Legislature

Gov. Wolf, state lawmakers join Philadelphia Mayor Kenney to call for gun control after six officers shot
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/gov-wolf-state-lawmakers-join-philadelphia-mayor-kenney-to-call-for-gun-control-after-six-officers-shot/

Lawmakers call for gun control in wake of standoff
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/lawmakers-call-for-gun-control-in-wake-of-standoff/article_a0539b86-82b7-5891-9e32-7b9c3e1f9187.html

York County’s lawmakers AWOL while Wolf presses on gun control
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/15/york-countys-lawmakers-awol-while-wolf-presses-gun-control/1989098001/

After 6 Philly police officers are shot, a familiar call to lawmakers: ‘Step up’ on gun control
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gun-control-tom-wolf-philadelphia-shooting-police-pennsylvania-laws-reform-20190815.html

Philadelphia police standoff is an opportunity to turn the tide on gun control | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/gun-control-philadelphia-shooting-police-pennsylvania-william-mcswain-larry-krasner-20190816.html

Sen. Wayne Fontana: Student loans are increasingly the only way forward for many students
https://triblive.com/opinion/sen-wayne-fontana-student-loans-are-increasingly-the-only-way-forward-for-many-students/

PennDOT didn’t send savings from registration stickers to law enforcement: Here’s why
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/penndot-didnt-send-savings-from-registration-stickers-to-law-enforcement-heres-why.html

Lawmakers, unions fear job losses, economic impact of state facility closures
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/lawmakers-unions-fear-job-losses-economic-impact-of-state-facility-closures/

Anti-recreational marijuana crowd gathers against Senate proposal
https://www.tribdem.com/news/anti-marijuana-crowd-gathers-against-senate-proposal/article_3e66b89a-bfd5-11e9-8857-9b14f33b82ea.html

Local educators speak at state senate hearing
https://www.bedfordgazette.com/news/local-educators-speak-at-state-senate-hearing/article_fc3aac8b-dc0e-5144-b0a9-8e89eb07b31b.html

Catholic Church

Pa. court ruling opens possible path for old church sex-abuse claims
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/superior-court-opens-path-for-some-old-abuse-claims/

A chance at justice: Statute of limitations work-around is a win
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/16/A-chance-at-justice-Statute-of-limitations-work-around-is-a-win/stories/201908160064

Crime/Punishment

Ex-Clairton H.S. quarterback pleads guilty in 2017 killing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/15/homicide-plea-Bryson-koontz-nathan-assad-baldwin-gun-drugs/stories/201908150102

In his sixth DUI, Chester County man pleads guilty to killing woman in head-on crash
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/david-strowhouer-guilty-dui-deana-eckman-20190815.html

Uber driver convicted of raping intoxicated passenger in Chester County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/ahmed-elgaafary-uber-rape-trial-chester-county-20190815.html

Father of man charged with killing New Kensington cop sues prison over medical care
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/father-of-man-charged-with-killing-new-kensington-cop-sues-westmoreland-county-prison-over-medical-care/

Education

Scranton School Board approves recovery plan in 7-2 vote
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-approves-recovery-plan-in-7-2-vote-1.2520787

Greater Nanticoke Area won’t use ‘cyber snow days’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/greater-nanticoke-area-won-t-use-cyber-snow-days-1.2520843

Elizabeth Forward officials: Bus provider breached contract; student transportation in jeopardy
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/elizabeth-forward-officials-bus-provider-breached-contract-student-transportation-in-jeopardy/

Combined JROTC to take over 9/11 memorial project along Route 228
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/08/15/Combined-JROTC-to-take-over-9-11-memorial-project-along-Route-228/stories/201908150020

Which Pa. universities rank among America’s 25 safest college towns?
https://expo.pennlive.com/news/g66l-2019/08/4644ff28157216/which-pa-universities-rank-among-americas-25-safest-college-towns.html

Gaming

Officials: Casino opening in Hempfield to have Pittsburgh name — and that’s OK
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/casino-opening-in-hempfield-will-be-named-after-pittsburgh-and-thats-ok/

Health Care

Geisinger halts 90-day prescription mandate
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/geisinger-halts-90-day-prescription-mandate-1.2520812

Local News

In its 36th year, Pittston Tomato Festival continues to grow
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/in-its-36th-year-pittston-tomato-festival-continues-to-grow-1.2520855

Security on Tomato Festival planners’ minds
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/security-on-tomato-festival-planners-minds-1.2520867

Larksville fire company will help cover Plymouth Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/larksville-fire-company-will-help-cover-plymouth-twp-1.2520813

Activist seeks new home for ‘beehive monument’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/activist-seeks-new-home-for-beehive-monument-1.2520870

Completion near for upgrade of Crowley Park in Green Ridge neighborhood in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/completion-near-for-upgrade-of-crowley-park-in-green-ridge-neighborhood-in-scranton-1.2520961

Debi Domenick: ‘I did the right thing’ in client theft case
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/debi-domenick-i-did-the-right-thing-in-client-theft-case-1.2520979

County to celebrate ADA Day at McDade Park
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/county-to-celebrate-ada-day-at-mcdade-park-1.2520895

No more pension for former Carbon official
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/no-more-pension-for-former-carbon-official-1.2520832

Berks commissioners say historic Epler School will remain standing, for now
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-commissioners-say-historic-epler-school-will-remain-standing-for-now

Sinking Spring anticipates PennDOT approval soon for infrastructure improvement project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sinking-spring-anticipates-penndot-ok-soon-for-infrastructure-improvement-project

More than $261K of county’s penalties waived by IRS
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190815/more-than-261k-of-countys-penalties-waived-by-irs

National News

Claims: Migrant kids split at border harmed in foster care
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/claims-migrant-kids-split-at-border-harmed-in-foster-care.php

Opioid Crisis

Opioid epidemic may have cost states at least $130 billion in treatment and related expenses — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/opioid-epidemic-may-have-cost-states-at-least-130-billion-in-treatment-and-related-expenses-and-thats-just-the-tip-of-the-iceberg-opinion/

Philly

Philadelphia police shooting suspect likely used assault weapon, could face life in prison, officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-shooting-police-charges-maurice-hill-north-philly-nicetown-tioga-larry-krasner-20190815.html

These 6 Philly police officers were shot Wednesday
https://www.inquirer.com/news/shooting-philadelphia-police-joshua-burkitt-michael-guinter-shaun-parker-nathaniel-harper-ryan-waltman-justin-matthews-20190815.html

Alleged Philly cop shooter Maurice Hill worked at Chuck E. Cheese and has a new baby, but also a decades-long history of violence
https://www.inquirer.com/news/maurice-hill-philadelphia-shooting-police-suspect-criminal-history-20190815.html

‘I’m still not calm’: Neighbors unsettled after Philly police shooting
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/im-still-not-calm-exhausted-neighbors-unsettled-after-north-philly-police-shooting.php

How Philadelphia police commissioner, DA tried to talk alleged gunman into surrendering
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-shooting-commissioner-richard-ross-maurice-hill-20190815.html

5 people shot in Philly’s Ogontz section, 2 miles from where 6 cops were shot Wednesday
https://www.inquirer.com/news/five-injured-mass-shooting-ogontz-philadelphia-20190815.html

Philadelphia’s mayor calls out the NRA and says officers need help with gun control
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/08/15/Philadelphia-standoff-mayor-gun-control-police-officers-six-shot-gunman-custody/stories/201908150180

Kellyanne Conway questions competence of Philadelphia mayor for comments made after shooting
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2019/08/kellyanne-conway-questions-competence-of-philadelphia-mayor-after-he-seeks-federal-action-on-gun-control.html

Police shooting should signal a fresh start for police relationship with North Philly residents | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/police-shooting-philadelphia-nicetown-tioga-north-philly-community-relations-20190815.html

How the rise of the basement apartment explains Philadelphia’s latest rash of housing collapses
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/philadelphia-housing-collapse-queen-village-fishtown-basement-apartments-20190816.html

On violent crime, U.S. Attorney William McSwain and DA Larry Krasner are ready to fight … each other | Clout
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/fox-news-tucker-carlson-william-mcswain-larry-krasner-gar-joseph-joe-sestak-20190816.html

Mayor Jim Kenney’s daughter handcuffed in North Wildwood after brawl with daughter of local councilwoman
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/philadelphia-mayor-kenney-daughter-fight-north-wildwood-councilwoman-tolomeo-20190815.html

Philly school board clears way for sale of district building for charter
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-school-district-building-sale-kipp-charter-meredith-20190816.html

Philly house-flipper sentenced to one month in federal prison for sheriff’s sale bribes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/sheriff-sales-philadelphia-bribe-corruption-20190816.html

Here’s how much Philly sweltered in July, earth’s hottest month on record
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/climate-change-noaa-july-record-heat-sea-ice-20190815.html

Philly’s voting-machine contract will move forward despite vendor’s failure to disclose its use of lobbyists
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philly-voting-machines-contract-ess-will-continue-despite-disclosure-violation-20190815.html

What’s on Philly teachers’ back-to-school wish lists? Ticonderoga pencils and lots of copy paper
https://www.inquirer.com/life/back-to-school-supplies-2019-teachers-philadelphia-20190815.html

Layoffs at PES refinery begin, as union argues for continued presence due to safety concerns
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/layoffs-at-pes-refinery-begin-as-union-argues-for-continued/article_e2257601-3af2-5781-aec2-534ba0a56542.html

Pitt

Youth football player who collapsed and died remembered at gathering in Windgap
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2019/08/15/Youth-football-player-remembered-at-gathering-in-Windgap/stories/201908150202

Service will mark the anniversary of Tree of Life massacre
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/08/15/Service-mark-one-year-anniversary-Tree-of-Life-synagogue-massacre/stories/201908150113

Service planned for Tree of Life shooting anniversary
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/service-planned-for-tree-of-life-shooting-anniversary/

What’s drawing Pittsburgh to Elizabeth Warren? Let her supporters explain
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/08/15/Elizabeth-Warren-pittsburgh-supporters-young-well-educated/stories/201908150101

Stopped short: Zoning board blocks Heinz Field name plan for seats
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/08/16/Heinz-Field-Pittsburgh-Steelers-zoning-board-North-Shore-sign-seats-Hounds/stories/201908150194

Mass marks conclusion of Year of Repentance
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/08/15/Catholic-sexual-abuse-grand-jury-Diocese-Pittsburgh-Mass-Assumption/stories/201908150187

DA restricts future testimony from four Pittsburgh cops involved in bar brawl
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/15/kopys-pagans-detectives-pittsburgh-police-zappala/stories/201908150125

Pittsburgh’s Just Ducky boats will be auctioned off
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/2019/08/15/just-ducky-tours-boats-pittsburgh-auction-September-2019-Harry-Davis/stories/201908150129

Restoration of abandoned Larimer School moves forward
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/restoration-of-abandoned-larimer-school-moves-forward/

State News

Pa. dairy farmers cook up their own campaign to support whole milk
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/08/15/Pennsylvania-dairy-farmers-whole-milk-campaign-97milk-skim-2-school-cafeteria-Margin-Coverage/stories/201908150050

$3 million scratch-off marks 3rd big Westmoreland winner in a week
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/3-million-scratch-off-ticket-sold-in-irwin-marks-third-big-winner-from-westmoreland-county-in-a-week/

Options outlined for White Haven Center clients
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/options-outlined-for-white-haven-center-clients-1.2520871

Case justifies state review
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/case-justifies-state-review-1.2520760

Abundant gas at Shell plant
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/abundant-gas-at-shell-plant-1.2520762

After eight years in Congress and a failed Senate bid, Lou Barletta says he has no appetite for a House seat run
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/after-eight-years-in-congress-and-a-failed-senate-bid-lou-barletta-says-he-has-no-appetite-for-a-house-seat-run.html

AG Shapiro says Congress should act on PFAS chemical contamination
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190815/ag-shapiro-says-congress-should-act-on-pfas-chemical-contamination

Transportation

Bridge repair will close Northeast Extension and Route 309 for several days in September; detours will take drivers to Routes 100, 33
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-i476-september-closure-20190815-k464myucmrhhzhkru7aoikpujy-story.html

Washington

Rep. Rashida Tlaib granted West Bank visit by Israel on humanitarian grounds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/rashida-tlaib-israel-west-bank-visit-grant-20190816.html

Chrissy Houlahan, citing a security risk, cancels her town hall in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/congresswoman-chrissy-houlahan-citing-security-risk-cancels-town-hall-in-reading