Legislature
Why we marched from Overbrook to Lower Merion to demand fair school funding | Sen. Vincent Hughes and Gregory Holston
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/school-funding-formulas-philadelphia-overbrook-lower-merion-high-20190923.html
Pa.’s ‘Safe2Say’ program is really something to talk about | Sens. Vincent Hughes and Pat Browne
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pas-safe2say-program-is-really-something-to-talk-about-opinion/
Pa. Senate hearing today on White Haven, Polk closures
https://www.timesleader.com/news/756700/pa-senate-hearing-today-on-white-haven-polk-closures
How polarized is the Pennsylvania Legislature?
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/how-polarized-is-the-pennsylvania-legislature
Reforming the Pa. probation system: It’s time to stop ‘paying for failure,’ advocates say
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/reforming-the-pa-probation-system-its-time-to-stop-paying-for-failure-advocates-say.html
Bill making registration for Pa.’s ‘Do Not Call’ list permanent going to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/bill-making-registration-for-pas-do-not-call-list-permanent-going-to-gov-tom-wolf-for-his-signature.html
Ribbon-cutting held for Paoli train station project; Dinniman calls for Amtrak to move on other stations
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/ribbon-cutting-held-for-paoli-train-station-project-dinniman-calls/article_e1d9ff72-cb57-5d01-bec3-0a6d78a64ce9.html
Pa. House committee will vote on mandatory minimums for gun crimes, much to Democrats’ chagrin
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-house-committee-will-vote-on-mandatory-minimums-for-gun-crimes-much-to-democrats-chagrin/
Gun debate revives in Pennsylvania statehouse
https://www.readingeagle.com/article/20190924/AP/309249906/1001
OJR student inspires introduction of Lilly’s Bill in Pa. House
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/ojr-student-inspires-introduction-of-lilly-s-bill-in-pa/article_6102e16c-e16b-5463-9d55-45717c77b327.html
Embattled Pa. senator removed from appropriations committee in wake of report detailing his ‘irresponsible’ behavior
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/embattled-pa-senator-removed-from-appropriations-committee-in-wake-of-report-detailing-unacceptable-and-irresponsible-behavior.html
Administration
DHS Secretary: Trump’s SNAP program changes jeopardize food access
https://www.timesleader.com/news/756696/dhs-secretary-trumps-snap-program-changes-jeopardize-food-access
Pennsylvania pushes back against federal efforts to curb food assistance program
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-pushes-back-against-federal-efforts-to-curb-food-assistance-program/
Trump administration’s SNAP change ‘cruel and mean-spirited’ says state Human Services secretary
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190923/trump-administrations-snap-change-cruel-and-mean-spirited-says-state-human-services-secretary/1
Business
After ransomware attacks on cities, IBM offers free cybersecurity training for local officials
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ransomware-cyberattack-government-ibm-security-cyber-range-training-municipal-20190923.html
Who gets the $11,000,000 referral fee? Montco law firm and a former partner fight over it.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-lawyers-fees-11-million-propane-blast-20190924.html
Crime/Punishment
DA files charges against men seen beating women at Exxon station
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/23/Protesters-rallying-third-straight-day-Exxon-station-Pittsburgh-Marshall-Shadeland/stories/201909230073
Pirates pitcher Felipe Vazquez moved to Westmoreland County Prison
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/23/felipe-vazquez-Pittsburgh-pirates-westmoreland-county-prison-sex-assault/stories/201909230080
Montgomery County man charged with stabbing brother-in-law to death after birthday party
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/norristown-montgomery-county-brother-in-law-stabbing-death-murder-20190923.html
Judge mulls possible parole for ex-Carbondale cop who fatally shot unarmed man
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-mulls-possible-parole-for-ex-carbondale-cop-who-fatally-shot-unarmed-man-1.2536628
How much does it help to expunge a criminal record? Western Pa. study seeks to find out
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/23/how-much-does-it-help-to-expunge-a-criminal-record-western-pa-study-seeks-to-find-out/
Education
Diocese of Scranton announces $1 million investment in STREAM education
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/diocese-of-scranton-announces-1-million-investment-in-stream-education-1.2536649
NEIU opens new early intervention center in Dunmore
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/neiu-opens-new-early-intervention-center-in-dunmore-1.2536589
Cook contract, chill students
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/cook-contract-chill-students-1.2536621
Penn Hills school officials say misunderstanding led to ‘no confidence’ letter
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-school-officials-say-misunderstanding-led-to-no-confidence-letter/
Penn Hills School District officials to hire Oakmont councilwoman as PR consultant
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-school-district-officials-to-hire-oakmont-councilwoman-as-pr-consultant/
Social media comment by Deer Lakes student not a threat against district, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/social-media-comment-by-deer-lakes-student-not-a-threat-against-district-officials-say/
Two consolidation opponents plan write-in bids for W-B Area board
https://www.timesleader.com/news/756706/two-consolidation-opponents-plan-write-in-bids-for-w-b-area-board
Point Park, CMU earn spots in top 30 college theater design and tech programs
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/09/23/Point-Park-CMU-top-30-college-theater-design-tech-programs-Penn-State-OnStage-Blog/stories/201909230102
Former Wilkes professor, global affairs expert dies
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/former-wilkes-professor-global-affairs-expert-dies-1.2536797
PHEAA seeks 9.7% increase in state funding for Pa.’s college grants program
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/pheaa-seeks-97-increase-in-state-funding-for-pas-college-grants-program.html
Mumps outbreak reported at Moravian College
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-moravian-college-mumps-outbreak-20190923-mg6oqhuigvdntliu2gguii2uui-story.html
Lawsuit: Cheyney University raided, misused scholarship federal funds as accreditation decision looms
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/lawsuit-cheyney-university-raided-misused-scholarship-federal-funds-as-accreditation/article_5d048967-d7f9-513d-b447-e23077a0fe32.html
Elections/Politics
The qualifying thresholds are increased for November’s Democratic debate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/09/23/Democratic-debate-November-presidential-thresholds-qualifying/stories/201909230123
Murrysville voters at Newlonsburg and Sardis could get new precincts under new plan
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/murrysville-voters-at-newlonsburg-and-sardis-could-get-new-precincts-under-new-plan/
Gaming
Sportsbook at Mohegan Sun Pocono opens for test run today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sportsbook-at-mohegan-sun-pocono-opens-for-test-run-today-1.2536805
Mount Airy launches online sports betting
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mount-airy-launches-online-sports-betting-1.2536807
Mount Airy mini-casino vote could come by November
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190923/mount-airy-mini-casino-vote-could-come-by-november
Health Care
Physicians of color are far too rare. This Jefferson study highlights one potential reason.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/doctors-residents-diversity-jefferson-health-20190924.html
Waiting for a heart transplant, some children at disadvantage, study says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/09/23/heart-transplant-study-children-UPMC-cardiomyopathy-VAD-Pittsburgh/stories/201909190237
St. Christopher’s doctors worry as new owners won’t keep chief heart surgeon
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/st-christophers-childrens-achintya-moulick-chief-medical-officer-20190924.html
State, hospital investigating Legionnaires’ cases in Scranton area
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-hospital-investigating-legionnaires-cases-in-scranton-area-1.2536800
Local News
Blight committee meeting canceled
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/blight-committee-meeting-canceled-1.2536726
VA center hosting town hall
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/va-center-hosting-town-hall-1.2536657
Scranton City Council letter to clarify expectations for internal gas card audit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-letter-to-clarify-expectations-for-internal-gas-card-audit-1.2536890
Gilhooley hearing rescheduled after victim doesn’t show
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/gilhooley-hearing-rescheduled-after-victim-doesn-t-show-1.2536582
City would be able to collect attorney fees under proposal
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-would-be-able-to-collect-attorney-fees-under-proposal-1.2536708
Fundraising begins for memorial for murdered New Kensington child
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/fundraising-effort-for-memorial-for-murdered-new-kensington-child-goes-live/
Reading City Council discusses aggressive panhandling
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-discusses-aggressive-panhandling
Northern Berks police chief on leave; commissioners OK internal investigation
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/northern-berks-police-chief-on-leave-commissioners-ok-internal-investigation
Exeter Township votes to move to closing for $2.5 purchase of Promenade Shopping Center
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/exeter-township-votes-to-move-to-closing-for-24-purchase-of-promenade-shopping-center
Editorial: Veterans center a promising idea for Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/veterans-center-at-former-hotel-a-most-promising-idea
National News
Battle lines seen as hardening on religious liberty
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/09/23/religious-liberty-first-amendment-us-supreme-court-forum-pittsburgh-JCC/stories/201909230124
Opioid Crisis
Feet to the flame: Josh Shapiro keeps up the pressure on Purdue, Sacklers
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/09/24/Josh-Shapiro-Purdue-Pharma-Sackler-family-lawsuit-opioid-crisis/stories/201909180006
Philly
New Philly lead bill should be first step in housing culture change | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/lead-poisoning-abatement-bill-housing-affordable-fair-philadelphia-20190924.html
One suspect dead, another wounded in Northeast Philadelphia home-invasion robbery
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/home-invasion-robbery-suspect-killed-mayfair-northeast-philadelphia-20190923.html
Another fired prosecutor sues DA Larry Krasner, alleging age discrimination
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-district-attorney-larry-krasner-lawsuit-michelle-seidner-age-discrimination-20190923.html
Two women with two different, and strong, opinions on overdose prevention sites, find common ground on Kensington | Perspective
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/kensington-opioids-safe-injection-site-harrowgate-20190923.html
Pitt
California man charged in South Side OD deaths; feds say initial tests show drugs had fentanyl
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/23/pittsburgh-multiple-fatal-overdose-arrest-South-Side-Apartments-Peter-Montalvo/stories/201909230079
California man charged in deadly South Side overdoses, tainted cocaine suspected
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/man-charged-in-deadly-south-side-overdoses/
Us: Blind urban adventurers navigate Pittsburgh with aplomb
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/neighborhood/2019/09/23/Us-column-blind-twins-Wiseman-Pittsburgh-DePaul-Institute/stories/201909170091
Pennsylvania’s Pine Creek Gorge is grand, especially in fall
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2019/09/23/Pennsylvania-Grand-Canyon-Pine-Creek-fall-foliage-wellsboro-travel/stories/201909160115
Bill Peduto in NYC to represent U.S. mayors at U.N. climate summit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/09/23/Pittsburgh-Bill-Peduto-US-mayors-UN-climate-summit-United-Nations/stories/201909230076
Beto O’Rourke set to campaign in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/beto-orourke-to-campaign-in-pittsburgh-on-wednesday/
Carrick residents worry that insurance won’t cover damages from water main break
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/carrick-residents-worry-that-insurance-wont-cover-damages-from-water-main-break/
Shootings
Mother of fatal shooting victim speaks out
https://www.timesleader.com/news/756663/mother-of-fatal-shooting-victim-speaks-out
Mother speaks out about teen daughter fatally shot in Exeter
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mother-speaks-out-about-teen-daughter-fatally-shot-in-exeter-1.2536792
State News
National PFAS study will include Bucks, Montgomery, Gloucester County residents
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pfas-health-study-blood-test-atsdr-pennsylvania-new-jersey-bucks-montco-gloucester-20190923.html
Feds: Bucks, Montgomery counties tapped for PFAS exposure study
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/feds-bucks-montgomery-counties-chosen-for-pfas-exposure-study/
Conference aims to combine technology and do-it-yourself to assist people with disabilities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2019/09/23/Conference-assistive-technology-makers-fair-expo-disabilities/stories/201909170108
State study: Arnold Palmer Regional Airport boosts economy by $226M
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-study-arnold-palmer-regional-airport-boosts-economy-by-226m/
Nukes crucial as TMI closes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/nukes-crucial-as-tmi-closes-1.2536623
After alarming headlines, when will the menace of mosquitoes die down? NOAA’s fall outlook isn’t good news.
https://www.mcall.com/news/weather/mc-nws-noaa-fall-outlook-mosquito-season-possibly-extended-20190924-nja5rsghnvcktnbsqobc7npx7y-story.html
Pa. woman goes from heroin, burglaries and bad checks to master’s degree and good job
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/pa-woman-goes-from-heroin-burglaries-and-bad-checks-to-masters-degree-and-good-job.html
Has the spotted lanternfly crossed the Susquehanna River?
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/09/has-the-spotted-lanternfly-crossed-the-susquehanna-river.html
Transportation
State sends money for Scott road upgrades
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-sends-money-for-scott-road-upgrades-1.2536655
Pa.’s roads are the 5th worst in nation, study says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/pas-roads-rank-5th-worse-in-nation-study.html
Washington
Pa. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan on Trump-Ukraine allegations: if true, it’s an impeachable offense
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ukraine-donald-trump-impeachment-democrats-representative-chrissy-houlahan–20190924.html
Trump ordered hold on military aid days before calling Ukrainian president, officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-ukraine-withold-aid-pressure-investigation-joe-biden-son-20190924.html