly schools to reconsider new start timesâ: KYW Newsradio reports that âten Philadelphia lawmakers are asking the School District of Philadelphia to rethink its new start times for schools this fall.â
âPhilly plans to start giving out millions in anti-violence funds next monthâ: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that âPhiladelphia will soon begin handing out millions of dollars to community groups working to combat the cityâs surge in shootings, with a focus on programs aimed at healing trauma and creating safe havens and mentorship.â
âSchuylkill County man running for Pa. governor as independent candidateâ: The Reading Eagle reports that Eddie Wenrich, a manager of an AT&T store in Harrisburg, announced that heâs running as an independent candidate for Governor in 2022.
âCity, state leaders look to mitigate South Side violenceâ: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that âstate and city officials are continuing to work on plans to address the increased violence and crowding that has been occurring on the South Side. State Sen. Jay Costa said he gathered state Liquor Control Board members, state police Liquor Control Enforcement officials, state police, and city officials and other community leaders Thursday.â
âPhilly GOP Launches Billboard Campaign as Hispanic Support Climbs the Chartsâ: The Delaware Valley Journal reports that âthe Philadelphia GOP is building on its growing success among the stateâs Hispanic voters by launching an ad campaign targeting a demographic long considered a hardened part of the Democratic coalition.â
âLarry Krasner finally discusses his infamous ponytail on NPRâs âWait Wait⦠Donât Tell Meââ: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that âduring a taping of NPRâs âWait Wait⦠Donât Tell Me,â Philadelphiaâs district attorney revealed the moment he decided to cut off his infamous ponytail.â
âNorthampton County Executive McClure says it may be time for a tax breakâ: WFMZ reports that âNorthampton County Executive Lamont McClure told county council that it may be time to cut property taxes.â
âLuzerne County Council holds second round of search committee interviewsâ: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that âwhile Luzerne County Council initially planned on interviewing eight more candidates for the search committee that will find the next county manager, only four were interviewed on Thursday night.â
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Harrisburg & DCÂ Â Â
AP: Packed Democratic primary looms for Pennsylvania Senate seat
AP: Conor Lamb joins 2022 race for open Pennsylvania Senate seat
AP: Governor says he wonât require masks in Pennsylvania schools
Patriot News: No plans for statewide mask mandate in Pa. schools, Gov. Wolf and key officials sayÂ
Patriot News: GOP lawmakers wonât extend Pa. Gov. Tom Wolfâs opioid disaster declaration
Patriot News: 9/11 victimsâ families want Biden out of memorials in NY, Pa.
Spotlight PA: Theft charges brought down a state lawmaker. But Pa.âs taxpayer-funded system for perks was already ripe for abuse.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Redistricting reform advocates want to end prison-based gerrymandering. Experts say itâs possible
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. health officials are leaving mask mandates up to K-12 schools. A Senate committee has questionsÂ
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: W.Pa lawmaker wants to fight deepfakes in Pa. politics. But will he hit a 1st Amendment wall?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: W.Pa U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb announces 2022 bid for U.S. SenateÂ
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Trump alliesâ lingering election probes spark public skepticism, concerns in Congress
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Hereâs how Pennsylvaniaâs Olympians fared in Tokyo | Five for the Weekend
Morning Call: Friction grows between Pennsylvania lawmakers, Wolf administration over masks in schools
WHYY Newsworks: Conor Lamb joins Senate race, making a case for the Blue Dog Democrat
City & State PA: GOP wonât renew Wolfâs opioid declaration, leaders say
City & State PA: âOne of usâ: State labor leaders remember AFL-CIOâs Richard TrumkaÂ
City & State PA: Here are the candidates running for PAâs U.S. Senate seat in 2022
Inquirer: Conor Lamb just jumped into Pa.âs Senate race. He wants to be the centrist candidate.
Inquirer: Why PSERS investment strategy has failed to pay off for Pa. taxpayers and school employees
Inquirer: Big Pa. pension plan posts record for investment returns, but still trails other funds
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf says he wonât require masks in Pa. schools, unlike in New Jersey
Inquirer: Pa., N.J., and Del. leaders weigh vaccine-verification options, but largely hold off on mandates
Post-Gazette: It will take a lot of traveling to win Toomeyâs Senate seat, Conor Lamb says in Erie
Post-Gazette: Buried in student loan debt, college grads grow impatient with Washington
Post-Gazette: In weekend session, U.S. Senate clears key hurdle for $1 trillion infrastructure bill
Post-Gazette: Pa.âs transportation funding pitch faces a rough roadÂ
Fox News: Rep. Conor Lamb announces run for PA Senate seatÂ
Fox News: US Senate candidate, PA lawmaker call for investigation after reports on Pitt fetal tissue research
StateImpactPA: Demolition of two TMI cooling towers postponed until next year
StateImpactPA: Environmental group asks court to order lawmakers pay back money meant for conservation
Pittsburgh Business Times: Wolf: State wonât mandate masks in schools this coming yearÂ
The Hill: Conor Lamb to run for Senate in Pennsylvania
Washington Post: How cryptocurrency became a powerful force in Washington
Reading Eagle: Pa. statistics show a big week of people starting the inoculation process
Politico: Democrats spar over how to pass the Pennsylvania testÂ
Politico: Conor Lamb launching Senate bid in Pennsylvania
CNN: How a Trump environmental lawyer tried to weaponize the Justice Department to help the PresidentÂ
CNN: Democratic showdown takes shape in Pennsylvania as Rep. Conor Lamb enters Senate raceÂ
CNN: âWe have to build off that successâ: GOP hopes women lead the party back to House majorityÂ
CNN: âThis is no way to make policyâ: Cryptocurrency advocates express frustration with bipartisan infrastructure languageÂ
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Health Department Reports 5th Consecutive Day With Over 1,000 New Cases
Huffington Post: Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb Enters Pennsylvania Senate RaceÂ
Real Clear Politics: PA Voter: âI Feel Like Inflation Is Through The Roof And Iâm Terrifiedâ
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PhiladelphiaÂ
KYW Newsradio: State lawmakers ask Philly schools to reconsider new start times
KYW Newsradio: Community College of Philadelphia requiring COVID-19 vaccinations
Inquirer: Philly plans to start giving out millions in anti-violence funds next monthÂ
Inquirer: Larry Krasner finally discusses his infamous ponytail on NPRâs âWait Wait⦠Donât Tell MeâÂ
Inquirer: Community College of Philadelphia to require vaccines, the first public college in the region to do so Â
Philly Voice: Larry Krasner discusses wearing a ponytail into his 40s on NPRâs âWait Waitâ¦Donât Tell Me!âÂ
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia-area colleges tighten mask, vaccination policies with rise of Delta variant
Delaware Valley Journal: Philly GOP Launches Billboard Campaign as Hispanic Support Climbs the Charts
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SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: If CDC wonât mandate masks in schools, âneither will I,â Gov. Wolf says
Bucks County Courier Times: COVID cases rising among children in Philadelphia region, CHOP specialist says
Delaware Valley Journal: Back to School PA PAC Is Dishing Cash And Taking Names
Delco Daily Times: No new mask mandate in Chester County as topic continues to divide Americans nationwide
Delco Daily Times: Schuylkill County man running for Pa. governor as independent candidate
Daily Local News: Pennsylvaniaâs 15th opioid disaster declaration to be the last, lawmakers say
Pottstown Mercury: COVID-19 spread spiking in Chester County
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PittsburghÂ
KDKA: Congressman Conor Lamb Announces His Candidacy For U.S. Senate
KDKA: Conor Lamb Enters A Highly Competitive Senate Race With No Clear Front-RunnerÂ
KDKA: Conor Lambâs Decision To Run For U.S. Senate May Lead To Elimination Of His Congressional District
KDKA: Pittsburgh-Area Leaders Call On Unvaccinated To Get COVID-19 Vaccine
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh To Require COVID-19 Vaccines For All New Employees
KDKA: Popular Bloomfield Restaurant Spork To Require Proof Of COVID-19 Vaccination And Masks
KDKA: COVID-19 Vaccination Rate Of Young Adults Below 50% In Several Local CountiesÂ
WESA: âAll Of It Is On The Lineâ: Conor Lamb Joins Race For Pennsylvania Senate Seat
WESA: Local Communities Want Federal Dollars To Fortify Climate Change Infrastructure
WESA: Contracts For âLess Lethalâ Weapons, Military-Style Training At Allegheny County Jail Criticized By Oversight Board
WESA: Liberty Air Quality Monitor Documents Morning Of High Air Pollution
WESA: Hundreds Of Violations, Few Penalties: Allegheny Countyâs health enforcers frequently inspected â But Rarely Fined â Two McKeesport Properties
Post-Gazette: âThese are serious timesâ: Conor Lamb enters 2022 U.S. Senate raceÂ
Post-Gazette: City, state leaders look to mitigate South Side violenceÂ
Post-Gazette: City of Pittsburgh to require vaccines for new employees, mask rules for unvaccinatedÂ
Post-Gazette: A ban on evictions lapsed before being reinstated. Housing advocates are relieved but uncertain
WTAE: Allegheny County says all new employees must be vaccinated for COVID-19
City Paper: Pittsburgh-area Rep. Conor Lamb announces 2022 Pennsylvania senate run
City Paper: NAACP of Pa. criticizes firing of Black leadership at Sewickley Academy
Tribune Review: Rep. Conor Lamb jumps in race for Pat Toomeyâs Senate seatÂ
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh officials announce mask requirements for unvaccinated employeesÂ
Pittsburgh Business Times: Hereâs which banks were Pittsburghâs biggest 2021 PPP lenders
Pittsburgh Business Times: City of Pittsburgh issues new masking guidance for facilities
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SWPAÂ
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Wolf still seeks help for counties to pay for public defenders
KDKA: All People Inside Washington Co. Judicial Facilities, Regardless Of Vaccination Status, Ordered To Wear Masks
Altoona Mirror: Delta variant drives COVID-19 spike
Altoona Mirror: PennDOT seeking public input
Altoona Mirror: Pa. seeks next step in drug crisis
Altoona Mirror: First responders may get tax credit:Â
Observer-Reporter: WHS chief urges public to get vaccinated
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NEPA
The Times Leader: Senate aspirant Lamb brings campaign to WB
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council holds second round of search committee interviews
The Times Leader: Legislation would protect pregnant workers against workplace discrimination
The Times Leader: 61 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in county, no new deaths
The Times Leader: COVID-19 increase looks like another surge, countywide and in ZIP codes
Citizens Voice: U.S. Senate candidate Lamb visits Wilkes-Barre
Citizens Voice: Communities to appeal FEMA flood mapping; flood insurance price spikes likely
Citizens Voice: County council interviews search committee applicants
Times-Tribune: Delinquent tax collection deal between county, city in jeopardy; officials say it can be salvaged
Times-Tribune: Analysis: Local school district budgets for 2021-22
Times-Tribune: 70 Years Ago â Scrantonians questioned by Senate Crime Committee
Times-Tribune: Spread of COVID-19 in Lackawanna County prompts reevaluation of masks indoors
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 spread now substantial in Lackawanna County
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South CentralÂ
LNP | LancasterOnline: Online group planning door knocking campaign in Lancaster County in attempt to audit 2020 election
LNP | LancasterOnline: From masks to online learning, how are Lancaster County schools managing COVID-19 this year?
LNP | LancasterOnline: Are Lancaster County school districts eliminating key COVID-19 prevention strategies, like masks, too soon?
York Dispatch: York City Police receive big boost for free surveillance camera program
York Dispatch: COVID-19 delta variant has more York County residents seeking vaccines
York Dispatch: Mother, medical marijuana advocate reflects on life of son who died from epileptic seizure
Carlisle Sentinel: School districts optimistic about five-days-a-week in-person instruction
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 44 new cases of COVID-19 reported Friday in Cumberland County
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Lehigh Valley     Â
Reading Eagle: Schuylkill County man running for Pa. governor as independent candidateÂ
Reading Eagle: Penn State requiring masks on all campuses, including Berks
Reading Eagle: Berks still faring well in delta surge compared to Pa. overall, nearby counties
Morning Call: How Lehigh Valley-area lawmakers voted in U.S. House, Senate
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley college students are set to return to campus with masks, proof of vaccinations
Morning Call: Residents in this Slate Belt township have a long history of fighting development. Meet the group opposing an enormous industrial park.
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley mask mandates: When, where you need to wear a mask
WFMZ: Northampton County Executive McClure says it may be time for a tax break
WFMZ: Northampton County OKs business grants totaling $1.13M
WFMZ: Lehigh County, Allentown, Bethlehem bringing back face mask requirements at government facilities
Express Times: Lehigh says it will require all faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID
Express Times: Bethlehem, Allentown and Lehigh County to require face masks inside government buildings
Express Times: Pa. weekly COVID update: New cases up 178% over 2 weeks; concern of a Musikfest super-spreader
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North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Tioga County rally calls for audit of 2020 election
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Condemned: Health, safety concerns prompt officials to move staff out of City Hall
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County Water and Sewer Authority: Lairdsville sewer project moving forward
Centre Daily Times: Centre County reverts to âmoderateâ transmission, as COVID-19 cases increase
Centre Daily Times: CDC: Centre County now has âsubstantialâ COVID-19 transmission, masking indoors advised
Erie Times-News: Erie County in substantial COVID transmission; no mandate, officials request ârespectâ for masking decisions
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Opinion Â
Judy Schwank: Pennsylvania nursing homes face long-term challengesÂ
Mark S. Singel: Some governors are behaving badly
Paul Muschick: Pennsylvaniaâs unvaccinated inmates are being housed together. Colleges should do the same with students.
Paul Muschick: Itâs mind boggling that books about Black people are controversial at a Northampton school district
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Rural vaccine resisters, while wrong, are not always irrational
Jenice Armstrong: Congressman Dwight Evans says the outrage over gun violence isnât âto the level it should beâÂ
Chris Kelly: Bannon, Daniels, Scavo and the hard road to Jan. 6
Larry Platt: How To Reverse The Murder EpidemicÂ
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Lancaster County Republican commissioners donât seem to want to spend countyâs federal relief funds. We want to know what readers think.Â
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Applauding state Sen. Aumentâs call for hearing on fireworks law
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo must resign in wake of investigationâs findingsÂ
PennLive Editorial Board: We canât give up on people who arenât vaccinatedÂ
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Getting school buses on the road Â
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Counting breakthrough cases is key
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Airport is living off the landÂ
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: U.S. Attorney picks represent âfirstsâ
John L. Micek: Biden Admin. approves Paâs plan to spend $1.6B in aid to schools | Friday Morning Coffee
Bridget Cambria: Phillyâs ICE field office is flouts its own agencyâs guidance, putting lives in dangerÂ
Joan Miller Moran and Edward Miller: We urge others to build on the legacy of The Century Fund
Cheri Rinehart: COVID-19 has spotlighted the need for long-term funding for Pa. Community Health Centers
Matthew Stepp: Air quality
Jonathan Lipman: Child tax credit is fine, but what we really need is to value caregiving
Daniel Pearson: 4 no-brainer solutions to Phillyâs disgusting trash crisisÂ
Joanne Corte Grossi and Rawle Andrews Jr.: For uninsured Pennsylvanians, itâs easier than ever to get affordable coverage
Jason Villemez: Why we need to care about unsolved trans deaths
Kaitlin (Guarascio) Cooke: For the People Act is needed to protect the right to vote
Will Bunch: America needs to listen to the anguished operators of our flying death robots
Claire Murphy: Lawmakers should implement the Grand Jury recommendations on fracking
Toby Tomlinson Baker, Ph.D.: Sen. Casey is right: Congress needs to help college students with disabilities
Ruth Ann Dailey: Group identity might be hiding our flaws
Maria Wheeler-Dubas: Three keys to having productive vaccine conversations
David M. Shribman: Trump Republicans eschew 11th Commandment
Jason Karlawish: We canât drug our way out of despair over Alzheimerâs
Keith C. Burris: Distinguishing
Nina Sidhu: Itâs time for Pennsylvania to join Massachusetts and be a part of the solutionÂ
Kathy Dugan: Get the vaccine
John Cole: Back on the COVID hamster wheel. Get vaccinated | Editorial Cartoon
Bruce Gruenwald: Ted Cruz is quibbling with efforts to keep people safeÂ
James Tweed: Letâs celebrate the Republican heroes