The state legislature is back in session, Congress (kinda) works to avoid a shutdown, and PA’s August jobs numbers are a letdown. Good morning politicos, here’s the Buzz.

August Jobs Report: PA Unemployment Rises: After three months at a steady rate of 7.5%, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate rose to 7.7% in the month of August.

9/20 Ups & Downs: A big Medicaid proposal from Gov. Corbett, some moves from the Obama admin, and more. Here’s who had a good week and who needs a do-over.

Pawlowski Pushes His Luck with Rendell: A few days ago, Ed Rendell went out of his way to tell reporters that he would not endorse in the Democratic primary for Governor. Friday, an email from Ed Pawlowski’s gubernatorial campaign trumpeted that the former Guv had hosted a fundraiser for him.

PA Reps Vote Party Lines on CR/Defund Obamacare Bill: The PA delegation votes along party lines in a new spending bill aimed at avoiding a government shutdown and defunding the Affordable Care Act.

Fitzpatrick, Meehan Buck Party on Food Stamps Bill: The two Republican Congressmen from suburban Philadelphia voted against the Republican food stamp bill.

Statewide
WITF: PA Senate may take up charter school reform this fall
PA Independent: PA boosts natural gas industry by giving $2M for fuel stations
PA Independent: Liquor, lodging lobbies say no to proposed PA drink tax
StateImpactPA: Corbett Taps Acting Secretaries For DEP, DCNR
StateImpactPA: Royalty Group Urges Landowners To Pay Close Attention To Chesapeake Settlement
Capitolwire: Acknowledging troubled court, Castille gains state GOP endorsement
Capitolwire: State Republicans downplay challenge to Shuster

Philadelphia
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. looks at new tax on alcoholic drinks to raise funds for distressed cities
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. Republicans explain ‘no’ votes on food stamp cuts
The Big Tent: Corbett singles out Schwartz in email
The Big Tent: Dem gov candidate touts Rendell support
Heard in the Hall: Shred this!
PhillyClout: Pawlowski dials back claim of Rendell support for governor
Phillynow.com: PA guv hopeful to speak at weekend pot protest, calls police presence ‘ridiculous’
CapitolInq: Runyan jabs Ted Cruz: “time’s yours”
CapitolInq: Local Republicans vote for Obamacare-killing plan
CapitolInq: Four local Republicans defy party on food stamp cuts
Inquirer: Amid reports of racist texts by Coatesville school officials, NAACP head fumes
Inquirer: GOP’s Fitzpatrick caught in the middle of health-care debate
Inquirer: House votes to finance government but defund health care law
Inquirer: Planned cuts in food stamps decried
Inquirer: Nostalgic for Ed Rendell’s return as mayor
KYW Newsradio: Cheyney University Seeks to Renew Discrimination Lawsuit Against Commonwealth

SEPA
Montgomery News: State Representative Steve McCarter, Senator LeAnna Washington react to property tax elimination bill
Montgomery News: Montgomery Township board changes definition for ‘family’
Daily Times: Meehan votes in favor of defunding Obamacare; Brady votes against
Daily Times: Democratic county council candidate discusses animal control issue
Daily Times: Delco sheriff candidates weigh in on resignation
Bucks Local News: Congressman Fitzpatrick, SEPTA announce funding for Bucks County rail improvement project
Bucks Local News: Bucks County Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick recognized for senior advocacy, named ‘Champion of Seniors’ by National Grange
Courier Times: DiGirolamo calls for investigation into prescription abuse problem
AP: 2 SE Pa. school officials resign, DA investigating

Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Senator requests Pittsburgh Housing Authority documents, cites ‘insufficient HUD controls’
Post-Gazette: Pennsylvania unemployment reaches 7.7% in August
Easy Returns: New endorsements for McGinty, Schwartz
KDKA: Pa. Auditor General Calls For Changes In Charter Schools
WPXI: Leechburg School District seeks approval for armed guards

Southwest
Beaver County Times: Blackhawk teacher contract approved
Beaver County Times: DiGirolamo calls for investigation into prescription abuse problem
Observer-Reporter: Officials bicker over flooding on Washington-Canton line
Observer-Reporter: Reaction mixed to anti-pollution proposal
Altoona Mirror: Housing authority settles second suit
Altoona Mirror: Proposed alcohol tax could offer aid
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Critical issues hanging for Legislature

NEPA
Times-Tribune: On eve of ‘Obamacare,’ questions
Times-Tribune: Barletta, Marino vote to slash food stamp funding, but Cartwright doesn’t
The Times Leader: Area priest accused of sex with boy
News Item: Masser says pension reform tops list upon return to Harrisburg
News Item: Same-sex marriage vote would be a ‘tough’ one, Masser says
Citizen’s Voice: Growing concern locally over health care law
Citizen’s Voice: Corbett looks to D.C. for big policy change
Wayne Independent: Board promptly says proper notice not given
Pocono Record: The day JFK came to town
AP: Casey blasts US House Republican vote to cut food stamps

South Central
Carlisle Sentinel: What’s in the future for TMI?
Carlisle Sentinel: Camp Hill school district, borough to address Siebert Park needs
Harrisburg Patriot News: Pa. Democrats wonder why Rob McCord hasn’t entered governor’s race
Harrisburg Patriot News: It’s a tossup whether liquor reform will get another shot
Harrisburg Patriot News: Corbett to come out swinging with jobs plan this fall
York Dispatch: 2 SE Pa. school officials resign, DA investigating
York Dispatch: York City’s state rep forms council to give a voice to students
AP: Latest tip on Pa. DA’s ‘05 disappearance unfounded
AP: PSU student sues police over Paterno riot arrest

Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: New school report cards due
Morning Call: Judges put relatives on the payroll
Morning Call: Animal abuser’s property raided again
Reading Eagle: Abuse of medications a prescription for tragedy
Reading Eagle: Bloomsburg Fair combines tradition, technology

North by Northwest
Sun-Gazette: Day reporting center value visited
Sun-Gazette: Trip to Luzerne County facility highlights pros
Sun-Gazette: On rental laws, 2 proposals offer city more options
Daily Times: State College police sued over treatment of student on night Joe Paterno was fired
Daily Times: Chris Rosenblum | Bellefonte to offer prayers for pastor imprisoned in Iran

Opinions
Montgomery News: State transportation funding bill urgently needed
Courier Times: House budget plan shows partisan divide in Bucks
Beaver County Times: Health care law really is all about the math

Blogs
Commonwealth Foundation: Pa. Teacher: Union Dues Deduction is Wage Garnishment
Above Average Jane: SEPTA Hackathon
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: NorCo Council to Stoffa: Sue The Bastards
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: Gracedale’s New Wing To Be Co-Ed
Lehigh Valley Ramblings: GOP House Cuts Food Assistance to Children, Vets