Former President Barack Obama campaigned for Former VP Joe Biden in Philadelphia on Wednesday, while the Cook Political Report rates the race for control of the PA State House as a Toss-Up. Here is the Playbook. 

Fox News Poll: Biden 50, Trump 45: Likely voters trust Biden over Trump to handle the coronavirus (51-to-40), while Trump has the edge over Biden on the economy (50-to-45).

Toomey Announces He Will Vote To Confirm Judge Barrett To The Supreme Court: Sen. Pat Toomey announced his support for Judge Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the Supreme Court after meeting with her on Wednesday.

Cook Moves PA State House From Leans GOP To Toss-Up: The analysis from the Cook Political Report points to former Vice President Joe Biden’s “potential” strength in the state in changing the rating.

CNN/SSRS Poll: Biden 53, Trump 43: Biden leads Trump by 10 points among likely votes in the state and holds a 5 point advantage over registered voters in PA.

CNBC/Change Research Poll: Biden 49, Trump 47: Pennsylvania is home to the closest race in the six battleground states polled, according to the latest CNBC/Change Research poll.

Quinnipiac Poll: Biden 51, Trump 43: A majority of likely voters, 56%, disapprove of Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, while 42% approve of his handling of the matter.

USA Today/Suffolk University Poll: Biden 48.6, Trump 42.4: President Donald Trump’s job approval and favorability rating are 10 points under water in Pennsylvania, according to this latest poll.

Obama Rallies for Biden in Philly: Former President Barack Obama rallied for former Vice President Joe Biden’s campaign in Philadelphia on Wednesday, WHYY reports.  

Karen Pence Campaigns in Lancaster County: Second Lady Karen Pence visited Lancaster County to lead an event for the Trump campaign, along with Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) and Scott Perry (R-York), according to LNP | LancasterOnline. 

Jill Biden Leads A ‘Pennsylvania Italian-Americans’ For Biden Virtual Event: Jill Biden joined a virtual “Pennsylvania Italian-Americans” for Biden GOTV luncheon with Westmoreland County Commissioner Gina Cerilli on Wednesday, the Tribune Review reports. 

FOX56 Interviews Scalise About PA8: FOX56 interviewed House GOP Minority Whip Steve Scalise about the race for the 8th Congressional District between Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Lackawanna) and GOP challenger Jim Bognet. On Wednesday, Scalise rallied for Bognet at the Lackawanna County GOP HQ. 

PA16: Kelly and Gnibus Talk to KDKA: Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Butler) and Democratic challenger Kristy Gnibus talk to KDKA about the race for the 16th Congressional District.  

Eric Trump To Campaign in Beaver County: According to a release from the Trump campaign, Eric Trump will be campaigning in Beaver County on Thursday.  

Sanders To Campaign for Biden in PA: According to a release from the Biden campaign, Sen. Bernie Sanders will be campaigning in Pennsylvania on Saturday.  

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: A year ago, voting machines malfunctioned in a pivotal Pa. county. Have the problems been fixed?
Spotlight PA: Solutions for racism, inequity should be central to redesign of Pa. state universities, senator says
Spotlight PA: Senate GOP halts fixes for Pa.’s troubled rent relief program, surprising even their own
Spotlight PA: Talks collapse on a deal to let Pa. counties open mail ballots before Election Day
AP: Road to 270: Trump’s best path to victory hinges on FL, PA 
AP: In pitch for Biden, Obama urges voters to cast Trump out
AP: Longtime Pennsylvania courts clerk gets 27 months for fraud 
AP: Pennsylvania nursing home sued over severe COVID-19 outbreak
Patriot News: Pa. top election official says dropping off mail-in ballots in person is safest way to go
Patriot News: House’s failed attempt to override Wolf’s veto on restaurant bill may not be the final word 
Patriot News: Pa. restaurant owners deflated after bill to ease restrictions fails
Patriot News: Bill protecting young sexual assault victims from being re-victimized on its way to the governor 
Patriot News: With Election Day almost upon us, here are additional dates that could impact your vote and whether Trump or Biden wins 
Patriot News: Foe can’t have state’s ‘hazard assessment records’ for Mariner East pipeline, Pa. court rules 
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s 186,297 coronavirus cases? Oct. 21 map, county-by-county breakdown
KDKA: With Multiple Visits To Pennsylvania, Candidates And Surrogates Are Thinking Strategically 
KDKA: U.S. Officials Link Iran To Intimidating Emails Sent To Voters In Multiple States, Including Pennsylvania 
KDKA: Sen. Pat Toomey Expresses Support For Amy Coney Barrett Nomination 
KDKA: Pa. State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe Under Fire For Renting Office Space That Is Rarely Used
KDKA: The Blue-Collar Vote Could Be The Key To Winning Pennsylvania 
KDKA: Donald Trump Jr. Holds Campaign Rally Near Penn State
PLSReporter: Pennsylvania’s top ballot races, mapped 
PLSReporter: Election Update: Counties receiving influx of ballots; Boockvar urges early ballot return despite SCOTUS developments 
USA Today: Senator shares stories of racism on PA campuses
Morning Call: Anti-corruption group condemns Pa. lawmakers, calls for immediate legislation on preparing ballots 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Pa. reports 3 million mail-in ballot applications so far
Inquirer: Democrats are looking for a rebound in Erie, a symbol of Trump’s Rust Belt appeal 
Inquirer: Latest Pennsylvania polls show that Trump is stuck; Biden opens up about his plan for the Supreme Court 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania’s election rules are finally set (almost)
Inquirer: Pa. continues to see a spike in new cases and a rise in hospitalizations; Christie laments failure of leaders who deny ‘scientific realities’ of COVID-19
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania reaches all-time high of 9 million voter registrations
Post-Gazette: Toomey will vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to U.S. Supreme Court
Post-Gazette: Legislation would bar Pa. public colleges, universities from asking applicants about criminal background
WHYY Newsworks: Obama at Philly Biden rally: ‘You’ve got to turn out like never before’
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Voters should not worry’ about ballot-status updates, says Pa. secretary of state
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Ban-the-box’ bill would nix criminal record question from Pa. college applications 
WHYY Newsworks: Saving suburbia? Why housing is a hot topic in the 2020 election
Pittsburgh Current: Pa. House Expense Reports Show That Rep. Daryl Metcalfe Is Renting An Office That Does Not Appear To Exist 
Express Times: If you’re still confused about Pa. ballot processes, lend an ear to The Roots’ voting hip-hop how-to
The Times Leader: Toomey will vote to confirm Barrett
Fox News: Fox News Poll: Trump gains in Ohio, Biden ahead in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin
Washington Post: Shouting matches, partisan rallies, guns at polling places: Tensions high at early-voting sites
National Journal: Emily’s List Announces Investments in IA, MI, PA State Legislative Races
The Hill: Biden holds advantages in three key battleground states: Fox News poll  
The Hill: Quinnipiac poll reports Biden leading Trump by 8 points in Pennsylvania 
The Hill: Biden up 10 points in Pennsylvania, neck-and-neck with Trump in Florida: poll 
The Hill: Biden leads Trump by 7 points in Pennsylvania: poll
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘This is not a reality show, this is reality’: With two weeks to go, Obama stumps for Biden in must-win Pa.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. intel officials say Iran was behind threatening emails sent to voters in Pa., elsewhere, report
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Dems among voters targeted in threatening email campaign, report
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The ADL wants U.S. Rep. Scott Perry to denounce QAnon. You wouldn’t think it would be this hard | Thursday Morning Coffee
CNN: CNN Polls: Biden holds double-digit lead in Pennsylvania, while Florida is tight 
Real Clear Politics: Replay: Obama Campaigns For Joe Biden In Philadelphia
Politico: Obama skewers Trump as former president hits campaign trail
Politico: The fight for Pennsylvania  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: ‘Character matters,’ Obama tells a drive-in rally for Biden at South Philly’s stadium complex 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania now lets everyone vote by mail. But poor people in Philadelphia haven’t benefited. 
Inquirer: Tumar Alexander is named Philly’s new managing director, ending Kenney administration upheaval after protests 
Inquirer: 6,000 Philly kids could be excluded from school if they don’t get vaccinations; school sites opening for shots
Inquirer: Philly teachers avert strike with tentative deal for one-year contract 
Inquirer: Presidential debate: Start time, how to watch and stream final 2020 faceoff between Trump and Biden 
Inquirer: Voting by mail hasn’t eased the voting income gap | Morning Newsletter 
Inquirer: Eagles or presidential debate? Philadelphia has a tough TV choice tonight.
KYW Newsradio: In South Philadelphia, Obama campaigns for Biden
KYW Newsradio: In Philly, voters feel more anxiety than usual about upcoming election
KYW Newsradio: Philly teachers union reaches tentative deal with district  
WHYY Newsworks: Obama at Philly Biden rally: ‘You’ve got to turn out like never before’
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council pushes to extend protections for renters amid COVID surge
WHYY Newsworks: Glitch sends some Pa. voters duplicate mail ballots, but officials say only one will be counted
Philadelphia Tribune: Trump, Biden make their pitch to Black-owned businesses, who wonder why it only happens every four years
Philadelphia Tribune: Mom says Philly native Kristen Welker will be the perfect debate moderator
Philadelphia Citizen: Out of the Mouth of Babes
Philadelphia Magazine: Why the SCOTUS Ruling on PA’s Mail-Ballot Deadline Is Both Good News and Extremely Ominous
Philadelphia Business Journal: Tumar Alexander named Philadelphia’s managing director 
Philadelphia Business Journal: City of Philadelphia launches $7M business corridor cleaning program 
Billy Penn: These gift boxes from young Black women are getting out the Philly vote

SEPA
Daily Local News: Chester County legislators split on veto of restaurant bill
Daily Local News: GOP stages ‘Red Wave Rally’ in North Coventry
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks election official says mail is safe for ballot returns 
Bucks Local News: Legislation advancing first responder programs heads to the Governor’s desk
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County pauses on marijuana decriminalization proposal 
KYW Newsradio: With the help of social media, Hatboro bakery’s presidential candidate cookies take off
WHYY Newsworks: Saving suburbia? Why housing is a hot topic in the 2020 election
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County coronavirus positivity rate ‘staying pretty flat’

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County stands by its hiring of company that sent incorrect ballots 
Post-Gazette: VP Pence to make campaign stop in West Mifflin on Friday 
Post-Gazette: Technical difficulties add frustration during hearing for Mon-Oakland Mobility Project
Post-Gazette: Have you experienced issues with your Pa. mail ballot? We want to hear from you 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County reports 119 new cases, 10 more deaths
WESA: Allegheny County Clears Mail-In Ballot Application Backlog, Finalizes Election Details 
WESA: Proposed County Department To Address Pre-K Shortages, Other Children’s Programming 
WESA: Hair Discrimination Ban Clears Both Allegheny County And Pittsburgh Councils 
WESA: Allegheny County’s Coronavirus Numbers Are “Gloomy,” According To Health Department Director
KDKA: Vice President Mike Pence Holding Rally In West Mifflin 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Police: Crime Dropped 18% In August Compared To 2019 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 119 More Coronavirus Cases, 10 Additional Deaths
Pittsburgh Current: Pa. House Expense Reports Show That Rep. Daryl Metcalfe Is Renting An Office That Does Not Appear To Exist
Tribune Review: Black residents in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County gain protection from hair style discrimination; Juneteenth officially a holiday
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh police will move to 12-hour shifts during election week 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County officials encourage ‘vigilance’ as cases rise 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County adds 119 coronavirus cases, 10 deaths 
City Paper: Pittsburgh and Allegheny County pass bills banning hairstyle discrimination 
City Paper: An ongoing tally of confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths in Allegheny County
Pittsburgh Business Times: County increases pace of Covid contact tracing, case investigations

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: 50th Legislative District profiles 
Observer-Reporter: Fayette County working on resolving state’s delay in sending mail-in ballots 
Observer-Reporter: Ballot box shift from hallway to elections office has upset some voters 
Observer-Reporter: State officials discuss domestic violence surge during pandemic 
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 deaths rise in Washington, Allegheny counties
Beaver County Times: Eric Trump to host ‘Make America Great Again’ rally in Ambridge 
Beaver County Times: Brighton Rehab ‘reckless’ during virus outbreak, lawsuit claims 
KDKA: Pa. State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe Under Fire For Renting Office Space That Is Rarely Used
KDKA: Fayette Co. Elections Bureau Working To Fix Issue Keeping Voters From Getting Mail-In Ballots
Altoona Mirror: Blair facing $4.29M revenue gap
Post-Gazette: Beaver County nursing home sued by 15 residents and families over deadly COVID-19 outbreak
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County says mail-in ballot backlog cleared
Tribune Review: Jill Biden makes case to local Italian American community on husband’s behalf
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | ELECTION 2020 | Frustration with lawmakers prompted Dougherty to run for 35th Senatorial District seat 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | ELECTION 2020 | Working on legislation calling card for Langerholc 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Political expert to address Cambria Chamber remote conference
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria adds five COVID-19 cases among 1,425 statewide

NEPA
FOX56: EXCLUSIVE: House WHIP Scalise campaigns with Bognet, Cartwright: “I feel good”
Citizens Voice: Forty Fort man applied for a ballot for his deceased mother, detectives allege
Citizens Voice: 43 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death reported in county
Times-Tribune: Sentencing continued for Courtright crony
Times-Tribune: Local 3-year-old meets Obama in Philadelphia
Times-Tribune: Region again sees nearly 100 new coronavirus cases in one day
The Times Leader: Luzerne County coronavirus-funded prison projects under discussion
The Times Leader: 43 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 1,425 statewide 

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Second Lady Karen Pence makes stop in Mount Joy with Reps. Smucker, Perry to tout economic message
LNP | LancasterOnline: Ephrata Army veteran featured in national Biden commercial 
Patriot News: GOP incumbent challenged by Democrat seeking education, healthcare reforms in Pa.’s 106th
Patriot News: Why is your mail late? A look inside central Pa.’s increasingly dysfunctional postal service 
York Daily Record: 95th state House seat: Hill-Evans faces challenger French
York Dispatch: Many York County voters submitting mail-in ballots in person
York Dispatch: York County has 3 new deaths linked to COVID-19, 42 new cases
Carlisle Sentinel: Political sign theft and vandalism in Cumberland County show growing political animosity, residents fear
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 12 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Cumberland County Wednesday

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Former Congressman Charlie Dent has no plans to return to government work, despite reports
WFMZ: Listen & Decide 2020: Pa. 7th Congressional Race preview
WFMZ: Lehigh County to offer ‘B’ Ballots to those who do not receive their mail-in ballots
WFMZ: Fountain Hill council president resigns, citing spending on police departments, increase in tax rates  
Express Times: Latest poll shows strong lead in Lehigh Valley congressional race, but 1 in 5 undecided
Express Times: As restaurant capacity veto is upheld, Bethlehem mayor extends parklet timeline to early December, maybe longer
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 1,425 new cases, 29 more deaths; Lehigh Valley reports 55 new cases; Lehigh University tallies 40 cases in last week | Pa. COVID-19 county map (10/21/20)
Morning Call: In the Lehigh Valley, Trump versus Biden pits neighbor versus neighbor
Morning Call: With post office delivery times languishing, Lehigh County will offer backup ballots to voters who don’t receive their mail-in ballots
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Cases exceed 1,000 for 16th straight day as surge continues 
Reading Eagle: 2 federal lawmakers who represent Berks County receive Friend of Farm Bureau Award 
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania Senate passes bill that would allow limited nursing home visitation 
Reading Eagle: Bill clears way for POW/MIA flag to fly on state buildings 
Reading Eagle: Berks County has 75 new cases, a small decline amid a rising trend 

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Everett says farewell after 14 years in House
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: District to receive $966,400 through CARES Act
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council plans to review $200K grant tonight
Erie Times-News: 5 takeaways from Trump’s Erie rally
Erie Times-News: Trump rally likely won’t get health citations 
KDKA: Challenger Kristy Gnibus Takes On Incumbent Mike Kelly In 16th Congressional District
KDKA: Voice Of The Voters: Lawrence County Voters Weighing Many Issues Ahead Of Presidential Election
Centre Daily Times: Centre County voters will choose between newcomers and longtime incumbents on Nov. 3
Centre Daily Times: Here’s why Big Ten mayors signed an open letter, asking the conference for help in fighting COVID-19
Centre Daily Times: Task force to examine Centre County’s mental health services unveils draft report

Opinion  
John Baer: Why are you seeing so many annoying political ads? Because they work 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: If you haven’t applied for a mail-in ballot, and want one, please do it today. And return completed mail-in ballot promptly. 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Opening the schools 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Censorious Facebook
Jack Schneider, Jennifer Berkshire and Derek Black: The future of public education will be decided in the 2020 election 
Abraham Gutman: Joe Biden’s radical compassion for his son should extend to his drug policy
Caroline West, Darlene St. John and Anna Malinsky: City Council’s decision to end Devereux partnership harms our families 
Christine Flowers: Why this Catholic cannot vote for the Catholic candidate
Rebecka Rosenquist and David Rubin: 4 ways governments can help improve the health of children and families 
Kristin Kanthak: A history of bad behavior and worse: Why we have laws regulating behavior at polling places
JD Mullane: Woman going big for President Trump
Robert M. Peck and Keith Russel: Philly can save thousands of birds that crash into our buildings and die 
Maria Panaritis: Push for ‘Childhood Alzheimer’s’ cure for Connor Dobbyn took a scary pandemic pause 
Signe Wilkinson: Editorial Cartoon: Court packing