Legislature
Sen. Costa, Rep. Mizgorski introduce identical solar bills
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/sen-costa-rep-mizgorski-introduce-identical-solar-bills/
Pa.’s election system is on the verge of the largest changes in decades — in time for the 2020 election
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-election-reform-deal-20191023.html
Bill modernizing Pa. elections would add no-excuse absentee ballots to voting options
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/bill-modernizing-pa-elections-would-add-no-excuse-absentee-ballots-to-voting-options.html
Amid Democratic dissent, brokered election reform bill advances in the Pa. House
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/wolf-makes-deal-for-election-reforms-angering-house-democrats/
Committees pass companion bills for moratorium on state center closings
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/committees-pass-companion-bills-for-moratorium-onstate-center-closings-1.2549260
Hearing held on planned closures of White Haven, Polk state centers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759634/hearing-held-on-planned-closures-of-white-haven-polk-state-centers
A Pa. House bill that blocks the closing of two centers for the intellectually disabled just cleared a critical hurdle
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/a-pa-house-bill-stopping-the-closing-two-centers-for-the-intellectually-disabled-just-cleared-a-critical-hurdle/
Brooks proposal could delay closure of Polk Center
https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/brooks-proposal-could-delay-closure-of-polk-center/article_bad1184f-43da-5568-a849-232ec663fc2f.html
Soccer star Heather Mitts adds her voice to animal welfare advocates who favor ‘kicking puppy mills out of Pennsylvania’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/soccer-star-heather-mitts-adds-her-voice-to-animal-welfare-advocates-who-favor-kicking-puppy-mills-out-of-pennsylvania.html
Soccer star Heather Mitts joins Killion, Dinniman in support of Victoria’s Law
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/soccer-star-heather-mitts-joins-killion-dinniman-in-support-of/article_ed441404-f4ee-11e9-83ee-270ebbc56c59.html
Pennsylvania seniors should be first to benefit if school property taxes are cut, Senate Democrats say
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-tax-discussion-20191022-aogdwlhlsbdjzjf7wyqqm7twoe-story.html
Nix property tax, advocates urge at Wyomissing town hall meeting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/nix-property-tax-advocates-urge-at-wyomissing-town-hall-meeting
‘Bizarre’ circumstances have a charter school appeal stuck in limbo in Harrisburg, with taxpayers footing the bill.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/bizarre-circumstances-have-a-charter-school-appeal-stuck-in-limbo-in-harrisburg-with-taxpayers-footing-the-bill/
Pa. lawmakers push for less oversight hours after investigation reveals millions in hidden campaign spending
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/pa-lawmakers-push-for-less-oversight-hours-after-investigation-reveals-millions-in-hidden-campaign-spending.html
Pa. House votes to exempt fire, rescue agencies from records law
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-house-votes-to-exempt-fire-rescue-agencies-from-records-law/
Mullery supports Sunday hunting proposal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759644/mullery-supports-sunday-hunting-proposal
Senate passes bill setting 18 as the minimum age to marry in Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/senate-passes-bill-setting-18-as-the-minimum-age-to-marry-in-pennsylvania.html
Mystery trip to Europe with ‘donors’ by Pa. state senators followed expansion of wine law
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/10/23/pennsylvania-legislators-campaign-finance-credit-cards-spending-wine-europe/stories/201910230046
Challenge to victims’ rights amendment heads to Commonwealth Court
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/challenge-to-victims-rights-amendment-heads-to-commonwealth-court/
Pennsylvania House resumes guest chaplain invocation
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-house-resumes-guest-chaplain-invocation/
As Pa. debates heartbeat bill, consider this thought experiment | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/heartbeat-bill-pennsylvania-abortion-six-weeks-20191023.html
Taking a stand: Principled challenge to victims’ rights ballot question
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/10/23/Taking-a-stand-Principled-challenge-to-victims-rights-ballot-question/stories/201910210009
Legislation would name Route 222 Gouglersville interchange for late World War II veteran from Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/legislation-would-name-route-222-gouglersville-interchange-for-late-world-war-ii-vet
Business
Comcast executive, LGBTQ liaison claims company discriminated against him for being gay
https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/comcast-lawsuit-lgbt-gay-discrimination-klayton-fennell-philadelphia-20191023.html
Cheswick Ace hardware store to close, consolidate with Oakmont store
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-ace-hardware-store-to-close-consolidate-with-oakmont-store/
Redner’s set to open another Fresh Market store
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/redners-set-to-open-another-fresh-market-store
Crime/Punishment
SCI Greene to hold ‘full-scale emergency exercise’ on Wednesday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/10/22/SCI-Greene-corrections-prison-full-scale-emergency-exercise-Wednesday/stories/201910220106
Rapid DNA testing reviewed
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191023/rapid-dna-testing-reviewed
Education
Upper Darby teacher resigns after racist tirade; school board votes to accept it
https://www.inquirer.com/education/teacher-racist-renee-greeley-upper-darby-delaware-county-pennsylvania-20191022.html
Franklin Regional officials praise expanded student-assistance program
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/franklin-regional-officials-praise-expanded-student-assistance-program/
Mumps confirmed at Ridley High School in latest outbreak of contagious virus
https://www.inquirer.com/education/mumps-ridley-high-school-delaware-county-temple-university-20191022.html
Lawsuit alleges Highlands School District discriminated against employees who took FMLA leave
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/10/22/Lawsuit-alleges-Highlands-School-District-discriminated-employees-FMLA-leave/stories/201910220118
Former Highlands principal sues district, claims retaliation
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/former-highlands-principal-sues-district-claims-retaliation/
Cupcakes, chocolate milk and an alligator: Imagination library turns 5
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759623/cupcakes-chocolate-milk-and-an-alligator-imagination-library-turns-5
‘Silver tsunami’ of manufacturing retirements pushes Pa. to prioritize STEM education
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/23/silver-tsunami-of-manufacturing-retirements-pushes-pa-to-prioritize-stem-education/
Deer Lakes students spread kindness with service project
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/deer-lakes-students-spread-kindness-with-service-project/
LCCC president gets 9% raise; student center approved
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759617/lccc-president-gets-9-raise-student-center-approved
Johnson College to offer classes, programs in Forest City
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/johnson-college-to-offer-classes-programs-in-forest-city-1.2549253
Elections/Politics
Absentee ballot application deadline next Tuesday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/absentee-ballot-application-deadline-next-tuesday/
Biden claims he will beat Trump ‘like a drum’ during Exeter fundraiser
https://www.timesleader.com/news/759601/biden-claims-he-will-beat-trump-like-a-drum-during-exeter-fundraiser
Biden reflects on roots, slams Trump at Exeter fundraiser
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/biden-reflects-on-roots-slams-trump-at-exeter-fundraiser-1.2549365
Elizabeth Warren offers support for Chicago’s teachers as the strike stretches on
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/10/22/Elizabeth-Warren-Chicago-teachers-strike/stories/201910220181
Health Care
Obamacare premiums will fall and the number of insurers offering plans will rise in 2020
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/10/22/Obamacare-premiums-2020-plans/stories/201910220167
Western Psych’s new $15M ER aims to reduce wait times, calm patients
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/western-psychs-new-15m-er-aims-to-reduce-wait-times-calm-patients/
Local News
No stormwater fee in proposed 2020 county budget
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-stormwater-fee-in-proposed-2020-county-budget-1.2549368
W-B council to vote on proposed aerial ladder truck Thursday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-to-vote-on-proposed-aerial-ladder-truck-thursday-1.2549342
Plymouth councilman will serve remainder of late mayor’s term
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/plymouth-councilman-will-serve-remainder-of-late-mayor-s-term-1.2549340
Landfill consultant to Dunmore: Override veto or pay back $21.55 million
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/landfill-consultant-to-dunmore-override-veto-or-pay-back-21-55-million-1.2549456
Scranton eyes overhaul of gas credit card system
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-eyes-overhaul-of-gas-credit-card-system-1.2549271
Chris Kelly: DePasquale a top star for mayor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-depasquale-a-top-star-for-mayor-1.2549357
DEP awards $2 million to Greenfield Twp. Sewer Authority
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep-awards-2-million-to-greenfield-twp-sewer-authority-1.2549373
Council to vote on $650M LVHN bond
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/council-to-vote-on-650m-lvhn-bond-1.2549286
Why Reading has so many row houses
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/row-houses-town-houses-or-terrace-houses–by-any-name-reading-has-a-lot-of-them
Reading poised to buy 50-acre former Dana South site
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-poised-to-buy-50-acre-former-dana-south-site
Safe Berks Silent Witness March shines spotlight on domestic violence
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/safe-berks-silent-witness-march-shines-spotlight-on-domestic-violence&template=ourcityart
Coalition plans to confront racism in the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-fight-racism-20191022-sz7x5cwq3ngi5dbrfogvlsbbcy-story.html
Bucks County expands first-time home buyer program
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191022/bucks-county-expands-first-time-home-buyer-program
National News
Feds threaten to shut down CBD company for making illegal health claims
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rooted-apothecary-cbd-illegal-claims-cannabidiol-dietary-supplements-20191023.html
Texas’ House speaker, facing a political scandal, says he won’t seek re-election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/10/22/Dennis-Bonnen-Texas-House-Speaker-recording-tape-wont-seek-reelection/stories/201910220185
The Census Bureau is ramping up recruiting for 2020 jobs
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-census-job-apply-pay-recruit-philadelphia-bureau-20191022.html
Lawmaker in Tennessee says he’s not prejudiced, but ‘a white male in this country has very few rights’
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2019/10/lawmaker-in-tennessee-says-hes-not-prejudiced-but-a-white-male-in-this-country-has-very-few-rights.html
Philly
Suspect in custody in shooting death of 2-year-old girl in Philadelphia, will be charged Wednesday
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-suspect-custody-two-year-old-girl-shot-killed-kensington-nikolette-rivera-20191023.html
I visited the Kensington block where a 2-year-old was killed. Nearly everyone I talked to had lost someone to gun violence. | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/nikolette-rivera-philadelphia-shooting-toddler-killed-20191023.html
Philly refinery blast left behind a cloud of questions | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pes-refinery-blast-hydroflouric-acid-philadelphia-climate-change-editorial-20191023.html
Trans prisoners are pepper sprayed, invasively searched at Philly’s female jail
https://www.inquirer.com/news/transgender-pepperspray-genital-searches-philadelphia-jails-20191023.html
Michael White’s lawyer: ‘When I saw him, I saw my son, wide-eyed and like a deer in headlights’ | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/michael-white-sean-schellenger-rittenhouse-stabbing-philly-jenice-armstrong-20191022.html
Judge in Rittenhouse Square stabbing trial won’t release juror names, citing potential safety issues
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rittenhouse-square-stabbing-trial-juror-names-michael-white-sean-schellenger-20191022.html
Philadelphia is ‘the most infested bedbug city’ in America. A new bill won’t fix the problem, critics say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-bed-bug-bill-amended-mark-squilla-20191022.html
Philadelphia took a step toward banning plastic bags — and dropped a proposed fee for paper bags
https://www.inquirer.com/news/plastic-bag-ban-fee-philadelphia-city-council-20191022.html
City Council was right to change kids’ meals, but it’s a first step | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/kids-meals-healthy-20191022.html
Pitt
Burgess, Lavelle introduce resolution declaring racism in Pittsburgh a public health crisis
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/10/22/Burgess-Lavelle-racism-public-health-crisis-poise-foundation-all-in-fund-pittsburgh/stories/201910220123
Pittsburgh councilmen want racism to be treated as public health crisis
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-councilmen-want-racism-to-be-treated-as-a-public-health-crisis/
Missing from a candidates’ forum: Most of the candidates
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/10/23/allegheny-county-candidates-forum-no-shows-Zappala-fitzgerald-university-pittsburgh/stories/201910220176
Exploring the ‘Possobilities’ in Scotland’s poorest ward
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2019/10/22/growing-up-through-the-cracks-scotland-child-poverty-laws-glasgow-possilpark-possobilities/stories/201910220130
Commission advances zoning change for controversial Shadyside redevelopment
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/10/22/Shady-Hill-Center-Shadyside-Echo-Realty-Giant-Eagle/stories/201910220170
President Trump is visiting Pittsburgh today. Here’s what you need to know
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/10/23/Donald-Trump-president-visit-Pittsburgh-Shale-Insight-Conference-running-file/stories/201910230091
Returning as president to shale convention, Trump to focus on ‘energy dominance’ and jobs
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2019/10/22/president-trump-pittsburgh-shale-insight-conference-downtown-energy-2020/stories/201910220151
4 things to know ahead of President Trump’s visit to Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/4-things-to-know-ahead-of-president-trumps-visit/
Pittsburgh Parking Authority to raise most rates Nov. 1
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/10/22/Pittsburgh-Parking-Authority-higher-rates-Nov-1-Downtown-Pittsburgh/stories/201910220120
LGBTQIA wedding expo at Nova Place
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/lifestyle/2019/10/22/Love-is-Love-LGBTQIA-Wedding-Expo-Nova-Place-Pittsburgh/stories/201910220004
Pittsburgh Public Safety seeking new $10.9 million agreement for body cameras, Tasers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/10/22/Public-Safety-10-million-agreement-body-cameras-tasers-AEDs-city-council/stories/201910220121
Pittsburgh to appeal Mt. Washington billboard ruling to Pa. Supreme Court
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-to-appeal-mt-washington-billboard-ruling-to-pa-supreme-court/
Neville residents warned to not use their water
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/neville-residents-warned-to-not-use-their-water/
State News
Postal Service to honor Arnold Palmer with ‘Forever’ stamp
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/postal-service-to-honor-arnold-palmer-with-forever-stamp/
More than a year after whole plant went legal, medical cannabis growers struggling to keep up with demand
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/more-than-a-year-after-whole-plant-went-legal-medical-cannabis-growers-struggling-to-keep-up-with-demand-1.2549256
Fall trout stocked in local waterways
https://triblive.com/local/regional/fall-trout-stocked-in-local-waterways/
Study: Rail-trails inject $930M annually into Pa. economy
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/study-rail-trails-inject-930m-annually-into-state-economy/
Pennsylvania Game Commission advises hunters to take precautions against EEE virus
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-game-commission-advises-hunters-to-take-precautions-against-eee-virus/
Transportation
U.S. highway deaths fall in 2018 for second straight year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/10/22/US-highway-deaths-fatalities-2018/stories/201910220090
Washington
U.S. envoy says he was told release of Ukraine aid was contingent on public declaration to investigate Bidens, 2016 election
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-impeachment-william-taylor-ukraine-20191022.html
Rep. Ilhan Omar bashes GOP state senator for sharing false ‘terrorist’ photo
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/rep-ilhan-omar-bashes-gop-state-senator-sharing-false-terrorist-photo-20191022.html