President Donald Trump will deliver a speech at a shale convention in Pittsburgh on energy policies, while former VP Joe Biden will provide an economic address in Scranton. Here is the Playbook. 

Pence Touts USMCA, Trades Jabs With Biden in Luzerne County Visit: The Vice President lauded the Trump administration’s trade policies and applied pressure to Democrats to support the USMCA during his speech Monday at SCHOTT North America Inc.

Biden To Deliver Economic Policy Address in Scranton: The former Vice President’s visit to Northeast Pennsylvania includes a private fundraiser and a speech centered around “rebuilding the middle class.”

Spotlight PA & The Caucus Investigation Shows Lawmakers Spent Nearly $3.5M in Hidden Campaign Spending: The yearlong investigation indicated that state House and Senate candidates spent nearly $3.5 million that can’t be fully traced from 2016 through 2018. They explain here how they uncovered it, and breakdown lawmakers response from the report.

DePasquale To Host Townhall: Eugene DePasquale, current Auditor General and Democratic hopeful for PA’s 10th Congressional District, will be holding his Congressional campaign’s first town hall meeting tonight starting at 6:30 at the Widener Commonwealth Law School in Harrisburg. This event is open to the public and does not require a ticket to attend

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA & The Caucus: Pa. lawmakers push for less oversight hours after investigation reveals millions in hidden campaign spending
Spotlight PA & The Caucus: Spotlight PA: How we uncovered nearly $3.5M in dark spending by Pa. state lawmakers
Spotlight PA & The Caucus: Pa. lawmakers push for less oversight hours after investigation reveals millions in hidden campaign spending
WITF: Powerful new Pa. House committee considers overhauling lobbying rules
WITF: Some lawmakers are trying to effectively ban abortions in Pa.
WITF: Pa. House moves to exempt volunteer fire companies from open records requests   
AP: Report: Campaign records shield lawmakers’ lavish spending
AP: House votes to exempt fire, rescue agencies from records law
AP: Trump’s visit to Pittsburgh causing road, school closings
Inquirer: Heartbeat bill in Pa.: What are the chances the state passes latest abortion measure?
National Journal: Wednesday Q+A With Susan Wild
The Hill: Pennsylvania governor vows to veto ‘heartbeat’ abortion bill if it passes
Patriot News: Bill modernizing Pa. elections would add no-excuse absentee ballots to voting options  
Patriot News: Senate passes bill setting 18 as the minimum age to marry in Pennsylvania 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How a debate over mandatory sentences for gun crimes could sink savings gleaned from a criminal justice reform bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Amid Democratic dissent, brokered election reform bill advances in the Pa. House
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bipartisan bills in state House and Senate increase access to solar energy
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: A Pa. House bill that blocks the closing of two centers for the intellectually disabled just cleared a critical hurdle
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Bizarre’ circumstances have a charter school appeal stuck in limbo in Harrisburg, with taxpayers footing the bill.
PLSReporter: State lawmakers renew effort to fund voting machines, pass election reforms 
PLSReporter: Despite Wolf opposition, both chambers move forward moratoriums on closing White Haven, Polk centers 
PLSReporter: PA sees record revenue, handle from sports betting in September
Fox News: Ed Rendell advises Democrats not to distract from the goal of beating Trump in 2020
CNN: Four attorneys general propose framework for a global $48 billion opioid settlement

Philadelphia 
Billy Penn: ‘Libraries saved my life’: Third-party candidates dominate City Council forum in North Philly
KYW Newsradio: Philly City Council committee advances bill banning single-use plastic bags at retail stores
Inquirer: Philadelphia took a step toward banning plastic bags — and dropped a proposed fee for paper bags
Inquirer: Philadelphia is ‘the most infested bedbug city’ in America. A new bill won’t fix the problem, critics say
Inquirer: Philadelphia is eyeing a ban on plastic bags. Here’s how that’s worked in other cities.
Inquirer: Judge in Rittenhouse Square stabbing trial won’t release juror names, citing potential safety issues
Inquirer: The Census Bureau is ramping up recruiting for 2020 jobs
Philadelphia Tribune: City Council approves land transfer to bring new tower, entertainment hub to S. Broad Street
Philly Voice: President Trump visiting Pittsburgh days before one-year anniversary of Tree of Life mass shooting
WHYY Newsworks: Should landlords be responsible for a bedbug infestation? New bill passes remediation costs to tenants.

SEPA
Delco Daily Times: Soccer star Heather Mitts joins Killion, Dinniman in support of Victoria’s Law
Daily Local News: Howard discusses bipartisan support for hate-crimes addition
Daily Local News: Later school start times for middle, high school students urged in report
Daily Local News: #ChescoKnows Summit held in response to survey findings on workplace sexual harassment
Inquirer: Upper Darby teacher resigns after racist tirade; school board votes to accept it
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County expands first-time home buyer program
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County Courier Times Voters Guide
Pottstown Mercury: Berks County searching for poll workers for Nov. 5 election

Pittsburgh  
Tribune Review: Trump to tout jobs, fracking in Pittsburgh to appeal to region’s blue-collar workers 
Tribune Review: Sen. Costa, Rep. Mizgorski introduce identical solar bills
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh councilmen want racism to be treated as public health crisis
Tribune Review: Ex-Derry mayor, accused of brandishing gun near children, seeks to have charges reduced
Post-Gazette: Returning as president to shale convention, Trump to focus on ‘energy dominance’ and jobs 
Post-Gazette: Burgess, Lavelle introduce resolution declaring racism in Pittsburgh a public health crisis
Post-Gazette: Exploring the ‘Possobilities’ in Scotland’s poorest ward 
Post-Gazette: Report: County needs new department to address kids’ needs
KDKA: President Donald Trump Returns To Pittsburgh To Pitch Energy Policies And Politics
KDKA: Finishing Touches Being Put On President Trump’s Speech At Marcellus Shale Coalition
KDKA: Pa. State Court To Hear Case Against Marsy’s Law Ballot Question
KDKA: Absentee Ballot Application Deadline Is October 29 In Allegheny County
Pittsburgh Business Times: This company is planning the region’s largest solar field — and part of it will be in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Business Times: Trump to tout energy-friendly policies during Pittsburgh speech 
City Paper: State legislators introduce ‘heartbeat bill’ that would effectively ban abortion after six weeks
City Paper: The peculiar history behind Marsy’s Law, the victim rights referendum on the Pa. ballot
City Paper: Protests against President Trump, a workshop on renters’ rights, and more educational and social justice events this week in Pittsburgh
City Paper: PIT airport plans to become completely powered by solar and natural gas microgrid

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: W.Va. energy company plans to develop solar field in Greene 
Observer-Reporter: Greene County school districts receive safe schools targeted grants
Observer-Reporter: Scandale confirms computers are being examined in row office investigation
Beaver County Times: Lamb, Kelly have big cash advantages over challengers 
Beaver County Times: Rossi: Politics can’t play in watchdog role 
Beaver County Times: Longo: Auditing must be a priority for Beaver County Controller
Post-Gazette: ‘It’s like the dark ages.’ Tiny Indiana County school district struggles for online connection
Altoona Mirror: City considers tax hike for tree care 
Altoona Mirror: City will save with refinancing debt
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown City Council candidates stress courtesy, cooperation at forum 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2019 | Independent Williams says ‘supporters and friends’ convinced him to run again 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | Election 2019 | Lounge owner, housing chair Arnone says council lacks ‘direction’ 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | Election 2019 | Engineer Buday says residents want help with blight, sewer work 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: WATCH VIDEO | Election 2019 | Ex-firefighter Capriotti pledges to bring ‘professionalism’ to city government

NEPA
The Times Leader: Biden claims he will beat Trump ‘like a drum’ during Exeter fundraiser 
The Times Leader: Hearing held on planned closures of White Haven, Polk state centers
The Times Leader: Luzerne County voting system decision delayed to December 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County confirms Election Board meetings not properly advertised 
The Times Leader: Mullery supports Sunday hunting proposal 
The Times Leader: Pence says ‘economy is thriving’ in Schott speech, urges trade deal passage 
The Times Leader: Biden: Pence fueling Trump’s ‘reckless trade wars’
Citizens Voice: Biden reflects on roots, slams Trump during private fundraiser 
Citizens Voice: Treatment, cost at core of White Haven Center hearing 
Citizens Voice: Supporters turn out for Pence visit 
Citizens Voice: Longtime Schott employee gets shout out from Pence 
Citizens Voice: Budget, voting machines on county council agenda
Citizens Voice: Plymouth councilman selected to serve remainder of late mayor’s term  
Times-Tribune: UPDATED: Biden reflects on childhood in Scranton, recognizes several residents during speech at fundraiser 
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County commissioner candidates debate reassessment, stormwater management 
Times-Tribune: Scranton payroll tax forum presents benefits, possible pitfalls

South Central 
York Dispatch: GOP, Dem candidates set for 48th Senate District special election
York Dispatch: Sheriff’s challenger scrutinized over unpaid taxes 
Patriot News: Bill modernizing Pa. elections would add no-excuse absentee ballots to voting options
Patriot News: Senate passes bill setting 18 as the minimum age to marry in Pennsylvania 
Patriot News: Soccer star Heather Mitts adds her voice to animal welfare advocates who favor ‘kicking puppy mills out of Pennsylvania’  
Carlisle Sentinel: Hampden Township commissioner’s past writing of “Right Wing Limericks” called into question
LNP | LancasterOnline: Judicial candidates to join LNP editorial board in conversation Wednesday night
LNP | LancasterOnline: Why won’t lawmakers eliminate school property taxes? Residents want answers at town hall tonight

Lehigh Valley     
Morning Call: Pennsylvania seniors should be first to benefit if school property taxes are cut, Senate Democrats say 
Morning Call: Why the Northampton County DA race matters: Where the candidates stand on the death penalty 
Morning Call: Coalition plans to confront racism in the Lehigh Valley

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Bill addresses financial needs of first responders 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Commissioners to consider agency agreements

Opinion  
LNP Editorial Board: State university system needs stronger fiscal stewardship, not another $100 million
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: An end to hazing: Greek life must go if students don’t change behavior
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A joint path: Municipalities work on a plan for the future
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Return to face justice: Reconsider diplomatic immunity for diplomat’s wife
Inquirer Staff: As Philly mulls eliminating library late fees, two librarians debate the pros and cons
Jeff Van Drew and Brian Fitzpatrick: Protecting national parks in Pa. and NJ should be priority for lawmakers 
Andy Dinniman: Debunking the five myths of Mariner East 
Antoinette Kraus: Surprise ambulance bills are painful. This bill could make it worse 
John L. Micek: A ‘Kafkaesque Hell:’ 3 Questions on Pa’s probation system with CNN’s Van Jones | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Harriet Okatch: Pa. still has too much lead poisoning. Here’s what we do about it
Helen Ubiñas: Have we surrendered to gun violence? Babies being shot suggests we have. 
Patrick Schlitt: City Council was right to change kids’ meals, but it’s a first step 
Paul Muschick: How to ‘open our arms’ to Allentown row home fire victims
Will Bunch: Trump’s Syria debacle also shows America’s ‘forever war’ might really last forever
Jenice Armstrong: Michael White’s lawyer: ‘When I saw him, I saw my son, wide-eyed and like a deer in headlights’