LaBan’s Ultimate Dining Guide is here, Pa. Senate misses vote on clergy abuse bill | Morning Newsletter

Officials say Pennsylvania's new prison security measures, while unprecedented, were necessary to protect staff from illness due to drug exposure. The Department of Corrections points to a drastic decrease in the number of synthetic cannabinoids that have come into prisons in recent months. But the policies placed on books, mail and family visitation have drawn scrutiny and lawsuits.

Notorious Philly mob boss "Skinny Joey" Merlino is headed back to prison after pleading guilty to a gambling-related charge. He will spend two years behind bars after already serving time for racketeering, conspiracy, assault and related offenses.

My colleague Valerie Russ penned a deeply personal piece about her hometown, Panama City, Fla., and the devastation from Hurricane Michael. The town she once knew is now lost.

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, causes infertility and other health issues in women, but even some doctors haven't heard of it. Local women and thousands more across the country are fighting to raise awareness about this mysterious disease.

Wildfires, hurricanes, and President Trump's new trade deal could cause lumber prices to skyrocket like they did earlier this year. Why does that matter? If you're in the market for a new home, it matters a lot.

We're lucky the Flyers gave us Gritty when they did because there's still time to make a Halloween costume. Reporter Bethany Ao explains how you can transform into the lovable orange mascot on October 31.

There will be plenty of costumes at the Armored Combat League's "New World Cup V" this weekend in South Jersey. If you're looking for some realistic knight fighting action, you might want to stop by.

A new bar is rolling the dice in Spring Garden … literally. Thirsty Dice is Philly's first board-game cafe. You can pull up a chair, grab a drink, and select your game when it opens Friday.

Speaking of grabbing a drink, my colleague Grace Dickinson recommends some autumn-inspired local beers to look out for this season. That's right pumpkin fanatics — there's plenty of beers for you.

If coffee is more your thing, you can swing by Vernick Coffee Bar opening today inside Philly's new Comcast Technology Center. It's a coffee bar, all right, but the name doesn't quite do it justice.

The new Olga's Diner in Marlton will have the same name, but it won't pass as the iconic Olga's that once stood nearby. That's because the owners plan to introduce some modern twists.

The #MeToo movement has taught us that there is power in survivors sharing their story, writes columnist Jenice Armstrong. But she hopes we hear domestic violence victims as well.

The fate of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi reminds columnist Trudy Rubin of other courageous journalists who lost their lives. She discovered one of their stories on a recent vacation in Kashmir.

Paul Allen, Microsoft's co-founder, died earlier this week. Bill Gates, writing for The Atlantic, shares the things he loved about his first business partner and oldest friend.

New Jersey's most rocking shore town has a tumultuous past. The New York Times offers a deep dive into the history of Asbury Park's the Stone Pony — the legendary rock club Bruce Springsteen called home.

Looking for the bright side these days? Here's a few. Vox has 23 charts and maps that show despite these bleak times, the world might actually be getting better.

Billy Penn highlights The Philly Tarot Card Project. Its creator wants to raise funds to produce a deck with iconic Philly symbols, like Gritty as The Devil … how could you not see that coming?

Skaters want to add some upgrades to FDR Park, but how will they pay for them? As PlanPhilly explains, they hope the answer lies in the potholes nearby.