Legislature
Let’s send our kids back to school safely | Opinion: By Sen. Jay Costa
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/08/lets_send_our_kids_back_to_sch.html#incart_river_index
New grant program to address workforce gaps
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/new-grant-program-to-address-workforce-gaps-1.2379394
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf heading to Puerto Rico to survey remaining hurricane damage, build ties
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/08/gov_tom_wolf_heading_to_puerto.html#incart_river_index
Business
At this Verizon store not owned by Verizon, the staff sold a woman a phone she did not need
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/consumer_news/verizon-store-retailer-difference-location-map-20180829.html
Why some workers think Walmart’s pay-in-advance app is a lousy deal
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/walmart-pay-in-advance-app-fees-20180828.html#loaded
Era ends as Bon-Ton closes at Berkshire Mall
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/era-ends-as-bon-ton-closes-at-berkshire-mall
Sales of A2 milk rise amid ‘intriguing’ but unproven health claims
http://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/article/sales-of-a2-milk-rise-amid-intriguing-but-unproven-health-claims
Reading Eagle receives grant to enhance reader participation
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-eagle-receives-grant-to-enhance-reader-participation
Zulily expected to add 1,200 jobs in Bethlehem by the end of 2017. It didn’t get there, but it continues to grow
http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-zulily-short-of-original-employment-goals-in-bethlehem-20180827-story.html
Franklin County outpaces Pennsylvania in creating jobs
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/08/franklin-county-outpaces-pennsylvania-in-creating-jobs.php
Crime/Punishment
SCI Greene employee potentially exposed to unknown substance
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/08/28/SCI-Greene-employee-potentially-exposed-to-unknown-substance/stories/201808280209
Aliquippa police turmoil: The community must consider the force’s future
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/29/Aliquippa-police-turmoil-The-community-must-consider-the-force-s-future/stories/201808290041
Ex-guardian fails to appear in court, but judge orders her to repay $35K to elderly woman’s estate
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/gloria-byars-guardian-orphans-court-judge-john-herron-estate-estelle-segal-20180828.html
State agents working secretly in NEPA make 50 drug-related arrests, seize huge haul of drugs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716395/state-agents-working-secretly-in-nepa-make-50-drug-related-arrests-seize-huge-haul-of-drugs
Education
School safety task force report gets OK from school boards group, which adds 2 suggestions
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/08/school_safety_task_force_repor.html#incart_river_index
Our view: Mental health is key to school safety
http://www.goerie.com/opinion/20180829/our-view-mental-health-is-key-to-school-safety
Several districts postpone start of school while battling mold, microbes
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14020546-74/numerous-districts-postpone-start-of-school-while-battling-mold-microbes
Mold, excessive heat plague Pa. schools, delay start of new year
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/08/mold_excessive_heat_plague_pa.html
Guns, crumbling buildings: School safety requires an enlightened approach | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/pennsylvania-school-safety-shootings-governor-wolf-20180829.html
Just make schools better: Grant program should not be used to purchase guns
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/29/Just-make-schools-better-Grant-program-should-not-be-used-to-purchase-guns/stories/201808290065
Lack of girls golf programs hurting competitors
https://observer-reporter.com/sports/lack-of-girls-golf-programs-hurting-competitors/article_43b9c85c-aae4-11e8-9a84-0f427b77a2b1.html
New federal guidelines make it easier for school districts to offer flavored milk
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14020352-74/new-federal-guidelines-make-it-easier-for-school-districts-to-offer-flavored
Scranton board to re-vote on layoffs Thursday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-board-to-re-vote-on-layoffs-thursday-1.2379386
First day nightmare: Parents say WVW kindergarten student left on bus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716414/first-day-nightmare-parents-say-wvw-kindergarten-student-left-on-bus
Wyoming Valley West to stop transportation to day cares
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716424/wyoming-valley-west-to-stop-transportation-to-day-cares
HASD dean hiring process under review
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hasd-dean-hiring-process-under-review-1.2379452
Ex-Harrisburg principal transferred for second time, and officials won’t say why
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/08/harrisburg_school_district_lis.html#incart_river_index
LCCC declared best of Pennsylvania’s community colleges
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716406/lccc-declared-best-of-pennsylvanias-community-colleges
Fall enrollment is down slightly at LCCC
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/fall-enrollment-is-down-slightly-at-lccc-1.2379471
Elections/Politics
Wagner rips Wolf, media (even me) in Pa. Press Club address | John Baer
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/john_baer/scott-wagner-media-tom-wolf-education-john-baer-20180828.html
Wagner visits Pottsville
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/wagner-visits-pottsville-1.2379404
Wagner speaks to Erie business leaders
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180829/wagner-speaks-to-erie-business-leaders
Editorial: All generations should be heard at polls
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-all-generations-should-be-heard-at-polls
GOP lawmakers Perry and Smucker face tough re-election bids
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/08/gop-lawmakers-perry-and-smucker-face-tough-re-election-bids.php
Health Care
Commonwealth inks deal with UPMC Health Plan
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/commonwealth-inks-deal-with-upmc-health-plan-1.2379516
Local News
Luzerne County Council approves $250,000 settlement with Al Flora
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716418/luzerne-county-council-approves-250000-settlement-with-al-flora
Lackawanna County glitch causes 1,296 incorrect school tax bills
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-glitch-causes-1-296-incorrect-school-tax-bills-1.2379351
Westmoreland County comprehensive plan completion date extended
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14020467-74/westmoreland-county-comprehensive-plan-completion-date-extended
Lower Valley Ambulance crews to wear bulletproof vests when responding to calls
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14020992-74/lower-valley-ambulance-crews-to-wear-bulletproof-vests-when-responding-to-calls
Vaughn Spencer takes the stand in his pay-to-play trial
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/vaughn-spencer-takes-the-stand-in-his-pay-to-play-trial
Reading ordered to pay legal fees in records fight with union
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-ordered-to-pay-legal-fees-in-records-fight-with-union&template=ourcityart
Reading Parking Authority changes the rules on violations
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-changes-the-rules-on-violations&template=ourcityart
Reading K-9 event raises more than $10,000 for city unit
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-k-9-event-raises-more-than-10000-for-city-unit
York police union leader: Cops disappointed at city’s lip sync kill shot
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/08/york_police_union_leader_cops.html#incart_river_index
Erie County councilman accuses colleagues of forming ‘clique’
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180829/erie-county-councilman-accuses-colleagues-of-forming-clique
Riverfront park planned for downtown Johnstown
http://www.tribdem.com/news/riverfront-park-planned-for-downtown-johnstown/article_efac3b9e-ab3a-11e8-a30d-67f627a2b4e2.html
BCDA awarded $500K grant
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/08/bcda-awarded-500k-grant/
National News
California’s lawmakers set a goal for carbon-free energy by 2045
http://www.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2018/08/28/California-s-lawmakers-set-a-goal-for-carbon-free-energy-by-2045/stories/201808280221
3D-printed gun maker selling his files, circumventing ban
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/3d-printed-gun-ban-cody-wilson-defense-distributed-20180828.html
Natural Gas
Marcellus Shale contributing to recent growth in U.S. natural gas production, agency says
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14020379-74/marcellus-shale-contributing-to-recent-growth-in-us-natural-gas-production-agency
Opioid Crisis
Smallest state has biggest opioid plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/smallest-state-has-biggest-opioid-plan-1.2379354
Philly
Philly Police commissioner: Homicide detective under internal review for racially charged letter
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/richard-ross-philadelphia-police-homicide-detective-jimmy-crone-racial-letter-internal-affairs-20180828.html
This is why you don’t start school before Labor Day | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-school-start-close-heat-weather-labor-day-20180828.html
Aldi sets sights on Center City shoppers with store below apartments planned near Divine Lorraine
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/real_estate/commercial/grocer-aldi-north-broad-ridge-fairmount-ral-divine-lorraine-20180829.html
Homeless Johnny Bobbitt takes legal action against couple who started $400K fundraising campaign
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/johnny-bobbitt-legal-action-kate-mcclure-mark-damico-gofundme-20180828.html
Boy, 16, and two men wounded in South Philly shooting
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/boy-16-and-two-men-wounded-in-south-philly-shooting-20180828.html
For children in Philly church sanctuary, a risky ride to school
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/immigrant-children-church-sanctuary-first-day-school-philadelphia-ice-20180828.html
What happens when you reinstate an anti-poverty program and no one knows about it?
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/general-assistance-returns-anti-poverty-pennsylvania-supreme-court-20180828.html
Medical marijuana store slated for City Ave. retail strip
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/medical-marijuana-store-slated-for-city-ave-retail-strip-20180828.html
Philly refiner plans $120M plant to convert food scraps to fuel for trucks and buses
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/energy/philadelphia-energy-solutions-food-waste-digester-methane-gas-fuel-20180828.html
A mom who took to the streets to save her son faces threats | Helen Ubiñas
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/helen_ubinas/mother-drugs-dealings-streets-philadelphia-carmen-pagan-helen-ubinas-20180828.html
Pitt
Facing a cash crisis, Hill House plans to sell four buildings by the end of September
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/08/28/Hill-House-cash-crisis-sell-four-buildings-pittsburgh-hill-district-omicelo-llc-debt/stories/201808280203
Pitt, UPMC, DA invest in 60 surveillance cameras in wake of student slaying
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/08/28/cameras-Oakland-Alina-Sheykhet-UPMC-Pitt-dakota-james-pittsburgh-zappala/stories/201808280120
As Downtown population grows, Allegheny Health Network opens new medical center
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2018/08/28/Allegheny-Health-Network-opens-Downtown-medical-center-Highmark/stories/201808280131
Allegheny Health Network to open clinic in Downtown Pittsburgh with same-day appointments
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14019978-74/ahn-to-open-clinic-in-downtown-pittsburgh-with-same-day-appointments
Social Justice Fund awards grants to help eliminate racial and economic inequities
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/08/28/Social-Justice-Fund-Pittsburgh-Foundation-awards-first-grants-racial-economic-inequities/stories/201808280139
Sheriff, District Judge Mikhail Pappas at odds over low bonds
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/08/28/Sheriff-district-judge-at-odds-over-low-bonds/stories/201808280182
Pittsburgh-area unemployment dips to 4 percent, labor force tightens
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2018/08/28/Pittsburgh-unemployment-July-2018-labor-force-jobs/stories/201808280100
ICE ‘knock-and-talk’ visit to Pittsburgh home leads to man’s 4th deportation
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14021074-74/ice-knock-and-talk-visit-to-pittsburgh-home-leads-to-mans-4th-deportation
State News
Medical marijuana costs too much for Pa. mom who fought for her daughter’s epilepsy treatment
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/health-costs/medical-marijuana-cost-pennsylvania-new-jersey-discounts-epilepsy-20180829.html
Pa. AG seeks $75,000 in restitution for consumers
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/consumer_news/pa-ag-restitution-consumers-20180829.html
Susan P. Baxter confirmed as federal judge in Erie
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/08/28/Susan-P-Baxter-confirmed-as-federal-judge-in-Erie-western-district-pennsylvania/stories/201808280202
Lawsuit seeks to extend statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse by priests
https://triblive.com/news/adminpage/14021484-74/lawsuit-seeks-to-extend-statute-of-limitations-for-victims-of-sexual-abuse
Diocese: Bishop misspoke on report’s release
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/diocese-bishop-misspoke-on-report-s-release-1.2379490
Peco to pass along Trump Tax refund as a $30 bill credit
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/energy/peco-rate-settlement-includes-one-time-credit-for-trump-tax-cut-20180829.html
Rebates available on alternative fuel vehicles
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14019433-74/rebates-available-on-alternative-fuel-vehicles
Berks district attorney: Bulldozer death case ruled accidental
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-district-attorney-plans-announcement-in-bulldozer-death-case
Transportation
State agencies commit to better traffic accident response
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/08/29/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-crash-response-emergency-responders-five-agencies/stories/201808280188
State agencies join forces to promote safety, efficiency in wreck responses
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14021160-74/state-agencies-join-forces-to-promote-safety-efficiency-in-wreck-responses
West Newton’s Hill Street is definitely steep
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14019852-74/west-newtons-hill-street-is-definitely-steep
Latrobe considers temporary fix to make curbs handicapped-friendly
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14019707-74/latrobe-considers-temporary-fix-to-make-curbs-handicapped-friendly
Domino’s Pizza delivers with $5K grant to fill Wilkes-Barre’s potholes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716422/dominos-pizza-delivers-with-5k-grant-to-fill-wilkes-barres-potholes
Hold the potholes: Domino’s helps smooth over W-B streets
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hold-the-potholes-domino-s-helps-smooth-over-w-b-streets-1.2379421
Washington
Trump privately revived the idea of firing Sessions this month, according to people familiar with the discussions
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/presidential/trump-privately-revived-idea-firing-sessions-this-month-according-people-familiar-discussions-20180829.html