President Donald Trump held a rally at the Harrisburg International Airport on Saturday night, while former Gov. Tom Ridge announced he’s backing former VP Joe Biden’s bid for the White House. Here is the Playbook. 

Exclusive: DNC Ad Links Trump SCOTUS Nomination to GOP Effort to Repeal ACA on Pittsburgh TV: The 1 minute spot highlights the story of a woman whose child tested positive for COVID-19 and accuses Trump of rushing through his Supreme Court nomination to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Ridge Endorses Biden: The former GOP governor of Pennsylvania said this will be the first time he’s voting for a Democratic candidate for president.

September 25th Ups & Downs: The PAGOP Chair backtracks from comments made in a story published by The Atlantic, polling shows a majority of voters in the state plan to vote in-person, plus a former congressional candidate will lead a community college. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Trump shifts focus to Pennsylvania to shore up reelection
AP: Winning a ‘row office’ is a chance for GOP to pressure Wolf
AP: Probe into ‘discarded’ ballots becomes campaign outrage fuel
AP: Trump rallies flout virus rules, Pennsylvania governor warns
AP: Trump camp hopes Mideast pacts translate to Jewish support
The Caucus: Unless there’s a Biden blowout in the election, Pa. should prepare for unrest
Patriot News: Here are Trump’s, Biden’s positions on fracking, police, other issues that could decide Pennsylvania
Patriot News: Injunction sought to prevent two counties, Philadelphia from accepting private election grants
Patriot News: Under drizzle and before a big crowd, Trump bashes Biden at rally outside Harrisburg
Patriot News: Most at Trump’s HIA rally are repeat customers. But for a president who needs to grow his base, there are a few first-timers.
Patriot News: Joe Biden faults President Trump’s coronavirus response ahead of HIA rally
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf blasts President Trump for Saturday’s Harrisburg airport rally
Patriot News: Packed shoulder to shoulder, few people at Trump’s HIA rally are wearing masks 
Patriot News: Push is on to make race-based hair discrimination illegal in Pennsylvania
Patriot News: Investigation over Trump ballots proves Pa. election system works: Luzerne County officials
Patriot News: ’Now is not the time to change the UC system’; Pa.’s high jobless claims cited as reason for computer upgrade delay
KDKA: Pa. Senators Bob Casey And Pat Toomey Respond To Supreme Court Nomination 
KDKA: President Donald Trump Visits Pennsylvania For Fifth Time In A Month 
KDKA: Former Pa. Republican Governor Tom Ridge Says He Is Voting For Joe Biden
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania officials get naked to address the importance of secrecy envelopes in mail-in ballots 
Inquirer: At Harrisburg rally, Trump vows to win and renews warning about ballot cheating 
Inquirer: Women in Pittsburgh’s wealthy suburbs could help Biden beat Trump in Pennsylvania 
Inquirer: Trump’s coming to Harrisburg, and Wolf tells him to stop violating Pa.’s COVID-19 rules with ‘unsafe’ rallies 
Inquirer: ‘Class war’: Trump adviser Navarro says it’s factory workers vs. finance, entertainment, tech — and NBA — on China
Spotlight PA: Could the Pa. GOP bypass the popular vote regardless of who wins? Here’s what we know.
Spotlight PA: How Pa.’s victim advocate found herself in the crosshairs of the GOP-led Senate
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Senate leader Corman: Legislature will follow the law on appointing electors
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: In second visit to Pa. in a week, Trump touts SCOTUS pick, stokes fears about mail-in voting
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Biden picks up key endorsement from Pa. Building Trades Council, which has opposed Wolf, Dems on fracking issues
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Who should speak for crime victims in Pennsylvania? The move to oust the state victim advocate, explained
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Poll: Mail-in ballots receive support from Pa.’s registered voters | The Numbers Racket
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Hours before Pa. rally, Trump announces Judge Amy Coney Barrett for Ginsburg’s U.S. Supreme Court seat
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Weekend Reads: 2020 Election Guides | Five for Your Weekend
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Allegheny Co. pols get down to basics on how to avoid sending naked ballots | Monday Morning Coffee
WITF: Pa. lawmakers introduce bill banning hair discrimination 
WITF: Smart Talk Friday: 12th Congressional District Democrat Lee Griffin
Post-Gazette: Pa.’s senators widely divided on Barrett appointment
Post-Gazette: Democrats focus Pennsylvania campaign on existential threat to health law
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 69: The Week Of The Veto 
Fox News: Pennsylvania lawmakers strip down to address mail-in voting issues 
Fox News: Former GOP Gov. Tom Ridge endorses Biden 
Fox News: Pennsylvania sheriff, lifelong Dem, decides to back Trump amid unrest
Fox News: Pennsylvania officials claim probe into discarded military ballots proves system ‘works’
Axios: The apocalypse scenario
Citizens Voice: Toomey, Casey react to Trump’s high court nominee
Express Times: This former Republican governor isn’t voting for Trump. It’ll be the first time he’s ever voted Democratic for U.S. president
StateImpactPA: These races will shape what the U.S. elections mean for climate progress 
StateImpactPA: ‘My friends were lied to’: Will coal miners stand by Trump as jobs disappear? 
StateImpactPA: Atlantic Sunrise pipeline company pays $700,000 for construction violations 
StateImpactPA: Pa. utility regulator says Sunoco must do more to share safety information on Mariner East project in Cumberland County
National Journal: DePasquale Taps Into Economic Anxieties
National Journal: Fox News Polls: Biden Leads in NV, OH, PA
National Journal: Biden’s Low-Visibility Campaign Worries Some Democrats
National Journal: DLCC Invests Another $16M in 17 Battleground States
National Journal: In Countdown to Election Day, Mail Delivery Is Sluggish
National Journal: Don’t buy into the political panic porn 
The Hill: Pennsylvania risks becoming center of election chaos 
The Hill: Ex-Pennsylvania Gov. Ridge explains vote for Biden in Philadelphia paper  
The Hill: Watch live: Trump holds campaign rally in Pennsylvania
KYW Newsradio: ‘Kayden’s Law’ child protection bill reaches full Pa. Senate 
KYW Newsradio: Pa. lawmakers renew effort to pass bill that would end hair discrimination
Politico: PA county official: DOJ identified discarded ballots as being for Trump
Bloomberg: Biden Has Upper Hand Over Trump in Debate Expectations Game
Huffington Post: William Barr Briefed Trump On Probe Over Discarded Pennsylvania Ballots: Report
CNN: Biden to take post-debate campaign swing through Ohio and Pennsylvania
CNN: Former Bush DHS Secretary Tom Ridge endorses Biden
CNN: A strange Pennsylvania ballot case fuels concerns about the DOJ
CNN: State election official sounds alarm over ‘secrecy envelope’
CNN: Philadelphia mayor fires city’s treasurer after he is arrested on federal charges
CNN: Fact-check: Team Trump capitalizes on Pennsylvania ballot incident to baselessly accuse Democrats of ‘stealing’ the election
CNN: Local officials say nine Pennsylvania ballots were discarded due to an error, undercutting Trump claims of intentional fraud 
CNN: Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman: “I believe Pennsylvania will pick the president”
Real Clear Politics: Dem Lt. Governor: Underestimate Trump’s Strength At Your Own Peril, Pennsylvania Is A “Margin Play”

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Philly Treasurer Christian Dunbar fired after he is charged with faking marriage for citizenship, stealing money in prior job 
Inquirer: Black voters in Philly are backing Biden. But they’re not excited: ‘If Obama chose him, he can’t be so bad.’ 
Inquirer: SEPTA board shifts to Democratic majority for first time ever 
Inquirer: Trump’s ban on WeChat threatens a vital network for the region’s Chinese community 
Inquirer: Far-right Proud Boys march through Center City 
Inquirer: Pa.’s COVID-19 mobile testing unit pulled into Philly with the aim of reaching the Latinx community 
Inquirer: What does in-person school look like in the COVID-19 era? Here’s a look inside.
KYW Newsradio: PHA says tentative deal reached with homeless protest encampments
KYW Newsradio: City Council to vote on new zoning rules for Society Hill
KYW Newsradio: Philly’s treasurer charged with immigration fraud by marriage, embezzling while a bank employee
Philadelphia Magazine: U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain Is Proof That, One Way or Another, Trumpism Will Live on Past the Election
Philadelphia Tribune: City treasurer facing federal fraud charges, U.S. attorney says
Philadelphia Tribune: City Council considers extending outdoor dining, street closure regulations through 2021
WHYY Newsworks: Philly voters fear Trump’s Supreme Court nominee will reverse expanded health care access 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly encampment organizers say they’ve reached a tentative deal with the city 
Billy Penn: Philly housing activists declare victory, say city will place properties in community land trust
Billy Penn: Philly to open 17 one-stop shops to make early voting easy and safe, starting Tuesday
Philly Voice: Philly homeless encampment leaders claim victory in city deal for 50 vacant homes 
Philly Voice: Philadelphia city treasurer fired, charged in fraud schemes 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia treasurer Christian Dunbar charged in federal embezzlement, immigration fraud case

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks officials: Nov. 3 results must be honored 
Bucks County Courier Times: Doylestown crowd rallies for Breonna Taylor 
Bucks County Courier Times: Breonna Taylor vigil draws dozens to Bristol
Daily Local News: Killion’s anti-gerrymandering bill advances 
Daily Local News: Chester County finds no abuse of CYF placements at Devereux 
Daily Local News: Restaurants welcome more diners indoors as capacity increases to 50%
KYW Newsradio: Montgomery County prepares for election with drop boxes, in-person voting
KYW Newsradio: ‘Kayden’s Law’ child protection bill reaches full Pa. Senate
Delco Daily Times: D.A. unveils new anti-gun campaign for Chester

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Congressman Conor Lamb, GOP challenger Sean Parnell spar over ACA, civil unrest in WPXI debate
Tribune Review: Post-Gazette’s union president Fuoco out amid investigation
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania officials get naked to address the importance of secrecy envelopes in mail-in ballots 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports month-high new covid-19 cases, surpasses 12,000 total cases
Post-Gazette: Healthcare, economic relief at center of Lamb-Parnell debate 
Post-Gazette: Reschenthaler blames Clinton for Trump’s comments 
Post-Gazette: Voters want candidates to take high road in debate 
Post-Gazette: Post-Gazette union president steps down as investigation launched 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools extends remote teaching 5 more weeks for teachers 
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania reports over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases; new cases in Allegheny County hit triple digits again
KDKA: Michael Fuoco Resigns As President Of Newspaper Guild Of Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Joe Biden, Jill Biden To Tour Western Pennsylvania By Train 
KDKA: Local School Districts Test The Waters On Bigger Crowds After Limits On Large Gatherings Tossed Out 
KDKA: Labor Leaders, Elected Officials Rally In ‘Last-Ditch Appeal’ To Avoid Strike At Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto Says Turf War Between EMS River Rescue, Fireboat Needs To Be Settled 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Surpasses 12,000 Total Coronavirus Cases Since The Pandemic Started
City Paper: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette union president Mike Fuoco resigns following investigation into alleged misconduct 
City Paper: More than 100 rally for Post-Gazette Workers, hoping to pressure owners to negotiate a new contract
WESA: Everything You Need To Know About Voting In Allegheny County

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Healthcare a hot topic in Lamb, Parnell debate
Observer-Reporter: Washington County to begin mailing ballots Oct. 2 
Observer-Reporter: Wisecarver park gets $200,000 grant
Observer-Reporter: Gov. Wolf criticizes Trump for holding ‘unsafe rallies’
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Blair County adds 31 COVID-19 cases over weekend, Cambria 14
Post-Gazette: Pa. National Guard to arrive in Westmoreland nursing home Sunday morning
Altoona Mirror: ‘Happy to be here’ — Local sports fans return to the stands
Altoona Mirror: Pa. a legal battleground

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Trump vs. Biden 2020: The race for Luzerne County intensifies as first debate looms
Citizens Voice: Local lawmakers, challengers react to ballot controversy
Citizens Voice: Shapiro rips Trump for “bogus conspiracy theories” about Luzerne County ballot controversy
Citizens Voice: Council members react to trashed Trump ballots
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County councilwoman wants elections bureau inquiry
Citizens Voice: Military absentee ballots: The procedure
Citizens Voice: Pedri: Contractor discarded military ballots   
Citizens Voice: 14 new COVID-19 cases, one new death reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Times-Tribune: Local lawmakers, challengers react to ballot controversy
Times-Tribune: NEPA Chapter of ACLU to provide voter registration forms, applications for mail-in ballots
Times-Tribune: Official: Contractor discarded Luzerne County military ballots
Times-Tribune: Experts: U.S. attorney’s rare comments support Trump’s mail-in voting doubts
Times-Tribune: Families seek support as virtual, hybrid models present unique challenges for special education
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County again has big spike in COVID-19 cases
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Election Board members monitoring discarded ballot findings
The Times Leader: Pedri: ‘Every properly cast vote will be counted’
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Councilwoman proposes inquiry into election bureau following discarded ballot finding
The Times Leader: ‘I would not have done it if I was U.S. Attorney,’ retired prosecutor says of Freed’s ballot probe disclosures
The Times Leader: Kaufer supporting manufacturing tax credit
The Times Leader: 14 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County

South Central 
Patriot News: Under drizzle and before a big crowd, Trump bashes Biden at rally outside Harrisburg
Patriot News: Most at Trump’s HIA rally are repeat customers. But for a president who needs to grow his base, there are a few first-timers.
Patriot News: Crowds with opposite views of policing gather in Carlisle 
Patriot News: Black Lives Matter mural in Harrisburg vandalized; volunteers come together to repaint it
Patriot News: Three Mile Island radiation monitoring to continue as Exelon pulls planning dollars
Patriot News: ‘Say Their Names’ speakers make an emotional plea for policing changes
Patriot News: Packed shoulder to shoulder, few people at Trump’s HIA rally are wearing masks 
Patriot News: Evangelical group comes to Harrisburg, urges faithful to vote against Donald Trump
York Dispatch: VP Pence will host debate watch party in Lancaster County, report says
York Dispatch: Three Mile Island radiation monitoring will continue after Exelon pulls back, report says
York Dispatch: West York mayor suggests cutting trash collection; records show he owes thousands in refuse fees
York Dispatch: Saturday update: York County has three new COVID-19 deaths, 32 additional cases
Carlisle Sentinel: Candidates deny racial concerns in policing during Carlisle rally
Carlisle Sentinel: Politics and the judiciary: AAUW/Dickinson College panel looks at the role of judges
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: Cumberland County reports its highest number of cases, 29, in a single day
LNP | LancasterOnline: Who’s behind Lancaster Patriot? An alt-right podcaster from Texas, investigation shows

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Census official announces Reading has reached 100% compliance for the 2020 count
Reading Eagle: Coronavirus outbreak put different spin on disaster evaluation in Berks County in the wake of tropical storm
Reading Eagle: Group holds protest in Reading to shine light on police brutality
Reading Eagle: 43 new coronavirus cases in Berks County ends 5-day decline
Morning Call: In support of Breonna Taylor, Lehigh Valley marchers call for justice and reform
Morning Call: Allentown School District to allow a limited number of fans at games
Morning Call: This 116-year-old Democratic Club in Bethlehem and others could fold under financial strain of coronavirus
Morning Call: Allentown will remove lead paint hazards in 310 homes using $5.7 million HUD grant
Morning Call: Election 2020: Your Pennsylvania voting questions answered

North by Northwest 
Erie Times-News: Biden backers show support in downtown Erie march
Erie Times-News: How Erie-area legislators voted, the week ending Sept. 25
Erie Times-News: Erie should get $95 million water deal payment in October 
Erie Times-News: KKK-supportive notes dropped in Erie County driveways
Erie Times-News: Oil City man files lawsuit over removal of anti-Trump sign
Erie Times-News: Biden/Harris fans march to Erie’s Perry Square
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council to weigh parkway plan comments 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council OK’s $5.1 pension obligation
Centre Daily Times: COVID-19 expert: Centre County in better shape than a week ago — but ‘worrisome’ trends remain

Opinion  
Tom Ridge: I was a Republican governor of Pa. I’m voting for Joe Biden. 
Mark S. Singel: Leave Justice Ginsburg’s vacant seat alone until the election plays itself out 
Charlie Gerow: It’s the president’s right and duty to fill the court vacancy now 
Deb Ryan: ‘Women belong in all places where decisions are being made’
JD Mullane: Kathy Barnette, political trailblazer
Adam Brandon: Pennsylvania Democrats Want to Empower Lawyers, Not Voters
Keith Rothfus: Fracking for votes: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court has opened the door to election chaos
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Don’t give Trump ballot ammo, Pa.
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Lancaster County elections officials have got this, so vote by mail, vote in person, with confidence  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Delay on liquefied gas terminal is temporary; potential harm is long-lasting 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Voting in 2020 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Let Columbus stand 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Climate smokescreen 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Coronavirus con game
Salena Zito: Top Republican in Pennsylvania Senate shoots down ‘false’ theory that legislature would rig Electoral College for Trump
John L. Micek: Pa. Republicans need to just say they’ll respect the election results. Period | Friday Morning Coffee
Bob McKinnon: Are you better off than you were four years ago?  
Rob Altenburg: Instead of fighting him, lawmakers should help Gov. Wolf promote a cleaner, healthier future for all
Bill White: Reader calls me out for referring to Trump ‘cultists’ and Kimberly Guilfoyle’s ‘shrieking harpy persona.’ Plus other pet peeves
Keith C. Burris: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s values cut across ideological lines, and challenge us all
Ruth Ann Dailey: RBG and politics
David T. Z. Mindich: Carrying Yom Kippur’s message of atonement to the voting booth 
Ray E. Landis: Older voters will again play a key role on Election Day. Here’s what you need to know 
Mark O’Keefe: Remember the good old days — when Wolf and Republicans could actually compromise? That’s gone 
Tim Hartman: What do voters really want this campaign season? | Editorial Cartoon
Chris Kelly: ‘Notorious’ women may make election a real ‘mother’ for Trump
Gene Therapy: Morning line on Trump’s Supreme Court pick
Christine Flowers: There are many ways to honor and fight for women
Helen Ubiñas: Time is up for a Philly animal disaster relief program that actually works. So of course the city is dragging its feet to save it 
Jacob Tice: My brother Austin asked me to go to Syria with him. Four months later, he was taken. 
Will Bunch: Yes, the Reichstag IS on fire, but the American people have water to put it out 
Maria Panaritis: Lansdowne grandparents struggle with virtual schooling: ‘It’s rough on us’ 
John Breyault: The pandemic is a gold mine for scammers. Here’s how consumers can protect themselves
Dick Polman: Dr. Trump can’t resist looking foolish on the coronavirus