Legislature

Pa. Senate passes bill enhancing penalty for child pornography offenses
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/pa-senate-passes-bill-enhancing-penalty-for-child-pornography-offenses.html

Senate session cut short by House lawmaker’s COVID-19 diagnosis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/senate-session-cut-short-by-house-lawmakers-covid-19-diagnosis/

The pandemic will exacerbate the affordable housing gap. Advocates think Pa. tax credits could help.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/affordable-housing-philadelphia-pennsylvania-low-income-tax-credit-20201006.html

Pa.’s voter website crash stems from a Unisys-run data center that broke down last weekend in Virginia
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-it-elections-computers-breakdowns-failures-unisys-liquor-lcb-human-services-20201006.html

Rep. Comitta to host banking and finance seminar Oct. 13
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/rep-comitta-to-host-banking-and-finance-seminar-oct-13/article_bdc2171e-07e7-11eb-be2a-cfa9d8c9a61d.html

Pa. rep who tested positive for coronavirus reports ‘I feel pretty good. Just a little stir crazy”
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/10/pa-rep-who-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-reports-i-feel-pretty-good-just-a-little-stir-crazy.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

Wolf amends guidelines on gatherings
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/wolf-amends-guidelines-on-gatherings/article_1082dea4-d741-5656-a836-52fa629ab970.html

Gov. Wolf eases gathering restrictions; Steelers will host fans for Eagles game
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/10/06/tom-wolf-gathering-restrictions-eased-steelers-pitt-high-school-sports-pennsylvania/stories/202010060121

Gov. Wolf’s expanded capacity guidelines will ease spectator policies for Berks high school sports crowds
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/high-school/gov-wolfs-expanded-capacity-guidelines-will-ease-spectator-policies-for-berks-high-school-sports-crowds/article_251b5fec-07de-11eb-86da-fb18d6bda9f3.html

Pennsylvania’s new crowd size limits: What they mean for fairs, concerts, sporting events and more
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-crowd-limit-faqs-20201006-4wu5zb2dbncildvqnftxmpsycq-story.html

Nearly 60 Lackawanna Trail students to quarantine after teacher tests positive for COVID-19
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/nearly-60-lackawanna-trail-students-to-quarantine-after-teacher-tests-positive-for-covid-19/article_a3706a0e-0b7f-5458-b923-b56aa99de011.html

Stroudsburg school reports another case of COVID-19
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2020/10/07/stroudsburg-area-reports-another-case-covid-19/5907031002/

Pa., N.J. report highest COVID-19 case levels since late spring as cases also rise in Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-philly-rising-cases-delaware-fall-college-20201006.html

COVID-19 Update: Pa. sees another 1,000-plus new cases, 17 deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/10/06/COVID-19-allegheny-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-deaths-cases/stories/202010060128

State figures show COVID-19 still going strong
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/state-figures-show-covid-19-still-going-strong/article_adb1e1ec-ed28-57f5-b798-d9cce5602c19.html

Berks County passes 400 deaths in the coronavirus outbreak, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-passes-400-deaths-in-the-coronavirus-outbreak-according-to-the-pennsylvania-department-of/article_04758e42-073f-11eb-bdef-b7c02da19113.html

Trump halts COVID-19 relief talks until after the election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/10/06/Trump-halts-COVID-19-relief-talks-until-after-election/stories/202010060151

Trump returns to downplaying coronavirus; doctor claims he has ‘no symptoms’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-coronavirus-white-house-return-no-mask-20201006.html

Ex-N.J. Gov. Chris Christie remains hospitalized for COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/10/ex-nj-gov-chris-christie-remains-hospitalized-for-covid-19.html

Joint chiefs of staff quarantine after COVID-19 penetrates military leadership
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/politics/2020/10/06/joint-chiefs-staff-quarantine-after-top-officer-gets-covid-19/5897809002/

Only fools fear COVID-19? | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/10/only-fools-fear-covid-19-opinion.html

Administration

Pa. coronavirus business shutdown waiver process inconsistent and confusing, auditor general reports
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-coronavirus-business-shutdown-waiver-process-inconsistent-and-confusing-auditor-general-reports/article_ca479f8c-07e6-11eb-a566-a3b136acdfed.html

Puzzling, inconsistent and ‘remarkably subjective.’ DePasquale reviews controversial Pa. business waiver process
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-pa-auditor-general-updates-audit-business-waiver-process-20201006-eezltdawt5getoeek35dvewfgq-story.html

LNG plan reveals folly of gas policy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/lng-plan-reveals-folly-of-gas-policy/article_e1c1bd80-ac4d-5e99-ae05-9d5f4a07746b.html

Business

Luzerne County chambers of commerce announce new initiative to support businesses amid coronavirus challenges
https://www.timesleader.com/news/805299/luzerne-county-chambers-of-commerce-announce-new-initiative-to-support-businesses-amid-coronavirus-challenges

Small businesses and nonprofits urged to seek Luzerne County coronavirus funding
https://www.timesleader.com/news/805301/small-businesses-and-nonprofits-urged-to-seek-luzerne-county-coronavirus-funding

Businesses react to new occupancy guidelines
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/businesses-react-to-new-occupancy-guidelines/article_56b3f321-426f-57f8-8f59-8ef0880bc2bd.html

Performing arts venues welcome changes in occupancy guidelines
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/performing-arts-venues-welcome-changes-in-occupancy-guidelines/article_488c497d-5f6f-5411-bb6a-5b9c85e8eec5.html

Crime/Punishment

Prison medical staff’s response in inmate death ‘woefully inadequate’ but not at criminal level, DA says
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/prison-medical-staffs-response-in-inmate-death-woefully-inadequate-but-not-at-criminal-level-da/article_f1cd5276-11ce-5d3c-aa5f-059d14c20e22.html

Education

Chester Upland collects almost $4.5M in delinquent taxes
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/chester-upland-collects-almost-4-5m-in-delinquent-taxes/article_4ac50d98-0805-11eb-938e-f756b6497c1d.html

Elections/Politics

New Monmouth poll shows Biden surging in Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/10/06/monmouth-poll-pennsylvania-biden-trump-election/stories/202010060115

Biden maintains his lead in latest Pennsylvania polls as time is running short for Trump
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/biden-trump-pennsylvania-polls-presidential-debate-20201006.html

Biden in Gettysburg: ‘Once again, we are a house divided’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/joe-biden-gettysburg-pennsylvania-20201006.html

Renewing opening campaign theme from Gettysburg, Joe Biden says he’s running to save the ‘soul of America’
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/10/renewing-opening-campaign-theme-from-gettysburg-joe-biden-says-hes-running-to-save-the-soul-of-america.html

Pence-Harris debate to unfold tonight as Trump recovers from virus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/10/06/Pence-Harris-debate-to-unfold-as-Trump-recovers-from-virus/stories/202010060168

15th Senatorial District candidates John DiSanto and George Scott outline policy priorities before PennLive editorial board.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/15th-senatorial-district-candidates-john-disanto-and-george-scott-outline-policy-priorities-before-pennlive-editorial-board.html

Perry, DePasquale unleash TV attack ads in one of nation’s most watched races
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/perry-depasquale-unleash-tv-attack-ads-in-one-of-nations-most-watched-races.html

Coronavirus takes centerstage in Brian Fitzpatrick, Christina Finello 1st District debate
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/10/06/brian-fitzpatrick-christina-finello-square-off-1st-congressional-race-debate/3636543001/

Voting in the 2020 general election is underway in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/voting-in-the-2020-general-election-is-underway-in-berks-county/article_5705bb30-0818-11eb-a687-cf3c8d542f8e.html

Why Pennsylvania voters’ options for casting mailed ballots vary across the state
https://www.witf.org/2020/10/07/why-pennsylvania-voters-options-for-casting-mailed-ballots-vary-across-the-state/

Mail-in Voting 101: How it works and what you need to do
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/mail-in-voting-101-how-it-works-and-what-you-need-to-do.html

How to vote in person safely when Pa. isn’t requiring masks at the polls
https://www.witf.org/2020/10/07/how-to-vote-in-person-safely-when-pa-isnt-requiring-masks-at-the-polls/

Court battle erupts over voters’ signatures on mail ballots
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/10/06/Court-battle-erupts-over-voters-signatures-on-mail-ballots/stories/202010060125

Beaver County to provide extra security on Election Day
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2020/10/06/beaver-county-provide-extra-security-election-day/5898622002/

How each part of the Keystone State will determine who becomes the next president
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/how-each-part-of-the-keystone-state-will-determine-who-becomes-the-next-president/article_3483c97c-1eed-58ee-8e70-735dd77fb6d6.html

In revealing probe into 9 errant Pa. ballots, DOJ may have violated AG Barr’s guidance
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-ballots-justice-department-investigation-20201006.html

College students in Pennsylvania face new barriers to vote in a pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/college-students-voting-pennsylvania-20201007.html

DA: Judge of elections in Lehigh County charged in darkening of ballot choices
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/10/06/Judge-of-elections-charged-ballots-Lehigh-County-pennsylvania/stories/202010060105

Editorial: Attacks on system mustn’t deter voting
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-attacks-on-system-mustnt-deter-voting/article_4e370362-07df-11eb-ac8c-43538d1a98cc.html

Health Care

If the Supreme Court strikes down the Affordable Care Act, Trump’s health care order is not enough to replace it | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/if-the-supreme-court-strikes-down-the-affordable-care-act-trumps-health-care-order-is-not-enough-to-replace-it-opinion/

Local News

Deeley: Scranton may avoid 2020 deficit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/deeley-scranton-may-avoid-2020-deficit/article_3d84f6fd-49a6-5a98-b05d-c6633db17ad0.html

Upcoming Lackawanna County sheriff’s sales relocated due to COVID-19 concerns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/upcoming-lackawanna-county-sheriffs-sales-relocated-due-to-covid-19-concerns/article_4c48bc65-13ef-5b89-b4df-a36bc0521f58.html

Thanksgiving event to aid needy altered for COVID-19
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/thanksgiving-event-to-aid-needy-altered-for-covid-19/article_06349375-5b64-5d62-b3bd-fce537a7d4fe.html

Reading wants to change Downtown Improvement District’s reauthorization plan
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-wants-to-change-downtown-improvement-districts-reauthorization-plan/article_44fe2920-07f7-11eb-b465-db7d06674e63.html

Gov. Wolf orders flags at half-staff to honor Colmar Fire Company firefighter
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/gov-wolf-orders-flags-at-half-staff-to-honor-colmar-fire-company-firefighter/article_a5461d44-a7b5-52dd-91d2-d12ce2231bfa.html

League of Women Voters of Berks County celebrate women’s suffrage with tree planting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/league-of-women-voters-of-berks-county-celebrate-womens-suffrage-with-tree-planting/article_47f3b69a-07f7-11eb-a3d7-9bb2a44cc33f.html

Midwives, community support save Reading’s birth center
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/midwives-community-support-save-readings-birth-center/article_025f3f3a-06fa-11eb-8fda-6bb4c3429fbb.html

Bethlehem’s first female police chief unanimously approved by City Council
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-city-council-new-police-chief-20201007-bg3v57nzynfnnj676xdonitqmi-story.html

‘It shouldn’t be us vs. them’: Lehigh County police, communities of color both feel pain, have to work together for same goal, panel says
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-race-relations-town-hall-police-community-south-whitehall-20201007-vdbp2w4bqfhwzkh7jg3goc7qki-story.html

Election Bureau director files defamation suit against Walter Griffith, county
https://www.timesleader.com/news/805227/election-bureau-director-files-defamation-suit-against-walter-griffith-county

Election board member wants board to play more active role in county elections
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/election-board-member-wants-board-to-play-more-active-role-in-county-elections/article_d8d8de97-8a91-5d1e-81bb-020430122c31.html

Matt Tuerk, longtime economic development official, announces bid for Allentown mayor
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-2021-mayoral-race-matthew-tuerk-20201006-ria277qsmzbatdaqyastsx3rv4-story.html

More abuse complaints filed against Devereux
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/more-abuse-complaints-filed-against-devereux/article_18308ea0-07e4-11eb-828a-2f24b68dfbe0.html

National News

2 justices slam Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in gay marriage case
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/2-justices-slam-supreme-courts-2015-decision-in-gay-marriage-case.html

St. Louis couple indicted on new charges after waving guns at protesters
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/st-louis-couple-indicted-on-new-charges-after-waving-guns-at-protesters.html

Philly

In a contract stalemate, Philly teachers exploring limiting work to school hours only
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-pft-contract-teachers-work-to-rule-20201006.html

One of the last occupants to leave the now-closed PHA homeless encampment looks forward to a house
https://www.inquirer.com/news/homeless-encampment-philadelphia-housing-authority-20201006.html

Like Sean Conley, I’m a proud doctor of osteopathic medicine from Philly. Here’s why. l Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/sean-conley-philadelphia-college-of-osteopathic-medicine-st-christophers-hospital-for-children-20201007.html

Judge considers Trump campaign lawsuit based on his claim that ‘bad things happen in Philadelphia’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/trump-lawsuit-philadelphia-elections-offices-20201006.html

‘Shameful and sickening’: Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, DA Larry Krasner decry the city’s surge in gun violence
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-gun-violence-2020-danielle-outlaw-20201006.html

‘We’re looking for you,’ Philly police commish tells shooters as murders exceed all of 2019
https://www.witf.org/2020/10/06/were-looking-for-you-philly-police-commish-tells-shooters-as-murders-exceed-all-of-2019/

Police Advisory Commission head to step down|
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hans-menos-police-accountabilty-commission-philadelphia-police-department-20201006.html

E-commerce may bring a new UPS warehouse to Philadelphia. Neighbors say no thanks.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/e-commerce-ups-warehouse-philadelphia-neighborhood-opposition-20201007.html

See something strange or wrong while voting? Report it to our election tipline.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/2020-election-problems-voting-tips-electionland-20201006.html

Eight priorities for Philly’s next behavioral health commissioner | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-department-behavioral-health-intellectual-disability-services-commissioner-20201006.html

Pitt

Gwen’s Girls receives $400,000 grant for sex trafficking prevention programs
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/10/07/sex-trafficking-prevention-grant-Gwens-Girls-equity/stories/202010070067

Allegheny County to resend mail-in voter ‘declaration’ envelopes after faulty printing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/10/06/Allegheny-County-elections-mail-in-ballots-misprint-resend-voter-declaration-envelopes/stories/202010050099

Fitzgerald submits 2021 budget proposal with no tax increase
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/10/06/Allegheny-County-Executive-Fitzgerald-2021-budget-proposal-millage-childhood/stories/202010060158

Facial recognition bill to be introduced at County Council
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/10/06/Bennett-Hallam-to-introduce-regulation-for-Allegheny-County-law-enforcement-use-of-facial-recognition-technology-other-surveillance/stories/202010050088

Advocates circulating petitions for reduced transit fares for low-income riders
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/10/06/Pittsburghers-for-Public-Transit-petitions-Port-Authority-reduced-fares-low-income-riders/stories/202010060126

URA to repair, replace roof of the historic Hunt Armory
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/10/07/Urban-Redevelopment-Authority-Hunt-Armory-roof-Shadyside-Mosites-Pittsburgh-URA/stories/202010070090

What we don’t know about school arrests
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/10/07/What-we-don-t-know-about-school-arrests/stories/202009180071

‘Our Lady of the Parkway’ receives historic designation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/10/06/Our-Lady-of-the-Parkway-receives-historic-designation/stories/202010060142

Frick Building electrical vaults spark court fight over ownership
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/10/07/Frick-Building-Grant-Street-Duquesne-Light-electrical-vaults-Rugby-Realty/stories/202010070086

State News

Small earthquake recorded in Western Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/10/07/Small-earthquake-recorded-Western-Pennsylvania-Bolivar/stories/202010070100

Transportation

Bi-County Airport Board again tables appointment of public safety director
https://www.timesleader.com/news/805284/bi-county-airport-board-again-tables-appointment-of-public-safety-director

More markers passed in PennDOT’s plans for $8 million roundabout at Route 222 and Long Lane in Maxatawny Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/more-markers-passed-in-penndots-plans-for-8-million-roundabout-at-route-222-and-long/article_8fc75b56-04bf-11eb-9b01-030c060672bc.html

Washington

Sen. Bob Casey: Postal workers say efforts to sabotage mail are ongoing in Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-casey-postal-workes-lehigh-valley-mail-delays-20201006-fbbxzcw6uvd3nnrdyz2qin732e-story.html

FBI calls QAnon a domestic terrorist threat. Two Pa. Congress members voted not to condemn it. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/qanon-conspiracy-theory-save-children-pennsylvania-congress-resolution-condemning-20201006.html

Essential workers like me need the Senate to step up on HEROES Act | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/heroes-act-essential-workers-support-us-senate-house-20201006.html