State Confirms Fifth Measles Death

State health officials confirmed Pennsylvania’s fifth measles-associated death this year, that of an unvaccinated Lancaster County resident, as the nation endures its worst measles year since 1991.

The state has confirmed 943 cases across 39 counties, and providers gave more than 53,000 MMR doses in September, more than double a typical month.

The CDC’s tracker currently shows only two U.S. measles deaths this year, amid a dispute between state officials and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over how such deaths are counted.

Lancaster County, home to about 40% of the state’s cases, has now recorded three of Pennsylvania’s five deaths, including two infants.

Summer-Like Warmth Gives Way to Fall

Pennsylvania’s warm start to October continues today, with highs in the 80s across much of the state before a cold front brings scattered showers this afternoon and evening.

Western Pennsylvania will feel the change first, with rain likely in Pittsburgh and Erie and highs only in the 60s and low 70s.

The unseasonable warmth will give way to rain and a chill this weekend, with Saturday near 70 and widespread rain Sunday holding highs around 60 in the east.

By early next week, overnight lows could dip into the 30s in Scranton, Pittsburgh, and State College, so it may be time to dig out the jackets.

Lost Presidential Family Papers Returned

State Treasurer Stacy Garrity returned 61 artifacts tied to President James Buchanan’s family during a ceremony at LancasterHistory’s museum.

The items turned up in an abandoned safe deposit box that belonged to Barbara and Harry Buchanan and landed in the state’s unclaimed property program.

The collection includes a 1780 letter from Robert Buchanan asking to stay with his militia regiment as a scout, plus 28 stock certificates and a deed to family land in Pike County.

Treasury tracked down the couple’s daughter, Cathleen Buchanan, who traveled from Connecticut to accept the collection.

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➤ Statewide: State Police and the Turnpike Commission launched a second statewide crackdown on drivers whose registrations were suspended over unpaid tolls. April’s sweep led to 200-plus stops and $85,000 collected. (More)

➤ Also Statewide: The state attorney general’s office has sued an Idaho man accused of selling fake spotted lanternfly permits to Pennsylvanians. Businesses moving goods through quarantine zones need the permits. (More)

➤ Bucks County: Yardley Country Club, a historic golf club, was targeted with hateful graffiti, including swastikas and racial slurs. (More)

➤ Centre County: The county has the state’s highest life expectancy at 81.7 years, compared with a statewide average of 77.5, according to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. (See Details)

➤ Montgomery County: The district attorney charged 46 smoke shops, gas stations, and convenience stores with felonies for allegedly selling illegal THC products. (More)

➤ Pittsburgh: The city hosted the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems, featuring robots built for hazardous jobs, surgery, and everyday tasks. (See Robots)

➤ Philadelphia’s season ended last night with a 6-2 loss to the Braves in Atlanta in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series. It’s the Phillies’ earliest exit in their five straight postseason trips. (More)

➤ Aaron Rodgers led the Pittsburgh Steelers on an 80-yard drive to tie the game with 1:42 remaining, but Cleveland’s Andre Szmyt drilled a career-long 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left to give the Browns a 27-24 win on Thursday Night Football. (More)

➤ Pitt visits James Franklin’s Virginia Tech Hokies tonight in a battle of 4-0 squads. Virginia Tech is a slight favorite. (See Preview)

➤ Penn State visits Northwestern tonight as the Wildcats unveil their $875 million rebuilt Ryan Field, while PSU looks to avoid a 0-2 start in the Big Ten. (More)

➤ Cavan Sullivan became the youngest MLS Player of the Month in league history at 17 years and two days old. The Philadelphia Union midfielder led the league with nine goal contributions in September. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NCAAF | MLB | NHL | WNBA | Soccer | Golf

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➤ Pennsylvania’s minimum wage remains $7.25 as a Democrat-led bill to raise it gradually to $15 by 2029 stays stalled in the Senate. (More)

➤ Hilton has opened an apartment-style Placemakr property in Pittsburgh under its Apartment Collection by Hilton brand. (See Details)

➤ Kerry Group opened a coffee extraction plant in Bethlehem, the company’s first manufacturing site in Pennsylvania. (More)

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➤ A customer called his Pat’s cheesesteak “garbage,” then hurled it at the longtime Philly shop manager. The owner calls it assault and may offer $5,000 to catch the sandwich slinger. (Watch)

➤ Four Pennsylvania theme parks made USA Today 10Best’s list of top Halloween events, led by Knoebels’ Hallo-Fun at No. 1 and Kennywood’s Phantom Fall Fest at No. 4. (See List)

➤ A restored historical marker in Cly tells the story of Pennsylvania’s early push to beautify its roads for the first motorists. (See Marker)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. 

➤ Congress has passed a bill renaming Social Security terms that lawmakers say confuse the millions who retire every year. (Hear Details)

➤ New reporting reveals why body fat is so essential, raising the question of what the right amount is. (Listen Now)

➤ Federal health officials are putting $10 million on the line to revive the Presidential Fitness Test, which researchers say could backfire. (Full Story)

What’s your favorite Philly cheesesteak shop?

1. Pat’s
2. Geno’s
3. I have my own spot
4. I don’t have one

Yesterday’s Results:

How do you feel about LeBron James joining the 76ers?

1. I don’t care: 87%
2. It’s awesome: 8%
3. It’s terrible: 5%

Riders on Knoebels’ Grand Carousel can reach out and try to grab what classic prize as they go around?

Show me the answer