Legislature
Senators call for probe of DHS decision to close 2 state centers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/758983/senators-call-for-probe-of-dhs-decision-to-close-2-state-centers
Lawmakers ask inspector to probe state center closings
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lawmakers-ask-inspector-to-probe-state-center-closings-1.2546381
‘Gold standard’ bill to legalize recreational weed in Pa. introduced in Harrisburg
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/marijuana-legalization-pennsylvania-homegrow-weed-delivery-lounge-20191015.html
Leach bill would legalize recreational marijuana in Pa.
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/leach-bill-would-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-pa/article_bb8e0e9e-ef8d-11e9-896d-0bea7c5e541a.html
Advocates fight for change on Kayden Mancuso’s birthday
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191015/advocates-fight-for-change-on-kayden-mancusos-birthday
It’s time for Pa. to make sure college athletes get ‘Fair Pay to Play’ | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/its-time-for-pa-to-make-sure-college-athletes-get-fair-pay-to-play-opinion/
Bill Tracker: Joining the movement for college athlete compensation
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-joining-the-movement-for-college-athlete-compensation/article_97c86672-e44f-583c-8aad-bc8b189e8aee.html
Tempers warming: Will a debate over climate change stall a long-overdue update of Pa.’s science standards?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/tempers-warming-will-a-debate-over-climate-change-stall-a-long-overdue-update-of-pa-s-science-standards/
Do student-athletes need EKG tests? Potential new Pa. law aims to inform parents
https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/10/15/sudden-cardiac-arrest-pa-bill-aims-give-students-more-information/3987526002/
Federal Third Circuit panel rejects appeal by convicted ex-state senator Jane Orie
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/15/jane-orie-public-corruption-federal-appeal-rejected/stories/201910150129
Appeals court upholds conviction of former state Sen. Jane Orie
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/appeals-court-upholds-conviction-of-former-state-sen-jane-orie/
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
New research shows overwhelming support for an independent redistricting commission | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/10/new-research-shows-overwhelming-support-for-an-independent-redistricting-commission.html
Administration
Governor says Pennsylvania will keep accepting refugees
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/governor-says-pennsylvania-will-keep-accepting-refugees/
Wolf honors Penn’s legacy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/wolf-honors-penn-s-legacy-1.2546214
Business
Pennsylvania expanding tax to more out-of-state corporations
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/10/15/Pennsylvania-expanding-tax-out-of-state-corporations/stories/201910150110
DEP: Jeannette hemp warehouse violating odor law
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/dep-jeannette-hemp-warehouse-violating-odor-law/
Official: Arby’s plans for Kidder Street Sonic site ‘fell through’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/758956/official-arbys-plans-for-kidder-street-sonic-site-fell-through
Pizza Hut locations closed in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/pizza-hut-locations-closed-in-berks
Crime/Punishment
In Walmart shooting trial, Philadelphia man to mount insanity defense
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/keenan-jones-walmart-shooting-cheltenham-montgomery-county-20191015.html
Accused Rittenhouse stabber testifies his alleged victim said: ‘I’m going to beat the black off you’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/michael-white-testifies-trial-sean-schellenger-rittenhouse-square-stabbing-20191015.html
Prosecutors reject plea offer in Tree of Life shootings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/15/Prosecutors-turn-down-plea-proposal-in-Tree-of-Life-shootings/stories/201910160096
New Stanton teen to plead guilty but mentally ill in shooting deaths of mother, brother
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/new-stanton-teen-to-plead-guilty-but-mentally-ill-in-shooting-deaths-of-mother-brother/
Police: 1 dead in Beaver County stabbing
https://triblive.com/local/regional/police-beaver-county-stabbing-leaves-1-person-dead/
Reading drug user found preparing to shoot up in City Hall
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-drug-user-found-preparing-to-shoot-up-in-city-hall&template=ourcityart
Education
Woodland Hills teachers and staff plan protest at board meeting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/woodland-hills-teachers-and-staff-plan-protest-at-board-meeting/
Bangor Area School District teachers vote on whether to authorize strike
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/nazareth/mc-nws-bangor-strike-authorization-20191015-alpsyml32fdf3nz4d6cfj6q2hy-story.html
Deer Lakes’ ‘Sharing Table’ program to reduce waste, address hunger
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/deer-lakes-sharing-table-program-to-reduce-waste-address-hunger-starts-monday/
Big barn signs: A taxpayer response to Philly-area public schools’ wrong-way interest rate bets
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/swaps-barn-protest-avon-grove-public-school-district-taxes-bad-bet-20191015.html
Reduced classifications, regional conferences could be part of WPIAL football future
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2019/10/15/WPIAL-football-alignment-PIAA-regional-reduced-classifications/stories/201910150092
Lakeland School District van driver taken into custody for suspected DUI
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lakeland-school-district-van-driver-taken-into-custody-for-suspected-dui-1.2546260
Pa.’s largest community college eliminates campus mental health counseling for 17,000 students
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/harrisburg-area-community-college-mental-health-counseling-20191016.html
Keystone College ‘resets’ tuition price to better reflect cost of education
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/keystone-college-resets-tuition-price-to-better-reflect-cost-of-education-1.2546263
HBCU-ish? Some say Temple T-shirts ignore the significance of actual historically black colleges.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hbcuish-temple-university-blackish-tshirt-20191016.html
State System turning to financial aid to recruit, retain students
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/10/15/State-System-of-Higher-Education-PASSHE-financial-aid-scholarships-state-owned-universities/stories/201910150114
University of the Sciences launches its first fully online programs in partnership with Geisinger
https://www.inquirer.com/education/university-of-the-sciences-online-programs-geisinger-20191015.html
As enrollments continue to slide, is there a way to save Pa’s state-owned universities? | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/as-enrollments-continue-to-slide-is-there-a-way-to-save-pas-state-owned-universities-mark-okeefe/
Elections/Politics
Warren draws fire from all sides, reflecting a shift in fortunes in race
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/10/15/Democratic-debate-presidential-candidates-ohio-trump-2020/stories/201910150108
At CMU debate watch party, bingo cards illustrate divide in Democratic Party
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/10/15/At-CMU-debate-watch-party-Bingo-cards-illustrate-divide-in-Democratic-Party/stories/201910150172
Poll workers needed in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/poll-workers-needed-in-county-1.2546288
Five candidates vie for Democratic nomination to fill open Pa. Senate seat
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/five-candidates-vie-for-democratic-nomination-to-fill-open-pa-senate-seat.html
Health Care
Why the flu shot can’t give you the flu
https://www.inquirer.com/health/flu-shot-vaccine-safety-20191016.html
Penn Medicine’s Lancaster General is adding a $48 million proton therapy center
https://www.inquirer.com/health/penn-lancaster-proton-therapy-center-20191015.html
New Geisinger Childbirth Center welcomes first baby to Wilkes-Barre Twp. Couple
https://www.timesleader.com/news/758958/new-geisinger-childbirth-center-welcomes-first-baby-to-wilkes-barre-twp-couple
St. Margaret Foundation to move New Kensington Family Health Center
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/st-margaret-foundation-to-move-new-kensington-family-health-center/
Pennsylvania exceeds national rate of rising STD cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-exceeds-national-rate-of-rising-std-cases/
Highmark-affiliated Penn State Health to buy Holy Spirit Health System
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/15/highmark-affiliated-penn-state-health-to-buy-holy-spirit-health-system/
Can Penn State Health save financially crippled Holy Spirit without injuring itself?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/can-penn-state-health-save-financially-crippled-holy-spirit-without-injuring-itself.html
Not enough nurses: A key failure in WellSpan ER waiting room death was not a new problem
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/10/15/nurse-shortage-blamed-part-death-wellspan-emergency-room/3983845002/
Local News
Proposed Luzerne County budget includes 5% tax hike
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759001/proposed-luzerne-county-budget-includes-5-tax-hike
County’s preliminary 2020 budget calls for 5% property tax increase
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-s-preliminary-2020-budget-calls-for-5-property-tax-increase-1.2546328
$52.6M WB budget plan anticipates $1.7M in fees
https://www.timesleader.com/news/758996/52-6m-wb-budget-plan-anticipates-1-7m-in-fees
No tax hike planned for Wilkes-Barre in 2020
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-tax-hike-planned-for-wilkes-barre-in-2020-1.2546283
Retired PSP captain Hacken is new Luzerne County Coroner
https://www.timesleader.com/news/758998/retired-psp-captain-hacken-is-new-luzerne-county-coroner
Appeals court reinstates suit against Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/appeals-court-reinstates-suit-against-luzerne-county-1.2546284
Combatting corruption a popular topic at Tuesday’s mayor debate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/combatting-corruption-a-popular-topic-at-tuesday-s-mayor-debate-1.2546363
Lackawanna County’s 2020 draft budget doesn’t raise taxes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-s-2020-draft-budget-doesn-t-raise-taxes-1.2545974
Chris Kelly: Daring to defy Caesar
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-daring-to-defy-caesar-1.2546375
In Dunmore, sudden spurt of leadership
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/in-dunmore-sudden-spurt-of-leadership-1.2546212
Friends of the Poor announce 43rd annual Thanksgiving Community Program
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/friends-of-the-poor-announce-43rd-annual-thanksgiving-community-program-1.2546210
Motorized chair makes its way from city to veteran
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/motorized-chair-makes-its-way-from-city-to-veteran-1.2546316
Hazle Twp. supervisors approve land development by medical marijuana firm
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazle-twp-supervisors-approve-land-development-by-medical-marijuana-firm-1.2546344
Latrobe police get new 5-year contract, praise for arrests
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-police-get-new-5-year-contract-praise-for-arrests/
Allegheny Township license plate reader system is working
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-township-license-plate-reader-system-is-working/
Humane Society of Berks County shelter to close for construction
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/humane-society-of-berks-county-shelter-to-close-for-construction
Weekend wranglers gather for final time at Mountain Springs Arena in Bern Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/last-roundup-weekend-wranglers-gather-for-final-time-at-mountain-springs-arena
Will parking fines go up in Bethlehem? The hike has been stalled for a year, but is now making some headway.
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-park-fine-20191016-fe3z47xf7fcjli4azz67p7md6y-story.html
Allentown can’t bill nonprofit Good Shepherd for business privilege tax, judge rules, dealing likely $2.3 million blow to city budget
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-good-shepherd-business-privilege-tax-decision-20191015-puyxmy6hf5a4ngkddvo4r7e5vm-story.html
Storm water fee, plan to reduce sewage in Susquehanna River scrutinized by Harrisburg officials
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/storm-water-fee-plan-to-reduce-sewage-in-susquehanna-river-scrutinized-by-harrisburg-officials.html
National News
U.S. officials dispute Canadian border crossing story of British family being held in Berks Detention Center
https://www.inquirer.com/news/berks-british-immigration-canadian-border-20191015.html
Philly
U.S. Attorney threatens to close Philly supervised injection site if it opens before appeals courts weigh in
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/supervised-injection-site-philly-safehouse-appeal-mcswain-mchugh-goldfein-20191015.html
Police: Mom demanded not to be resuscitated after fatally shooting 2 girls, husband
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tacony-mother-shoots-2-girls-husband-damyrra-jones-20191015.html
Philadelphia is a city in trauma. Now what are we going to do about it? | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/helen-ubinas-philadelphia-shootings-murder-trauma-20191015.html
Workers who clean Philadelphia’s business towers reach new contract with management
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/cleaners-commercial-real-estate-seiu-32bj-contract-strike-20191015.html
Pitt
Trying again: URA board set to vote on proposed housing, live music venue at ex-Civic Arena site
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/10/15/Trying-again-URA-board-set-to-vote-on-proposed-housing-live-music-venue-at-the-ex-Civic-Arena-site/stories/201910150157
Development at Penn Plaza in Pittsburgh continues to generate controversy
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/development-at-penn-plaza-in-pittsburgh-continues-to-generate-controversy/
Pa. Supreme Court hears Pittsburgh police pay dispute with city
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/15/pittsburgh-police-union-pay-dispute-supreme-court/stories/201910150152
Pittsburgh Public Schools nixes planned partnership with university
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/10/15/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-nixes-planned-partnership-grand-canyon-university-facing-lawsuit/stories/201910150149
Pittsburgh Musical Theater aims to grow with $1 million matching grant
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/10/15/Pittsburgh-Musical-Theater-1-million-state-grant-West-End-money-fund-raising/stories/201910140117
Walmart can drop off groceries in your fridge starting today
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2019/10/15/Walmart-in-home-delivery-pittsburgh-kansas-city-vero-beach-online-grocery/stories/201910150102
Breaking a promise: DA Zappala should debate his challenger
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/10/16/Breaking-a-promise-DA-Zappala-should-debate-his-challenger/stories/201910140030
State News
Small earthquake reported in Washington County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/10/15/Small-earthquake-reported-in-Washington-County/stories/201910150135
Not all parents give an allowance, but those who do average $30 a week
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kids-parenting-moms-dads-allowance-money-accountants-survey-20191015.html
Joseph Mangano : Need to focus on health, not money
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/10/16/Joseph-Mangano-Need-to-focus-on-health-not-money/stories/201910160054
State accepting applications for environmental project awards
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-accepting-applications-for-environmental-project-awards/
Census key to region
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/census-key-to-region-1.2546390
Fish, game commissions warn of spoof license websites
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/fish-game-commissions-warn-of-spoof-license-websites/
Editorial: Some new twists in lanternfly saga
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-some-new-twists-in-lanternfly-saga
First ‘mentored deer hunt’ at Philly’s Heinz Refuge draws 30 newbies to the woods
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/15/first-mentored-deer-hunt-at-phillys-heinz-refuge-draws-30-newbies-to-the-woods/
Portion of Mariner East pipeline completed
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/portion-of-mariner-east-pipeline-completed/article_4aa97684-ef81-11e9-9b65-5f1c560a9d71.html
Transportation
HOV lanes on I-279 to close for most of Wednesday and Thursday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/10/15/HOV-lanes-closed-I-279-PennDOT-Ross-Pittsburgh-wrong-way-detection-equipment/stories/201910150124
Mt. Lebanon Preservation Board seeks funding to preserve brick streets
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/10/16/Mt-Lebanon-commissioners-brick-streets-preservation/stories/201910170036
Perkiomen Avenue roadwork on track to be complete by Thanksgiving
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/perkiomen-avenue-roadwork-on-track-to-be-complete-by-thanksgiving
Truck gets stuck under bridge, snarling traffic on 420 in Prospect Park
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/truck-gets-stuck-under-bridge-snarling-traffic-on-in-prospect/article_7094543e-ef42-11e9-8a3b-6785733aa097.html
Washington
Giuliani pressed Trump to eject cleric who lives in the Poconos, a priority of Turkish president, former officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/rudy-giuliani-trump-eject-poconos-pennsylvania-cleric-turkish-president-20191016.html
The House passes a trio of measures supporting the Hong Kong protesters
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2019/10/15/Hong-Kong-US-bill-House-passes-China-protests/stories/201910150173
Pence refuses to provide documents to House Dems conducting the impeachment inquiry
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/10/15/Pence-impeachment-inquiry-documents-House/stories/201910150178
House won’t vote to formalize impeachment investigation
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/house-wont-vote-to-formalize-impeachment-investigation/
Threats escalate against Schiff as Trump says ‘treason’ and followers invoke violence
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2019/10/threats-escalate-against-schiff-as-trump-says-treason-and-followers-invoke-violence.html