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July 16th Playbook

A Monmouth University Poll shows former VP Joe Biden leading President Donald Trump by 13 points in PA, while the DLCC announces 27 “spotlight” candidates for the fall. Here is the Playbook.

Monmouth Poll: Biden 53, Trump 40: Former Vice President Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by 13 points in Pennsylvania with registered voters. Biden leads Trump 52-to-42 among likely voters in a high turnout election, while the former VP also leads Trump by 7 points, 51-to-44, among likely voters in a low turnout election.

DLCC Announces 27 Spotlight Candidates: The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee included 8 candidates for the state Senate and 19 for the state House in its first slate of Pennsylvania Spotlight candidates.

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: Gov. Tom Wolf imposes new restrictions on bars, restaurants, businesses as the coronavirus surges 
Spotlight PA: Pa. lawmakers want voters to weaken governor’s emergency powers, boost their own
AP: Wolf imposes restrictions on bars, restaurants, gatherings 
AP: Lawmakers move to limit a governor’s disaster powers
AP: Republicans aim at Pennsylvania’s Democratic majority court 
AP: PIAA: Fall sports to start as scheduled
Inquirer: Mike Bloomberg’s gun-control group will spend $1 million to help Democrats flip Pa. legislature 
Inquirer: Joe Biden leads in a new Pennsylvania poll, but many are wary of ‘secret Trump voters’ 
Inquirer: Aiming to stop the virus ‘in its tracks,’ Wolf imposes new restrictions on bars, restaurants, and indoor gatherings, warning that Pa. could see a new surge 
Inquirer: Nearly three-quarters of Pa. state university faculty would not feel safe teaching students face-to-face this fall, survey shows 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We are already at a tipping point,’ Wolf says, as Pa. imposes new health restrictions on bars and restaurants 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: New Monmouth Poll: Biden up by 13 points in Pa.; ‘Secret’ Trump vote anticipated 
Patriot News: New Pa. coronavirus restrictions related to indoor capacities does not apply to religious institutions: Wolf 
Patriot News: Wolf willing to ‘pull the plug’ on school reopening if new COVID surge can’t be stopped 
Patriot News: See all the new coronavirus restrictions in Pa. as Gov. Tom Wolf says a “new surge is in the offing” 
Patriot News: Pa. Senate unanimously passes bill to reform probation system; supporters call it a ‘milestone’ 
Patriot News: Pa. lawmakers pass proposed constitutional changes rebalancing powers among governmental branches 
Patriot News: GOP lawmakers denounce Gov. Tom Wolf’s new coronavirus restrictions on restaurants and bars 
Patriot News: Most faculty at Pa.’s state universities believe face-to-face classes this fall are unsafe
Patriot News: High school football, fall sports to ‘stay the course,’ PIAA decides in meeting
PLSReporter: Wolf announces new statewide restrictions on bars, restaurants as case count ticks upwards 
PLSReporter: Judicial redistricting amendment clears legislature for first time despite objections from concerned lawmakers 
PLSReporter: As Philadelphia announces hybrid model of fall instruction, school district reopening plans begin to come into focus
Fox News: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf steps up coronavirus restrictions amid ‘unsettling’ climb in new cases
Fox News: Biden leads in Pennsylvania but some point to ‘secret Trump’ voters: poll
KYW Newsradio: Wolf orders new restrictions to prevent another surge in COVID-19 cases 
Morning Call: Gov. Wolf orders Pennsylvania bars that do not serve food to close; limits capacity of other bars, and restaurants 
PA Post: Bucks County goes to court to shield prison’s coronavirus plan from PA Post
StateImpactPA: Trump administration finalizing rollback of rules for landmark environmental law
Delaware Valley Journal: Biden Announcement Puts PA at ‘Ground Zero’ of Energy Policy Debate
National Journal: Monmouth PA Poll: Biden 53%, Trump 40% 
National Journal: EMILY’s List Endorses Finello 
National Journal: 2020 swing state: Pennsylvania
WESA: New Poll Shows Biden With Healthy Lead In PA — But Voters Themselves Think Race Is A Toss-Up
KDKA: Former VP Joe Biden Holds Lead Over President Trump Among All Registered Voters In Pa., Monmouth University Poll Finds  
McClatchy: Democrats have spent six times more on TV ads in key Midwest states compared to 2016
Politico: Poll: Biden up 13 points on Trump in Pennsylvania 
CNN: 2020’s latest boogeyman: ‘Secret Trump voters’
The Hill: Biden leads Trump by 13 points in Pennsylvania: poll
The Hill: Biden super PAC launches $24 million vote-by-mail effort in battleground states
The Hill: Pennsylvania tightens coronavirus restrictions on businesses as cases climb
The Hill: Trump approval at record low among battleground voters: poll
Tribune Review: About 50% of Pa. nursing homes still have not completed universal testing of residents, staff 

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Federal prison officials send former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah home early to Philly, won’t say why 
KYW Newsradio: Chaka Fattah released from prison, though federal officials won’t say why 
Inquirer: Philadelphia is paying $35 million this year for Eagles and Phillies stadiums that fans may not be able to visit 
Inquirer: Americans hurt by COVID-19 should be able to discharge student loans in bankruptcy, says Philly congresswoman 
Inquirer: Encampment outside Philadelphia Housing Authority headquarters also given notice to vacate by Friday 
Inquirer: Philly’s school plan is out. Parents are panicked. 
Inquirer: Philly’s coronavirus back-to-school plan: No full reopening, most students in class 2 days, could cost $80M 
Inquirer: These are the laws for gun owners in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania 
Inquirer: Philly schools won’t fully reopen | Morning Newsletter
Philadelphia Magazine: Chaka Fattah Sr. Has Mysteriously Been Released from Federal Prison Way Early
Philadelphia Magazine: Here Are All of the Big Philadelphia Events Canceled Due to the New Coronavirus Moratorium
Philadelphia Magazine: How Three Black Women Are Calling Out Racism at Main Line Schools
Philadelphia Tribune: Philadelphia teachers want school district to have plans for coronavirus testing, remote learning
Philadelphia Citizen: Virtual Town Hall: A Conversation with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin
Philly Voice: Philly officials walk back comments on Eagles fans attending games at Lincoln Financial Field 
Philly Voice: Philly schools unveil COVID-19 reopening plan with hybrid digital schedule 
WHYY Newsworks: Organizer refuses to dismantle smaller housing-protest camp targeting PHA 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly families live with crushing heartbreak as COVID-19, gun violence crises collide
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus recovery: Wolf announces new, targeted restrictions statewide
Billy Penn: Philly police took photos of protesters’ tattoos, a surveillance tactic, before issuing simple tickets

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Fitzpatrick receives endorsement from two more gun-control groups
Bucks County Courier Times: House reps renew push for PFAS drinking standards
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks to use CARES funds to promote tourism, support economic assistance 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bristol Township school officials seek parental input
Daily Local News: Chester County legislators vote against fracking tax bill 
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County council orders spending cuts of up to 10 percent 
KYW Newsradio: More questions than answers as suburban districts decide how to reopen schools safely
Inquirer: This small Delco borough has the Philly region’s highest rate of coronavirus cases
Inquirer: Americans hurt by COVID-19 should be able to discharge student loans in bankruptcy, says Philly congresswoman 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County officials frustrated, angry about delayed coronavirus test results 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County drug-related deaths were up in 2019
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County announces 227 ‘new’ coronavirus cases, 11 deaths

Pittsburgh 
WESA: County Council Votes ‘No’ On Mass Testing, Less Lethal Weapons Bills 
WESA: To Meet Demands Of Coronavirus Surge, County Health Department Changes Testing Guidelines
City Paper: Mailers in North Hills state House race share “a bald-faced lie,” says candidate Emily Skopov 
City Paper: Port Authority announces 27 employees have tested positive for COVID-19 since March 
KDKA: ‘Sometimes, It’s Great To Put The Politics Aside’: Man Running Against Local State Senator Finds And Returns Her Lost Wallet 
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Seeking Applicants To Serve As Commissioners On LGBTQIA+ Commission 
KDKA: Young Men Republican Club of Allegheny County Ordered To Close For Violating Coronavirus Order
KDKA: 2 Arrested For Allegedly Vandalizing Christopher Columbus Statue In Schenley Park 
KDKA: Allegheny County Health Officials Recommend Prioritizing Coronavirus Tests 
KDKA: State And County Officials Say Lag In Coronavirus Test Results Is Due To Increased Demand 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Department Reports 246 New Coronavirus Cases, County Death Toll Surpasses 200
Post-Gazette: Short City Council hearing kicks off string of meetings on police reform in Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Many Pennsylvanians still struggling to access $1,200 federal checks, Lamb and Doyle say
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh voters will likely see Citizen Police Review Board ballot question in November
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County judges again asked to allow proper public access to court proceedings
Post-Gazette: Two arrested for vandalizing Columbus statue in Schenley Park
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County reports 246 new cases of COVID-19, 5 more deaths
Tribune Review: Allegheny County Council rejects certain coronavirus testing, ‘less-lethal’ weapons ban 
Tribune Review: Young Men’s Republican Club of Allegheny County shut down for covid-19 violations 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County explains covid-19 backlog, advises priority testing 
Tribune Review: Facebook post has some Plum officials calling for the resignation of a school director 
Tribune Review: South Fayette School District reopening plan presented, approval set for next week 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh universities react to withdrawal of ICE guidance 
Pittsburgh Business Times: State announces $16.5 million in funds for local counties to attract businesses, create jobs and expand energy infrastructure 
Pittsburgh Business Times: County reviewing how the state’s new measures impact what’s happening in Allegheny

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: House OKs bill to honor Geist
Altoona Mirror: Bellwood-Antis board OKs reopening plan
Beaver County Times: Wolf adds restrictions on indoor dining, bars, to slow COVID spread
Beaver County Times: Wolf extends firearm permits through Sept. 30
Beaver County Times: Beaver, Lawrence counties projects receive millions in state funding
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: No timeline set for naming Johnstown’s new top cop 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Hiring of Johnstown city manager ‘intentionally delayed’  
Observer-Reporter: Repair of courthouse doors deemed too high; county will readvertise 

NEPA
Citizens Voice: NAACP endorses Wilkes-Barre police review board ordinance 
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre council reverts back to virtual meeting format 
Citizens Voice: 11 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County
Times-Tribune: New COVID restrictions may dash county tax sale plans 
Times-Tribune: Council OK’s RACP funds for Scranton Counseling project 
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County residents eligible for rent and mortgage relief 
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre city council meeting online; new COVID-19 restrictions scrap City Hall session 
The Times Leader: Pa. Bar Association President Schwager establishes emergency task force 
The Times Leader: Northwest Area OKs re-opening plan 
The Times Leader: 11 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 994 statewide

South Central 
Patriot News: Cumberland County opens grant program for small businesses, non-profits as part of COVID-19 economic recovery
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County begins taking applications for local share of CARES funding 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 21 new COVID cases reported in Cumberland County Wednesday; York sees another spike 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster City Council poised to allow outdoor retail spaces 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Coatesville City Council warns cuts will be needed for 2021 spending plan 
LNP | LancasterOnline: School District of Lancaster OKs hybrid plan for return to school; here’s what that means for students 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Wednesday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. up to more than 96K cases; Lancaster County has seen nearly 4.9K
York Dispatch: York County has 3 new deaths linked to COVID-19, 36 new cases 
York Dispatch: YCEA to spearhead small business CARES Act funding
York Daily Record: Discussion to focus on Confederate monuments

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Protesters demand police reform at Allentown City Council meeting after video showing officer kneeling on man 
Morning Call: LIVE: Allentown City Council meets amid protests over video of police officer kneeling on man
Morning Call: Allentown officers believed man was ‘a danger to himself and others’ in incident outside Sacred Heart Hospital 
Morning Call: The people behind the protests: Meet the Black Lives Matter coalition working toward systemic change in the Lehigh Valley 
Morning Call: History is ‘white-washed,’ police don’t belong in schools, say city and suburban teens in chat about race
Reading Eagle: Coronavirus creates costly elections, but Berks officials are hopeful financial help will continue 
Reading Eagle: New coronavirus cases in Berks County rise by 34; Pennsylvania running at May levels
Express Times: ‘We don’t want to become Florida,’ Gov. Wolf says as he limits restaurant, bar capacity to slow COVID-19 surge 
Express Times: Slate Belt township considers restricting when and where residents can shoot guns 
Express Times: West Easton’s ‘simple statement’ on racial justice seen as example for other small towns 
Express Times: $451M Lehigh Valley transportation spending plan heads to PennDOT, the feds 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 994 new cases bring state closer to 100K; You might be able to see the Eagles play this fall | Pa. county coronavirus map (07/15/20)

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Toomey, Keller visit Centre County to discuss COVID-19 response efforts
Centre Daily Times: Senator Toomey talks coronavirus effects with Centre County business leaders
Centre Daily Times: Bellefonte school board votes to have discussion on mascot
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 9 new COVID-19 cases, PSU reports 0 positives among student-athletes
Patriot News: Federal lawsuit accuses Williamsport of violating disabilities act; focus is on City Hall
Erie Times-News: New COVID-19 rules include Erie County
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners reveal purchased police gear
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County approves two personnel for planning department 

Opinion  
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Pa. should follow election security recommendations from bipartisan coalition
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Going cashless leaves some behind 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: More polite emails 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Homeless encampment on Parkway ties Black Lives Matter to housing 
John L. Micek: Pandemic Politics: Democrats try to tie Pa.’s Fitzpatrick to Trump on COVID-19 | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Dan Simpson: Can American schools reopen this fall?
Jessica Blatt Press: Ideas We Should Steal: Police As Guardians Not Warriors 
Maria Panaritis: Schools are scrambling for tents. But public ones aren’t so sure they can afford the cover. 
Tonya Russell: Tearing down statues offers only symbolic, not concrete, change
Jennifer Rubin: The bill is coming due for those who sold their souls to Trump
Justin Butterfield: Little Sisters decision is a win for religious liberty
Bruce Ledewitz: If we’re serious about protecting religious liberty, we need universal healthcare 
Fletcher McClellan: Umpire, ideologue, politician or institutionalist? Will the real John Roberts please stand up? 
Rasaaq Shittu: As a Black student at Haverford College, I know what racism looks like at ‘liberal’ institutions 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: The Coronavirus doctors are in
Christine Flowers: Media shouldn’t ignore attacks on Catholic faith
JD Mullane: As deaths drop, why coronavirus fear pervades
James Peterson: The Color Of Coronavirus: Black Mental Health Aftershocks
Tanya Underwood: Philly mom in Hong Kong: What returning to school after COVID-19 was really like | Perspective
Jeffrey Millstein: You’re probably not an expert at assessing COVID-19 risks. Your doctor can help. | Expert Opinion

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