Legislature
With General Assistance now gone in Pa., how will people cope?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/general-assistance-elimination-pennsylvania-legislature-poverty-homeless-addiction-20190812.html
Dinniman introduces bills to better regulate fireworks
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/dinniman-introduces-bills-to-better-regulate-fireworks/article_79a8e9ca-bdbc-11e9-bac7-83f33ba198d3.html
Pa. legislation proposed to boost air pollution fines
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/08/12/Air-pollution-fines-could-go-up-clairton-coke-works/stories/201908120096
Psychiatric nurses say they’re ready to fill the gap to improve access to mental health care
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/08/12/Psychiatric-nurse-access-mental-health-practitioner-medications-prescribing/stories/201907020138
State senator calls for probe of Erie day care where fire killed 5 children
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/08/12/Firefighter-Luther-Jones-dad-to-3-of-5-kids-killed-in-day-care-blaze/stories/201908120076
Fentanyl test strips could save lives, but they’re illegal in Pennsylvania
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/fentanyl-test-strips-could-save-lives-but-theyre-illegal-in-pennsylvania.php
Administration
Gov. Wolf wants answers on 4 kids separated from families
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-wants-answers-on-4-kids-separated-from-families/
Gov. Wolf coming to Allentown to discuss changes to the charter school law
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-schools-wolf-cyber-charters-20190812-pbmwkc6uajb5zeg6vqo7dguxvm-story.html
Business
Shell cracker is a harbinger of things to come, drawing in President Trump and protesters
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/08/13/Shell-cracker-Trump-protesters-plastics-ethane-oil-gas-Beaver-EPA-regulations-pennsylvania/stories/201908130059
Trump visiting Shell cracker plant in Beaver County today
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/08/13/Shell-cracker-Trump-protesters-plastics-ethane-oil-gas-Beaver-EPA-regulations-pennsylvania/stories/201908130059
Trump to spotlight Beaver County cracker plant during Western Pa. visit
https://triblive.com/local/regional/trump-to-spotlight-beaver-county-cracker-plant-economy-during-tuesday-visit-to-western-pa/
‘Best deal we could get’: Whitehall allows Sheetz to sell alcohol with conditions
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/whitehall/mc-nws-whitehall-township-sheetz-liquor-license-revisted-20190813-5owux7mr25eixnwqwkr42hvzke-story.html
Wood-Mode completing abandoned orders, planning to hire workers
https://www.dailyitem.com/news/snyder_county/wood-mode-completing-abandoned-orders-planning-to-hire-workers/article_e20a9589-07db-52fd-a190-66de9b6339b5.html
Catholic Church
A year later: Pennsylvania report on Catholic sex abuse still making an impact
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/a-year-later-pennsylvania-report-on-catholic-sex-abuse-still-making-an-impact/
Nearly 600 priests, lay people have been publicly named in Pa. sex abuse scandal
https://www.athome.com/?utm_source=TTD&utm_medium=Display&utm_campaign=MH_Tier2_Test_AUD
Crime/Punishment
Bill Cosby’s lawyers seek new trial at Harrisburg hearing, testing limits of #MeToo-era justice
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/12/Bill-Cosby-lawyers-seek-new-trial-Harrisburg-hearing-MeToo-era-andrea-constand/stories/201908120108
Ciavarella again turns to Supreme Court
https://www.timesleader.com/news/752400/ciavarella-again-turns-to-supreme-court
Police seek suspect after Planned Parenthood vandalized in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/police-seek-suspect-after-planned-parenthood-vandalized-in-wilkes-barre-1.2519278
Teacher arraigned on sexual misconduct charges stemming from Pa. Capitol field trip
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/johnstown-area-teacher-arraigned-on-sexual-misconduct-charges-stemming-from-pa-state-capitol-field-trip.html
Biker club member fatally gunned down; rival club suspected: Pa. cops
https://www.pennlive.com/daily-buzz/2019/08/biker-club-member-fatally-gunned-down-rival-club-suspected-pa-cops.html
2 dead in shooting near Dauphin County movie theater
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/two-dead-in-shooting-near-dauphin-county-movie-theater.html
Pennsylvania inmates and correctional officers share a common pain: suicide
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/pennsylvania-inmates-and-correctional-officers-share-a-common-pain-suicide/
Education
New group forms to speak up for Scranton School District
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-group-forms-to-speak-up-for-scranton-school-district-1.2519228
School tax bill mailing details announced by Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/752346/school-tax-bill-mailing-details-announced-by-luzerne-county
Architects also relied upon by area school districts
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/architects-also-relied-upon-by-area-school-districts-1.2519235
August is the deadliest month for football players, and it’s not because of injuries
https://www.inquirer.com/health/football-deaths-heat-over-conditioning-ncaa-piaa-20190813.html
Local News
Wilkes-Barre’s expenditures under budget so far
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-s-expenditures-under-budget-so-far-1.2519282
Scranton reaches agreement with newspaper
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-reaches-agreement-with-newspaper-1.2519154
Former Scranton licensing director paints grim picture of time serving with Courtright
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-scranton-licensing-director-paints-grim-picture-of-time-serving-with-courtright-1.2519075
Lackawanna County takes steps for eminent domain in Dickson City
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-takes-steps-for-eminent-domain-in-dickson-city-1.2519113
Why is policy needed to do right thing?
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/why-is-policy-needed-to-do-right-thing-1.2519119
Dunmore mayor requests signs barring ATV use
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-mayor-requests-signs-barring-atv-use-1.2519190
Archbald to close borough offices Wednesday for council president’s funeral, seeking temporary replacement
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/archbald-to-close-borough-offices-wednesday-for-council-president-s-funeral-seeking-temporary-replacement-1.2519338
City council to vote on wage tax hike
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-council-to-vote-on-wage-tax-hike-1.2519230
Hazle Twp. OKs pact to study indoor rec site
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazle-twp-oks-pact-to-study-indoor-rec-site-1.2519176
Housing development proposed in Buffalo Township
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/weaver-homes-proposing-development-in-buffalo-townhship/
Reading City Council OKs taking over former Dana South site
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-oks-taking-over-dana-south-site
Proposed Exeter ordinance would limit consumer fireworks displays to 1 hour
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/proposed-exeter-ordinance-would-limit-consumer-firework-displays-to-1-hour
Embattled Allentown police Chief Tony Alsleben resigns, clearing way for fifth chief in four years
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-allentown-police-chief-alsleben-resigns-20190812-tdhsfamvtrbkvf7r6b3l42td2m-story.html
National News
NRA board member, a star in the sports shooting world, resigns
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/nra-board-member-julie-golob-resigns-20190813.html
Analysis shows 2020 votes still vulnerable to hacking
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/analysis-shows-2020-votes-still-vulnerable-hacking-20190813.html
2020 Census ‘listers’ have to verify millions of addresses. Look for them in your neighborhood.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-census-address-job-laptop-map-philadelphia-neighborhood-20190812.html
Natural Gas
Huntley & Huntley meeting set for Tuesday on Allegheny Township Marcellus well
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/huntley-huntley-meeting-set-for-tuesday-on-allegheny-township-marcellus-well/
Philly
Casino promised a badly needed I-76 on-ramp in South Philly. Now it wants to do a U-turn.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/stadium-casino-cordish-seeks-release-from-highway-on-ramp-commitment-20190813.html
This Philly summer camp teaches girls how to do construction
https://www.inquirer.com/life/construction-camp-for-girls-philadelphia-mentoring-a-young-woman-in-construction-20190812.html
Man, 19, shot in legs at Center City SEPTA station
https://www.inquirer.com/news/septa-man-shot-15th-market-center-city-20190812.html
Olney neighbors: Woman arrested for attacking daughter with knife was ‘a good mother’ but under stress
https://www.inquirer.com/news/machete-mother-child-arrested-olney-philadelphia-police-department–20190812.html
New windows, lighting at Northeast High part of $23 million energy makeover at Philly schools
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-school-district-northeast-high-energy-efficiency-jim-kenney-20190812.html
Kensington man guilty of trafficking, abusing women in his house
https://www.inquirer.com/news/larry-krasner-human-trafficking-sex-work-kensington-richard-collins-20190812.html
I-295 bridge contract favored Philly unions despite millions in added cost, lawsuit says
https://www.inquirer.com/business/scudder-falls-bridge-unions-council-dougherty-wolf-christie-20190812.html
Utility shutdowns can be a disaster. Here’s how to avoid them. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/utility-fees-shutdown-support-community-legal-services-20190812.html
Pitt
Daughter recalls mom fatally stabbed at Downtown bus stop as tenacious, caring
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/12/Woman-stabbed-Downtown-bus-stop-daughter-Pittsburgh-Erie-homicide/stories/201908120101
Port Authority tries playing classical music to calm tensions at Wood Street Station
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/08/12/Port-Authority-Wood-Street-Station-classical-music-violent-incidents-loitering-Downtown-Pittsburgh/stories/201908120073
Parents unhappy with school closures at St. Raphael, St. Sylvester
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/08/12/St-Raphael-Sylvester-Catholic-schools-closures-Pittsburgh-diocese-regionalization/stories/201908110030
LGBTQ elders lift each other up through coffee, conversation and community
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/aging-edge/2019/08/12/LGBTQ-Elders-SAGE-Persad-coffee-conversation-pittsburgh-rural-assistance/stories/201908070001
Walkway around Highland Park reservoir to close for security upgrades
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/12/PWSA-improve-security-highland-park-reservoir-pittsburgh-water-sewer-authority-treatment-safety/stories/201908120089
Disaster loans still available for Allegheny County flood victims
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/disaster-loans-still-available-for-allegheny-county-flood-victims/
State News
Pa. judge rules police can’t search vehicle that smells of marijuana if driver has medical card
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/12/Vehicle-search-prompted-by-marijuana-smell-ruled-illegal-pennsylvania/stories/201908120083
Over 40 tornadoes have been confirmed in Pa. and N.J. this year. No, that is not normal.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tornadoes-philadelphia-severe-storms-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20190812.html
Pitt-Greensburg presentation will focus on ‘going solar’ with a community co-op
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pitt-greensburg-presentation-will-focus-on-going-solar-with-a-community-co-op/
Berks deputy sheriff accidentally shoots himself in the leg
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/accidental-shooting-reported-at-the-berks-county-courthouse-garage
Non-union Pa. state government worker files class-action lawsuit demanding refund of union fees
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/non-union-pa-state-government-worker-files-class-action-lawsuit-demanding-refund-of-union-fees.html
Pa. Auditor General calls for more training, closer scrutiny of district judges
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-auditor-general-calls-for-more-training-closer-scrutiny-of-district-judges.html
Fortnite world champ swatted at Pennsylvania home
https://www.readingeagle.com/article/20190813/AP/308139864/1009
PA officials are getting ready to sort through your trash and recycling
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/08/13/pennsylvania-county-gives-up-recycling-others-struggling-cost/1955675001/
When hunting, trapping seasons start in Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/08/pennsylvania-hunting-season-around-the-corner-here-are-the-details.html
Transportation
Consolidation is coming for the self-driving vehicle industry. Will only three firms reach the finish line?
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/blog/consolidation-is-coming-for-the-self-driving-vehicle-industry-will-only-three-firms-reach-the-finish-line/
Kingston Twp. bridge closed since 2006 to reopen with limited access
https://www.timesleader.com/news/752406/kingston-twp-bridge-closed-since-2006-to-reopen-with-limited-access
Sans Souci construction to continue into September, but only a temporary fix
https://www.timesleader.com/news/752404/sans-souci-construction-to-continue-into-september-but-only-a-temporary-fix
Gas prices could continue to fall despite OPEC production cut talks, analyst says
https://triblive.com/local/regional/gas-prices-could-continue-to-fall-despite-opec-production-cut-talks-analyst-says/
Airport plans new, larger hangar
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/airport-plans-new-larger-hangar-1.2519117
DEP officials get earful at hearing on proposed Slate Belt sewage-sludge treatment plant
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-slate-belt-sewage-sludge-plant-dep-hearing-20190813-phc2dggy2fhxdcfzep4pczhmny-story.html
Washington
Toomey, Keller introduce Eric’s Law in Congress
https://www.timesleader.com/news/752342/toomey-keller-introduce-erics-law-in-congress
‘Eric’s Law’ would give prosecutors a second chance at death penalty
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/eric-s-law-would-give-prosecutors-a-second-chance-at-death-penalty-1.2519162
Trump overhauls endangered species protections
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/trump-overhauls-endangered-species-protections.html
Casey challenges lawmakers to take a stand on gun safety
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/casey-challenges-lawmakers-to-take-a-stand-on-gun-safety/article_6fecaec1-ae76-5dc7-b20a-f1c84770607f.html