Legislature
Impasse looms over school taxes
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/impasse-looms-over-school-taxes-1.2539634
Pa. lawmakers accidentally took away school police officers’ ability to make arrests
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/pa-lawmakers-accidentally-took-away-school-police-officers-ability-to-make-arrests/
State, local officials support Rep. Ullman’s ‘bottle bill’
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191001/state-local-officials-support-rep-ullmans-bottle-bill
Bill would allow Pa. local officials to get pay increases of up to 68%
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/10/bill-allowing-local-government-officials-pay-to-raise-by-68-under-consideration.html
Should the number of liquor licenses in Pa. be public information? A Cambria County lawmaker thinks so. So he’s suing the state
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/should-the-number-of-liquor-licenses-in-pa-be-public-information-a-cambria-county-lawmaker-thinks-so-so-hes-suing-the-state/
Lawmaker finds an alternative to the Market Street Bridge to name after late West Shore senator
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/lawmaker-finds-an-alternative-to-the-market-street-bridge-to-name-after-late-west-shore-senator.html
It’s time to protect crime victims’ rights | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/09/its-time-to-protect-crime-victims-rights-opinion.html
Administration
Address methane now: Gov. Wolf must tackle critical climate issue
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/10/01/Methane-natural-gas-Tom-Wolf-climate-change/stories/201909250022
Business
Dick’s selling some of its Field & Stream stores, Utah buyer says
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/09/30/Dick-s-selling-Field-Stream-stores-Sportsman-Warehouse-guns-hunt/stories/201909300120
Inside the new Uber: Weak coffee, vanishing perks and fast-deflating morale
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/technology/uber-silicon-valley-morale-perks-20190930.html
Weis acquires Thomas’ Food Market stores in Dallas, Shavertown
https://www.timesleader.com/news/757345/weis-acquires-thomas-food-market-stores-in-dallas-shavertown
Weis to buy rival supermarkets in Back Mountain
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/weis-to-buy-rival-supermarkets-in-back-mountain-1.2539741
Wyoming Valley Mall avoids foreclosure
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wyoming-valley-mall-avoids-foreclosure-1.2539660
Keystone Cement plant near Bath to be sold in $151 million deal
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-keystone-cement-acquired-lehigh-hanson-heidelberg-cement-20190930-53uspwa3nvatzcszajhqnvzcli-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Westinghouse developer charged with asbestos dumping
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/30/vikas-jain-westinghouse-research-technology-park-developer-charged-asbestos-dumping/stories/201909300132
Developer of Westinghouse facility in Churchill charged with asbestos violations
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/developer-of-westinghouse-facility-in-churchill-charged-with-asbestos-violations/
Troopers: Laflin couple dead in murder-suicide
https://www.timesleader.com/news/757393/troopers-laflin-couple-dead-in-murder-suicide
Westmoreland prison drug treatment program bid at $400K
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-prison-drug-treatment-program-bid-at-400k/
Education
Scranton School Board to consider closing schools for rally in Harrisburg
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-to-consider-closing-schools-for-rally-in-harrisburg-1.2539749
NEPA school districts end school year with $85,000-plus in student lunch debt
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-school-districts-end-school-year-with-85-000-plus-in-student-lunch-debt-1.2539817
Wyoming Area paid $38,000 to end ransomware attack
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wyoming-area-paid-38-000-to-end-ransomware-attack-1.2539738
Moon Area SD receives top prize in national grant program
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191001/moon-area-sd-receives-top-prize-in-national-grant-program
Johnstown nonprofit offers free consultation services to counter bullying
https://triblive.com/local/regional/johnstown-nonprofit-offers-free-consultation-services-to-counter-bullying/
Elections/Politics
Voters and poll workers had issues with Montgomery County’s new paper ballots. Here’s the plan moving forward.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/montco-pa-paper-ballot-voting-machine-changes-20190930.html
Pedri recommends his pick for new voting machines
https://www.timesleader.com/news/757327/pedri-recommends-his-pick-for-new-voting-machines
Pedri and committee disagree on voting machines pick
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-and-committee-disagree-on-voting-machines-pick-1.2539740
Berks County’s new voting machines are ready, election officials say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-countys-new-voting-machines-are-ready-election-officials-say
After a fading romance with the Democratic Party, Mt. Pleasant became Trump country in 2016
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/after-a-fading-romance-with-the-democratic-party-mt-pleasant-became-trump-country-in-2016/
Editorial: Change continues to roll across Delco political landscape
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/editorial-change-continues-to-roll-across-delco-political-landscape/article_1173db20-e37e-11e9-91a4-bbc8ca315292.html
Gaming
New, larger sportsbook officially opens at Rivers Casino
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/30/New-larger-sportsbook-officially-opens-at-Rivers-Casino/stories/201909300163
Rivers Casino unveils $5M lounge with 360-degrees of TV screens for sports gambling
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rivers-casino-unveils-5m-lounge-with-360-degrees-of-tv-screens-for-sports-gambling/
Health Care
Will this year’s flu vaccine protect us against all the influenza strains?
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/09/30/Allegheny-County-Health-Department-opens-walk-in-flu-clinic-Pittsburgh-2019/stories/201909300119
Region’s health experts alarmed by ‘unacceptable’ rise in maternal deaths
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/regions-health-experts-alarmed-by-unacceptable-rise-in-maternal-deaths/
Moses Taylor, Regional hospitals have new CEO
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/moses-taylor-regional-hospitals-have-new-ceo-1.2539588
Vaping has put several from Berks in local intensive care units, doctors say
https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/vaping-has-put-several-from-berks-in-local-intensive-care-units-doctors-say
Reading Hospital hires its first certified child life specialist
https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/stopping-fear-reading-hospital-hires-a-child-life-specialist
Local News
Scranton mayor’s decision not to ax fire chief draws mixed reactions at council meeting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-s-decision-not-to-ax-fire-chief-draws-mixed-reactions-at-council-meeting-1.2539704
Authorities seek tire dumpers in Back Mountain
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/authorities-seek-tire-dumpers-in-back-mountain-1.2539734
Olyphant Planning Commission votes to replace decades-old zoning ordinance
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/olyphant-planning-commission-votes-to-replace-decades-old-zoning-ordinance-1.2539728
Fender bender to train wreck
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/fender-bender-to-train-wreck-1.2539624
Vacant Hazleton parking lot could bring profit
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/vacant-hazleton-parking-lot-could-bring-profit-1.2539694
Demolition of Belvedere Hotel begins; Orr Avenue in Oklahoma Borough closed
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/demolition-of-belvedere-hotel-begins-orr-avenue-in-oklahoma-borough-closed/
New Kensington woman organizes sock drive to benefit homeless shelters
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-woman-organizes-sock-drive-to-benefit-homeless-shelters/
Exeter Township confirms municipal complex is for sale and clarifies plans for Reading Country Club
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/exeter-township-confirms-municipal-complex-is-for-sale-and-clarifies-plans-for-reading-country-club
Mayor Wally Scott’s budget seeks 1 mill tax increase for Reading property owners
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/mayor-wally-scotts-budget-seeks-1-mill-tax-increase-for-reading-property-owners&template=ourcityart
Service dogs provide independence, confidence for those with disabilities
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/service-dogs-provide-independence-confidence-for-those-with-disabilities
Food stamp proposal could impact about 6,400 people in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/food-stamp-proposal-would-impact-berks-county
Interference nixes police radio contact with Delco 911 center
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/interference-nixes-police-radio-contact-with-delco-center/article_f4f0c488-e3c6-11e9-921a-0f88d3ba8d87.html
240% jump in parking tickets shows drivers are rolling the dice in Bethlehem, parking authority says
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2019/10/240-jump-in-parking-tickets-shows-drivers-are-rolling-the-dice-in-bethlehem-parking-authority-says.html
Sign of the times: Parking made easier for motorists in West Chester
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/sign-of-the-times-parking-made-easier-for-motorists-in/article_5c85ef50-e3aa-11e9-bee4-ff99d9839e5b.html
National News
A castle-doctrine defense is spotlighted during the Guyger trial’s closing arguments
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/30/Dallas-Amber-Guyger-murder-trial-officer-jury-prosecutor-castle-doctrine/stories/201909300193
Philly
Cocaine and methamphetamine are on the rise in Philly, even as the opioid crisis continues
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/philadelphia-pennsylvania-meth-cocaine-stimulant-use-rising-20191001.html
Asbestos shuts down Ben Franklin/SLA school building
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ben-franklin-sla-asbestos-construction-halted-20191001.html
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro to host Philly meeting on student debt crisis
https://www.inquirer.com/business/student-debt-town-hall-philadelphia-shapiro-20190930.html
SEPTA: Fuel costs are down thanks to hybrid buses
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/septa-fuel-costs-are-down-thanks-to-hybrid-buses/article_cef97a93-dcea-5f8c-851b-e16c300ef8fc.html
A FBI investigation into fraud at SEPTA is eyeing a Delco construction business
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fbi-investigation-septa-fraud-spending-credit-card-transit-transportation-20190930.html
Philly becoming a national model for how to make serving the community more common
https://www.inquirer.com/news/americorps-service-year-volunteer-philadelphia-powercorps-peacecorps-teach-for-america-20190929.html
Councilman David Oh creates Facebook firestorm with post on Elizabeth Warren’s backing ‘gender change’ surgery
https://www.inquirer.com/news/david-oh-facebook-post-on-elizabeth-warren-gender-confirmation-surgery-lgbt-20190930.html
DA: Philly cop sexually assaulted woman after going on date with her
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-officer-novice-sloan-sex-assault-suspended-20190930.html
Watch out for forgers selling fake tickets to Eagles games, music concerts
https://www.inquirer.com/business/eagles-tickets-fake-scam-forged-merchandise-20191001.html
How a Philly charity is coping as employers eclipse churches as a source of volunteers
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/caring-for-friends-philly-charity-volunteers-employers-20190930.html
Making settlement info easily accessible is a no brainer. What’s next? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-lawsuit-settlements-reporting-helen-gym-sunshine-bill-20191001.html
The two big questions City Council must answer about new land bank proposals | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/land-bank-philadelphia-city-council-20190930.html
As window for claims closes, Archdiocese of Philadelphia to pay $32M to abuse victims
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/01/as-window-for-claims-closes-archdiocese-of-philadelphia-to-pay-32m-to-abuse-victims/
Philly councilman pushing to spread out marijuana dispensaries
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philly-councilman-pushing-to-spread-out-marijuana-dispensaries/article_c151bd20-90ee-59c9-91ca-38cf00052c37.html
Pitt
Duquesne Incline expected to reopen today after presence of bedbugs shut it down
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/30/Presence-of-bed-bugs-prompts-Duquesne-Incline-shutdown/stories/201909300165
A new year’s resolution for justice at Jewish Community Center
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/09/30/Rosh-Hashana-Jewish-community-center-social-justice/stories/201909300160
Rachel Brosnahan film ‘I’m Your Woman’ to begin filming in Pittsburgh in upcoming weeks
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2019/09/30/Rachel-Brosnahan-Amazon-Studios-I-m-Your-Woman-film-Pittsburgh-October/stories/201909300157
Ex-Pittsburgh police officer gets probation in cover-up
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/30/kaelen-o-connor-pittsburgh-police-corruption-cover-up-robert-kramer/stories/201909300127
Activist group calls for Pitt to vote by February on divesting from fossil fuel industries
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/09/30/university-pittsburgh-fossil-fuel-investments-ffpc-pitt-divest-climate-change-patrick-gallagher/stories/201909300122
Trib Total Media to return to Pittsburgh’s North Shore
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/trib-total-media-to-return-to-pittsburghs-north-shore/
‘United for Women’ helps local women emerge from crisis
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/united-for-women-helps-local-women-emerge-from-crisis/
Job fair for military veterans on Thursday to feature over 40 employers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/job-fair-for-military-veterans-on-thursday-to-feature-over-40-employers/
State News
Pa. state workers’ pension plan blocks prison-tainted $150M investment while teachers’ plan bets $300M
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/psers-sers-pension-investment-prison-securus-fillman-20191001.html
Invasive northern snakehead fish confirmed caught in Monongahela River
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/invasive-northern-snakehead-fish-confirmed-caught-in-monongahela-river/
State trooper from Harrison wins national award for efforts to reduce DUI
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/state-trooper-from-harrison-wins-national-award-for-efforts-to-reduce-dui/
October events planned for Pennsylvania Wine Month
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/october-declared-pennsylvania-wine-month/
Bias data still crucial metric
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/bias-data-still-crucial-metric-1.2539626
Growing pains: Medical marijuana demand is outstripping supply, especially for dry leaf therapies
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2019/10/growing-pains-medical-marijuana-demand-is-outstripping-supply-especially-for-dry-leaf-therapies.html
Why you may miss your flight to Disney: One year before Real ID deadline, millions of Pennsylvanians have yet to apply
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-real-id-numbers-continue-to-lag-20191001-odx5lzhdjzhwzoq2crwmj2pyiy-story.html
‘It’s just baffling: Apple growers face an uknown threat that’s killing trees
https://www.witf.org/2019/10/01/its-just-baffling-apple-growers-face-an-uknown-threat-thats-killing-trees/
Transportation
Electric cars offer ‘guilt-free driving’ and aid the climate. So why doesn’t Pennsylvania have more?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/electric-cars-vehicles-climate-change-pennsylvania-phladelphia-20191001.html
Hutchinson Bypass tolls to go cashless, rates to rise
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hutchinson-bypass-tolls-to-go-cashless-rates-to-rise/
Washington
Attorney General Barr personally asked foreign officials to aid inquiry into CIA, FBI activities
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/william-barr-trump-russian-election-interference-20190930.html
President Pelosi? It could happen. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/president-pelosi-it-could-happen-20190930.html