Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania sees largest one-day spike in COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/10/27/COVID-19-Allegheny-County-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-cases-deaths-1/stories/202010270100
COVID-19 is spreading so fast in the fall surge that Philly can no longer trace all cases, officials say as they warn the ‘worst’ could be ahead
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-fall-surge-philly-contact-tracing-pa-nj-cases-20201027.html
Allegheny County covid-19 cases pass 15,000
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-covid-19-cases-pass-15000/
Luzerne County has ‘substantial’ level of COVID-19 transmission
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-has-substantial-level-of-covid-19-transmission/article_5f71d426-fcf2-5ac9-bc8a-3ce9fe052dd5.html
Lackawanna County’s COVID-19 cases still heavily centered in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-countys-covid-19-cases-still-heavily-centered-in-scranton/article_88d1df39-3fb4-5108-a6e0-c3c477af3095.html
Westmoreland County adds most new covid-19 deaths since May
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-most-new-covid-19-deaths-since-may/
Coronavirus cases blowing up: Berks County adds 131 amid state’s worst day
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-blowing-up-berks-county-adds-131-amid-states-worst-day/article_e90dbe30-17cf-11eb-8253-8fcf8d9c9571.html
Arkoosh: ‘COVID-19 fall surge has arrived in Montgomery County’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/arkoosh-covid-19-fall-surge-has-arrived-in-montgomery-county/article_058a27e4-a1d6-5bfb-8a46-0eebbdb64580.html
Infection consultant will review Westmoreland Manor procedures amid virus outbreak
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/infection-consultant-will-review-westmoreland-manor-procedures-amid-virus-outbreak/
Mass testing begins at Berks County Prison after 2 staff members test positive for COVID-19
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/mass-testing-begins-at-berks-county-prison-after-2-staff-members-test-positive-for-covid/article_3c81b6ea-186e-11eb-9a03-cbd37e076d85.html
Geisinger restricts visitation due to increasing spread of COVID-19
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807736/geisinger-restricts-visitation-due-to-increasing-spread-of-covid-19
Free covid-19 testing in Millvale, Penn Hills, Squirrel Hill
https://triblive.com/local/penn-hills/free-covid-19-testing-in-millvale-penn-hills-squirrel-hill/
Trump administration again touts COVID-19 antigen tests, despite concerns of false results
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/antigen-tests-trump-shipment-to-states-20201027.html
Governor bans indoor dining in Chicago as virus cases rise: ‘We can’t ignore what is happening around us,’ he says
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/10/governor-bans-indoor-dining-in-chicago-as-virus-cases-rise-we-cant-ignore-what-is-happening-around-us-he-says.html
Elections/Politics
Pa. officials urge voters to hand deliver mail-in ballots; 1.1M still out
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/10/27/pennsylvania-officials-urge-voters-not-to-wait-to-return-mail-in-ballots-tom-wolf-Kathy-Boockvar/stories/202010270101
How Biden’s lead is different from Clinton’s — and why the polls are different this time
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/trump-biden-2020-pennsylvania-polls-clinton-2016-20201028.html
Map: How Donald Trump won Northampton County, a Pa. bellwether in 2016, and what it means for 2020
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-northampton-county-trump-reelection-analysis-20201028-66pdu7ewxbgythfsoag3fr4u4m-htmlstory.html
Incumbent state Senator Brewster faces GOP challenge from Lower Burrell attorney
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/incumbent-state-senator-brewster-faces-gop-challenge-from-lower-burrell-attorney/
Dauphin County 105th House legislative race: GOP incumbent Andrew Lewis v. Democrat Brittney Rodas
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/dauphin-county-105th-house-legislative-race-gop-incumbent-andrew-lewis-v-democrat-brittney-rodas.html
Two-term GOP congressman in Pa.’s 11th District hopes to fend off a progressive challenger
https://www.witf.org/2020/10/27/two-term-gop-congressman-in-pa-s-11th-district-hopes-to-fend-off-a-progressive-challenger/
Mail delays worsen across Pa. and other swing states as election nears, judge rejects independent monitor
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/10/mail-delays-worsen-across-pa-and-other-swing-states-as-election-nears-judge-rejects-independent-monitor.html
Worried about Election Day ‘poll watchers’? Here’s what to know
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/10/worried-about-election-day-poll-watchers-heres-what-to-know.html
Controversy, confusion in WB as on-demand voting deadline passes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807705/controversy-confusion-in-wb-as-on-demand-voting-deadline-passes
In-person voting ends in controversy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/in-person-voting-ends-in-controversy/article_4c7da23d-c3b2-5522-938b-6be87647944a.html
County council wants Barrett recusal request rescinded
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/county-council-wants-barrett-recusal-request-rescinded/article_f71f1f21-575e-5cfc-8607-861f089fc181.html
Mail-in ballots protected
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/10/28/Mail-in-ballots-protected-Election-Day-Pennsylvania/stories/202010270051
Pa. Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar had a big job overseeing election reform in Pa. And then COVID hit.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/10/28/pennsylvania-sec-kathy-boockvar-secure-2020-election/3728060001/
Legislature
Argall unopposed, talks opposition to Wolf
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/election/argall-unopposed-talks-opposition-to-wolf/article_fe503d5d-80df-5c3d-8269-0e8689d97ac9.html
Metcalfe has long leased added office
http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20201027/NEWS01/710279923
State senator proposes bill to fund 2 years of higher ed
http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20201027/NEWS01/710279965
Averting painful legislative session will require unprecedented collaboration | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/10/averting-painful-legislative-session-will-require-unprecedented-collaboration-opinion.html
Business
Whistleblower statutes for companies’ COVID-19 safety violations aren’t being enforced enough, advocates say
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/10/whistleblower-statutes-for-companies-covid-19-safety-violations-arent-being-enforced-enough-advocates-say.html
Crime/Punishment
Third man arrested in slaying of IUP student, Homewood native
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/27/Third-teen-arrested-in-slaying-of-IUP-student-Homewood-native/stories/202010270090
Terrelle Pryor, girlfriend receive probation after both plead guilty in stabbing case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/27/Terrelle-Pryor-girlfriend-plead-guilty-stabbing-domestic-case/stories/202010270124
Seven-time DUI offender gets 2-7 years behind bars
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/seven-time-dui-offender-gets-2-7-years-behind-bars/article_e7d6ee7a-de5b-5ef2-acb4-eb39315bb0ef.html
Execution chamber isn’t the most lethal place for prisoners — local jails are
https://www.timesonline.com/story/opinion/columns/2020/10/28/mangino-local-jails-can-deadly/3750768001/
Education
Pennsylvania schools need an additional $4.6 billion to close education gaps, new analysis finds
https://www.inquirer.com/education/school-funding-pennsylvania-lawsuit-report-20201027.html
NEIU fears early intervention cuts due to lack of state funding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/neiu-fears-early-intervention-cuts-due-to-lack-of-state-funding/article_b9f3dbc4-a82b-578d-8a07-00dfe3d4bec6.html
West Mifflin Area High School to be closed through Nov. 11 because of covid-19 cases among staffers
https://triblive.com/local/south-hills/west-mifflin-area-high-school-to-be-closed-through-nov-11-because-of-covid-19-cases-among-staffers/
Many Berks school districts bypassing state advice for ‘substantial spread’ coronavirus counties
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/many-berks-school-districts-bypassing-state-advice-for-substantial-spread-coronavirus-counties/article_25aa21e6-186e-11eb-9e0a-872865ed060c.html
Gaming
Still hampered by coronavirus, U.S. casinos want recovery aid
https://triblive.com/news/world/still-hampered-by-coronavirus-u-s-casinos-want-recovery-aid/
Local News
Tax ruling buys time for Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/tax-ruling-buys-time-for-scranton/article_26fdadd4-133c-5f8a-937b-19bfdcfd3442.html
Safe Berks, DA’s office join forces to support survivors of sexual assault
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/safe-berks-das-office-join-forces-to-support-survivors-of-sexual-assault/article_a58138de-17ef-11eb-a29f-fff8376d4aef.html
Western Berks fire commissioner earns title of chief fire officer, one of 1,500 worldwide
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/western-berks-fire-commissioner-earns-title-of-chief-fire-officer-one-of-1-500-worldwide/article_1d72955c-154a-11eb-900e-37d77ac79c7f.html
Reading delays decision on agreement with redevelopment authority
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-delays-decision-on-agreement-with-redevelopment-authority/article_98f2b5b0-17eb-11eb-82d1-97bea52b6a4e.html
Bloomsburg passes nondiscrimination ordinance
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/10/bloomsburg-passes-nondiscrimination-ordinance.html
National News
Dodgers beat Rays to win first World Series since 1988; Turner removed from game after positive test
https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/dodgers-rays-world-series-baseball-20201028.html
Philly
Looting, skirmishes, follow peaceful protests over police abuse against Black people and killing of Walter Wallace Jr.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/protest-walter-wallace-jr-killing-police-west-philadelphia-20201027.html
Spurts of violence erupt during second night of protests in Philadelphia
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/10/28/Philadelphia-stay-indoors-violence-protests-fatal-police-shooting-Walter-Wallace-Jr/stories/202010280111
Walter Wallace Jr., 27, a ‘family man’ with many mental health crises and encounters with police
https://www.inquirer.com/news/walter-wallace-jr-philadelphia-mental-health-20201027.html
The police killing of Walter Wallace Jr. feels far too familiar to a weary West Philly community
https://www.inquirer.com/news/walter-wallace-jr-west-philadelphia-20201027.html
City leaders respond to West Philly police shooting
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/city-leaders-respond-to-west-philly-police-shooting/
Black clergy, community call fatal police shooting ‘barbaric’ and demand firing officers involved
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/black-clergy-community-call-fatal-police-shooting-barbaric-and-demand-firing-officers-involved/article_6c2f1902-4994-5f6f-80a6-5f49b975fcf2.html#/questions
MOVE member Pam Africa blames police for not deescalating encounter with Walter Wallace Jr.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/walter-wallace-jr-philadelphia-shooting-move-bombing-pam-africa-20201027.html
Philly police had been called many times to Walter Wallace Jr.’s house, sources say, sparking questions about why he was shot
https://www.inquirer.com/news/walter-wallace-shot-west-philadelphia-police-shooting-danielle-outlaw-20201027.html
Walter Wallace Jr. would still be alive if he were a white man | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/walter-wallace-jr-police-killing-shooting-black-lives-matter-20201027.html
Walter Wallace Jr.: A Black life that mattered | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/walter-wallace-shot-police-west-philly-jenice-armstrong-20201027.html
Philadelphia police, again, incapable of treating Black men as anything but a threat | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/walter-wallace-philadelphia-police-shooting-george-floyd-helen-ubinas-20201027.html
Police officers who killed Walter Wallace Jr. wore body cameras. Release the footage. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/walter-wallace-jr-shooting-body-camera-footage-philadelphia-police-20201027.html
Center City Philadelphia’s jobs rebound, but still lag in the wake of the pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-center-city-district-retail-restaurants-winter-garden-holiday-season-20201028.html
As COVID-19 cases rise in Philly, doctors help care homes and addiction rehabs navigate outbreaks
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/kirkbride-addiction-treatment-covid-outbreak-philadelphia-20201028.html
I couldn’t save my child from gun violence. Now I’m voting to save yours. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/i-couldnt-save-my-child-gun-violence-now-im-voting-save-yours-opinion-20201027.html
Pitt
People gather at Tree of Life to pay respect
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/10/27/People-gathering-at-Tree-of-Life-to-pay-respects/stories/202010270110
‘It seems like yesterday’: Pittsburgh marks 2 years since Tree of Life massacre
https://triblive.com/local/it-seems-like-yesterday-pittsburgh-marks-2-years-since-tree-of-life-massacre/
Pittsburgh police rules for drinking while undercover revealed at meeting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/10/27/Pittsburgh-police-undercover-drinking-citizen-review-board-Pagans-MC-brawl-Kopys/stories/202010270162
The Oakland home that launched Family House is coming down
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/10/28/Oakland-Family-House-McKee-Place/stories/202010270150
Pittsburgh City Council to again consider Citizen Police Review Board contract with outside firm
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/10/27/Council-to-again-consider-Citizen-Police-Review-Board-contract-with-outside-firm/stories/202010270121
Allegheny County Council begins budget hearing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/10/27/Allegheny-County-Council-2021-budget-hearing/stories/202010270160
Democrats encourage mail-in ballot voters to drop off Downtown, and skip the mail
https://triblive.com/local/democrats-encourage-mail-in-ballot-voters-drop-off-downtown-and-skip-the-mail/
Duquesne University, Housing Authority team up to battle health care inequities
https://triblive.com/local/duquesne-university-housing-authority-team-up-to-battle-health-care-inequities/
Pitt students asked to ‘shelter-in-place’ before Thanksgiving break
https://triblive.com/news/education-classroom/pitt-students-asked-to-shelter-in-place-before-thanksgiving-break/
State News
In two Pa. towns, two very different results for LGBTQ equality
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/30217/
Justice Barrett won’t be a friend to LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/justice-barrett-wont-be-a-friend-to-lgbtq-pennsylvanians-opinion/
Washington
Reactions to Barrett taking seat split along party lines
https://www.timesleader.com/news/807738/reactions-to-barrett-taking-seat-split-along-party-lines
World News
Satellite photos show construction at Iran nuclear site
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/10/28/Satellite-photos-show-construction-at-Iran-nuclear-site-Natanz/stories/202010280112