GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. TGIF!

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES HIT THE AIRWAVES After months of packing their campaign war chests, some Democrats running in the crowded primary to fill Rep. Joe Kennedy III's open House seat are spending thousands of dollars on television ads.

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Earlier this week, Newton City Councilor Jake Auchincloss spent nearly $30,000 to air his first television ad. Then Democratic socialist Ihssane Leckey, a former Wall Street regulator, reserved $110,000 worth of cable TV airtime on Thursday. And now City Year co-founder Alan Khazei is also placing a TV ad buy, according to a source.

One reason campaigns are shifting to TV is because the congressional race is wide open. An internal poll from Newton City Councilor Becky Grossman's campaign showed 60 percent of voters are undecided on who to vote for. TV may play an outsize role in the primary this year candidates can't hold large events due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the state's expanded vote-by-mail and early voting options mean many voters will cast ballots much sooner than Sept. 1.

So far, the candidates with the most money in the bank are going up on television. Auchincloss has $1.16 million in cash on hand for the primary, his campaign says, while Khazei is reporting $809,000 in his primary war chest. Leckey raised eyebrows this week when she posted a $710,000 fundraising haul this quarter, which was largely made up of $650,000 from her and her husband's life savings, according to the Leckey campaign.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: POSTAL WORKERS BACK MARKEY Sen. Ed Markey will announce a new endorsement from the Massachusetts Postal Workers Executive Board this morning. The group is backing Markey in his reelection campaign against Rep. Joe Kennedy III. The American Postal Workers Union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO and represents more than 200,000 current and retired postal workers.

THE GREAT DEBATE The coronavirus pandemic has knocked candidates off the campaign trail for months, but debates ahead of the state's Sept. 1 primary are finally starting to take shape in most districts, though two candidates running for federal office say they've been unable to get a debate on the calendar.

Rep. Richard Neal and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse have a pair of debates in the works, according to documents obtained by POLITICO. The Democrats have been invited to two debates in August, one hosted by WGBY-New England Public Media, The Springfield Republican and MassLive.com and the Berkshire Eagle; and another hosted by 22 News, WWLP and Springfield CW.

Rep. Seth Moulton will face his primary challengers Jamie Belsito and Angus McQuilken in three debates in August hosted by local Democratic committees, his campaign said. And the Democrats running to fill Rep. Joe Kennedy III's open House seat will debate at the end of July.

Its less clear whether Rep. Stephen Lynch will debate his progressive challenger. Emboldened by progressive primary gains in other states over the last several weeks, infectious disease specialist Dr. Robbie Goldstein is accusing Lynch of "trying to run out the clock" to avoid a debate. The campaigns have been in talks to attend a series of forums where one candidate would speak after the other, rather than a one-on-one debate, according to planning emails obtained by POLITICO. Lynch did not debate his 2018 primary challengers.

"Its clear that Representative Lynch is trying to run out the clock, and that he is not only scared of our campaign to bring progressive change to Washington, but is scared to face the voters of the 8th district," Goldstein said.

"We're happy to entertain any requests. It's more challenging in Covid times to arrange these things, but always happy to," said Lynch spokesperson Scott Ferson.

On the Republican side, Senate candidate Kevin O'Connor is calling on his opponent Shiva Ayyadurai to schedule a debate. Ayyadurai's campaign didn't respond to a request for comment.

"I'm ready to go," O'Connor said, adding that attempts to schedule a debate were met with "radio silence" from his opponent.

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TODAY Sen. Ed Markey and state Rep. Joseph McGonagle, Jr. distribute meals at the LUMA food pantry in Everett. Rep. Joe Kennedy III makes campaign stops in Gloucester and New Bedford, followed by an event in Quincy with former Rep. Bill Delahunt.

Mass. reports 177 new confirmed coronavirus cases, 25 new deaths, by Jaclyn Reiss, Boston Globe: The death toll from the coronavirus outbreak in Massachusetts among confirmed cases climbed by 25 to 8,053, the state reported Thursday. The number of confirmed cases climbed by 177, bringing the total to 105,138, as key metrics the state is using to monitor the reopening remained generally steady.

Massachusetts unemployment claims fall again, by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: There were 26,755 new unemployment claims filed in Massachusetts in the week ending July 4, according to numbers released Thursday by the federal government. Thats down 2,944 from 29,699 new claims for unemployment compensation filed in the week ending June 27.

Massachusetts Senates police reform bill held up due to concerns that it didnt undergo public hearing, by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: The Massachusetts Senates wide-ranging police reform bill is held up over criticisms that legislators didnt get enough time to review the bill and that the proposal hasnt been put to a public hearing. The Senate plans to meet at 10 a.m. Friday to discuss the bill after Sen. Ryan Fattman, a Webster Republican, tabled the bill over concerns about a lack of a public hearing and insufficient time to debate the bill.

State commissioner for deaf placed on leave amid ties to controversial fraternity, by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: The Baker administration on Thursday placed the states chief advocate for the deaf on administrative leave amid allegations he told staff members he wore robes resembling Ku Klux Klan garb and made apparent Nazi salutes while he was a member of a controversial college fraternity three decades ago.

Massachusetts State Police hand out punishments for troopers in overtime scandal, by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: State Police are handing out punishments for the remaining troopers embroiled in the infamous Troop E overtime scandal, announcing that one member has been fired and five more could get the boot while others face suspension without pay. One officer whose overtime fraud charges were sustained by the department and upheld by a Department Trial Board was terminated earlier this week, while five others have trial boards currently scheduled.

Massachusetts hospitals collectively saw more than $2 billion in losses as coronavirus spread, data shows, by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: Massachusetts hospital collectively saw more than $2 billion in net losses in early 2020 as the coronavirus spread to the United States and shook stock markets, according to data compiled by the state Center for Health Information and Analysis.

Boston schools mapping reopening, with 6 feet of social distancing built in, by Jenna Russell, Boston Globe: Facing an intense two-month sprint before the scheduled first day of school on Sept. 10 and mounting demand for details on their reopening plans Boston school officials say they will release three possible blueprints for the fall by the end of this month. One thing is already certain: the district will base its plans on 6 feet of social distancing in schools, not the 3-foot minimum included in state guidelines.

The Coming Eviction Crisis Will Be Worse Than You Think, by Sofia Rivera, Boston Magazine: When Gov. Charlie Baker signed the statewide eviction and foreclosure moratorium in late April, it was an approval with an asterisk: The freeze would lift 45 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency ended or 120 days from the date the bill was passed, whichever came first. Theres no predicted end to the pandemic in sight, but the sand in the 120-day hourglass is set to run out on August 18.

FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Jesse Mermell Earns 19 Local Endorsements from Somerset, Mansfield, Medfield, Foxborough, Wellesley and Brookline, from the Mermell campaign: Jesse Mermell today expanded the coalition of local leaders supporting her campaign for Congress by earning 19 endorsements from six key communities. As COVID-19 has devastated local budgets across the country, it is essential that the next Congresswoman from the Fourth District has the right experience, vision and coalition to fight for federal funding to support our municipalities, said Mermell.

Charbonnier suspends candidacy for 12th Suffolk House seat, Dorchester Reporter: Cam Charbonnier, one of four candidates on the ballot for the September 1 election for state representative in the 12 Suffolk district, suspended his campaign today, citing the dynamics of the pandemic and the inspiring civil rights movement. A long time aide to Mayor Martin Walsh and the only white candidate in the field to succeed Representative Dan Cullinane, said that upon further reflection and conversation he realized that this is not my moment.

With latest SJC pick, Baker faces history and calls to meet the moment, by Matt Stout, Boston Globe: Over eight years, former Governor Deval Patrick effectively reshaped the states judiciary and its very top rung, appointing five new Supreme Judicial Court justices, many of them groundbreaking picks. Yet, quietly and quickly Governor Charlie Baker is poised to surpass not only Patricks influence on the states highest court, but that of any governor in nearly five decades.

District attorneys clash over young killers seeking parole based on brain research," by Shelley Murphy and John R. Ellement, Boston Globe: Nyasani Watt was 10 days shy of his 18th birthday when he fatally shot another teenager and wounded his friend on a Dorchester street in 2011, with a gun that had been handed to him by Sheldon Mattis, who was already 18. Both of them were convicted of first-degree murder for killing 16-year-old Jaivon Blake and sentenced to life in prison. But only Watt will get a chance to argue for parole some day because mandatory life sentences are banned for juvenile killers.

Sen. Warren: Trump was a failure before coronavirus crisis, CNN: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) thinks that Donald Trump was a failed president even before the coronavirus crisis hit the US, and that his failures will play a big part in the 2020 presidential election.

To US Rep. Richard Neal, President Donald Trumps petulance reinforces Supreme Court victory in tax case, by Jim Kinney, Springfield Republican: U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said Thursday that he, and by extension the American people, are one large step closer to seeing President Donald Trumps closely guarded tax records following rulings by the U.S. Supreme Court. The high court sent House subpoenas for the records back to lower courts for further rulings.

Supreme Court Gives Progressive Challenger Ammunition Against Rep. Richard Neal, by Daniel Marans and Arthur Delaney, HuffPost: A progressive mayor who is challenging Massachusetts Rep. Richard Neal (D) from the left seized on Thursdays Supreme Court rulings as evidence of Neals failure as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee to hold President Donald Trump accountable. In a pair of historic opinions written by conservative Chief Justice John Roberts, the Supreme Court rejected Trumps lawyers arguments that the president is immune from subpoenas of his personal records.

Animal rights advocates sue federal government over treatment of research primates, by David Abel, Boston Globe: In the wake of regulators formally rejecting a petition to improve the conditions of non-human primates used in federally funded research studies, a group of local animal rights advocates has sued the US Department of Agriculture, saying the agency refuses to raise standards for the animals.

Calls grow for coronavirus mask mandate ahead of Trumps New Hampshire rally, by Lisa Kashinsky, Boston Herald: Pressure is mounting on New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu to issue a mask mandate ahead of President Trumps rally in Portsmouth on Saturday, as locals fearing a surge in coronavirus cases brace for an influx of outsiders.

Three Massachusetts marijuana companies fined for use of pesticides, control violations, by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: Three marijuana companies in Massachusetts are facing fines for various violations, including the use of pesticides by two businesses and issues of control that would violate a state cap by the third business.

Herald: HEAR HIM ROAR. Globe: Portsmouth wary about what Trump rally could bring," "High court opens door to Trump's finances," "City schools look for more room to keep 6 ft. distance.

Springfield mayor: DOJ report knocking police narcotics unit disturbing and disappointing, by Stephanie Barry, Springfield Republican: Mayor Domenic Sarno called a recent report released by the U.S. Department of Justice assessing the police departments narcotics unit as out-of-control and excessively violent disturbing and disappointing during a press conference Thursday. The 28-page report released late Wednesday presented a withering picture of the unit, highlighting instances of falsified reports, lax oversight and alleged beat-downs of arrestees with a particular focus on punches to the head and neck.

Emails indicate Provincetown arts center director aware of Jeffrey Epstein cover-up, by Ethan Genter, Cape Cod Times: When Richard MacMillan was hired as co-executive director of the Fine Arts Work Center in spring 2019, his main focus was to raise money for the prestigious arts institute. The center, known for its seven-month artist-writer fellowship program, was in the middle of a $5 million fundraising campaign, and MacMillan was chosen in a national search to help reach or exceed that goal.

Newton is not a utopia. Task force to review policing, by John Hilliard, Boston Globe: Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller launched a sweeping review of the citys police force this week, as a newly appointed task force began work to develop recommendations that she said will impact the departments direction for years to come. The 12-member advisory group met for the first time Wednesday, and comes after advocates have called for a broader discussion about the role of policing in Newton and the communitys relationship to its residents of color.

Needham man cited in Newton protest incident, Associated Press: Police in the Boston suburb of Newton have cited a man for driving his pickup truck through a group of young Black Lives Matter demonstrators. The man, identified only as a 55-year-old Needham resident, was cited for operating a motor vehicle so as to endanger and failure to use care when starting a motor vehicle, police said.

Methuen mayor says 45 layoffs coming, by Bill Kirk, Eagle-Tribune: With the city facing a $7 million shortfall, Mayor Neil Perry said Tuesday the budget he is presenting to the City Council Wednesday will include up to 45 layoffs of city workers. Perry, who has been hospitalized this week, said that on the plus side, the last fiscal year ended with a $2 million infusion into the free cash account -- which is money left over at the end of the fiscal year.

Worcester police to start processing license to carry requests again, by Brian Lee, Telegram & Gazette: The Police Department on Monday will begin to process first-time license to carry applications, in line with the governors third phase of reopening businesses and organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The applications will be done by appointment, said Lt. Sean Murtha, a department spokesman. The police hadnt processed first-time LTC applications since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

TRANSITIONS Kimberly Atkins joins Boston Globe Opinion as a senior writer and member of the Editorial Board. Tweet.

Claire Richer joins American Wind Energy Association as federal affairs director. She was previously a legislative aide to Sen. Ed Markey.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Edie Mead Holway, Andy Flick, chief of staff to Rep. David Trone and former political director for the Serve America PAC, and Samuel Weinstock, legislative aide for Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

HAPPY BIRTHWEEKEND to Sen. Ed Markey, who turns 74, WBURs Jack Lepiarz, Maximos Nikitas and Chris Maloney, partner at the Black Rock Group and a Mitt Romney alum, who all celebrate Saturday. And to Sunday birthday-ers to Charlestown state Rep. Dan Ryan, Daily Hampshire Gazette reporter Scott Merzbach and Paul Shone.

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