Legislature
Pa. House advances bill allowing older victims of child sexual abuse to sue
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/09/24/Harrisburg-catholic-church-sex-abuse-law-statute-limitations-grand-jury/stories/201809240132
Child-sex abuse survivors and allies celebrate a victory in Pa. State House
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/survivors_and_allies_celebrate.html#incart_river_index
House approves retroactive amendment; final House vote on statute of limitations bill could come Tuesday
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/house_approves_retroactive_ame.html#incart_river_index
Child sex abuse reforms among issues for returning Pa. legislators
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14113256-74/child-sex-abuse-reforms-among-issues-for-returning-pa-legislators
House moves key amendment allowing retroactive child sex abuse suits
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/09/house-moves-key-amendment-allowing-retroactive-child-sex-abuse-suits.php
Pennsylvania House moves closer to approving bill giving childhood sexual abuse victims more time to sue
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-legislature-child-sex-abuse-20180924-story.html
House tees up statute of limitations fix; final vote Tuesday
http://www.tribdem.com/news/house-tees-up-statute-of-limitations-fix-final-vote-tuesday/article_aed0007c-1f2b-5531-9669-d48d9352e905.html
Pennsylvania House OKs two-year window for childhood sex abuse lawsuits
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-house-oks-two-year-window-for-childhood-sex-abuse-lawsuits
Former Pa. legislator breaks years of silence on his own sexual abuse
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/former_pa_legislators_breaks_y.html#incart_river_index
Pa. Senate: Swamp creatures or saviors of clergy abuse victims? | Maria Panaritis
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/maria-panaritis/statute-of-limitations-pa-clergy-child-sexual-abuse-victims-catholic-church-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-maria-panaritis-20180925.html
After months of waiting, gun protection bill up for a vote
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/09/after-months-of-waiting-gun-protection-bill-up-for-a-vote.php
Group rallies lawmakers to pass gun measure affecting PFAs
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/group-rallies-lawmakers-to-pass-gun-measure-affecting-pfas/article_8991dfac-c03f-11e8-acad-cbd90276935c.html
Pa. Senate to hold tribute to life of longtime GOP chief counsel Stephen MacNett
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/09/pa_senate_to_hold_tribute_to_l.html#incart_river_index
With ban lifted, casinos’ political contributions need some basic limits | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/with-ban-lifted-casinos-political-contributions-some-some-basic-limits-editorial-20180925.html
Suspending driver’s licenses can be ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment for ex-offenders | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/drivers-licenses-suspension-sentencing-driver-ex-offenders-20180924.html
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Fair Districts PA Hosts Walk To Bring Attention To Gerrymandering
http://radio.wpsu.org/post/fair-districts-pa-hosts-walk-bring-attention-gerrymandering
Business
Staples reopening Saturday at Arena Hub Plaza
https://www.timesleader.com/news/719377/staples-reopening-saturday-at-arena-hub-plaza
Event brings world to NEPA
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/event-brings-world-to-nepa-1.2389480
UPS hiring nearly 1,100 people in Harrisburg area for holiday season
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/ups_hiring_nearly_1100_people.html#incart_river_index
Clergy Sex Abuse
Pope acknowledges abuse scandals outrage, drive people away
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20180925_ap_8e627156352a4d9fb2ad95c4353882e3.html?arc404=true
Catholic League’s criticism of grand jury probe is garbage
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/muschick/mc-opi-priest-sex-abuse-grand-jury-catholic-league-muschick-20180924-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Prosecutors to judge: Send Bill Cosby to prison for 10 years
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/bill-cosby-sentencing-andrea-constand-norristown-sex-personality-disorder-20180924.html
Psychologist: Bill Cosby a sexual predator with uncontrollable urge to violate women
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/09/24/Psychologist-Kristen-Dudley-Bill-Cosby-violent-sexual-predator-Andrea-Constand/stories/201809240117
New drug trafficking designation will bring $1M per year to W. Pa. from White House
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/09/24/HITDA-designation-federal-allegheny-beaver-washington-county-opioid-fentanyl-trafficking-scott-brady/stories/201809240121
Fewer Westmoreland County Prison inmates needed detox recently
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14112635-74/fewer-inmates-at-westmoreland-county-prison-needed-detox-in-july-august-warden
Westmoreland County Prison seeking to hire 7 corrections officers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14112421-74/westmoreland-county-prison-seeking-to-hire-7-corrections-officers
Education
WPIAL holds 2-hour, closed hearing on alleged racial slurs at Penn Hills-Connellsville soccer game
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-soccer/2018/09/24/penn-hills-connellsville-racist-comments-high-school-soccer-game-wpial-hearing/stories/201809240177
WPIAL hearing held for alleged racial incident
https://tribhssn.triblive.com/wpial-holds-hearing-for-connellsville-penn-hills-officials-after-allegations-of-racial-slurs-during-soccer-game/
As Scranton board looks to hire investigator, one director wants employees to resign
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-scranton-board-looks-to-hire-investigator-one-director-wants-employees-to-resign-1.2389509
Minor injuries reported as Mars Area school bus carrying 40 students crashes in Butler County
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/09/24/Minor-injuries-reported-Mars-Area-School-District-bus-crash-Route-228/stories/201809240136
I-LEAD in Reading off the tax sale list, for now
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/i-lead-in-reading-off-the-tax-sale-list-for-now
2 new police officers patrolling halls in Highlands School District
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14113183-74/2-new-police-officers-patrolling-halls-in-highlands-school-district
Harrisburg school kitchen inspections turn up violations after photos of spotty hot dogs made public
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/harrisburg_school_district_foo.html#incart_river_index
Students at Edinboro ask university to reconsider decision on care for those with disabilities
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/09/24/Edinboro-University-disabilities-care-attendant-college-State-System-of-Higher-Education-Pennsylvania/stories/201809240106
Temple Rhodes scholar: I’m proof that your circumstances don’t define your success | Perspective
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/temple-university-rhodes-scholar-hazim-hardeman-oxford-20180924.html
Students first: DeVos is protective of the wrong people
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/09/25/Students-first-Betsy-DeVos-is-protective-of-the-wrong-people/stories/201809250034
Elections/Politics
Gov. Wolf: Debates aren’t needed to show the “stark contrast” between himself and GOP Scott Wagner
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/09/gov_wolf_said_voters_dont_need.html#incart_river_index
Gov. Tom Wolf talks first-term success and re-election without naming opponent
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-tom-wolf-press-club-election-speech-20180924-story.html
Scott Wagner has a ‘shocking new plan’ to close Pa. schools? No, not really | Analysis
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/09/a_shocking_new_plan_to_close_p.html#incart_river_index
Haverford College will get a polling place
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/haverford-college-election-democrat-republican-polling-place-20180924.html
Political ad fact check: John Chrin
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/political-ad-fact-check-john-chrin-1.2389597
Local News
Solomon Creek project gets OK to use prefabricated retaining wall
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/solomon-creek-project-gets-ok-to-use-prefabricated-retaining-wall-1.2389521
Officials explain $21 million Nantego development in Nanticoke
https://www.timesleader.com/news/719423/officials-explain-21-million-nantego-development-in-nanticoke
Workshop details county-wide fight against blight
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/workshop-details-county-wide-fight-against-blight-1.2389517
Luzerne County seeks overseer for 911 radio upgrade project
https://www.timesleader.com/news/719408/luzerne-county-seeks-overseer-for-911-radio-upgrade-project
Bear encounter deadly for cat in Wilkes-Barre Twp.
https://www.timesleader.com/news/719363/bear-encounter-deadly-for-cat-in-w-b-twp
Free flu vaccine clinics announced for W-B residents
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/free-flu-vaccine-clinics-announced-for-w-b-residents-1.2389491
Scranton opens bids for Wenzel Treehouse repairs
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-opens-bids-for-wenzel-treehouse-repairs-1.2389459
Scranton hopes for spring 2020 opening of pocket park
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-hopes-for-spring-2020-opening-of-pocket-park-1.2389574
Volunteers needed for World War II paratrooper’s homecoming
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/volunteers-needed-for-world-war-ii-paratrooper-s-homecoming-1.2389688
Overreach not problem
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/overreach-not-problem-1.2389462
Prosecutors want to see Westmoreland sheriff’s campaign finance records
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14113184-74/prosecutors-want-to-see-westmoreland-sheriffs-campaign-finance-records
Hempfield supervisors oppose school district assessment appeal program
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14114210-74/hempfield-supervisors-oppose-school-district-assessment-appeal-program
Harrison commissioners choose J.P. Marino II as township’s first manager
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14113922-74/harrison-commissioners-choose-jp-marino-ii-as-townships-first-manager
Reading City Council calls for investigation into firings
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-council-calls-for-investigation-into-firings
Reading’s ongoing boil-water advisory a nuisance for customers
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/readings-ongoing-boil-water-advisory-a-nuisance-for-customers
Reading developer pays for billboards scrutinizing Mayor Wally Scott
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-developer-pays-for-billboards-scrutinizing-mayor-wally-scott&template=ourcityart
National News
Black youth facing highest rate of adult trials in years, report says
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/black-youth-facing-highest-rate-of-adult-trials-in-years/article_0f7b1d85-0cfe-5f4b-bc9e-382673344565.html
Natural Gas
Diversified Gas expects to push well plugging liabilities decades into the future
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2018/09/24/Diversified-Gas-Oil-plans-well-plugging-liabilities-decades-future-environment/stories/201809200155
Philly
7-year-old who died after fall from SEPTA train remembered for entrepreneurial spirit
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/seven-year-old-who-died-after-fall-from-septa-train-remembered-for-entrepreneurial-spirit-20180924.html#loaded
With bus service no faster than walking, a new approach to clear up Center City traffic jams
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/phillys-traffic-cops-center-city-enforcement-bus-septa-ppa-20180924.html
Girl, 17, shot near Philly’s Central High School
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/central-high-school-shooting-lockdowns-20180924.html
Boeing wins $2.4 billion Air Force copter contract with Philly-made MH-139
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/boeing-wins-2-4-billion-air-force-copter-contract-for-philly-made-mh-139-20180924.html
Mayor Kenney’s managing director accepts Penn Fels post
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/mayor-kenney-managing-director-michael-diberardinis-accepts-penn-fels-post-20180924.html
Philly’s $40K cab ride: What it says about modern, urban education
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/philly-s-k-cab-ride-what-it-says-about-modern/article_a4e56d5b-5f75-55c4-b19c-8ed9ecd16761.html
State PUC urges Philly to get rid of ‘duplicative’ gas commission
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/energy/state-puc-urges-philly-duplicative-gas-commission-20180924.html
Grocery store boom running out of steam in Philly
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/business/grocery-store-boom-running-out-of-steam-in-philly/article_3d0f8982-0fc7-52de-b213-6a0001468435.html
Fixing Philadelphia’s libraries is overdue | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/free-library-philadelphia-mayor-kenney-city-council-20180924.html
With a season to go, Philly already has had a year’s worth of rain
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/weather/philadelphia-weather-rain-totals-seasons-20180924.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh school board approves tax diversion plan for Smallman Street development
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/09/24/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-Smallman-Street-produce-terminal-strip-district-redevelopment-TIF-tax-plan/stories/201809240139
Big Brothers Big Sisters changes screening process to align with Pittsburgh Public Schools anti-discrimination policy
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/09/24/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Big-Brothers-Big-Sisters-pittsburgh-student-mentor-program-pps-anti-discrimination-policy/stories/201809240126
Blood bank gets a new name: Vitalant
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/09/24/Central-Blood-Bank-Vitalant-Pittsburgh-name-change-rebranding-donations-Blood-Systems/stories/201809240128
Proposed Allegheny County ordinance would create oil and gas lease registry
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2018/09/24/Allegheny-County-ordinance-oil-natural-gas-lease-registry/stories/201809230164
Proposal would mandate accessible swings for Pittsburgh’s new playgrounds
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/09/24/ADA-accessible-playground-swings-wheelchair-accessibility-Pittsburgh-playgrounds-bill-peduto/stories/201809240145
Denzel Washington coming to Pittsburgh for August Wilson House event
http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2018/09/23/Denzel-Washington-Pittsburgh-August-Wilson-House-Hill-District-Fences/stories/201809230245
Are you good at cleaning up other people’s messes? Pittsburgh has an ‘anti-litter specialist’ opening
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/09/24/Pittsburgh-Department-Public-Works-Anti-Litter-Specialist-trash-litter-illegal-dumping/stories/201809240120
Beechview wins the Oscar (the Grouch Trophy) in second Garbage Olympics
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/neighborhood/2018/09/24/Beechview-Pittsburgh-Garbage-Olympics-Clean-Commission-volunteers-trash-pickup-litter/stories/201809240108
Yinz threw away 29 TVs and a fridge during Pittsburgh’s Garbage Olympics
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14112466-74/yinz-threw-away-29-tvs-and-a-fridge-during-pittsburghs-garbage-olympics
Carnegie Science Center co-directors are retiring this year
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/09/24/Carnegie-Science-Center-co-directors-are-retiring-this-year-Pittsburgh-PPG-Science-Pavilion/stories/201809240105
Pittsburgh poised to pay $18K settlement to woman who fell down stairs
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14113242-74/city-of-pittsburgh-poised-to-pay-18k-settlement-to-woman-who-fell
Voter registration events planned for Pittsburgh area Tuesday
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14113239-74/voter-registration-events-planned-for-pittsburgh-area-tuesday
State News
Middletown Friends to recognize slaves in unmarked graves and their role in Quaker history
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/middletown-slavery-memorial-coming-october-20180924.html
With hundreds of homes abandoned, a steel town weighs its fate
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/09/22/North-Braddock-disincorporation-allegheny-county-legislation-dissolve-services/stories/201809220003
Board distributes liquor license fees to 40 municipalities
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/board-distributes-liquor-license-fees-to-40-municipalities-1.2389493
Private money managers got $6 billion from Pa. pension systems: What it means for you
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/09/pension_fees_6_billion_pa.html#incart_river_index
Transportation
Rail crossing work closes a portion of Hulton Road in Plum
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14113401-74/rail-crossing-work-closes-a-portion-of-hulton-road-in-plum
Oil supply concerns could wipe out expected decline in gas prices
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14112534-74/oil-supply-concerns-could-wipe-out-expected-decline-in-gas-prices
Washington
Trump: No statehood for Puerto Rico with critics in office
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/20180924_ap_6e16c132957e484ea96437c065ccab97.html?arc404=true