Legislature
Legislation would refund up to $500 in tolls through tax rebate
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190714/legislation-would-refund-up-to-500-in-tolls-through-tax-rebate
After budget whiff, census advocates again pitch state funding to Senate Republicans
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/after-budget-whiff-census-advocates-again-pitch-state-funding-to-senate-republicans/
The common denominator in Pennsylvania’s veteran suicides? Firearms, experts say
https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/the-common-denominator-in-pennsylvanias-veteran-suicides-firearms-experts-say/
Langerholc sexual assault bill signed into law
https://www.tribdem.com/news/langerholc-sexual-assault-bill-signed-into-law/article_1026cb18-a776-11e9-b617-4f24ed54cc54.html
Rep. Thomas pushes for toll bridge discount expansion
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190715/rep-thomas-pushes-for-toll-bridge-discount-expansion
Revisit state fireworks law
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/revisit-state-fireworks-law-1.2508607
Administration
ACLU, Wolf don’t see eye-to-eye on crime victim’s rights laws
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/aclu-wolf-dont-see-eye-to-eye-on-crime-victims-rights-laws.html
Sue Pennsylvania? Maryland editorial on Pa.’s efforts to clean up Chesapeake Bay draws governor’s fire
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/sue-pennsylvania-maryland-editorial-that-duns-pas-efforts-on-chesapeake-bay-draws-fire.html
Business
A hazardous waste? Washington County plant to recycle powder into ‘ink’ for 3D printers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2019/07/15/Powders-3D-printing-additive-manufacturing-GE-Allegheny-Technologies-Amastan/stories/201905300007
M&T Bank closes nearly half its locations, reinvests $9 million to update branches
https://www.inquirer.com/business/mt-bank-branches-philadelphia-new-jersey-20190715.html
Steel Curtain’s ups and downs are typical for new rides, says Kennywood
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/kennywoods-steel-curtain-coaster-again-out-of-service/
Work progressing on Mission BBQ site in Wilkes-Barre Township
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749931/work-progressing-on-mission-bbq-in-wilkes-barre-township
Crime/Punishment
Veteran Bucks cop used police database to harass driver, police say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/michael-pitcher-morrisville-bucks-county-harassment-20190715.html
Inmate sues over alleged sex assault by prison counselor
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/inmate-sues-over-alleged-sex-assault-by-prison-counselor-1.2508621
Education
Online plan could mean snow days are numbered for Pa. students
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/online-plan-could-mean-snow-days-are-numbered-for-pa/article_df048261-bcdf-56f2-adb1-d69ee8adc045.html
Wilkes-Barre Area eyes early retirement incentives
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749945/wilkes-barre-area-eyes-early-retirement-incentives
Lake-Lehman reverses three furloughs, extends property tax deadline
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749947/lake-lehman-reverses-three-furloughs-extends-property-tax-deadline
Elections/Politics
In Pa., Trump campaign launches national effort to improve his standing with women
https://www.inquirer.com/news/women-for-trump-pennsylvania-launch-lara-trump-20190716.html
Dan Smith Jr. enters Democratic race to challenge U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190716/dan-smith-jr-enters-democratic-race-to-challenge-us-rep-mike-kelly
Gaming
New gambling options come online Monday — slots, blackjack and more
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/07/15/Pennsylvania-casino-online-gaming-launch-computer-phone-slots-poker-Parx-Hollywood/stories/201907150017
Health Care
UPMC-Highmark agreement settled but local family still deals with fallout
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/07/15/UPMC-Highmark-agreement-consent-decree-continuity-of-care-community-blue-health-insurance/stories/201907140030
Hazle OKs LVHN development plan
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazle-oks-lvhn-development-plan-1.2508634
Local News
Official: Release Luzerne County election trip report
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749953/official-release-luzerne-county-election-trip-report
Election board member seeks Crispell report
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election-board-member-seeks-crispell-report-1.2508626
W-B Connect launches Parks Portal in Hanover Industrial Estates
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749949/w-b-connect-launches-parks-portal-in-hanover-industrial-estates
WB attorney: KKK brick to remain
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749951/wb-attorney-kkk-brick-to-remain
Grants help with safety upgrade to West Side fire hydrants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/grants-help-with-safety-upgrade-to-west-side-fire-hydrants-1.2508689
Wilkes-Barre mayor seeks appointments despite controversy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-mayor-seeks-appointments-despite-controversy-1.2508697
Scranton council mulls ending Northeast Revenue contract
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-council-mulls-ending-northeast-revenue-contract-1.2508619
Lifeguard shortage plays havoc with Scranton pool schedules
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lifeguard-shortage-plays-havoc-with-scranton-pool-schedules-1.2508610
City council exploring Administrative Code/Home Rule Charter conflicts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/city-council-exploring-administrative-code-home-rule-charter-conflicts-1.2508758
Vigil honors 8-year-old stabbed to death by mother’s boyfriend in New Castle
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/07/15/candlelight-vigil-honors-boy-killed-new-castle-stabbing-keith-burley-mark-mason/stories/201907150118
Reading mayor blocks raising of pride flag
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-mayor-blocks-raising-of-pride-flag
Douglass Township begins long post-flood cleanup
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/douglass-township-begins-long-post-flood-cleanup
Sacred Heart Villa retirement home in Muhlenberg Township will not close after finding a new owner
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sacred-heart-villa-retirement-home-in-muhlenberg-township-will-remain-open
Stormwater studies to help determine Erie-area needs, funding
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190716/stormwater-studies-to-help-determine-erie-area-needs-funding
CWA ratepayers want say in Aqua lawsuit
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/cwa-ratepayers-want-say-in-aqua-lawsuit/article_6357603e-a741-11e9-947c-672a02adbe1d.html
Arbitrator ends 18 months of no contract for Bethlehem’s cops, who say it shouldn’t have come to this
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2019/07/arbitrator-ends-18-months-of-no-contract-for-bethlehems-cops-who-say-it-shouldnt-have-come-to-this.html
Opioid Crisis
Children in foster care because of parents’ drug use has soared, national study finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/foster-care-opioid-epidemic-parents-drug-use-home-removal-20190716.html
A well-deserved thank you to all who have brought a glimmer of hope to the opioid crisis in Pennsylvania | Pennlive Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/07/a-well-deserved-thank-you-to-all-who-have-brought-a-glimmer-of-hope-to-the-opioid-crisis-in-pennsylvania-pennlive-editorial.html
Philly
‘It’s surreal’: After 28 years in prison, Philly man freed after prosecutors call him ‘likely innocent’ in 1991 murder
https://www.inquirer.com/news/chester-hollman-freed-philadelphia-murder-krasner-innocence-tauber-20190715.html
Immigrants and people of color in Philly area say ‘Go back where you came from’ continues to be hateful and hurtful
https://www.inquirer.com/news/go-back-where-you-came-from-trump-aoc-racist-immigrant-immigration-20190715.html
Basketball tourney organizer laments mass shooting at Overbrook playground
https://www.inquirer.com/news/baker-playground-west-philly-mass-shooting-gun-violence-mayor-kenney-20190715.html
For some Hahnemann medical residents, there’s an added stress: Potential deportation
https://www.inquirer.com/health/hahnemann-j-1-visa-foreign-residents-medical-doctors-deported-20190715.html
‘Not just a Philadelphia issue’: Bernie Sanders rallies against Hahnemann closure — and for Medicare for All
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bernie-sanders-rally-philadelphia-hahnemann-hospital-closure-medicare-for-all-20190715.html
Bernie Sanders 2020: Pennsylvania’s Hahnemann Hospital provides perfect match for signature themes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/bernie-sanders-2020-pennsylvanias-hahnemann-hospital-provides-perfect-match-for-signature-themes.html
1 killed, 4 wounded in 4 shootings before dawn in Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-shootings-homicide-gun-violence-20190715.html
Philly charter founded by indicted labor leader plans new school at slain developer’s South Kensington site
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/local-98-charter-school-john-dougherty-sean-schellenger-techadelphia-20190715.html
One big failure of the liberals who came to Philadelphia for Netroots Nation: ignoring the issue of overdose deaths | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/overdose-deaths-opioid-drug-policy-2020-democratic-primary-netroots-nation-20190715.html
In Philly’s fight for safer streets, one size doesn’t fit all | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-poverty-violence-guns-solutions-20190715.html
LaSalle University should open campus pool to Northwest Philly residents | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/lasalle-university-pool-belfield-rec-center-philadelphia-20190715.html
Pitt
City’s parks $400 million behind in repairs, $13 million short for maintenance
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/15/Pittsburgh-Parks-Conservancy-400-million-behind-repairs-165-parks/stories/201907150087
Pittsburgh to pilot separate glass recycling at three drop-off locations
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/15/Pittsburgh-glass-recycling-construction-junction-strip-district-knoxville-drop-off/stories/201907150086
Low number of black recruits at Pittsburgh police raises concern
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/low-number-of-black-recruits-at-pittsburgh-police-raises-concern/
‘Hardworking’ Pittsburgh officer may have been trying to stop fight when shot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/16/Hardworking-Pittsburgh-officer-may-have-been-trying-to-stop-fight-when-shot/stories/201907150102
Pittsburgh mayor on uptick of violence: ‘This weekend was a rough weekend’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-mayor-on-uptick-of-violence-this-weekend-was-a-rough-weekend/
Jury acquits Chelsa Wagner’s husband of all charges in hotel confrontation in Detroit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/15/Khari-Mosley-chelsa-wagner-controller-trial-acquitted-detroit/stories/201907150089
Pittsburgh native Herb Douglas Jr. won a bronze medal in the 1948 Olympics and started the Jesse Owens Foundation.
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/blog/persistence-positive-attitude-launched-olympian-herb-douglas-jr/
PWSA set to replace lead lines this week in several city neighborhoods
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/15/PWSA-replace-lead-service-lines-this-week-several-city-Pittsburgh-neighborhoods/stories/201907150064
Public hearings on Lawrenceville affordable housing measure, Enright Parklet to be held in council this week
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/15/Lawrenceville-Pittsburgh-inclusionary-zoning-affordable-housing-Enright-Parklet-Penn-Plaza-East-Liberty/stories/201907110109
Senior ConnectCard now available at more locations for free public transit
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/senior-connectcard-now-available-at-more-locations-for-free-public-transit/
State News
Beware of switching scams by electric telemarketers using ‘super high-pressure tactics,’ PUC warns
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/pennsylvania-puc-harassing-threatening-electricity-telemarketers-20190716.html
6 rescued after raft goes over falls at Ohiopyle State Park
https://triblive.com/local/regional/6-rescued-after-raft-goes-over-falls-at-ohiopyle-state-park/
Recreational boaters reminded to check river levels before setting out
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/recreational-boaters-reminded-to-check-river-levels-before-setting-out/
Teen dies after fall at YMCA camping trip
https://triblive.com/local/regional/teen-dies-after-fall-at-ymca-camping-trip/
Proper diagnosis of tick-borne disease can cost in pain as well as payment
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/proper-diagnosis-of-tick-borne-disease-can-cost-in-pain-as-well-as-payment/
Second largest state employee union ratifies four-year contract with guaranteed raises every year
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/second-largest-state-employee-union-ratifies-four-year-contract-with-guaranteed-raises-every-year.html
Around the country, home price growth has outpaced incomes. What about in the Lehigh Valley?
https://www.mcall.com/business/real-estate/mc-biz-home-price-growth-wages-ap-data-20190716-j3r2qrzyxjarnchhs42xstsb74-story.html
Which Pa. college town is the best in which to start a career?
https://www.pennlive.com/daily-buzz/2019/07/harrisburg-named-one-of-the-best-college-towns-to-start-a-career.html
DEP: Chemical removal to take weeks at site of Rochester fire
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190715/dep-chemical-removal-to-take-weeks-at-site-of-rochester-fire/1
Radnor police reports: PECO scam
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinesuburbanlife/radnor-police-reports-peco-scam/article_9c595364-a70b-11e9-a696-635c40052c2b.html
Pennsylvania Agriculture Department warns rhododendrons may have infectious disease known as ‘sudden oak death’
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-agriculture-dept-warning-rhodeodendrons-infectious-disease-20190715-woqqocafrfgzzg6sjytzl365ju-story.html
Pennsylvania Game Commission targets deer and turkey feeding
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/07/pennsylvania-game-commission-targets-deer-and-turkey-feeding.html
Transportation
Ride-hailing is supposed to make transit easier, but those with disabilities feel left behind
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2019/07/15/uber-disability-handicap-wheelchair-ada-pittsburgh-lawsuit-transportation-accessible/stories/201906190008
PennDOT looking for cause to Route 28 flooding
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/penndot-looking-for-cause-to-route-28-flooding/
Wilkes-Barre eyes rail service to Philly
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-eyes-rail-service-to-philly-1.2508691
Frequent Interstate 78 detours worry Hamburg officials
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/frequent-interstate-78-detours-worry-hamburg-officials
Editorial: Exeter underpass must be fixed
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-exeter-underpass-must-be-fixed
Designs for drastic Second Street lane changes to be presented in Harrisburg
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/designs-for-drastic-second-street-lane-changes-to-be-presented-in-harrisburg.html