Rep. Dan Meuser tests positive for COVID-19, while a GOP super PAC launches an attack ad on Democratic challenger Christina Finello in PA1. Here is the Playbook.

August 21st Ups & Downs: Three PA Democrats take the stage for the DNC, the PAGOP has a new national committeeman, plus a report shows clean energy job growth. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Meuser Tests Positive for COVID-19: The Luzerne County Republican sent out a press release on Saturday afternoon announcing that he tested positive for COVID-19 and that he’s following CDC health and safety guidelines.

PA1: GOP Super PAC Links Finello to Pelosi in Attack Ad: Defending Main Street’s television ad describes Dem challenger Christina Finello as supportive of Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “radical agenda.”

Dem Poll: Fitzpatrick 47, Finello 35: Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick leads Christina Finello by 12 points, although 40% said that they never heard of the Democratic challenger. Former VP Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by 9 points in the district as well.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Pennsylvania congressman tests positive for COVID-19
AP: Pennsylvania school athletics board greenlights fall season
AP: Fixing Pennsylvania mail-in vote glitches goes down to wire 
AP: July jobless rate, payrolls rise as Pennsylvania seeks aid 
AP: Nearly 60 gaming machines seized in illegal gambling raid 
WITF: Federal judge stays Trump campaign lawsuit over Pa. voting rules 
Erie News Now: Conversation with Pa. House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff
Spotlight PA: After Spotlight PA report on campus racism, lawmaker tells state system to take action 
Spotlight PA: Review of COVID-19’s effect on communities of color largely ignores Pa. inmates
Washington Examiner: How an Afghanistan veteran went from broken to featured Republican convention speaker
Inquirer: Republicans are trying to survive an anti-Trump wave in the Philly suburbs: ‘A lot of Democrats vote for me’
Inquirer: Donald Trump and Barack Obama agreed on one thing in dueling Pa. visits: Win, or it’s the apocalypse
Inquirer: Pennsylvania officially sues USPS over mail delays as postmaster general blames coronavirus 
Inquirer: Everything you need to know about voting by mail, or in person, in Pennsylvania 
Inquirer: As Penn State students return, the local business community fights to survive
Inquirer: Pa. issues a new round of penalties against Sunoco Pipeline for Mariner East mishaps
Inquirer: Republican National Convention: Start time, speakers, how to watch and stream first night 
Inquirer: ‘He’s not being educated’: For students with autism and severe disabilities, the pandemic is a disaster. What comes next?
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Against Wolf’s wishes, PIAA greenlights fall sports  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. should use up its $1B reserve before asking Congress for more COVID cash, Republicans say
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Schools stare down teen mental health crisis as they prepare for largely virtual year  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: White and old no more. Forget everything you think you know about Scranton
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: House passes bill to boost post office funding by $25 billion, block service changes 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Postmaster general insists it’s his ‘sacred duty’ to ensure election mail on time 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: As Biden accepts the Democrats’ nomination, Pittsburgh faithful rally — safely — to the cause
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: An important milestone | Five for Your Weekend
Delaware Valley Journal: PA Republicans Say Biden Will Face a ‘Steel Curtain’ in Pennsylvania
Patriot News: Protests planned across Pa. post offices as House lawmakers take up bill to infuse $25 billion to service 
Patriot News: Faculty ranks at Pa. state universities could shrink by hundreds to cut costs 
Patriot News: Former Central Pa. teacher, new NEA president ready to ‘turn up the heat’ to rally support for public education 
Patriot News: Biden speech strikes good balance between attacking Trump and offering worthy agenda, Pa. viewers say 
Patriot News: 619 new coronavirus cases reported today in Pa. 
KDKA: Race For State Attorney General Heats Up In August As Candidates Go After Each Other
KDKA: Major Trump Federal Lawsuit About Pennsylvania’s Mail-In Voting Effectively Shut Down
USA Today: Trump campaign fails to provide evidence of Pa. mail-in ballot fraud
Morning Call: Lehigh County to conduct independent audit of Allentown Pa. House race in 2 precincts as Enid Santiago announces write-in campaign
Morning Call: Pennsylvanians back wearing masks but divided on how to reopen schools amid coronavirus, new Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll shows 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Congressman Dan Meuser tests positive for coronavirus
PLSReporter: PIAA votes to allow fall sports to take place at decision of local school districts 
PLSReporter: ‘They deserve better’: Wolf Administration applies for federal unemployment assistance program  
Fox News: 6 states sue USPS saying changes have harmed ability to conduct ‘free and fair elections’ 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. offering ‘safe return’ to some parolees who have violated supervision rules
StateImpactPA: DEP fines Sunoco again for drilling mud spills, but Mariner East pipeline opponents say penalties aren’t fixing the problem 
StateImpactPA: No ‘bomb trains’: 14 states aim to take new rule on LNG transport off the rails 
National Journal: Poll: Fitzpatrick 47%, Finello 35% 
National Journal: Pennsylvania Poll: Biden 49%, Trump 45%.  
The Hill: How six key swing states handle voting by mail 
The Hill: Rep. Dan Meuser tests positive for COVID-19 
KYW Newsradio: Study finds hundreds of Pa. child care centers in danger of closing without financial assistance
CNN: Trump campaign has to work overtime to counter the President’s message on mail-in voting 
CNN: Back to school in the age of Covid 
CNN: Pennsylvania congressman tests positive for Covid-19, won’t vote on USPS funding 
The Times Leader: AG Shapiro announces lawsuit to ensure safe, secure vote-by-mail

Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Magazine: Mayor Kenney Claims 200 Sanitation Workers Are Out Sick Daily. Union Head Calls B.S. 
Philadelphia Magazine: Fresh Air Host Terry Gross on Her Hardest Interviews and Her Secret Twitter Account
WHYY Newsworks: Organizers push to register more Puerto Ricans in PA ahead of elections 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly’s Black-owned business crisis: Walloped by the pandemic and closing at faster rates
WHYY Newsworks: Philly teens to reach out to shooters as violence increasingly targets their peers
Inquirer: Rally held for the Postal Service outside Philly’s historic post office
Inquirer: Philly school board rejects tax break for Hilco’s redevelopment of former refinery site
Inquirer: 2 dead, at least 11 shot — including six teens — since Saturday night in yet another violent Philly weekend 
Billy Penn: What is up with young adults in Philly not taking coronavirus seriously? Here’s what they said
Billy Penn: Philly’s newest Black Lives Matter mural is on its most prominent government building
Philadelphia Tribune: Some Black voters in Philly suspicious of mail-in ballots 
KYW Newsradio: Surge in deadly gun violence pushes Philadelphia leaders to delve deeper into causes
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia school board rejects tax breaks for new owner of PES refinery, jeopardizing redevelopment
KYW Newsradio: Housing insecurity worsens as pandemic prolongs without unemployment compensation
KYW Newsradio: Philly school board votes unanimously to endorse Black Lives Matter week
KYW Newsradio: 2 Philly nonprofits merge to better serve LGBTQ seniors
Philly Voice: Pa. applies for $300 weekly ‘Lost Wages Assistance’ federal unemployment program
Philadelphia Business Journal: ‘It’s a huge responsibility’: Philadelphia restaurant owners cautious about relaunching indoor dining on Sept. 8 
Philadelphia Citizen: Making Contact

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Congressman votes yes to $25B spending bill in support of the U.S. Postal Service 
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Congressman introduces bipartisan bill to improve data sharing efforts crucial to combating COVID-19 
Bucks Local News: AUGUST 20 BUCKS COUNTY COVID-19 UPDATE: Cases drop to average of 26 per day; one death reported
Daily Local News: Houlahan votes for $25 billion rescue package for Postal Service 
Daily Local News: Chester County commissioners plan Aug. 26 virtual public meeting 
Daily Local News: Rep. Howard to host virtual town hall with PECO Aug. 24 
Daily Local News: Houlahan urges action on unemployment insurance 
Daily Local News: Comitta announces bill to preserve environmental panel
Delco Daily Times: Marijuana sales booming during pandemic 
Delco Daily Times: Pandemic issues dominate Media council business 
KYW Newsradio: ‘So far, so good’: North Carolina lab offers speedy results for Montco’s coronavirus tests
Inquirer: Pa. issues a new round of penalties against Sunoco Pipeline for Mariner East mishaps
Inquirer: Republicans are trying to survive an anti-Trump wave in the Philly suburbs: ‘A lot of Democrats vote for me’
Pottstown Mercury: Libertarian candidate on ballot for 147th House Dist. race
Montgomery Media: ‘I don’t want to catch it’: Life inside Montgomery County prison during coronavirus pandemic

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Peduto Announces Public Safety Changes After Protest Ends In Pepper Spray, Arrest
WESA: One Week After Cyclist’s Arrest, Civil Saturdays Continues With Little Police Interaction
WESA: Local Activist Arrested In Front Of Peduto’s Home
Pittsburgh Business Times: Exclusive: U.S. Labor secretary hopes Pa. will apply for extended jobless benefits
Pittsburgh Business Times: How the PIAA, Allegheny County Health Department and WPIAL plan to proceed with high school fall sports
Post-Gazette: Protest follows arrest of activist after tense 2-hour standoff near Mayor Peduto’s home 
Post-Gazette: Peduto implements police oversight in wake of recent protests
Post-Gazette: Trump campaign files its evidence in mail voting suit 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 derails plans to address state funding for PennDOT, transit agencies
Post-Gazette: Delta Foundation to dissolve, says it can’t go forward without Pittsburgh Pride revenue 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Police social media policy under review as posts made by officer are investigated 
Post-Gazette: Amid pandemic and threats to ACA, health care providers turn to lobbying
Post-Gazette: Schools aim to feed students — including remote learners — this fall
Post-Gazette: No new deaths in W. Pa., as COVID-19 cases in the region rise by 188
KDKA: Neighbors Of Mayor Bill Peduto Show Support For Protesters Through Chalk Messages 
KDKA: Protests Calling For Police Accountability Expected To Continue In Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Trump Campaign Holds ‘MAGA Meet-Up’ In Murrysville
KDKA: Protesters Expected To Continue Demonstrations Following Week Of Protests Outside Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s House  
KDKA: Activist Arrested Near Mayor Bill Peduto’s Home After ‘Multiple Complaints From Area Residents,’ Police Say
KDKA: Two Black Lives Matter Protests Merge Into One; Hundreds Advocate For Police Reform
KDKA: LGBTQ Organization, Delta Foundation Of Pittsburgh, To Officially Dissolve  
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Superintendent Recommends Postponing Fall Sports
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 86 New Coronavirus Cases, No Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Most of W.Pa. delegation will watch GOP convention from home
Tribune Review: Mayor Peduto shakes up Pittsburgh police units after escalating clashes with protesters
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh school board member forgets to turn off camera as she showers during virtual meeting
Tribune Review: Spokeswoman: Delta Foundation of Pittsburgh is dissolving
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 86 new coronavirus cases
City Paper: Peduto announces changes to police department following controversial police tactics this week; no discipline mentioned
City Paper: Pittsburgh Police Sergeant shares racist and anti-protest material on social media during ongoing Black Lives Matter demonstrations
City Paper: PHOTOS: Three demonstrations merge in Pittsburgh on Saturday, following week of criticisms directed at Pittsburgh Police and Mayor Peduto

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Can we stop the slide?: Answers to halting population decline remain elusive 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Blair crosses 400 mark for COVID-19 positives, Cambria adds 12 cases over weekend
Beaver County Times: BLM march to DC comes through Beaver County 
Observer-Reporter: Attorney for counties suing Wolf, Levine, obtains confidential document to bolster case 
Observer-Reporter: Washington councilman sentenced on DUI charge 
Observer-Reporter: Allegheny County nears 10,000 COVID-19 cases
Tribune Review: Trump supporters rally in Murrysville as Wendy Bell headlines opening of ‘2020 Trump Victory Center’ 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County adds 15 new coronavirus cases 
KDKA: Protesters Rally In Greensburg In Support of US Postal Service
Altoona Mirror: Blair, Cambria coronavirus numbers climbing
Altoona Mirror: Deanne Paul will ‘hit the ground running’ in Bedford County DA’s office

NEPA
Times-Tribune: U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser tests positive for COVID-19 
Times-Tribune: Judge says he intends to sentence ex-Scranton mayor next month
Times-Tribune: Scranton sues businesses to recoup economic development loans  
Times-Tribune: Seven local districts to receive emergency funding for special education students 
Times-Tribune: No new NEPA deaths from COVID-19; state positive testing rate at 3%
The Times Leader: Meuser tests positive for COVID-19
The Times Leader: Report: Economic impacts of pandemic will affect local governments  
The Times Leader: Pedri recommends Mackey review
The Times Leader: 12 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 619 statewide
Citizens Voice: Meuser tests positive for COVID-19 
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County Republicans getting ready for convention week 
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County to seek independent review of Mackey case
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre health staff investigated over 500 coronavirus cases in the city 
Citizens Voice: Still not clear how many Mackey case investigations will develop
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre NAACP announces upcoming meetings for election of officers 
Citizens Voice: Judge O’Donnell acquitted on harassment charge  
Citizens Voice: 12 more COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County on Sunday

South Central 
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County officials alert voters of misleading mailers 
Carlisle Sentinel: Group holds rally in front of U.S. Post Office building in Carlisle Saturday 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 8 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Sunday
York Dispatch: DePasquale who? Dem candidate for Pa.’s 10th District hits road as name recognition lags 
York Dispatch: ‘Save the Post Office’ rally takes aim at postmaster general, president 
York Dispatch: York Hospital bans most visitors; York County outbreak among Pa.’s worst, state says
York Daily Record: Protesters rally in York to save the post office  
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: Total cases in Pa. surpasses 129K, 6.4K coming from Lancaster County
Patriot News: Protests planned across Pa. post offices as House lawmakers take up bill to infuse $25 billion to service 
Patriot News: 619 new coronavirus cases reported today in Pa.

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Lehigh County to conduct independent audit of Allentown Pa. House race in 2 precincts as Enid Santiago announces write-in campaign
Morning Call: Pennsylvanians back wearing masks but divided on how to reopen schools amid coronavirus, new Morning Call/Muhlenberg College poll shows 
Morning Call: Post office protesters in Bethlehem rally against what they see as an attempt to suppress votes 
Morning Call: How will kids stay masked and distanced on school buses? That has Lehigh Valley parents and school officials worried. 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Cases surpass 129,000 on Sunday, as 619 more people test positive
Reading Eagle: Congressman Dan Meuser tests positive for the coronavirus 
Reading Eagle: Supporters rally at Wyomissing post office against mail delivery changes made ahead of the November election 
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania agriculture secretary in Berks County to announce relief payments for farmers who dumped milk 
Reading Eagle: Reading residents to protest garbage ordinance
Reading Eagle: Robesonia rally shows support for area police officers 
Reading Eagle: Berks has 33 new coronavirus cases, one new death, Pa. reports
Express Times: 378 additional Northampton County businesses could benefit from $4.7M in COVID-19 assistance 
Express Times: Bethlehem rally calls for U.S. Postal Service protection (PHOTOS) 
Express Times: Larry Holmes throws counter punch after Trump flubs name in Pa.: #wearentfriends 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Elections officials vouch by security of mail-in voting
Erie Times-News: Protesters oppose USPS changes at Erie rally 
Erie Times-News: Mayor to use Erie Water Works deal to keep city afloat
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Keller tours Energy Transfer
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Bellefonte council members considering mask mandate
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: County planning commission discusses COVID-19 funding
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 8 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: 2 additional Centre Region municipalities adopt enforceable masking ordinances
Centre Daily Times: Penn State launches COVID-19 dashboard to track test results; 148 test positive pre-arrival
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 2 cases of COVID-19, and other updates for Aug. 23

Opinion  
Rick Santorum: It’s not just about the economy
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We all have to prepare, now, to vote in the Nov. 3 election — Pa. lawmakers ought to act soon, too 
Inquirer Editorial Board: USPS is key to voting but other parts of the system need improvement too 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Building on what can be built upon 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A service worth keeping 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Improve your diet 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Fish Commission lands one
John L. Micek: LGBTQ groups enter SCOTUS fight between Philly, Catholic charity over foster services | Friday Morning Coffee
Leo Hindery Jr: To keep Pennsylvania’s small businesses alive, revive a credit program that worked 
Aryanna Hunter: Why did Sen. Doug Mastriano water down a resolution honoring military sexual assault survivors? 
Ruth Ann Dailey: Mayor Peduto has work to do
Helen Ubiñas: For college students from Philly, closed campuses means they can’t escape the city’s gun violence 
Salena Zito: A historical city went from boom to bust in the blink of an eye 
Kim Krawczyk and Liza Piekarsky: Going back to school in a pandemic challenges our children’s mental health. Here’s how you can help
Tim Hartman: The Tipping Point | Editorial Cartoon
Roderick Random: Law, order message doesn’t promote law, order
Peter Durantine: Is America really the home of the free? What our history tell us
Chris Kelly: Trump jumps shark in Old Forge
Martha Jones: Black women are founders of American democracy. How will we live up to their ideals?
Lloyd E. Sheaffer: The most successful strategy in life 
Jenice Armstrong: Grandmother wants daughter’s opioid OD last month to be a warning 
Nasr Sadar: Lack of internet access holds immigrant communities back 
Will Bunch: QAnon giving America a scary look at what a ‘Biden resistance’ would look like in 2021 
Olivia Miller: US women hold more seats in government, but not enough
Keith C. Burris: Happy days or ‘Jaws’?
David Shribman: Trump’s Republican sideshow will go on
Gene Therapy: Biggest Trump story this week got little notice