CNN rates Pennsylvania as a ‘battleground’ in its debut 2020 Electoral College map, while the Cook Political Report rates the state’s Attorney General race as Likely Democratic. Here is the Playbook.

Cook Rates PA Attorney General Race as Likely Dem: The election analysts described Attorney General Josh Shapiro as a “rising star” in the state and pointed to his fundraising advantage over Republican Heather Heidelbaugh as well.

CNN Rates PA As a ‘Battleground’ in Debut 2020 Electoral College Map: Pennsylvania is currently one of six states listed as a “Battleground” for the presidential election in CNN’s debut 2020 Electoral College map and is the state with the second most electoral votes up for grabs in this column.

Donald Trump Jr. Names Bognet ‘MAGA’ Candidate of the Week: On Monday morning, Donald Trump Jr. tweeted out that Jim Bognet, a former Trump administration appointee who is the GOP candidate for PA’s 8th Congressional District, is his “MAGA candidate of the week.” Trump Jr. added in the tweet that Bognet will “fight to bring jobs back from China, secure the border, protect the 2nd Amendment & stop the dem plan to defund the police.” 

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 WINS: HD106 GOP: State Rep. Thomas Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) fends off primary challenges from Chris Lupp and Mimi Legro in the primary. Mehaffie will face Democrat Lindsay Drew. 

INCUMBENT LEADS: HD175 Dem: State Rep. Mary Isaacson (D-Philadelphia) who holds a 1,100 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 2,811 votes, 15%, with all of the in-person votes accounted for, while the mail-in votes are still coming in, declared victory in the primary. The GOP candidate in this safe Dem district is Drew Murray. Sims added 1,000 plus votes to his lead in the race as of Friday morning, when he held a 1,786 vote advantage in the race. 

INCUMBENT TRAILS: HD188 Dem: Rick Krajewski holds a 2,603 vote, 19%, lead over state Rep. James Roebuck Jr. (D-Philadelphia) in the four candidate primary and declared victory in the race on Monday. 

LEADER: TOSSUP: HD198 Dem: Darisha Parker now holds a 257 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). As of Friday morning, Williams held a 122 vote lead in the primary. The margin between first and last place is also slim. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Red tape, lack of funding limit public’s oversight of Pa. police through body cameras 
Spotlight PA: Pa. advances reforms to create confidential police disciplinary database, as NY, NJ take steps to make records public 
Spotlight PA: With reopening underway, see how the coronavirus is trending in your county with our new early warning tool
AP: More free virus test sites opening in northern Pennsylvania
AP: Driller charged over contamination in ‘Gasland’ town
AP: Lawmakers advance proposals on police hiring, training
AP: Big win for LGBT rights but fight’s not over in Pennsylvania
Washington Examiner: Mike Pence tells Salena Zito George Floyd’s death was a ‘national tragedy,’ touts need for better police training
PA Post: PA House Committee Advances Two Police Reform Bills
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Another look at CARES Act spending in Pa.: How health and social programs benefit | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. advocates hail SCOTUS ruling protecting LGBTQ workers from job discrimination
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House panel approves police reform bills, with full vote as soon as next week
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Health Dept opens 10 new COVID-19 testing sites in WalMart parking lots
Inquirer: Progressives notched some big wins in the Pennsylvania primary election 
Inquirer: What Black Lives Matter protests in Pennsylvania’s ‘Trump Country’ mean for 2020
Inquirer: Why the Supreme Court’s decision on LGBTQ workers is a huge deal for Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Tenants and landlords in Pa. and N.J. are seeking rental assistance to fend off evictions 
Inquirer: The impact of BLM protests in ‘Trump Country’ | Morning Newsletter
Inquirer: The COVID-19 rush never came to rural Pennsylvania, and empty hospitals are feeling the losses
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf talks about coronavirus in Pa., directs $260M for those with intellectual disabilities and autism 
Patriot News: Police reform bill advances out of Pa. House committee, could see House action next week 
Patriot News: Supreme Court ruling is a landmark for LGBTQ rights, but some legal protections are still needed: Gov. Wolf 
Patriot News: Pa. Turnpike officials defend decision to make toll road cashless, lay off nearly 500 workers
Patriot News: ‘Say her name’: State commission comments on killing of black transwoman Dominique ‘Rem’mie’ Fells
Patriot News: Landmark Supreme Court ruling protecting transgender workers is especially welcome in Pa. 
Patriot News: Which states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases (6/15/2020): Where does Pa. stand? 
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa.; 79,121 cases, 6,243 deaths as of Monday morning 
Keystone Crossroads: ‘Nursing Homes As We Know Them Are Over’: COVID-19 Fuels Push To Home-Based Care
PLSReporter: As SCOTUS ruling is cheered as victory for LGBTQ community, activists turn their sights on statewide non-discrimination efforts 
PLSReporter: One week after protests on House floor, Judiciary Committee approves bills to increase training, transparency in police hiring 
PLSReporter: Philly officials announce investigation into police handling of protests as local leaders weigh reforms 
PLSReporter: COVID-19 by the numbers: A statewide look at the coronavirus in Pa.
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus recovery: $260M to support intellectual disability and autism service providers in Pa.
WHYY Newsworks: This November, election night could stretch into election week or month 
StateImpactPA: Pa. attorney general charges Cabot Oil and Gas with environmental crimes
Pittsburgh Business Times: Wolf administration boosts diversity, inclusion in state contracting
National Journal: Internal Finello Poll Finds Tight Race
National Journal: Rural Protests Test Trump’s Strength 
The Hill: Bottom line
Politico: Nursing homes go unchecked as fatalities mount
Politico: ‘We’re thinking landslide’: Beyond D.C., GOP officials see Trump on glide path to reelection

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Philly’s coronavirus budget hole grows by $100 million, and could lead to service cuts or tax hikes 
Inquirer: Vigilantes surround Christopher Columbus statue for 3rd day; N.J. police departments ordered to identify officers who commit serious violations 
Inquirer: To help businesses in Philly and elsewhere, PayPal sets up a new $530 million fund to assist black-owned firms 
Inquirer: West Philly’s historic black corridor looks to rebuild after unrest and pandemic 
Inquirer: A Philly court supervisor was fired after video showed him tearing down signs and saying he doesn’t care about black lives 
Inquirer: Kenney tells vigilantes ‘guarding’ Christopher Columbus statue to ‘stand down’; no coronavirus spike yet following Philly protests
Inquirer: Why Philly parents are bringing their kids to protests against police brutality and racism
Inquirer: Philly eyes school reopening plan that would stagger when students and staff come to schools
WHYY Newsworks: Kenney initiates process to consider removal of Columbus statue as clash gets violent
WHYY Newsworks: Philly officials want you to get tested for COVID. Those who have tried say it’s not that easy 
KYW Newsradio: Kenney involves Philadelphia Art Commission to decide fate of Columbus statue
KYW Newsradio: Shuttered Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery gets a small step closer to new life
KYW Newsradio: Philly Council committee advances bill that could turn many city streets into sidewalk cafes
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia budget gap $100M more than projected after coronavirus shutdown
KYW Newsradio: City to hire independent consultant to examine how police handled unrest, protests
KYW Newsradio: School District of Philadelphia to lay out options for reopening
Billy Penn: Philly courts fire supervisor caught on video tearing down Black Lives Matter signs
Billy Penn: Penn may settle trans discrimination lawsuit as landmark Supreme Court ruling enshrines LGBTQ protections
Philadelphia Citizen: Ali Velshi, From The Frontlines 
Philly Voice: CNN hires former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins as regular contributor
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia’s budget gap widens by another $100M amid Covid-19 downturn
PLSReporter: Philly officials announce investigation into police handling of protests as local leaders weigh reforms  
Philadelphia Magazine: Men Break Out Guns, Bats and Hatchets to “Protect” South Philly’s Christopher Columbus Statue

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County officials optimistic move to ‘green phase’ is close
Daily Local News: Shusterman votes to advance police accountability measures 
Daily Local News: Lawrence introduces bill to require ratepayer referendum prior to proposed sale of Chester Water Authority 
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County could go to green reopening June 26; officials want it sooner 
Bucks County Courier Times: Doylestown protest: “This is not a moment but a movement”
Delco Daily Times: More than 1,000 protesters walk for Black Lives Matter through Lansdowne, Yeadon 
Delco Daily Times: Eddystone residents turn out for Unity Rally 
Delco Daily Times: Calls mount for Penn-Delco board chief’s resignation
Pittsburgh 
WESA: Local Activists Demand Police Reform From City, County Officials
WESA: Pittsburgh Faces The ‘Clash Of Two Pandemics’ In Racism, COVID-19
WESA: Two PPS Board Directors Want To Reduce School Police And Rethink Safety
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh-area groups deliver list of demands on police reform to local officials 
Post-Gazette: LGBTQ groups in Western Pa. celebrate ‘historic’ U.S. Supreme Court ruling 
Post-Gazette: Trump administration launches online platform to build public trust in driverless vehicles 
Post-Gazette: State senators rip Pa. Turnpike Commission’s decision to eliminate 500 toll collection jobs 
Post-Gazette: Organization names Pittsburgh 20th most bike-friendly city in U.S. 
Post-Gazette: County responds to community speculation about the death of McKeesport woman 
Post-Gazette: Abuse hotlines light up after region’s move to green phase 
Post-Gazette: Some comfort for the grieving, as funerals near normalcy in ‘green phase’
Post-Gazette: 2 deaths reported in Beaver County; 24 new COVID-19 cases in Western Pa.  
KDKA: Pennsylvania Poor People’s Campaign Organizes Protest Outside Of Allegheny County Courthouse
KDKA: Peaceful Protesters Pedal Across Town To Show Support For The Black Lives Matter Movement
KDKA: Photojournalist Who Says He Was Banned From Protest Coverage Announces He’s Leaving Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
KDKA: ‘Black Activist And Organizer Collective’ Delivers List Of Police Reform Demands To City, County Officials
KDKA: ‘Historic Decision’: Supreme Court Ruling That Protects LGBTQ Workers From Job Discrimination Will Impact Many Employees And Employers In Pennsylvania
KDKA: Pittsburgh Playgrounds Reopen With Extra Safety Precautions, Including Staff Members Handing Out Masks If Needed
KDKA: ‘I Don’t Know If I Ever Thought I Would See A Moment Like This’: Pittsburgh Activist Talks About Fighting Inequality If You Can’t Attend Protests
KDKA: Local Doctors Say The Chance Our Region Doesn’t See A Coronavirus Surge Increases ‘As Long As We’re Safe And Careful’
KDKA: State Expanding Coronavirus Testing In Northern Pa., New Sites Coming To New Castle And Grove City Walmarts
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 7 New Coronavirus Cases, Bringing Countywide Total To 2,086 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh LGBTQ groups applaud Supreme Court ruling 
Tribune Review: Community activists outline demands for police reform in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County 
Tribune Review: Speaker Turzai formally resigns, district office in McCandless to remain open 
City Paper: LGBTQ people in Pa. finally have workplace nondiscrimination protections after US Supreme Court ruling
City Paper: CMU responds to criticism of hiring former Trump cabinet member Richard Grenell
City Paper: Activist coalition delivers police-reform demands to Pittsburgh city and county leaders
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh announces plans for the creation of an Office of Community Health and Safety 
SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Turnpike layoffs under scrutiny
Altoona Mirror: Blair’s 30 Day Fund raises $102K to aid firms
Beaver County Times: Lamb’s district offices reopen to public June 22 
Beaver County Times: DOH found hand-washing, infection control issues at Brighton Rehab in May 
Beaver County Times: LGBTQ community still needs Equality Act after SCOTUS ruling, say advocates
Beaver County Times: Rally for Unity
Tribune Review: State reports 2 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths in Westmoreland County
Observer-Reporter: Pa. attorney general charges another natural gas firm
Observer-Reporter: Washington County records one new COVID-19 case
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: SCOTUS LGBTQ ruling will have ‘monumental’ implications in Pa., advocate says 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: New claims continue to fall as Pa. reopens economy
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: UPDATED: Bedford County adds 4 cases, Somerset 1 in latest state COVID-19 report
NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County election count still in progress two weeks after primary 
The Times Leader: Report: Area counties have higher preventable hospitalization rate than state 
The Times Leader: Columbus statue on Public Square vandalized second time 
The Times Leader: Rep. Kaufer co-sponsors bill to create grant program to help restaurants 
The Times Leader: 5 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 4 more deaths 
Citizens Voice: Cabot charged with environmental crimes 
Citizens Voice: Pittston adds extra security for Columbus statue amid W-B vandalism 
Citizens Voice: W-B council weighs in on removal of Columbus statue after it was vandalized again 
Citizens Voice: County has 5 new virus cases, 4 new deaths
Times-Tribune: Scranton’s new business administrator brings private-sector experience to post 
Times-Tribune: Demands for change, justice at Wilkes-Barre rally 
Times-Tribune: Commissioners, county election and prison boards meet Wednesday 
Times-Tribune: With schools closed, environmental work continues in Scranton schools 
Times-Tribune: NEPA counties see seven more COVID-19 deaths

South Central 
York Daily Record: York County nursing home has big COVID-19 outbreak — 48 cases since May 25
Patriot News: Which states have the most confirmed coronavirus cases (6/15/2020): Where does Pa. stand? 
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa.; 79,121 cases, 6,243 deaths as of Monday morning
York Dispatch: York County has one new death linked to COVID-19, 28 new deaths statewide
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 10 new cases, 1 new death reported in Cumberland County
LNP | LancasterOnline: Monday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. up to 79K cases; Lancaster County at over 3.7K 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Hard-hit Philadelphia region now cooling faster than Lancaster County in rate of new coronavirus cases
Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Bethlehem asks for public’s input on Climate Action Plan 
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley activists, state officials praise U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on LGBT workplace rights 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Rate of positive tests lowest in a month; 28 new deaths reported Monday
Reading Eagle: Reading Council takes step to change residency requirement for department heads 
Reading Eagle: Berks County adds 5 new coronavirus cases and 1 new death in daily count [Updated] 
Reading Eagle: Supreme Court delivers landmark victory to LGBTQ employees 
Reading Eagle: Hundreds gather on Reading’s Penn Street Bridge in support of social justice
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Cases reach 79K as rate slows. Few new Lehigh Valley cases. Colleges face uncertain fall. Why we need to wear masks. | Pa. COVID-19 county case map (6/15/20)
North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Philipsburg borough councilwoman censured, voted off committee, but won’t publicly apologize
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 2 new cases of COVID-19, and other updates for June 15
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City Hall elevator passes inspection as safe for use
Erie Times-News: GOP state House nominee Hayes has surgery after fall
Erie Times-News: Mayor suspends Erie police officer in kicking case
Opinion  
Henry Olsen: Republicans must win this seat to have any chance of retaking the House
Salena Zito: Pennsylvania’s Primary Snafus Could Spell Trouble in November
John L. Micek: Say her name: Dominque Fells. And what Pa. lawmakers can do next | Monday Morning Coffee
Marc H. Morial: We need transformational change to cure the virus of racism infecting police
Linn Washington Jr.: In 1951, Philly’s police brutality was brought to the United Nations. In 2020, are we any better? | Perspective
Jon Geeting: How To Speed Up The Vote Count  
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Stop stalling on voting fix
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Plea to both parties for more governance, less bickering in Harrisburg 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Too soon to surrender to coronavirus 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Congress should help states, cities and towns 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Hong Kong demands democracy 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: False security: Disposable gloves aren’t right for everyone 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Enjoying summer safely
David Rudovsky: Reforming police requires action, not commissions  
Salena Zito: Who are you going to recall? Ghostbusters, busted
Charlie Gerow: It’s a long time before November  
Ernest Owens: White People, Please Stop Declaring Yourself Allies 
Tom Foley: Let’s strive to make rubber bullets relics of the past. There is a path forward
Ken Weinstein: It’s time for Philly business owners to stop boarding up their windows 
Lawrence A. Feinberg: Coronavirus has shed more light on cyber charter failures 
Dick Polman: Why ‘Defund the Police’ is a slogan ripe for Republican exploitation and distortion 
Gene Therapy: Cruz offer to Hellboy accidentally brilliant
Brian O’Neill: Bonds between a mother and son endure — if you can reach them
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Pulling down bad statues