Legislature

Solutions for racism, inequity should be central to redesign of Pa. state universities, senator says
https://www.inquirer.com/education/spl/pa-state-universities-racism-art-haywood-20201021.html

State Sen. Art Haywood: Black students called n-word on Pennsylvania college campuses
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2020/10/21/haywood-demands-action-racist-environments-pa-campuses/3720107001/

Senate GOP halts fixes for Pa.’s troubled rent relief program, surprising even their own
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pa-rental-assistance-program-bill-house-senate-republicans-20201022.html

Talks collapse on a deal to let Pennsylvania counties open mail ballots before Election Day
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-counting-mail-ballots-election-day-negotiations-stall-20201021.html

Legislation would bar Pa. public colleges, universities from asking applicants about criminal background
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/10/21/pennsylvania-Campus-crime-criminal-justice-reform-Pennsylvania-Ortitay-Cephas-public-colleges-universities/stories/202010210119

Bill protecting young sexual assault victims from being re-victimized on its way to the governor
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/bill-protecting-young-sexual-assault-victims-from-being-re-victimized-on-its-way-to-the-governor.html

Bill clears way for POW/MIA flag to fly on state buildings
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/bill-clears-way-for-pow-mia-flag-to-fly-on-state-buildings/article_e8f248e4-13e2-11eb-b981-230721883137.html

Chester County legislators split on veto of restaurant bill
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-legislators-split-on-veto-of-restaurant-bill/article_b6ad4226-13bf-11eb-99e6-1bc13eb80739.html

House’s failed attempt to override Wolf’s veto on restaurant bill may not be the final word
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/10/houses-failed-attempt-to-override-wolfs-veto-on-restaurant-bill-may-not-be-the-final-word.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

Pennsylvania adds 1,425 coronavirus cases, 48 hospitalizations
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-adds-1425-coronavirus-cases-48-hospitalizations/

Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Cases exceed 1,000 for 16th straight day as surge continues
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-oct-21-update-20201021-7xjvs5pyqzb23cnv763d2idyja-story.html

COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County reports 119 new cases, 10 more deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/10/21/COVID-19-Update-allegheny-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-cases-deaths-1/stories/202010210127

Coronavirus case numbers keep trending upward; Gov. Phil Murphy in quarantine after staffers infected
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-cases-phil-murphy-quarantine-hospitalizations-new-jersey-pennsylvania-20201021.html

Allegheny County officials encourage ‘vigilance’ as cases rise
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-officials-encourage-vigilance-as-cases-rise/

Allegheny County adds 119 coronavirus cases, 10 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-adds-119-coronavirus-cases-10-deaths/

43 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 1,425 statewide
https://www.timesleader.com/news/806992/43-new-cases-of-covid-19-confirmed-in-luzerne-county-wednesday

Berks County has 75 new cases, a small decline amid a rising trend
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-has-75-new-cases-a-small-decline-amid-a-rising-trend/article_9f5ac87a-13d1-11eb-8933-dfc0bfe36fc0.html

Montgomery County coronavirus positivity rate ‘staying pretty flat’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-coronavirus-positivity-rate-staying-pretty-flat/article_45a2ce72-03d0-523b-a2ac-75a8ef99525b.html

Westmoreland County reports 89 new coronavirus cases, 24 new hospitalizations
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-reports-89-new-coronavirus-cases-24-new-hospitalizations/

Region again sees nearly 100 new coronavirus cases in one day
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/region-again-sees-nearly-100-new-coronavirus-cases-in-one-day/article_b2b91663-8275-5e88-9ec7-e42c6c3167df.html

Beaver County nursing home sued by 15 residents and families over deadly COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/10/21/Beaver-County-nursing-home-sued-by-15-residents-and-families-over-deadly-COVID-19-outbreak/stories/202010210121

Brighton Rehab sued by 15 families, residents for ‘reckless’ response to covid outbreak
https://triblive.com/local/regional/brighton-rehab-sued-by-15-families-residents-for-reckless-response-to-covid-outbreak/

Residents at North Huntingdon care facility test positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/residents-at-north-huntingdon-care-facility-test-positive-for-covid-19/

Westmoreland County care facility reports COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2020/10/21/Westmoreland-County-1-Transitions-Healthcare-LLC-COVID-19-outbreak-North-Huntingdon/stories/202010210187

WVW closing high school Thursday, Friday in response to 2 COVID-19 cases
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/wvw-closing-high-school-thursday-friday-in-response-to-2-covid-19-cases/article_28723014-9590-5133-8fa6-3a82d0e8fc57.html

Pittsburgh police officer positive for covid-19, in-person training canceled
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-police-officer-positive-for-covid-19-in-person-training-canceled/

Children are not immune to coronavirus, Berks health experts say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/children-are-not-immune-to-coronavirus-berks-health-experts-say/article_0aba1292-13b4-11eb-b176-878d3b1b42cf.html

Wastewater tests may provide early warning of covid-19 outbreaks
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/wastewater-tests-may-provide-early-warning-of-covid19-outbreaks/article_962c8f6f-92ed-5cb9-a30a-cfe270bea9be.html

Temple study helps predict which COVID-19 patients develop dangerous ‘cytokine storm’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid19-cytokine-storm-anakinra-temple-university-hospital-20201021.html

Push for ‘Childhood Alzheimer’s’ cure for Connor Dobbyn took a scary pandemic pause | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/sanfilippo-syndrome-connor-dobbyn-cure-video-maria-panaritis-20201021.html

14-year-old Indian-American girl has discovered molecule that could lead to COVID-19 cure
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/10/14-year-old-indian-american-girl-has-discovered-molecule-that-could-lead-to-covid-19-cure.html

Budget

Everything on table for state budget
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/everything-on-table-for-state-budget/article_a796135f-d5eb-5ee1-8f5a-1dae14c42393.html

Business

Still not enough toilet paper? Another wholesale club may be headed your way
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/10/22/BJ-Wholesale-Club-South-Fayette-Newbury-Ross-Block-Northway/stories/202010210164

Greenhouses, igloos and blankets offered to keep outdoor diners warm
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/10/22/Restaurants-bars-outdoor-heaters-blanket-igloo-greenhouse-Downtown/stories/202010050109

Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery sets up classroom for employees’ kids home due to coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/clover-hill-vineyards-winery-sets-up-classroom-for-employees-kids-home-due-to-coronavirus/article_473607dc-0f11-11eb-8c24-2bcf00d4eed6.html

Weis Markets spending ‘tens of millions’ on 2 Lehigh Valley stores. ‘These two stores will be as nice as any stores in our chain,’ CEO says
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-weis-markets-ceo-jonathan-weis-talks-new-lehigh-valley-stores-20201021-qxh66ld3qrgq3i44l7zz4m5624-story.html

Crime/Punishment

Luzerne County coronavirus-funded prison projects under discussion
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807081/luzerne-county-coronavirus-funded-prison-projects-under-discussion

Education

With increasing COVID-19 cases, school boards make decisions on virtual learning
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/with-increasing-covid-19-cases-school-boards-make-decisions-on-virtual-learning/article_2c8c3818-7df3-5123-ba7d-58eb3c2b2de7.html

What does school look like during COVID? Traffic patterns, no lockers and ‘big mask voices’
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/10/22/school-during-covid-masks-hallway-markers-video-lessons/3529994001/

Opening the schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/10/22/Opening-the-schools-Pittsburgh-Education-coronavirus-covid/stories/202010160096

The future of public education will be decided in the 2020 election | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/public-education-betsy-devos-trump-biden-teachers-schools-20201021.html

Patrick Chambers is out as Penn State men’s basketball coach
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/penn-state/pat-chambers-penn-state-resigned-20201021.html

Elections/Politics

‘Character matters,’ Obama tells a drive-in rally for Biden at South Philly’s stadium complex
https://www.inquirer.com/news/barack-obama-philadelphia-citizens-bank-park-joe-biden-rally-20201021.html

‘This is not a reality show, this is reality’: With two weeks to go, Obama stumps for Biden in must-win Pa.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/this-is-not-a-reality-show-this-is-reality-with-two-weeks-to-go-obama-stumps-for-biden-in-must-win-pa/

Jill Biden makes case to local Italian American community on husband’s behalf
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/jill-biden-makes-case-to-local-italian-american-community-on-husbands-behalf/

Democrats are looking for a rebound in Erie, a symbol of Trump’s Rust Belt appeal
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/erie-county-pennsylvania-trump-biden-20201022.html

Pennsylvania reaches all-time high of 9 million voter registrations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/10/21/Pennsylvania-voter-registrations-all-time-high-record-number-9-million-people-election-2020/stories/202010210128

Record 9 million people register to vote in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/a-record-9-million-people-register-to-vote-in-pennsylvania/

GOP incumbent challenged by Democrat seeking education, healthcare reforms in Pa.’s 106th
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/gop-incumbent-challenged-by-democrat-seeking-education-healthcare-reforms-in-pas-106th.html

Vendor says Pennsylvania, Ohio ballot backlogs caught up
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/10/21/Vendor-Ohio-Pennsylvania-mail-ballot-backlogs-midwest-direct-election/stories/202010210123

Bucks election official says mail is safe for ballot returns
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/10/21/bucks-officials-says-mail-safe-ballot-returns/3716750001/

Luzerne County up to 66,400 mail ballots issued
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807061/luzerne-county-up-to-66400-mail-ballots-issued

Westmoreland County says mail-in ballot backlog cleared
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-says-mail-in-ballot-backlog-cleared/

U.S. officials link Iran to emails meant to intimidate voters
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/10/22/US-officials-link-Iran-to-emails-meant-to-intimidate-voters/stories/202010220087

Forty Fort man applied for a ballot for his deceased mother, detectives allege
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crime-emergencies/forty-fort-man-applied-for-a-ballot-for-his-deceased-mother-detectives-allege/article_ec840c70-2ccc-58f2-b187-97036d6990de.html

A history of bad behavior and worse: Why we have laws regulating behavior at polling places | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/19th-century-political-parties-kidnapped-reluctant-voters-and-printed-their-own-ballots-thats-why-we-have-laws-regulating-behavior-at-polling-places/

Health Care

Reading Hospital named one of 50 best teaching hospitals in the United States
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-hospital-named-one-of-50-best-teaching-hospitals-in-the-united-states/article_fad2bd02-12eb-11eb-a429-3b1f822bc7eb.html

Local News

Developer eyes buying former Scranton Municipal Golf Course
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/developer-eyes-buying-former-scranton-municipal-golf-course/article_a998a685-af9b-5c28-95dd-8ab8e2c5446a.html

Greater Reading LGBTA+ praises Pope Francis’ endorsement of same-sex civil unions
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/greater-reading-lgbta-praises-pope-francis-endorsement-of-same-sex-civil-unions/article_f0a478d8-13d2-11eb-ab61-f7d0c4503a25.html

Delaware County pauses on marijuana decriminalization proposal
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-pauses-on-marijuana-decriminalization-proposal/article_b71c34c0-13f0-11eb-9825-231e17026237.html

Delco Strong 2 grants dispersed
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delco-strong-2-grants-dispersed/article_910da916-13f1-11eb-aee7-dfa2c1e02746.html

Downtown W-B receives DCED Keystone Communities Main Street designation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807011/downtown-w-b-receives-dced-keystone-communities-main-street-designation

WB Zoning Hearing Board denies application for Hazle St. methadone clinic
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807041/wb-zoning-hearing-board-denies-application-for-hazle-st-methadone-clinic

With the 2020 census called off early, Lehigh Valley officials fear the region has been undercounted
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-census-count-2020-20201022-cziz7ik5xfghvd5q435nobhd54-story.html

Philly

Pennsylvania now lets everyone vote by mail. But poor people in Philadelphia haven’t benefited.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/a/pennsylvania-mail-ballots-election-2020-poor-voters-20201022.html

Philly teachers avert strike with tentative deal for one-year contract
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-pft-contract-strike-deal-20201021.html

Tumar Alexander is named Philly’s new managing director, ending Kenney administration upheaval after protests
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-managing-director-tumar-alexander-mayor-jim-kenney-20201021.html

Broad Street Ministry is making sure people can vote by mail — even if they have no address
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadelphia-broad-street-ministry-voting-20201022.html

City creates jobs in expanding business corridor cleaning program
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-creates-jobs-in-expanding-business-corridor-cleaning-program/article_632702b7-f634-56af-9961-60c26d6c5a64.html#/questions

Halting progress for women on boards, in C-suite in 2020, Forum of Executive Women finds
https://www.inquirer.com/business/forum-of-executive-women-lisa-detwiler-2020-20201022.html

6,000 Philly kids could be excluded from school if they don’t get vaccinations; school sites opening for shots
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-vaccine-cvs-shots-20201021.html

Christmas Village is returning to LOVE Park and City Hall — with coronavirus rules
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/christmas-village-philadelphia-love-park-2020-coronavirus-20201021.html

Philly can save thousands of birds that crash into our buildings and die | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/birds-center-city-philadelphia-lights-out-buildings-20201021.html

City Council’s decision to end Devereux partnership harms our families | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/devereaux-philadelphia-city-council-special-needs-children-abuse-20201021.html

Pitt

Technical difficulties add frustration during hearing for Mon-Oakland Mobility Project
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/10/21/Mon-Oakland-Mobility-Project-meeting-Pittsburgh-trail-shuttle-OConnor-Almono/stories/202010210183

Anonymous gift will help Pitt’s minority students striving to be engineers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/10/21/Pitt-University-of-Pittsburgh-gift-engineering-minority-disadvantaged-engineering-swanson-philanthropy/stories/202010210134

Man, Beast, Bird’ fountain, 3 other North Side places win restoration grants
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2020/10/22/PA-Historical-Museum-Commission-grants-monuments-restoration-North-Side-Man-Beast-Bird/stories/202010210130

Black residents in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County gain protection from hair style discrimination; Juneteenth officially a holiday
https://triblive.com/local/black-residents-in-pittsburgh-allegheny-county-gain-protection-from-hair-style-discrimination-juneteenth-officially-a-holiday/

PPS says it’s ready to start hybrid learning model
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/10/21/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-coronavirus-COVID-19-hybrid-learning-model/stories/202010210172

Allegheny County stands by its hiring of company that sent incorrect ballots
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/10/21/Allegheny-County-elections-voters-company-Midwest-Direct-mail-election-ballots/stories/202010210158

First jury selection since Allegheny County shutdown begins
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/21/jury-selection-Allegheny-County-court-Pittsburgh-Lamont-Wilford/stories/202010210139

Pittsburgh police will move to 12-hour shifts during election week
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-police-will-move-to-12-hour-shifts-during-election-week/

State News

New state fishing regulations include all-tackle experiments
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/10/22/trout-fishing-Pennsylvania-slot-limits-Fish-Boat-Commission-Penns-Creek-Bald-Eagle-Creek/stories/202010220031

Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of Keystone Sanitary Landfill case
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/supreme-court-wont-hear-appeal-of-keystone-sanitary-landfill-case/article_185de826-bbd8-56ff-83ac-1cac288594ff.html

Why is your mail late? A look inside central Pa.’s increasingly dysfunctional postal service
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/why-is-your-mail-late-a-look-inside-central-pas-increasingly-dysfunctional-postal-service.html

Washington

Trump weighs firing FBI director after election for lack of Biden investigation
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-considers-firing-fbi-director-joe-biden-investigation-20201022.html

Toomey will vote to confirm Judge Amy Coney Barrett to U.S. Supreme Court
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/10/21/Supreme-Court-Pat-Toomey-Judge-Amy-Coney-Barrett-Senate-vote-confirm-nominee/stories/202010210147