The state’s unemployment rate slightly drops to 13% for June. Here is the Playbook.

July 17th Ups & Downs: The GOP Attorney General hopeful releases an ad that garnered pushback from the Philly FOP, PA Society Dinner is cancelled due to COVID-19, plus the Washington County Democratic Committee denounces one of their own state House candidates. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

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 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   
AP: June jobless rate slid down in Pennsylvania, payrolls jumped
AP: Restaurants to fight back; sports teams want fans in stands 
AP: DA: No basis for charges against cop who put knee on head 
AP: Attorney general sues Lincoln University board over ouster
Inquirer: ‘Dark money’ groups spent $517,000 against two Philly-area candidates who oppose the Mariner East pipeline
Patriot News: Three former Pa. governors voice support for Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts
Patriot News: Hospitals must continue to report coronavirus data to Pa. amid federal shakeup
Patriot News: More millionaires among nation’s public higher education executives; two are in Pa.
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf’s refusal to release Lebanon County’s CARES money is an ‘incredible insult,’ GOP foes contend 
Patriot News: Penn State shifts gears on fall opening plans and now will offer half of its classes at least partially online
Patriot News: White nationalist group members, many armed, stage peaceful rally in Williamsport 
Patriot News: 786 new coronavirus cases reported, Pa.‘s total cases top 101K
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf announces new citizens oversight panel for law enforcement
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. has a new hiring database to weed out bad cops: Will it do what it needs to do?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How Pa. politicians responded to the death of U.S. Rep. John Lewis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With Stone commutation – a rare break between Pa.’s Toomey and Trump. What happened?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Stargazers, rejoice: Look up this weekend! | Five for the weekend
The Center Square: Pennsylvania lawmaker tells governor to resign or face impeachment
WITF: Federal judge agrees to expedite Trump campaign’s lawsuit over vote-by-mail in Pennsylvania 
WHYY Newsworks: Pennsylvania is becoming more racially diverse. And that could be a big deal for the 2020 election.
PLSReporter: GOP calls for Wolf to release federal coronavirus funds to Lebanon County
PLSReporter: COVID-19 by the numbers: A statewide look at the coronavirus in Pa.
WESA: State Health, Education Secretaries Issue New School Guidance, Say Hybrid Schooling Is Best Option 
Post-Gazette: Swing state voters get glimpse of Dems’ strategy in 30 seconds
Post-Gazette: Some of state’s waterways reported improving  
Fox News: Pennsylvania DA says cop used reasonable force when kneeling on man’s neck while restraining him 
Fox News: Pregnant woman dies in Philadelphia after being shot in the head
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers take first step toward police reform. What comes next? 
KDKA: 3 Former Pa. Governors Voice Support For Gov. Tom Wolf’s Coronavirus Response
KDKA: ‘They Need Federal Help’: Gov. Wolf Supports RESTAURANTS Act, A Congressional Bill That Would Provide Economic Relief To Independently-Owned Restaurants Struggling Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic
KDKA: NAACP Pennsylvania State Conference Pays Tribute To John Lewis 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Elected Officials Remember Rep. John Lewis
Washington Examiner: Biden’s liberal climate policies feared by unions in Pennsylvania
StateImpactPA: More sinkholes develop alongside Mariner East construction in Chester County
StateImpactPA: After five new cases, Shell puts COVID testing site at Beaver County cracker
Observer-Reporter: Most faculty at state universities believe in-person classes will be unsafe 
National Journal: LCV Action Fund Endorses Fitzpatrick
The Hill: Bloomberg-backed gun safety group plans state legislative blitz
CNN: Joe Biden continues to run well ahead of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 pace
CNN: Allentown police officer seen kneeling on man’s neck won’t face charges, prosecutors say  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Mayor Jim Kenney’s hands-off style landed him big wins in a calm first term. Does it still work during crisis? 
Inquirer: Philadelphia’s labor movement faces a reckoning over the city’s powerful police union
Inquirer: Philly is so far behind on trash pickup that one City Council member calls it a looming ‘public health crisis’
Inquirer: Philly asks residents to put trash out a day later as it catches up on garbage pickup
Inquirer: Philly companies donated thousands to fund the police. Protesters want them to stop. 
Inquirer: ‘I’ve got a lion heart’: Philly remembers John Lewis, congressman and civil rights icon
Inquirer: In the Philly region, fired cops have shuffled to new departments. New laws aim to change that. 
Inquirer: Philly companies donated thousands to fund police | Morning Newsletter 
Inquirer: Philadelphia gyms allowed to reopen today; city delays garbage pickup as workers call out sick 
Inquirer: ‘Every teacher I know is flipping out:’ As pandemic back-to-school plans form, educators are wary
WHYY Newsworks: Protesters press city to remove street sign for former Philly Mayor Goode, citing MOVE bombing 
Philadelphia Tribune: State Rep. Boyle proposes legislation to allow municipalities to set their own minimum wage
Philadelphia Tribune: Pa. Attorney General sues Lincoln U. Board of Trustees
KYW Newsradio: Pompeo chooses Philadelphia to release controversial report, violating city rules on indoor gatherings
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia so far behind on trash pick-up, councilmember calls it public health crisis
KYW Newsradio: Commissioner Outlaw to implement peer intervention training for all officers
KYW Newsradio: New PSA campaign seeks to deter gun violence by emphasizing federal charges
Philly Voice: Local elected officials pay tribute to civil rights leader, U.S. Rep. John Lewis 
Philly Voice: Protesters take to city streets to decry gun violence in Philly 
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania sues Lincoln University over alleged illegal actions taken by board of trustees
Billy Penn: Philly wears masks more often than other U.S. cities, nationwide survey finds
Billy Penn: ‘I Will Breathe’ street mural appears near Parkway protest camp 

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Congressman introduces ‘Defund Cities that Defund the Police Act’
Bucks Local News: BUCKS COUNTY COVID-19 JULY 16 UPDATE: Cases stable over past three days; county to buy face shields for schools 
Bucks County Courier Times: Democrat Finello takes on better-funded Republican Fitzpatrick in 1st District race 
Bucks County Courier Times: Council Rock board member wants all virtual learning for first month
Bucks County Courier Times: Coronavirus cases see slow increase in Bucks, Montgomery
Inquirer: Officials ask public to continue following coronavirus safety measures; Montco educators ask for clarity on state reopening guidance 
Inquirer: ‘Dark money’ groups spent $517,000 against two Philly-area candidates who oppose the Mariner East pipeline
Daily Local News: As he prepares to retire, Dinniman calls for ‘transformative change’ 
Daily Local News: Chester County DA sues opioid manufacturers, distributors
Daily Local News: Unionville High mascot on chopping block; school directors set vote on issue
WHYY Newsworks: Suburban bars, restaurants say Gov. Wolf’s temporary restrictions bring them back to ‘yellow’
Delco Daily Times: In dire financial straits, Wolf appoints receiver for Chester
Delco Daily Times: School districts deal with fluid reopening plans
Delco Daily Times: Is it time to resume in-person meetings? Swarthmore debates point
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County health officials release guidance for reopening schools amid coronavirus
Montgomery Media: PA Women Rise, Montgomery County Pro-Life Coalition participate in forum
Montgomery Media: Whitpain woman named executive director of Montgomery Bar Association

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Parnell Closes Funding Gap, Outraises Lamb In PA-17 
KDKA: Battle To Succeed Ex-Rep. Mike Turzai In The North Hills Heats Up Between Emily Skopov And Rob Mercuri
KDKA: Congressman Conor Lamb And Challenger Sean Parnell Take Issue With Each Other Over Trump And Biden Energy Issues 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Issues New Order To Allow Indoor Dining At 25 Percent Capacity 
KDKA: Gov. Wolf Says Local Counties With Percent Positivity Above 5 Percent Are ‘Cause For Concern’ 
KDKA: ‘A Civil Rights Icon’: John Lewis Remembered By Pittsburgh Officials
KDKA: Peaceful Protest Marches From Oakland Through Streets Of Pittsburgh 
KDKA: ‘You Knew You Were In The Presence Of Royalty’ Pittsburgh Faith Leaders Remember Rep. John Lewis 
KDKA: Monessen City Council Adopts New Firework & Parking Ordinances 
KDKA: Mayor Of Monessen Issues Emergency Proclamation Due To Increasing Coronavirus Cases
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 138 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing Countywide Total To 6,263
Post-Gazette: Parnell grows campaign treasury; outraises Lamb in congressional race 
Post-Gazette: No fracking ban? How Conor Lamb’s message of jobs and research influenced the Biden-Sanders unity platform
Post-Gazette: Mail-in voting draws politics into the nation’s courtrooms 
Post-Gazette: Western Pa. reports three deaths, 246 cases of COVID-19
City Paper: Allegheny County Council rejects bill to ban police from using “less lethal” weapons like tear gas 
City Paper: Allegheny County adds medical care to nondiscrimination bill in response to Trump’s transgender policy reversal
Pittsburgh Business Times: Kempic named president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County to allow indoor dining at 25% capacity 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pandemic takes bite out of casinos’ revenue for fiscal year, with Rivers Pittsburgh down 19%
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh activists, influencers to appear on season 5 premiere of CNN documentary 
Tribune Review: As schools’ reopening plans balance safety with education, officials left feeling they’re picking ‘the best bad option’
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 138 new coronavirus cases, 1 new death 

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Parnell’s campaign celebrates outraising Lamb in second quarter
Beaver County Times: Beaver County schools start to plan for fall 
Observer-Reporter: Court witnesses tell of hardships brought about by coronavirus pandemic and point at Wolf
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown protesters call for legalized home-growing of medical marijuana to reduce costs 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: New COVID-19 cases reported in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Blair; no new deaths locally
Altoona Mirror: More than 240 Paycheck Protection Program loans approved in Blair
Altoona Mirror: Altoona Area High School won’t open on time

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Cartwright’s first general election TV ad rips Bognet
Times-Tribune: Wayne DA: Commissioner did not lean on news outlet over pulling Black Lives Matter story
Times-Tribune: Scranton School District to seek approval for major tax increase
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County grants defray pandemic-prompted costs, benefit community projects
Times-Tribune: Vanaskie heads task force examining legal system post-COVID-19
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna sees renewed double-digit COVID-19 case rise
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 death reports at nursing and personal care homes vary greatly
Citizens Voice: Records office finds county violated RTK law
Citizens Voice: Cartwright announces flood protection grant
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County Judge Amesbury, deputy sheriff test positive for COVID-19
Citizens Voice: Disparities abound in reporting nursing home COVID-19 deaths
Citizens Voice: Six more COVID-19 cases reported Sunday in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: Wilkes-Barre city council handles full agenda during combined session
The Times Leader: Luzerne County pursuing another grant for proposed canoe/kayak launch
The Times Leader: Luzerne County repository purchase prices set
The Times Leader: Judge Amesbury’s statement on positive coronavirus test 
The Times Leader: New virus comparisons released for Luzerne County
The Times Leader: 6 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 786 statewide

South Central 
York Dispatch: Sen. Doug Mastriano eyes bill to defend Gettysburg’s monuments
York Dispatch: South Western to split students, stagger school days
York Dispatch: ‘This isn’t about the virus anymore’: Restaurant owners react to Wolf’s latest order
York Dispatch: Sunday update: 10 new cases of COVID-19 in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: Shaped by social media and a sense of justice, young Midstate activists step into the spotlight
Carlisle Sentinel: Advocates plan sleep-out to highlight homelessness; Community CARES still seeking space
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 8 new COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf’s refusal to release Lebanon County’s CARES money is an ‘incredible insult,’ GOP foes contend 
Patriot News: 786 new coronavirus cases reported, Pa.‘s total cases top 101K
LNP | LancasterOnline: Senate approves measure for constitutional amendment to create judicial districts
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘It feels like we’re moving forward’: civil rights movement in Lancaster today mirrors movements of the 60s
LNP | LancasterOnline: City expenses show thousands in overcharged meals, parties and catered meetings; Mayor says not the source of budget woes
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. reaches 101K cases to date, over 5K coming from Lancaster County
York Daily Record: Gettysburg flag-burning hoaxer comes forth

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: DA: Allentown police officers were justified in takedown. Protesters: ‘We do not accept it’
Morning Call: Allentown City Council divided over controversial police video and calls for reform
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers take first step toward police reform. What comes next?
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley school districts grapple with shifting state guidelines, divided communities as they plan for reopening
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Another 786 positive cases raise total above 101,000
Reading Eagle: Day of protest at Berks Family Residential Center calls for release of families
Reading Eagle: Protesters appeal for release of immigrants from Berks residential center
Reading Eagle: Fourth Peaceful Stand in Reading to feature Berks County students sharing their encounters with discrimination
Reading Eagle: Boyertown board backs full return to school
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 23 new positive coronavirus cases
Express Times: After DA ruling, Allentown chief says officers won’t be disciplined in controversial arrest
Express Times: DA: Restraint was reasonable, Allentown cops won’t be charged in arrest caught on video
Express Times: Do medical workers have a duty to intervene? Leading ethicist weighs in on Allentown police video
Express Times: Northampton County Council approves proposal for expanded internet access
North by Northwest
Patriot News: White nationalist group members, many armed, stage peaceful rally in Williamsport 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Neo-Nazis rally in Brandon Park
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Neo-Nazis rally in Brandon Park photo gallery
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Congressman, senator critique Gov. Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 response
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Planners recommend firm for hazard mitigation plan
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Jersey Shore Town Meeting canceled after new order
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State System of Higher Education considers merging LHU, Mansfield
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Public hears possibilities for Montoursville elementary schools
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County four new COVID-19 cases
Erie Times-News: Erie long-term care facilities struggle to keep residents safe, happy
Erie Times-News: Federal loan provides help for Erie’s Achievement Center
Erie Times-News: Allegheny College lands $5-10 million loan 
Centre Daily Times: Does Bellefonte’s ‘Red Raider’ honor tradition or show disrespect? Call for change sparks debate
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 2 COVID-19 cases, and more updates for July 19

Opinion  
Scott Perry: It’s time to rebuild America’s infrastructure
John Joyce: The pandemic isn’t the only public health crisis orchestrated by the Chinese government
Dan Meuser: Trump fulfills signature promise from campaign
Jim Hanak, John Chandler, and Richard Jensen: Pa.’s cyber-charter schools are flourishing, not failing — before, during, and after COVID-19
Paul Muschick: Gov. Wolf’s mixed messages could hurt Pennsylvania’s response to the coronavirus
Adam Marles: Pa. needs to use CARES Act money to help pay for COVID-19 testing at nursing homes
Morgan Baskin: Philadelphia Housing Authority is failing unhoused city residents 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Gov. Wolf’s support for a petrochemical tax credit is a mistake. He should veto the bill.  
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We need to dispense with magical thinking during this pandemic and heed the science  
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Honor Lewis with actions, not words 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Killing to stop killing 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Be honest about what is unknown 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The other plague 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Court deals blow to robocallers
John L. Micek: DePasquale jumps out to fundraising lead in PA-10 over Perry | Friday Morning Coffee
John L. Micek: If it’s good enough for the Pentagon, it’s good enough for you. Take down the Confederate flag  
Chris Kelly: COVID-19 learning curve too steep for schools to reopen
Cassie Haynes: The trauma of being a Black woman working for the city of Philadelphia 
Carlton Williams: Philly residents, this is why your trash pickup is so late 
Tim Hartman: When the carrot is the stick | Editorial Cartoon
David Murrell: In Praise of the City Government About-Face
Helen Ubiñas: Paralyzed gunshot survivors started a support group. A year later, they are still going strong 
Keith C. Burris: The war on free thought
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Proud Boys to Men
Will Bunch: Trump’s made-for-TV fascism in Portland won’t get him re-elected. It may get someone killed 
Lloyd E. Sheaffer: I’m a former teacher: Returning to in-person classes is risky and wrong 
Michiko Kobayashi: Service workers are still undervalued during coronavirus