Legislature
Santarsiero to host town hall Thursday
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190718/santarsiero-to-host-town-hall-thursday
Sen. Dinniman: Halt pipeline drilling
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/national/sen-dinniman-halt-pipeline-drilling/article_45b84e0f-df34-5cb8-8bfb-d03776d85115.html
Pennsylvania has a ‘patchwork’ of local policies for storing rape kits and collecting anonymous evidence. A new law could change that
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/pennsylvania-has-a-patchwork-of-local-policies-for-storing-rape-kits-and-collecting-anonymous-evidence-a-new-law-could-change-that/
Only Pa. Legislature could have a ‘Climate Caucus’ that wants 20 more years of fracking | Will Bunch
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/climate-change-restore-pennsylvania-legislature-fracking–20190718.html
Red flag on vets’ suicides
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/red-flag-on-vets-suicides-1.2509868
Administration
Gov. Wolf again pushes statewide broadband expansion and gas severance tax to fund it
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/gov-wolf-again-pushes-statewide-broadband-expansion-and-gas-severance-tax-to-fund-it.html
Gov. Tom Wolf promotes a ‘cone-do’ way to bolster Pa. businesses and dairy industry
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/gov-tom-wolf-promotes-a-cone-do-way-to-bolster-pa-businesses-and-dairy-industry.html
Business
Smarting from import tariffs, Mercer County steelmaker furloughs 80 to 100
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/07/18/Smarting-from-import-tariffs-Mercer-County-steelmaker-furloughs-80-to-100/stories/201907170102
Crime/Punishment
Five USP Canaan correctional officers treated after cell searches
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/five-usp-canaan-correctional-officers-treated-after-cell-searches-1.2510053
Education
SHINE after school program expanding to two more schools, one in Pittston Area
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750163/shine-after-school-program-expanding-to-two-more-schools-one-in-pittston-area
SHINE opening two new centers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/shine-opening-two-new-centers-1.2509995
WVW drops foster care threat
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvw-drops-foster-care-threat-1.2510027
In response, Crestwood denies claims in bus company’s lawsuit
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750197/in-response-crestwood-denies-claims-in-bus-companys-lawsuit
With school recovery plan deadline nearing, Scranton taxpayers have higher tax burden
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/with-school-recovery-plan-deadline-nearing-scranton-taxpayers-have-higher-tax-burden-1.2509854
Berwick an option for HASD students
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/berwick-an-option-for-hasd-students-1.2509954
Why it’s more important than ever to teach Holocaust education in our schools | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/why-its-more-important-than-ever-to-teach-holocaust-education-in-our-schools-opinion/
’Substantial progress on several key issues’ reported from latest round of state universities’ faculty contract talks
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/substantial-progress-on-several-key-issues-reported-from-latest-round-of-state-universities-faculty-contract-talks.html
Gaming
State casino revenue reaches record $3.3 billion a year
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/07/18/Pennsylvania-gaming-board-record-casino-revenue-Rivers-Meadows-fiscal-year/stories/201907180089
It’s official: iGaming comes to Pennsylvania, allowing gamblers to wager ‘real money’ online, 24/7
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-official-launch-igaming-internet-casino-parx-hollywood-sugarhouse-20190718.html
Local News
Wilkes-Barre city council urged to include KKK in dialogue about racism
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750194/wilkes-barre-city-council-urged-to-include-kkk-in-dialogue-about-racism
W-B monument featuring KKK brick removed in middle of the night
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-monument-featuring-kkk-brick-removed-in-middle-of-the-night-1.2510025
Memorial service held for Corrections Officer Kristopher Moules
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750206/memorial-service-held-for-corrections-officer-kristopher-moules
Medical help will be available for overheated Friday night concert attendees
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750196/medical-help-will-be-available-for-overheated-friday-night-concert-attendees
W-B council OKs George’s appointments
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-oks-george-s-appointments-1.2510029
Annual Salute to Veterans Ride will affect traffic throughout area on Sunday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/annual-salute-to-veterans-ride-will-affect-traffic-throughout-area-on-sunday-1.2510005
HCA reduces trash fees for its customers
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hca-reduces-trash-fees-for-its-customers-1.2509953
Autism support center opens in city
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/autism-support-center-opens-in-city-1.2509923
Residents of New Kensington’s Parnassus Manor complain of roach infestation
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/residents-of-new-kensingtons-parnassus-manor-complain-of-roach-infestation/
North Huntingdon grants extension to fireworks company
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/north-huntingdon-grants-extension-to-fireworks-company/
After a bombshell corruption scandal, Lower Southampton grapples with restoring faith in government
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/lower-southampton-john-waltman-corruption-ray-weldie-20190719.html
Reading mayor under fire after calling off LGBTQ Pride flag raising at City Hall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/reading-mayor-wally-scott-refused-to-raise-lgbtq-pride-flag-at-city-hall-20190718.html
Commissioners debate future of Berks County Residential Center
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/commissioners-debate-future-of-berks-county-residential-center
Executive director parts ways with the Reading Parking Authority
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-executive-director-part-ways
Boyertown-area community hosts Preston’s Pantry Project to remember flood victims
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/boyertown-area-community-hosts-prestons-pantry-project-to-remember-flood-victims
Amity Towmship declares disaster emergency in wake of July 11 storm
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/amity-declares-disaster-emergency-in-wake-of-july-11-storm
Sinking Spring official says PennDOT needs to act soon on permit for revitalization project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sinking-spring-official-says-penndot-needs-to-act-soon-on-permit-for-revitalization-project
Steelton council president denies talks of police merger with Middletown, but says regional force would be good
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/steelton-borough-council-president-denies-talks-of-merging-with-middletown-police.html
Allentown Police Chief Tony Alsleben responds to outcry over recent gun violence
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-police-chief-alsleben-responds-gun-violence-20190719-2ayfppndxfc6nmg7r3y3viulf4-story.html
Beaver County adds recycling personnel thanks to Shell
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190718/beaver-county-adds-recycling-personnel-thanks-to-shell
West Chester officials vote to ban single-use plastic bags and straws
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/west-chester-officials-vote-to-ban-single-use-plastic-bags/article_aa633e3e-a995-11e9-b649-5f8785c52879.html
Opioid Crisis
New federal data shows high rates of opioid distribution here in epidemic’s early days
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-federal-data-shows-high-rates-of-opioid-distribution-here-in-epidemic-s-early-days-1.2509892
Philly
One city just banned new natural gas hookups to save the planet. Could Philly follow suit?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/berkeley-bans-natural-gas-climate-change-philadelphia-ponders-similar-20190719.html
Summers are hotter, but heat-related deaths have dropped. Philadelphia has a lot do with that.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/heat-wave-deaths-philadelphia-hot-nights-record-20190718.html
Malcolm Jenkins and Chris Long: Philly DA Larry Krasner deserves support from media, legislature | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/larry-krasner-criminal-justice-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-20190718.html
Philadelphia will fire 13 police officers for a slew of racist Facebook posts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/18/Philadelphia-police-officers-Facebook-posts-racist-offensive-13-fired/stories/201907180191
Philadelphia Police Department to fire 13 officers over offensive Facebook posts
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-officer-firings-facebook-posts-database-20190718.html
Philly judge orders city and schools to repay nearly $50 million in tax revenue to commercial property owners
https://www.inquirer.com/news/assessment-commercial-trial-tax-philadelphia-precedent-20190718.html
Free Library’s teen social justice workshop clears path for conversations
https://www.inquirer.com/education/free-library-social-justice-symposium-city-institute-rittenhouse-20190718.html
4 lawsuits that could change the face of justice in Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/news/death-penalty-money-bail-criminal-justice-reform-aclu-da-larry-krasner-philadelphia-20190718.html
Drexel president announces job losses for clinical faculty and staff due to Hahnemann closure
https://www.inquirer.com/health/drexel-hahnemann-medical-college-close-residents-20190718.html
In South Philly, a Mummer and son open a medical marijuana dispensary
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/medical-marijuana-philadelphia-dispensary-mummer-20190719.html
My friends were detained by ICE in Philly. Here’s what happened when I tried to help them. | Perspective
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/ice-detain-immigration-philadelphia-20190718.html
Hahnemann shutdown shows city hasn’t learned from gutting of Philadelphia General Hospital | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/hahnemann-closure-safety-net-public-hospitals-philadelphia-general-hospital-20190718.html
Pitt
Police: ‘Person of interest’ in Officer Hall shooting in custody
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/18/Police-Person-of-interest-in-Officer-Hall-shooting-in-custody/stories/201907180172
Police take into custody ‘person of interest’ in slain officer case, search Homewood house
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-take-into-custody-person-of-interest-in-slain-officer-case-search-homewood-house/
Preliminary arrangements released for Pittsburgh police Officer Hall funeral
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/18/Preliminary-arrangements-released-for-Pittsburgh-police-Officer-Hall-funeral/stories/201907180173
Federal grand jury indicts Syrian refugee in North Side bomb plot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/18/syrian-refugee-indicted-pittsburgh-bomb-plot-Mustafa-Mousab-Alowemer-northview-heights/stories/201907180107
Pittsburgh VA ‘all-hands-on-deck’ effort tries to end hospital supply shortages
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/07/19/Pittsburgh-VA-all-hands-on-deck-effort-this-week-to-end-hospital-supply-shortages/stories/201907180158
Ross commissioners decide to fix McKnight Road sinkhole
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/07/18/Ross-commissioners-decide-to-fix-McKnight-Road-sinkhole-bill-property-owners/stories/201907180010
Thompson Run Road in Ross reopens early
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/thompson-run-road-in-ross-reopens-early/
Port Authority has tentative deal with police supervisors
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/07/18/Port-Authority-has-tentative-deal-with-police-supervisors-allegheny-county-pittsburgh/stories/201907180083
Lawrenceville developer commits to 35 affordable units
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/18/Lawrenceville-developer-commits-to-affordable-housing/stories/201907180165
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh finds new chief executive in Texas
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/07/18/YWCA-Greater-Pittsburgh-Janine-Woods-chief-executive-restructuring-Texas/stories/201907180106
Tackle the crime: A civic leader’s plea requires immediate attention
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/07/19/Cultural-District-trust-crime-public-safety-Bill-Peduto/stories/201907180025
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to reduce print publishing to 3 days a week
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-post-gazette-to-reduce-print-publishing-to-3-days-a-week/
State News
New disc golf course illustrates growth of game
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/golf/2019/07/18/New-disc-golf-course-illustrates-growth-of-game-cranberry/stories/201907180003
Science group predicts hotter weather for Pennsylvania, elsewhere in decades to come
https://triblive.com/local/regional/science-group-predicts-hotter-weather-for-pennsylvania-elsewhere-in-decades-to-come/
Dangerous heat arrives in region today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dangerous-heat-arrives-in-region-today-1.2510016
Community mourns drowning deaths of Uniontown children
https://triblive.com/local/regional/community-mourns-drowning-deaths-of-uniontown-children/
Lackawanna County Judge Barrasse inducted into Drug Court Hall of Fame
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-judge-barrasse-inducted-into-drug-court-hall-of-fame-1.2509865
Huber Breaker group plans heritage event
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/huber-breaker-group-plans-heritage-event-1.2509902
Luzerne County seeing lower number of overdose deaths so far this year
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-seeing-lower-number-of-overdose-deaths-so-far-this-year-1.2509997
MAP: Cancer risk from environmental toxins in every Pennsylvania neighborhood
https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-pa-environmental-toxin-cancer-risk-map-20190718-zwwhdtyz4vaqpa7efdiou2uyxi-story.html
Bucks SPCA rescue more than 130 farm animals
http://buckscountyherald.com/bucks-spca-rescue-more-than-farm-animals-p2222-188.htm
After protest, Springfield GOP ‘retires’ elephant from parade
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/after-protest-springfield-gop-retires-elephant-from-parade/article_283d49e4-a8a1-11e9-8403-3732422cd2d0.html
The Lehigh Valley has a new medical marijuana dispensary. You may know the name.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh-county/2019/07/the-lehigh-valley-has-a-new-medical-marijuana-dispensary-you-may-know-the-name.html
Transportation
O’Hara bridge scheduled to reopen with new name after 5-month reconstruction
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ohara-bridge-scheduled-to-reopen-with-new-name-after-five-month-reconstruction/
PennDOT scraps plans for Lehman Twp. Roundabout
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/penndot-scraps-plans-for-lehman-twp-roundabout-1.2509903
Berks road funding could drop by $239 million, shelving many long-needed projects
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-road-funding-hits-a-roadblock
Pa. and five other states to focus on Move Over law
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/pa-and-five-other-states-to-focus-on-move-over-law.php
249 days late: I-83 Mt. Rose makeover will not be done this year. Penalties set to increase
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/07/19/83-mount-rose-project-wont-finished-end-year-penalties-increase/1755799001/
Washington
Trump’s ‘go back’ tweet and his supporters’ ‘send her back’ chant reverberate across the U.S.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/07/19/Trump-supporters-rallying-cry-reverberates-across-nation-fraught-with-racial-tension/stories/201907190070
House OKs $15 minimum wage, setting marker for 2020 campaign
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/house-oks-15-minimum-wage-setting-marker-2020-campaign-20190718.html