State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta raises $500K in Q2, state Sen. Sharif Street raises close to $245K, plus PoliticsPA asks who should Republicans nominate for U.S. Senate in 2022. Here is the Playbook. 

Reader Poll: Who Should Republicans Nominate for U.S. Senate in 2022?: The Republican Party race to succeed Sen. Pat Toomey is well underway, although the field is still forming.

Kenyatta Raises $500K in Q2: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s U.S. Senate campaign entered July with slightly more than $280,000 cash on hand.

Street Raises Close to $245K in Q2: The Philadelphia Democrat and potential U.S. Senate candidate entered July with $190,000 cash on hand.

‘Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf says he’s no longer opposed to new voter ID rules’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “in a shift,” Gov. Tom Wolf “now says he’s open to some stricter ID rules, including requiring ID for mail voting. The reason he previously drew a red line, he said, is because he didn’t trust that Republicans would negotiate in good faith and believed they were only interested in voter suppression.”

‘Pa. senators dig into details of plans to consolidate state universities’: PennLive reports that “State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dan Greenstein spoke with state senators on Tuesday about the plans to consolidate six universities into two institutions.”

‘Carla Sands kicks off ’22 U.S. Senate campaign with Cumberland County rally’: PennLive reports that “Carla Sands, a-once-and-future Pennsylvanian who just wrapped up service as the American ambassador to Denmark, publicly launched her 2022 candidacy for U.S. Senate before friends, family and supporters at a Monroe Township farm near here Monday evening.”

Arkoosh Talks to WTAE: Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, talked one-on-one in an interview with WTAE. 

‘U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Bartos Visits Penn State’s Creamery’: 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, visited Penn State on Monday afternoon “as part of his 12-day tour of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties,” according to Onward State.

‘Scranton City Council approves renaming roads for President Joe Biden’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Scranton City Council unanimously voted Tuesday to rename the Central Scranton Expressway and Spruce Street in honor or President Joe Biden.”

‘Business owners react to renaming Spruce Street for President Joe Biden’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “several owners of Spruce Street businesses oppose renaming the road for President Joe Biden, but back renaming the Central Scranton Expressway.”

‘How will consolidation affect Pa. State System athletics? The NCAA has yet to decide’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “with the green light given on consolidation, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is preparing for the most transformative redesign in its 38-year history, but it’s unclear what that means for athletics.”

‘Pa. Sen. Toomey dismisses sweeping federal investment into infrastructure to guard against extreme weather events’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Sen. Pat Toomey “dismissed calls for sweeping federal investment into infrastructure to gird against extreme weather events, arguing climate science does not conclusively show a rise in such events and that insurance companies are able to handle the current load of hurricanes, floods, droughts and other calamities.”

‘Fetterman surpasses 250,000 individual contributions in US Senate race’: The Hill reports that Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, “on Tuesday announced that he has surpassed 250,000 in individual contributions for his bid for U.S. Senate.”

‘What is Pennsylvania’s pesky preemption law?’: Brooks Rainwater, senior executive and director of the Center for City Solutions at the National League of Cities, a nonpartisan advocacy group that supports local governments, offered City & State PA a “breakdown of statewide preemptions and what they mean for Pennsylvania cities.”

‘Berks lawmaker wants to roll back jobless benefits, and give incentive to job seekers’: The Reading Eagle reports that “as business owners search for ways to lure people back to work, elected officials in Pennsylvania are weighing a new law that would not only roll back enhanced unemployment benefits, but incentivize job seekers.” 

‘Pennsylvania casinos hit record revenue as COVID-19 wanes. Check results by casino’: USA Today breaks down the results of revenue by each casino in Pennsylvania over the last year. 

‘Pittsburgh City Council gives final approval to $335M in federal COVID-19 relief’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “despite continued opposition from some local groups and the Democratic nominee for mayor, Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a multiyear spending plan for hundreds of millions in forthcoming federal COVID-19 relief dollars.”

‘Limiting Carbon Emissions Could Eliminate About 90 Deaths A Year In The Region By 2030’: WESA reports that “the Biden administration’s proposed limit on carbon emissions could lead to a drop in pollution-related deaths in southwestern Pennsylvania, according to a new study.”

‘Kenney’s refusal to declare gun violence a public emergency is ‘a slap in the face,’ activist says’: Philly Voice reports that Mayor Jim Kenney “said an emergency declaration ‘is not a solution that will demonstrably change conditions in Philadelphia.”

‘Police reform, worker safety, and city finances are at stake in Philly’s first union negotiations since the pandemic’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “most of Philadelphia’s city employees have been working without collective bargaining agreements since the beginning of July as Mayor Jim Kenney’s administration negotiates new contracts with the four large municipal unions that will shape the city’s post-pandemic workforce.”

‘‘People are really, really suffering’: Philly area Cubans help amplify protesters’ cries for freedom’: WHYY reports “as unrest continues in that country, many Cuban Americans and immigrants living in the Philadelphia region are showing their solidarity by hosting rallies and spreading awareness through social media.”

‘Morgan Lewis partner confirmed to lead Justice Department’s criminal division’: The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that “Morgan Lewis & Bockius partner Kenneth A. Polite Jr. was confirmed Tuesday afternoon by the U.S. Senate to serve as assistant attorney general for the U.S. Justice Department’s criminal division.”

‘Lycoming County leads state on average job recovery post-pandemic’: The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reports that “Lycoming County is still leading the state average of job recovery since the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as of May.”

‘York City gets $35.3M in COVID-19 recovery funds; residents get say in how it’s spent’: The York Dispatch reports that “thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, York City is in line to receive $35.3 million for COVID-19 recovery purposes,” and that “city residents are able to weigh in via a survey that asks them to rank their preferences on what the money will be used for.”

‘Reading prepares to exit financial oversight by next year’: The Reading Eagle reports that “Reading has been under financial oversight for 11 years, but by this time next year the city should be out of Act 47, the state program for financially distressed cities.” 

‘Judicial panel rules Toothman committed ‘serious misconduct’ while judge’: According to the Observer-Reporter, “Former Greene County president judge Farley Toothman violated the state Constitution and “engaged in misconduct so extreme that brought the judicial office into disrepute,” the state Court of Judicial Discipline ruled Monday.”

‘Latrobe councilman, former firefighter charged with stealing fire department funds’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “a Latrobe councilman and the patriarch of a city family involved in an ongoing dispute with the local fire department and its chief were arrested Tuesday by Westmoreland County detectives.”

Democrats Serve Endorses Lamb and Wild: POLITICO reports that Democrats Serve, “a new PAC which supports Democrats with service backgrounds,” has endorsed “more than a dozen House lawmakers in competitive districts,” including Reps. Conor Lamb (D-Allegheny) and Susan Wild (D-Lehigh). 

NARAL Pro-Choice America Endorses Wild: POLITICO reports that NARAL Pro-Choice America has launched “endorsements of 12 frontline House Democrats ahead of the 2022 midterm elections,” which includes backing Rep. Susan Wild’s (D-Lehigh) reelection bid. 

Kenyatta Talks To Ali Velshi on MSNBC: State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate, joined Ali Velshi on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House to talk about “voter suppression bills.” 

Jozwiak Endorses Bartos for U.S. Senate: State Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) has endorsed Jeff Bartos, a Montgomery County real estate developer who was the GOP Lt. Governor nominee in 2018, for U.S. Senate, according to a press release. 

Arkoosh To Visit Chester and York Counties: Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh, who is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for U.S. Senate in PA, will be making appearances in Chester and York counties today as a part of her campaign’s “Commonwealth Conversations Tour.” 

Burn Endorses Dickinson in PA18: Former PA Democratic Party Chairman Jim Burn has endorsed Jerry Dickinson for Congress, according to a press release. Dickinson, a law professor at the University of Pittsburgh, is challenging Rep. Mike Doyle (D-Allegheny) in the 2022 Democratic primary. Doyle defeated Dickinson in the Democratic primary in 2020.

Harrisburg & DC   
Inquirer: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf says he’s no longer opposed to new voter ID rules
Inquirer: Increase racial diversity among Pa. teachers, group urges
Patriot News: Pa. senators dig into details of plans to consolidate state universities
Patriot News: Carla Sands kicks off ’22 U.S. Senate campaign with Cumberland County rally
Patriot News: Pa. COVID-infections, hospitalizations tick upward: daily update
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Report: In a shift, Wolf says he’d support ‘reasonable’ voter ID requirements
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How will consolidation affect Pa. State System athletics? The NCAA has yet to decide
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: As Congress tries to regulate ‘forever chemicals,’ local water systems push back
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Our democracy is in peril’: Women risk arrest in voting rights protest in D.C.
Post-Gazette: Pa. Sen. Toomey dismisses sweeping federal investment into infrastructure to guard against extreme weather events
Post-Gazette: Some Pa. workers still waiting on unemployment benefits more than a month after new system launch
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania regulators propose new pipeline rules where industry says none are needed
WTAE: One-on-one with Democratic candidate for US Senate Val Arkoosh
Spotlight PA: You’re invited! A free reader Q&A on how lawmakers spend millions of taxpayer dollars on perks.
City & State PA: What is Pennsylvania’s pesky preemption law?
Morning Call: Six Pennsylvania universities will merge. In Georgia, similar consolidations have helped students, saved money
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Philadelphia, Allegheny, Northampton lead state to 569 additional cases, most in six weeks
StateImpactPA: Chester County Commissioners urge PUC to act as Mariner East pipeline construction causes more sinkholes
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. education leaders call on schools to boost teacher diversity with stimulus funds
USA Today: Pennsylvania casinos hit record revenue as COVID-19 wanes. Check results by casino
KDKA: Judge Denies Release Of Alleged Capitol Rioter Robert Morss
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: State Health Department Reports 569 New Cases, 10 Additional Deaths
KYW Newsradio: UPDATE: Pennsylvania to resolve cases of unemployment benefits cut off without notice 
The Hill: Fetterman surpasses 250,000 individual contributions in US Senate race 
WLVR: Gov. Wolf: Businesses Should Encourage Employee Vaccination

Philadelphia 
Philly Voice: Kenney’s refusal to declare gun violence a public emergency is ‘a slap in the face,’ activist says
Inquirer: Police reform, worker safety, and city finances are at stake in Philly’s first union negotiations since the pandemic 
Inquirer: Philly schools are spending $4.5 million on air purifiers to curb COVID-19. They won’t help much, experts say. 
Inquirer: CCP will pay off outstanding school bills for as many as 3,500 students using stimulus funds
Billy Penn: Thousands of Philly foster youth are still waiting for pandemic relief money
Philadelphia Tribune: ‘Small, but real increase’ in COVID-19 cases seen in Philadelphia, city’s top doctor says
WHYY Newsworks: ‘People are really, really suffering’: Philly area Cubans help amplify protesters’ cries for freedom 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly native who lived through Pulse nightclub shooting to lead Gun Violence Survivors Foundation 
WHYY Newsworks: Reducing child poverty by expanding child tax credits
Philadelphia Business Journal: Morgan Lewis partner confirmed to lead Justice Department’s criminal division
KYW Newsradio: Community College of Philadelphia offers to pay outstanding balances for many of its students

SEPA
Daily Local News: Congressional candidate’s money comes from one source: himself
Daily Local News: Mushroom farming economic impact focus of Chester County hearing
WFMZ: Chester County officials asking PUC to order stop to operations near pipeline work site

Pittsburgh 
WTAE: Pittsburgh council OKs spending plan for $335 million in federal ARP aid 
WTAE: Community leaders endorse U.S. House of Representatives candidate Jerry Dickinson
WESA: Pittsburgh City Council Passes Spending Plan For $335M In COVID Aid
WESA: Unemployed Advocates Call For Benefits To Be Restored 
WESA: Limiting Carbon Emissions Could Eliminate About 90 Deaths A Year In The Region By 2030
WESA: Delta Variant Appears To Be Taking Effect In Allegheny County And Across The State
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council gives final approval to $335M in federal COVID-19 relief 
Post-Gazette: Judge rules against city’s rental registration fee aimed at absentee landlords 
Post-Gazette: Shaler ex-teacher charged in Capitol riot to stay jailed, judge rules
KDKA: Pittsburgh City Council Approves Spending Plan For $335 Million In Federal COVID Funds 
KDKA: Congressman Guy Reschenthaler Wants To Cut PennDOT’s Federal Funding If It Tolls Certain Highways 
KDKA: Churchill Borough Council Holds First Public Hearing On Proposed Amazon Distribution Center
KDKA: Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese Falls Short In Efforts To Oust Police Chief Howard Burton 
KDKA: There Were No Plans To Paint Pittsburgh’s Firetrucks Gray, Mayor Peduto’s Office Says
KDKA: Allegheny County Avoiding The Worst Of Recent National COVID-19 Spike
Pittsburgh Business Times: Churchill to test the limits of Zoom with hearings for huge Amazon facility
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Council approves plan to spend $335M in federal covid relief money 
Tribune Review: First day of public hearing on potential Amazon site in Churchill focuses on traffic issues 
Tribune Review: Former Shaler teacher to be detained in Capitol riot case pending trial
City Paper: Pittsburgh City Council votes to approve $335 million federal coronavirus aid 
City Paper: Riverhounds ends partnership with Chick-fil-A after backlash from fans 

SWPA 
WTAJ: U.S. Senate candidate visits Altoona during statewide tour
Observer-Reporter: Judicial panel rules Toothman committed ‘serious misconduct’ while judge
Tribune Review: Latrobe councilman, former firefighter charged with stealing fire department funds
Pittsburgh Business Times: Greene County works toward sustainable economic drivers
Beaver County Times: Beaver County’s COVID cases up 29.2%; Pennsylvania cases surge 62.8%
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State adds more than 500 new COVID-19 cases  

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Scranton City Council approves renaming roads for President Joe Biden
Times-Tribune: Business owners react to renaming Spruce Street for President Joe Biden
Times-Tribune: Amtrak, local rail authority sign deal to study NYC train
Times-Tribune: One new COVID-19 death in region among 10 statewide
Citizens Voice: Council cancels manager search committee interviews over Sunshine Act concerns
Citizens Voice: Outside review of Luzerne County C&Y still in negotiations
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County communities awarded more than $23 million in casino revenue grants
Citizens Voice: More than 200 added to county’s fully vaccinated list
The Times Leader: Tonight’s Luzerne County manager search committee interviews cancelled
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council considering Hazleton request for blight-reduction help
The Times Leader: 6 new cases of COVID-19, 1 death reported in county Tuesday; 569 statewide

South Central 
Patriot News: Carla Sands kicks off ’22 U.S. Senate campaign with Cumberland County rally
York Dispatch: York City gets $35.3M in COVID-19 recovery funds; residents get say in how it’s spent
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: Eight new cases of COVID-19 reported for Tuesday in Cumberland County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Grandparents’ custody rights at issue in Lancaster County case argued before Third Circuit Court of Appeals
York Daily Record: Harrisburg ranked by U.S. News & World Report the best place to live in Pa.? Seriously?!

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Berks lawmaker wants to roll back jobless benefits, and give incentive to job seekers
Reading Eagle: Reading prepares to exit financial oversight by next year
WFMZ: Reading parking study emphasizes need for enforcement of laws 
WFMZ: Emmaus chooses construction manager, new solicitor 
Morning Call: Will Lehigh Valley students, teachers be wearing masks in classrooms this fall? Health officials offer conflicting guidance

North by Northwest
Onward State: U.S. Senate Candidate Jeff Bartos Visits Penn State’s Creamery
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County leads state on average job recovery post-pandemic
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Nation gearing up for ‘pandemic within a pandemic’ as Delta variant continues to spread
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Hall offices still available to public by appointment only
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Capitol rioter who breached Senate gets 8 months for felony
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Past River Valley Transit audits clean, but with suggestions
Centre Daily Times: Centre County opens $3 million grant program to give a boost to small businesses
Erie Times-News: City of Erie, business owners reach written agreement on Griswold Park plan
Erie Times-News: West Erie park to be the next location for a public art project. Here’s what we know
Erie Times-News: Vast majority of Erie’s COVID-19 hospital admissions are unvaccinated patients

Opinion  
Rick Bloomingdale: Washington must pass President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure deal
Paul Muschick: Capitol rioter’s prison sentence should make America sleep well – with 42 exceptions in Pennsylvania
Jon O’Brien: Pennsylvania’s rising college tuition isn’t helped by outdated construction law
Helen Ubiñas: Mayor Kenney’s refusal to declare gun violence an emergency is an act of cowardice 
USA Today Editorial Board: Election ‘investigation’ is damaging partisan theater, spurn it
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Responsible dog owners license their dogs. We think they’ll pay an extra $3.50 a year to curb animal cruelty.
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Get the vaccine
Doug Neidich: A small change in solar policy will create huge returns for Pennsylvania 
Roger Whitcomb: Criticism and contention are as old as the hills in America. Why that’s a good thing
Tony Norman: Welcome to 2021: A Space Idiocy
Mark Gleason: Can We Make Philly A “City That Works?”
Duncan Glew: 6 Ways to Move Education Forward 
Trudy Rubin: Biden should help Cubans push for change, not violent revolution 
Andy Daga: Jeff Bezos’ ‘space race’ launch comes at just the right time
Inga Saffron: Bible Society’s new Philadelphia museum retells American history with a religious slant 
Jana Morgan and Christopher Witko: What’s stopping Congress from raising the minimum wage
Sahiti Kulkarni: Why we should hold off on lifting the mask mandate
Tree Layton Zuzzio: Encourage Sen. John DiSanto to co-sponsor SB 644 
Joyce S. Raser: Legislators are trying to disenfranchise the very voters who put them into office
Will Bunch Newsletter: Let it go: Leaving Kabul is the right call