Former VP Joe Biden will visit Scranton tonight for a town hall, while Sen. Kamala Harris will campaign in Philadelphia today. Here is the Playbook. 

Shapiro Ad Features Catholic Church Clergy Abuse Survivor: In an emotional new ad, Bob Corby talks about the sexual abuse he experienced and thanks Shapiro for the “justice done” in the AG’s 2018 grand jury report.

Heidelbaugh Ad Hits Shapiro on Philly Murder Rate: Heidelbaugh’s latest 30 second spot accuses Shapiro of standing “idly by” while the murder rate is increased across the state and Philadelphia.

Fitzpatrick Ad Blasts Finello on Police, Crime and Immigration: The split positive/negative spot touts Fitzpatrick’s endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police and accuses Dem challenger Christina Finello of supporting the ‘Defund the Police,’ movement, although she opposes it, and the House-passed HEROES Act.

FiveThirtyEight: PA “Looks Like” Most Important State for 2020 Election: An article from FiveThirtyEight published on Wednesday morning said that their model gives Trump an 84% chance of winning the presidency if he carries the state again and gives Biden a 96% chance of winning the presidency if he flips the state blue.

PA8 Ad: Dem PAC Hits Bognet on Healthcare: House Majority PAC’s 30 second spot paints GOP challenger Jim Bognet as an outsider to NEPA who opposes healthcare coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.

Black Voices for Trump To Hold “Reclaim Your Vote” Event in Philly: According to a release from the Trump campaign, the Black Voices for Trump effort is holding its first-ever “Reclaim Your Vote” events in 8 states. An event on Friday evening in Philadelphia will feature Deneen Borelli and John Burnett.  

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

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Top-ranking state senator sues journalists over records cost 
AP: Pennsylvania asks judge to retain limits on crowd size 
AP: Trump, eyeing undecided voters, loses one during TV exchange 
Patriot News: Pa. House members urge Gov. Wolf to sign sports bill: ‘Let’s not detract from the high school experience’
Patriot News: Could the return of Big Ten football help President Trump in Pa.? Maybe
Patriot News: PIAA takes no action on high school sports crowd limits, awaits new state guidance on fans
Patriot News: ‘The time to end prohibition against cannabis has come’; advocates call for action in Pa. on marijuana legalization
Patriot News: Gov. Wolf administration asks restaurants to self-certify: Here’s what that means, and how to do it 
Inquirer: Joe Biden CNN town hall in Pennsylvania: Start time, how to watch and stream
Inquirer: Kamala Harris is coming to Philly as Biden makes a push for Black voters 
Inquirer: Trump rewrites the history of his coronavirus response in Philly town hall
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 restrictions saved thousands of lives in Pennsylvania, Pitt researchers say 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Donald Trump Jr. attacks Biden, media in central Pa. campaign stop 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Following Senate COVID cases, Pa. Capitol tours suspended, top leader says 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. reports $311M in gaming, fantasy sports revenue in August, state regulators say 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Poll: Pa., 2020 battleground voters say Trump’s immigration policies firing a ‘No’ vote | Wednesday Morning Coffee 
USA Today: After federal ruling against Wolf, 25 and 250 gathering limits unenforceable, lawyers say
WITF: Wolf Renews Calls For Election Code Changes, Criticizes Republicans Over Pandemic Response 
PLSReporter: Wolf again calls for legislature to legalize pot
PLSReporter: ICYMI: House passes bill exempting churches from disaster restrictions
Philly Voice: Pennsylvania Senate considering mask law that would make defiance a misdemeanor crime
Philly Voice: Stephen Colbert offers Pennsylvania voters humorous guide to 2020 election
KYW Newsradio: Pa. child care providers express concerns over the state of their industry
KYW Newsradio: Pa. Republican lawmakers push Wolf to sign bill giving districts final say on school sports 
Fox News: Top PA Dem rails against $1M bail set for Lancaster protesters: ‘Blatantly unconstitutional’ 
Fox News: Sheriff in Pennsylvania switches to GOP, says ‘Democratic Party has left me’ 
Fox News: Lancaster protester held on $1M bail is sorority sister, ‘ally’ of Black rights organizations 
Fox News: Lancaster man arrested for allegedly pointing laser into police station
National Journal: Carousel: Brett Doyle, Patrick McCormick return to Hill
National Journal: Biden Spends $65M on Ads in 1 Week
National Journal: With little progress on COVID talks, House centrists renew push for a deal 
The Hill: Trump spikes political football with return of Big Ten season
The Hill: Trump campaign ramps up attacks over Biden’s China trade record
The Hill: Trump hails announced return of Big Ten football
Post-Gazette: GAO: Customer service reps deceptively marketed ‘junk plans’ to Americans with preexisting conditions 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus recovery: REAL ID service to resume
Politico: ‘You can’t attack a regular voter’: Trump faces a retail-campaigning gap 
Politico: Big Ten revives football season in Trump-backed turnaround 
Politico: Trump hails ‘manufacturing miracle’ as factories bleed jobs
Politico: Trump spent years trying to win over Indian Americans. Then Biden picked Harris.
CNN: Biden campaign announces largest week of ad spending as November election nears
CNN: Fact check: Trump made at least 22 false or misleading claims at ABC town hall
KDKA: Pennsylvania Nursing Home Advocates Begging For Emergency Funding 
KDKA: Pennsylvania Still Looking For Poll Workers For November Election
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman Once Again Push For Recreational Marijuana Legalization  

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: FOP president says City Council police reform measures have no teeth
KYW Newsradio: Bittersweet Census news for Philly: Higher incomes, lower poverty before COVID-19 hit
KYW Newsradio: Philly officials strike back in fight with cigar makers over selling candy-flavored tobacco to kids
KYW Newsradio: Caravan designed to engage Black voters is rolling toward Philadelphia
Inquirer: Poverty in Philadelphia dipped in 2019, while income edged up slightly, before the coronavirus rearranged our lives
Inquirer: As ATVs and dirt bikes continue ‘menacing’ city residents, Council is again looking into possible solutions
Inquirer: Six Philadelphians share how the pandemic put their lives on hold
Philadelphia Tribune: Voters of color face challenges to casting their ballots in November, Black clergy and officials say 
Philadelphia Tribune: Demonstrators protest at Cheyney University 
Philly Voice: Philly announces home-game road closures to prevent Eagles tailgating
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia offers COVID-impacted tenants more help with rent — up to $1,500 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly announces road closures to prevent tailgating at Eagles home games
Philadelphia Magazine: Dear Eagles Fans: Say Goodbye to Tailgating

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Bucks County announces mail-in and absentee ballot drop off locations
Bucks Local News: Santarsiero co-hosts Senate hearing on COVID-19 impacts on historic, arts and cultural industry
Bucks Local News: Lawmaker announces more than $210K in funding for Bucks County cultural organizations, museums
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks restaurants looks to Congress for more aid 
WHYY Newsworks: Some fans of Aqua PA’s bid to buy DELCORA tell the PUC why they like the deal
Inquirer: Chester County will notify thousands of ‘questionable’ COVID results, in wake of Inquirer story
Daily Local News: Dinniman calls to increase nurses in schools during pandemic
Montgomery Media: Officials announce coronavirus testing opportunities for Montgomery County ‘s Latino community

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Mayor Bill Peduto Supports Charges Filed Against Protesters Who Clashed With Diners Along Penn Ave. 
KDKA: President Trump Responds To Question From Local Student During Town Hall Event
KDKA: Lawmakers Urge Gov. Wolf To Sign Bill Focused On School Sports Decisions 
KDKA: Steelers Alejandro Villanueva Wears Military Veteran’s Name On Helmet, Covering Antwon Rose Jr.  
KDKA: Mayor Peduto Says City Is Working On Plans To Allow Trick-Or-Treating ‘In A Safe Way’
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 73 More Coronavirus Cases, Countywide Case Total Rises To 11,431
WESA: Democrats Renew Push On Economic Issues 
WESA: Weeks Before November Election, Some Voting Lawsuits Remain In Court 
Post-Gazette: Hairstyle bill fails in Allegheny County Council committee; Juneteenth bill is held 
Post-Gazette: ‘He has a fresh start’: Gov. Wolf signs pardon for McKeesport man denied council seat 
Post-Gazette: Gov. Wolf seeks stay on federal crowd-size ruling, arguing virus deaths will climb 
Post-Gazette: Beltzhoover community to give old school new life, new roof with URA money
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools looks to commission school police data analysis 
Post-Gazette: State reports 776 new COVID-19 cases, as Westmoreland County exceeds the 2,000 mark
Tribune Review: USW lights up iconic Pittsburgh landmarks with Biden-Harris message without permission 
Tribune Review: Trib Total Media CEO Jennifer Bertetto named to international board 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County officials pleased with covid numbers
City Paper: United Steelworkers calls on Pittsburgh to vote with projected “batlight” campaign 
City Paper: Officer under investigation for misconduct is one of Pittsburgh’s highest paid employees
Pittsburgh Business Times: Director: County’s outdoor gathering limit being reviewed but still in effect

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Gas production jumped in 2019, DEP says in report 
Observer-Reporter: Allegheny County sees one month of stabilized COVID-19 cases
Beaver County Times: State moves forward with climate initiative despite opposition 
Beaver County Times: County to get $993,000 for eviction relief 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Planning stages: Johnstown eyes blueprint for future 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Lawmakers urge Wolf to OK bill loosening restrictions on spectators at school sporting events 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Shade lays off police force 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Indiana County adds 15 COVID-19 cases
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County surpasses 2,000 coronavirus cases
Altoona Mirror: City gets $300K to assist renters
Altoona Mirror: Fort Roberdeau receives CARES grant
Altoona Mirror: Voter registration event scheduled

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Stage set for Biden CNN town hall 
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County Democrats film welcome video ahead of Biden’s local appearance 
Citizens Voice: Larksville’s fire funding referendum missed deadline, solicitor says 
Citizens Voice: 15 more COVID-19 cases in county
Times-Tribune: Biden due here for CNN town hall tonight
Times-Tribune: Luzerne County Democrats film welcome video ahead of Biden’s local appearance
Times-Tribune: PA Commonwealth Court questions ruling limiting Scranton’s taxing power
Times-Tribune: It’s official: Big Ten football returning in late October
Times-Tribune: State COVID-19 deaths exceed local new case count
The Times Leader: Traffic delays expected during Biden’s visit to PNC Field
The Times Leader: 15 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 776 statewide

South Central 
Patriot News: Donald Trump Jr. goes on the attack during Dauphin County stop
Patriot News: Donald Trump Jr. visits Harrisburg area: Video
Patriot News: Lancaster County prosecutors respond to outrage over ‘exorbitantly high’ $1 million bail set for protesters
LNP | LancasterOnline: Judge to revisit $1 million bail set for Lancaster, Pa. protesters Thursday 
York Daily Record: Political signs ripped from properties in Newberry Township, police say 
York Dispatch: One new COVID-19 death in York County, 75 new cases
Carlisle Sentinel: HS Sports: Wolf says new guidance on number of spectators allowed at games expected by end of week 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 5 new COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County Wednesday; Lebanon, York see spikes

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: ‘Why did you throw vulnerable people like me under the bus?’ Diabetic Bethlehem man asks the president during Philly town hall
Express Times: Does Pa.’s ballot tracking website say yours has been mailed? It hasn’t. Here’s why.
Express Times: Fed-up senators want to double fines, add points to Pennsylvania’s Steer Clear law
Express Times: Packing school stadiums for sports? It’s a good way to infect people, Wolf says. 
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 776 new reported cases brings total near 147k; highest case increase in Lehigh Valley since July | Pa. COVID-19 county map (9/16/20)
Reading Eagle: Kutztown University professor questions President Trump at Philadelphia town hall [VIDEO]
Reading Eagle: Kutztown Borough Council delays enforcing part of controversial COVID-19 ordinance
Reading Eagle: 59 more coronavirus cases for Berks County
Morning Call: ‘Why did you throw vulnerable people like me under the bus?’: Bethlehem man questions President Trump at Philadelphia town hall
Morning Call: Who will be Bethlehem’s next police chief? City looking at four internal candidates, expects to decide by Monday 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: County: Businesses still need to follow COVID-19 rules
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 7 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: Penn State football will play this fall as Big Ten votes to begin season Oct. 23-24
Centre Daily Times: Students to the retired, vets to veterinarians: Meet 11 candidates for State College Borough Council
Centre Daily Times: Centre County adds 59 new cases of COVID-19; Pennsylvania has 776 new positives

Opinion  
John Baer: Pa.’s fight over crowds at high school sports isn’t as simple as it seems 
Elaine L. Chao: Trump’s administration is boosting infrastructure in Pa.
Joseph Otis Minott: Letting Pa. join regional greenhouse gas compact makes economic and environmental sense
David Clement and Yael Ossowski: Pa. can and should legalize cannabis, but do it right
Wall Street Journal Editorial Board: Liberating Pennsylvania From Lockdown 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A blow against tyranny 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Secure borders and compassion 
Inquirer Staff: Should college students get tuition refunds during COVID as virtual learning continues? | Pro/Con
Terrie Griffin and Janeth Hendershot: Pennsylvanians deserve a more responsive legislature
Christopher Welsh and Sean Fogler: With overdoses on the rise during the pandemic, Pa. law is moving in the wrong direction
Nia Holston: I live by the Parkway homeless encampment and see it offering public services, not nuisance
Christine Flowers: Eagles turned their backs on American sacrifice
The Angry Grammarian: As both sides scream ‘dementia’ over presidential candidates, which one speaks more clearly? An analysis.
Richard Whiteford: Pro-lifers should be concerned about climate change 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Masking good COVID numbers