Legislature
Local lawmaker working on guidelines for Search and Rescue dog organizations
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-lawmaker-working-on-guidelines-for-search-and-rescue-dog/article_3422902e-af0f-11e9-9eee-5b91e09149ba.html
Local senator hosts Democratic Policy Committee hearing regarding veterans
https://thealmanac.net/news/local-senator-hosts-democratic-policy-committee-hearing-regarding-veterans/article_4dcf91ce-ae61-11e9-9d8e-fb9c6b562e41.html
Preemption, explained: How Pennsylvania’s biggest city and the Legislature grapple over power
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/preemption-explained-how-pennsylvanias-biggest-city-and-the-legislature-grapple-over-power/
Pa. has lowest minimum wage allowed in U.S. Should it be raised to $15/hour? Pro/Con | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/news/minimum-wage-increase-15-dollars-tom-wolf-budget-20190725.html
Kosierowski named to drug recovery study task force
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/kosierowski-named-to-drug-recovery-study-task-force-1.2512808
State grants help sick students by providing in-class robots
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/state-grants-help-sick-students-by-providing-in-class-robots.html
Progressive Pittsburgh state rep finds sticker from white supremacist group at district office
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/progressive-pittsburgh-state-rep-finds-sticker-from-white-supremacist-group-at-district-office/
To manage stormwater, follow river
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/to-manage-stormwater-follow-river-1.2512559
Clean water efforts downstream benefit Pennsylvanians | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/07/clean-water-efforts-downstream-benefit-pennsylvanians-opinion.html
Business
Voodoo Brewery set for pop-up pub in New Kensington
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/voodoo-brewery-set-for-pop-up-pub-saturday-in-new-kensington/
Local business seeks $6.5M from NFL star over loan
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/local-business-seeks-6-5m-from-nfl-star-over-loan-1.2512672
Crime/Punishment
Man wanted in fatal West Wyoming shooting found dead
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/man-wanted-in-fatal-west-wyoming-shooting-found-dead-1.2512709
Hundreds in Pa. wrongly got criminal record for unpaid bills: audit
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/hundreds-in-pa-wrongly-got-criminal-record-for-unpaid-bills-audit.html
Report: Hundreds charged with crimes improperly in Corry
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190725/report-hundreds-charged-with-crimes-improperly-in-corry
Allentown police get tough on wheelie-popping, chicken-playing dirt bikers
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-allentown-police-nuisance-dirt-bikers-20190726-uyism6djgvdx5i3ydezuhfdddy-story.html
Education
Scranton Recovery Plan calls for tax hikes, contract rebidding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-recovery-plan-calls-for-tax-hikes-contract-rebidding-1.2512412
Four Scranton School Board members say they’ll vote for recovery plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/four-scranton-school-board-members-say-they-ll-vote-for-recovery-plan-1.2512541
Coslett out as solicitor at WVW
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coslett-out-as-solicitor-at-wvw-1.2512703
Charles Coslett resigns as Wyoming Valley West solicitor
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750831/charles-coslett-resigns-as-wyoming-valley-west-solicitor
Businessman pleased WVW took donation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/businessman-pleased-wvw-took-donation-1.2512700
The Valley without a Heart
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/the-valley-without-a-heart-1.2512548
Allentown School District still working on final numbers one month after passing budget
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-school-board-20190726-p7xt2jqxhfb3xpzgmwfrsvr2pu-story.html
New language program dedicated to Spanish established in South Hills
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/07/25/New-language-program-dedicated-to-Spanish-established-in-South-Hills/stories/201907250003
Crestwood selects Mehalick as school district superintendent
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750870/crestwood-selects-mehalick-as-school-district-superintendent
University of Scranton launching business analytics major
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750886/university-of-scranton-launching-business-analytics-major
Elections/Politics
How tight are Pa.’s absentee-ballot deadlines? The rate of late ballots is 11 times the nation’s.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-absentee-ballots-rejected-deadline-2018-midterm-election-20190726.html
Another Democrat announces congressional run against Fitzpatrick in the 1st District
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/another-democrat-announces-congressional-run-against-fitzpatrick-in-the-1st-district/
Health Care
Local doctors react to rural residency grant
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/local-doctors-react-to-rural-residency-grant-1.2512582
Local News
Two former county figures seek vacant council seat
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750889/two-former-county-figures-seek-vacant-council-seat
Controversial KKK brick withstands protest and toppling of monument
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750884/controversial-kkk-brick-withstands-protest-and-toppling-of-monument
City has beehive monument under wraps
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-has-beehive-monument-under-wraps-1.2512632
Scranton funeral director/Cordaro bagman sentenced to 15 months for tax evasion
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-funeral-director-cordaro-bagman-sentenced-to-15-months-for-tax-evasion-1.2512433
Plum offering variety of help for residents with flood damage
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plum-offering-variety-of-help-for-residents-with-flood-damage/
Timetable for local share process moves up slightly; 3 workshops planned
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/timetable-for-local-share-process-moves-up-slightly-workshops-planned/article_0deecd34-aeea-11e9-9723-f3831f24e22a.html
Westmoreland approves storm water management plan
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-approves-storm-water-management-plan/
‘Case closed’: Westmoreland commissioners award $1 million paving contract over objection
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/case-closed-westmoreland-commissioners-award-1-million-paving-contract-over-objection/
Westmoreland County takes over $91K salary, benefits for drug task force head
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-takes-over-91k-annual-salary-for-drug-task-force-head/
Vandergrift paints the town Saturday for Artsfest
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-paints-the-town-for-saturdays-artsfest/
Berks County commissioners hire new leader of veterans affairs office
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-commissioners-hire-new-leader-of-veterans-affairs-office
Buildings don’t age out of being covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/buildings-dont-age-out-of-being-covered-by-the-americans-with-disabilities-act
Attention York residents: You no longer live in a neighborhood. You live in an ecosystem
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2019/07/25/york-city-announces-community-ecosystem-initiative/1824865001/
County Council debates possible sale of DELCORA
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/county-council-debates-possible-sale-of-delcora/article_d238b21e-af07-11e9-b5c1-0b49e4add8f3.html
Electronic billboards a ‘done deal’ in Coatesville
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/electronic-billboards-a-done-deal-in-coatesville/article_64a8890a-aefc-11e9-8137-9b10beb6c50f.html
National News
Russians likely targeted election systems in all 50 states, Senate intelligence report says
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/russia-2016-likely-targeted-elections-all-50-states-senate-intelligence-committee-report-20190726.html
Webcams in nursing home rooms may deter elder abuse – but are they ethical? | Opinions
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/07/webcams-in-nursing-home-rooms-may-deter-elder-abuse-but-are-they-ethical-opinions.html
Natural Gas
The industry says otherwise, but studies identify specific harms that shale-gas pollution can cause for fetuses, newborns, children and teenagers.
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/blog/fracking-and-health-2/
Opioid Crisis
Nearly 3 million pain pills sent to Ellwood City pharmacies
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190724/nearly-3-million-pain-pills-sent-to-ellwood-city-pharmacies
Philly
‘Ashdale family tree’: Philadelphia Parking Authority has hired 10 relatives of board chairman Joseph Ashdale
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joseph-ashdale-philadelphia-parking-ppa-nepotism-patronage-20190726.html
Raided by ICE three times, Philly migrant works to help others who could face deportation
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ice-immigration-raid-trump-migrant-undocumented-maria-turcios-20190726.html
Gentrification for social justice? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gentrification-philadelphia-federal-reserve-20190726.html
Philly Mayor Jim ‘What Election?’ Kenney treats his bid for a second term like a lock | Clout
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-key-card-expire-what-to-do-transfer-travel-wallet-20190725.html
Grocer Lidl pays nearly $8M for part of Roosevelt Blvd. center for Northeast Philly store
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/lidl-northeast-philadelphia-shopping-center-federal-realty-hooters-20190725.html
South Philly neighborhood sees opioid overdose deaths rise, even as they decline in Kensington
https://www.inquirer.com/health/philadelphia-map-zip-code-overdose-deaths-2018-20190725.html
At ‘Hire Hahnemann’ job fair, laid-off workers fear an uncertain future with lower pay
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hire-hahnemann-job-fair-layoffs-20190725.html
City demands say in sale of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children; Hahnemann down to single patient
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/hahnemann-last-patient-philadelphia-st-christopher-sale-20190725.html
Hahnemann frees funding so medical residents can take new jobs
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/hahnemann-frees-funding-so-medical-residents-can-take-new-jobs/article_f0953d08-6a32-5d1b-ac1e-d16bd9e46236.html
Acclaimed violinist says she was sexually assaulted by her renowned teacher at the Curtis Institute, and then disregarded when she reported it.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/a/lara-st-john-sexual-abuse-jascha-brodsky-curtis-institute-philadelphia-20190725.html
Does climate change make air conditioning a human right? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/climate-change-air-condition-human-right-prison-public-housing-20190725.html
As other cities ban outdoor ads, a new mural reminds us that Philly’s public space is for sale | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-murals-public-space-outdoor-advertising-20190725.html
Pitt
City calls argument against gun law “erroneous”
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/26/pittsburgh-gun-control-laws-NRA-lawsuit-large-capacity-magazine/stories/201907250150
Pittsburgh argues that gun ordinances do not represent outright ban
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-argues-that-gun-ordinances-do-not-represent-outright-ban/
A not-so-happy hour — Froggy’s slated for demolition, if city officials approve
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/07/25/Froggy-s-Downtown-Tramps-Troiani-Pittsburgh-History-Landmarks-Foundation/stories/201907260042
Some streets closed Downtown, North Side for Picklesburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/25/Picklesburgh-road-closures-clemente-bridge-stanwix-fort-duquesne/stories/201907250082
Lousaka Polite, former Pitt and NFL fullback, returns home to guide Panthers
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2019/07/25/lousaka-polite-pitt-life-skills-program-pittsburgh/stories/201907240085
Karen Kane: Transparency needed in the Calvin Hall case
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/karen-kane/2019/07/26/Calvin-Hall-case-transparency-accountability-Pittsburgh-police/stories/201907250023
Port Authority begins installing real-time schedule display screens at light rail, bus stops
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/07/25/Port-Authority-display-screens-real-time-schedule-North-Side-Allegheny-Gateway-Wood-Street-Steel-Plaza/stories/201907250127
He’s still inspiring: Trailer for Mister Rogers movie is a hit by itself
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/07/26/Mister-Rogers-movie-trailer-Tom-Hanks-inspiring-kindness/stories/201907250027
State News
How a Penn grad and Delco native is tied to Puerto Rico turmoil
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/julia-keleher-puerto-rico-protests-governor-resignation-ricardo-rossello-20190725.html
Towns in Philadelphia’s suburbs step up to beat back an enemy: bamboo
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/bamboo-invasive-species-ban-radnor-philly-suburbs-20190725.html
Costello: Keystone Games to be in Luzerne County through 2021
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750848/costello-keystone-games-to-be-in-luzerne-county-through-2021
Kim Kardashian visits Harrisburg to hang out with her friend, Pa.’s second lady
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/07/kim-kardashian-visits-harrisburg-to-hang-out-with-her-friend-pa-second-lady.html
Shapiro works to drum up support for gun tracking among police, sellers
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/07/shapiro-works-to-drum-up-support-for-gun-tracking-among-police-sellers.php
‘Our response calls for an all-hands-on-deck approach’: Pa. State Police join AG Shapiro’s new initiative to trace gun sales
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/our-response-calls-for-an-all-hands-on-deck-approach-pa-state-police-join-ag-shapiros-new-initiative-to-trace-gun-sales/
Transportation
Airport announces new Fly AVP loyalty program for frequent customers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750891/airport-announces-new-fly-avp-loyalty-program-for-frequent-customers
Airport sets another monthly departure record
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/airport-sets-another-monthly-departure-record-1.2512579
Exeter police issue 31 speeding tickets, one for 109 mph, during aggressive-driving detail on Route 422
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/exeter-police-issue-31-speeding-tickets-one-for-109-mph-during-aggressive-driving-detail-on-route-422
Route 309 lane at I-78 will stay closed for weeks after damage from fatal crash
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-route-309-repairs-will-take-weeks-20190725-noq3e2sfrnevrmterngezgzvvi-story.html
Washington
Reschenthaler raised his political profile when he questioned Bob Mueller
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/07/25/Reschenthaler-guy-mueller-testimony-questioning-pennsylvania-unAmerican/stories/201907250125
Did Representative Dwight Evans flip flop on Medicare for All? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/hahnemann-closure-medicare-for-all-pennsylvania-representatives-dwight-evans-20190725.html