Legislature
The final countdown: Bills awaiting action as Pa. Legislature’s 2017-18 session winds to a close
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/09/19b0e5987a3014/the-final-countdown-bills-awai.html#incart_river_index
No bulbs, but Senior Expo sheds light on a lot of issues
https://www.timesleader.com/news/718953/no-bulbs-but-senior-expo-sheds-light-on-a-lot-of-issues
Lawmakers rail over short session for critical bills
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/lawmakers-rail-over-short-session-for-critical-bills/article_d4a1d36a-5ca9-5baa-bd6a-9dc9a7f4a35e.html
Chester County killings underscore need for domestic-violence reform, advocates say; one bill could pass next week
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/domestic-violence-bruce-rogal-chester-county-abuse-killing-20180920.html
Reveal gas lines
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/reveal-gas-lines-1.2388155
Editorial: Pennsylvania lawmakers’ long to-do list
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-pennsylvania-lawmakers-long-to-do-list
Administration
Gov. Wolf orders state police troopers to routinely visit schools, colleges during patrols
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/gov_wolf_orders_troopers_to_ro.html#incart_river_index
Business
Tensions mount in U.S. Steel, USW talks
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2018/09/20/Tensions-mount-in-U-S-Steel-USW-talks/stories/201809200130
Here fishy, fishy: Scranton aquarium welcomes first customers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/here-fishy-fishy-scranton-aquarium-welcomes-first-customers-1.2388432
Crime/Punishment
The Bill Cosby judge forbids testimony by other accusers at the entertainer’s sentencing
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2018/09/20/The-Bill-Cosby-judge-forbids-testimony-by-other-accusers-at-the-entertainer-s-sentencing/stories/201809200235
One review of Pa. prisons’ pricey ebooks: ‘Books that are available for free, that nobody wants anyway’
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania-department-corrections-books-through-bars-philly-new-jim-crow-malcolm-x-20180921.html
Ex-South Fayette PTA head charged with stealing nearly $20K from group
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/09/20/South-Fayette-PTA-Kristin-Mandrick-charged-stealing-nearly-20K-from-group/stories/201809200176
Cops: Mt. Lebanon man stole $12K from Harrison nursery school
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14100294-74/harrison-nursery-school-accountant-a-mt-lebanon-cpa-accused-of-stealing-nearly
People in Pa. prisons are smuggling medicine to treat their addictions because the state won’t provide it | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-department-corrections-prison-lockdown-drugs-mat-buprenorphine-suboxone-addiction-treatment-20180921.html
Education
Dallas teachers approve tentative contract; school board set to vote Sunday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/718932/tentative-agreement-reached-in-dallas-contract-dispute
Dallas teachers ratify tentative contract
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dallas-teachers-ratify-tentative-contract-1.2388322
North Hills educator youngest ever to be named national history teacher of the year
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2018/09/20/North-Hills-history-teacher-Joe-Welch-teacher-of-the-year/stories/201809200173
Fired Abington Heights teacher settles lawsuit against district for $950,000
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fired-abington-heights-teacher-settles-lawsuit-against-district-for-950-000-1.2388150
Pottstown schools celebrates $1 million grant
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pottstown-schools-celebrates-1-million-grant
Computer conundrum: More time needed to prepare 2,000 new HASD machines
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/computer-conundrum-more-time-needed-to-prepare-2-000-new-hasd-machines-1.2388275
Lackawanna College opens new culinary center
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-college-opens-new-culinary-center-1.2388103
College students could face a $1,100 cut in the maximum state grant award in 2019-20
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/09/college_students_could_face_a.html#incart_river_index
Elections/Politics
Wagner, Republican nominee for governor, shares story about ‘raccoon’ infestation
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/09/20/Scott-Wagner-Republican-nominee-governor-raccoon-infestation-story-immigration/stories/201809200226
Democrats criticize Wagner for reading InfoWars letter at campaign event
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14100197-74/democrats-criticize-wagner-for-reading-infowars-letter-at-campaign-event
Democratic congressional candidate calls on Trump to release his tax returns, but won’t show his | Clout
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/clout/clout-scott-wallace-donald-trump-tax-returns-congress-election-20180921.html
Trump, Don Jr. love Pa., but national GOP groups have left top of the ticket stranded
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/elections/trump-obama-scott-wagner-pennsylvania-gop-governor-20180920.html
Delaware County should help Haverford College students vote | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/haverford-college-voting-election-day-student-delaware-county-pennsylvania-20180920.html
Workers’ rights more important than ever this election | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/janus-labor-unions-workers-2018-midterms-public-sector-20180920.html
First county buys voting machines under new state standards
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/09/first_county_buys_voting_machi.html#incart_river_index
Health Care
Coordinated Health wants to build larger facility
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/coordinated-health-wants-to-build-larger-facility-1.2388277
Local News
City set to upgrade police records system
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-set-to-upgrade-police-records-system-1.2388326
More large commercial assessment reductions granted in Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/718955/more-large-commercial-assessment-reductions-granted-in-luzerne-county
Payment of city tax doesn’t change Parking Authority’s view of Sterling lot
https://www.timesleader.com/news/718943/payment-of-city-tax-doesnt-change-parking-authoritys-view-of-sterling-lot
Lisman to retire as county coroner
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lisman-to-retire-as-county-coroner-1.2388211
Grant will aid upgrades at Osterhout
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/grant-will-aid-upgrades-at-osterhout-1.2388304
‘CASAblanca’ comes to Forty Fort: Fundraiser helps find children’s advocates
https://www.timesleader.com/news/718970/casablanca-comes-to-forty-fort-fundraiser-helps-find-childrens-advocates
Area govts to share $5.8M in grants
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/area-govts-to-share-5-8m-in-grants-1.2388185
Bloomsburg Fair set to begin
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bloomsburg-fair-set-to-begin-1.2388298
WVSA could finalize stormwater fees soon
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvsa-could-finalize-stormwater-fees-soon-1.2388212
Expanded Kiski Valley sewage plant credited with preventing pollution disaster
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14099519-74/expanded-kiski-sewage-plant-credited-with-preventing-pollution-disaster
Analyst: Reading turmoil not a good sign for Act 47
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/analyst-reading-turmoil-not-a-good-sign-for-act-47
ADAPPT halfway house in Reading to close
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/adappt-halfway-house-in-reading-to-close
Volunteers replace roof for Berks Korean War veteran
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/volunteers-replace-roof-for-berks-korean-war-veteran
Leaders imagine a ‘brand’ new Johnstown marketed around outdoor opportunities
http://www.tribdem.com/news/leaders-imagine-a-brand-new-johnstown-marketed-around-outdoor-opportunities/article_de125190-bd4e-11e8-a31d-07a0ae23b5de.html
Berks Heim will receive one-time windfall from federal program
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-heim-will-receive-one-time-windfall-from-federal-program
National News
‘Girl Boss’ shirts, ‘Wild Feminist’ onesies: How kids’ clothing became activist in the era of Trump
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/retail/feminist-baby-clothes-children-female-empowerment-activist-quotes-girl-boss-20180921.html
California becomes the first state to restrict plastic straws at restaurants
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2018/09/20/California-becomes-the-first-state-to-restrict-plastic-straws-at-restaurants/stories/201809200245
The Colorado meatpacker Cargill recalls 132K pounds of ground beef after an E. coli death
http://www.post-gazette.com//health/2018/09/20/The-Colorado-meatpacker-Cargill-recalls-132K-pounds-of-ground-beef-after-an-E-coli-death/stories/201809200244
Here’s how Golf Digest and college students helped free a man wrongly convicted of murder
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/09/20/Here-s-how-Golf-Digest-and-college-students-helped-free-a-man-wrongly-convicted-of-murder/stories/201809200241
Natural Gas
Shale industry: Taxpayers should foot part of the bill for oil and gas oversight
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/09/shale-industry-taxpayers-should-foot-part-of-the-bill-for-oil-and-gas-oversight.php
Philly
Community to break bread, discuss what matters to them during citywide table talks
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/on-the-table-philly-kicks-off-community-discussions-20180920.html
Penn report: City should prepare for S. Philly refinery closure
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/energy/pes-refinery-closure-20180920.html
Phila. Gas Works proposes LNG venture with a private partner
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/energy/pgw-proposes-private-lng-partnership-liberty-energy-trust-20180920.html
How a developer and Rittenhouse residents collaborated to make Philly’s newest skyscraper a home for more than just the rich
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/real_estate/residential/the-laurel-rittenhouse-square-southern-land-company-condos-apartments-workforce-housing-20180921.html
Effort to rename street after Goode Sr. angers many
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/effort-to-rename-street-after-goode-sr-angers-many/article_790937d6-8fb3-5056-b317-9d47a7bb7d93.html
Eagles’ Ajayi helps ‘Bag Hunger’ at local ShopRite
http://www.phillytrib.com/lifestyle/eagles-ajayi-helps-bag-hunger-at-local-shoprite/article_42ebcfb6-5720-5123-be4e-0442b2b4b03e.html
Homeless population increases sharply in Kensington area
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/homeless-population-increases-sharply-in-kensington-area/article_b40d2393-51e9-512c-9851-f69c93e7332c.html
When ICE deports, it is enforcing the law, not breaking it | Stu Bykofsky
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/stu_bykofsky/ice-simona-flores-sanctuary-city-philadelphia-stu-bykofsky-20180920.html
Jeff Lurie bought the Eagles for $185 million. They’re worth a lot more today.
http://www2.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/nfl-team-values-forbes-eagles-prices-20180920.html
Philly’s U.S. attorney pursuing corporate espionage and white collar crime with ‘100 percent support’ from Jeff Sessions
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/phillys-u-s-attorney-espionage-trade-secrets-china-jeff-sessions-20180921.html
Pitt
Mom of teen hurt in 2015 Pittsburgh police chase sues city over pursuit training
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/09/20/pittsburgh-police-pursuit-policy-lawsuit-donovan-robinson-carolyn-hanner-timothy-o-brien/stories/201809200141
Tenants can stay in Valmar apartments — for now
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2018/09/20/Valmar-apartments-penn-hills-Tenants-ordered-to-leave-water-shutoff-court-challenge/stories/201809200144
Residents allowed to stay in Penn Hills apartments after water, electric restored
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14100047-74/residents-allowed-to-stay-in-penn-hills-apartments-after-water-electric-restored
Port Authority begins “rebranding” process to change its image
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/09/20/Port-Authority-Campos-Red-House-Communications-developing-authority-wide-operating-concept/stories/201809200166
Port Authority committee recommends 48 display terminals to improve service
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/09/20/Port-Authority-committee-display-terminals-kiosks-improvements-service/stories/201809200127
Wagner wants to examine airport authority votes, records
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/09/20/Wagner-wants-to-examine-airport-authority-votes-records/stories/201809200145
Brightwood Career Institute to close Downtown campus in 2019
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2018/09/20/Brightwood-Career-Institute-to-close-Downtown-campus-in-2019-for-profit-trade-school-Education-Corporation-of-America/stories/201809200150
Developers complete 36 affordable homes in Pittsburgh’s Homewood
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14100013-74/developers-complete-36-affordable-homes-in-one-of-pittsburghs-poorest-neighborhoods
Cardigan Day brings out the love for Fred Rogers in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14098571-74/some-fans-brought-their-own-colorful-cardigans-others-slipped-on-a-loaned
Parks Conservancy lands $1 million grant for Allegheny Commons fountain
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14099808-74/parks-conservancy-lands-1-million-grant-for-allegheny-commons-fountain
Santa Peduto is coming to town
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14099791-74/santa-peduto-is-coming-to-town
Shootings
Woman planned to drop charges against her husband before he shot her, 3 others
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/09/20/Masontown-man-shooting-wife-Patrick-Dowdell-district-court/stories/201809200140
Westmoreland County district judges talk safety after Masontown court shooting
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14100269-74/westmoreland-county-district-judges-talk-safety-after-masontown-court-shooting
Court documents outline threats by gunman prior to Masontown shooting
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/court-documents-outline-threats-by-gunman-prior-to-masontown-shooting/article_2e9bb6c6-bce4-11e8-a03d-ebaead8323c0.html
Chester County shooter, ex-wife tangled in bitter, 3-year divorce that ended day before violent encounter
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/bellingham-shooting-chester-county-pennsylvania-bruce-rogal-divorce-family-20180920.html
State News
Experts: State’s troubled pension funds fuel $3.8 billion in profits for private equity firms
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/09/20/Pennsylvania-pension-state-employees-teachers-private-equity-investment-profits/stories/201809200223
Expert: PA pension funds have underreported billions in payments
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/09/expert-pa-pension-funds-have-underreported-billions-in-payments.php
1 killed in ATV crash in Ligonier Township
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14101195-74/1-killed-in-atv-crash-in-ligonier-township
Is the elevator you’re riding safe? You have no right to know in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/harrisburg_high_rise_elevator.html#incart_river_index
Pennsylvania Game Commission investigating deer deaths in Berks, Chester counties
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-game-commission-investigating-deer-deaths-in-berks-chester-counties
Transportation
New Pa. stretch completes I-95 after 62 years
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/i-95-completed-after-62-years-bucks-highway-finished-turnpike-20180921.html
Inbound Parkway East work scheduled this weekend
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/09/20/Pittsburgh-Parkway-East-paving-schedule-traffic-single-lane-restrictions/stories/201809200149
Bridge on Route 724 in Robeson Township to reopen
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bridge-on-route-724-in-robeson-township-to-reopen
Washington
A congressman’s joke about Ruth Bader Ginsburg being groped by Lincoln spurs rebukes
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/09/20/A-congressman-s-joke-about-Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg-being-groped-by-Lincoln-spurs-rebukes/stories/201809200238
Trump blasts GOP spending plan that lacks money for wall
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/20180920_ap_62b55925fda74171b51fd11f632e05c2.html?arc404=true