Legislature
Local law enforcement officials honored during Juvenile Justice Week
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-law-enforcement-officials-honored-during-juvenile-justice-week/article_4f289110-0bc6-11eb-be15-f7d0f6bda877.html
Police investigating anti-Semitic message left at State Rep. Kaufer’s office
https://www.timesleader.com/news/805978/police-investigating-anti-semitic-message-left-at-state-rep-kaufers-office
Flier containing swastikas found at Jewish lawmaker’s office
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flier-containing-swastikas-found-at-jewish-lawmakers-office/article_c0e3adeb-413f-59b0-8417-f847b793e715.html
Dan Bartkowiak: Please, Pennsylvania — no more slot machines
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/10/13/Dan-Bartkowiak-Please-Pennsylvania-no-more-slot-machines/stories/202010130020
Ruling dismissing Scarnati lawsuit was a win for accountability and transparency in Pennsylvania [editorial] https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/ruling-dismissing-scarnati-lawsuit-was-a-win-for-accountability-and-transparency-in-pennsylvania-editorial/article_61c8b7a2-0ce6-11eb-9842-8be30bd1ed5c.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pa. and N.J. are among the states trying to stave off a second coronavirus wave
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-rising-cases-counts-shore-closures-20201012.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 1,088 more cases Monday; most state indicators for Lehigh Valley worsen
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-virus-oct12-stats-20201012-o4fp7qpirjd6xiipr3zjabp5ca-story.html
Allegheny County reports 179 new cases, 0 deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/10/12/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-63/stories/202010120075
Westmoreland County sets another record with 90 new cases Monday, 2 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-set-another-record-with-90-new-cases-monday-2-deaths/
Pennsylvania, NEPA COVID-19 cases keep surging
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/pennsylvania-nepa-covid-19-cases-keep-surging/article_c88f9923-ee41-5ce2-9c13-8b3f0198e9be.html
New coronavirus cases fall in Berks County but weeklong average continues to climb
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/new-coronavirus-cases-fall-in-berks-county-but-weeklong-average-continues-to-climb/article_18d0315a-0cb0-11eb-8907-b3181f76944c.html
Three high schools go full-remote, at least briefly, due to COVID-19 cases
https://www.timesleader.com/news/806040/three-high-schools-go-full-remote-at-least-briefly-due-to-covid-19-cases
Derry Area closes schools until next week because of covid-19 cases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/derry-area-closes-schools-till-next-week-cause-of-covid-19/
3 Hempfield Area High students positive for coronavirus; school, athletics shut down
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/3-hempfield-area-high-students-positive-for-coronavirus-school-athletics-shut-down/
Metzgar Elementary closed amid 5 coronavirus cases at 2 Greensburg Salem schools
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/metzgar-elementary-closed-amid-5-coronavirus-cases-at-2-greensburg-salem-schools/
Staff member at Allegheny Valley School District’s Acmetonia Elementary tests positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/staff-member-at-allegheny-valley-school-districts-acmetonia-elementary-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
COVID-19 cases close Council Rock North for the rest of week
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/10/13/council-rock-north-closed-rest-week-due-covid-19-cases/5976531002/
Despite several COVID-19 cases, Elizabethtown Area schools will be open Tuesday
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/10/despite-several-covid-19-cases-elizabethtown-area-schools-will-be-open-tuesday.html
Delaware County universities manage coronavirus restrictions
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-universities-manage-coronavirus-restrictions/article_b10c445c-0cd5-11eb-bdd9-178787c90e15.html
Editorial: Berks coronavirus uptick is cause for concern
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-berks-coronavirus-uptick-is-cause-for-concern/article_6603b418-0cad-11eb-8406-7b99205d1592.html
Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine trial halted by participant’s illness
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/johnson-and-johnson-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-halted-20201012.html
COVID-19 has ‘everyone you talk to looking to buy a car’
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/car-buying-new-used-covid-pandemic-philadelphia-20201013.html
A Nevada man got COVID-19 twice
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2020/10/12/COVID-19-reinfection-Nevada-man-first-confirmed-coronavirus-case-twice-US/stories/202010120122
Administration
Gisele Fetterman grateful for support after enduring racial slurs while shopping
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gisele-fetterman-grateful-for-support-after-enduring-racial-slurs-while-shopping/
Gisele Fetterman and racial slur: Wife of Pennsylvania lieutenant governor had perfect response
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-gisele-fetterman-video-muschick-20201012-zx4bpdfcl5gsdo4ppve65z6zge-story.html
Business
Thomas Jefferson University to eliminate 500 positions and trim top executives’ pay as losses mount from COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/jefferson-health-hospitals-losses-cuts-covid-jobs-retirement-klasko-ceo-20201012.html
SBA, Treasury simplify forgiveness process on small PPP loans
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/10/13/SBA-Treasury-simplify-forgiveness-process-small-PPP-loans/stories/202010130053
Lawsuit alleges Cabot Oil and Gas misled its stockholders
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lawsuit-alleges-cabot-oil-and-gas-misled-its-stockholders/article_18b9317a-0919-58b3-aadb-b85992097b46.html
Education
USDA extends waivers for free school meals
https://triblive.com/news/world/usda-extends-waivers-for-free-school-meals/
Food insecurity a problem, but free meals at schools help
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/food-insecurity-a-problem-but-free-meals-at-schools-help/article_731c62f5-3a2d-5e26-9403-3ed22aefa339.html
Hearings for school officials facing endangerment charges postponed
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/hearings-for-school-officials-facing-endangerment-charges-postponed/article_b9d968db-8009-5080-8896-9652a6b59388.html
Kutztown University planning to continue mix of in-person and virtual classes for spring semester
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/kutztown-university-planning-to-continue-mix-of-in-person-and-virtual-classes-for-spring-semester/article_a7fb28a4-0ca5-11eb-abe9-bf424eb9f1ba.html
West Chester University leaves door open on spring sports
https://www.dailylocal.com/sports/west-chester-university-leaves-door-open-on-spring-sports/article_a91ec320-0ce7-11eb-8eaf-3380cedd0667.html
Penn State fraternity suspended for four years due to hazing allegations
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/penn-state-frat-suspended-for-four-years-due-to-hazing-allegations.html
Pandemic threatens food security for many college students | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pandemic-threatens-food-security-for-many-college-students-opinion/
Elections/Politics
Sen. Scott Martin and challenger Janet Diaz to square off at LNP forum this week
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/sen-scott-martin-and-challenger-janet-diaz-to-square-off-at-lnp-forum-this-week/article_d9517dfe-0caf-11eb-9e92-4bda16fe10e7.html
Exclusive: In new video, Barack Obama has a message for Pa.: Have a plan to vote
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/exclusive-in-new-video-barack-obama-has-a-message-for-pa-have-a-plan-to-vote/
Trump and Biden both need northeast Pennsylvania to win. Here’s why it may be close | Kelly
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/columnists/mike-kelly/2020/10/09/2020-presidential-election-why-pennsylvania-battleground-state-kelly/5882752002/
Trump is coming to Johnstown as Pennsylvania looks more important by the day
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/trump-johnstown-pennsylvania-rally-20201013.html
Fervor rises in Johnstown ahead of Trump’s Tuesday rally
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/10/12/Johnstown-Trump-rally-2020-presidential-reelection-campaign-Pennsylvania-visit/stories/202010120121
Rudy Giuliani campaigns for Trump in a packed Philly office space, with fans in ‘Save Columbus’ masks
https://www.inquirer.com/news/giuliani-trump-italians-philadelphia-columbus-day-20201012.html
‘I feel so powerful,’ Trump says in Florida at first rally since contracting COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/10/12/Donald-Trump-rally-Florida-2020-election-campaign-COVID-19-coronavirus-negative-test-Sanford-Fla/stories/202010120112
Treasury thrives under Torsella
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/treasury-thrives-under-torsella/article_d44444a3-4252-56b1-b815-b8964b9ab5fc.html
Election 2020: Who’s running in the 5th Legislative District
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/election-2020-whos-running-in-the-5th-legislative-district/article_24c48ab6-04d0-11eb-8db3-5fe33f28c248.html
Walk-in voting option starts this week
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/walk-in-voting-option-starts-this-week/article_9d3ae5d9-c655-5965-91ad-0eb528e0b0aa.html
Lehigh County installed first ballot drop box in Allentown. Four more could be in place by Friday.
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-pa-elections-lehigh-county-drop-boxes-in-place-friday-20201012-oayvqflq5bcllmsmixs4umnaxu-story.html
Local News
Scranton expects proposals for delinquent trash fee collection
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-expects-proposals-for-delinquent-trash-fee-collection/article_a7f5e1c7-d3c2-51b5-a927-854f660995dc.html
Scranton landlord appeals city’s ongoing condemnation of apartment building that had fatal fire
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/scranton-landlord-appeals-citys-ongoing-condemnation-of-apartment-building-that-had-fatal-fire/article_92e10f8a-fa40-5a95-8277-174bf3a6f752.html
YouthBuild gives young adults a chance to reshape their lives and communities
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/youthbuild-gives-young-adults-a-chance-to-reshape-their-lives-and-communities/article_bd17b57e-09a6-11eb-a3c0-93f2d21f8945.html
Hockey referee plans to keep officiating after attack at New Kensington arena
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/hockey-referee-plans-to-keep-officiating-after-attack-at-new-kensington-arena/
Luzerne County Cares Commission targeting homeless’ needs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/806042/luzerne-county-cares-commission-targeting-homeless-needs
Clinic that dispenses methadone seeks to relocate to Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/clinic-that-dispenses-methadone-seeks-to-relocate-to-wilkes-barre/article_b9f2640b-d317-5f00-a93d-7cd425dd88e7.html
In Gettysburg, this summer’s Black Lives Matter protests have bled into fall and become a war of words
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/in-gettysburg-this-summers-black-lives-matter-protests-have-bled-into-fall-and-become-a-war-of-words.html
National News
California GOP says it owns unofficial ballot drop boxes that have been ruled illegal
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/10/california-gop-says-it-owns-unofficial-ballot-drop-boxes-that-have-been-ruled-illegal.html
Philly
Philadelphia’s 2020 ballot questions, explained
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadlephia-ballot-measures-november-2020-general-election-20201012.html
Philly didn’t become America’s poorest big city by chance. Here’s how we fix it. | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-poverty-unemployment-racism-education-upskilling-20201013.html
If Philly is removing its Columbus statue, why is Columbus Day still a holiday?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columbus-day-phildelphia-statue-20201012.html
The first female Hispanic priest in Pa.’s Episcopal Church is ordained. She’s from Philadelphia.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-episcopal-church-first-latina-priest-philadelphia-puerto-rico-20201013.html
In Philly, firefighters seek union prez’s resignation over Trump endorsemen
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/in-philly-firefighters-seek-union-prezs-resignation-over-trump-endorsement/
Pitt
Local Italian American officeholders speak out about Columbus statue
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/10/12/Catena-DeMarco-Fontana-and-Innamorato-Local-Italian-American-electeds-speak-out-about-Columbus-statue/stories/202010120087
Pittsburgh-area Italians gather on Columbus Day to fight for Schenley Park statue
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-area-italians-gathers-on-columbus-day-to-fight-for-schenley-park-statue/
Coworking concept coming to former Downtown department store — no, not Kaufmann’s
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/10/13/Stark-Enteprises-441-Smithfield-Downtown-pittsburgh-Frank-and-Seder-Launch-Workplaces/stories/202010120114
Brentwood restaurant that ignored COVID-19 rules files for bankruptcy
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/12/crackd-egg-restaurant-brentwood-bankrupt-covid-rules-mask/stories/202010120095
State News
Mail carrier suspended after ballot, political ads allegedly found in trash
https://triblive.com/local/mail-carrier-suspended-after-ballot-political-ads-allegedly-found-in-trash/
Climate change could shift Pennsylvania’s wildfire season
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2020/10/13/climate-change-could-shift-pennsylvanias-wildfire-season/
Pa. Capitol Fountain no longer pink due to vandalism
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/pa-capitol-fountain-no-longer-pink-due-to-vandalism.html
My Turn: Suit against EPA will benefit Pennsylvanians and others who value clean water
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/opinion/columns/guest/2020/10/12/my-turn-suit-against-epa-benefit-pennsylvanians-and-others-who-value-clean-water/5966334002/
Washington
Supreme Court nominee Barrett vows to interpret laws ‘as they are written’ and fair approach as justice, Democrats skeptical
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/supreme-court-nominee-senate-confirmation-hearings-begin-amy-coney-barrett-20201012.html
Trump immigration restrictions expected to impact economy long after he leaves White House
https://www.inquirer.com/wires/mct/h-1b-visas-immigration-trump-covid-limits-google-tech-startups-20201012.html