July 13th Playbook
President Donald Trump calls Sen. Pat Toomey a “RINO” after the GOP Senator said commuting Roger Stone’s sentence was a mistake. Here is the Playbook.
July 10th Ups & Downs: Biden’s campaign hires two political operatives to lead his PA campaign, Erie County gets the greenlight for a community college, plus a study shows widespread issues within the Philadelphia courts. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.
Trump Blasts “RINO” Toomey Over Commutation Criticism: President Donald Trump shot out a tweet late Saturday night blasting Sen. Pat Toomey as a “RINO” after the GOP Senator said commuting Roger Stone’s sentence was a mistake.
For results on races called prior to today, check out previous Playbooks starting from June 3.
Primary Election Update:
INCUMBENT LEADS: HD22 Dem: State Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) leads Enid Santiago by 55 votes, which is slightly more than 1%, in this majority Latino district, according to county website results. Lehigh Valley Live reports that although Schweyer declared victory in the race, Santiago is calling for a special election for the seat.
LEADER: HD75 GOP: Mike Armanini holds a 3 point lead over Lisa Becker in the three candidate race to succeed state Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield). The winner will face Democrat Ryan Grimm in the fall for the GOP friendly district.
INCUMBENT LEADS: HD175 Dem: State Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia) who holds a 1,108 vote lead, 7%, over Vanessa McGrath, Jeff Dempsey, and Andre Del Valle in the four candidate primary among in-person votes, declared victory in the primary.
INCUMBENT LEADS: HD182 Dem: State Rep. Brian Sims (D-Philadelphia), who leads challenger Marisa Shaaban by 2,828 votes, 15%, declared victory in the primary. The GOP candidate in this safe Dem district is Drew Murray.
INCUMBENT TRAILS: HD188 Dem: Rick Krajewski holds a 2,625 vote, 21%, lead over state Rep. James Roebuck Jr. (D-Philadelphia) in the four candidate primary and declared victory in the race.
LEADER: TOSSUP: HD198 Dem: Darisha Parker now holds a 273 vote lead in the primary over Bernard Williams, while Fareed Abdullah and Supreme Dow also trail for the seat held by outgoing state Rep. Rosita Youngblood (D-Philadelphia).
Harrisburg & DC
Spotlight PA: Damning report on Pa.’s failure to protect residents from fracking unlikely to result in major reform
AP: Pennsylvania reports 1K new virus cases, 1st time since May
AP: 4 more states added to Pennsylvania travel quarantine list
AP: Buses pose particular challenge for schools’ pandemic plans
Morning Call: Trump calls Pat Toomey a ‘RINO’ after Pa. senator says commuting Roger Stone’s prison sentence ‘a mistake’
The Caucus: Bill authorizing robot deliveries is quietly making its way through the Pennsylvania Legislature
New York Times: The Last Reporter in Town Had One Big Question for His Rich Boss
New York Times: Pittsburgh Seemed Like a Virus Success Story. Now Cases Are Surging.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The 2020 presidential primary in Pa.: What did we learn? | Analysis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Seeking to block a carbon tax, the House fell short of a veto-proof majority. How?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Despite transparency and privacy concerns, anti-abortion group continues to receive taxpayer dollars
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: For first time in two months, Pa. Health Dept. reports more than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How will Pennsylvania schools reopen this fall? Your questions, answered
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: In late night Tweet, Trump blasts Toomey for criticizing Roger Stone commutation
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We have to change our plans almost every day,’ Temple international students struggle with new visa rules
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Weekend history lesson: The 1619 Project | Five for Your Weekend
StateImpactPA: Are gas royalty owners buyers or sellers? In a court fight over royalties, the answer to that question could make all the difference to landowners
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania adds Delaware to list of states with travel restrictions due to COVID-19 infections spike
Inquirer: No, Trump didn’t tell Americans infected with the coronavirus to drink bleach | PolitiFact
Inquirer: Pence takes Biden’s comments on police funding, ‘enemy’ out of context | PolitiFact
York Dispatch: High-profile, bipartisan group calls on Wolf to boost Pa. election security
Post-Gazette: Split in Washington over abandoned mine reclamation fund pits Wyoming industry against Pennsylvania scars
Post-Gazette: Positive cases are spiking in Pa., but the death rate isn’t following that. Why?
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. mask mandate for kids at child care has good intentions. Can it be followed?
National Journal: Outside Scranton, Biden Pitches ‘Buy American’ Economic Plan to Ironworkers
The Hill: Trump lashes out at Toomey, Romney after Roger Stone clemency criticism
CNN: Wrongful death lawsuit filed against long-term care facility over staffer’s Covid-19 death
CNN: ‘Never Trump’ movement returns for Act II, armed with President’s own words and record
Patriot News: Pa. cop under investigation after video shows him kneeling on man’s neck: report
PLSReporter: Following court decision on COVID-19 disaster declaration, Aument seeks to renew conversation around creating judicial districts
Philadelphia
KYW Newsradio: Officials give notice to Parkway homeless encampment: Be out by next Friday morning
KYW Newsradio: School District of Philadelphia plans district-wide effort to combat racism
KYW Newsradio: Philly indoor dining in August depends on meeting outdoor dining regulations, says insider
KYW Newsradio: School District of Philadelphia to release fall pandemic plan this week
Billy Penn: This is how Philly decides which states land on the quarantine list
Billy Penn: Why Free Library workers are calling for their director to resign
Inquirer: Philly’s police union says it didn’t invite Proud Boys to a Pence after-party. It didn’t ask them to leave, either.
Inquirer: Philly schools weigh reopening with a hybrid learning model, masks and cleanings every 4 hours
Inquirer: Philly teachers and students take to the street to protest racism
Inquirer: ‘It’s time to challenge what has become normal’: Philly schools move toward antiracism
Inquirer: Divided Philly risks losing recent economic gains, warns former city commerce director Harold Epps
Inquirer: Philadelphia hotels are slowly seeing more guests. But workers say conditions aren’t safe.
Inquirer: Uber and Lyft traffic is picking up as the Philadelphia area reopens. What will happen when more drivers return to the road?
Inquirer: How much COVID-19 testing is enough? | Morning Newsletter
WHYY Newsworks: The work-from-home economy is the next threat Philadelphia faces
WHYY Newsworks: Students, teachers march for racial equity reform in Philly schools
Philadelphia Tribune: Evicted: Kenney administration gives Ben Franklin Parkway encampment 7 days to leave
Philadelphia Tribune: Philly’s FOP head supports police reforms; critics say it’s not enough
Philadelphia Tribune: Robeson principal named top principal in the state
Philadelphia Tribune: Lincoln University’s board decides not to renew contract for president Brenda Allen
Philadelphia Tribune: School District of Philadelphia chief of schools outlines school operations plan
Philadelphia Magazine: The Pandemic Canceled Michael Smerconish’s Tour, So He Recorded His One-Man Show in an Empty Bucks County Theater
Philadelphia Magazine: Political Scientist Daniel Q. Gillion on What Makes Protest Movements Effective
Philadelphia Citizen: Future-Proofing Work: Calling All CEOs
Philly Voice: Philly to shut down homeless encampment on Ben Franklin Parkway
Philly Voice: Philadelphia police union to receive U.S. pandemic aid loan packages
Philly Voice: Philly students, teachers rally for racial equality in city schools
SEPA
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County officials preparing for November election with eyes on pandemic
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County school districts scrambling to come up with reopening plans
Daily Local News: Houlahan pushes for diversity in small business leadership
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks legislators question delays in unemployment compensation
Bucks County Courier Times: Neshaminy, Council Rock North nicknames under scrutiny again
Bucks County Courier Times: Photos: Morrisville, NAACP rally for change at Black Lives Matter protest
KYW Newsradio: Delco property owners ready to appeal new assessments based on Mariner East 2 pipeline
KYW Newsradio: Montco officials say changes to ensure fairer bail system coming soon
KYW Newsradio: Montco taking steps to improve the way they count votes for the fall
WHYY Newsworks: Organizers scramble for signatures to block Norristown sewer sale
Bucks Local News: Bucks lawmaker introduces bill cracking down on home delivery theft
Bucks Local News: Yardley Borough Council votes to advertise ordinance establishing auxiliary police force
Pottstown Mercury: Phoenixville rail study shows $350M in economic benefits
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Sean Parnell’s ad banks on culture and history as central issues in 2020 election
Post-Gazette: Reaction mixed to environmental grand jury findings
Post-Gazette: Labor leaders cancel Labor Day Parade for Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Rush to keep businesses afloat sent over $3B in government loans to Pittsburgh-area employers
Post-Gazette: Black Political Assembly supports new contract for PPS chief Hamlet
Post-Gazette: Long-stalled Pittsburgh Land Bank now without a leader
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County reports increase in opioid overdose deaths
Post-Gazette: Historic designation for Lawrenceville house pits architect against homeowners
Post-Gazette: Western Pa. reports 303 new cases with Allegheny County’s 200 leading the way
WESA: Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade Canceled, To Be Replaced With ‘Day Of Service’
WESA: Protesters Continue Calls To Defund Police During ‘Civil Saturdays’
WESA: Coronavirus Cases Among Kids And Teens Have More Than Tripled Over The Past Month
KDKA: ‘Strip Shut Down’: Dozens Of Peaceful Protesters Blocked Traffic, Called For Change During Civil Saturday Protest
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Says Department Of Public Safety Will Be Trained In ‘Cultural Competency’, Asks For Curriculum Proposals
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Distributed Over 10,000 Meals To Children, Seniors Last Week
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 200 New Coronavirus Cases, Increasing County Total To 4,962
City Paper: PHOTOS: March for justice in honor of Duquesne University student Marquis Jaylen Brown
City Paper: Highway signs at edge of Allegheny County admire Donald Trump’s balls, encourage ‘breeding’
Tribune Review: Unions cancel Pittsburgh’s annual Labor Day Parade
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 200 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths
Tribune Review: Lower Burrell hosts ‘Rise Up Against Racism’ event
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh’s Labor Day parade, one of largest in country, canceled
SWPA
Beaver County Times: Camp wants state to ‘keep an eye’ on Shell as COVID cases grow
Beaver County Times: Sainato: More than $3.3M to combat area homelessness
Beaver County Times: Beaver County officials plan for $40M in bonds
Beaver County Times: On the rise: COVID cases up in Beaver, Lawrence, Allegheny
Beaver County Times: Lawrence County COVID cases grow by 40 percent in one week
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Tourism agencies see opportunity as state reopens, but will struggle to afford marketing
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: UPDATED: Indiana, Cambria see area’s biggest COVID jumps over weekend
KDKA: Washington County Bars And Restaurants Seeing Uptick In Business During Allegheny County Restrictions
KDKA: Butler Co. Restaurant Sees Increase In Business After Allegheny Co. Health Department Restricts Dining
Tribune Review: 19 new coronavirus cases reported in Westmoreland County, no new deaths
Altoona Mirror: Gates: Virus rates probably more about poverty
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 positive closes Mad Mex; Racetrack Rd. Sheetz employee tests positive for COVID-19
NEPA
Citizens Voice: Lackawanna eyes Wilkes-Barre as model in exploring potential health department
Citizens Voice: Appellate court to hear medical marijuana appeal
Citizens Voice: Speakers at annual unity event talk about civil rights, diversity
Citizens Voice: School districts in Luzerne County working on reopening plans for students and staff
Citizens Voice: County passes 3,000 COVID-19 cases with 10 new positives reported
WNEP: Joe Biden one on one
The Times Leader: Kaufer: Medicaid fraud most hurts those who depend on it
The Times Leader: Ex-candidate for council helps get rid of trash in Wilkes-Barre
The Times Leader: Luzerne County releases new personnel report
The Times Leader: BLM NEPA United Movement holds event on Public Square
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council asked to alter tax diversion for Pittston area residential project
The Times Leader: 15 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Luzerne County
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County, Scranton officials exploring potential for local health department
Times-Tribune: Scranton gets $5K grant to disinfect parks, playgrounds
Times-Tribune: Appellate court to hear medical marijuana appeal
Times-Tribune: Brick or click? NEPA school districts considering all options for fall return
Times-Tribune: New COVID-19 cases in northeast, but no new deaths
South Central
York Dispatch: High-profile, bipartisan group calls on Wolf to boost Pa. election security
York Dispatch: York City restaurant grant idea is ‘tone deaf,’ council member says
York Dispatch: Sunday update: 18 new case of COVID-19 in York County, one new death
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘The worst-case scenario’: Regulators, watchdogs fear plan to dismantle damaged TMI nuclear reactor
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. reaches 95K total cases to date, 4.8K coming from Lancaster County
York Daily Record: Lebanon releases police department policies
York Daily Record: Protests in Gettysburg remain without violence
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 12 COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County
Patriot News: Gettysburg Bike rally and BLM protest draw hundreds
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa: 577 new cases reported Sunday
Patriot News: Community member calls for Susquehanna Township to change ‘offensive’ Indians mascot: Report
Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Trump calls Pat Toomey a ‘RINO’ after Pa. senator says commuting Roger Stone’s prison sentence ‘a mistake’
Morning Call: Protesters confront Allentown mayor, police Saturday night about video of officer kneeling on man’s neck
Morning Call: Lehigh, Lafayette, NCC join colleges opposing new rules that would displace foreign students
Morning Call: Allentown and LCA strike a deal. Here’s what it means for water and sewer bills
Morning Call: Black Lives Matter movement prods Bethlehem and other districts to review how history is taught
Morning Call: Video of Allentown police officer kneeling on man’s neck: Woman who took it says she was shocked, and George Floyd’s attorney weighs in
Reading Eagle: U.S. Reps. Houlahan, Thompson push for more money to research spotted lanternfly
Reading Eagle: Despite adventures along the way, Berks Dem Women deliver 40 pizzas to Sinking Spring nursing home staff
Reading Eagle: Twelve more coronavirus cases recorded in Berks
Express Times: Trump Tweet takes aim at senator from the Lehigh Valley over Roger Stone statement
Express Times: Allentown police investigating video of officer with knee on man’s neck
Express Times: Art installation spending the weekend in Allentown encourages residents to vote
Express Times: Lehigh, Lafayette join legal fight over new rule that would deport international students
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Gracedale’s COVID-19 unit is empty as state cases near 95K
North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County Commissioners questioned on emergency gear funds
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County asked to make meetings accessible to all people
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Official: Contact tracing vital
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council hires economic expert to assist in budget, labor negotiations
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Capital projects talk includes safety building, flood protection
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Regionalization regaining steam after shutdown
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County two new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: Pa. police have received over $6M worth of military surplus since 2018
Erie Times-News: More workload challenges for east Erie district court
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 2 COVID-19 cases, and other updates for July 12
Centre Daily Times: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected life in Centre County? Here’s a timeline of events
Opinion
Scott L. Bohn: Reform, don’t defund, the police. This is why
James B. Martin: Here’s why we can’t release criminal justice data
Brian O’Neill: One last dispatch from the Paris of Appalachia
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Punish the good; reward the guilty
Inquirer Editorial Board: Gun violence must still be a priority for Pa. and Philadelphia
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The Supreme Court sides with the people
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: International students shouldn’t be penalized
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Small business rescues itself
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Nothing more private than DNA
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Preserve the record
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Targeting intellectual theft
John L. Micek: In Pa.’s capital city, an effort to reimagine police protection takes shape | Friday Morning Coffee
Chris Kelly: At 77, Biden looked ‘scrappy’ in Scranton
David M. Shribman: Welcome to my garden of heroes
Rory Fleming: Krasner’s truth and reconciliation commission is a good idea — if he can get it right
Helen Ubiñas: What do you know about the Philadelphians killed by guns this year? At least know their names.
Keith C. Burris: Amend the promise, Joe
Martha Stringer: Mental Health Court in Bucks County is long overdue
Allyn Rosenberger: Another town, another Native American nickname. Why the Susquehanna Twp. schools need to change their team name
John A. Tures: Here’s what’s at risk in Trump’s rush to reopen schools
Diana Nelson Jones: Walkabout: Do COVIDiots have better angels buried in their nature, or are we all doomed?
Rob Tornoe: ‘Hamilton’ forgot to mention one important thing | Cartoon
Drew Harris: To beat COVID-19, we need to trust public health l Expert Opinion
Will Bunch: Roger Stone, coronavirus, and the 192 days that may destroy America as we know it
Tim Hartman: The problem with passing real police reform is … | Editorial Cartoon
Allison Mickel: Columbus is still killing people. Take him down.
Trump wanted to change the GOP logo to reflect his leadership, but the GOP said the jackass is already taken by another party.
I loathe Toomey, but better to be a RINO than a flaming asshole LIAR and TRAITOR like Trump himself.
just call the remaining 6 races already because they have to move on to the general in November seriously.