President Donald Trump described former VP Joe Biden as Pennsylvania’s “worst nightmare” in a speech in Old Forge on Thursday, while a new poll shows Biden leading Trump by 4 points in the state. Here is the Playbook.

Trump Tags Biden As ‘PA’s Worst Nightmare’ In Old Forge: President Donald Trump described the free trade agreements previously supported by Biden as “globalist attacks on Pennsylvania workers.”

Morning Call/Muhlenberg College Poll: Biden 48, Trump 44: Trump receives “solid ratings” on his handling of the most important issue, the economy, while he receives poor grades for his response to the second most important issue, COVID-19.

“Hack Lawyer” – Shapiro Ad Slams Heidelbaugh: Attorney General Josh Shapiro returns fire in his first television ad after Republican hopeful Heather Heidelbaugh’s first TV ad included a thinly veiled jab at Shapiro for his rumored interest in running for governor in 2022.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Bidding for Pennsylvania, Trump trolls Biden in old backyard 
AP: GOP bill on school sports clears state House committee 
AP: Mariner East fined again as another spill fouls state park 
Morning Call: Joe Biden leads Donald Trump narrowly among Pennsylvania voters in new Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll
Patriot News: ‘Let them play’ rally cry at state Capitol: Parents, students, coaches hope to play fall sports 
Patriot News: Biden holds ‘narrow’ lead over Trump in Pa.: poll 
Patriot News: Trump comes to Pa. on Biden’s big night, says Democratic nominee will unleash ‘mayhem’ across America 
Patriot News: Pa. House panel approves bills letting schools decide whether to hold fall sports 
Patriot News: Western Pa. legislators criticize Wolf administration’s COVID-19 deal allowing Carlisle car shows to go on 
Patriot News: Selinsgrove man accused of sending threatening, obscene emails to Wolf’s office 
Patriot News: Coronavirus in Pa.: 791 new cases, 126,940 overall
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Athletes and parents rally for school sports in Harrisburg 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Ahead of Biden’s DNC speech, and running behind in a battleground, Trump trolls ex-Veep on his home turf 
WHYY Newsworks: Trump, Biden battle for the soul of Scranton  
Inquirer: Trump says Biden ‘abandoned Scranton’ in Pa. visit just before Biden’s Democratic convention speech 
PLSReporter: Education Committee pushes through sports, grade repeat and teacher certification bills 
PLSReporter: COVID-19 by the numbers: A statewide look at the coronavirus in Pa. 
Fox News: Trump mocks Biden’s Scranton roots ahead of convention speech: ‘He abandoned Pennsylvania’ 
Fox News: Pennsylvania voters tell Lawrence Jones why they oppose Biden: ‘He had 40 years to make it right here’ 
Fox News: Biden to accept nomination as Trump takes shots from rival’s hometown 
Fox News: Trump to visit Joe Biden’s hometown of Scranton, Pa. on final day of DNC
StateImpactPA: DEP fines CNX for well failure near Westmoreland County reservoir 
StateImpactPA: Nature organizations say they’re working to reach out to Black environmentalists. They need to go deeper, an environmental justice expert says 
StateImpactPA: Report: Clean energy jobs among fastest-growing in state from 2017-2019
National Journal: State, Local Republicans Quietly Encourage Voting by Mail
KYW Newsradio: Pa. asks for extended food assistance as kids return to schools remotely
Bucks Local News: COVID BY THE NUMBERS: Pennsylvania releases latest round of case counts
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Wolf administration announces special education funding, calls on federal government to extend meal waivers 
The Hill: Poll: Trump and Biden matchup within margin of error in Pennsylvania 
The Hill: Trump goes after Biden in Pennsylvania hours before Democratic convention speech 
The Hill: Progressive group to launch virtual back-to-school effort to turn out college voters 
The Hill: Religious leaders launch 9-day pilgrimage for racial justice from Charlottesville to D.C. 
Politico: ‘Imagine the mayhem coming to your town’: Trump offers his Biden prebuttal with dark predictions 
Politico: Trump takes swipes at mail-in voting and Biden at campaign event in Pennsylvania 
Politico: Parsing the climate message
KDKA: Scranton And Pennsylvania Play Key Role In Run-Up To Joe Biden’s Acceptance Speech
CNN: Fact check: Trump delivers blizzard of false claims in Pennsylvania speech attacking Biden 
Huffington Post: Trump Cooks Up Wacky New Birther Slam: Joe Biden Wasn’t Born In Pennsylvania

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Pennsylvania Democrats who spoke at the convention got another boost — from Trump
Billy Penn: Jill Biden would be the first official First Lady from the Philly area 
Inquirer: Philly encampments will remain at least through Tuesday, federal judge says 
Inquirer: Indoor dining in Philly can return Sept. 8 — for now | Morning Newsletter
Philadelphia Magazine: Face Shields, Sneeze Guards and a Ban on Groups: Indoor Dining Returns to Philly On September 8th
Philadelphia Citizen: Seriously? Now The Post Office Is Dramatic? 
KYW Newsradio: Federal judge to decide if city can evict protesters from homeless encampments along Parkway
KYW Newsradio: Indoor dining returning to Philadelphia on Sept. 8 — with restrictions
KYW Newsradio: Stimulus aid is dead, but unemployed workers demand Congress revive compensation
KYW Newsradio: City set to open 31 access centers so kids can attend their online classes
KYW Newsradio: Obama visits Philadelphia to endorse Biden, excoriate Trump in DNC speech
Philly Voice: Philly restaurants allowed to restart indoor dining with significant restrictions after Labor Day
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia will finally lift its indoor dining ban after Labor Day. Here’s what you need to know.  
WHYY Newsworks: Kenyatta Johnson’s new Eastwick task force to tackle buyout question 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly announces drop-off sites for families who need child care this fall 
WHYY Newsworks: WURD celebrates its founder and Black women in politics 
WHYY Newsworks: What the return of indoor dining means in Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus recovery: Philly to resume indoor dining in Sept. with restrictions

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Legislation introduced to provide financial relief to local bars, restaurants and catering halls
KYW Newsradio: DEP notifies Sunoco of violation along portion of Mariner East II pipeline
Montgomery Media: Coronavirus spread in Montgomery County linked to social events
Daily Local News: Testimony: Pandemic, bias worsens high death rate for US mothers 
Daily Local News: Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board to vote on whether to retire ‘Indian’ logo 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Appeal by gun owners over city ordinances moved to Commonwealth Court
Post-Gazette: Allegheny council committee hears from another expert on civilian police review board 
Post-Gazette: PPS board to vote on Hamlet’s contract renewal next week
Post-Gazette: GAO review sought for $10.2 million contract to TeleTracking Technologies
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. reports nearly 800 new cases, with Pittsburgh region up 214
WESA: AG Shapiro Calls For ‘Binding Agreement’ To Protect U.S. Postal Service
Tribune Review: Police charge Pittsburgh man with assault, riot after protest at Mayor Peduto’s house
Tribune Review: Allegheny County covid-19 cases increase to triple digits
City Paper: Police escalate protest outside Peduto’s house with pepper spray, projectiles, and apparent kettling 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Police Use Pepper Spray On Demonstrators And Charge 26-Year-Old Man After Protest Outside Mayor Peduto’s Home 
KDKA: Joe Biden Supporters Flock To Carrie Blast Furnaces To Watch Former VP Accept Democratic Presidential Nomination 
KDKA: Around The Table: Political Analysts Discuss The Impact Of A Virtual Democratic National Convention 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Lawmakers Pushing To Change Visitation Policies At Long-Term Care Facilities
KDKA: ‘They’re Ready For Change:’ Demonstrators Once Again Gather Outside Of Mayor Peduto’s Home 
KDKA: PIAA To Hold Meeting About The Future Of 2020 Fall Sports 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Announces 100 New Coronavirus Cases, 1 Additional Death

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Snyder seeks relief for restaurants, end of 25% capacity order
Observer-Reporter: Drug overdose deaths in Washington County increased by 5 from 2018
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 cases drop in Allegheny County; college students urged to wear masks
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Wolf administration announces special education funding, calls on federal government to extend meal waivers
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Blair County adds 10 COVID-19 cases; nursing homes remain prime focus for prevention
Tribune Review: Group stages protest, march in downtown Greensburg
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County posts 2nd largest covid-19 case increase of August
KDKA: Black Lives Matter Protest Marches Through Greensburg 
Altoona Mirror: School sports bill makes headway
Beaver County Times: Shell: Reports of new cracker plant layoffs false

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Trump questions Biden’s Scranton roots, predicts chaos under Democratic rule
Times-Tribune: Casey, Cognetti blast Trump ahead of Old Forge event
Times-Tribune: Biden supporters hold watch DNC watch parties throughout area
Times-Tribune: First COVID-19 death in Lackawanna County in a month
WHYY Newsworks: Trump, Biden battle for the soul of Scranton 
Citizens Voice: Trump says Biden presidency would bring chaos
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County seeks deputy election director
Citizens Voice: Six new positive COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County 
The Times Leader: Navarro touts Trump’s economic impact on Pa.
The Times Leader: Northeastern Pennsylvania leaders blast Trump, tout support for Biden 
The Times Leader: Brown expects WB deficit for 2020, attributes it to pandemic 
The Times Leader: Attorney claims evidence of racial discrimination by WB Twp. Council
The Times Leader: Beyond the Byline: Pennsylvania again the keystone as 2020 election looms 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Dems gather for socially distant watch party on last night of DNC
The Times Leader: 6 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 791 statewide

South Central 
Patriot News: ‘Let them play’ rally cry at state Capitol: Parents, students, coaches hope to play fall sports 
Patriot News: Western Pa. legislators criticize Wolf administration’s COVID-19 deal allowing Carlisle car shows to go on 
Patriot News: Protest held at Dauphin County Prison following death of inmate
York Dispatch: York County spent $4.7M on COVID-19 response 
York Dispatch: State appoints new recovery officer for York City schools
York Dispatch: York County has 45 new cases linked to COVID-19, one new death
York Daily Record: Hundreds of people attend rally for fall sports 
Carlisle Sentinel: DEP assesses $355K penalty to Sunoco over Mariner East 2 violations in eight counties
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: Cumberland County sees 16 new COVID-19 cases Thursday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Number of Lancaster County residents staying unemployed rises 12.1%, showing COVID-19’s lasting impact 
LNP | LancasterOnline: 68% of Pennsylvania coronavirus deaths are from nursing and personal care homes 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Manheim Township Commissioner tries to oust Democratic Party member over Skyline Pool comments, emails show 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Thursday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. has seen more than 126K cases, Lancaster County up to 6.3K

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Joe Biden leads Donald Trump narrowly among Pennsylvania voters in new Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll
Morning Call: Trump gives shoutout to the Lehigh Valley, but mistakenly calls legendary Easton boxer Larry Holmes ‘Ernie’ 
Morning Call: Confused about how to vote by mail? This information from Lehigh and Northampton counties may help 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 791 more cases reported; lawmakers advance measure to let students get extra school year due to pandemic 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 791 new cases, 15 more deaths, but key metrics showing decline | Pa. COVID-19 county case map (08/20/20)
Reading Eagle: Pa. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman expresses concern about safe return of fall sports
Reading Eagle: Postal Service delivery delays remain a concern among Berks County residents 
Reading Eagle: 22 more coronavirus cases for Berks County in Pennsylvania Department of Health reporting

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie County Council nears vote on community college board
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 1 new case of COVID-19, and other updates for Aug. 20
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Legislators grill state secretaries of health, education
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County one new COVID-19 case

Opinion  
Alan Novak and T.J. Rooney: Mail-in ballots do not favor one political party over another 
John Baer: Coronavirus should have made our government better. It hasn’t.  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Overdose death during COVID-19 is a disaster within a disaster 
Inquirer Editorial Board: 100 years after 19th Amendment, voting rights and equality are still precarious  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A tool cops need 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Fixing the turnpike mess 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Citizens United 10 years on 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The prince’s death squad
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Yorkers must work together to turn the numbers around
John L. Micek: Nursing homes have been devastated by COVID-19. A new report offers fixes | Thursday Morning Coffee
Tony Norman: From Portland to Pittsburgh: These totalitarian times
Mark O’Keefe: Poll workers are essential employees. We need to treat them that way 
Froma Harrop: Why environmentalists should applaud Biden
Larry Platt: The Mensch Postulate
Queen Muse: Philly Should Declare Racism a Public Health Crisis — And Then Do Something About it
Corbin Pomeranz: Homicides aren’t the only tragic cost of Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic 
Jamar Thrasher: I’m the father of a third-grader: How the pandemic taught me new ways to be a parent 
Trudy Rubin: The Israel-UAE deal won’t resolve the Palestine problem
Will Bunch: DNC’s audacity of hope was that America is really empathetic and good