July 13th Playbook

Written by PoliticsPA Staff

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.

July 13th, 2020 | Posted in Front Page Stories, Playbook, Top Stories | 3 Comments