Legislature
$1.5M PHARE funding announced for local affordable housing projects
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749803/1-5m-phare-funding-announced-for-local-affordable-housing-projects
Pennsylvania law protects those who rescue children from hot cars
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-law-protects-those-who-rescue-children-from-hot-cars/
State and federal legislation helps grandparents rearing grandchildren
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-and-federal-legislation-helps-grandparents-rearing-grandchildren
The Rundown: Senate bill would send Pa.’s electoral votes to the winner of the nation’s popular tally
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/the-rundown-senate-bill-would-send-pas-electoral-votes-to-the-winner-of-the-nations-popular-tally
Former Somerset lawmaker remembered after fatal tractor accident
https://www.tribdem.com/news/former-somerset-lawmaker-remembered-after-fatal-tractor-accident/article_9d3df6c0-a6b3-11e9-b5f4-6b37c515523f.html
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
The state of gerrymandering in PA and preparing for earthquakes
https://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/07/gerrymandering-and-earthquakes.php
Business
Elwyn boosts workers’ wages – and morale
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/elwyn-boosts-workers-wages—and-morale/article_b640542c-a4c6-11e9-9a89-afb737582d18.html
Kennywood: Steel Curtain reopens Sunday after technical difficulties the previous day
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2019/07/14/Kennywood-Park-pittsburgh-Steel-Curtain-roller-coaster-set-reopen-noon-today/stories/201907140130
Crime/Punishment
Rafael Robb wanted to go to Israel, an Ivy League killer. A Pa. loophole almost let him. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/rafael-robb-ellen-robb-murder-israel-pennsylvania-criminal-justice-loophole-maria-panaritis-20190714.html
Harmar drug activity down due to visible police presence, chief says
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harmar-drug-activity-down-due-to-visible-police-presence-chief-says/
Cash bail, explained: How it works and why criminal justice reformers want to get rid of it
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/cash-bail-explained-how-it-works-and-why-criminal-justice-reformers-want-to-get-rid-of-it/
Education
Should Pa. dump its Keystone Exams for high school students and save millions? One state official thinks so.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/keystone-exams-pennsylvania-sat-act-standardized-test-reform-20190715.html
Hazleton Area School District tax mailing delayed, discount cutoff date unchanged
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-area-school-district-tax-mailing-delayed-discount-cutoff-date-unchanged-1.2508458
Harrisburg School District can find hope for revival in Reading: 7 lessons
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/harrisburg-school-district-can-find-hope-for-revival-in-reading.html
Editorial: Schools face disaster if situation doesn’t change
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/local-schools-facing-disaster-if-situation-doesnt-change
Neshaminy teachers talk education with federal lawmakers
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190713/neshaminy-teachers-talk-education-with-federal-lawmakers
Pa. schools ahead of laws governing sex assault reporting
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-schools-ahead-of-laws-governing-sex-assault-reporting/
Go to college for free — yes, free — at these Pa. and N.J. schools
https://www.inquirer.com/news/free-college-rutgers-williamson-college-trades-usciences-tuition-20190715.html
Penn State president ranks among highest paid public university officials in country
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/15/penn-state-president-eric-barron-west-virginia-university-pitt-salary-ranking/stories/201907120141
Our view: State schools’ tuition freeze break welcome
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20190715/our-view–state-schools-tuition-freeze-break-welcome
Elections/Politics
County officials: Proposed voting systems are secure
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-officials-proposed-voting-systems-are-secure-1.2508489
Pa. Republicans avoid fight that could have jeopardized Trump re-election effort
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/pa-republicans-avoid-fight-that-could-have-jeopardized-trump-re-election-effort.html
Berks Democrats: Too soon to pick a favorite in presidential race
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-democrats-too-soon-to-pick-a-favorite
Gaming
Parx, SugarHouse, Hollywood casinos set to launch online gambling this week
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-casinos-launch-online-internet-gaming-parx-sugarhouse-hollywood-20190715.html
Local News
West Wyoming Community Ambulance organization set to close Aug. 2
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749854/west-wyoming-community-ambulance-organization-set-to-close-aug-2
Annual Back Mountain Library Auction draws to a close
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/749883/annual-back-mountain-library-auction-draws-to-a-close
Volunteers, good weather make library auction a success
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/volunteers-good-weather-make-library-auction-a-success-1.2508486
‘Summer Safety Day’ today on Public Square
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/summer-safety-day-today-on-public-square-1.2508406
Fundraisers planned for Camp Louise
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/fundraisers-planned-for-camp-louise-1.2508379
Scranton on track for Act 47 exit despite scandal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-on-track-for-act-47-exit-despite-scandal-1.2508220
State of the city address in question amid mayoral corruption scandal in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-of-the-city-address-in-question-amid-mayoral-corruption-scandal-in-scranton-1.2508502
Addiction awareness rally in Scranton offers stories of recovery
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/addiction-awareness-rally-in-scranton-offers-stories-of-recovery-1.2508507
Charl-Mont space in county government center tax exempt — or is it?
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/charl-mont-space-in-county-government-center-tax-exempt-or-is-it-1.2508501
Scranton couple sells their home at center of city shutdown of Airbnb rentals there; sale makes court appeal moot
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-couple-sells-their-home-at-center-of-city-shutdown-of-airbnb-rentals-there-sale-makes-court-appeal-moot-1.2508477
Let county collect city delinquencies
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/let-county-collect-city-delinquencies-1.2508347
Tarentum Bicycle Safety Rodeo passes out free helmets, bikes, safety message
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-bicycle-safety-rodeo-passes-out-free-helmets-bikes-safety-message/
Rainwater creates problems for Berks sewage plants
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rainwater-creates-problems-for-berks-sewage-plants
Quietly, a new chapter begins for former VF Outlet property in Wyomissing
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/quietly-a-new-chapter-begins-for-former-vf-outlet-property
Group seeking term limits for Reading mayor and council hits another bump
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/group-seeking-term-limits-for-reading-mayor-and-council-hits-another-bump
National News
Today’s seniors report fewer depression symptoms than their parents
https://www.inquirer.com/news/depression-pitt-seniors-older-adults-pittsburgh-20190714.html
Opioid Crisis
The opioid epidemic is fueling a crisis in foster care
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/foster-care-crisis-fueled-by-opioid-epidemic
Program aims to reduce stress and strengthen confidence of parents in recovery
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/program-aims-to-reduce-stress-and-strengthen-confidence-of-parents-in-recovery
Philly
Among rebuffed plans for jilted W. Philly police HQ site: climbing gym, charter school, homes by NFL’s Malcolm Jenkins
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/eagles-malcolm-jenkins-karp-provident-mutual-4601-market-rtk-charter-school-iron-stone-20190715.html
How does Philly water stack up? A taste test by an expert panel reveals surprises.
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/philadelphia-new-york-pittsburgh-baltimore-bottled-water-taste-20190715.html
Neighbors: Where was the police presence at Philly playground where 7 shot?
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/baker-playground-shooting-philadelphia-crime-20190714.html
Why this business at Northeast Philly Airport has to pay $500-600 a month for slow internet
https://www.inquirer.com/business/verizon-comcast-northeast-airport-internet-dsl-20190715.html
Patients, hospital staff, community groups rally to save Hahnemann
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hahnemann-rally-protest-student-patients-hospital-staff-20190714.html
Bernie Sanders to rally at Hahnemann Hospital on Monday
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bernie-sanders-hahnemann-rally-philadelphia-20190714.html
Prison gerrymandering unfair to Philadelphia and other cities | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/prison-gerrymandering-pennsylvania-villanova-philadelphia-census-editorial-20190715.html
A Philly mother’s searing memoir on her daughter’s overdose condemns the treatment system that failed her | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/elise-schiller-philadelphia-supervised-injection-site-court-battle-even-if-your-heart-would-listen-20190714.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh police identify off-duty officer critically injured in Homewood shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/14/Pittsburgh-police-Off-duty-cop-officer-critically-injured-Homewood-shooting-Monticello-Street/stories/201907140127
Authorities identify off-duty police officer shot in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/off-duty-police-officer-shot-in-pittsburgh/
Transportation problem: Dozens of bicycles left on Port Authority buses in 2019
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/07/14/Port-Authority-Pittsburgh-abandoned-stolen-bicycles-bikes-2019/stories/201907130007
Penn Hills police officer shoots, kills person during homicide investigation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/15/Penn-Hills-police-officer-shoots-kills-person-homicide-investigation-Sharon-Court/stories/201907150057
Police: Penn Hills officer fatally shoots man who fired gun
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-officer-returns-fire-kills-man/
Pitt and UPMC receive $19.2M NIH grant for sickle cell study
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/07/15/UPMC-University-of-Pittsburgh-Sickle-Cell-Anemia-NIH-grant-red-cell-exchange/stories/201907080084
Pittsburgh VA employees say supply shortages are impacting patient care
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/07/13/Pittsburgh-VA-hospitals-employees-say-supply-shortages-impacting-patient-care/stories/201907130048
County council mostly does what Rich Fitzgerald asks. Can it change? Should it?
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/07/13/allegheny-County-council-mostly-does-what-Rich-Fitzgerald-asks/stories/201907140022
Pittsburgh Public’s Summer Dreamers Academy still a success after 10 years
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/13/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Summer-Dreamers-Academy-achievement-gap-10-years/stories/201907100116
Overtime emergency: Strained 911 workers endanger public safety
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/07/15/911-dispatch-cell-center-workers-overtime-emergency-endanger-public-safety/stories/201907120044
State News
Great blue heron dazzles at Keystone State Park
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/great-blue-heron-dazzles-at-keystone-state-park/
Resurgent bald eagles spotted in Derry, Unity townships
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/resurgent-bald-eagles-spotted-in-derry-unity-townships/
Pa. task force looks to improve suicide awareness
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749860/pa-task-force-looks-to-improve-suicide-awareness
Army Corps to test groundwater at nuclear waste dump in Parks Township
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/army-corps-to-test-groundwater-at-nuclear-waste-dump-in-parks-township/
Camp helps disabled veterans, first responders find purpose
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/camp-helps-disabled-veterans-first-responders-find-purpose-1.2508402
Nearly four years after Toomey’s child predator bill became law, most states still not enforcing it
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-pat-toomey-schools-pass-trash-suspected-abusers-law-20190715-fq3ai3pdsrgk7pmf2ndeh3empu-story.html
DEP working to stabilize chemicals that caused Rochester fire
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190714/dep-working-to-stabilize-chemicals-that-caused-rochester-fire
15 months later, still no ruling in Grandview Golf Club discrimination case. Here’s why.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/07/12/frustrating-delay-grandview-five-still-waiting-state-act/1712092001/
‘Grandview Five’ members reject settlement offer of golf membership, lessons
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2019/07/12/grandview-five-women-reject-chronisters-settlement-offer-membership-and-lessons/1715750001/
Transportation
Turnpike officials look for answers after more flooding at Southern Beltway construction near McDonald
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/07/13/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-Southern-Beltway-flooding-route-980-Cecil-McDonald-toll-road/stories/201907120140
Airport could break its departure record
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/airport-could-break-its-departure-record-1.2508364
After pedestrian fatalities, Lower Paxton residents want changes to Union Deposit Road
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/after-pedestrian-fatalities-lower-paxton-residents-want-changes-to-union-deposit-road.html
Koppel Bridge to close for 72 days, beginning Aug. 13
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190715/koppel-bridge-to-close-for-72-days-beginning-aug-13
Washington
Trump tells progressive congresswomen to ‘go back’ to their ‘countries,’ sparking Dem fury
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/07/14/Trump-congresswomen-go-back-from-Pelosi-Ocasio-Cortez-Democrats-racist/stories/201907140134
Rep. Madeleine Dean: It’s time for an impeachment inquiry | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/impeachment-inquiry-house-democrats-president-trump-20190715.html