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Good afternoon! Here’s a look at AP’s general news coverage today in Pennsylvania. For questions about the state report, contact the Philadelphia bureau at 215-561-1133. Ron Todt is on the desk. Editor Larry Rosenthal can be reached at 215-446-6631 or [email protected].
A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date.
Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with updates.
TOP STORIES:
POLITICS OF PAIN-PENNSYLVANIA, HFR
HARRISBURG — Lawmakers returning to Harrisburg this month are expected to take up a package of bills designed to curb opioid addiction in Pennsylvania, and it may include a pharmaceutical company-backed measure that could pave the way to more expensive prescriptions for supposedly abuse-resistant painkillers whose effectiveness in curbing abuse is disputed. By Marc Levy. SENT: About 700 words. Sent in advance for use at 12:01 a.m. EDT Sunday.
With:
— BC-US–Politics of Pain.
PHILADELPHIA OFFICERS SHOT
PHILADELPHIA — A “rambling” note expressing hatred for police was found after a man opened fire on a Philadelphia police officer then went on a shooting spree, injuring a second officer, killing a woman and wounding three other people before he was shot and killed by police in an alley, authorities said Saturday.
EXCHANGE-HAWKS MIGRATION
KEMPTON, Pa. — September is the month of cool, crisp mornings that surrenders its midday grip to the sultriness of summer. There is a conquering of climate change happening by the hour. From morning to afternoon during that cool-to-warm transition a column of heated air known as a “thermal” ascends up into the earth’s atmosphere. When that updraft becomes interrupted by puffy layers of cumulus clouds in mid-September tens of thousands of broad-winged hawks take heed and ride that perfect storm of rising air southward on their annual migration. By Rick Koval, Pocono Record.
EXCHANGE-PIZZERIAS HELPING HUNGRY
SCRANTON, Pa. —Nearly seven months later, no other restaurants have stepped up to the plate. “The nice thing about it is you are taking hunger away from someone you don’t even know,” said Jeff Mackie, an owner of Matarazzo’s Pizza and Subs in Minooka who acts as the coordinator for what is now known as Pizza Tuesday at St. Francis. “That’s a good thing and it costs you almost nothing to do.” By David Singleton, The Times-Tribune.
EXCHANGE-ENCOURAGING WRISTBANDS
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — It’s those words on a wristband that an area business hopes will encourage residents to work together with police. American Eagle Screen Print and Embroidery, in Cover Hill, has given the Johnstown Police Department with 500 blue wristbands to be distributed to children and adults while the officers are patrolling. “The goal is to create community togetherness,” said Jody Altemus, assistant to the owner of American Eagle Screen Print and Embroidery. “A bond with the children is what we are looking for.” By Kelly Urban, The Tribune-Democrat.
EXCHANGE-CURSIVE WRITING’S LESSON
PITTSBURGH —Violet Peluso made sure she was at the front of the group, where she could see the teacher and her rabbit puppet. When the music started, she joined her first-grade classmates in their rendition of “The Magic C Rap,” dancing around and tracing the letter “C” in the air with her finger. “I do a lot of karaoke,” said Violet, 6, after she sat down at her desk and copied the letter several times in her handwriting workbook. “It’s good practice.” Her teacher at McIntyre Elementary School, Carol Nelson, told each student to circle their best letter and close their books. The lesson lasted for about 10 minutes. North Hills School District is among a growing number of districts that are putting renewed emphasis on handwriting — specifically, cursive — after new research has shown that teaching the looping, continuous writing style benefits brain development, memory retention and fine motor skills. By Elizabeth Berman, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
EXCHANGE-FOSTER GRANDPARENTS
SUNBURY, Pa. —A simple statement of adoration to foster grandparent Rose Digin still fills the 67-year-old woman’s heart with joy. She remembers walking hand in hand down a hallway a few years ago with a Shikellamy elementary student, who looked up and her and said, “I love you, grandma.” It’s that moment that makes the Foster Grandparent Program worth it for her. “I’m retired and it gives me something to do,” Digin, of Sunbury, said at Grace S. Beck Elementary School on Arch Street. “I always enjoyed working with children. They look up to you. If you’re not there, they miss you: ‘Where are you grandma?” By Justin Strawser, The Daily Item.
IN BRIEF:
SPORTS:
FBN–EAGLES-BEARS
LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Carson Wentz turned heads in his NFL debut. Now, all eyes will be on him.Wentz looks to build on a promising start to his care er when he leads the Philadelphia Eagles against the Chicago Bears on Monday night. By Andrew Seligman. About 800 words, photos, moved in advance.
BBN–MARLINS-PHILLIES
PHILADELPHIA — Jeremy Hellickson (11-9) starts for the Phillies against Miami’s Jose Urena (4-6). Upcoming: About 650 words. With hometown lead on losing team. Starts 7:05 p.m. EDT.
BBN–PIRATES-REDS
CINCINNATI — The Reds and Pirates play a doubleheader, with Anthony DeSclafani (8-3z0 facing Jameson Taillon (3-4) in the first game and left-hander Brandon Finnegan (9-10) going against Trevor Williams (1-1) in the second game. By Joe Kay. UPCOMING: Games start at 12:10 p.m. EDT and 6 10 p.m. EDT. AP Photos, hometown lead.
FBC–PITTSBURGH-OKLAHOMA ST.
STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State is trying to bounce back from it’s heartbreaking loss to Central Michigan, but Pittsburgh, with star running back James Conner, is looking to push its way into the Top 25. UPCOMING: 550 words, with photos. Game time 2:30 p.m. Central.
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MARKETPLACE: Calling your attention to the Marketplace in AP Exchange, where you can find member-contributed content from Pennsylvania and other states. The Marketplace is accessible on the left navigational pane of the AP Exchange home page, near the bottom. For both national and state, you can click “All” or search for content by topics such as education, politics and business.