Legislature
Bucks, Montgomery County Democrats stump for solar, carbon cap
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190904/bucks-montgomery-county-democrats-stump-for-solar-carbon-cap
Lawmakers: Misclassifying workers costing millions in revenue
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190904/lawmakers-misclassifying-workers-costing-millions-in-revenue
Hill-Evans and others wait as Pa. Supreme Court hears death penalty challenge
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2019/09/04/hill-evans-and-others-wait-pa-supreme-court-hearsargument-over-death-penalty-constitutionality-next/2199162001/
Monroe County officials highlight public safety in broadband hearing
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190904/monroe-county-officials-highlight-public-safety-in-broadband-hearing
Pa. Republican looks to block PennDOT from officially offering gender-neutral licenses
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-republican-looks-to-block-penndot-from-officially-offering-gender-neutral-licenses/
Racist risk assessment algorithms should not be the future of sentencing in Pennsylvania | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/risk-assessment-algorithm-tool-pennsylvania-sentencing-commission-20190904.html
All bets off on expansion
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/all-bets-off-on-expansion-1.2528841
Your View by legislators and mayor: Judge’s labeling of Allentown as a cesspool is ‘truly inexcusable’
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-allentown-cesspool-judge-anthony-browne-20190904-ryangdtlpfagzdizs55t22ebpu-story.html
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
The legal team in the Pa. gerrymandering case set their sights on N.C. They just won again.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/nc-gerrymandering-case-used-pa-model-20190904.html
Administration
Gov. Wolf announces new fees for Pennsylvania charter schools
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-enacts-new-fees-for-pennsylvania-charter-schools/
PEMA, Local Officials Tout Gov. Wolf’s Restore PA Plans for Flood Prevention and Recovery
http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/pema-local-officials-tout-gov-wolfs-restore-pa-plans-for-flood-prevention-and-recovery,1480978/
Crime/Punishment
Penn Hills toddler death ruled homicide; DA says no signs of trauma
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/05/nalani-johnson-toddler-dead-allegheny-county-zappala/stories/201909040177
Suspect in Penn Hills child abduction was quiet, friendly, neighbors say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/05/nalani-johnson-sharena-nancy-kidnap-penn-hills-blairesville-suspect-charged/stories/201909040185
Nalani Johnson’s mother says father threatened violence, according to court papers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/nalani-johnsons-mother-says-father-threatened-violence-according-to-court-papers/
State prison at Retreat could close
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-prison-at-retreat-could-close/
Education
Elizabeth Forward officials say elementary student made list of 20 classmates to harm
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/parents-notified-after-threat-by-elizabeth-forward-student/
Editorial: Berks high school football dispute a sad sign of times
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-high-school-football-dispute-a-sad-sign-of-times
In a nation paralyzed by ‘active shooter’ situations, local colleges have to balance informing students and curbing fear
https://www.inquirer.com/news/active-shooter-alert-response-time-colleges-villanova-temple-penn-jefferson-20190905.html
With largest private grant ever, LCCC opens recovery institute
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754718/with-largest-private-grant-ever-lccc-opens-recovery-institute
Should public college be free? Pro/Con | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/free-college-tuition-2020-candidates-20190905.html
Haverford student who came this close to hacking Trump tax returns will plead guilty. Here’s how he did it.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/haverford-students-hack-trump-tax-returns-waynes-world-beavis-butthead-financial-aid-20190905.html
Johnson College breaks enrollment records
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/johnson-college-breaks-enrollment-records-1.2529067
Elections/Politics
Democratic candidates focus on climate change in a series of town halls
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/09/04/climate-change-Democratic-candidates-CNN-town-hall-Kamala-Harris-plan-Biden/stories/201909040203
Fired top FBI official Andrew McCabe to headline Pa. Democrats’ fund-raiser
https://www.inquirer.com/news/andrew-mccabe-deputy-director-fbi-lancaster-county-democrats-pennslyvania-fundraiser-trump-20190904.html
Gaming
Auction for new Pennsylvania mini-casino licenses goes begging
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/09/04/Auction-new-Pennsylvania-mini-casino-licenses-gambling/stories/201909040115
Lack of interest thwarts latest Pennsylvania casino auction
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/lack-of-interest-thwarts-latest-pennsylvania-casino-auction/
SugarHouse, partnering with Flyers, will open two virtual sportsbooks at Wells Fargo Center
https://www.inquirer.com/business/flyers-wells-fargo-center-sugarhouse-casino-sports-betting-partnership-20190905.html
As football season begins, mobile gambling brings increased revenues — and risk
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/09/05/steelers-patriots-gambling-draftkings-fanduel-mobile-betting-pennsylvania-legal/stories/201909040125
Health Care
New study links all soda, even diet, to an increased risk of death
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2019/09/new-study-links-all-soda-even-diet-to-an-increased-risk-of-death.html
Pa’s Medicaid program is paying more than it needs to for prescription drugs. This is why | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pas-medicaid-program-is-paying-more-than-it-needs-to-for-prescription-drugs-this-is-why-opinion/
Local News
White Haven Center closing will cripple community, chamber president says
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/white-haven-center-closing-will-cripple-community-chamber-president-says-1.2528894
Election board says goodbye to Crispell, seeks clearing up over powers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754708/election-board-says-goodbye-to-crispell-seeks-clearing-up-over-powers
Election board’s role still not clear, solicitor says
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election-board-s-role-still-not-clear-solicitor-says-1.2528897
Volunteers assemble The Wall That Heals
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754740/volunteers-assemble-the-wall-that-heals
County fair kicks off 57th year
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-fair-kicks-off-57th-year-1.2528976
Contests, games and more coming to Luzerne County Fair
https://www.citizensvoice.com/arts-living/contests-games-and-more-coming-to-luzerne-county-fair-1.2528785
NYC firefighters visit LCCC tribute to 9/11 victims
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nyc-firefighters-visit-lccc-tribute-to-9-11-victims-1.2528901
Old Forge wants scrapyard owner held in contempt
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-wants-scrapyard-owner-held-in-contempt-1.2529054
Lackawanna County takes step to sell land formerly owned by DeNaples
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-takes-step-to-sell-land-formerly-owned-by-denaples-1.2528860
Former Scranton zoning officer to stand trial on theft, other charges
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-scranton-zoning-officer-to-stand-trial-on-theft-other-charges-1.2528849
Local funeral homes recognized nationally
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/local-funeral-homes-recognized-nationally-1.2528838
UNC of NEPA puts out the welcome mat in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/unc-of-nepa-puts-out-the-welcome-mat-in-scranton-1.2529049
Smoke testing underway in Conyngham, Sugarloaf Twp.
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/smoke-testing-underway-in-conyngham-sugarloaf-twp-1.2528923
Smoke alarms to be handed out in Mahanoy City Saturday
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/smoke-alarms-to-be-handed-out-in-mahanoy-city-saturday-1.2528832
Haverford shuts down fire company over Proud Boys controversy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/haverford-fire-proud-boys–20190904.html
Haverford orders Bon Air Fire Co. to close
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/haverford-orders-bon-air-fire-co-to-close/article_eab746d7-0585-5579-ab57-87fde9f8d303.html
Luxury town center proposed around Berwyn’s beloved ice cream shop, Handel’s
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/handels-berwyn-square-easttown-township-development-20190902.html
‘I felt nauseous,’ Bucks County woman says of plan for 48-foot 5G cell tower in her front yard
https://www.inquirer.com/business/5g-wireless-verizon-fios-bucks-county-doylestown-pole-20190904.html
Westmoreland suicide awareness walk meant to spread hope
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-suicide-awareness-walk-meant-to-spread-hope/
Vandergrift to add police officers
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-to-add-police-officers/
Tarentum considering installing electric vehicle charging station
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-considering-installing-electric-vehicle-charging-station/
Communities asked to extend sanitary authority for $18M loan
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/communities-asked-to-extend-sanitary-authority-for-18m-loan/
Reading council delays appointing a Charter Review Commission
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-council-delays-appointing-a-charter-review-commission
UGI to build new training complex in Bern Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/ugi-to-build-new-training-complex-in-bern-township
Plan to reduce raw sewage in Susquehanna River not good enough: Harrisburg mayor
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/plan-to-reduce-raw-sewage-in-susquehanna-river-not-good-enough-harrisburg-mayor.html
New Jersey
The number of low-income children served after-school food in New Jersey is rising
https://www.inquirer.com/news/feeding-after-school-meals-poverty-boys-and-girls-club-20190905.html
Opioid Crisis
Aiding the most afflicted: Opioid funds should be distributed proportionally
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/09/05/Opioid-funds-proportional-overdose-deaths-Fairbanks-Foundation/stories/201909040010
Lackawanna County ordinance restricts use of any future opioid lawsuit settlement money
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-ordinance-restricts-use-of-any-future-opioid-lawsuit-settlement-money-1.2529006
Pennsylvania gets $55.9 million to help people living with opioid addiction
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/04/pennsylvania-gets-55-9-million-to-help-people-living-with-opioid-addiction/
Philly
Snags on $34M construction project mean start pushed back again for 2 Philly schools
https://www.inquirer.com/education/benjamin-franklin-high-school-science-leadership-academy-classes-delayed-20190904.html
It was a multimillion-dollar giveaway. Now Philly’s ‘Love the Arts’ is going away.
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/gerry-lenfest-arts-kimmel-center-mann-center-philadelphia-orchestra-museum-of-art-20190905.html
No room for negotiation, say federal regulators opposing sale of Hahnemann residency program
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/hahnemann-bankruptcy-residency-sale-jefferson-cms-20190904.html
Proposed sale of landmark Painted Bride building is going to court
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/isaiah-zagar-painted-bride-mosaic-murals-face-sale-demolition-20190904.html
Muslims in Philadelphia face more housing disadvantages than non-Muslims, report says. Some Philly Muslims don’t see a problem.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/housing-discrimination-muslims-black-philadelphia-study-university-albany-friedman-20190904.html
South Philly teen is city’s new youth poet laureate
https://www.inquirer.com/education/south-philadelphia-teen-youth-poet-laureate-20190904.html
Interim police chief under fire for T-shirt referencing Rodney King beating
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/interim-police-chief-under-fire-for-t-shirt-referencing-rodney/article_5641f91c-1000-5178-9128-560698751d5a.html
Pitt
Allegheny County receives $3.5M grant to help reduce youth homelessness
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-county-receives-3-49-million-grant-to-help-reduce-youth-homelessness/
Traffic detours begin Thursday on northbound I-579 for Downtown park project
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/09/04/Interstate-579-pedestrian-park-Seventh-Avenue-ramp-PPG-Paints-Arena-Downtown-Pittsburgh/stories/201909040171
The Pitt stops here: University tells student groups to stop using its name
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/09/04/University-of-Pittsburgh-Panther-brand-Penn-State-Robert-Morris-higher-education-student-group/stories/201909040105
Fifth Avenue Place to get $20 million overhaul targeting food offerings, stores
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/09/04/Fifth-Avenue-Place-to-get-20-million-overhaul-Highmark-food-hall/stories/201909040011
Highmark announces $20 million upgrade of Downtown Pittsburgh headquarters
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/highmark-announces-20-million-upgrade-of-downtown-pittsburgh-headquarters/
Shaler Street Bridge in over Route 19/51 in Duquesne Heights closes for replacement Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/09/04/Pittsburgh-Duquesne-Heights-Shaler-Street-Bridge-closed-Route-19-51-West-End-Parkway-West/stories/201909040178
Port Authority plans to offer 24-hour service to busy neighborhoods next year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/09/04/Port-Authority-24-hour-service-Downtown-Pittsburgh-late-shift-workers/stories/201909040147
Private Kayla: Pittsburgh Obama senior returns to school after graduating from Army boot camp
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/09/04/pittsburgh-obama-high-school-student-army-reserve-reservist-kayla-page-boot-camp/stories/201909040097
Post-Gazette newsroom donates Pulitzer monetary award to Tree of Life congregation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/04/Post-Gazette-newsroom-donates-Pulitzer-monetary-award-to-Tree-of-Life-congregation-jeffrey-myers-keith-burris-john-robinson-block/stories/201909040150
A broken system: A process that helps stem blight is confounding
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/09/05/blight-process-confounding-broken-ethics-delay/stories/201908260023
Brian O’Neill: Port Authority focuses on realities rather than dreams
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2019/09/05/Port-Authority-Breen-Masciotra-public-transportation-ridership/stories/201909050014
Elizabeth Smart to speak in Pittsburgh for United Way women’s leadership event
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/elizabeth-smart-to-speak-in-pittsburgh-for-united-way-womens-leadership-event/
State News
New Pa. State Police regional HQ eyed for Hanover Township
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754704/new-pa-state-police-regional-hq-eyed-for-hanover-township
Upgrade needed: New state police headquarters proposed in Hanover Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/upgrade-needed-new-state-police-headquarters-proposed-in-hanover-twp-1.2528982
Avondale: The disaster that changed everything about anthracite mining
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754727/avondale-the-disaster-that-changed-everything-about-anthracite-mining
Local, state entities raising money ahead of 2020 census
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/local-state-entities-raising-money-ahead-of-2020-census/
Lake Ariel animal rescue amasses more than 2,100 signatures to ban tiger performances at fairs
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lake-ariel-animal-rescue-amasses-more-than-2-100-signatures-to-ban-tiger-performances-at-fairs-1.2529056
Nolde Forest needs nearly $1 million, supporters of the Berks park say during tour
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/nolde-is-needy-supporters-of-the-park-say-during-tour-of-the-cumru-township-site
Civil War reenactment organization says no event in Gettysburg next year
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/04/civil-war-reenactment-organization-says-no-event-next-year/
Pennsylvania spared: These are the military projects losing funding to Trump’s border wall
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/05/pennsylvania-spared-these-are-the-military-projects-losing-funding-to-trumps-border-wall/
Stink bug home-invasion frenzy on the horizon across Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/09/stink-bug-home-invasion-frenzy-on-the-horizon-across-pennsylvania.html
Transportation
Paying Pa. Turnpike tolls? There will be an app for that soon
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/paying-pa-turnpike-tolls-theres-an-app-for-that.html
National study encourages more transit service for late-shift workers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/09/04/Late-shift-workers-transit-national-study-American-Public-Transportation-Association-Port-Authority/stories/201909040072
LCTA names interim replacement for fired executive director
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754664/lcta-names-interim-replacement-for-fired-executive-director
LCTA names interim director; board member resigns over Gavlick firing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-names-interim-director-board-member-resigns-over-gavlick-firing-1.2528979
Labor Day weekend vehicle crashes down slightly from last year
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/labor-day-weekend-vehicle-crashes-down-slightly-from-last-year/
Turnpike to close part of northeast extension this weekend
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/turnpike-to-close-part-of-northeast-extension-this-weekend-1.2528882
Troopers in Berks, Lebanon and Schuylkill arrest 38 for DUI over Labor Day weekend
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/troopers-in-berks-lebanon-and-schuylkill-arrest-38-for-dui-over-labor-day-weekend
Crane lifts 150-year-old Berks bridge into the air, placing it on a creek bank to begin its restoration
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/dreibelbis-station-covered-bridge-is-lifted-into-rehab-phase
Local airports see subsidy extended
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/09/local-airports-see-subsidy-extended/
Washington
How to stop mass shootings? Pittsburgh leaders give members of Congress some ideas
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/04/mass-shootings-congress-pittsburgh-synagogue/stories/201909040164
Congressional committee on Homeland Security holds roundtable in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-leaders-share-ideas-with-congressional-committee-about-stemming-the-epidemic-of-violence/
Cartwright to host coffee event today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cartwright-to-host-coffee-event-today-1.2528876
Casey speaks on ‘state’s future’
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/09/casey-speaks-on-states-future/