Legislature
Pa. House set to vote on a GOP-crafted election bill that a Democratic member called ’red meat nonsense’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/09/pa-house-set-to-vote-on-a-gop-crafted-election-bill-that-a-democratic-member-called-red-meat-nonsense.html
Pa. GOP advances election bill that would ban drop boxes, get mail-in ballots to voters earlier
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pa-election-reform-mail-ballots-voting-drop-boxes-20200901.html
A lot of Pennsylvania’s election rules are still up in the air with 2 months to go
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-2020-election-rules-legislation-lawsuits-20200902.html
After waffling, Gov. Tom Wolf says he can’t extend Pa.’s eviction ban, looks to lawmakers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/after-waffling-gov-tom-wolf-says-he-cant-extend-pa-s-eviction-ban-looks-to-lawmakers/
Wolf eviction ban, now expired, faces pending challenge in court
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/wolf-eviction-ban-now-expired-faces-pending-challenge-in-court/
Extend ban on evictions, foreclosure
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/extend-ban-on-evictions-foreclosure/article_ec526d20-9392-5902-a321-6ce0615a5b9f.html
Make the Road PA calls for state Legislature to pass eviction moratorium
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/make-the-road-pa-calls-for-state-legislature-to-pass-eviction-moratorium/article_6148491a-ec92-11ea-a1ad-73745cb76d10.html
Lawmakers not in favor of Wolf’s proposal to legalize recreational marijuana
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/lawmakers-not-in-favor-of-wolfs-proposal-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana/article_6c1286e4-0d6c-5d60-bc4d-1d6274946917.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf renews the COVID-19 disaster declaration for another 90 days
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/09/pa-gov-tom-wolf-renews-the-covid-19-disaster-declaration-for-another-90-days.html
Wolf extends statewide disaster proclamation, eviction moratorium expires as advocates call for action
https://www.witf.org/2020/09/01/wolf-extends-statewide-disaster-proclamation-eviction-moratorium-expires-as-advocates-call-for-action/
Nursing home COVID-19 case, death data still missing from Pa.’s public reports
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pa-nursing-home-coronavirus-deaths-cases-public-data-missing-20200902.html
‘Assume that everyone around you is infected,’ city tells Temple students; Cherry Hill schools go virtual
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-philly-nj-temple-university-cases-cherry-hill-school-20200901.html
Area colleges report low rates of COVID-19
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/area-colleges-report-low-rates-of-covid-19/article_05f6a9cb-83a0-5db6-9740-5cd605e2592e.html
University of Scranton reports 40 tested positive for COVID-19 last week
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/university-of-scranton-reports-40-tested-positive-for-covid-19-last-week/article_ecf6d284-6351-5f20-9484-efae4ebb0ccf.html
There’s more to COVID safety than 6 feet of social distance. Here’s what else to consider.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-social-distancing-rules-outdated-rigid-bmj-paper-20200902.html
Pitt reports 35 new coronavirus cases in 3 days
https://triblive.com/news/education-classroom/pitt-reports-35-new-coronavirus-cases-in-3-days/
COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County reports 29 new cases, 4 more deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/09/01/COVID-19-Allegheny-County-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-cases-deaths-pandemic-1/stories/202009010105
Allegheny County sees new covid-19 cases decrease for 2nd straight day
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-sees-new-covid-19-cases-decrease-for-2nd-straight-day/
Westmoreland County sees 3rd straight day of single-digit new covid-19 cases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-sees-3rd-straight-day-of-single-digit-new-covid-19-cases/
10 new COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/10-new-covid-19-cases-in-luzerne-county/article_273bde68-b7e6-566c-b31b-e029a1145a26.html
One new COVID-19 death in Lackawanna County; 23 new cases in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/one-new-covid-19-death-in-lackawanna-county-23-new-cases-in-nepa/article_8fe8c807-5c1a-5068-9fad-893a784f2bfb.html
As Pa. coronavirus cases decline, Berks is rising — and the state is taking notice
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/as-pa-coronavirus-cases-decline-berks-is-rising-and-the-state-is-taking-notice/article_480b5600-ec73-11ea-b31d-9b7a1e1c47b5.html
Montgomery County records 1 coronavirus death over latest 7-day period
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-1-coronavirus-death-over-latest-7-day-period/article_ed199fe5-17ba-565d-b41d-370509cef6db.html
York County sees 2nd highest single-day COVID-19 case increase on record
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/09/01/york-county-sees-2nd-highest-single-day-covid-19-case-increase-record/3456282001/
Business
Pa. attorney general sues Gillece Services for allegedly misleading customers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/09/01/Gillece-Services-lawsuit-attorney-general-Shapiro/stories/202009010133
So long, Monroeville: Medical equipment company moving to Westmoreland County
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/09/01/MedCare-Equipment-Co-Westmoreland-County-excela-upmc-wheelchairs-respiratory-Medicare/stories/202009010095
Hemp industry struggles with federal regulations
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/hemp-industry-struggles-with-federal-regulations/
The payroll tax deferral took effect Tuesday. It’ll boost your paycheck, but it’s not free money.
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-payroll-tax-deferral-in-effect-but-its-not-free-money-20200902-gv2n64wzlrbi3ozpyq2nufkqum-story.html
Frontline workers need to be paid a living wage | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/09/frontline-workers-need-to-be-paid-a-living-wage-opinion.html
Crime/Punishment
Chester County prison inmates cashed in on emergency pandemic unemployment aid, U.S. says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pandemic-unemployment-benefits-fraud-prison-inmates-checks-chester-county-20200901.html
Education
Scranton, other school districts returning virtually to save on transportation costs
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-other-school-districts-returning-virtually-to-save-on-transportation-costs/article_338b3a1b-1ebe-5dd0-8701-73eac1e863f9.html
USDA extends waivers that allow delivery of school meals. But funding could run out this year.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/09/01/USDA-extends-waivers-that-allow-school-meals-federal-funding-students-covid-19/stories/202009010107
Under pressure, Trump administration reverses course, easing way for Philly, U.S. kids to get school lunch during pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-schools-free-lunch-congress-usda-poverty-children-20200901.html
Zoom and gloom: Virtual schooling has begun, and it is unsustainable | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/school-reopening-2020-virtual-pa-philadelphia-maria-panaritis-20200901.html
Reading School District warns families of scam involving laptops
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-school-district-warns-families-of-scam-involving-laptops/article_eae0793a-ec8e-11ea-bddd-e72a44522be4.html
Wilkes, LCCC sign new agreement expanding dual admission
https://www.timesleader.com/news/799827/wilkes-lccc-sign-new-agreement-expanding-dual-admission
Elections/Politics
Pennsylvania Supreme Court takes over Democrats’ election lawsuit
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-supreme-court-lawsuit-election-mail-in-ballots-20200901.html
Jill Biden says parents are ’losing sleep’ as kids go back to school, but ‘we haven’t given up’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/jill-biden-back-to-school-tour-20200901.html
Pence visits Northeast Pennsylvania and says ‘it’s Trump country now’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/mike-pence-exeter-luzerne-county-pennsylvania-rally-20200901.html
Both sides make their case prior to Pence rally
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/both-sides-make-their-case-prior-to-pence-rally/article_66537f25-acd4-591c-b136-86829471b32d.html
Editorial: Voter errors can lead to ballot rejection
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-voter-errors-can-lead-to-ballot-rejection/article_09868e16-ec70-11ea-99f2-ab2096627d43.html
Old Navy will pay its employees to work the election polls in November
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/09/old-navy-will-pay-its-employees-to-work-the-election-polls-in-november.html
Bucks election board: Apply only once for mail-in ballot
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/09/02/bucks-county-election-board-apply-mail-ballot-only-once/3452244001/
Gaming
Pennsylvania tries again to auction a mini-casino license, and opens the field for bidders
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-mini-casino-auction-new-bidding-20200901.html
Health Care
Tower Health posts loss of $246 million in three months of the coronavirus pandemic, $378 million for the fiscal year
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/tower-health-posts-loss-of-246-million-in-three-months-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic-378/article_b6c2571a-ec82-11ea-bbd9-afe76fb8ce12.html
Local News
Large-scale warehouse project might sprout from Berks farmland along Route 222
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/large-scale-warehouse-project-might-sprout-from-berks-farmland-along-route-222/article_c1a35236-e7d9-11ea-9dca-b7e8bc41eb0d.html
New Luzerne County Cares Commission plans food/clothing drive with a twist
https://www.timesleader.com/news/799925/new-luzerne-county-cares-commission-plans-food-clothing-drive-with-a-twist
Harrison shared-use path on Springhill Road in jeopardy if township rejects maintenance pact, county says
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-shared-use-path-in-jeopardy-if-township-rejects-maintenance-pact-county-says/
Murrysville earns conservation partnership award for 2020
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/murrysville-earns-conservation-partnership-award-for-2020/
With a month to go, Lehigh Valley cities lagging behind at filling out census forms
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-census-response-rates-lehigh-valley-20200901-qtrg4zg55zbrfeehgdcm2vlybu-story.html
Cumberland County Democrats call for DA’s resignation over Facebook comment, report says
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/09/02/cumberland-county-democrats-call-das-resignation-over-facebook-comment-report-says/5689338002/
National News
CDC to halt evictions using quarantine rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/09/01/White-House-says-CDC-will-halt-evictions-using-quarantine-rules/stories/202009010166
Roger Goodell: ‘The NFL stands with the Black community’
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/09/02/Roger-Goodell-The-NFL-stands-with-the-Black-community/stories/202009020078
King of a cultural moment
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/09/02/King-of-a-cultural-moment/stories/202009010052
Philly
On back-to-school eve for 125,000 Philly students, ‘a level of excitement,’ but concerns about finances
https://www.inquirer.com/education/school-district-of-philadelphia-first-day-of-school-hite-remote-20200901.html
In fast-developing corner of North Philly, vacant lots become priceless
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/gardening/garden-north-philadelphia-gentrification-side-lot-vacant-20200902.html
First day of school assignment: Make sure your kids have internet access for virtual learning | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-public-schools-education-coronavirus-covid-19-virtual-learning-20200902.html
Can Par Funding receiver collect enough cash from business to pay investors?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/par-funding-vagnozzi-abfp-stumphauzer-receiver-fraud-20200901.html
Lawsuit over Philly jails’ pandemic response alleges grim conditions, 24-hour lockdowns
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-asd-mod-3-rcf-prisons-jails-coronavirus-covid-19-social-distancing-aclu-20200901.html
Philly says no to the Linc and Wells Fargo Center as polling places — but sees another election use
https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/wells-fargo-center-voting-nba-sixers-flyers-20200901.html
‘A slap in the face’: West Philadelphians, police decry vandalism of mural honoring slain sergeant
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/a-slap-in-the-face-west-philadelphians-police-decry-vandalism-of-mural-honoring-slain-sergeant/article_f0206b11-f554-5cee-8ce0-9b180c7b5b82.html
Is a Sixers arena at Penn’s Landing good for Philly? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/sixers-arena-penns-landing-waterfront-development-20200901.html
Instead of clearing homeless encampments, city leaders should create plans for permanent housing | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-homeless-encampment-benjamin-franklin-parkway-evicted-20200901.html
Pitt
Peduto administration unveils 20-year citywide land use plan
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/09/01/Peduto-administration-unveils-20-year-citywide-land-use-plan/stories/202009010122
ForgingPGH land-use plan to be developed in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/forgingpgh-land-use-plan-to-be-developed-in-pittsburgh/
A ‘funky public space’: Hazelwood Green owner seeking to redevelop old industrial riverfront for recreation
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/09/01/Hazelwood-Green-Almono-LTV-Coke-Works-recreation-riverfront-community/stories/202009010123
PennDOT: Expiration dates on commercial driver licenses, commercial learner’s permits extended
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/09/02/Expiration-dates-on-commercial-driver-licenses-commercial-learner-s-permits-extended-PennDOT/stories/202009020079
Speakers decry Chinese treatment of Uighurs
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/09/02/Uighur-Muslims-camps-China-University-of-Pittsburgh-Islamic-Center-Beth-Shalom/stories/202009010129
17 nonprofits receive grants to explore innovative education
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/09/01/17-nonprofits-receive-grants-to-explore-innovative-education/stories/202009010109
Operator of Heinz History Center sues after insurance company rejects claim
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/09/01/Heinz-History-Center-Historical-Society-lawsuit-insurance-company-pandemic-losses-covid-19/stories/202009010132
Mayor Peduto says protest tensions have eased in Pittsburgh, activist disagrees
https://triblive.com/local/mayor-peduto-says-protest-tensions-have-eased-in-pittsburgh-activist-disagrees/
Pittsburgh Parking Authority resumes ticketing in residential permit-only zones
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-parking-authority-resumes-ticketing-in-permit-only-zones/
State News
Southwestern Pennsylvania women to be honored for contributions to conservation
https://triblive.com/local/regional/southwestern-pennsylvania-women-honored-for-contributions-to-conservation/
How Pa. strips people living with autism and intellectual disabilities of personal choice | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/how-pa-strips-people-living-with-autism-and-intellectual-disabilities-of-personal-choice-opinion/
Solar energy project planned for Snyder County coal ash basin site
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/09/solar-energy-project-planned-for-snyder-county-coal-ash-basin-site.html
August collections reach almost 9% more than anticipated: Pa. Dept. of Revenue
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/09/august-collections-reach-almost-9-more-than-anticipated-pa-dept-of-revenue.html
Transportation
Construction to proceed on Mon-Fayette Expressway’s next section, but funding may delay last leg
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/09/01/Mon-Fayette-Expressway-PA-Turnpike-Duquesne-Jefferson-Hills-Monroeville-funding/stories/202009010155