Legislature
Union leaders, elected officials vow to extend worker protections to public sector employees
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/09/11/Union-leaders-elected-officials-in-Pittsburgh-to-extend-OSHA-protections-to-public-sector-workers-in-Pennsylvania/stories/201909110187
Teachers’ union investigating a possible cancer link to Philly schools, warns of hazards
https://www.inquirer.com/education/asbestos-cancer-school-philadelphia-meredith-nebinger-teachers-20190911.html
PFT, officials demand $100 million to clean up city schools after teacher’s cancer diagnosis
https://thenotebook.org/articles/2019/09/11/pft-officials-demand-100-million-to-clean-up-city-schools-after-teachers-cancer-diagnosis/
Santarsiero, PennDOT tour Bucks roads and bridges
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190911/santarsiero-penndot-tour-bucks-roads-and-bridges
Yudichak, Baker ready for public hearing on White Haven Center
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755429/yudichak-baker-ready-for-public-hearing-on-white-haven-center
Muth calls for prescription drug price capping
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/muth-calls-for-prescription-drug-price-capping/article_ca0a6326-d4d2-11e9-824d-bf53db99cd67.html
Reading rally supports creating OSHA-style health and safety regulations for public workers in Pennsylvania
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rally-held-in-reading-to-support-creating-osha-style-health-and-safety-regulations-for-public-workers-in-pennsylvania
Setting a new standard: Pa. lawmakers come together on critical issues
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/09/12/Setting-a-new-standard-Pa-lawmakers-come-together-on-critical-issues/stories/201909100003
Laughlin pledges support for public worker safety bill
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190911/laughlin-pledges-support-for-public-worker-safety-bill
Bill would delay parole of violent inmates
https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/bill-would-delay-parole-of-violent-inmates/article_c39af4fa-d4ab-11e9-b756-8b895e03949c.html
A Pa. state senator got the green light to start a school safety nonprofit — but can’t mention his day job
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/a-pa-state-senator-got-the-green-light-to-start-a-school-safety-nonprofit-but-cant-mention-his-day-job/
Pennsylvania needs legislation to expand Lyme disease treatment | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/lyme-disease-pennsylvania-treatment-insurance-coverage-20190912.html
State rep will host concealed-carry seminar in Fayette County
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-rep-will-host-concealed-carry-seminar-in-fayette-county/
Fully fund nonpartisan census effort
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/fully-fund-nonpartisan-census-effort-1.2531906
9/11
U.S. commemorates 9/11 as its aftermath extends and evolves
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/09/11/US-commemorate-9-11-ceremonies-shanksville-pennsylvania/stories/201909110110
LCCC hosts tribute ceremony marking 9/11 anniversary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lccc-hosts-tribute-ceremony-marking-9-11-anniversary-1.2531936
18 years later, the need to remember the courage, sacrifices of 9/11 still burns
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/18-years-later-the-need-to-remember-the-courage-and-sacrifices-of-9-11-still-burns/
On 18th anniversary, Lackawanna College president recounts attack at Pentagon
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/on-18th-anniversary-lackawanna-college-president-recounts-attack-at-pentagon-1.2531750
‘From fingers to a fist’: Heroics of Flight 93 passengers, crew remembered on 9/11 anniversary
https://triblive.com/local/regional/from-fingers-to-a-fist-heroics-of-flight-93-passengers-crew-remembered-on-9-11-anniversary/
‘Never Forget’ a common refrain of speakers at 9/11 ceremony in City Park in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/never-forget-and-common-refrain-of-speakers-at-911-ceremony-in-city-park-in-reading
Delaware County Remembers 9/11
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-remembers/article_cbed0b10-d4c0-11e9-a94a-1370d54e7688.html
‘We pay a debt of honor’: VP Pence, others remember Flight 93 victims
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/09/11/Pence-Flight-93-Memorial-shanksville-pennsylvania-terror-attacks-9-11/stories/201909110073
VP Mike Pence pledges ‘debt of honor’ to Flight 93 victims at 9/11 memorial in Western Pa.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/911-mike-pence-flight-93-memorial-speech-20190911.html
Some 9/11 firefighters may have higher heart risks now
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190911/some-911-firefighters-may-have-higher-heart-risks-now
Business
Pennsylvania slaps $81,500 fine on pest-control firm for not providing contracts to consumers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/terminix-settlement-contract-pennsylvania-attorney-general-20190911.html
Radio giant Entercom hacked for $500,000 ransom, reports say
https://www.inquirer.com/business/entercom-radio-hack-ransomware-kyw-20190911.html
Sorry, Charlie. Court rules StarKist must pay $100 million fine in tuna price-fixing case
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/legal/2019/09/11/Court-StarKist-pay-100-million-fine-tuna-price-fixing-Justicet-Bumble-Bee-Chicken-Dongwon/stories/201909110151
Panera Bread project moving forward; Chick-fil-A opening near
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755438/panera-bread-project-moving-forward-chick-fil-a-opening-near
Pennsylvania orders Sunoco to cover exposed pipelines
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-orders-sunoco-to-cover-exposed-pipelines/
Sunoco ordered to cover exposed pipeline
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/sunoco-ordered-to-cover-exposed-pipeline/article_e542efa0-d4d7-11e9-89a5-fb07e038414f.html
Crime/Punishment
Pa. high court hears arguments in Philly over constitutionality of death penalty
https://www.inquirer.com/news/death-penalty-pennsylvania-supreme-court-arguments-philadelphia-district-attorney-jermont-cox-20190911.html
Pennsylvania high court asked to throw out death penalty
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/09/11/Pennsylvania-high-court-asked-to-throw-out-death-penalty/stories/201909120069
Bail slashed to $1 for most suspects in $8M-a-week Bucks County heroin mill
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/warminster-drug-house-heroin-bucks-county-bail-moises-rodriguez-20190911.html
State board pardons former McKeesport councilman-elect stymied by 25-year-old drug convictions
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-board-pardons-former-mckeesport-councilman-elect-stymied-by-25-year-old-drug-convictions/
Cumru police supervisor arrested in child porn investigation ordered held in federal custody
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/cumru-police-supervisor-detained-by-feds-in-child-porn-case
Teen dumped at Civil War museum had been forced into his car trunk, shot in face: police
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/teen-dumped-at-harrisburg-civil-war-museum-had-been-forced-into-his-car-trunk-shot-in-face-police.html
Prison staffing at 90 percent; GEO hopes to drive numbers up
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/prison-staffing-at-percent-geo-hopes-to-drive-numbers-up/article_ceb5c422-d4d4-11e9-ab5e-db464e8adcad.html
Education
Pine-Richland reopens 2 schools, beefs up security after threat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/09/12/Pine-Richland-beefs-up-security-school-threat/stories/201909120083
Following new deal with superintendent, North Pocono to vote on teachers contract
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/following-new-deal-with-superintendent-north-pocono-to-vote-on-teachers-contract-1.2532063
Lackawanna Trail parents concerned about transportation policy change
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-trail-parents-concerned-about-transportation-policy-change-1.2531835
Fewer bus stops, more walkers could help cut Easton Area school costs, study says
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/09/fewer-bus-stops-more-walkers-could-help-cut-easton-area-school-costs-study-says.html
Penn campus looks for path forward after suicide by administrator in charge of counseling
https://www.inquirer.com/news/university-penn-suicide-gregory-eells-student-counseling-20190911.html
University of Scranton again ranks among top schools
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/university-of-scranton-again-ranks-among-top-schools-1.2531800
Area universities recognized by U.S. News & World Report
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/area-universities-recognized-by-u-s-news-world-report-1.2531803
Elections/Politics
Some Democratic presidential hopefuls pledge to ban fracking; it may hurt them in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/some-democratic-presidential-hopefuls-pledge-to-ban-fracking-it-may-hurt-them-in-pa.html
Could power of insurance companies push Pennsylvania voters to seek change? It is definitely on their minds
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-insurance-power-20190911-dotjnp4f3zaypigs5fsuycb6pq-story.html
Health Care
Temple nurses are wary of CEO change in the middle of contract negotiations
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/temple-hospital-nurses-wary-new-ceo-management-20190912.html
Hackers disrupt email, scheduling systems at Temple University Health System
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/temple-university-health-hack-cyber-attack-20190912.html
Local News
Challenge looms on county voting district changes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/challenge-looms-on-county-voting-district-changes-1.2531863
Pedri presents borrowing options for 911 upgrades
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-presents-borrowing-options-for-911-upgrades-1.2531938
Plymouth Twp. fire company plans town hall meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755435/plymouth-twp-fire-company-plans-town-hall-meeting
Penguins, arena board to sign lease extension
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/penguins-arena-board-to-sign-lease-extension-1.2531940
County ethics commission has no complaints left to review
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-ethics-commission-has-no-complaints-left-to-review-1.2531942
Scranton zoners approve ‘small cell’ area antennas
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-zoners-approve-small-cell-area-antennas-1.2532022
City to pay over $5.8M into employee pension funds
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-to-pay-over-5-8m-into-employee-pension-funds-1.2531864
Local United Way, drug abuse prevention group receive grant to launch program in HASD
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/local-united-way-drug-abuse-prevention-group-receive-grant-to-launch-program-in-hasd-1.2531821
Westmoreland water authority plans nearly $10 million in upgrades
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-water-authority-plans-nearly-10-million-in-upgrades/
Traffic snag on Brackenridge side of ATI’s steel mill wreaks havoc for its Stieren neighbors
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/traffic-snag-on-brackenridge-side-of-atis-steel-mill-wreaks-havoc-for-its-stieren-neighbors/
Hiring part-time officer sparks debate between Arnold mayor, council
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/hiring-part-time-officer-sparks-debate-between-arnold-mayor-council/
Reading City Council confirms David Hunter as city’s community development director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-confirms-david-hunter-as-citys-community-development-director
Who is Glenn Granitz, Allentown’s new police chief?
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-glenn-granitz-police-chief-quick-facts-20190912-mtw32luybfda7hk2ukwoti3x3q-story.html
National News
N.C. Republicans override a budget veto in a half-empty Assembly during a 9/11 remembrance
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/09/11/North-Carolina-veto-House-budget-override-Republicans-vote-surprise-Democrats/stories/201909110221
NCAA urges California governor to reject bill allowing college athletes to make money
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/ncaa-urges-california-governor-to-reject-bill-allowing-college-athletes-to-make-money.html
Supreme Court allows broad enforcement of asylum limits, giving Trump Administration a win
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/12/supreme-court-allows-broad-enforcement-of-asylum-limits-giving-trump-administration-a-win/
Natural Gas
Report: Natural gas drilling activity down amid low prices
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/report-natural-gas-drilling-activity-down-amid-low-prices/
Opioid Crisis
OxyContin settlement ‘a slap in the face’, Pa. Attorney General says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/oxycontin-settlement-a-slap-in-the-face-pa-attorney-general-says.html
Philly
Fired, then rehired
https://www.inquirer.com/news/a/philadelphia-police-problem-union-misconduct-secret-20190912.html
Philly blesses worshipers with free parking, eliciting cyclists’ Old Testament wrath
https://www.inquirer.com/news/church-parking-bicycle-safety-bike-lane-philadelphia-synagogue-worship-faith-20190912.html
California bill could pave the way for labor rights for Uber drivers in Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ab5-gig-worker-employees-independent-contractors-philadelphia-uber-lyft-20190911.html
As Philly’s Council returns from recess, mayoral ambitions could affect agenda
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2023-philly-mayoral-race-begins-now-20190911.html
City councilwoman wants acting police commissioner out over T-shirt mocking Rodney King beating
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-councilwoman-wants-acting-police-commissioner-out-over-t-shirt/article_aa49b91b-7353-5be4-ad3f-2b1f831a7b3d.html
Commissioner says she didn’t know L.A.P.D. ‘King’ T-shirt was racist. That tells you everything. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-commissioner-lapd-shirt-rodney-king-christine-coulter-facebook-20190911.html
American Airlines mishandles the most bags in the nation. It’s even worse in Philly.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/american-airlines-baggage-delay-philadelphia-international-airport-20190911.html
Andrea Kremer gets pioneer award from women’s media group
https://www.inquirer.com/sports/journalist-andrea-kremer-association-women-sports-media-mary-garbe-pioneer-award-20190911.html
2 more Philly cops to be fired in Facebook probe, bringing total to 15
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-facebook-scandal-15-cops-fired-christine-coulter-20190911.html
Pitt
City council, controller grill mayor’s office, Parks Conservancy over tax increase ballot question
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/11/City-council-Controller-grill-mayor-s-office-Parks-Conservancy-over-tax-increase-ballot-question/stories/201909110166
Peduto: Meeting with McConnell over gun law was ‘low point of pessimism’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-meeting-with-mcconnell-over-gun-law-was-low-point-of-pessimism/
A new game plan: Steelers to spend millions to expand part of Heinz Field
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/09/11/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Heinz-Field-FedEx-Great-Hall-North-Shore-SEA-expansion/stories/201909120063
DA seeks gag order in Pittsburgh police officer slaying case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/11/pittsburgh-police-officer-homicide-gag-order-bey-calvin-hall/stories/201909110124
DA seeks gag order in case against man accused of killing Pittsburgh police officer
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/da-seeks-gag-order-in-case-against-man-accused-of-killing-pittsburgh-police-officer/
Council to hold hearing after group calls for reparations for Pittsburgh’s black residents
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/11/council-to-hold-hearing-after-group-calls-for-reparations-for-pittsburghs-black-residents/
New owner plans $20M investment to revitalize SouthSide Works
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2019/09/11/New-owner-investment-SouthSide-Works-retail-pittsburgh-development/stories/201909110090
Man shot and killed in Perry South identified
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/11/SWAT-unit-responds-after-man-found-dead-in-Perry-South-pittsburgh-police/stories/201909110103
Feds OK Alcosan’s $2 billion plan to reduce sewage overflows
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/09/11/Alocsan-plan-approval-reduce-sewage-storm-overflows-Pittsburgh-Allegheny/stories/201909110131
Port Authority’s 75 Ellsworth and 87 Friendship buses return to regular routes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/09/11/Morningside-bus-detours-Port-Authority-Pittsburgh-Water-Sewer-Authority/stories/201909110169
Pittsburgh ranked as 3rd-best Rust Belt comeback story in nation
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-ranked-as-third-best-rust-belt-comeback-story-in-nation/
Pittsburgh makes list of best Oktoberfest cities in U.S.
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-makes-list-of-best-oktoberfest-cities-in-u-s/
9 of 12 charges dropped in $300K theft case against former SEA controller
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/nine-of-12-charges-dropped-in-300k-theft-case-against-former-sea-controller/
Advocates want less parking, more housing at Shakespeare Giant Eagle development
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/advocates-want-less-parking-more-housing-at-shakespeare-giant-eagle-development/Content?oid=15826441
Shootings
2 dead, 1 critically injured in central Pa. shootings
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/2-dead-1-critically-injured-in-central-pa-shootings.html
State News
Could this state commission help weed out bad cops?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/police-reform-problem-pennsylvania-philadelphia-20190912.html
Pa. agency to pay University of Pennsylvania $10 million to tackle chronic wasting disease, other deer ailments
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pa-agency-to-pay-university-pennsylvania-10-million-to-tackle-chronic-wasting-disease-other-deer-ailments
Author offers Sandusky scandal as case study of difference between what we think and what we know: Analysis
https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2019/09/new-book-takes-jerry-sandusky-scandal-as-case-study-on-the-differences-between-what-we-think-and-what-we-know.html
It’s time to shut down Mariner East — and Energy Transfer | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/its-time-to-shut-down-mariner-east-and-energy-transfer-opinion/
Beaver County municipalities receive $41,000 in liquor licensing fees
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190912/beaver-county-municipalities-receive-41000-in-liquor-licensing-fees
Transportation
Construction work continues on Central Scranton Expressway
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/construction-work-continues-on-central-scranton-expressway-1.2532021
Washington
The House approves legislation that would ban drilling off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/09/11/drilling-ban-House-off-coasts/stories/201909110228