New Laws
Wolf signs bill to strengthen student sexual assault reporting at Pa. colleges
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gov-tom-wolf-signs-sexual-assault-reporting-college-campus-20190708.html
PA passes landmark assault-reporting requirements for colleges
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/07/pa-passes-landmark-assault-reporting-requirements-for-colleges.php
Pennsylvania orders stronger sex assault campus reporting
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-orders-stronger-sex-assault-campus-reporting/
State orders ‘first of its kind’ online, anonymous reporting systems for sex assault complaints on campuses
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-campus-sexual-assault-hotline-20190708-37czbjat3bgnthiyg3knciihwe-story.html
‘We need to do more:’ Wolf signs reforms to encourage sexual assault reporting on campus.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/we-need-to-do-more-wolf-signs-reforms-to-encourage-sexual-assault-reporting-on-campus/
New law allows professionals to work in Pa. while obtaining license
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-law-allows-professionals-to-work-in-pa-while-obtaining-license-1.2505873
Law eases rules for police on checkpoints, multi-jurisdiction task forces in Pa.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/07/08/law-eases-rules-police-multi-jurisdiction-task-forces-sobriety-checkpoints-pennsylvania/1676015001/
Could a new Pa. law strip control over gun prosecutions from Philly DA Larry Krasner?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-district-attorney-larry-krasner-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-gun-law-20190708.html
From a Columbine survivor: New Pa. law allowing more armed guards won’t make our schools any safer | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/from-a-columbine-survivor-new-pa-law-allowing-more-armed-guards-wont-make-our-schools-any-safer-opinion/
Pa. is right to give schools the room to make their own choices on security | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-is-right-to-give-schools-the-room-to-make-their-own-choices-on-security-opinion/
Legislature
Berks residents, elected officials say consumer-fireworks sales threaten safety, peace
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-residents-elected-officials-say-consumer-fireworks-sales-threaten-safety-peace
Despite impasse over state funding, Pennsylvania counties are plunging forward on voting machine upgrades
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/despite-impasse-over-state-funding-pennsylvania-counties-are-plunging-forward-on-voting-machine-upgrades.html
Rep. Gene DiGirolamo to introduce new $90M voting machine bill
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190708/rep-gene-digirolamo-to-introduce-new-90m-voting-machine-bill
After veto, Wolf and Republicans appear split on voting machine money
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/07/after-veto-wolf-and-republicans-appear-split-on-voting-machine-money.php
Pa. lawmakers kill general assistance, but keep their own welfare program | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/general-assistance-pennsylvania-harrisburg-per-diems-welfare-editorial-20190709.html
Natural gas in Pa. is not environmentally sustainable | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/natural-gas-carbon-pollution-climate-change-20190708.html
Editorial: Misguided move on voting machine funding
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-misguided-move-on-voting-machine-funding
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering in Pa.: Why the risk is (still) real
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/gerrymandering-in-pa-why-the-risk-is-still-real-and-higher-than-in-most-other-states.php
Budget
Pa. budget shows little understanding, concern for the environment
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/07/pa-budget-shows-little-understanding-concern-for-the-environment.html
Business
College student was late returning a textbook to Amazon, so the company took $3,800 from her dad
https://www.inquirer.com/news/amazon-textbook-rental-college-delco-20190709.html
Court ruling boosts coal plant workers’ claim for $5.5 million from FirstEnergy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/07/08/Appeals-court-ruling-Bruce-Mansfield-workers-FirstEnergy-coal-power-plant/stories/201907080011
Court ruling could mean millions in back wages for Bruce Mansfield plant workers
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190708/court-ruling-could-mean-millions-in-back-wages-for-bruce-mansfield-plant-workers
Erie Coke faces 2 legal fights to stay open
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190709/erie-coke-faces-2-legal-fights-to-stay-open
Crime/Punishment
Police seek suspect in fatal stabbing of 7-year-old in Lawrence County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/09/suspect-sought-fatal-stabbing-of-7-year-old-child-Lawrence-County-Keith-Burley/stories/201907090083
State police: Fentanyl bust on turnpike largest in Southwestern Pa. history
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/cops-traffic-stop-in-mt-pleasant-twp-results-in-arrests-of-2-n-y-men-for-trafficking-fentanyl/
Police: Scranton firefighter high on fentanyl when he caused wreck that injured family
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/police-scranton-firefighter-high-on-fentanyl-when-he-caused-wreck-that-injured-family-1.2505778
Education
Will Harrisburg School District go after former superintendent for salary ‘overpayments’?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/will-harrisburg-school-district-go-after-former-superintendent-for-salary-overpayments.html
Ex-WPIAL champ Alison Riske on tennis’ biggest stage in Wimbledon quarterfinals
https://triblive.com/sports/born-in-pittsburgh-raised-in-peters-wimbledon-quarterfinalist-alison-riske-shaped-locally/
For elite students, education is free at Cheyney University
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/for-elite-students-education-is-free-at-cheyney-university/article_8bcc9ec0-a1bb-11e9-ae68-9b2e59800034.html
Elections/Politics
Berks County makes room for new voting machines
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-makes-room-for-new-voting-machines
Health Care
6 tips on talking to young kids about mental health
https://www.inquirer.com/health/mental-health-depression-suicide-talk-young-kids-children-20190709.html
The traditional mental health system is failing the black community
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/07/08/Julius-Boatwright-The-traditional-mental-health-system-is-failing-the-black-community/stories/201907080004
Local leaders say affordable health care is a right, ‘not a privilege for the fortunate few’
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/07/local-leaders-say-affordable-health-care-is-a-right-not-a-privilege-for-the-fortunate-few.html
Local News
Stormwater fee won’t end all street flooding, officials say
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749219/stormwater-fee-wont-end-all-street-flooding-officials-say
Two more large conventions will impact area again this summer
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749223/two-more-large-conventions-will-impact-area-again-this-summer
Company extorted by ex-Scranton mayor faces competition for Luzerne County tax claims
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749151/company-bribed-by-ex-scranton-mayor-faces-competition-for-luzerne-county-tax-claims
Four firms submit tax collection service bids
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/four-firms-submit-tax-collection-service-bids-1.2505924
Wilkes-Barre probing alleged hate group’s plaque on city monument
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-probing-alleged-hate-group-s-plaque-on-city-monument-1.2505920
DEP: Keystone landfill benefits outweigh harms
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dep-keystone-landfill-benefits-outweigh-harms-1.2505917
Driver rescued from flooded roadway in Pittston Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/driver-rescued-from-flooded-roadway-in-pittston-twp-1.2505847
Courtright corruption scandal flusters city’s business community; some predict change on horizon
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/courtright-corruption-scandal-flusters-city-s-business-community-some-predict-change-on-horizon-1.2505962
Most Scranton business owners had nothing to do with Courtright’s racket. Do they feel relieved? Cheated?
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/most-scranton-business-owners-had-nothing-to-do-with-courtright-s-racket-do-they-feel-relieved-cheated-1.2505957
Get court opinion on mayor’s seat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/get-court-opinion-on-mayor-s-seat-1.2505808
Greensburg hires planning director
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-hires-planning-director/
Gilpin delays vote on ordinance that would allow ATVs on township roads
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/gilpin-delays-vote-on-ordinance-that-would-allow-atvs-on-township-roads/
Restoring Hope Foundation withdraws offer of home makeover for Exeter Township family
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/restoring-hope-foundation-withdraws-offer-of-home-makeover-for-exeter-township-family
Reading’s final Act 47 exit plan submitted; council to vote on it July 22
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/readings-final-act-47-exit-plan-submitted-council-to-vote-on-it-july-22
Allentown Fire Department without a working ladder truck over the weekend
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-fire-department-no-ladder-trucks-20190708-2jjm3obocfe4joygjxwfm563qq-story.html
Radnor to impose new wire fee on cable providers
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinesuburbanlife/radnor-to-impose-new-wire-fee-on-cable-providers/article_350d55a6-a1b7-11e9-8359-7b106baaef32.html
Shot in the line of duty ex-cop teams up with Bryn Mawr bike shop to take on 65-mile ride
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/shot-in-the-line-of-duty-ex-cop-teams-up/article_f0997a2b-5aee-53c0-ba9a-0fb8558e0b95.html
Vouchers for produce available for qualified Bucks County seniors
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190709/vouchers-for-produce-available-for-qualified-bucks-county-seniors
National News
What did Jeffrey Epstein’s famous friends know and see?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/jeffrey-epstein-sex-trafficking-trump-clinton-20190709.html
Vietnam veterans hoping a new law will finally allow them to get compensated for Agent Orange exposure
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/vietnams-blue-water-veterans-hoping-va-compensation-finally-coming-their-way
Teen odds of using marijuana dip with recreational use laws
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/teen-odds-of-using-marijuana-dip-with-recreational-use-laws/
Opioid Crisis
Bloomberg charity names first Pa. projects in $10 million response to overdose epidemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/07/09/Bloomberg-charity-Vital-Strategies-projects-10-million-overdose-opioid-deaths/stories/201907080143
Philly
Can a paycheck be a bribe? Johnny Doc’s lawyers say no, push to dismiss case involving Council member Henon
https://www.inquirer.com/news/johnny-doc-bobby-henon-philadelphia-local-98-ibew-judge-schmehl-20190708.html
Feds seize ship involved in 20-ton Philly port cocaine bust from firm with history of hidden drug hauls
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gayane-philly-port-cocaine-seizure-mediterranean-shipping-company-20190708.html
Why a longtime Philly Democrat switched parties and relaunched Pa.’s only gay Republicans club
https://www.inquirer.com/news/log-cabin-republicans-lgbtq-gay-politics-presidential-2020-donald-trump-20190709.html
SEPTA employee fatally struck by train
https://www.inquirer.com/news/septa-train-death-erie-20190708.html
Questions remain in fatal shooting of man, wounding of Sheriff Jewell Williams’ son
https://www.inquirer.com/news/jewell-williams-jr-sheriff-philadelphia-nasir-robertson-sadat-gun-violence-terry-starks-20190708.html
‘Teachers can’t become political targets’: Central H.S. teacher fires back at ex-Pa. GOP chair
https://www.inquirer.com/education/central-high-digiorgio-quinn-voter-registration-liberal-indoctrination-20190708.html
Even after Philadelphia refinery closes, the environmental damage won’t disappear | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/south-philadelphia-pes-refinery-pollution-clean-up-20190708.html
Pitt
Answering calls for 16 hours? Staffing issues, mandatory overtime stresses county’s 911 dispatch center
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/bop/2019/07/08/Allegheny-County-911-center-mandatory-overtime-long-hours-work-jobs/stories/201907070002
Paying for performance: Pittsburgh-area CEOs earn big bonuses after strong year in 2018
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/bop/2019/07/08/CEO-Pay-compensation-financials-bonus-stock-performance-PNC-Demchak/stories/201907070001
Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese places deacon on leave over allegation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/07/08/Roman-Catholic-deacon-leave-inappropriate-contact-minor-pittsburgh-diocese/stories/201907080090
Q&A: Mayor Bill Peduto on Phil Kessel, Josh Bell and more in Pittsburgh sports
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2019/07/08/bill-peduto-pittsburgh-phil-kessel-trade-josh-bell-stats-pirates/stories/201907080059
Welcome aboard: Pittsburgh nonprofits bring diversity to leadership
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/07/09/Pittsburgh-nonprofits-United-Way-diversity-leadership-Bobbi-Watt-Geer/stories/201907090031
National Science Foundation awards $10 million to fund new Pittsburgh supercomputer
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/national-science-foundation-awards-10-million-to-fund-new-pittsburgh-supercomputer/
State News
Plaintiff says ruling against Altoona diocese should stand
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/07/08/Catholic-priest-sexual-abuse-Altoona-Johnstown/stories/201907080132
Are undocumented immigrants in Pa., N.J. at risk in ICE facial recognition searches of driver’s license photos?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/ice-fbi-facial-recognition-pa-nj-drivers-licenses-20190708.html
A fungus is bugging cicadas, creating zombie-like creatures
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/08/A-fungus-is-bugging-cicadas-creating-zombie-like-creatures/stories/201907080120
Pittsburgh, Western Pa. residents to see ‘milky’ skies amid Canada wildfires
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/07/08/Pittsburgh-Western-Pennsylvania-residents-sky-smoke-alberta-canada-wildfire-national-weather-service/stories/201907080109
Fallingwater’s placement on World Heritage list will draw more visitors
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2019/07/09/Fallingwater-s-placement-on-World-Heritage-list-will-draw-more-visitors/stories/201907080088
Allegheny CleanWays removes 11,300 pounds of trash from Allegheny River
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-cleanways-removes-11300-pounds-of-trash-from-allegheny-river/
W.Pa. soccer leaders support U.S. women’s team in pay disparity fight
https://triblive.com/sports/local-soccer-participants-support-u-s-womens-team-in-pay-disparity-fight/
World Cup-winning U.S. women’s soccer team includes two Penn State alumni
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/penn-state-alums-alyssa-naeher-and-ali-krieger-helped-the-us-secure-the-world-cup.html
CDC investigates salmonella outbreak linked to dog treats; 2 cases confirmed in Pa.
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/cdc-investigates-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-dog-treats-2-cases-confirmed-in-pa/
Braddock’s Battlefield tour part of history center’s grand reopening
https://triblive.com/local/regional/braddocks-battlefield-tour-part-of-history-centers-grand-reopening/
Storage of energy key to reservoir proposal
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/storage-of-energy-key-to-reservoir-proposal-1.2505875
District Township was ground zero for spotted lanternfly; 5 years later, sightings in eastern Berks rapidly dwindling
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lanternfly-may-be-on-the-wane-in-berks
Trespass charges dropped against Atlantic Sunrise pipeline protesters
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/trespass-charges-dropped-against-atlantic-sunrise-pipeline-protesters.php
Washington
Trump touts ‘super genius’ education at Wharton; former admissions officer saw it differently
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/james-nolan-wharton-trump-penn-20190708.html
In a speech, the president defends his environmental record
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/07/08/Trump-environmental-record-speech/stories/201907080170
Former Kan. Secretary of State Kris Kobach files to run for a Senate seat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/07/08/Kris-Kobach-run-Senate-Kansas/stories/201907080167
Barr sees a way for census to legally ask about citizenship
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/barr-sees-way-census-legally-ask-about-citizenship-20190708.html
Dan Meuser, WH officals tour downtown Tamaqua’s federal Opportunity Zones
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/dan-meuser-wh-officals-tour-downtown-tamaqua-s-federal-opportunity-zones-1.2505882