Legislature
Local lawmakers take criminal justice reform talk to prison
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local-lawmakers-take-criminal-justice-reform-talk-to-prison/article_36b4be68-454a-53a2-b1c7-34302935ddb3.html
$500,000 state grant to boost New Kensington’s blight fight
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14028790-74/500000-state-grant-to-boost-new-kensingtons-blight-fight
Persico backs fund for victims over change to law
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180830/persico-backs-fund-for-victims-over-change-to-law
Nonbelievers win suit over Pennsylvania House prayer policy
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/08/30/Nonbelievers-invocations-Pennsylvania-House-lawsuit-court-judgement-prayer-policy/stories/201808300160
Pa. House policy banning non-believers from delivering opening invocation ruled unconstitutional
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/08/pa_house_policy_banning_non-be.html#incart_river_index
Judge reduces DeWeese’s restitution while he continues to try to overturn conviction
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/judge-reduces-deweese-s-restitution-while-he-continues-to-try/article_5c2b5636-ac5f-11e8-b5e3-37d0495bffb4.html
Our view: Abuse victims deserve path to justice
http://www.goerie.com/opinion/20180831/our-view-abuse-victims-deserve-path-to-justice
Administration
Wolf administration hosts open panel
http://www.titusvilleherald.com/news/article_d4d60810-accd-11e8-9b1b-87715e10e824.html
Business
Manager of web domains from .org to .xxx shifts overseas HQ to Horsham in win for Trump tax cut
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/real_estate/commercial/tax-cut-afilias-headquarters-dublin-horsham-domain-registry-20180831.html?arc404=true
Merakey closing NEPA behavioral health locations
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/merakey-closing-nepa-behavioral-health-locations-1.2380125
Fill shortages by raising pay
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/fill-shortages-by-raising-pay-1.2380358
Reading trade conference hampered by visa denials
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-trade-conference-hampered-by-visa-denials
Clergy Sex Abuse
Pa. grand jurors: Make full clergy sex abuse report public
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/08/30/Pennsylvania-grand-jurors-Make-full-clergy-sex-abuse-report-public-catholic-church-josh-shapiro/stories/201808300189
Parishioners defend priest in Greensburg diocese accused of sexually abusing minor
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14028800-74/parishioners-defend-priest-in-greensburg-diocese-accused-of-sexually-abusing-minor
Crime/Punishment
Pa. prisons chief says correctional facilities will remain on lockdown
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/08/30/Pennsylvania-prisons-correctional-institutions-remain-lockdown-synthetic-drugs-cannabinoids/stories/201808300146
Synthetic marijuana sickened Pa. prison employees, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14028483-74/synthetic-marijuana-most-likely-sickened-pa-prison-employees
State Corrections Secretary Identifies K2 As Drug Smuggled Into Western Pa. Prisons
http://www.wesa.fm/post/state-corrections-secretary-identifies-k2-drug-smuggled-western-pa-prisons#stream/0
Fire reported at Retreat state prison
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716592/fire-reported-at-retreat-state-prison
Former Pa. mayor found guilty in federal corruption trial
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20180830_ap_6dea1d6e714547bfbf41bdd15f5604f8.html?arc404=true
Former Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer guilty of all counts in federal bribery trial
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/former-reading-mayor-vaughn-spencer-guilty-of-all-counts-in-federal-bribery-trial
Pa. puts too many people in prison for the wrong reasons. I should know – it happened to me | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/08/pa_puts_too_many_people_in_pri.html#incart_river_index
Visiting a Pa. state prison inmate? Here’s what you’ll see (after the lockdown ends)
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/08/visiting_a_state_prison_inmate.html#incart_river_index
Former Mayor Ed Pawlowski asks to remain free on bail pending appeal
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-allentown-pawlowski-bail-appeal-20180830-story.html
Lehigh County Jail inmate and a guard test positive for tuberculosis
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-prisons-tb-20180828-story.html
Official: Long lockdowns can ratchet up tension among prisoners
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/08/official-long-lockdowns-can-ratchet-up-tension-among-prisoners.php
Education
Scranton School Board votes to eliminate teaching positions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-votes-to-eliminate-teaching-positions-1.2380314
Northwest Area one vote away from ‘early-bird’ teacher contract
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716596/northwest-area-one-vote-away-from-early-bird-teacher-contract
W-B Area working with DEP on new school
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-area-working-with-dep-on-new-school-1.2380422
Small group of vocal protesters rally against WB Area consolidation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716572/small-group-of-vocal-protesters-rally-against-w-b-area-consolidation
Schools shouldn’t eat debt for unpaid student lunches
http://www.mcall.com/opinion/muschick/mc-opi-unpaid-school-lunches-lunch-shaming-muschick-20180828-story.html
Hempfield schools, homeowners square off over property tax assessments
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14029321-74/hempfield-schools-homeowners-square-off-over-property-tax-assessments
Pa. auditor general to audit Temple University; business school and tuition hikes are areas of focus
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/pa-auditor-general-audit-temple-university-business-school-tuition-hikes-20180830.html
University of Scranton, King’s rated ‘Best’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/university-of-scranton-king-s-rated-best-1.2380265
Elections/Politics
Washington County officials hear second pitch for new voting machines
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/washington-county-officials-hear-second-pitch-for-new-voting-machines/article_9826702a-aaf8-11e8-8561-838b6dbaec9e.html
“Overpaid Baboons” – Racially Charged Posts About NFL Players Attributed To County Republican Party Official
https://beavercountian.com/content/community-events/overpaid-baboons-racially-charged-posts-about-nfl-players-attributed-to-county-republican-party-official
Health Care
Allegheny Valley Hospital nurses, service workers ratify three-year contract
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/08/30/Allegheny-Valley-Hospital-nurses-service-workers-ratify-three-year-contract/stories/201808300208
Allegheny Valley Hospital nurses ratify new contract
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14029869-74/allegheny-valley-hospital-nurses-ratify-new-contract
Highmark pilot program to pay ambulance companies when patients not taken to hospital
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14023978-74/highmark-pilot-to-pay-ambulance-companies-when-patients-not-taken-to-hospital
Fox Chase official receives grant to improve genetic risk communication
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/fox-chase-official-receives-grant-to-improve-genetic-risk-communication/article_a3490fbb-b815-5d15-9db4-e0a3f0b91cf7.html
John McCain
Biden and others remember McCain as a hero and a maverick at his Arizona memorial service
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/08/30/Mourners-gather-for-Arizona-church-service-for-McCain/stories/201808300117
Berks lawmaker remembers McCain, sets up event to honor him
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-lawmaker-remembers-mccain-sets-up-event-to-honor-him
Local News
Double the fun for Wilkes-Barre’s second Multicultural Festival and Parade
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716557/double-the-fun-for-wilkes-barres-second-multicultural-festival-and-parade
Program preserves more than 3,000 acres of farmland
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/program-preserves-more-than-3-000-acres-of-farmland-1.2380318
Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame inductees include Special Olympics athlete
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716590/luzerne-county-sports-hall-of-fame-inductees-include-special-olympics-athlete
Longtime local advocate honored in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/longtime-local-advocate-honored-in-wilkes-barre-1.2380317
W-B mayor’s office releases Labor Day schedule and announcements
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-mayor-s-office-releases-labor-day-schedule-and-announcements-1.2380290
Annual benefit will honor Nanticoke woman’s memory
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/annual-benefit-will-honor-nanticoke-woman-s-memory-1.2380336
House explodes, one person injured in Taylor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/house-explodes-one-person-injured-in-taylor-1.2380352
City pays $24K for part-time consultants
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-pays-24k-for-part-time-consultants-1.2380379
Salem Township park provided respite from Jim Crow-era discrimination
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14030189-74/salem-township-park-provided-respite-from-jim-crow-era-discrimination
Berks County commissioners adopt controversial ordinance
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-commissioners-adopt-controversial-ordinance
Berks juvenile probation officer dies after motorcycle accident
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-juvenile-probation-officer-dies-after-motorcycle-accident
National News
The bugs are coming, a new study says, and they’ll want more of the plants grown for food
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2018/08/30/The-bugs-are-coming-a-new-study-says-and-they-ll-want-more-of-the-plants-grown-for-food/stories/201808300220
Is Delaware’s Kerri Evelyn Harris the next explosion to rock the Democrats? | Will Bunch
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/will_bunch/kerri-evelyn-harris-delaware-senate-tom-carper-progressive-20180830.html
Sanctuary cities have a new reason not to trust ICE | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/sanctuary-cities-ice-immigration-deportation-20180830.html
Philly
Looking for some relief? City goes door to door touting tax assistance programs
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/property-tax-assistance-homestead-revenue-loop-taxes-20180831.html
Parkway museums struggle through Made in America: ‘It takes a toll’
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/jayz-made-in-america-festival-philly-parkway-philadelphia-museum-art-barnes-20180831.html
Couple who raised $400K for homeless Johnny Bobbitt have until Friday afternoon to turn over the money
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/johnny-bobbitt-gofundme-court-hearing-kate-mcclure-mark-damico-judge-rules-20180830.html
100+ people ran for City Council at the height of anti-Rizzo furor. Could it happen again? | Clout
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/clout/clout-city-council-at-large-candidates-2019-20180831.html
U.S. Supreme Court denies Catholic Social Services attempt to force Philly to reinstate foster contract in same-sex dispute
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/supreme-court-foster-care-lgbt-same-sex-parents-20180830.html
Mayor Kenney, please, be consistent and equitable and sign the Construction Impact Tax bill | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-construction-impact-tax-affordable-housing-20180831.html
The test Philadelphia can’t afford to fail | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/lead-poisoning-philadelphia-environment-children-toxic-city-20180831.html
Philadelphia’s other Benjamin: founding father Benjamin Rush’s lasting legacy | Philly History
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/philadelphias-other-benjamin-founding-father-benjamin-rushs-lasting-legacy-commentary-20180831.html
Officials defends plan for drug sites
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/officials-defends-plan-for-drug-sites/article_33cefeef-9ed8-5fb5-94eb-4a4428aeb38b.html
Pitt
In rift over UPMC hospital, a union and mayor expose split views
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2018/08/30/SEIU-Bill-Peduto-UPMC-hospitals/stories/201808210128
Port Authority making real-time info readily available for riders
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/08/30/Port-Authority-Pittsburgh-transit-buses-light-rail-schedules-real-time-information-website/stories/201808300158
Poor judgment: Judge Pappas’ bond-setting raises questions
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/31/Poor-judgment-Judge-Pappas-bond-setting-raises-questions/stories/201808310072
State News
How Janus could affect strategy at the negotiation table
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/janus-contract-negotiations-strategy-weaken-private-sector-20180831.html
Tom Hanks visited Saint Vincent College for movie research
https://triblive.com/aande/movies/14028329-74/tom-hanks-visited-saint-vincent-college-for-movie-research
Plenty of ways to pay for cash assistance for Pennsylvania’s neediest people | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/plenty-of-ways-to-pay-for-cash-assistance-for-the-states-needy-editorial-20180831.html
Senior U.S. District Judge William J. Nealon dies at 95
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/senior-u-s-district-judge-william-j-nealon-dies-at-95-1.2380098
Pa. wine and spirits stores to open Labor Day
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pa-wine-and-spirits-stores-to-open-labor-day-1.2380319
Cindy Boscov, wife of retail executive and hands-on volunteer, dies at 69
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/cindy-boscov-wife-of-retail-executive-and-hands-on-volunteer-dies-at-69
PennDOT employee killed
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/08/penndot-employee-killed/
Transportation
Next phase of South Valley Parkway opens today
https://www.timesleader.com/news/716614/next-phase-of-south-valley-parkway-opens-today
South Valley Parkway stretch near Nanticoke opens today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/south-valley-parkway-stretch-near-nanticoke-opens-today-1.2380345
Editorial: A light at the end of Penn Street Bridge work
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-a-light-at-the-end-of-penn-street-bridge-work
Washington
Sources say Trump wanted to buy up decades of dirt on him from the National Enquirer
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/08/30/Sources-say-Trump-wanted-to-buy-up-decades-of-dirt-on-him-from-the-National-Enquirer/stories/201808300227
Trump says Sessions is safe at least until November, when voters go to the polls
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/08/30/Trump-says-Sessions-is-safe-at-least-until-November-when-voters-go-to-the-polls/stories/201808300204