Legislature
Families, staff denounce White Haven Center closure; Yudichak announces Harrisburg hearing
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755527/families-staff-denounce-white-haven-center-closure-yudichak-announces-harrisburg-hearing
Support strong for White Haven Center
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/support-strong-for-white-haven-center-1.2532460
Pa. legislator proposes hurdles to paroling violent inmates
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/12/pennsylvania-parole-homicide-markies-law-bernstine-burley/stories/201909120092
Rep. Bernstine plans bill to delay parole for violent inmates
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190912/rep-bernstine-plans-bill-to-delay-parole-for-violent-inmates
Pa. state lawmakers among the highest paid in U.S., but they’re doing less and less actual lawmaking
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pa-legislature-highest-paid-largest-bills-legislation-partisanship-20190913.html
Our view: Pass public worker safety bill
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20190913/our-view-pass-public-worker-safety-bill
Administration
Will Governor Wolf finally bring change to charter school law? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-charter-schools-law-governor-tom-wolf-20190913.html
Business
Federal court’s decision could allow Uber drivers to sue the company
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mandatory-arbitration-agreements-uber-drivers-lawsuit-20190912.html
Dick’s Sporting Goods CEO signs letter seeking Senate action on gun safety bills
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/dicks-edward-stack-signs-letter-asking-for-senate-action-on-gun-safety-bills/
Build-A-Bear opens new workshop at Walmart
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/build-a-bear-opens-new-workshop-at-walmart-1.2532445
Hampton Inn & Suites opens near Kutztown University
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/hampton-inn-and-suites-opens-near-kutztown-university
Pa. business advocates celebrate Trump’s Clean Water rollback
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/12/pa-business-advocates-celebrate-trumps-clean-water-rollback/
Crime/Punishment
2 detained after woman found dead in McKeesport park; vehicle in case found in Washington County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/12/Body-found-Renziehausen-Park-McKeesport/stories/201909120112
2 people in custody, 1 flees police in connection to woman’s body found in McKeesport park
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-woman-found-in-mckeesport-park-apparently-was-strangled-silver-chevy-sought/
Federal government helps Bucks County go after drug traffickers and suppliers with new designation
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/bucks-county-hidta-drug-trafficking-opioid-matt-weintraub-20190912.html
Ex-elementary school teacher gets federal probation for role in cross-country coke ring
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/12/Ex-Ringgold-teacher-gets-federal-probation-for-role-in-massive-cross-country-coke-ring/stories/201909120124
Alleged priest abuse victim can remain anonymous, judge rules
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/alleged-priest-abuse-victim-can-remain-anonymous-judge-rules-1.2532276
Berks doctor ran opioid ‘pill mill,’ investigators say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-doctor-inappropriately-prescribed-opioid-pills-investigators-say
Two Money Rules Everything gang members charged in Bethlehem homicide where victim was burned alive
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-mre-bethlehem-homicide-tyrell-holmes-arrest-20190912-u2snfdjsobdwldux7rqwtshxc4-story.html
SCI-Retreat Closing: Prisons should never be a community’s economic development strategy | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/sci-retreat-closing-prisons-should-never-be-a-communitys-economic-development-strategy-opinion/
Third man dies after back-to-back shootings Wednesday night, coroner says
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/09/13/york-city-shootings-third-man-dies-thursday-night-at-york-hospital/2309153001/
Education
Pa. to launch review of its science standards that may include emphasis on helping students think like scientists
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/pa-to-launch-review-of-its-science-standards-that-may-include-emphasis-on-helping-students-think-like-scientists.html
North Pocono approves new teachers contract, nine months early
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/north-pocono-approves-new-teachers-contract-nine-months-early-1.2532352
Childhood cancers in the Canon-McMillan School District prompt a series of public meetings
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/09/12/Childhood-cancers-in-the-Canon-McMillan-School-District-prompt-a-series-of-public-meetings/stories/201909120109
Harrisburg school leaders getting close to accurate budget, might eliminate jobs
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/09/harrisburg-school-leaders-getting-close-to-accurate-budget-might-eliminate-jobs.html
Expanded office for program that helps low-income students attend college
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755569/expanded-office-for-program-that-helps-low-income-students-attend-college
One too many?: Drinking on campus a sobering idea
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/09/13/Campus-drinking-alcohol-East-Stroudsburg-University/stories/201909120021
Elections/Politics
Key takeaways from the 2020 Democratic candidates’ debate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/09/13/highlights-2020-Democratic-candidates-president-debate/stories/201909130117
‘Hell, yes, we’re going to take your AR-15, your AK-47,’ O’Rourke declares
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/09/12/Beto-ORourke-debate-hell-yes-were-going-to-take-your-AR-15-AK-47/stories/201909120221
Health Care
Hahnemann’s transplant program is moving to a new home in West Reading
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/hahnemann-kidney-liver-transplant-reading-hospital-20190912.html
Hahnemann’s residency program sale challenged in court by federal regulators
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/hahnemann-residency-progam-sale-cms-appeal-20190912.html
Magee-Womens Research Institute awarded $5 million grant to study infant mortality
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/09/12/5-million-grant-Magee-Womens-research-infant-mortality-richard-king-mellon/stories/201909120096
Vaping suspected in half a dozen cases at St. Luke’s of young Lehigh Valley adults with serious lung injuries
https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-vaping-injuries-20190912-zqw7ioagxracxiamejjintefkm-story.html
Local News
Stormwater fee projects plan gets update
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755564/stormwater-fee-projects-plan-gets-update
Multicultural Fest planned in W-B
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/multicultural-fest-planned-in-w-b-1.2532436
W-B council discusses lack of work at Sterling site
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-discusses-lack-of-work-at-sterling-site-1.2532440
Harveys Lake residents warned of ‘scam letter’ being circulated
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755507/harveys-lake-residents-warned-of-scam-letter-being-circulated
Apology offered again and Sterling development funding discussed by Wilkes-Barre city council
https://www.timesleader.com/news/755573/apology-offered-again-and-sterling-development-funding-discussed-by-wilkes-barre-city-council
FIRED UP
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/fired-up-1.2532468
Police: Longtime Scranton political consultant assaulted worker over party affiliation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/police-longtime-scranton-political-consultant-assaulted-worker-over-party-affiliation-1.2532245
Panel examines environment at Interdependence Day event
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/panel-examines-environment-at-interdependence-day-event-1.2532334
City of Scranton takes ethics stance
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/city-of-scranton-takes-ethics-stance-1.2532252
Hazleton City Authority closes on $2M loan for water tank, pump station project
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-city-authority-closes-on-2m-loan-for-water-tank-pump-station-project-1.2532368
‘Torches and pitchforks’: In Haverford, a Proud Boys scandal has left deep wounds | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/haverford-fire-proud-boys-bon-air-anger-maria-panaritis-20190913.html
Actions speak louder than words? Not for Haverford fire fighter who explored Proud Boys events. | Christine Flowers
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/haverford-township-fire-company-proud-boys-bon-air-20190912.html
Scottdale company offers challenge grant for Westmoreland food bank
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/scottdale-company-offers-challenge-grant-for-westmoreland-food-bank/
Addiction recovery center opens in restored outlet center in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/new-addiction-recovery-center-opens-in-restored-outlet-center-in-reading
Reading enacts traffic restrictions for Saturday’s Puerto Rican Day Parade
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-enacts-traffic-restrictions-for-saturdays-puerto-rican-day-parade
Editorial: Reading’s future depends on getting revitalization right
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-readings-future-depends-on-getting-revitalization-right
Easton homeless shelter expands for the first time in its 30-year history
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/09/easton-homeless-shelter-expands-for-the-first-time-in-its-30-year-history.html
Chester County pitches in for affordable housing construction
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/chester-county-pitches-in-for-affordable-housing-construction/article_ab69de40-d4d9-11e9-8869-5ffd6899085c.html
National Museum of Industrial History lands $500,000
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-national-museum-industrial-history-stem-grant-20190912-lmkjr2cmdrgt7h2xltaqwfddeu-story.html
Opioid Crisis
Pa. AG Shapiro files suit against Sackler family, owners of opioid maker Purdue Pharma
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/12/Pennsylvania-AG-Shapiro-lawsuit-opioid-crisis-Purdue-Pharma-oxycontin/stories/201909120087
Pennsylvania Attorney General sues billionaire Sackler family, owners of Oxycontin maker
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-attorney-general-sues-billionaire-sackler-family-owners-of-oxycontin-maker/
Philly
City could kick in $10M for asbestos work in Philadelphia schools
https://www.inquirer.com/education/asbestos-philadelphia-schools-cancer-teacher-council-20190912.html
Philly councilman wants to give school district $10M to address lead, asbestos in classrooms
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/philly-councilman-wants-to-give-school-district-10m-to-address-lead-asbestos-in-classrooms/
Philadelphia schools still segregated as suburban districts integrate, analysis finds
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-schools-race-integration-suburbs-washington-post-20190912.html
The secret scourge of climate change? More raw sewage in Philadelphia’s waterways.
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/delaware-schuylkill-river-combined-sewer-stormwater-sewage-climate-change-20190913.html
Inside the once-secret misconduct files of 27 Philadelphia police officers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq/inside-once-secret-misconduct-files-27-philadelphia-police-officers-20190912.html
Philly cops: Please don’t call 911 to report spotted lantern fly invasions
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/spotted-lanternfly-philadelphia-cops-911-20190912.html
Daughter of Philly Mayor Jim Kenney, daughter of North Wildwood councilwoman fined in Shore street fight
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/mayor-kenney-daughter-nora-fight-north-wildwood-plea-guilty-20190912.html
UPS said to be looking at 138-acre Northeast Philly site for distribution hub
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/ups-budd-northeast-philly-warehouse-packaging-20190912.html
Philly residents puzzle over mass anti-Krasner texts linked to ex-Fox News commentator
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-district-attorney-larry-krasner-immigration-policy-kevin-jackson-fox-news-conservative-commentator-20190912.html
Feds: Relative of Philly Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell took bribes while working for city
https://www.inquirer.com/news/jeffrey-blackwell-bribes-jannie-blackwell-mcswain-city-controller-20190912.html
Why is Imvax putting its new brain-cancer vaccine lab in Philly’s old historic district?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/imvax-gene-therapy-furey-spark-jefferson-medical-20190910.html
Update on South Philly immigrants detained by ICE: ‘I haven’t seen the sun in two months.’ | Perspective
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/ice-detain-immigration-philadelphia-york-county-prison-pennsylvania-20190912.html
Pitt
A place for young people: North Side nonprofit, SEA to help tackle loitering Downtown
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/09/12/YouthPlaces-Downtown-David-L-Lawrence-Convention-Center-loitering-Sports-Exhibition-Authority/stories/201909120116
Art from youth across nation brings light back to Tree of Life synagogue complex
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/09/12/Tree-of-life-synagogue-shooting-art-hearts-together-project-squirrel-hill-rabbi-jeffrey-meyers/stories/201909120204
Pittsburgh among 2019 recipients of seedlings from New York’s 9/11 ‘Survivor Tree’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-among-2019-recipients-of-seedlings-from-new-yorks-9-11-survivor-tree/
A mecca for Steelers fans: SEA board approves new flagship store as part of Heinz Field expansion
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/09/12/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Heinz-Field-Great-Hall-North-Shore-SEA-retail-store/stories/201909130095
Steelers approved for multimillion-dollar retail store addition to Heinz Field
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-approved-for-11-to-13-million-retail-store-addition-to-heinz-field/
Gun rights activists: Higher court ruling could change DA’s argument on private complaints against Peduto, council
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/09/12/pittsburgh-gun-rights-activists-stephen-zappala-DA-firearms-owners-against-crime-v-harrisburg-ruling/stories/201909120131
Millvale Community Library plays central role in community
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/09/11/Millvale-Community-Library-plays-central-role-in-community/stories/201909120009
Theft case against former SEA controller advances after she waives hearing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/09/12/sports-exhibition-authority-controller-theft-waive-hearing-sharon-mink/stories/201909120104
Pittsburgh youth mentoring program opening Downtown to address loitering
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/youth-mentoring-program-opening-downtown-to-address-loitering/
Health Department: EPA has signed off on Allegheny County wet weather plan
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/health-department-epa-has-signed-off-on-allegheny-county-wet-weather-plan/
State News
State of Obesity report: Pennsylvania’s adult rate declined to 30.9% in 2018
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/09/12/State-Obesity-report-Pennsylvania-rate-drops-Trust-TFAH-2018/stories/201909120111
Ed Rendell says ‘Bernie bots are happy’ about his attack on Elizabeth Warren in support of Joe Biden | Clout
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/joe-biden-ed-rendell-elizabeth-warren-bernie-sanders-aflcio-presidential-fundraising-20190913.html
Deaths of 5 Erie children prompt day care fire safety effort
https://www.witf.org/2019/09/12/deaths-of-5-erie-children-prompt-day-care-fire-safety-effort/
Gun owners don’t need to break local firearm laws to bring a legal challenge, Commonwealth Court rules
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/gun-owners-dont-need-to-break-local-firearm-laws-to-bring-a-legal-challenge-commonwealth-court-rules/
Transportation
COLTS changes bus routes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/colts-changes-bus-routes-1.2532164
Washington
Trump urges GOP representatives in Baltimore to ‘share the story of what we have achieved’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/09/12/Trump-Baltimore-GOP-House/stories/201909120219
Bill would examine PFAS exposures in military children
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190912/bill-would-examine-pfas-exposures-in-military-children/1