Ripping Out Skill Games, Mandatory Fun & RIP Annie Dillard

Will state police start ripping skill games out of convenience stores, vape shops, and other spots? That's what could happen if lawmakers don't come up with a plan to regulate the machines by Oct. 13. Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk are joined by Public Source's Oliver Morrison to explain how we got here, what measures the state might consider, and the scale of gambling addiction in Pennsylvania. (Did you know we take in more gambling revenue than any state except Nevada?) Plus, we discuss the CDC's continued failure to count measles-related deaths in PA, a new rule requiring recess in K-5 schools, and the legacy of Pittsburgh-born, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard.

And in our members-only bonus segment, we're talking about another important restaurant group, the future of Penn Brewery — including conjectures about the mysterious new buyer — and sharing some of our favorite Pittsburgh meals.
**This episode contains a reference to suicide. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day.

Notes and references from today’s show:

• Skill games are slot machines, must adhere to Pa.’s gambling law, state Supreme Court rules [Spotlight PA]
• ‘I’m not going to be alive tomorrow’: Is gambling addiction Pa.’s next public health crisis? [PennLive]
• How Pennsylvania Got Hooked on Games That Look a Lot Like Slot Machines [New York Times]
• Pennsylvania Gambling Addicts Hope That ‘Skill Games’ Will Go Bust [New York Times]
• Attorney General Sunday Responds to Pennsylvania Supreme Court Ruling ‘Skill Games’ Illegal [PA Office of Attorney General]
• PODCAST: Does Pgh Have a Gambling Problem? [City Cast Pittsburgh]
• A Psychiatrist Tried to Quit Gambling. Betting Apps Kept Her Hooked. [The Wall Street Journal]
• How a sports gambling addiction devastated one Western Pa. family — and sparked a fight for change [Post-Gazette]
• House Democrats demand answers from CDC on Pennsylvania measles deaths [The Hill]
• Pennsylvania asks for CDC measles help amid Kennedy dispute [Reuters]
• Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro signs legislation guaranteeing 30 minutes of recess to elementary students [WHYY]
• Annie Dillard, Pittsburgh-born Pulitzer Prize-winning author, dies at 81 [Post-Gazette]

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