Legislature
Extending Pennsylvania’s voter registration deadline in 2020 could disenfranchise people, election officials warn
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pa-voter-registration-deadline-change-problem-county-elections-officials-20191029.html
Pa. moves a step closer to first major overhaul of election rules in more than 80 years
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/pa-moves-a-step-closer-to-first-major-overhaul-of-election-rules-in-more-than-80-years.html
Voting reform bill heads to governor’s desk; critics say the state’s ramming through changes
https://papost.org/2019/10/29/voting-reform-bill-heads-to-governors-desk-critics-say-the-states-ramming-through-changes/
Bill that overhauls how Pennsylvanians can vote is headed to Gov. Tom Wolf
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/bill-that-overhauls-how-pennsylvanians-can-vote-is-headed-to-gov-tom-wolf/
This is why the ACLU-PA supports legislation reforming our election laws | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/this-is-why-the-aclu-pa-supports-legislation-reforming-our-election-laws-opinion/
Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf: Election reform bill ‘removes barriers to the voting booth’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/pa-gov-tom-wolf-election-reform-bill-removes-barriers-to-the-voting-booth.html
Scrap straight ticket voting? Better to stick with the devil you know | Fletcher McClellan
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/scrap-straight-ticket-voting-better-to-stick-with-the-devil-you-know-fletcher-mcclellan/
LGBTQ advocates, allies rally at the Capitol for nondiscrimination law
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/lgbtq-advocates-allies-rally-at-the-capitol-for-nondiscrimination-law/
Shusterman drafts legislation to fight food insecurity
https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/shusterman-drafts-legislation-to-fight-food-insecurity/article_a3ff4ff0-f709-5aa9-8d51-72a565b40fd6.html
Anti-abortion lawmakers advance bill to mandate burial, cremation of fetal remains in Pa.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/anti-abortion-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-mandate-burial-cremation-of-fetal-remains-in-pa/
Madden, Brown sound off on Pa.’s heartbeat bills
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20191029/madden-brown-sound-off-on-parsquos-heartbeat-bills
State legislation would expand first-responder tax credit to the county level
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-legislation-would-expand-first-responder-tax-credit-to-the-county-level/
A new policy would level the playing field for educators whose students live in poverty. Why isn’t Philadelphia on board?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/a-new-policy-would-level-the-playing-field-for-educators-teaching-students-who-live-in-poverty-why-isnt-philadelphia-on-board/
Marsy’s Law in Pa.: Why you keep seeing ads about crime victim rights
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/marsys-law-pennsylvania-crime-victim-rights-ballot-question-20191030.html
Harley-Davidson owners may soon be riding a Pa. state symbol
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/harley-davidson-riders-may-soon-have-a-pa-state-symbol-between-their-legs.html
Greensburg priest’s victim calls on Pa. to ease path for lawsuits against Catholic Church
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/10/29/satute-limitations-pennsylvania-clergy-sex-abuse-john-sweeney-greensburg-catholic-church/stories/201910290134
Abuse survivor calls on Greensburg Diocese to support window of opportunity for clergy abuse claims
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/abuse-survivor-calls-on-greensburg-diocese-to-support-window-of-opportunity-for-clergy-abuse-claims/
Administration
Wolf pulls Wetzel off Retreat closure process
https://www.timesleader.com/news/760408/wolf-pulls-wetzel-off-retreat-closure-process
Wolf orders more thorough review of possible SCI-Retreat closing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-orders-more-thorough-review-of-possible-sci-retreat-closing-1.2552523
DOC chief pulled from SCI-Retreat decision-making process
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/doc-chief-pulled-from-sci-retreat-decision-making-process-1.2552515
Wetzel apologizes; lawmakers want DOC head ousted anyway
https://www.timesleader.com/news/760397/wetzel-apologizes-lawmakers-want-doc-head-ousted-anyway
Business
Juul to cut up to 15% of staff, facing limits on e-cig sales
https://www.inquirer.com/business/juul-vaping-ban-layoffs-workforce-20191029.html
Pittsburgh area jobless rate up slightly but still better than a year ago
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-area-jobless-rate-up-slightly-but-still-better-than-a-year-ago/
Breaker Brewing Co. opening new place in Archbald
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/breaker-brewing-co-opening-new-place-in-archbald-1.2552474
UPS to open another warehouse in central Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/10/ups-to-open-another-warehouse-in-central-pa.html
Crime/Punishment
California man convicted in Coraopolis ‘pill mill’ scheme gets 11 years in prison, owes $1.6M
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/california-man-convicted-in-coraopolis-pill-mill-scheme-gets-11-years-in-prison-owes-1-6m/
Police: Father left two children alone while gambling at casino
https://www.timesleader.com/news/760372/police-father-left-two-children-alone-while-gambling-at-casino
Wrongly imprisoned man fought for 25 years to receive justice
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wrongly-imprisoned-man-fought-for-25-years-to-receive-justice
Education
Segregation in Pennsylvania schools: How a ZIP code determines the quality of a child’s education
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-education-poverty-20191030-uexghohk6jdoxovj56hsuxxrwe-story.html
Centre County kids are benefiting from increased pre-K funding, but statewide gaps still exist
https://www.centredaily.com/news/local/education/article236479078.html
Upper Dublin School District settles racial discrimination complaint
https://www.inquirer.com/education/upper-dublin-school-district-racial-discrimination-settlement-20191029.html
Judge rules bus company must provide service to Elizabeth Forward
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/10/29/Judge-rules-bus-company-must-provide-service-to-Elizabeth-Forward/stories/201910290176
Standardized tests like SAT and ACT favor students with family wealth | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/sat-act-standardized-tests-equity-socioeconomic-status-wealth-20191029.html
Some Keystone, PSSA scores down, some up in area school districts
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/some-keystone-pssa-scores-down-some-up-in-area-school-districts-1.2552420
Health Care
Some Medicare plans now cover non-medical things like meals and household help
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/some-medicare-plans-now-cover-non-medical-things-like-meals-and-household-help.html
Local News
Luzerne County Council objects to White Haven Center closure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/760456/luzerne-county-council-objects-to-white-haven-center-closure
Council backs bill to keep White Haven Center open
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/council-backs-bill-to-keep-white-haven-center-open-1.2552499
CASA of Luzerne County earns $25,000 Millennium Circle grant
https://www.timesleader.com/news/760394/casa-of-luzerne-county-earns-25000-millennium-circle-grant
Child advocacy nonprofit receives $25K grant from Luzerne Foundation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/child-advocacy-nonprofit-receives-25k-grant-from-luzerne-foundation-1.2552481
Franklin Township fire company not banned, but role in dispute
https://www.timesleader.com/news/760447/franklin-township-fire-company-not-banned-but-role-in-dispute
New alert system launches in city
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/new-alert-system-launches-in-city-1.2552419
CHRIS KELLY: Dunmore voters can start divorce proceedings
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/chris-kelly-dunmore-voters-can-start-divorce-proceedings-1.2552530
Westmoreland among 8 counties in $100K study of broadband internet service
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-among-eight-counties-in-10000-study-of-broadband-internet-service/
Westmoreland County cold weather shelter program begins on Friday
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-cold-weather-shelter-program-begins-on-friday/
Reading City Council approves plan to purchase former Dana South site
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-approves-plan-to-purchase-former-dana-south-site
Redevelopment at former A.W. Golden dealership in Reading to get up to $8 million in tax credits
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/reading-development-to-receive-tax-credits
Mount Penn puts to rest rumors of water authority sale
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/mount-penn-puts-to-rest-rumors-of-water-authority-sale
Proposed Harrisburg medical marijuana dispensary draws community criticism, patients’ praise
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/proposed-harrisburg-medical-marijuana-dispensary-draws-community-criticism-patients-praise.html
Editorial: Berks needs more homes at right prices
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-berks-needs-more-homes-at-right-prices
Baby left with LANTA bus driver: A case of unlawful abandonment or an opportunity for compassion?
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-baby-left-with-bus-driver-follow-20191029-mpk7jpdt2vgcxoffbuffh2pfgu-story.html
Ten people killed by gun violence honored during quarterly vigil
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/ten-people-who-died-to-gun-violence-honored-during-quarterly-vigil.html
Harrisburg mayor’s plan for business-only on-street parking draws ire of city council
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/harrisburg-mayors-plan-for-business-only-on-street-parking-draws-ire-of-city-council.html
Chesco earmarks $5 million toward Embreeville State Hospital purchase
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chesco-earmarks-million-toward-embreeville-state-hospital-purchase/article_69905da4-fa78-11e9-83ea-7ff177da2f79.html
Philly
Just 9 Philly schools have certified librarians. Here’s how one school pulled off a miracle.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/school-library-philadelphia-kelly-germantown-volunteer-librarian-20191030.html
Women of weed rise high in Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/women-weed-recreational-medical-marijuana-dispensary-cannabis-business-pennsylvania-20191030.html
A gruesome coincidence links the shootings of two children. But that’s not what should shock us. | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/nikolette-rivera-child-shootings-philadelphia-gun-violence-11-month-old-20191030.html
WHYY union: Workers at Philly’s public radio station are voting today
https://www.inquirer.com/business/whyy-union-election-vote-sag-aftra-philadelphia-20191030.html
City Council At-Large: A unique opportunity for political diversity | Endorsement
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/general-election-philadelphia-city-council-at-large-brooks-gym-domb-gilmore-tinney-20191030.html
A Philadelphia Day of the Dead memorial honors migrant kids who died crossing the border
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-day-of-the-dead-memorial-20191029.html
One dead, one injured in Tacony shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/shooting-tacony-gun-violence-20191030.html
Philadelphia politics have been broken for 70 years. Tuesday’s election could change that. | Will Bunch
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-mayoral-election-2019-kenney-ciancaglini-working-families-party-20191030.html
Black men owe it to each other to help end Philly’s gun violence crisis | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/john-conyers-black-men-reparations-gun-violence-20191029.html
‘The things you’re saying is old’: Malcolm Jenkins, Meek Mill police reform town hall exasperates some
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/29/the-things-youre-saying-is-old-malcolm-jenkins-meek-mill-police-reform-town-hall-exasperates-some/
Pitt
Judge strikes down Pittsburgh gun-control ordinances
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/29/pittsburgh-gun-ordinances-judge-struck-down/stories/201910290149
Judge strikes down Pittsburgh’s controversial gun bills
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/judge-strikes-down-pittsburghs-controversial-gun-bills/
Authorities assess damage caused by sinkhole; cause remains under investigation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/10/29/Authorities-working-to-assess-damage-caused-by-sinkhole/stories/201910290101
Downtown Pittsburgh sinkhole a sign of how deep aging infrastructure problems go
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/streets-reopened-near-site-of-downtown-sinkhole-that-swallowed-bus/
Federal lawsuit in Antwon Rose shooting settled for $2 million
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/29/antwon-rose-michael-rosfeld-civil-rights-suit-settlement-east-pittsburgh/stories/201910290094
Family of Antwon Rose settles for $2M in civil case
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/civil-lawsuit-filed-family-of-antwon-rose-terminated-signaling-apparent-settlement/
Construction on former Penn Plaza site to begin in December
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/10/29/Construction-penn-plaza-december-whole-foods/stories/201910290110
Pittsburgh Council clears way for development, Whole Foods on Penn Plaza site
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-clears-way-for-development-whole-foods-on-penn-plaza-site/
Pittsburgh Pride is moving to Point State Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2019/10/29/Pittsburgh-Pride-LGBTQIA-gay-moving-Point-State-Park/stories/201910290111
City zoning board rejects proposed Oakland office tower
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/10/29/Oakland-Wexford-Science-Technology-Pittsburgh-zoning-board-of-adjustment-office-building/stories/201910290150
New program to aid first-time homebuyers in Allegheny County with down payments
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/10/29/aid-first-time-homebuyers-Allegheny-County-down-payments-Wells-Fargo-NeighborhoodWorks-America/stories/201910290141
A safety-first path: AEDs and more tasers are a good thing
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/10/30/A-safety-first-path-AEDs-and-more-tasers-are-a-good-thing/stories/201910280038
Celebrate everything Pittsburgh during EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/celebrate-everything-pittsburgh-during-the-seventh-annual-eqt-pittsburgh-10-miler/
Pittsburgh regatta promoter owes nearly $750K, according to court documents
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-regatta-promoter-owes-nearly-750k-according-to-court-documents/
State News
Suicide ruled in death of 16-year-old girl hit by SEPTA train
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/septa-train-death-suicide-media-elwyn-line-20191029.html
New population of hellbenders found in Butler County
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-population-of-hellbenders-found-in-butler-county/
Mussel discovered in Kiski River for first time in a century
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/mussel-discovered-in-kiski-river-for-first-time-in-a-century/
Feds announce new hemp regulations to the relief of local hemp farmers, attorneys
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/hemp-usda-regulations-program-perdue-roark-20191029.html
USDA unveils new federal hemp regulations
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/usda-unveils-new-federal-hemp-regulations/
State pension plan aid for Beaver County municipalities exceeds $3 million
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191029/state-pension-plan-aid-for-beaver-county-municipalities-exceeds-3-million
Youth vaping rates rise amid health fears; data confirms continued trend among teens, even as related illnesses multiply
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191030/youth-vaping-rates-rise-amid-health-fears-data-confirms-continued-trend-among-teens-even-as-related-illnesses-multiply
Game Commission revisits CWD plan
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/10/game-commission-revisits-cwd-plan/
Chandler Hall day program for adults to close
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191030/chandler-hall-day-program-for-adults-to-close
Transportation
The Big Move: PennDOT to close Route 19/51 Wednesday to prepare for moving new Shaler Street bridge into place
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/10/29/PennDOT-Shaler-Street-Bridge-Route-19-51-Mount-Washington-Duquesne-Heights-hydraulic-trailers/stories/201910290162
Your chances of hitting a deer with your vehicle are about to go way up
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/10/your-chances-of-hitting-a-deer-with-your-vehicle-are-about-to-go-way-up.html
Washington
Account of Trump’s Ukraine call omitted key details, official testifies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/10/30/Colonel-Ukraine-call-transcript-trump-impeachment-vindman-biden/stories/201910300112
The first impeachment vote is coming; here’s where Philadelphia-area lawmakers stand
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-impeachment-inquiry-vote-where-pa-nj-democrats-stand-20191029.html
After mysterious Clarksburg deaths, Congress eyes stricter oversight of VA staff reviews
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/10/29/Veterans-Affairs-Congress-Clarksburg-deaths-staffing-performance/stories/201910250003
World News
Rising sea levels will erase more cities by 2050, new research shows
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/10/29/sea-level-rise-by-2050-cities-new-research-scientists-population-threat-climate/stories/201910290180