Budget
Deadline looms to finish state budget
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/10/18/Deadline-looms-to-defuse-Pennsylvania-s-budget-time-bomb/stories/202010160144
Pa. has to pass a budget soon. Here’s what is on the table.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-has-to-pass-a-budget-soon-heres-whats-on-the-table/
Lawmakers also mail it in
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/lawmakers-also-mail-it-in/article_7042d264-f078-5ba1-bc85-0fa5cf665d37.html
Legislature
Pa. counties want a head start on processing election ballots cast by mail; time is running out
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/10/pa-counties-want-a-head-start-on-processing-election-ballots-cast-by-mail-time-is-running-out.html
Pennsylvania’s election officials should have more time to process absentee ballots | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/10/pennsylvanias-election-officials-should-have-more-time-to-process-absentee-ballots.html
Proposed state legislation would mandate suicide prevention education
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/10/19/proposed-pa-law-mandates-education-suicide/3677521001/
Pa. mortgage and rent relief program gets possible last chance at fix
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/pa-mortgage-and-rent-relief-program-gets-possible-last-chance-at-fix/article_d08bcf0e-0fec-11eb-8e3e-139061af3252.html
Pennsylvanians want a lot from their lawmakers when it comes to climate change
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2020/10/19/pennsylvanians-want-a-lot-from-their-lawmakers-when-it-comes-to-climate-change/
Don’t be fooled by PA legislators’ probation ‘reform’ | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/dont-be-fooled-by-pa-legislators-probation-reform-opinion/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania nursing homes brace for more covid outbreaks amid supply shortages
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-nursing-homes-brace-for-more-covid-outbreaks-amid-supply-shortages/
New wrinkle in visiting nursing homes: COVID-19 positivity rate a factor
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/10/18/New-wrinkle-in-visiting-nursing-homes-COVID-19-positivity-rate-matters/stories/202010170066
Pandemic demand challenges Pennsylvania’s dog industry and oversight
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/dogs-pandemic-coronavirus-shortage-20201018.html
Hopewell Area School District moves to one day of remote learning after positive COVID-19 case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/10/18/Hopewell-Area-School-District-one-day-of-remote-learning-COVID-19-students-staff/stories/202010180241
Hempfield Area High School to remain closed early this week
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-area-high-school-to-remain-closed-early-this-week/
Quaker Valley moves to online learning after mass quarantine of students, staff occurs
https://triblive.com/local/sewickley/quaker-valley-moves-to-online-learning-after-mass-quarantine-of-students-staff-occure/
Wilkes-Barre Area goes virtual due to COVID-19 cases
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-area-goes-virtual-due-to-covid-19-cases/article_60808bb1-af11-5f61-a4bb-ab617bc63670.html
After nine COVID-19 cases, Lackawanna Trial students and teachers adjust to virtual learning
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/after-nine-covid-19-cases-lackawanna-trial-students-and-teachers-adjust-to-virtual-learning/article_1ad94efb-c1dc-518f-a7b7-aa2ee2d5a5e2.html
48 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/48-new-cases-of-covid-19-reported-in-luzerne-county-on-sunday/article_b1580188-b3be-565f-9871-47c39a83cf69.html
Fourth straight day of 100-plus new COVID-19 cases in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/fourth-straight-day-of-100-plus-new-covid-19-cases-in-nepa/article_3b08b159-d09d-5a25-b6b3-c019026cdc08.html
Lancaster County got $95 million for COVID-19 relief. Where did it go?
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-county-got-95-million-for-covid-19-relief-where-did-it-go-lancaster-watchdog/article_fba1a2cc-109b-11eb-b339-27d5ea7e6b75.html
Increased U.S. testing capacity creates new problem: Keeping track of results
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/10/18/COVID-19-coronavirus-US-United-States-testing-antigen-tests-rapid-states-federal-government-President-Donald-Trump/stories/202010180218
Death of a mother and son are reminders of the dangers of COVID, despite what Trump says | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/eric-logan-sharon-trump-covid-coronavirus-philly-jenice-armstrong-20201019.html
World passes 40 million coronavirus cases, with US, Brazil and India reporting the most infections
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-coronavirus-world-updates-20201019-n7ut5w73yzh5nkycxgnt64i5vq-story.html
Business
Wabtec announces more layoffs at Erie plant as COVID-19 slows demand for railroad parts
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/10/16/Wabtec-announces-more-layoffs-at-Erie-plant-as-COVID-19-slows-demand-for-railroad-parts/stories/202010160146
Unemployment rate in Pa. drops to 8.1%, but economists remain wary
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/unemployment-rate-in-pa-drops-to-8-1-but-economists-remain-wary/
Crime/Punishment
Report recommends reducing incarceration for substance use violations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/18/pennsylvania-commission-sentencing-resentencing-substance-use-probation-jail-incarceration/stories/202010130106
Police: Man shot in York City Sunday evening, third shooting within 24 hours in city
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2020/10/19/police-man-shot-york-city-sunday-evening-third-shooting-within-24-hours-city/3708414001/
Education
Adam Sandler to film new movie at Coatesville High gym
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/adam-sandler-to-film-new-movie-at-coatesville-high-gym/article_9678258a-114d-11eb-8f4e-6ffd2a2a14f5.html
Elections/Politics
Even seniors are abandoning Trump in Pa. Downplaying the pandemic was the last straw.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-biden-seniors-pandemic-coronavirus-poll-20201018.html
White women are ditching Trump, and it could cost him Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/white-women-pennsylvania-trump-20201019.html
Jill Biden coming to PNC Field
https://www.timesleader.com/top-stories/806619/806619
Biden says he gets places like Scranton. Some in town aren’t so sure.
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/biden-says-he-gets-places-like-scranton-some-in-town-arent-so-sure/article_fbba0a97-1ae8-5152-a0f8-37f877965fae.html
People in long lines to cast ballots are also casting ballots for the importance of voting. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-swing-state-voting-options-trump-biden–20201019.html
Trump’s triumph in 2016 gives rise to grassroots activism in the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-dems-activism-20201019-arnba2vdvbfbvgcgw7j2veow2u-story.html
These once-blue counties helped flip Pennsylvania from Obama to Trump. They could make the difference again
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/these-once-blue-counties-helped-flip-pennsylvania-from-obama-to-trump-they-could-make-the-difference-again.html
Cartwright, Bognet slug it out in debate for 8th Congressional District
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/cartwright-bognet-slug-it-out-in-debate-for-8th-congressional-district/article_7d84a083-891f-5529-a767-7aaded1f17bf.html
In 1st re-election bid, Rep. Reschenthaler faces Democratic challenger Bill Marx
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/in-1st-re-election-bid-rep-reschenthaler-faces-democratic-challenger-bill-marx/
9th District: Meuser, Wegman differ on health care, prescription drug plans
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/9th-district-meuser-wegman-differ-on-health-care-prescription-drug-plans/article_9b1cd0e5-00ee-5c42-8094-a57bc16f64e1.html
Kosierowski, May vie for 114th District state House seat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/kosierowski-may-vie-for-114th-district-state-house-seat/article_650fcde4-1e1a-526d-b5b0-18049b82973e.html
Expect waits for new on-demand voting, Luzerne County official warns
https://www.timesleader.com/news/806625/expect-waits-for-new-on-demand-voting-luzerne-county-official-warns
Republican congressional candidates seek poll watchers at Allegheny Co. satellite election offices
https://triblive.com/local/republican-congressional-candidates-seek-poll-watchers-at-allegheny-co-satellite-election-offices/
Inside Glen Lyon’s support, opposition to Trump
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/inside-glen-lyons-support-opposition-to-trump/article_be61cd4e-85a2-5a21-bebd-59dc955918ae.html
Monday is last day to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/monday-is-last-day-to-register-to-vote-in-the-nov-3-election/article_90b736b3-c402-5ab1-9fa0-b8d4a1664c72.html
Gaming
$462.8 million in bets made in Pennsylvania in September
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/462-8-million-in-bets-made-in-pennsylvania-in-september/
Local News
New Hanover planners reject final quarry site plan
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/new-hanover-planners-reject-final-quarry-site-plan/article_25a2de17-8275-570e-864c-f35a532baa55.html
Feds: Bank tip prompted fraud probe of ex-Erie City Council President Arrington
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/18/Feds-Bank-tip-prompted-fraud-probe-of-ex-Erie-City-Council-President-Arrington/stories/202010110039
Dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets help revitalize a former Pennsylvania coal town
https://www.inquirer.com/news/dirt-bike-atv-off-road-shamokin-philadelphia-anthracite-adventure-20201017.html
Nonprofits feeling pandemic pain
https://www.timesleader.com/news/806679/nonprofits-feeling-pandemic-pain
Alle-Kiski Valley area fire departments get cash infusion from state
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/alle-kiski-valley-area-fire-departments-get-cash-infusion-from-state/
Ex-Williamsport mayor denies allegations he asked his police chief to ‘fix’ a PFA problem
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/ex-williamsport-mayor-denies-allegations-he-asked-his-police-chief-to-fix-a-pfa-problem.html
Sgt. Robert ‘Skippy’ Carroll reinstated by Media council, but chooses to retire
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/sgt-robert-skippy-carroll-reinstated-by-media-council-but-chooses-to-retire/article_869e99e6-109e-11eb-8aa0-d38187178a69.html
National News
Judge strikes down Trump plan to slash food stamps for 700,000 unemployed Americans
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/food-stamps-unemployed-trump-plan-20201018.html
Philly
Against the backdrop of a celebrated statue, West Philadelphians rally against gun violence – and to get out the vote
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-rally-kehinde-wiley-sculpture-voter-registration-20201018.html
SEPTA to launch new three-day passes, fit for the COVID-19 era
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-three-day-pass-bus-subway-regional-rail-covid-pandemic-20201016.html
At Philadelphia’s last men’s suit company, loyalty keeps the business going
https://www.inquirer.com/business/future-of-work-philadelphia-deindustrialization-mens-clothing-apparell-seitchik-20201018.html
‘It’s very empty in here’: Eagles fans finally return to a very different Linc
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-eagles-fans-return-lincoln-financial-field-coronavirus-covid-restrictions-20201018.html
As registration deadline nears, a mad dash in Philadelphia to reach voters
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/voter-registration-deadline-weekend-philadelphia-pennsylvania-gotv-20201017.html
Black officers break from unions over Trump endorsements
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/black-officers-break-from-unions-over-trump-endorsements/article_82730c14-28d9-50c0-af02-102366e1ed41.html
Pitt
19 Neighbors: Pandemic hits home with these Sarah Street neighbors
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/19-neighbors/2020/10/19/19-Neighbors-One-South-Side-block-shares-what-their-pandemic-perspectives/stories/202010180210
Schenley Park plan touted as ‘project of a generation’; residents can weigh in on controversial electric shuttle
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/10/19/Schenley-Park-project-the-run-greenfield-oakland-hazelwood-green-flood-mitigation-trails-roads-electric-shuttle/stories/202010180215
Voters will decide whether to give Pittsburgh’s Citizen Police Review Board new powers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/10/19/Voters-decide-Pittsburgh-Citizen-Police-Review-Board-new-powers-election-referendum/stories/202010140171
Awaiting COVID-19 relief bill, Pittsburgh region frets over sluggish recovery
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/10/18/COVID-19-relief-bill-Pittsburgh-area-recovery-unemployment-Democrats-Republicans/stories/202010180012
Voters drop off ballots around Allegheny County in a steady stream
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/10/18/A-steady-stream-of-voters-dropped-off-ballots-Sunday/stories/202010190033
Pittsburgh police investigating Hill District shooting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-police-investigating-hill-district-shooting/
Pitt relaxing some pandemic restrictions on Monday
https://triblive.com/local/pitt-relaxing-some-pandemic-restrictions-on-monday/
State funds will help renovate Great Allegheny Passage in Mon Valley
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2020/10/19/Pennsylvania-funds-renovation-Great-Allegheny-Passage-Mon-Valley-trail-recreation/stories/202010160152
State News
Why some Pa. marijuana patients face jail for not surrendering their medical marijuana cards
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/marijuana-medical-card-supreme-court-opinion-parole-probation-duquesne-20201019.html
Pennsylvania Game Commission says social media post on orange face mask requirement is fake
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-hunting-orange-face-mask-covid-game-commission-20201017.html
Big game hunting: Are there hunters in your park?
https://triblive.com/local/regional/big-game-hunting-in-progress-and-on-some-sundays-are-there-hunters-in-your-park/
Bear hunting season opens, emphasis in populated areas
https://triblive.com/local/regional/bear-hunting-season-opens-emphasis-in-populated-areas/
Firearm background checks, concealed carry permits surge in Pa.
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/firearm-background-checks-concealed-carry-permits-surge-in-pa/article_7f6e624a-0faf-11eb-ab5f-6b1ac3d68bbc.html
Transportation
Bridge connecting North Braddock and East Pittsburgh closes Monday for replacement
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/10/18/North-Braddock-East-Pittsburgh-Dooker-s-Hollow-new-bridge-Allegheny-County/stories/202010130170