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Pennsylvania among worst states in nation in outdoor economic value, says study
While Pennsylvania ranks 24th in highest percentage of land covered in state parks and national parks, and contains popular outdoor recreation destinations like the Laurel Highlands and the Pocono Mountains, it still falls behind states with comparable percentages of parkland such as New Hampshire, which ranks 20 for state and national parks but has much higher an outdoor recreation dependency index. Pennsylvania also trails states with lower rankings, such as South Carolina, which ranks 35 for state and national parks.
Philly Mayor Kenney rebuffs growing demands to do more to reduce gun violence
In his six-page letter, Kenney said his administration was taking a “whole of government response” to gun violence, which he added was fueled in part by the coronavirus pandemic.
House Dems to unveil revamped voting rights bill named for the late John Lewis
During a Friday press conference, House Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn of South Carolina said that House Democrats are expected to introduce a revised H.R. 4, the John Lewis Voting Rights and Advancement Act, on Aug. 6. That is the same date that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Why do they call them ‘the dog days of summer?’ Its origins, explained | Five for the Weekend
It all stems from ancient astronomy and Classical literature.
House Dems struggle to extend federal eviction ban through mid-October
A letter circulated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office indicated that the chamber was working on support to extend eviction protections through Oct. 18, the date when the public health emergency declaration issued by the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services also expires.
Philadelphia County won’t comply with Mastriano-backed election ‘investigation’
The Philadelphia City Commissioners unanimously voted against Sen. Doug Mastriano’s, R-Franklin, sweeping request for voting equipment and information used in the 2020 general and 2021 primary elections.
Congress clears $521M to pay for National Guard costs tied to Jan. 6 attack
The National Governors Association said as a result of Thursday’s votes, states will no longer be faced with tough financial decisions on canceling training sessions or deferring equipment maintenance.
Pa. health officials decline new mask mandate, discuss vaccine initiatives
Pennsylvania exceeded 1,000 daily COVID-19 cases for the first time since May -- the state reported 1,088 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday. The seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases in the commonwealth is 710 -- a 62 percent increase compared to last week.
Pa.’s opioid disaster declaration expires next week. Will Gov. Tom Wolf renew it?
The most recent opioid disaster declaration will expire on Aug. 5.
Starting this year school year, all Philly public schools to have gender-neutral bathrooms
The district is “committed to creating an inclusive culture where all students feel valued and know they are in a safe and nurturing learning environment," a spokesperson said.
‘We have real work to do.’ Pa. Sen. Laughlin breaks silence, denounces election investigation
Sen. Daniel Laughlin, who’s exploring a run for governor, denounced attempts to review the 2020 general and 2021 elections, making him the first and so far the only member of his party to voice opposition.
Watchdog groups allege campaign finance violations against ALEC in Pa., 14 other states
The groups, The Center for Media and Democracy (CMD), Common Cause, and Alliance for a Better Utah announced this week that it had filed or was planning to file campaign finance complaints in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin against the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) for allegedly giving GOP lawmakers access to voter management campaign software, which the groups argue helped more than 2,000 lawmakers and ALEC members rake in more than $6 million during the 2020 election cycle.