News Digest :: September 4, 2019

U.S. Steel will have a hard time funding its new Pa. investments as global economy slows, Moody’s warns
https://www.inquirer.com/business/us-steel-demand-prices-down-recession-moodys-20190903.html

Walmart step begins journey
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/walmart-step-begins-journey-1.2528416

Norfolk Southern cuts 100
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/09/norfolk-southern-cuts-100/

Bucks County’s last Kmart to close
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190903/bucks-countys-last-kmart-to-close

Crime/Punishment

Pennsylvania’s proposed risk-assessment algorithm is racist | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-sentencing-commission-rat-risk-assessment-20190904.html

Defrocked Bucks County priest faces assault charges after victims come forward 20 years later
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/francis-trauger-priest-sexual-assault-st-michael-tullytown-altar-boys-20190903.html

Attorney: Fine imposed on man convicted in Penn State hazing case was ‘excessive, irrational’
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/attorney-fine-imposed-on-man-convicted-in-penn-state-hazing-case-was-excessive-irrational/

Inmate who died at USP Canaan was bank robber
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/inmate-who-died-at-usp-canaan-was-bank-robber-1.2528318

Juveniles break into Oley Township gun shop and steal 45 firearms, police say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/juveniles-break-into-oley-township-gun-shop-and-steal-45-guns-police-say

Guard says staff put down ‘full-blown riot’ at Delco prison Monday
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/guard-says-staff-put-down-full-blown-riot-at-delco/article_7f1ffef0-ce8f-11e9-98c3-7fb314866e76.html

Education

With free ‘Science in the Summer’ program, GlaxoSmithKline and the Franklin Institute hope to inspire young scientists
https://www.inquirer.com/science/summer-of-science-free-program-inspire-young-kids-stem-20190904.html

Voters to decide whether Scranton School Board can pursue payroll tax
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/voters-to-decide-whether-scranton-school-board-can-pursue-payroll-tax-1.2528535

My child may have died without school choice | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/09/my-child-may-have-died-without-school-choice-opinion.html

Lackawanna College commemorates 125 years
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-college-commemorates-125-years-1.2528390

Elections/Politics

Ed Rendell: No one cares about Joe Biden’s gaffes except media and politicos
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/09/04/Ed-Rendell-Joe-Biden-gaffes-media-politicos-Donald-Trump-Ronald-Reagan/stories/201909040037

Committee picks voting machines
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/committee-picks-voting-machines-1.2528494

County election board seeks to clarify its role
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-election-board-seeks-to-clarify-its-role-1.2528491

Gaming

Sports betting wagers not yet accepted at area casinos
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sports-betting-wagers-not-yet-accepted-at-area-casinos-1.2528563

Is the middle of Pennsylvania ready for a casino to call its own?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/is-pennsylvanias-t-ready-for-a-casino-to-call-its-own.html

Local News

The Wall That Heals: Replica of Vietnam memorial receives hero’s welcome in Plymouth
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754599/the-wall-that-heals-replica-of-vietnam-memorial-receives-heros-welcome-in-plymouth

Vietnam veteran leads The Wall That Heals to Plymouth
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/vietnam-veteran-leads-the-wall-that-heals-to-plymouth-1.2528559

City Hall fire escape removal delayed, contractor needs higher lift for job
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754615/city-hall-fire-escape-removal-delayed-contractor-needs-higher-lift-for-job

Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority releases stormwater pollution reduction plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754606/wyoming-valley-sanitary-authority-releases-stormwater-pollution-reduction-plan

Kotchik sworn in as Kingston’s new police chief
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754604/kotchik-sworn-in-as-kingstons-new-police-chief

United Way of Wyoming Valley prepares campaign kickoff
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754608/united-way-of-wyoming-valley-prepares-campaign-kickoff

Back Mountain first responders honored for heroic acts
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754584/back-mountain-first-responders-honored-for-heroic-acts

Chris Kelly: Scranton’s biggest deadbeat owes more
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-scranton-s-biggest-deadbeat-owes-more-1.2528690

Fell Twp. supervisors continue work on wind turbine ordinance
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fell-twp-supervisors-continue-work-on-wind-turbine-ordinance-1.2528689

Owner blames coal trucks for damage to Hazle Twp. Home
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/owner-blames-coal-trucks-for-damage-to-hazle-twp-home-1.2528437

Hand, fingerprints sought for new sign at Tarentum community garden
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/hand-and-fingerprints-sought-for-new-sign-at-tarentum-community-garden/

Mayor Wally Scott signs off on new fire station for Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wally-scott-signs-off-on-new-fire-station-for-reading

So, the tax windfall from the Sands casino sale fell short. Here is Bethlehem’s Plan B
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-sands-tax-projects-20190904-f4ildkbmzbeu3nziv6spfgveq4-story.html

Without $5.9M casino sale windfall, Bethlehem looks to rainy day fund for $3.9M of projects
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2019/09/without-59m-casino-sale-windfall-bethlehem-looks-to-rainy-day-fund-for-39m-of-projects.html

Cherry Valley Wildlife Refuge celebrates protection of 4,350 acres for wildlife, recreation
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/nazareth/mc-nws-cherry-valley-wildlife-refuge-dedication-20190904-6crfhiebavgbtkzrb7gqgu53aa-story.html

National News

The Pentagon diverts $3.6B in military funds to build Trump’s border wall
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/09/03/Pentagon-diverts-3-6-billion-in-military-construction-funds-to-build-Trump-s-border-wall/stories/201909030143

How to address America’s lead crisis and provide safe drinking water for all | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/how-to-address-americas-lead-crisis-and-provide-safe-drinking-water-for-all-opinion/

New Jersey

Wave of child sex abuse lawsuits threatens Boy Scouts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/03/Child-sex-abuse-lawsuits-threatens-Boy-Scouts-America-Pennsylvania-New-Jersey/stories/201909030083

Philly

Intrigue, infighting define GOP at-large race for Philadelphia City Council
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/infighting-philly-gop-city-council-seats-parking-authority-metoo-20190904.html

City offices should run more like a business — and follow their own cashless ban | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/cashless-stores-ban-philadelphia-city-government-offices-20190904.html

10 shots fired at police officer in Southwest Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/10-shots-fired-at-police-officer-in-southwest-philadelphia-20190904.html

Philly police officer shoots man accused of holding box cutter in Kensington
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-shoot-man-box-cutter-kensington-20190903.html

The promise of the first day: It’s back to school for Philly students
https://www.inquirer.com/education/first-day-philadelphia-schools-hite-new-year-20190903.html

Nine injured after suburban police pursuit ends in crash with SEPTA bus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/septa-bus-route-31-police-pursuit-crash-five-injured-20190904.html

Tax cheats in construction industry need task-force scrutiny | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/contruction-workers-off-the-books-tax-fraud-20190904.html

Philadelphia should declare a climate emergency | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-climate-change-plans-emergency-declaration-20190903.html

Pa. Poor People’s Campaign to push poverty agenda at Philly hearing
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/03/pa-poor-peoples-campaign-to-push-poverty-agenda-at-philly-hearing/

Pitt

Pittsburgh Public School board members frustrated over state test scores
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/09/03/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-test-scores-student-achievement-board-Anthony-Hamlet-PSSA/stories/201909030153

Police investigate online threat against a Pittsburgh hospital
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/03/Police-investigate-possible-online-threat-against-hospital/stories/201909030158

Online threat nets response from UPMC, Pittsburgh police
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/online-threat-nets-response-from-upmc-pittsburgh-police/

Mayor Peduto names new budget director
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/03/pittsburgh-budget-director-pawlos/stories/201909030082

17-year-old helps to rescue child from roof of burning building in Knoxville
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/03/Firefighters-Pittsburgh-work-extinguish-fire-affecting-three-homes-in-Knoxville/stories/201909030089

Net-zero hour: Pittsburgh energizes plan to curb carbon emissions from public buildings
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/03/pittsburgh-energy-efficiency-net-zero-buildings-greenhouse-gas-emissions-mayor-bill-peduto/stories/201909030087

Pittsburgh moving to reduce energy consumption by 50%
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-moving-to-reduce-energy-consumption-by-50-percent/

Organizer of Mac Miller vigil says rapper was like ‘a big brother and a friend — to everyone’
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2019/09/03/Mac-Miller-vigil-year-after-death-Zach-DiMartini-organizes-tribute-Pittsburgh/stories/201909030101

Pittsburgh’s I-579 ‘cap’ will cause traffic disruptions
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburghs-i-579-cap-will-cause-traffic-disruptions/

Mexican War Streets House & Garden Tour celebrates 50 years
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mexican-war-streets-house-garden-tour-celebrates-50-years/

Allegheny County receives $3.49 million federal grant to help reduce youth homelessness
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/allegheny-county-receives-349-million-federal-grant-to-help-reduce-youth-homelessness/Content?oid=15769029

State News

Missing toddler’s body found in Indiana County park
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/03/Nalani-Johnson-abduction-case-press-conference-kidnapping-Sharena-Nancy/stories/201909030092

Kidnapped Penn Hills toddler found dead in Indiana County
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-penn-hills-kidnapping-suspect-father-romantically-involved/

Foundation funds will help PA 2020 Census efforts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/09/03/William-Penn-Foundation-PA-2020-Census-efforts-Jefferson-Regional-Foundation-Pittsburgh/stories/201909030104

Grand Canyon of Pa. boomed, died and bloomed again
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2019/09/03/Travel-science-Grand-Canyon-of-Pennsylvania-Pine-Creek-Gorge/stories/201909010044

Westmoreland County veteran one of the 10 or 11 insulin homicide victims at Clarksburg VA hospital
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/09/03/More-veterans-may-have-died-at-Johnson-VA-in-Clarksburg-WV/stories/201909030119

Pa. Supreme Court to take up Western Psych shooting lawsuit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/03/Pa-Supreme-Court-Western-Psych-shooting-lawsuit-john-shick-pittsburgh/stories/201909030127

Pa. efforts to curb Chesapeake pollution have stalled, leaving the bay at risk | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/chesapeake-bay-pollution-susquehanna-river-pennsylvania-20190903.html

Barletta won’t run for Congress
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/barletta-won-t-run-for-congress-1.2528433

No congressional run for former Trump surrogate; Lou Barletta will focus on consulting firm
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/no-congressional-run-for-former-trump-surrogate-lou-barletta-will-focus-on-consulting-firm.html

CDC awards Pennsylvania $2.25 million grant to study maternal mortality
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/cdc-awards-pennsylvania-2-25-million-grant-to-study-maternal-mortality/

Power play: Blue Marsh Dam again eyed for electric production
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/power-play-blue-marsh-dam-again-eyed-for-electric-production

List: Every abusive Catholic church priest, clergy member named in every state in past year
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/09/04/list-abusive-priests-other-clergy-every-state-since-pennsylvania-grand-jury-report/2139297001/

Transportation

New Stanton ramp repair will detour traffic at I-70/Route 119 interchange
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/new-stanton-ramp-repair-will-detour-traffic-at-i-70-route-119-interchange/

LCTA’s Gavlick out as executive director
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754572/gavlick-out-at-lcta

Gavlick out as head of LCTA
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/gavlick-out-as-head-of-lcta-1.2528562

Traffic restrictions continuing on East 10th in Tarentum
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/traffic-restrictions-continuing-on-east-10th-in-tarentum/

Road work in Pennsylvania: Where will drivers see the most construction zones?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/where-is-penndot-managing-the-most-construction-projects.html

As cities embrace new modes of transit, gaps in accessibility remain
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/03/as-cities-embrace-new-modes-of-transit-gaps-in-accessibility-remain/

Legislature

Administration

Shootings

Business