Legislature
NEPA lawmakers vow to fight SCI-Retreat closure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753909/nepa-lawmakers-vow-to-fight-sci-retreat-closure
Pennsylvania to close another prison as inmate ranks shrink
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/08/28/Pennsylvania-to-close-another-prison-as-inmate-ranks-shrink/stories/201908290083
Official fighting for Newport Twp., job after prison closure proposal
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/official-fighting-for-newport-twp-job-after-prison-closure-proposal-1.2526102
‘Deana’s Law’ targets ‘worst of the worst’ DUI offenders
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/deana-s-law-targets-worst-of-the-worst-dui-offenders/article_61f48b06-c9b8-11e9-b6af-136c511bf984.html
State representatives hold public hearing on amending use of force laws
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/28/state-representatives-hold-public-hearing-on-amending-use-of-force-laws/
Rail advocates hope for more trains
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/08/rail-advocates-hope-for-more-trains/
No-brainer a nonstarter
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/no-brainer-a-nonstarter-1.2526001
Administration
Governor announces anti-lead initiative
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/governor-announces-anti-lead-initiative/article_1adee2bf-841d-58a5-a815-ab5bd89d3d63.html
Gov. Wolf announces ‘Lead-Free Pennsylvania’ initiative
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190828/gov-wolf-announces-lead-free-pennsylvania-initiative
Gov. Wolf’s willful blindness stifles education opportunity | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/08/gov-wolfs-willful-blindness-stifles-education-opportunity-opinion.html
Catholic Church
Suits allege clergy abuse, cover-up in Pennsylvania diocese
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/clergy-sex-abuse-scranton-diocese-catholic-20190829.html
Four lawsuits filed against Scranton Diocese for alleged sexual abuse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/four-lawsuits-filed-against-scranton-diocese-for-alleged-sexual-abuse-1.2525916
Crime/Punishment
Corrections secretary recommends better communication after five Pennsylvania parolees implicated in string of homicides
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/corrections-secretary-recommends-better-communication-after-five-pennsylvania-parolees-implicated-in-string-of-homicides/
Pennsylvania parole board defends its record after 6 homicides linked to parolees
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-parole-five-parolees-homicide-lancaster-pittsburgh-secretary-john-wetzel-department-corrections-20190828.html
After 5 parolees are charged in 6 homicides, Pa. study finds no errors, but changes are planned
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/corrections-secretary-john-wetzel-outlines-steps-to-try-to-improve-parolee-supervision-in-pennsylvania-after-string-of-homicides.html
State report: Man charged in Pittsburgh cop killing met parole conditions, showed no red flags
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/28/parole-change-report-pennsylvania-corrections-homicide-Christian-bey-Keith-Burley-Calvin-Hall/stories/201908280127
Ex-CEO of Bucks County drug rehab pleads guilty to milking patients for profits
https://www.inquirer.com/news/liberation-way-jason-gerner-guilty-addiction-treatment-opioid-crisis-philly-20190828.html
3 plead guilty in Liberation Way drug treatment scam
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/3-plead-guilty-in-liberation-way-drug-treatment-scam
Woman allegedly leaves kids in car to take drugs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753948/woman-allegedly-leaves-kids-in-car-to-take-drugs
Inmate’s illness, death leads to changes in Dauphin County Prison’s family notification policy
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/inmates-illness-death-leads-to-changes-in-dauphin-county-prisons-family-notification-policy.html
Education
Despite transitions and possible closures, Scranton schools open smoothly
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/despite-transitions-and-possible-closures-scranton-schools-open-smoothly-1.2526215
Old Forge School District, teachers reach agreement on labor contract
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-school-district-teachers-reach-agreement-on-labor-contract-1.2525959
New elementary school highlights changes in Fox Chapel Area district
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/08/29/New-elementary-school-highlights-changes-in-Fox-Chapel-Area-district/stories/201908270145
Crestwood School Board to discuss bus issue Friday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753872/crestwood-school-board-to-discuss-bus-issue-friday
Technology issues cause Butler Area schools to delay first day until Tuesday
https://triblive.com/local/regional/technology-issues-cause-butler-area-schools-to-delay-first-day-until-tuesday/
While York City district’s grades improved, its graduation rate plunged
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/education/2019/08/28/while-york-city-districts-grades-improve-its-graduation-rate-plunges/2085248001/
Elections/Politics
Pennsylvanians who voted for Obama and Trump could hold the key to 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/news/election-2020-pennsylvania-voters-donald-trump-barack-obama-20190829.html
Local News
Trustees meet with those affected by White Haven Center closure
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/trustees-meet-with-those-affected-by-white-haven-center-closure-1.2526075
Luzerne County Election Director Crispell resigns
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/luzerne-county-election-director-crispell-resigns-1.2526014
Details of new Luzerne County union contract released
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753946/details-of-new-luzerne-county-union-contract-released
Chaos at Plymouth Twp. meeting that decertifies fire company
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/753952/chaos-at-plymouth-twp-meeting-that-decertifies-fire-company
Scranton police charge former zoning officer with evidence tampering
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-police-charge-former-zoning-officer-with-evidence-tampering-1.2525854
Freeland rec board sees exodus
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/freeland-rec-board-sees-exodus-1.2526063
Overdose awareness event in Greensburg can provide ‘spark of hope’ for addicts, families
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/overdose-awareness-event-can-provide-spark-of-hope-for-addicts-families/
Animal Protectors’ new facility in New Kensington nears completion
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/flip-this-school-animal-protectors-new-facility-in-new-kensington-under-construction/
Harrison’s Kaley Bastine spreading police fundraising efforts to New Kensington
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrisons-kaley-bastine-spreading-police-fundraising-efforts-to-new-kensington/
Ohiopyle seeking votes as Top Adventure Town, top ‘Tiny Town’ for outdoors fun
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ohiopyle-seeking-votes-as-top-adventure-town/
An $8.2 million fresh-food redevelopment project is coming to Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/details-of-the-82-million-fresh-food-redevelopment-project-announced-for-north-fourth-and-elm-streets-in-reading
Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, featuring over 80 types of burgers from 37 burger vendors, returns to Hamburg
https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/hamburgs-hamburg-er-fest-features-hamburgers-and-more-hamburgers
Fountain Hill explores replacing local police with state police at night
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-fountain-hill-police-coverage-20190828-apyauci4vzf7jjk6nzckxcjlkm-story.html
Allentown Parking Authority opens Seventh Street lots for development after downtown hotel plan fizzles
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-parking-authority-real-estate-20190828-ztf757vxvzgkvlgquultwuzvje-story.html
County conservation district said they need more information before they respond to scathing audit
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190828/county-conservation-district-said-they-need-more-information-before-they-respond-to-scathing-audit
Cleanup at Rochester chemical fire site could exceed $1 million, take months to finish
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190828/cleanup-at-rochester-chemical-fire-site-could-exceed-1-million-take-months-to-finish
Water Gap Wellness Center receives unanimous support
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190828/water-gap-wellness-center-receives-unanimous-support
Delaware County Council spars over night meetings
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/delaware-county-council-spars-over-night-meetings/article_810f6160-c9cb-11e9-899d-9bf9fb2d837e.html
Free rides in West Chester
https://www.dailylocal.com/business/free-rides-in-west-chester/article_aa262a06-c9f9-11e9-bebc-3be1833f7264.html
National News
U.S. citizenship will no longer be automatic for children of overseas service members
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/08/28/US-citizenship-children-automatic-born-overseas-service-members-Trump-policy/stories/201908280213
Opioid Crisis
Report: State had big share of opioid ODs, smaller cut of federal funds
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/08/28/Report-Pennsylvania-Ohio-opioid-overdoses-federal-funds-Richard-Fairbanks-Foundation/stories/201908280144
Philly
Leading by exemption? Philly carves government offices out of city’s ban on cashless stores
https://www.inquirer.com/news/cashless-stores-ban-philadelphia-government-offices-uber-amazon-20190829.html
Police forces in Philly region are among 400 that have partnered with doorbell company Ring
https://www.inquirer.com/news/police-partnerships-ring-doorbell-camera-company-20190828.html
115-year-old West Philly church deemed ‘imminently dangerous’ after fire
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/greater-bible-way-church-fire-philadelphia-20190828.html
Philadelphia’s only needle exchange reaches out to the community with burgers, vaccines, and naloxone
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/kensington-prevention-point-philadelphia-fair-opioid-crisis-20190828.html
The charter school goes upmarket with opening of two suburban-style campuses in Northeast Philadelphia | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/philadelphia-charter-schools-architecture-education-mast-tacony-crown-cork-seal-20190829.html
Center City Old Navy employees claim white workers were brought in for ‘Queer Eye’ filming
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/queer-eye-old-navy-accused-white-wash-employees-philadelphia-20190828.html
You are more likely to win a coin toss than be caught for murder in Philadelphia | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-unsolved-murders-homicide-clearance-rate-20190829.html
2 officers escape injury after shooter opens fire on street
https://www.readingeagle.com/article/20190829/AP/308299844/1009
Former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery CEO Rinaldi says he wants to make renewable fuels at the complex
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/29/former-pes-refinery-ceo-rinaldi-says-he-wants-to-make-renewable-fuels-at-the-complex/
Pitt
State auditor raises concerns about travel by Hamlet, other Pittsburgh school officials
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/08/28/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-DePasquale-Hamlet-Cuba-trip-travel-expenses-audit/stories/201908280141
Allegheny County police warn of phone scam using department number
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/28/phone-scam-allegheny-county-police-phone-number-solicitation/stories/201908280159
Region’s political leaders pledge to fight air pollution
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/08/28/Pittsburgh-region-political-leaders-sign-letter-fight-air-pollution-health-PennEnvironment/stories/201908280118
Bus routes to be detoured around PWSA paving in Morningside
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/28/Bus-routes-to-be-detoured-around-PWSA-paving-in-Morningside/stories/201908280176
Peduto is MIA: Mayor should use his position to address real issues
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/29/Bill-Peduto-Pittsburgh-mayor-issues-addiction-mental-health-homeless/stories/201908300015
Police: Man accidentally shoots himself in downtown Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-man-accidentally-shoots-himself-in-downtown-pittsburgh/
East Liberty mural will honor Pittsburgh native Mac Miller
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/east-liberty-mural-will-honor-pittsburgh-native-mac-miller/
State News
Spotlight PA: Unrivaled team of investigative reporters to hold the powerful to account in Pa. capital
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/spotlight-pa-harrisburg-investigative-journalism-20190829.html
Pennsylvania’s smallest daily newspaper finds success with happy news, sports rivalries, and hordes of feral cats
https://www.inquirer.com/news/news-newspapers-media-pennsylvania-circulation-smalltown-journalism-20190829.html
Moosic native and Army Maj. Gen. to be presented with prestigious Polish award
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/moosic-native-and-army-maj-gen-to-be-presented-with-prestigious-polish-award-1.2526180
Rail trail opens in Richland Township
http://buckscountyherald.com/rail-trail-opens-in-richland-township-p2510-175.htm
Transportation
Freight trains, costs are hurdles for increasing Pittsburgh-to-Harrisburg Amtrak service
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/freight-trains-costs-are-hurdles-for-pittsburgh-increasing-amtrak-service-to-harrisburg/
Regional airports get slice of $13.7 million in upgrade funds
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/regional-airports-get-slice-of-13-7-million-in-upgrade-funds-1.2525957
Rostraver helipad, Arnold Palmer hangar prep get grant assist
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/rostraver-helipad-arnold-palmer-hangar-prep-get-grant-assist/
Nearly $350,000 in state funding approved for Reading Regional Airport
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-lawmakers-applaud-350000-in-state-funding-for-reading-regional
Study finds Pennsylvanians are working more than neighbors to fill up their gas tanks
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/28/study-finds-pennsylvanians-are-working-more-than-neighbors-to-fill-up-their-gas-tanks/
Washington
‘Fox isn’t working for us anymore,’ tweets Trump in another blast at the network
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2019/08/28/Fox-News-Trump-isnt-working-for-us-anymore/stories/201908280206
Paid parental leave: U.S. needs to catch up, provide adequate options
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/29/Paid-parental-leave-America-insurance/stories/201908130007