Officials announced plans to build a multi-billion dollar natural gas plant in Luzerne County. Here is the Playbook. 

News

‘What to watch in 2021 state and local elections’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “notwithstanding their low profile and expectations for low voter turnout, Tuesday’s elections in Pennsylvania will offer the clearest snapshot yet of the electorate during Joe Biden’s presidency.”

‘Eager for election returns? Pace of Nov. 2 results will depend on where you live and who’s running’: PennLive reports that “as we’ve learned in Pennsylvania since the advent of no-excuse, mail-in balloting last year, not all election returns come in at the same speed. That’s going to be the case again Nov. 2, as voters make their final decisions about who to place in offices ranging from state appellate court judges, to mayor and school board members, to the local constable.”

‘Pa. elections officials are bracing for another vote in a toxic environment: ‘Now everyone attacks’’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “after a year of Trump’s lies about a stolen election tearing at the country’s political fabric, anxiety is as high as ever for the people who run elections before polls open Tuesday.”

‘$6 billion natural gas to fuel plant planned in Pennsylvania’: The Associated Press reports that “a Texas-based company has announced plans to build a multibillion-dollar plant on the site of a former coal mine in northeastern Pennsylvania to develop fuels from natural gas, which officials say will bring thousands of jobs to the area.”

‘‘An unprecedented situation’: Loose ends remain in Fulton County election review’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “a court likely will have to decide whether information about the funder and cost is released, open records experts say.”

‘Mysterious texts discouraging voters befuddle politicos in Harrisburg mayoral race’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “a mysterious text message campaign claiming to be from a Harrisburg mayoral candidate has sparked last minute confusion in a contentious municipal election.”

‘Wanda Williams beat Eric Papenfuse once, but that was not enough in Harrisburg mayor’s race. Next up? Round Two’: PennLive reports that “Harrisburg voters will complete an election like no other Tuesday, as incumbent Mayor Eric Papenfuse asks city voters for a second opinion on the May Democratic Party primary result that saw current City Council President Wanda Williams narrowly capture the nomination and its usually decisive fall ballot slot.”

‘New Pittsburgh mayor will make history regardless of winner’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “no matter the result, the winner of Tuesday’s Pittsburgh mayoral race will make history.”

‘PSERS pension chief makes big bets with his own money’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “James Grossman’s personal investments are bold and are available to the public only because a state agency mistakenly posted it.”

‘Staffs at Pa. public pension plans can play the stock market with little or no disclosure’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “in Pennsylvania, lenient laws allow highly paid investment staffers and top public pension plan executives to reveal little or nothing about their personal stock trading.”

‘Where is RGGI now? Pennsylvania could join the emissions-reduction program soon, but obstacles remain’: StateImpactPA details “what you need to know to catch up on the debate.”

‘In Pa., poll shows many people aren’t confident in knowledge of climate change or its effects’: StateImpactPA reports that “a new poll from Franklin & Marshall College shows few Pennsylvanians are confident in their knowledge of climate change.”

‘GOP Senate Candidate Says Michael Flynn Group Asked Him to ‘Gather Intelligence’ on Lawmakers’: Newsweek reports that “Everett Stern, a Republican candidate running to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate, revealed Sunday that aides to former national security adviser Michael Flynn allegedly asked him to “gather intelligence” on various lawmakers and judges for extortion purposes.”

‘Pennsylvania lawmakers give alcohol-serving restaurants boost on outdoor seating, but future of cocktails-to-go is unclear’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Pennsylvania lawmakers this week approved the idea that alcohol-serving restaurants can fast track plans for new outdoor serving areas, but the future of so-called “cocktails-to-go” is unclear.”

‘Here are the Pennsylvania billionaires who would have had to pay up under Biden’s wealth tax’: The Allentown Morning Call lists the 17 billionaires in Pennsylvania. 

‘Smucker hosting private fundraiser with Minority Leader McCarthy in Manheim’: LNP | LancasterOnline reported on Friday that “U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker is scheduled to host a private fundraiser with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on Friday evening in Manheim.”

‘Better slow down when driving around Pa. Capitol Complex; speed limits are dropping to 15 mph’: PennLive reports that “starting Monday, the speed limit on the roads that surround the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg will be reduced from 25 mph to 15 mph.”

‘Faculty job cuts on the horizon at two Pa. state universities’: PennLive reports that “more than two dozen professors at two Pennsylvania state universities slated for consolidation next year received notices that their jobs are in jeopardy.”

‘2021 voter guide: What you need to know about the Philadelphia district attorney race’: KYW Newsradio previews the race between “the progressive reformer incumbent and his tough-on-crime challenger.”

‘Former employee challenges current Bucks County DA in Tuesday election’: KYW Newsradio previews the race where “Democratic challenger Antonetta Stancu is running against incumbent Republican Matt Weintraub for Bucks County District Attorney.”

‘Philly Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez announces she has breast cancer’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “Philadelphia City Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez announced on Saturday that she was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer.”

‘Gainey, Moreno talk crime, COVID-19 in final mayoral debate before Tuesday’s election’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “in one last mayoral debate before Tuesday’s election, Democrat Ed Gainey said he believes Pittsburghers can work together to create a safer, more diverse and more affordable city, while Republican Tony Moreno insisted that real progress starts when career politicians are ousted.”

‘Congressman Mike Doyle opens up about future of Democratic Party, calls Trump loyalty ‘cult-like behavior’’: WTAE reports that “Doyle shared his thoughts on several topics, including the swelling voices of democratic socialists and progressives, what it will take to lead the district in the future and Donald Trump’s influence on the Republican Party.”

‘U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh pitches nursing jobs in visit to Chester County’: The Daily Local News reports that “U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-6th of Easttown, hosted U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh on a whirlwind tour of some of the best workplaces of Chester County.”

‘Pittsburgh-Based U.S. Steel Supportive Of Biden Easing EU Tariffs On Aluminum, Steel’: KDKA reports that “President Joe Biden announced a deal at the G-20 Saturday to ease tariffs on aluminum and steel from the EU.”

‘Law­mak­ers scrutinized for ‘lav­ish’ spend­ing on resorts, high-end restaurants and limousines’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “watchdog group targets Rep. Kelly, others over campaign funds.”

‘Region in the national political spotlight again’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Luzerne County’s voting trends will soon be back in the national spotlight as next year’s midterm elections approach, and Ed Mitchell sees that as a good thing.”

‘Competition Heats Up for Bucks County Controller, the Fiscal Watchdog’: The Delaware Valley Journal reports that “as election day quickly approaches, Bucks County voters must decide between incumbent Neale Dougherty (D) or attorney Pamela A. Van Blunk (R) for Bucks County Controller.”

‘Somerset County DA’s accuser agrees PFA not needed given bond conditions on him’: The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that “the attorney for a woman seeking a protection from abuse order against embattled Somerset County District Attorney Jeffery Lynn Thomas on Friday agreed to withdraw her petition.”

‘Libertarian Flaherty hopes to shake up 113th state House election’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Bonnie Flaherty believes her struggles growing up and as a single mother of two young girls can work in Harrisburg for the benefit of local residents.”

‘State representative who covers Berks says Pa. losing millions without toll collectors at their posts on Turnpike’: WFMZ reports that “with toll booths continuing to remain vacant due to the pandemic and the state expecting drivers to pay the tolls mailed to them, State Rep. Manny Guzman (D)-127th District says many are passing through, but not paying up.”

‘Ezra Nanes running unopposed for State College mayor’: The Centre Daily Times reports that “Ezra Nanes is the odds-on favorite to become State College’s next mayor.”

‘SEPTA and its largest union have a contract agreement, averting a public transit strike’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “SEPTA and its largest union have reached tentative agreement on a new contract, averting a damaging strike that would have shut down Philadelphia’s public transit system as it struggles to recover from a steep drop in ridership driven by the pandemic.”

‘Delco mailed 670 ballots to the wrong people. Two Republican candidates are suing ahead of Tuesday’s election.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “a lawyer for two candidates running for Delaware County Council said Friday that a vendor hired by the county sent out hundreds of mail ballots for next Tuesday’s election to the wrong voters.”

‘Pennsbury’s board president received threats of death and rape. She’s not alone.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “many school board members this last year have borne the brunt of parents angry over COVID-19 closures, critical race theory or masking orders. But some of that outrage, often mirrored in conservative media, has translated into outright threats of harm or death, leaving some wondering whether it’s worth it, and experts warning of a future of extremes and stifled engagement among the broader public.”

‘Dr. Ala Stanford no longer vying to be Philly’s next health commissioner, citing potential conflict’: WHYY reports that “Dr. Ala Stanford, who had been among the finalists to be Philadelphia’s next health commissioner, withdrew her name from consideration Friday.”

‘SEPTA union president Willie Brown —the ‘most hated man in Philadelphia’ — has a new job’: WHYY reports that “Brown informed members earlier this year of his plans to transition to a new role with the TWU International as director of the Transit, Universities, Utilities, and Services Division.”

‘New Philly neighborhood to rise from ashes of PES refinery’: KYW Newsradio reports that “there’s a new name and a big vision for the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery, the site of a 2019 fire and explosion in South Philadelphia. It’s now being called the Bellwether District.”

‘Shusterman named Social Workers’ Legislator of Year’: The Daily Local News reports that “state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-157th of Schuylkill, was recently recognized by the National Association of Social Workers for Legislator of the Year.”

‘Chester County row offices races top local ballot’: The Daily Local News reports that “Chester County Democrats’ hold on county row offices will be tested in the upcoming general election on Tuesday, as three incumbent officials and one current office deputy are being challenged by Republican candidates hoping to reverse the trend of “blue” victories in the courthouse.”

‘DVJ Delegation Report Card, Oct. 29: RGGI, Energy and Unwilling Workers’: The Delaware Valley Journal reports on how the Delaware Valley elected officials voted during the House and Senate session on Oct. 29.

‘Voters to pick county council, row office and Common Pleas judges Tuesday’: The Daily Local News reports that “Delaware County voters face a full slate of candidates at the county level this election from county council to the row officers to Court of Common Pleas judges. On Saturday, there was an emergency Delaware County Court of Common Pleas hearing regarding thousands of ballots mailed late and hundreds that were mislabeled.”

‘Joe Wise, Allegheny County Council candidate and devoted Moon Township resident, dies’: WESA reports that “Joe Wise, a candidate for Allegheny County Council District 1, has died, according to a statement Saturday from a top local Republican official.”

‘A lot on the ballot, and a lot at stake, in wide-open Common Pleas judicial races’: WESA reports that “races for Common Pleas judge are usually easy to overlook, but voters in Allegheny County are going to have a hard time looking away: The ballot includes 17 candidates seeking 10 seats on the bench.”

‘More politics? NAIOP rips proposal to give Pittsburgh City Council more power over development projects’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “a proposal that would give Pittsburgh City Council members more power over development projects in their districts is coming under fire from a local commercial real estate association.”

‘Quiet election still has races for judge, state rep and Scranton mayor’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “Lackawanna County voters will choose a new county judge and will have two candidates to choose from for sheriff and register of wills/clerk of orphans’ court.”

‘Judge in infamous Bianca Roberson murder case seeks second term’: The Daily Local News reports that “the Common Pleas Court judge who sentenced the killer of a Bayard Rustin High School graduate to state prison in the road rage murder that gained national attention is seeking a second term on the Chester County bench in Tuesday’s election.”

‘Pa. COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations decline again on Saturday’: PennLive reports that “Pennsylvania registered 4,366 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday as its seven-day average of new cases continued to decline from the level of early October.”

Opinion  
Mark S. Singel: If you care about the future of this country, vote on Tuesday
Kimberly Levitt: How a Pennsylvania bill endangers the LGBTQ+ community’s trust in the public health system
Maria Quiñones-Sánchez: I have breast cancer
Benjamin Mannes: It’s time for candidate Shapiro to resign as attorney general
John L. Micek: GOP U.S. Senate hopeful Parnell hit with FEC complaint over book sales | Friday Morning Coffee
Susan Gobreski: Pa.’s elections are secure. Lawmakers need to stop trying to scare voters 
Timothy P. Williams: Some are trying to turn our school boards into battlegrounds. Don’t let them
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Diversity is the salvation of struggling, white rural communities 
Chris Kelly: Costume party
Paul Muschick: How Lehigh Valley hospitals could inspire more people to get COVID-19 vaccines
PennLive Editorial Board: Jerry Sandusky forced us to think the unthinkable to protect the little children
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Municipal elections are important. Please, Lancaster County voters, have your say in Tuesday’s election. 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Gainey for Pittsburgh mayor; newcomers for PPS board
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Zombie rental registration fee returns for Halloween
Alison Gash: How Planned Parenthood v. Casey started the attack on abortion rights
John L. Micek: Biden’s agenda: Dems need to decide if they want to win a battle, or lose the war 
Bruce Ledewitz: Here’s what’s at stake in Texas abortion case before U.S. Supreme Court 
Marsha Levick and Kristin Henning: Too much unchecked power in the juvenile legal system, too little justice for children 
Jim Friedlich: A call to action as a key deadline looms for the federal proposal to help local news 
Deanna Burney: Superintendent applicants can’t just agree with learning goals — they must have a plan to meet them 
Keith C. Burris: Why Powell should have run
Bill Blando: One more eulogy for General Colin L. Powell 
Ruth Ann Daily: Fuming and grieving together
Will Bunch: ‘When do we get to use the guns?’ The life-or-death stakes of the Kyle Rittenhouse trial 
Inga Saffron: Before making Philly streeteries permanent, focus on design, safety, enforcement. Then add magic.
Dick Polman: You wouldn’t want to be Merrick Garland right now 
John Cole: Not fit for fish — or print | Editorial Cartoon
Teresa Martin and Glenn Kranzley: How our faith community is striving to help veterans