Legislature
Gov. Wolf blasts Arnold mayor’s anti-protester remarks as ‘unacceptable’
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13861123-74/gov-wolf-blasts-arnold-mayors-anti-protester-remarks-as-unacceptable
Arnold City Council to proceed with request for mayor’s removal, despite solicitor’s doubts
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2018/07/12/Arnold-City-Council-removal-letter-Karen-Peconi-David-Regoli-draft-Governor-Tom-Wolf-Facebook-post-Antwon-Rose/stories/201807120199
California banned new soda taxes. Could it happen in Pennsylvania?
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/soda-tax-philadelphia-california-kenney-wolf-20180712.html
Bill Tracker: Better identifying indigent defendants
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-better-identifying-indigent-defendants/article_544f9600-5d5d-5da1-b84d-d6959e9935a5.html
Case exposes poor system
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/case-exposes-poor-system-1.2361187
Administration
Tom Wolf and Josh Shapiro: State leaders don’t need the federal government’s permission to do what’s right | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court-scotus-nominee-pennsylvania-rights-20180712.html
Pennsylvania puts money in ‘rainy day fund’ for first time in years
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13860765-74/pennsylvania-puts-money-in-rainy-day-fund-for-first-time-in-years
Wolf hasn’t been the champion that Pa. manufacturing needs | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/07/manufacturing_leader_opinion.html#incart_river_index
Business
Accolade, with 500 employees in Plymouth Meeting, seeks to boldly cut health costs for big companies
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/accolade-cut-health-care-costs-philadelphia-20180712.html
CNX Gas pays $250K penalty for sediment discharge in Indiana County
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13860266-74/cnx-gas-pays-250k-penalty-for-sediment-discharge-in-indiana-county
Standing up for low-wage workers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/standing-up-for-low-wage-workers-1.2361148
Dorney Park to host Autism Awareness Week
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dorney-park-to-host-autism-awareness-week-1.2361352
Crime/Punishment
Central court reducing criminal case backlog, Luzerne County judge says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/711280/central-court-reducing-criminal-case-backlog-luzerne-county-judge-says
AG charges alleged leader of Western Pennsylvania gambling operation
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13860467-74/ag-charges-alleged-leader-of-western-pennsylvania-gambling-operation
Grand jury appears to focus on Lackawanna County Prison abuse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/grand-jury-appears-to-focus-on-lackawanna-county-prison-abuse-1.2361354
Ex-EMA director charged with stealing identity of former co-worker
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/ex-ema-director-charged-with-stealing-identity-of-former-co-worker-1.2361110
Marijuana group blasts police for chasing Berks suspect with bulldozer
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pa-man-killed-bulldozer-20180712-story.html
State police seized more than $7 million in drugs in the 2nd quarter
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/state_police_seized_more_than.html#incart_river_index
Franklin County Jail’s drug treatment program to be model throughout state
https://www.publicopiniononline.com/story/news/2018/07/12/franklin-county-jail-addiction-treatment-program-model-pa/771611002/
Education
The teacher supply is plummeting. Pa. will spend $2M to stem the tide
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/teacher-supply-plummeting-pa-governor-wolf-grants-2m-recruitment-retention-20180712.html
A different path to success for high school students
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/a-different-path-to-success-for-high-school-students-1.2361363
Could public schools look to leave the PIAA?
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/07/could-public-schools-look-to-leave-the-piaa.php
Evans stands firm against resignation, says he may sue
https://www.timesleader.com/news/711244/evans-stands-firm-against-resignation-says-he-may-sue
Evans vows to remain on W-B Area Board
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/evans-vows-to-remain-on-w-b-area-board-1.2361254
Tuition at Pa.’s state-owned universities to rise 2.99 percent, or $224, for 2018-19
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/07/12/State-System-of-Higher-Education-tuition-state-owned-universities-Pennsylvania/stories/201807120138
Kutztown University, other state system students, to pay more this fall
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/kutztown-university-other-state-system-students-to-pay-more-this-fall
Elections/Politics
Online voter registration in Pa., three years in: More than 1 in 5 voters register online
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/online-voter-registration-pennsylvania-election-reform-voter-turnout-20180712.html
Gov. Wolf dismisses GOP rival Wagner’s accusation that he is seeking cuts in rural school districts’ funding
https://triblive.com/news/adminpage/13861579-74/gov-wolf-dismisses-gop-rival-wagners-accusation-that-he-is-seeking-cuts
Pennsylvania candidates for governor seek to capture hearts of rural voters
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-scott-wagner-tom-olf-education-election-20180709-story.html
Health Care
Geisinger aims to protect patient DNA
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/geisinger-aims-to-protect-patient-dna-1.2361181
Local News
Wilkes-Barre on S&P’s CreditWatch after Act 47 request
https://www.timesleader.com/news/711263/wilkes-barre-on-sps-creditwatch-after-act-47-request
County, municipal officials planning for next gypsy moth invasion
https://www.timesleader.com/news/711261/county-municipal-officials-planning-for-next-gypsy-moth-invasion
Lawyer: Exeter Twp. has no grounds to block rehab center
https://www.timesleader.com/news/711252/lawyer-exeter-twp-has-no-grounds-to-block-rehab-center
Fireworks ordinance moves forward in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/fireworks-ordinance-moves-forward-in-wilkes-barre-1.2361255
County IT head touts new website’s improvements, features
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-it-head-touts-new-website-s-improvements-features-1.2361182
Music festivals a boon for local tourism and economies
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/music-festivals-a-boon-for-local-tourism-and-economies-1.2361233
Riverbend land eyed for Lackawanna County park needs enviro cleanup
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/riverbend-land-eyed-for-lackawanna-county-park-needs-enviro-cleanup-1.2361245
City zoners OK medical marijuana site
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-zoners-ok-medical-marijuana-site-1.2361240
Harrison says ‘welcome’ 46 more times with new banners
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13859707-74/harrison-says-welcome-46-more-times-with-new-banners
Buffalo Township officials say chicken ordinance could be months away
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13859583-74/buffalo-township-officials-say-chicken-ordinance-could-be-months-away
County employees, elected officials, required to take safe driving courses
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13861582-74/county-employees-elected-officials-required-to-take-safe-driving-courses
PNC to repay Westmoreland employees for fees incurred as part of payroll glitch
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13860360-74/pnc-to-repay-westmoreland-employees-for-fees-incurred-as-part-of-payroll
Reading residents rail against illegal bikes, fireworks in their southeast neighborhood
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-residents-rail-against-illegal-bikes-fireworks-in-their-southeast-neighborhood&template=ourcityart
Harrisburg dam claimed another victim in the 1980s, bringing death toll to 30
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/dock_street_dam_harrisburg_dro.html#incart_river_index
No end in sight for city of Erie curb ramp work
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180713/no-end-in-sight-for-city-of-erie-curb-ramp-work
National News
CDC issues blunt warning about Honey Smacks cereal as salmonella outbreak grows
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2018/07/13/kelloggs-cereal-CDC-salmonella-outbreak-Honey-Smacks/stories/201807130095
New Jersey
$18,000 in tuition and 1,200 hours of study for a license to braid hair? New Jersey lawmakers say no
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/hair-braiding-cosmetology-license-new-jersey-brigitte-nzali-blackwood-african-american-braiding-20180713.html
Opioid Crisis
Independence Blue Cross reports dramatic drop in opioid prescriptions among members
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/addiction/independence-blue-cross-reports-dramatic-drop-in-opioid-prescribing-among-members-20180713.html
Western Pennsylvania to get full-time federal prosecutor as part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/western-pennsylvania-to-get-full-time-federal-prosecutor-as-part/article_d047ff0c-861b-11e8-934e-1fbb450a9787.html
Health officials aim to reduce opioids misuse
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/health-officials-aim-to-reduce-opioids-misuse-1.2361264
Drug deaths level off in Berks, other counties
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/drug-deaths-level-off-in-berks-other-counties
Philly
City requests meeting with ICE officials on future of data-sharing agreement
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/city-requests-meeting-with-ice-officials-on-future-of-data-sharing-agreement-20180713.html
After 26 years working with at-risk teens, can a Philly couple forgive the one who killed their son?
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/after-26-years-working-with-at-risk-teens-can-a-philly-couple-forgive-the-one-who-killed-their-son-20180713.html
It’s our money, so how much are we giving to Amazon? | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/amazon-hq2-proposal-philadelphia-pennsylvania-tax-incentives-20180712.html
Pitt
Zoo committees discussed danger at wild dog exhibit before toddler’s death, newly released report says
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/07/12/pittsburgh-zoo-wild-dogs-mauling-death-2-year-old-maddox-derkosh-2012-lawsuit-federal-investigation/stories/201807120167
Pittsburgh gets $3.6 million state grant to replace Downtown traffic signals
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/07/12/Pittsburgh-state-grant-Downtown-traffic-signals-replacement/stories/201807120124
State utility commission votes to review PWSA rate increase
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13860224-74/state-utility-commission-votes-to-review-pwsa-rate-increase
Build-A-Bear promotion draws such huge crowds, it’s shut down, including in Pittsburgh
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/07/12/Build-A-Bear-pay-your-age-promotion-event-lines-pittsburgh-ross-park-mall-south-hills-village/stories/201807120151
Pittsburgh considers moving city departments out of Civic Building
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13860672-74/pittsburgh-considers-moving-city-departments-out-of-civic-building
Jerry ‘Vinylman’ Weber selling his record collection during DollarPalooza
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13861458-74/jerry-vinylman-webber-selling-his-record-collection-during-dollarpalooza
Pittsburgh authority partners with developer to build 9 floors of high-end condos at former Saks site
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13860754-74/pittsburgh-authority-partners-with-developer-to-build-9-floors-of-high-end-condos
Code Orange air-quality alert issued for Pittsburgh region on Friday
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13860335-74/code-orange-air-quality-alert-issued-for-pittsburgh-region-on-friday
State News
Pa. approves Aqua’s contentious $75M sewer system acquisition
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/energy/pa-approves-aqua-contentious-limerick-sewer-system-acquisition-20180712.html
‘You’re just not the same person:’ Four families unwillingly connected by Cosmo DiNardo open up about their grief
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/bucks-county-murders-cosmo-dinardo-jimi-patrick-dean-finocchiaro-thomas-meo-mark-sturgis-anniversary.html
Regulators reject pitch to change gas flows to Western Pa.
http://www.post-gazette.com/powersource/policy-powersource/2018/07/12/Laurel-pipeline-reversal-Buckeye-Sheetz-Giant-Eagle-PUC-gas/stories/201807120112
Disgraceful conflict: Campaign cash casts a pall over Supreme Court
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/07/13/Disgraceful-conflict-Campaign-cash-casts-a-pall-over-Supreme-Court/stories/201807130030
Pa. fire deaths have increased; working smoke alarms save lives
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2018/07/13/Pa-fire-deaths-have-increased-working-smoke-alarms-save-lives/stories/201807130014
State audit questions the legality of Monessen’s hiring of a pension fund manager
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/state-audit-questions-the-legality-of-monessen-s-hiring-of/article_72c7475c-85ee-11e8-a9af-c3fa5c5de285.html
Auditor General to withhold Monessen state pension aid
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13859705-74/auditor-general-to-withhold-monessen-state-pension-aid
Army Corps plan workshops for flood proofing, flood plain management
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13860299-74/army-corps-plan-workshops-for-flood-proofing-flood-plain-management
Program aims to help disabled homeowners in Armstrong, Butler, Westmoreland counties
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13859839-74/program-aims-to-help-disabled-homeowners-in-armstrong-butler-westmoreland-counties
Commissioners respond to complaints about Berks Residential Center
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/commissioners-respond-to-complaints-about-berks-residential-center
Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps teens help to spruce up French Creek State Park
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-outdoor-corps-teens-help-to-spruce-up-french-creek-state-park
Mariner East 2 pipeline spill prompting underwater inspection, ‘no wake zone’ at Raystown Lake
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2018/07/12/mariner-east-2-pipeline-spill-prompting-underwater-inspection-no-wake-zone-at-raystown-lake/?_ga=2.225129747.807901000.1531225391-143648526.1525781970
A company cut trees for a pipeline that hasn’t been approved. The landowners just filed for compensation
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2018/07/12/a-company-cut-trees-for-a-pipeline-that-hasnt-been-approved-the-landowners-just-filed-for-compensation/?_ga=2.189946530.807901000.1531225391-143648526.1525781970
Pa. avoids ‘nuclear option’ that would have cut 200,000 stocked trout
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2018/07/12/pa-avoids-cut-200-000-stocked-trout/778131002/
Transportation
Upgrades on the way for West Pittston traffic lights
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/upgrades-on-the-way-for-west-pittston-traffic-lights-1.2361269
City gets $180K to upgrade traffic signal
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-gets-180k-to-upgrade-traffic-signal-1.2361208
Judge rules COLTS did not violate atheist group’s free speech
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-rules-colts-did-not-violate-atheist-group-s-free-speech-1.2361093
Washington
Democrats remain divided over how to attack Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/07/12/Democrats-remain-divided-over-how-to-attack-Supreme-Court-nominee-Brett-Kavanaugh/stories/201807120218
Conor Lamb, House subcommittee will help steer VA’s electronic record keeping
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/07/12/Conor-Lamb-US-House-subcommittee-veterans-affairs-VA-electronic-record-keeping/stories/201807120137
Senate holds off on vote for federal judgeships, including Pittsburgh nominee for appeals court
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/07/12/US-Senate-vote-federal-judgeships-Pittsburgh-nominee-David-Porter-3rd-Circuit-Appeals/stories/201807120144