Nina Ahmad formally enters the race for Auditor General, while Vice President Mike Pence is set to visit Northeast PA on Monday. Here is the Playbook. 

Ahmad Launches Bid for Auditor General: The Philadelphia Democrat, who is the second to formally enter the race to replace Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, said addressing sexual harassment in government, taking on “Big Pharma,” and reducing gun violence are priorities if she is elected.

Sanford Makes Campaign Swing Through PA: The former South Carolina Governor, who is one of three Republicans challenging President Donald Trump for the GOP nomination in 2020, highlighted the debt, deficit and spending in stops in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Casey Endorses Green-Hawkins and McCaffery: In a press release from the Pennsylvania Democratic Party, Sen. Bob Casey endorsed both Democratic nominees for the state Superior Court and said that it’s important to elect judges like them to combat President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s effort to “stack federal courts in favor of corporate special interests.”

PMA PAC Endorses King and Peck: In a press release from the Pennsylvania Republican Party, the political action committee affiliated with the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association (PMA) endorsed both Republican nominees for the state Superior Court. David N. Taylor, President and CEO of PMA said both candidates have “experience, character, and temperament,” while PAGOP Chairman Lawrence Tabas said the support from the PAC shows “where Pennsylvania businesses have placed their trust this election.”

Harrisburg & DC   
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘This was a sham’: Lebanon Co. Republicans say party boss poisoned special election candidate selection 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Cannabis legalization may be off the table for Pennsylvania’s GOP majority. Decriminalization is another matter 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Casey, Toomey split on Senate vote to overturn Trump power plant rule 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘The conscience of our caucus’: Pa.’s U.S. House lawmakers pay tribute to Rep. Elijah Cummings 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pennsylvania’s crimes code is packed with redundant, harmful charges, ACLU says in new report 
AP: Pennsylvania governor’s OT expansion rule heads to a vote
AP: State university leaders seek $100M to redesign system
AP: NFL season rockets Pennsylvania to new sports betting record
National Journal: Business Consultant Files With FEC for Dem Primary
Patriot News: Inspired by Meek Mill, Michael Rubin sets a goal: Get 1 million people out of the criminal justice system
Patriot News: Pa. state universities’ board agrees to ask for $100 million extra in state aid to advance its redesign efforts
KDKA: Pennsylvania’s Individual Health Plan Premiums To Rise 4%
KDKA: Northeast Officials Team Up To Push Marijuana And Vaping Regulations
PLSReporter: Wolf Admin. finalizes controversial overtime protection regulations 
PLSReporter: House Government Oversight Committee set to meet over lobbying disclosure law 
PLSReporter: As lawmakers praise improved PASSHE relations with General Assembly, system looks to cash in chips for $100 million investment 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers likely to propose cutting or killing property taxes by increasing sales, income taxes 
Citizens Voice: Pence to visit Duryea next week 
Inquirer: Pennsylvania law has 5 times more crimes than in the ’70s. Is that one reason Pa. has 5 times more prisoners?
Inquirer: Pa. state university leaders want $100 million more from state to redesign the system
Inquirer: To protect children from abuse, lawmakers urge passage of ‘Kayden’s Law’
Daily Local News: Toomey co-sponsors measure honoring WWII heroes
StateImpactPA: Activists urge Wolf, again, to shut down the Mariner pipelines
StateImpactPA: New federal pipeline safety rules draw praise from industry, scorn from critics
StateImpactPA: Report: ExxonMobil scouting property for 2nd cracker in Beaver County
PA Post: Pa. tries a new tactic to help people navigate its professional license system

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: Did City Hall or a spoofer curse out GOP mayoral nominee Billy Ciancaglini in phone call?
KYW Newsradio: Philly City Council announces bill in attempt to limit e-cigarette sales to minors
KYW Newsradio: Residents worried about potential health impact of refinery explosion
KYW Newsradio: White found not guilty of voluntary manslaughter in Schellenger stabbing 
Inquirer: Jury finds Michael White not guilty in stabbing death of Sean Schellenger near Rittenhouse Square 
Inquirer: Councilman Allan Domb calls for investigation of city’s payroll software ‘boondoggle’
Inquirer: Court allows bankrupt Philly refiner to award secret bonuses
Inquirer: Philly police can implement tattoo policy, inspired by officer’s alleged Nazi ink, without involving union   
Inquirer: Yes, there are still large Philly public companies with no women on their boards, new report shows
Philadelphia Magazine: Mayor Kenney Proposes Vaping Legislation to Protect Minors 
Philadelphia Magazine: Michael White Found Not Guilty in Rittenhouse Stabbing Death
PLSReporter: Council introduces new prohibitions on e-cigs
Philadelphia Tribune: FOP loses decision over police department’s tattoo policy
Philadelphia Tribune: Jury finds Black bicycle courier not guilty of manslaughter in Rittenhouse stabbing
WHYY Newsworks: Should grandma get a tax cut? A Republican city councilmember thinks so.
WHYY Newsworks: Philly bike courier found not guilty of voluntary manslaughter in Rittenhouse stabbing of developer
WHYY Newsworks: Philly school board votes against two charter renewals — a major blow to heralded reform effort
Philly Voice: Philly bike courier found not guilty of most serious charge in fatal Rittenhouse stabbing

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Lawmakers introduce bill that would legalize cannabis for adult use in Pennsylvania 
Bucks County Courier Times: State Senate hearing pushes Kayden’s Law
Bucks County Courier Times: State Rep. Warren to host Tyler cleanup Friday
Inquirer: To protect children from abuse, lawmakers urge passage of ‘Kayden’s Law’
Inquirer: Protesters demand Devereux agency halt its plans for migrant children’s shelter in Philly suburb
Daily Local News: Pipeline demonstrators picket Gov. Wolf’s Capitol office 
Daily Local News: Commissioners proclaim Community Planning Month  
Daily Local News: New study: Delayed school start times working well in Chester County
Pottstown Mercury: Commissioners approve transportation projects in six municipalities  

Pittsburgh  
Tribune Review: Allegheny County DA defers to state AG in Marsy’s Law suit
Tribune Review: Wolf, Fetterman travel to NYC for cannabis summit 
WESA: In Pittsburgh Stop, GOP’s Sanford Argues His Party, And The Country, Must Be Saved From Trump
Post-Gazette: GOP challenger to Trump raises alarm on deficit in Pittsburgh visit
Post-Gazette: Zappala defers to attorney general to fight for ballot question
Post-Gazette: Attorney General says website used by accused Tree of Life shooter Bowers is teetering 
Post-Gazette: Ohio planners looking at a 30-year timeline for hyperloop project between Pittsburgh and Chicago 
Post-Gazette: Mayor Bill Peduto on the Pirates’ plight and what can be done
PLSReporter: Black residents call for reparations at Pittsburgh City Council Public Hearings
KDKA: FBI: Pittsburgh Ranks Number 1 For Cybercrimes In Pa.
KDKA: 2 Pittsburgh-Area Teachers Honored By White House
KDKA: ‘We Lost A True Freedom Fighter’: Local Man Remembers Congressman Elijah Cummings 
City Paper: SEIU Healthcare labor union endorses independent DA candidate Lisa Middleman 
City Paper: Bike Pittsburgh counted 123 vehicles parked in city bike lanes yesterday 

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Commissioners hear budget options
Beaver County Times: State Sen. Camera Bartolotta appointed to PA Commission for Women 
Beaver County Times: House passes Lamb bill to memorialize veterans 
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County voting machines get one final test before last hurrah
Observer-Reporter: Amid questions about supervisors ties, power plant application waits on vote in Robinson

NEPA
The Times Leader: Support for SCI-Retreat overflows at hearing
The Times Leader: Area schools get $387,124 in school safety grants from state
The Times Leader: Littering in Luzerne County being addressed, official says 
Citizens Voice: Families of White Haven Center residents protest decision to close facility 
Citizens Voice: Wilkes-Barre zoning board rejects homeless shelter plan 
Citizens Voice: Solicitor: Election board does not have much power 
Times-Tribune: Families protest at White Haven Center
Times-Tribune: Court rules Scranton mayoral candidates can remain on ballot 
Times-Tribune: Scranton Council candidates find common ground in debate 

South Central 
York Daily Record: Scott Perry among 129 House Republicans who voted to condemn Syria withdrawal
Carlisle Sentinel: Election 2019: Forum offers local focus for commissioner, judge, treasurer, DA candidates in Cumberland County
Patriot News: Pa.’s student aid agency awards $56,250 bonuses to two employees
Patriot News: Agreement would transfer control of TMI unit where historic partial meltdown occurred
Patriot News: Harrisburg sewer authority will use $13 million loan to battle stormwater 
Patriot News: Dauphin County approves new polling places for some voters 
York Dispatch: Perry breaks with Freedom Caucus over vote to condemn Syria withdrawal 
York Dispatch: York sheriff fosters toxic work environment, say former sheriff, ex-deputies
York Dispatch: Hellam Twp. board votes down Hallam police pitch 
LNP | LancasterOnline: TMI’s Unit 2 sold to Utah firm for decommissioning

Lehigh Valley     
Reading Eagle: Candidate endorsements
Reading Eagle: Is Reading a miserable place to live? Business and political leaders push back against a website’s ranking 
Reading Eagle: Political polarization is only getting worse, historian tells World Affairs Council in Berks
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers likely to propose cutting or killing property taxes by increasing sales, income taxes 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania put plastic bag bans on hold for a year. So, how did the issue land before Bethlehem City Council this week? 
Express Times: Allentown locks in police chief long-term, with higher pay than 1st proposed

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Two announce their write-in candidacies
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Steel container manufacturer to bring in jobs
Erie Times-News: Kelly to host Oct. 25 school safety seminar
Erie Times-News: Erie Water Works gets $32 million state loan

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Philadelphia’s payroll system debacle should be an outrage to all taxpayers 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Bad billboard moves in Philly, N.J. 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Allow the new election: Pitt should heed proposed PLRB ruling
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Trade maneuver works: Comports with art of the deal
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Nobel Prizes celebrate human potential and possibility
Kim Ward: Pennsylvania must reform its vehicle emissions testing program
Nyssa Taylor: In Pennsylvania, more law means less justice. That needs to change
Will Bunch: The world’s on fire from climate change. Pa. lawmakers want to make it a lot harder to protest 
John Baer: Oh, that debate and those dozen Dems! 
Bill Hose: Richard Keuerleber is unfit to be re-elected as York County Sheriff
Rochelle M. Fedullo, Joseph A. Sullivan, and Catherine C. Carr: Philly has eviction problem. Right to counsel legislation could help solve it. 
John L. Micek: Report: Uncertain work hours lead to food insecurity, anxiety in kids | Thursday Morning Coffee
Nathaniel Popkin: Frank Rizzo galvanized a Philly movement. We could see another in 2020. 
Paul Muschick: We should support striking Mack Trucks workers
Christine Flowers: I’ve had enough: I’m done with the Republican Party 
John L. Micek: Damage wrought by the tyrant-in-chief will take decades to undo 
John S. Carlson: Keeping students safe is a growth industry struggling to fulfill its mission 
Jenice Armstrong: Many people still don’t understand slavery and the case for reparations. This new movie could educate them. 
Brian O’Neill: Pirates owner is not worthy of PNC Park
Chris Kelly: Hard Time On Easement Bills