Legislature
Legislative panel will travel the state this fall to hear concerns on the way Pa. pays for special education
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/legislative-panel-will-travel-the-state-this-fall-to-hear-concerns-on-the-way-pa-pays-for-special-education/
Pa. Dems discuss proposal to change deadly force rules for police
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/27/pennsylvania-deadly-force-law-change-antwon-rose-police-shooting-use-of-force/stories/201908270152
Pa. lawmakers examining later school start time; meeting set Sept. 12 in West Chester
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/pa-lawmakers-examining-later-school-start-time-meeting-set-sept/article_89a5f2ec-c8fb-11e9-a441-337f6cb18312.html
Pa. House Speaker Mike Turzai proposes new school choice program for Harrisburg school families, students
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-house-speaker-mike-turzai-proposes-new-school-choice-program-for-harrisburg-school-families.html
Liquor reform 2.0? Is Pennsylvania ready for it?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/liquor-reform-20-is-pennsylvania-ready-for-it.html
Hearing set on expanding take-out beer, wine for restaurants in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/hearing-set-on-expanding-take-out-beer-for-restaurants/
Victoria’s Law Rally held in King of Prussia
https://www.timesherald.com/lifestyle/victoria-s-law-rally-held-in-king-of-prussia/article_9ec989cc-c8fb-11e9-a945-7f104745348e.html
Rep. Mullery encourages public to sign online petition for White Haven
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753804/rep-mullery-encourages-public-to-sign-online-petition-for-white-haven
Meeting set to discuss White Haven Center
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meeting-set-to-discuss-white-haven-center-1.2525636
Proposal unveiled for Schuylkill Co. to get more from inheritances
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/proposal-unveiled-for-schuylkill-co-to-get-more-from-inheritances-1.2525528
Kratom is linked with numerous deaths. But it won’t be easy for Pennsylvania to ban it.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/kratom-ban-pennsylvania-lobby-20190828.html
Vaping is vapid: The FDA must get involved, Pa. should change law
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/28/Vaping-health-risks-FDA-Pennsylvania/stories/201908280045
Put limits on tracking data
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/put-limits-on-tracking-data-1.2525453
Raise the minimum age for all tobacco products | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/08/raise-the-minimum-age-for-all-tobacco-products-pennlive-letters.html
Restore Pa. initiative could have negative impact
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/08/28/Restore-Pa-initiative-could-have-negative-impact/stories/201908270014
Business
Wages increased across Pa. in 2018, but the benefits aren’t reaching everyone
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/28/wages-increased-across-pa-in-2018-but-the-benefits-arent-reaching-everyone-2/
Mon Valley contractor wins $89 million in case of missing funds and murder in Iraq
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/08/27/Iraq-Wye-Oak-Technology-Dale-Stoffel-tanks-contract/stories/201908210051
Latrobe man, fiancee sue Nemacolin, seek return of $30K wedding reception deposit
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-man-fiancee-sue-nemacolin-seek-return-of-30k-wedding-reception-deposit/
Before DuPont and 3M hearing in Congress, activists highlight companies’ history with PFAS
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pfas-3m-dupont-water-contamination-chemicals-20190828.html
Unemployment rises in July, region still tied for last place
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/unemployment-rises-in-july-region-still-tied-for-last-place-1.2525522
Smoke detectors, fire alarms saved cosmetics factory workers’ lives, Reading fire marshal says
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/fire-marshal-smoke-detectors-fire-alarms-saved-factory-workers-lives
Reading planners allow plastic-container manufacturers’ expansion plan to advance
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-planners-allow-plastic-container-manufacturers-expansion-plan-to-advance
Here’s what Trader Joe’s is looking for in a new location, and why it’s not (yet) in the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-why-trader-joes-hasnt-opened-lehigh-valley-store-20190828-7icd2wpj25ezblyaci6ocoxsy4-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Monroeville woman charged with stealing money from 2 Gateway family-teacher organizations
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/monroeville-woman-charged-with-stealing-money-from-2-gateway-family-teacher-organizations/
Lehigh County man involved in 2 DUI accidents in 2 days
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lehigh-man-charged-in-2-dui-accidents-7-others-injured-in-second-crash
Two inmates overdose at county prison
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/two-inmates-overdose-at-county-prison/article_97280934-c908-11e9-b1a5-5ba9fbc01e4a.html
Education
Once dubbed ‘the most wonderful time of the year,’ back-to-school for today’s parents is high anxiety
https://www.inquirer.com/news/back-to-school-time-philadelphia-parents-calendar-anxiety-stress-kids-20190828.html
Scranton School District to accept bids for vacant lot, closed school
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-to-accept-bids-for-vacant-lot-closed-school-1.2525378
Judge Gibbons allows Carbondale Area to borrow up to $4 million
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-gibbons-allows-carbondale-area-to-borrow-up-to-4-million-1.2525447
Penn State scientists may have discovered way to control invasive spotted lanternfly
https://www.inquirer.com/science/spotted-lanternfly-kill-pesticide-research-penn-state-cornell-university-20190828.html
RMU makes financial pitch to compete with WVU, Kent State
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/08/27/Tuition-college-cost-Robert-Morris-University-Pitt-Penn-State-Kent-State-WVU/stories/201908270103
Temple enrolls first international students under new #YouAreWelcomeHere scholarships
https://www.inquirer.com/news/temple-international-students-trump-welcome-scholarship-20190827.html
LCCC external masonry replacement to cost $834,632
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753798/lccc-external-masonry-replacement-to-cost-834632
Gay student says U of Scranton failed to halt harassment
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/gay-student-says-u-of-scranton-failed-to-halt-harassment-1.2525622
ESU students of legal age can drink alcohol in their rooms
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190827/esu-students-of-legal-age-can-drink-alcohol-in-their-rooms
Health Care
After eight years, UPMC-Highmark dispute was settled in a matter of weeks
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/08/28/UPMC-Highmark-patient-access-doctors-Community-Blue-Jefferson-Hills-in-network/stories/201908270155
UPMC doctors ready to meet ‘pent-up demand’ after inking 10-year contract with Highmark
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-doctors-ready-to-meet-pent-up-demand-after-inking-10-year-contract-with-highmark/
Local News
Luzerne County Council approves $2M capital plan
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-council-approves-2m-capital-plan-1.2525631
Luzerne County 911 emergency radio project costs outlined
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753800/luzerne-county-911-emergency-radio-project-costs-outlined
UGI opens CNG fueling station
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ugi-opens-cng-fueling-station-1.2525521
Open forum set for VA on Thursday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/open-forum-set-for-va-on-thursday-1.2525660
Circus coming to Wyoming Valley Mall
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/circus-coming-to-wyoming-valley-mall-1.2525623
New policy in place for city-owned vehicles following Scranton fire chief’s NJ fender bender
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-policy-in-place-for-city-owned-vehicles-following-scranton-fire-chief-s-nj-fender-bender-1.2525307
Scranton city workers’ gas card use to be audited
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-workers-gas-card-use-to-be-audited-1.2525464
KELLY: King of the hill … of trash
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/kelly-king-of-the-hill-of-trash-1.2525640
Attorneys plan to file lawsuits against Diocese of Scranton today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/attorneys-plan-to-file-lawsuits-against-diocese-of-scranton-today-1.2525683
Judge rules for Lackawanna County sheriff on gun permit denial
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-rules-for-lackawanna-county-sheriff-on-gun-permit-denial-1.2525750
City gets $450K for streets work
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-gets-450k-for-streets-work-1.2525571
City set to end year without ‘major deficit’
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-set-to-end-year-without-major-deficit-1.2525615
Greensburg event to feature LGBTQIA speakers to talk about Western Pa. experiences
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/event-will-feature-lgbtqia-speakers-to-talk-about-western-pa-experiences/
Westmoreland 9/11 monument subject of Tarentum museum program
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/westmoreland-9-11-monument-subject-of-tarentum-museum-program/
Harrison awarded 50 more trees for planting campaign
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-awarded-50-more-trees-for-planting-campaign/
Harrison approves spending for war memorial restoration
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-approves-money-for-memorial-restoration-creating-nonprofit/
Reading Mayor Wally Scott sued for defamation by former managing director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/readings-former-managing-director-sues-mayor-wally-scott-for-defamation
Berks Redevelopment Authority OKs sale of 2 Maidencreek properties to housing nonprofit
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-redevelopment-authority-oks-sale-of-2-maidencreek-properties-to-housing-nonprofit
Would traffic from proposed homes be too much for already dangerous intersection, Bethlehem Township planners wonder
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-township-traffic-20190827-rn2zbqrv4zfdlomabsdjt5nd6q-story.html
Scott under fire for racist comment
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/scott-under-fire-for-racist-comment/article_5d65ab36-c901-11e9-af97-a72a540c9894.html
National News
Federal judge blocks Missouri’s 8-week abortion ban
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/federal-judge-blocks-missouris-8-week-abortion-ban-20190827.html
New Jersey
New Jersey is adjusting how it evaluates the job performance of its municipalities
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey-property-tax-relief-funds-phil-murphy-best-practices-inventory-20190828.html
Opioid Crisis
Johnson & Johnson opioid ruling spreads optimism around Western Pa.-based lawsuits
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/oklahoma-ruling-spreads-optimism-in-lawsuit-against-drug-makers/
Oklahoma opioid verdict a sign of more lawsuits to come, Berks officials say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/oklahoma-opioid-verdict-probably-means-more-lawsuits-but-not-more-settlements-berks-officials-warn
2nd ‘Fighting Back’ opioid forum to be held Thursday
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/2nd-fighting-back-opioid-forum-to-be-held-thursday-1.2525529
Philly
Hahnemann bankruptcy pays millions to consultants, lawyers charging up to $795 an hour
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hahnemann-bankruptcy-consultant-fees-lawyers-accountants-20190828.html
Big waterfront townhouse development in Fishtown attracts an LA private equity investor
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/resmark-concordia-d3-fishtown-port-richmond-shipyard-wynn-casino-20190827.html
How powerful are three cups of coffee? For these mentors and mentees, java leads to jobs.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/3-cups-of-coffee-saxbys-liberty-gaither-20190829.html
Labor official’s goof shows Philly’s pro-worker growing pains
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-labor-enforcement-wage-theft-tipped-workers-20190827.html
After battle with Philly School District, Eastern charter won’t open for new school year
https://www.inquirer.com/news/eastern-university-academy-charter-school-closing-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20190827.html
Philadelphia region now has 20 marijuana dispensaries. Here’s where they are.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/philadelphia-cannabis-marijuana-weed-stores-20190827.html
A new mural in Philly’s El Barrio reflects connection to U.S.-Mexico border crisis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/north-philadelphia-immigration-el-barrio-mural-arts-20190827.html
Top deputies to Sheriff Jewell Williams proposed stripping his office of duties. Now he says no.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/sheriff-jewell-williams-rochelle-bilal-mayor-jim-kenney-sheriffs-sale-20190827.html
$30,000 in electronics stolen from Germantown Friends School
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/germantown-friends-school-theft-computers-electronics-20190827.html
Fire destroys West Philadelphia church
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/fire-destroys-west-philadelphia-church/article_2b436549-7318-582c-bc73-e7f46bd0dd31.html
Pitt
County Council votes down proposal for civilian police review board
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/27/allegheny-County-Council-civilian-police-review-board/stories/201908270174
County council votes down Allegheny police review board, supporters vow to keep pushing
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/county-council-votes-down-allegheny-police-review-board-supporters-vow-to-keep-pushing/
Complaint unsealed in Pittsburgh police officer slaying; DA to seek death penalty
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/27/pittsburgh-police-killing-complaint-unsealed-bey-hall/stories/201908270088
East Liberty fire station to temporarily close; crews and equipment housed at nearby stations
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/27/East-Liberty-fire-station-pittsburgh-temporarily-close/stories/201908270111
East Liberty fire station to close for repairs, firefighters and vehicles moved to other stations
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/east-liberty-fire-station-to-close-for-repairs-firefighters-and-vehicles-moved-to-other-stations/
Overdose Awareness Day celebrates ‘survivors and revivers’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/27/International-Overdose-Awareness-Day-pittsburgh-narcan-survivors-revivers/stories/201908270150
Survivors celebrated on International Overdose Awareness Day in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/survivors-celebrated-on-international-overdose-awareness-day-in-pittsburgh/
Pittsburgh gets a dose of wet weather, but Labor Day weekend looking fine
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/08/27/Pittsburgh-weather-forecast-rain-labor-day-holiday-weekend/stories/201908270087
Soul food event organizer accuses city of charging him too much for policing
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/27/soul-food-fest-pittsburgh-market-square-william-marshall-accuses-city-charging-too-much-police/stories/201908270123
Judge denies most of Ferrante appeal in wife’s murder, but question about jury still open
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/27/ferrante-autumn-klein-appeal-cyanide-poisoning-jury/stories/201908270126
‘Unlike any theater in the region’ — Cultural Trust’s grand vision for Downtown cineplex
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/08/27/What-s-happening-with-Bally-site-Movie-Theater-Pittsburgh-Cultural-Trust-Sixth/stories/201908270058
A civil honor: Pittsburgh native lauded for nonprofit trade school
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/28/Pittsburgh-civil-honor-nonprofit-trade-school-Steve-Shelton-Manhattan-Institute/stories/201908210099
Penn Hills official faces removal over background check policy
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-official-faces-removal-over-background-check-policy/
Pitt researchers develop marijuana breathalyzer
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pitt-researchers-develop-marijuana-breathalyzer/
State News
Title X gag rule shows disdain for women — and science | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/title-x-planned-parenthood-family-planning-health-care-editorial-20190828.html
Getting a marriage license in Pennsylvania? Here’s all you need to know.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/pennsylvania-marriage-license-self-uniting-online-officiant-legal-philadelphia-20190828.html
State game officers partner with vets to battle degenerative deer disease
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/27/state-game-officers-partner-with-vets-to-battle-degenerative-deer-disease/
Aqua Pennsylvania defends 15% rate hike in Bensalem
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190827/aqua-pennsylvania-defends-15-rate-hike-in-bensalem
Transportation
Take a peek at Amtrak’s posh new Acela cars
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/amtrak-acela-new-cars-upgrades-20190827.html
The name game: Controversy erupts over LCTA’s re-branding project, now on hold
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753795/the-name-game-controversy-erupts-over-lctas-re-branding-project-now-on-hold
LCTA apologizes for rebranding confusion
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-apologizes-for-rebranding-confusion-1.2525682
TSA displays items not allowed to be carried onto an airplane
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753809/tsa-displays-items-not-allowed-to-be-carried-onto-an-airplane
West Neversink Road bridge could reopen soon, Exeter Township officials say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/west-neversink-road-bridge-could-reopen-soon-exeter-township-officials-say
I-83 commuters to encounter construction zones beyond early 2020s
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/i-83-commuters-to-encounter-construction-zones-beyond-early-2020s.html
Washington
Sen. Bob Casey, seniors look to stem crisis facing many older Americans
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/sen-casey-seniors-look-to-stem-crisis-facing-many-older-pennsylvanians-americans/