Legislature
Lawmakers blast Pa. corrections head for profane quip about SCI Retreat closure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759820/lawmakers-blast-pa-corrections-head-for-profane-quip-about-sci-retreat-closure
DOC chief under fire for remark at SCI-Retreat hearing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/doc-chief-under-fire-for-remark-at-sci-retreat-hearing-1.2550400
Pa. corrections secretary’s private comment about closing a prison draws fire
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/pa-corrections-secretarys-private-comment-about-closing-a-prison-caught-on-live-microphone-draws-fire-from-lawmakers-prison-guards.html
Lawmakers, activists fight for tougher hate-crime laws
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/lawmakers-activists-fight-for-tougher-hate-crime-laws/
‘I think it’s baby steps’: One year after the Tree of Life massacre, Squirrel Hill’s state rep. says stronger gun laws are inevitable
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/i-think-its-baby-steps-one-year-after-the-tree-of-life-massacre-squirrel-hills-state-rep-says-stronger-gun-laws-are-inevitable/
SHINE shows off Kistler program in National Keep the Lights On event
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759873/shine-shows-off-kistler-program-in-national-keep-the-lights-on-event
Ceremony celebrates Kistler SHINE center
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ceremony-celebrates-kistler-shine-center-1.2550257
Damaged asbestos was found in a North Philly school gym a month ago. It’s still there.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/asbestos-philadelphia-schools-peirce-cancer-meredith-20191024.html
Bill would dedicate lieutenant governor’s mansion for veterans program, Guard families
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/lt-gov-john-fettermans-mansion-to-be-devoted-to-veterans-guard-families/
PA Senate passes Bernstine’s bill repealing state personal property tax law
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191024/pa-senate-passes-bernstines-bill-repealing-state-personal-property-tax-law/1
Bartolotta’s bills changing environmental permitting process pass state Senate committee
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191024/bartolottas-bills-changing-environmental-permitting-process-pass-state-senate-committee
The 10 most extravagant or bizarre campaign expenses by Pa. state lawmakers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pa-election-campaign-spending-bizarre-expensive-purchases-spotlight-pa-20191025.html
Pennsylvania lawmakers’ campaign spending sprees bring more shame | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/campaign-finance-scarnati-spending-harrisburg-reform-20191025.html
Need justifies water fee
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/need-justifies-water-fee-1.2550207
We need to get serious about stopping gun deaths like we did traffic fatalities. That’s the way to true change | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-need-to-get-serious-about-stopping-gun-deaths-like-we-did-traffic-fatalities-thats-the-way-to-true-change-opinion/
Business
This Bucks County ground was so polluted it had to be burned. Now it holds a factory.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/solar-manufacturing-sellersville-bucks-county-contamination-20191024.html
The strike will end: Mack Trucks, UAW reach tentative agreement
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-mack-trucks-uaw-reach-tentative-agreement-20191024-kw2wlm5cxngyhgi3fnyxiceuvu-story.html
Sun shines on new Solar Manufacturing plant
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191024/sun-shines-on-new-solar-manufacturing-plant
Crime/Punishment
State prison inmate charged with killing cellmate in Indiana County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/24/State-prison-inmate-kill-cellmate-SCI-Pine-Grove-Dwight-Bowen/stories/201910240186
Court panel rejects appeal of sentence by Franklin Regional mass stabber Alex Hribal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/24/alex-hribal-franklin-regional-school-stabbing-murrysville-appeal/stories/201910240193
3 from South Hills face charges tied to 92 injured dogs found on Washington County farm
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/3-from-south-hills-face-charges-tied-to-92-injured-dogs-found-on-washington-county-farm/
Man wounded in midday shooting in New Kensington
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/1-wounded-in-late-morning-shooting-in-new-kensington/
Education
Hershey High School sophomore says the insulin she needs to live should be a basic human right | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/10/hershey-high-school-sophomore-says-the-insulin-she-needs-to-live-should-be-a-basic-human-right-opinion.html
Security heightened at Fox Chapel Area High School after bomb threat
https://foxchapel.triblive.com/security-heightened-at-fox-chapel-area-high-school-after-bomb-threat/
Inside Swarthmore’s decision to close frats: The behavior of students who demanded it was at issue, too
https://www.inquirer.com/news/swarthmore-fraternity-shut-greek-life-protest-20191025.html
King’s College launching principal certification program
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759878/kings-college-launching-principal-certification-program
Alvernia’s O’Pake Institute getting a new leader, name and mission
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/alvernias-opake-institute-getting-a-new-leader-name-and-mission
Elections/Politics
How the Pa. electorate has changed since 2016 and what that means for 2020 | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/how-the-pa-electorate-has-changed-since-2016-and-what-that-means-for-2020-analysis/
Karen Kane: It’s free and it feels good, so do it
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/karen-kane/2019/10/25/Karen-Kane-Get-out-and-vote-in-the-next-election/stories/201910250032
Health Care
Allentown woman says she ignored measles quarantine because she was burying her daughter
https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-measles-quarantine-20191024-6r44pqq4uvfkhdcreoytcc7jga-story.html
Local News
Luzerne County chief solicitor issues opinion on new voting machine selection process
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759802/luzerne-county-chief-solicitor-issues-opinion-on-new-voting-machine-selection-process
Solicitor: County council should vote yes or no on new election system
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/solicitor-county-council-should-vote-yes-or-no-on-new-election-system-1.2550225
$1.7M in water line replacement projects announced for Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759877/1-7m-in-water-line-replacement-projects-announced-for-luzerne-county
Bi-County Airport Board hears report on Real ID
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759869/bi-county-airport-board-hears-report-on-real-id
Airport: No one allowed without Real ID next year
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/airport-no-one-allowed-without-real-id-next-year-1.2550205
YMCA recognizes men who have dedicated years to the organization
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759867/ymca-recognizes-men-who-have-dedicated-years-to-the-organization
Residents’ tone shifts from positive to negative at Wilkes-Barre city council meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759853/residents-tone-shifts-from-positive-to-negative-at-wilkes-barre-city-council-meeting
Scranton ethics board wants to review any new city policies before implementation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-ethics-board-wants-to-review-any-new-city-policies-before-implementation-1.2550490
Domenick calls on Giannetta to drop out of commissioner race over ‘purely offensive’ Facebook posts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/domenick-calls-on-giannetta-to-drop-out-of-commissioner-race-over-purely-offensive-facebook-posts-1.2550476
13-year-old boy dies in Scranton fire
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/13-year-old-boy-dies-in-scranton-fire-1.2550031
HCA locks in electric rate, will save $220K
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hca-locks-in-electric-rate-will-save-220k-1.2550299
Friendly, furry faces recognized for easing Westmoreland court procedures
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/friendly-furry-faces-recognized-for-easing-westmoreland-court-procedures/
Da Vinci Science Center picks downtown Allentown for new complex
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-da-vinci-center-expansion-downtown-niz-butz-20191024-3cqvyqoiardnvaxll2vkjkmf5m-story.html
Opioid Crisis
Pennsylvania to get $53M in opioid treatment drug settlement
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-to-get-53m-in-opioid-treatment-drug-settlement/
The real cost of the opioid epidemic: An estimated $179 billion in just one year
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/25/the-real-cost-of-the-opioid-epidemic-an-estimated-179-billion-in-just-one-year/
Philly
The cost of SEPTA’s Key card system just swelled to nearly $200 million — way more than planned
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-key-card-costs-budget-transit-transportation-philadelphia-fare-20191025.html
Inside the FBI investigation into Philly Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, his wife, and Kenny Gamble’s nonprofit
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/kenyatta-johnson-investigation-royal-theater-kenny-gamble-universal-companies-dawn-chavous-20191025.html
Philadelphia police inspector charged with sexually assaulting three female officers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/carl-holmes-rape-philadelphia-police-department-inspector-grand-jury-20191024.html
Suspect arrested in shooting of 11-month-old boy in Hunting Park
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-shooting-11-month-old-yazeem-jenkins-20191024.html
She flew from England to Philadelphia for business. Then Willie Singletary took her for a ride. | Clout
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/willie-singletary-philadelphia-traffic-court-airport-20191025.html
Philadelphia’s job growth has largely been low-wage, report finds
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/low-wage-job-growth-philadelphia-20191024.html
A Day of Dignity to fight the challenges of poverty | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/poverty-assistance-philadelphia-islamic-relief-usa-20191025.html
Why Philly must win the transit war | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-public-transit-transportation-20191024.html
Timeline for Rizzo statue removal pushed back — again
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/timeline-for-rizzo-statue-removal-pushed-back-again/
Pitt
Three Pittsburgh police officers shot during Tree of Life attack still recovering one year later
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/24/Pittsburgh-police-officers-shot-Tree-of-Life-recovering-one-year/stories/201910240175
3 Pittsburgh officers wounded in Tree of Life shooting thank public for support
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/3-pittsburgh-officers-wounded-in-tree-of-life-shooting-thank-public-for-support/
Fearing the worst, houses of worship tighten security
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/10/25/tree-of-life-synagogue-armed-guards-pittsburgh-active-shooter-training-ALICE/stories/201910080119
Jury selection in case against suspect in Tree of Life shooting set to begin in September 2020 — for now
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/jury-selection-in-case-against-suspect-in-tree-of-life-shooting-set-to-begin-in-september-2020-for-now/
Anti-Semitic action and rhetoric are pervading American public life, experts say
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/anti-semitic-action-and-rhetoric-are-pervading-american-public-life-experts-say/
In Scotland’s suburbs, there’s a ‘profound moral, ethical duty’ to address poverty
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2019/10/24/growing-up-through-the-cracks-working-4-u-scotland-child-poverty-laws/stories/201910240189
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre kicks off fundraiser to secure live orchestra for 50 more years
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/10/25/Pittsburgh-Ballet-Theatre-live-music-appeal-orchestra-Giselle-donate-anniversary/stories/201910240164
ACLU of Pa. report slams use of cash bail in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/24/cash-bail-allegheny-county-aclu-report-zappala/stories/201910240195
Ties that bind — Pitt to partner with Pittsburgh airport on innovation campus
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/10/25/University-of-Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-innovation-campus/stories/201910240202
Get the lead out: Allegheny County must show interest in lead abatement
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/10/25/Get-the-lead-out-Allegheny-County-must-show-interest-in-lead-abatement/stories/201910210026
Tony Norman: Another anniversary from hell
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/tony-norman/2019/10/25/Tree-of-Life-anniversary-hell-guns-cowards/stories/201910250052
State News
State approves $50.25 million sale of Cheltenham’s sewer system to private buyers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-puc-approves-cheltenham-sewer-system-sale-to-aqua-20191024.html
Abandoned Chester County psychiatric hospital will be demolished, according to finalized open space deal
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/embreeville-psychiatric-hospital-chester-county-settlement-approved-demolition-22-million-20191024.html
Another group wants to open a shelter for migrant children in the Philly area. Others have sparked protests and zoning fights.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bethany-immigration-philly-unaccompanied-minors-20191024.html
Colorless, odorless and tasteless: Area residents testify at pipeline hearing
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/colorless-odorless-and-tasteless-area-residents-testify-at-pipeline-hearing/article_d947be4e-f6b3-11e9-a686-27b55326c586.html
Buried gold in Pennsylvania at center of court fight over FBI and treasure hunters
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-fbi-gold-dig-documents-sought-20191024-7274xb75hrbx5krylppqzzlmvm-story.html
Transportation
Pa. Turnpike begins cashless tolling Sunday at Ohio border, Route 66 bypass
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/10/24/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-cashless-tolling-Ohio-border-Turnpike-Route-66-bypass/stories/201910230172
Editorial: Drivers must learn to accept zipper merge
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-drivers-must-learn-to-accept-zipper-merge
Turnpike toll plaza goes cashless this weekend
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191025/turnpike-toll-plaza-goes-cashless-this-weekend
Washington
House passes Lamb bill to block foreign money in U.S. political campaigns
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/10/24/House-Conor-Lamb-Trump-bill-Russia-election-influence-campaign/stories/201910240135
Lawmakers call for better treatment of asylum-seekers at Berks County Residential Center
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lawmakers-call-for-better-treatment-of-asylum-seekers-at-berks-county-residential-center