Leaders in the state Senate show support for campaign-finance reforms after an investigation published by the Caucus and Spotlight PA showed elected officials spent nearly $3.5 million in hidden campaign spending. Here is the Playbook. 

October 25th Ups & Downs: The candidates have been selected for an upcoming special election in the state Senate, the Mayor of Reading is reprimanded for violating the city’s code of ethics, and Pennsylvania took center stage in the 2020 presidential race. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA & The Caucus: Citing Spotlight PA/Caucus probe, top lawmaker pushes limits on campaign donations, stricter disclosure rules
Spotlight PA & The Caucus: The 10 most extravagant or bizarre campaign expenses by Pa. state lawmakers 
AP: Bill could usher Pennsylvania elections into a new era
National Journal: Trump Encourages Army Veteran to Challenge Lamb
WITF: People with intellectual disabilities, and their jobs, at center of lawsuit against Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Top. Pa. Senate Democrat introduces campaign finance reform bill
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘I think it’s baby steps’: One year after the Tree of Life massacre, Squirrel Hill’s state rep. says stronger gun laws are inevitable
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We can’t ignore signs of hate’: One year later, Pittsburgh still healing from Tree of Life shooting
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With Congress bitterly divided, Elijah Cummings’ memorial brings political foes together
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Third quarter campaign contributions by county
StateImpactPA: Ex-FERC commissioner says panel is losing focus on climate in light of Trump administration policy
PLSReporter: Two leading senators show interest in reforming the state’s campaign finance laws
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 28: Rock the vote (unless its straight ticket)
PLSReporter: Did You Get The Memo? Campaign finance reform, a lobbying ban and state budgeting
PLSReporter: 5 bills to watch for the week of October 28
Inquirer: Ban on flavored e-cigarettes proposed for Pennsylvania 
Inquirer: Liberty Medal awarded to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy
CNN: Impeachment isn’t popular in Wisconsin and these 5 other key swing states
Fox News: Rep. Wild says an impeachment investigation and inquiry are the same thing

Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Tribune: Philadelphia’s new job growth concentrated in low wage sectors
Philadelphia Tribune: Cherelle Parker: Businesses should be fined over shopping carts
Inquirer: Billy Ciancaglini wants to be Philadelphia’s first Republican mayor in decades. The problem? Many voters ‘have never heard of me.’
Inquirer: Inside the FBI investigation into Philly Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, his wife, and Kenny Gamble’s nonprofit
Inquirer: These 2020 candidates will be at Eastern State next week (and the zombies aren’t invited) 
Inquirer: ‘MAGA’ and warnings of ‘radical extremists’: Trump-era political acrimony makes its way to Philly-area races 
Inquirer: Facebook to pay Inquirer, Wall Street Journal, other outlets for real news 
Inquirer: Why Philly GM workers — on strike for 40 days — voted down a deal that just got approved by its union 
Inquirer: The cost of SEPTA’s Key card system just swelled to nearly $200 million — way more than planned 
Inquirer: Frank Rizzo statue will remain in Center City until at least June 2021 
Inquirer: Liberty Medal awarded to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy
KYW Newsradio: Project aimed at improving city’s energy efficiency by 2030 already halfway to its goal
KYW Newsradio: U.S. House passes new, but limited animal cruelty bill
PLSReporter: Philadelphia City Controller releases report on gun violence and property values
Philadelphia Magazine: The Frank Rizzo Statue Is Staying Right Where It Is (Until at Least 2021)
Philadelphia Magazine: What Can Philly Do About Climate Change? A Whole Lot, Actually. 
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Should Charge People to Drive Into Center City
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Needs to Move the Airport Before It’s Underwater

SEPA
Inquirer: Billionaire George Soros is back in Pa. with $1M, and some of that is supporting a Delco Democrat for DA
Inquirer: ‘MAGA’ and warnings of ‘radical extremists’: Trump-era political acrimony makes its way to Philly-area races 
Daily Local News: Pa. Senate passes bill to provide security grants to faith-based nonprofits
Daily Local News: Former official accused of stealing political signs must answer to charges
Daily Local News: Package of bills to support volunteers first responders passes House
Daily Local News: Local lawmakers discuss support for brain injury community
Daily Local News: Phoenixville mayor honored on Pennsylvania Senate floor 
Delco Daily Times: The Delco Vote: What’s at stake on Election Day in local government 
Delco Daily Times: County council candidates clash in final debate 
Delco Daily Times: Accusations fly as crucial county council election looms 
Delco Daily Times: ‘Many dead children:’ Pipeline neighbors tell of fears at hearing 
Delco Daily Times: Strange odor reported in western part of county for hours Friday
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks lawmakers look at first aid for first responders 
Bucks County Courier Times: Collett’s Warminster office damaged in Thursday night accident 
Bucks County Courier Times: Finances focus in Warminster supervisor race 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. commission to rule on Neshaminy ‘Redskins’ team name
KYW Newsradio: Delaware County officials select new voting machines
Bucks Local News: Bucks County state lawmaker urges residents to attend bridge commission meeting to protest E-ZPass unfairness

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Independent DA Candidate Reports Strong Finances In Bid Against Zappala 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County DA candidates each raise more than $200,000 leading up to race
Post-Gazette: Some officials concerned voter fatigue will keep local election turnout low
Post-Gazette: Sacred space or defiled space: What to do with the Tree of Life building?
Post-Gazette: Port Authority reduces bus stops to be eliminated, defends review process
KDKA: Pa. State Lawmaker Hoping To Provide Help To Victims Of Domestic Violence With ‘SAFE Act’  
KDKA: KDKA Exclusive: Behind The Scenes With President Trump
KDKA: Pennsylvania Lawmaker Proposes Flavored Vaping Products Ban
PLSReporter: Pittsburghers disappointed with lack of gun control progress in year since the Tree of Life massacre
Tribune Review: After Tree of Life shooting, lawmakers and activists fight for tougher hate-crime laws

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Trump allies condemn probe
Altoona Mirror: Cambria welcomes first Video Gaming Terminals
Beaver County Times: Misleading Mailer: State Democratic Party warps Times’ stories against Manning in mailer
Beaver County Times: County Democrats decline offer from GOP to partner on sheriff’s race debate
Beaver County Times: Turnpike toll plaza goes cashless this weekend
Tribune Review: Westmoreland sheriff candidates view the office very differently
Tribune Review: Cost no object for Westmoreland commissioners on buying new voting machines
Observer-Reporter: Bartolotta details her agenda for state’s Commission for Women
Observer-Reporter: Voters face weighty choice in ‘Marsy’s Law’ question
Observer-Reporter: League of Women Voters Guide returns
Observer-Reporter: Washington City has two in mayoral race, four in council race
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Former clerk takes on incumbent for recorder of deeds 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Exiting Act 47 | ‘Difficult decisions’ ahead: Johnstown faces two-year deadline for shedding ‘distressed’ status 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Exiting Act 47 | Pension legacy costs hold back city’s progress
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Trump has commanding fund-raising advantage 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2019 | Jeffrey Thomas: Get tougher on drug dealers 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2019 | County DA candidate’s goal is ‘to target drug suppliers’
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2019 | District attorney tries to work beyond the courtroom 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2019 | Cambria County judges seek second term of office 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Election 2019 | Lazzari-Strasiser: Campaigning on 25 years’ experience 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Third quarter campaign contributions by county

NEPA
Times-Tribune: As debate continues, reforms possible for charter schools 
Times-Tribune: Scranton council race pits three candidates for two seats 
The Times Leader: Pashinski introduces bill to ban flavored vaping products in Pa. 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council race sees 11 vie for six seats
The Times Leader: Rising Luzerne County pension fund subsidy a concern
The Times Leader: Luzerne County cyber attack expenses over $500K 
The Times Leader: Pa. Secretary of State: Know your rights at the polls 
The Times Leader: Solano honored by PA Senate; thanked for his service and sacrifice
The Times Leader: NAACP keynote speaker highlights importance of pardon system
The Times Leader: Bruce Phillips, respected attorney and Wilkes-Barre Twp. solicitor, has died

South Central 
York Dispatch: Keuerleber outspent Becker 4-to-1 in latest campaign finance reports 
York Dispatch: Sheriff candidate Becker involved with company that scammed millions from veterans
Patriot News: Former spokesman for Gov. Tom Ridge to lead Boston-based advertising agency’s new central Pa. office
LNP | LancasterOnline: Three county departments bring positive financial reports to Lancaster County Commissioners

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Three candidates seek to fill two Northampton County judicial vacancies 
Morning Call: Midnight tax hike, purported bribe at issue during feisty final Allentown mayoral debate
Morning Call: PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro calls Allentown Diocese property transfers ‘deeply concerning’ 
Morning Call: Laws shield police officers from being questioned for days or weeks after they shoot someone
Morning Call: ‘Give it a new life’: Small group protests demolition of Allentown State Hospital 
Reading Eagle: Clean Slate Law, local attorneys lauded at Berks Pro Bono Celebration
Reading Eagle: Election 2019: 3 seek two seats on Bern Township Board of Supervisors
Reading Eagle: Sunday deer hunting on target to become a reality in Pennsylvania

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Schaaf challenged by Foust for 3rd term as Erie County Controller 
Erie Times-News: New faces seek Erie City Council seats 
Erie Times-News: Teacher, police officer vie for Harborcreek supervisor 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: GOP urges members to get out the vote 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Candidates weigh ideas to combat violence 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Yaw not wavering on Greenhouse gas initiative 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local lawmakers hosting senior scam seminar 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council member announces bid for Montgomery mayor 

Opinion  
LNP Editorial Board: Harrisburg needs to shed light on the dark money spent by state lawmakers’ campaigns  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Pennsylvania lawmakers’ campaign spending sprees bring more shame
Inquirer Editorial Board: Justice for the less famous `Meek Mills’ who are trapped by probation
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Get the lead out: Allegheny County must show interest in lead abatement
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Replace NAFTA: Congress needs to prioritize updated trade pact
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A year later: An iron resolve to remember, a quest for change
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: No more hidden fees: Bill would make hotel rates transparent 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Aging with dignity: Co-living helps seniors survive
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Paging Dr. Google: Curb the use of search engines for medical advice
Jim Gerlach: The business case for employer to employee engagement
Shira Goodman: Tree of Life First Anniversary: Our leaders had a chance to make a statement on gun violence. They missed it
Brian O’Neill: Paid to party
Maria Panaritis: Don’t call Pa.’s new female lawmakers ‘girlie’ or they’ll hold another rally about tampons 
Karen Kane: It’s free and it feels good, so do it
John L. Micek: After visit, Pa.’s Casey, Houlahan press ICE for answers on Berks Co. detention center | Friday Morning Coffee
Rob Wonderling: Greater Philadelphia cannot afford a moratorium on growth. We need PennEast 
Kelsey Williams: I had an abortion at 22 weeks. There’s no heart in this ‘heartbeat’ abortion ban bill
Dana Kellerman: We need to get serious about stopping gun deaths like we did traffic fatalities. That’s the way to true change
Tim Hartman: How campaign finance reform *actually* works in Harrisburg | Editorial Cartoon
Anwar Curtis: What’s it take to get through grief? Two Harrisburg women point the way 
Boaz Dvir: Tree of Life first anniversary: How to teach tough topics to our kids
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Philly police groping to control sexual harassment
Ruth Ann Dailey: Since when is ‘capitalist’ a dirty word?
Kevin Kirkland: A prayer for the Tree of Life — and us
Bruce Ledewitz: The Dems’ 2020 balancing act: Standing up for LGBTQ Americans and winning the faith vote 
Abraham Gutman: Gun violence is expensive. So is responding to it in the wrong way. | Brain Trust
Tony Norman: Another anniversary from hell
Keith C. Burris: The wise man
Bernard J. Rabik: Impeachment is not to be taken lightly
Trudy Rubin: Trump demolishes machinery of diplomacy just when America needs it most
Anwar Khan and Syed M. Hassan: A Day of Dignity to fight the challenges of poverty 
Helen Ubiñas: A new mural for a child starved to death in a basement in 1997, and a second chance for her brother 
Will Bunch: A revolution in Chile sparked by U.S.-style economics. Our billionaires should be very worried 
Adam Richter: Facebook’s stance on false political ads shows it’s still comfortable breaking things 
Priya E. Mammen: Medicine has changed. As an emergency doctor, I have too. | Perspective
JD Mullane: This one trick ends the teen sleep deprivation epidemic
Keith Naughton: No middle ground: Trump’s Syria pullout will either mean nothing or sink him
Jason Steinhauer: America’s divides have never been simple. Neither was Pennsylvania’s Civil War history. 
Gene Therapy: Jim Rooney’s book on his father Dan expands a legacy