🗳️ Could this election decide abortion’s future in PA?

🧑‍⚖️ Abortion Dominates Judicial Retention Messaging

Although abortion hasn’t been a priority in state lawmaking since the overturning of Roe V. Wade, questions over whether state Medicaid can cover abortions are being litigated in PA. With the Supreme Court considered the last line of defense, Democrats are highlighting the fragility of abortion rights leading up to next month’s election on retaining state Supreme Court justices. [Spotlight PA]

Human Remains Identified As Missing 23-Year-Old

The remains of Kada Scott were found after a second search behind an abandoned school in Germantown. Keon King, the suspect in her kidnapping case, is facing additional charges including arson, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. [NBC10]

🇺🇸 Philly Enters Third Week of Federal Shutdown

Several historic sites, including Independence Hall, are closed. Federal employees in the region have received furlough notices. And SNAP benefit payments have been halted. [Billy Penn]

• Related: Here are community fridges around the city and other assistance programs. [📝 City Cast Philly, City of Philadelphia]

⚖️ Asylum Rejections Skyrocket

U.S. immigration courts have paused most hearings during the federal shutdown, but in the first seven months of the Trump administration 74% of asylum claims were denied by Philadelphia’s immigration court. The number of cases being heard has also gone up. [🔒 The Inquirer]