Legislature
What’s New in Aging: Grandparenting help in wake of opioid epidemic
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/aging-edge/2018/10/23/Pennsylvania-grandparents-opioid-epidemic-legislation-Wolf-bill-signings-kinship-navigator/stories/201810230134
Grandparents-raising-grandchildren legislation signed into law
https://www.timesleader.com/news/722443/grandparents-raising-grandchildren-legislation-signed-into-law
Wolf signs bill to help grandparents raising grandchildren
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-signs-bill-to-help-grandparents-raising-grandchildren-1.2401442
New Pennsylvania laws to help grandparents affected by opioid crisis
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/new-pennsylvania-laws-to-help-grandparents-affected-by-opioid-crisis
Gov. Wolf signs revisions to Pennsylvania’s organ donation law
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14205608-74/gov-wolf-signs-revisions-to-pennsylvanias-organ-donation-law
Philly-area GOP senators targeted in campaign ad on clergy abuse
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/philly-area-gop-senators-targeted-campaign-ad-clergy-abuse-scarnati-tomlinson-rafferty-20181023.html
30,000 call for killing school property taxes in Pa. once and for all
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/10/30000_calls_for_killing_school.html#incart_river_index
Barrar’s bill to reimburse ambulance companies heads to governor
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/barrar-s-bill-to-reimburse-ambulance-companies-heads-to-governor/article_e125c022-d6b4-11e8-a845-bbb47d47a7df.html
‘Textbook case of public corruption’ — or entrapment?
https://www2.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/rep-vanessa-lowery-brown-public-corruption-entrapment-dauphin-county-harrisburg-tyron-ali-20181023.html
Two bills that can change the way physician assistants in Pa. care for you | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/physician-assistant-pa-senate-bills-895-896-20181024.html
Editorial: Harrisburg dysfunction extends debacle in Topton
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-harrisburg-dysfunction-extends-debacle-in-topton
Business
Dallas business blames roundabout for financial woes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dallas-business-blames-roundabout-for-financial-woes-1.2401405
New outlets open, still to come in Laurel Mall
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/new-outlets-open-still-to-come-in-laurel-mall-1.2401320
Catholic Church
Altoona-Johnstown Catholic Diocese confirms federal subpoena
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/10/23/Altoona-Johnstown-diocese-confirms-federal-subpoena/stories/201810230141
Justice department issues subpoena to Altoona-Johnstown diocese in priest child sexual abuse probe
https://www.tribdem.com/news/justice-department-issues-subpoena-to-altoona-johnstown-diocese-in-priest/article_bd3ee0ce-d701-11e8-8bc7-5f2f4992dc4e.html
Crime/Punishment
Former Allentown Mayor Pawlowski gets 15 years in prison on corruption charges
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2018/10/23/Former-Allentown-Mayor-Pawlowski-gets-15-years-in-prison-on-corruption-charges/stories/201810230195
Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski stunned by 15-year prison sentence that lawyer calls “cruel”
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-allentown-mayor-ed-pawlowski-sentenced-20181022-story.html
How Ed Pawlowski’s sentence compares to what other corrupt politicians got
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/fbi/mc-nws-ed-pawlowski-sentence-comparison-20181023-story.html
This woman was 18 when she acted as lookout for a fatal robbery. But was she just a kid?
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/juvenile-lifer-pennsylvania-miller-montgomery-avis-lee-bret-grote-superior-court-20181023.html
Education
State exam report card is out: science results show improvement but math continues to be a struggle
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/10/state_exam_report_card_is_out.html#incart_river_index
No school in Crestwood on Wednesday due to unspecified transportation issues
https://www.timesleader.com/news/722441/no-school-in-crestwood-on-wednesday-due-to-unspecified-transportation-issues
Audit turns up busing issue at Crestwood
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/audit-turns-up-busing-issue-at-crestwood-1.2401420
A Magic School Bus? At Downingtown they call it the Innovation Lab
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/magic-school-bus-downingtown-innovation-lab-20181023.html
Fire at Bucks Muslim school blamed on students there
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/fire-at-bucks-muslim-school-blamed-on-students-there-20181023.html
State releases PSSA scores
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-releases-pssa-scores-1.2401423
Washington Elementary principal resigns after alleged physical altercation with student
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/washington-elementary-principal-resigns-after-parent-complaint
Palumbo Center renovations on tap, as is name change honoring Chuck Cooper
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/duquesne/2018/10/23/duquesne-palumbo-center-renovations-chuck-cooper-nba-upmc/stories/201810230107
With on-campus stadium project stalled, Temple officials hope to discuss lease extension with Eagles
http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/temple/temple-football-stadium-philadelphia-eagles-lincoln-financial-field-lease-extension-20181023.html
What could happen if Harvard stopped considering race in admissions?
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/10/23/What-could-happen-if-Harvard-stopped-considering-race-in-admissions/stories/201810230207
These are the best colleges and universities in Pennsylvania: WalletHub
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/10/fd5e149a6b584/these-are-the-best-colleges-an.html#incart_river_index
Elections/Politics
Democrats hold significant advantage in congressional campaign spending two weeks ahead of election
https://whyy.org/articles/democrats-hold-significant-advantage-in-congressional-campaign-spending-two-weeks-ahead-of-election/
Taxing retirement income? Are any gubernatorial candidates really proposing that?
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/10/taxing_retirement_income_are_a.html#incart_river_index
Give that one a ‘like’? Here’s a look at the Facebook campaign for Pa. governor | Analysis
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/10/give_that_one_a_like_heres_a_l.html#incart_river_index
Climate change: A crisis for humanity, but not a big deal in the Pa. governor’s race
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/10/climate-change-a-crisis-for-humanity-but-not-a-big-deal-in-the-pa-governors-race.php
Mullins, Lemoncelli disagree on redistricting commission, other issues at second 112th debate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mullins-lemoncelli-disagree-on-redistricting-commission-other-issues-at-second-112th-debate-1.2401526
Pashinski, Henry talk issues at forum
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pashinski-henry-talk-issues-at-forum-1.2401436
Caltagirone, Gagliardo and Gillen, Metcalfe debate for state House seats
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/caltagirone-gagliardo-and-gillen-metcalfe-debate-for-state-house-seats
Darcelle Slappy fighting ‘uphill battle’ against straight party voting
http://www.timesonline.com/news/20181023/darcelle-slappy-fighting-uphill-battle-against-straight-party-voting
More voters seeking absentee ballots than at midterm election four years ago
https://observer-reporter.com/news/election/more-voters-seeking-absentee-ballots-than-at-midterm-election-four/article_31c2c55c-d6e2-11e8-bd6a-13ac9152703d.html
Absentee-ballot increase may mean higher voter turnout in Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/722455/absentee-ballot-increase-may-mean-higher-voter-turnout-in-luzerne-county
I’m a Puerto Rican refugee from Hurricane Maria. Here’s why I care about the Pa. midterm | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/10/im_a_puerto_rican_refugee_from.html#incart_2box_politics
About the things Gov. Wolf takes credit for | John Baer
https://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/john_baer/john-baer-tom-wolf-legislature-credit-accomplishments-bryan-cutler-20181023.html
Pence in town today to campaign for Chrin
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pence-in-town-today-to-campaign-for-chrin-1.2401413
Eric Trump tries to boost Chrin hopes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/eric-trump-tries-to-boost-chrin-hopes-1.2401240
Analysis: In closing pitch, Trump and GOP focus on fear
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/trump-gop-fear-danger-migrants-terrorism-race-democrats-20181023.html
Health Care
As more health care shifts elsewhere, W.Pa. hospitals trying new strategies
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2018/10/23/Healthcare-council-of-western-pennsylvania-washington-hospital-highlands-avoiding/stories/201810210012
Local News
Urban accuses Pedri of politicking, seeks probe of county manager
https://www.timesleader.com/news/722449/urban-accuses-pedri-of-politicking-seeks-probe-of-county-manager
Urban calls for probe of Pedri remarks
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/urban-calls-for-probe-of-pedri-remarks-1.2401440
Best of Back Mountain honored
https://www.timesleader.com/news/722474/best-of-back-mountain-honored
Hazleton Police announce technology upgrades
https://www.timesleader.com/news/722467/hazleton-police-announce-technology-upgrades
Lackawanna Recycling center charging municipalities for yard waste
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-recycling-center-charging-municipalities-for-yard-waste-1.2401560
Record-size crowd celebrates Scranton’s at annual mayors’ prayer breakfast
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/record-size-crowd-celebrates-scranton-s-at-annual-mayors-prayer-breakfast-1.2401144
Develop plan for Scranton ‘Iron District’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/develop-plan-for-scranton-iron-district-1.2401281
Beaver County district judge recuses in cases against suspended Aliquippa assistant police chief
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/10/23/Aliquippa-police-district-judge-recuses-Joseph-perciavalle-rachael-deltondo-homicide-beaver-county/stories/201810230125
Lawsuit accuses Lawrence County DA, three police officers of false arrest, conspiracy
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/10/23/lawrence-county-district-attorney-josh-lamancusa-lawsuit-federal-bryan-whiting-new-castle/stories/201810220087
Irwin proposed budget cuts fire department funding by 14 percent
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14207480-74/irwin-proposed-budget-cuts-fire-department-funding-by-14-percent
New Kensington seeks input on proposed park projects
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14206978-74/new-kensington-seeks-input-on-proposed-park-projects
Sidney Crosby teams with artist to raise money for Brian Shaw memorial fund
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14206692-74/sidney-crosby-teams-with-artist-to-raise-money-for-brian-shaw-memorial
Safe Berks’ Silent Witness march recalls those lost to domestic violence
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/safe-berks-silent-witness-march-recalls-those-lost-to-domestic-violence
Harrisburg takes steps to oppose ‘conversion therapy’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/10/harrisburg_takes_steps_to_oppo.html#incart_river_index
National News
Winning $1.6B Mega Millions ticket sold in South Carolina
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/10/24/Winning-1-6B-Mega-Millions-ticket-sold-in-South-Carolina-lottery-numbers/stories/201810240087
Esport betting platform gets license for video game gambling
https://www2.philly.com/philly/business/technology/esport-betting-platform-gets-license-for-video-game-gambling-20181023.html
New Jersey
6 children dead, 12 sick in viral outbreak at rehab center
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/20181023_ap_0cb02cb69cae467b958a8126e9c0f4ee.html?arc404=true
Opioid Crisis
How fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid, took over Pennsylvania
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/fentanyl-synthetic-opioid-drug-overdoses-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20181024.html
Philly
In Philadelphia, some neighborhoods lack access to primary health-care clinics
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/philadelphia-health-primary-health-care-desert-20181023.html
Saying goodbye to Reading Terminal royalty | Mike Newall
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/mike_newall/saying-goodbye-to-reading-terminal-royalty-mike-newall-20181024.html
It’s up to all of us to keep children safe | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/child-abuse-hotline-philadelphia-department-of-human-services-20181023.html
Philly workforce safer from job-stealing robots, report says
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/philly-workforce-safer-from-job-stealing-robots-report-says/article_e9d0ec3d-85bc-5948-a6fa-0e83d478e94c.html
Another MOVE 9 member tied to 1978 case leaves prison
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/another-move-member-tied-to-case-leaves-prison/article_527cb30d-ca63-5a87-8af7-77a1ece0a337.html
Pitt
Letters to some Allegheny County voters contained errors about 33 new polling locations
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2018/10/23/Letters-Allegheny-County-election-midterms-voters-errors-polling-places-locations/stories/201810230078
Peoples to be acquired by water utility in $4.27 billion deal
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2018/10/23/Peoples-acquisition-water-utility-Aqua-America-4-27-billion-deal/stories/201810230083
Old pipes in the ground helped fuel Aqua’s $4.275B deal for Peoples
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/2018/10/23/Old-pipes-in-the-ground-Aqua-America-Inc-4-275B-deal-Peoples-Natural-Gas/stories/201810230169
Goodbye video of Pittsburgh-area Kmart manager shows store’s closing is about people
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/10/23/Pittsburgh-McMurray-Kmart-employee-store-closing-emotional-goodbye-viral-video-joshua-englert/stories/201810230108
Pittsburgh honors civil and human rights activist Alma Speed Fox
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/10/23/Pittsburgh-honors-civil-human-rights-activist-Alma-Speed-Fox-key/stories/201810230166
Pittsburgh mayor honors pioneering civil rights activist with key to the city
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14206526-74/pittsburgh-mayor-honors-pioneering-civil-rights-activist-with-key-to-the-city
Sustainable Pittsburgh names new executive director
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/10/23/Sustainable-Pittsburgh-new-executive-director-Joylette-Portlock-nonprofit-sustainability/stories/201810230138
More Amazon games: City and county make a private plea to judge
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/10/24/More-Amazon-games-Pittsburgh-Allegheny-County-make-a-private-plea-to-judge/stories/201810240066
Trash to Thrash teaches skateboarding to underprivileged
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14207819-74/trash-to-thrash-teaches-skateboarding-to-underprivileged
Awash with smiles, superheroes lift spirits at Children’s Hospital
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14206272-74/awash-with-smiles-superheroes-lift-spirits-at-childrens-hospital
Allegheny County officials recommend absentee voters apply early
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14207329-74/allegheny-county-officials-recommend-absentee-voters-apply-early
Pittsburgh commission approves plans for UPMC vision hospital
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14206770-74/pittsburgh-commission-approves-plans-for-upmc-vision-hospital
Board to vote on arming police in Pittsburgh schools
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14206229-74/board-to-vote-on-arming-police-in-pittsburgh-schools
8 spots in Pittsburgh to accept unused, expired prescription drugs this weekend
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14206171-74/8-spots-in-pittsburgh-to-accept-unused-expired-prescription-drugs-this-weekend
State News
Former AG Kathleen Kane granted divorce
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-ag-kathleen-kane-granted-divorce-1.2401153
Transportation
Transportation consultant Jarrett Walker encourages more transit, less cars
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/10/23/Transportation-consultant-Jarrett-Walker-encourages-more-transit-less-cars/stories/201810230170
Washington
White House officials discuss symbolic tax vote as Trump promises imminent middle class cut
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/white-house-officials-discuss-symbolic-tax-vote-as-trump-promises-imminent-middle-class-cut-20181023.html
World News
Microplastics detected in human feces internationally, study finds
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/science/microplastics-detected-in-human-feces-worldwide-20181023.html