Legislature
Yudichak, Baker and Gordner join forces to condemn Retreat closure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754100/yudichak-baker-and-gordner-join-forces-to-condemn-retreat-closure
Lawmakers question proposed Retreat closure
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lawmakers-question-proposed-retreat-closure-1.2526530
Wolf: ‘SCI-Retreat is best suited for closure’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754073/wolf-sci-retreat-is-best-suited-for-closure
Bill would limit witness warrants against abuse victims
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190829/bill-would-limit-witness-warrants-against-abuse-victims
Editorial: State should mandate Holocaust instruction
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-state-should-mandate-holocaust-instruction
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Here’s the anti-gerrymandering proposal from Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf’s Redistricting Reform Commission
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-redistricting-reform-commission-anti-gerrymandering-proposal-20190829.html
Pa. commission recommends that panel, not lawmakers, should redraw districts
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-commission-recommends-that-panel-not-lawmakers-should-redraw-districts.html
Report: Pennsylvanians say they’re fed up with secrecy and manipulation surrounding redistricting — and they can fix it.
https://papost.org/2019/08/30/report-pennsylvanians-say-theyre-fed-up-with-secrecy-and-manipulation-surrounding-redistricting-and-they-can-fix-it/
Appointees, not lawmakers, should draw Pennsylvania’s political districts, Wolf-convened panel recommends
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/appointees-not-lawmakers-should-draw-pennsylvanias-political-districts-wolf-convened-panel-recommends/
Administration
Gov. Wolf launches push for mandatory lead testing in children statewide
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/08/29/Wolf-mandatory-lead-testing-children-Pennsylvania-blood-health-Peduto-Fitzgerald/stories/201908290225
Gov. Wolf presents Lead Free PA at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/gov-wolf-presents-lead-free-pa-at-upmc-childrens-hospital-of-pittsburgh/
Business
Big Kmart in Allegheny Township will close before Christmas
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/big-kmart-in-allegheny-township-will-close-before-christmas/
Hershey buys maker of high-protein bar as it looks to go healthier
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hershey-one-brands-nutriton-bar-healthier-20190829.html
Meshoppen Dollar General gets green light
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meshoppen-dollar-general-gets-green-light-1.2526438
Developer of proposed Packer Twp. wind farm files zoning appeal
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/developer-of-proposed-packer-twp-wind-farm-files-zoning-appeal-1.2526525
Catholic Church
Another sex abuse victim sues Diocese of Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/another-sex-abuse-victim-sues-diocese-of-scranton-1.2526631
South Hills priest of 41 years placed on leave amid accusations he abused child in 1990s
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/south-hills-priest-of-41-years-placed-on-leave-amid-accusation-he-abused-child-in-1990s/
Another man accuses Rev. Michael Pulicare of abuse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/another-man-accuses-rev-michael-pulicare-of-abuse-1.2526667
Catholic Church sex abuse: The difference a Pennsylvania grand jury made in lives of survivors | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/08/catholic-church-sex-abuse-the-difference-a-pennsylvania-grand-jury-made-in-lives-of-survivors-opinion.html
Clergy abuse victims seeking justice find hope in new court decision
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/30/clergy-abuse-victims-seeking-justice-find-hope-in-new-court-decision/
Crime/Punishment
Pennsylvania court: Making gun-like hand gesture is a crime
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/29/Pennsylvania-court-Making-gun-like-hand-gesture-a-crime-Kirchner/stories/201908290120
Chester County man who killed next-door neighbor sentenced to life in prison
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/clayton-carter-george-brooks-jennings-west-goshen-shooting-20190829.html
Teen charged in Export shooting will be released from jail
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/teen-charged-in-export-shooting-will-be-released-from-jail/
Education
Wyoming Area labor issue apparently resolved
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754052/union-wyoming-area-teachers-will-be-out-of-school-tuesday
Crestwood mulling action on bus issue
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crestwood-mulling-action-on-bus-issue-1.2526548
Reading School District superintendent gets 3% salary increase and $9,500 bonus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-school-district-superintendent-gets-3-salary-increase-9500-bonus
Cyber school payout hits $3M
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/08/cyber-school-payout-hits-3m/
PHEAA plans to close loan servicing center in Philly suburbs
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pheaa-plans-to-close-loan-servicing-center-in-philly-suburbs.html
Elections/Politics
More states are letting candidates use campaign dollars for childcare. What about Pennsylvania?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/more-states-are-letting-candidates-use-campaign-dollars-for-childcare-what-about-pennsylvania/
Health Care
Geisinger unveils elder center
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/geisinger-unveils-elder-center-1.2526424
Local News
Luzerne County tax-claim operator seeking court order to bring delinquent properties to sale
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754075/luzerne-county-tax-claim-operator-seeking-court-order-to-bring-delinquent-properties-to-sale
Wilkes-Barre’s first female firefighters look to make history
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754089/wilkes-barres-first-female-firefighters-look-to-make-history
Newest group of Wilkes-Barre firefighters includes three women
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/newest-group-of-wilkes-barre-firefighters-includes-three-women-1.2526551
Luzerne County attorney’s redemption story coming full circle
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-attorney-s-redemption-story-coming-full-circle-1.2526559
Scranton gets $352,500 state grant for park project enviro cleanup
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-gets-352-500-state-grant-for-park-project-enviro-cleanup-1.2526614
Charges formally dropped against ex-Lackawanna County Prison guard
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/charges-formally-dropped-against-ex-lackawanna-county-prison-guard-1.2526276
Carbondale Fire Department to receive nearly $29,000 in federal funds
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/carbondale-fire-department-to-receive-nearly-29-000-in-federal-funds-1.2526622
Seminar to help nonprofits fight fraud
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/seminar-to-help-nonprofits-fight-fraud-1.2526443
West Reading Center parking lot set to charge fees
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/west-reading-center-parking-lot-set-to-charge-fees
Heidelberg Township meeting gets heated over discussion of police department
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/heidelberg-township-meeting-gets-heated-over-discussion-of-police-department
Reading Parking Authority recovers parking validation machines that were ‘printing free money’
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-recovers-parking-validation-machines-that-were-printing-free-money
Berks County commissioners discuss constable system costs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-commissioners-discuss-constable-system-costs
County pays off tax loan, could skip next year
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190830/county-pays-off-tax-loan-could-skip-next-year
National News
Is giving government cash to every American the best way to deal with poverty?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/poverty-universal-basic-income-give-people-money-20190829.html
Record crowd cheers for Carli Lloyd, Tobin Heath, and equal pay in USWNT’s 4-0 win over Portugal
https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/carli-lloyd-tobin-heath-uswnt-equal-pay-portugal-score-20190830.html
W.Va. state Sen. Mike Maroney charged with soliciting prostitute
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/29/West-Virginia-state-Sen-Mike-Maroney-charged-with-soliciting-prostitute/stories/201908290142
Philly
New teachers, nurses, AC: what’s on the horizon for Philly schools
https://www.inquirer.com/education/first-day-of-school-philadelphia-2019-hite-district-20190829.html
After 2 child deaths in 11 days, medical facility for fragile kids gets another chance
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pediatric-specialty-care-fragile-child-death-philadelphia-dhs-pennsylvania-20190830.html
Keeper of Philadelphia girl’s memory says new mural masks the painful past | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/helen-ubinas-charnae-charlene-wise-starvation-philadelphia-harper-mural-arts-20190829.html
A Philly rugby star overcame a stray bullet. Now the Army won’t have him. | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/united-states-army-rejects-gunshot-victim-north-philly-rugby-nomads-20190830.html
Father and another man charged in 7-year-old boy’s 2018 subway death
https://www.inquirer.com/news/death-subway-charges-broad-street-line-septa-district-attorney-philadelphia-aden-devlin-20190829.html
Would opening a supervised injection site violate existing federal law? Pro/Con | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/supervised-injection-sites-crack-house-statute-safehouse-william-mcswain-20190829.html
Made in America is ‘an ongoing atrocity’ for neighborhood residents | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/made-in-america-2019-fairmount-neighborhood-philadelphia-20190830.html
Pitt
‘It’s not simply a police issue.’ Peduto touts varied approach to address Downtown stabbings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/29/stabbings-downtown-pittsburgh-peduto-homeless-police/stories/201908290222
Peduto wants mini police station in Downtown to quell Pittsburgh crime
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-wants-mini-police-station-in-downtown-to-quell-crime/
Mount Washington billboard banner can stay, court rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/08/29/Mount-Washington-billboard-banner-can-stay-court-rules-Lamar-Peduto/stories/201908290136
Mt. Washington billboard can legally remain, court says
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mt-washington-billboard-can-legally-remain-court-says/
Bell Acres councilman charged with driving through Antwon Rose protesters gets probation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/29/antwon-rose-car-protesters-pittsburgh-bell-acres-councilman-gregory-wagner/stories/201908290128
Elections board to discuss voting machine search committee report
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/08/29/allegheny-county-elections-voting-machines-report/stories/201908290220
Police investigate after man shot in Hill District
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/29/Police-investigate-after-man-shot-in-Hill-District-pittsburgh/stories/201908290229
Attorney in police officer’s slaying says death penalty inappropriate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/29/Attorney-police-officer-shooting-death-penalty-inappropriate-christian-bey-calvin-hall-pittsburgh/stories/201908290131
Deadline extended to sign up for Citizen’s Police Academy program
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/5-year-old-girl-dies-when-atv-loses-control-in-fox-chapel/
Dry August puts brakes on Pittsburgh’s record rainfall pace
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/dry-august-puts-brakes-on-pittsburghs-record-rainfall-pace/
Officials in talks about building a homeless shelter in downtown Pittsburgh
https://www.witf.org/2019/08/29/officials-in-talks-about-building-a-homeless-shelter-in-downtown-pittsburgh/
State News
Karen Kane: Is there a better way to do this?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/karen-kane/2019/08/30/Polk-Center-mental-health-center-treatment-funding/stories/201908240021
New pipeline deal to bring in more Midwestern fuel into Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/pennsylvania-laurel-pipeline-deal-buckeye-midwestern-fuel-20190829.html
Two-way flow of Laurel Pipeline approved by state commission
https://triblive.com/local/regional/two-way-flow-of-laurel-pipeline-approved-by-state-commission/
Otten, community members submit pipeline safety letter to PUC
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/otten-community-members-submit-pipeline-safety-letter-to-puc/article_09f888e6-c9d9-11e9-b265-c3ef8d0551bd.html
On National Slinky Day, the Delco-born toy will get its own historical marker
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/slinky-historical-roadside-marker-delaware-county-richard-james-betty-james-20190829.html
Former skinhead warns of resurgent hatred in Westmoreland County visit
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/former-skinhead-warns-of-resurgent-hatred-in-westmoreland-county-visit/
Roundtable discussion seeks ways to prevent veteran suicides
https://www.timesleader.com/news/754095/roundtable-discussion-seeks-ways-to-prevent-veteran-suicides
Report: 21% of Pennsylvania’s boating fatalities linked to alcohol or drugs
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/in-pa-21-of-boating-fatalities-related-to-alcohol-or-drugs/
PUC: Improvements planned at Washington County railroad crossing after 2018 crash, acid spill
https://triblive.com/local/regional/puc-improvements-planned-at-washington-county-railroad-crossing-after-2018-crash-acid-spill/
Sewickley Creek spill among those cited in $313K Sunoco Pipeline fine
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/sewickley-creek-spill-among-those-cited-in-313k-sunoco-pipeline-fine/
Bear Creek man dies in ATV wreck
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bear-creek-man-dies-in-atv-wreck-1.2526563
Fox Chapel ATV crash leaves 5-year-old girl dead, father and sister injured
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/08/29/Fox-Chapel-ATV-crash-leaves-5-year-old-girl-dead-two-others-injured/stories/201908290251
Girl dies after ATV crash while riding with dad, sister in Fox Chapel yard
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/little-girl-5-dies-after-atv-crash-while-riding-with-dad-sister-in-fox-chapel-yard/
Worker killed in mine wall collapse in Washington County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/08/30/Worker-killed-wall-collapse-Washington-County-mine-mcfarland-consol-enlow-fork/stories/201908300125
Another mosquito in Berks found with West Nile
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/another-mosquito-in-berks-found-with-west-nile
As Hurricane Dorian gains strength, PPL sending workers, trucks, and equipment to Florida
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-hurricane-dorian-gains-strength-ppl-sending-help-20190830-xrhg5nrlfveudjfyzs7rrt3g3u-story.html
Maryland Gov. Hogan to Wolf: Pa. needs to up its game on Chesapeake Bay cleanup
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/maryland-gov-hogan-to-wolf-pa-needs-to-up-its-game-on-chesapeake-bay-cleanup/
Unclaimed Bucks County veterans get final resting place
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190829/unclaimed-bucks-county-veterans-get-final-resting-place
Now up for bid: Contract to demolish Allentown State Hospital
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-state-hospital-demolition-solicitation-20190829-t522mhz2kvgrtcaugozznc3qbq-story.html
Transportation
New roundabout coming to Middle Road and Prospect Street in Nanticoke
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753972/new-roundabout-coming-to-middle-road-and-prospect-street-in-nanticoke
2 more roundabouts, widening of Route 222 in Maidencreek Township to start soon, take 3 years to complete
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/route-222-north-upgrades–in-maidencreek-township-set-to-start-sept-9
Pa. Turnpike travelers are seeing V-toll charges on their E-Z Pass accounts — here’s why
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/traffic/2019/08/29/pennsylvania-turnpike-travelers-seeing-v-toll-charges-their-e-z-pass-accounts-heres-why/2116927001/
Washington
Comey violated policies in handling memos on interactions with Trump, inspector general finds
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/comey-violated-policies-handling-memos-interactions-with-trump-inspector-general-finds-20190829.html