NPR moves Pennsylvania from a Toss-Up to Leans Democrat for the presidential race, while the PA AFL-CIO announces its endorsements for races in the fall. Here is the Playbook.

NPR Moves PA From Toss-Up to Leans Dem for Presidential Race: The ratings analyst pointed to Biden’s lead increasing in the state over Trump, plus the former VP’s ties to PA in the rating change.

Lujan Grisham To Lead PA Virtual Roundtable on Biden’s Agenda for the Latino Community: New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham will detail former VP Joe Biden’s “comprehensive plan that outlines the steps he would take as president to level the playing field for Latino families and ensure Latino communities in Pennsylvania are able to thrive.”

Boyle and Dean To Participate in Irish Americans for Biden Virtual Rally: Actor Mark Hamill, former Gov. Martin O’Malley, and Reps. Brendan Boyle and Madeleine Dean will headline the event on Thursday evening.

Spruce Street Consulting Announces the Launch of Premiere Compliance Firm: Spruce Street Consulting announced on Thursday the launch of its premier political and nonprofit compliance firm that works with clients in Pennsylvania and across the nation. According to a release from the firm, “the woman-owned consulting firm focuses on political and nonprofit compliance, file management, operational and human resources support, lobby reporting and pay-to-play compliance, and compliance training.” Victoria Perrone, President and Founder, served as the Pennsylvania Operations Director for Organizing Together 2020 and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential Campaign, was a member of Governor Tom Wolf’s successful campaign in 2014, his Inaugural Committee and later, in his administration, prior to consulting. Tara Jerry, the Compliance Manager, past fundraising and compliance clients have included Governor Tom Wolf, Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Pittsburgh City Councilperson Corey O’Connor, State Senator Lindsey Williams, State Representative Sara Innamorato, and more.

PA AFL-CIO Endorses PA Candidates: The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO announced endorsements for candidates in Pennsylvania which included backing former VP Joe Biden for president, all three Democratic statewide candidates, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Bucks) and the rest of the Democratic candidates for Congress in the state, and endorsements for the state legislature. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Wolf roils youth sports world by urging halt until January
AP: Man breaks into Pennsylvania town hall, destroys computers
Patriot News: GOP lawmakers say Pa. Gov. Wolf is out of bounds in calling for no high school sports until 2021
Patriot News: Pa. schools respond to Gov. Wolf’s stance on school sports: “I’m hoping there’s more clarity”
Patriot News: PIAA to release official statement on fall sports on Friday
Patriot News: People waiting way too long for COVID-19 test results in Pa.
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s 116,521 coronavirus cases? Aug. 6 map, county-by-county breakdown
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf administration recommends schools cancel sports until Jan. 2021
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Break quarantine, risk legal action, Pa. warns people exposed to COVID-19
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: On 55th anniversary of Voting Rights Act, Black lawmakers stress importance of voting in November
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: It’s easier than ever to get a COVID-19 test in Pennsylvania, but national backlogs are still delaying results 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We’ve seen the devastating effects of gentrification’: Lancaster protest focuses on housing equity
LNP | LancasterOnline: PIAA to hold meeting Friday after Gov. Wolf recommends delaying high school sports to 2021 
Inquirer: Pa. wants to expand coronavirus testing but faces a shortage of supplies and lab result delays, Wolf and Levine say
Inquirer: Girls’ High grad to lead the National Education Association, the country’s largest union
Inquirer: For Pa. and N.J. law school graduates, bar exams will be held despite virus and questions about the testing ordeal
PLSReporter: Wolf Administration recommends against holding youth sports for rest of year 
PLSReporter: ‘That’s too long’: Despite expanded testing, Wolf Administration critical of delays in results 
Fox News: Black teen forced to take off Black Lives Matter mask at high school graduation ceremony
KDKA: Wolf Administration, Health Dept. Teaming With Walmart, Quest Diagnostics To Expand Coronavirus Testing
KDKA: Former WPIAL Executive Director Says Canceling Fall Sports Would Have Far-Reaching Impacts 
StateImpactPA: Pa. produces a lot of greenhouse gases, but its Republican-led legislature isn’t acting on climate change — even as scientists say the clock is ticking 
StateImpactPA: How Tropical Storm Isaias is connected to climate change
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania’s filed unemployment claims dropped 20% from previous week’s report 
National Journal: State AFL-CIO Endorses Fitzpatrick 
Post-Gazette: Pa. DEP pushes greenhouse gas pact
Politico: Club for Growth launches anti-Biden ad blitz
The Hill: Club for Growth rolls out ad blitz hitting Biden 
The Hill: The Memo: Campaigns gird for rush of early voting  

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Retired Philly cops want to ‘counter-punch’ George Soros for boosting Larry Krasner in the 2017 DA race
Philly Voice: Here’s every candidate in the Philly region endorsed by President Trump or former President Obama
Philly Voice: Ex-Philadelphia Controller’s Office employee admits taking bribes for permits, contracts
Philly Voice: Philly students to receive free internet access via new PHLConnectED program
Inquirer: Philly mail delays are raising alarms about the 2020 election: ‘This is a huge problem’
Inquirer: Starting Sept. 1, Philly employers can no longer ask job applicants their salary history
Inquirer: Deadlocked Pa. panel rejects Peco proposal for COVID-19 bill relief for low-income customers
Inquirer: Free internet coming for 35,000 Philly families: city, schools, Comcast to spend $17M on digital equity plan 
Inquirer: Can a smartphone app help save lives? Philly researchers have an overdose-reversal tool set for citywide testing.
Inquirer: Lincoln U. board unanimously authorizes negotiations on a new contract for ousted president
Inquirer: Upper Darby quarantines entire sanitation department; Pa. recommends no school sports until 2021, Wolf says; new cases continue to drop in Philly
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia’s big mail problem
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus recovery: Wolf recommends halting high school sports, Upper Darby quarantines entire sanitation dept
WHYY Newsworks: Isaias emergency: Eastwick residents call for city, state aid after ‘devastating’ flooding
Philadelphia Citizen: Philly’s Doomsday Election Night Scenario
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia to begin enforcing controversial wage history law Sept. 1
Philadelphia Tribune: Lincoln U. board votes to reinstate president Brenda Allen
Philadelphia Magazine: Mayor Says Your DIY Projects Are Contributing to Philadelphia Trash Crisis
Philadelphia Magazine: Meet the 2.5 Percent: Philly’s Black Business Owners in Beauty, Health and Wellness
Billy Penn: SEPTA trains and buses have great airflow — which means less coronavirus risk for riders 
KYW Newsradio: With school year starting virtually, city announces plan to give free internet access to families who need it

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Council votes to create BLM art installation in Norristown
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County D.A. draws awareness to ‘relationship violence’ during pandemic
Bucks County Courier Times: State teachers union president urges Bucks County to change social distancing guidelines 
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. officials say expanding coronavirus testing “vital,” wait times still a problem
Delco Daily Times: Police presence at Ridley BLM march questioned
Delco Daily Times: More schools move to virtual openings amid pandemic
Daily Local News: Lincoln University reverses course on president’s retention
Daily Local News: Lawsuit filed against Unionville over mascot issue
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown council to consider canceling future car shows

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Peduto sends letter to Congress, advocates for bills that help entertainment venues stay afloat
Tribune Review: Restaurants back down from ultimatum, request meeting with Gov. Wolf
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh’s new FBI head eyeing foreign interference in U.S. election, fraud, cyber crimes
Tribune Review: Audit of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy ‘a little bit concerning,’ Controller Michael Lamb says
Tribune Review: Trib Total Media nominated for 2 Mid-Atlantic Emmy awards
Tribune Review: Allegheny County announces 100 new covid-19 cases, 3 new deaths
Post-Gazette: Mayor appoints new city treasurer
Post-Gazette: Controller audit reveals issues with city, Parks Conservancy contracts, revenue sharing
Post-Gazette: ‘An insult to a segment of our community’: O’Hara renames park
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh police bashed in her door by mistake, and she got stuck with the bill
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 update: Allegheny County reports 100 new cases, 12 more hospitalizations 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh Public Schools recommending postponement of fall sports
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto Urges Congress To Help Independent Entertainment Venues
KDKA: City Releases Audit On Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy After Voters Approved Raising Property Taxes To Fund Parks
KDKA: FBI Pittsburgh’s New Special Agent In Charge To Tackle Foreign Election Interference And More
KDKA: Southwestern Pa. Restaurant And Tavern Association Wants Coronavirus Restrictions Loosened
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools To Recommend Postponement Of Fall Sports For 2020-21 School Year 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 100 More Coronavirus Cases, 3 Additional Deaths, As Countywide Cases Grow To Over 8,600
WESA: Black Women Advocating For A Better City School District Plan To Run Slate Of Board Candidates
WESA: August 3-7 Explained: A Mother Seeks Answers, Children’s Museum Faces A Reckoning & PPS Goes Online

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Restaurants rally for reduced restrictions
Observer-Reporter: Judicial Conduct Board opposes Toothman’s request to enter diversion program
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Rally held for police support in Johnstown
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Bedford County WWII hero considered for Medal of Honor
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria, Blair, Indiana counties show double-digit new COVID-19 cases
KDKA: Washington Co. Commissioner Signs Up For Coronavirus Vaccine Trial To Be ‘Part Of A Solution’
Tribune Review: Westmoreland leaders say covid-19 grant awards will take longer than expected 
Tribune Review: State reimburses Westmoreland for some voting machine expenses, talks to start Friday on finding next elections bureau head
Tribune Review: Westmoreland adds 9 new covid-19 cases, no deaths
Altoona Mirror: Altoona seeking to fill solicitor position
Beaver County Times: Lawmakers looking to make online raffles legal during COVID
Beaver County Times: Matzie announces $5.2 million to colleges to prevent spread of COVID-19
Beaver County Times: Pa. increasing COVID testing capacity, but some results are still delayed

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Rally to support Wilkes-Barre police scheduled for this afternoon
Citizens Voice: Prominent civil rights activist calls for justice for Shaheen Mackey
Citizens Voice: Mullery asks utility commission to deny water bill hike
Citizens Voice: 22 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death in Luzerne County
Times-Tribune: One COVID-19 death, 29 new cases in NEPA
The Times Leader: Anti-racial profiling ordinance lacks support for approval by WB Council
The Times Leader: Civil rights activist Shaun King calls Mackey’s death ‘modern day lynching’
The Times Leader: More questions on Mackey restraint
The Times Leader: 22 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 1 new death

South Central 
Patriot News: Harrisburg residents want review board over police, but state law doesn’t allow it
Patriot News: Harrisburg School District starts the school year with 100% online instruction
Patriot News: Susquehanna Twp. teacher named president of the nation’s largest teacher union
Patriot News: York City Hall to remain closed through the rest of the week following attack
LNP | LancasterOnline: Fewer Lancaster County residents filing for unemployment benefits even as joblessness remains ‘incredibly high’
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘We are not medical professionals’: When it comes to testing for COVID-19, Lancaster County schools say it’s beyond their control
LNP | LancasterOnline: Learning while Black: educators discuss COVID, cultural curriculum development in NAACP panel
LNP | LancasterOnline: Here’s how rates of new coronavirus cases have changed over time in Pennsylvania and Lancaster County
LNP | LancasterOnline: 8 more people died of COVID-19 in Lancaster County nursing homes: coroner
York Daily Record: Man arrested in City Hall break-in; building closed
York Dispatch: York County has 3 new deaths linked to COVID-19, 44 new cases
York Dispatch: York City officer’s resignation letter takes aim at mayor, police commissioner
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle proposes ordinance to ban fireworks on borough property
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 11 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death reported in Cumberland County

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: President Donald Trump’s attacks on voting by mail cause concern among election officials
Reading Eagle: Coronavirus crisis creates widespread financial need in Berks County
Reading Eagle: 35 new coronavirus positives for Berks County
Morning Call: ‘We are in a moment of moral reckoning:’ Allentown City Council members present competing narratives, air grievances following censure attempt
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf recommends no high school sports until after Jan. 1, catching PIAA, school officials off guard
Morning Call: Controlling coronavirus’ spread remains key to improving business climate, Lehigh Valley economist says 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus updates: 116K cases after 5 months of COVID-19. No school sports this fall, Wolf recommends. Could Lehigh Valley hold testing ‘holy grail?’ | Pa. coronavirus map (08/06/20)

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Will the governor’s office change its mind on limiting fans? Penn State has a plan if it does
Centre Daily Times: PSU president voices support for State College ordinance that fines non-mask wearers, party-throwers
Centre Daily Times: Reopening updates: Centre County adds 3 COVID-19 cases, and other updates for Aug. 6
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Comms question back-to-school policies
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Sanitary authority to lead in city, township pollution reduction plans
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council votes down proposed transit union contract
Erie Times-News: New census deadline prompts worries of Erie undercount

Opinion  
John Baer: Election 2020 predictions: Fears of fraud, fake ballots, switcheroos and delays 
Michael Krancer: A threat to Pa.’s energy independence
Kendra Brooks and Horace Small: 55 years after the Voting Rights Act, there’s still work to do
Mark DiRocco: Decisions should not fall to educators
Aryanna Hunter: Can Erie teacher Kristy Gnibus school a tough GOP incumbent? Signs point to yes 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: School districts need help to find a new normal
Inquirer Editorial Board: Trump’s assault on postal service attacks much more than voting
Inquirer Editorial Board: As 90,000 Pennsylvanians await unemployment checks, the state’s tone deaf response is just another glitch 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Keep Market Square vibrant
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The cost of Europe’s defense
Mark Segal: I’m an LGBTQ leader. Losing allies is not good
John L. Micek: These are Pa.’s most — and least — equitable school districts | Thursday Morning Coffee
Paul Muschick: Isaias flooding: Will Pennsylvania act before the next storm damages the Lehigh Valley?
Salena Zito: The economy is struggling, but gun sales are soaring
Nick DeIuliis: Eight irrefutable energy truths 
Ray E. Landis: The pandemic proves it: We have to reimagine nursing home care from the ground up 
Nancy Eshelman: These are angry times. And we’re taking it out on each other 
James Peterson: What’s Behind Black Conspiracism? 
Charles Ellison: Philly needs free AC and other tools to beat brutal heatwaves 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Stash our trash
Rob Tornoe: Coronavirus is taking full advantage of your house party | cartoon
Carol Jean Gallo: The angst of being an adjunct professor during COVID-19 
David C. Barker and Sam Fulwood III: In swing states like Pa., young Blacks aren’t sold on Biden, Democrats, or voting. Why?
Tony Norman: From Michaela Coel and Jack Kirby to Deesha Philyaw and Joy Reid: Who to love in 2020
Lavender Huang: Trump’s travel ban means I’m stuck in China while my school reopens 
Will Bunch: 2020 defeated America because of Americans, not just Donald Trump