Legislature
Democrats ask Wolf to declare emergency response to cash assistance elimination
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/democrats-ask-wolf-to-declare-emergency-response-to-general-assistance-elimination/
Court turns down groups’ request to keep cash assistance program temporarily alive for Pa.’s poorest citizens
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/court-turns-down-groups-request-to-keep-cash-assistance-program-temporarily-alive-for-pas-poorest-citizens.html
Stiffing the poor: Sneaky legislators cut cash assistance program
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/02/cash-assistance-program-pennsylvania-legislators-cut-poor/stories/201908020025
No one fat on ‘food stamps’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/no-one-fat-on-food-stamps-1.2515455
Proposed SNAP changes could impact thousands in Monroe County
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190801/proposed-snap-changes-could-impact-thousands-in-monroe-county
School property tax elimination plan to be drafted by handpicked group of Pennsylvania lawmakers
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-work-group-20190801-wz6x3rjuu5dd3nic2ltufyzl7q-story.html
Berks-area legislators can’t get behind replacing school property taxes with a new tax on retirement income
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/local-legislators-dont-support-retirement-income-tax
Family Care Act would take money out of workers’ paychecks to guarantee paid family and medical leave
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/family-care-act-would-take-money-out-of-workers-paychecks-to-guarantee-paid-family-and-medical-leave.html
Killion calls on PUC to adopt tough pipeline standards
https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/killion-calls-on-puc-to-adopt-tough-pipeline-standards/article_decf053d-a7e3-516e-a2a1-8f3668b2044d.html
Lakefront property owner has ‘groin’ problem that doctors can’t fix. He went to his legislator instead
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/homeowner-seeks-help-after-pa-fee-for-groin-to-stop-beach-erosion-skyrockets-from-25-to-750.html
We must resolve to end the mistreatment of immigrant children in Pa. – and everywhere | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-must-resolve-to-end-the-mistreatment-of-immigrant-children-in-pa-and-everywhere-opinion/
Business
Boeing unveils new $115M facility in Ridley
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/boeing-unveils-new-m-facility-in-ridley/article_adab641c-b49a-11e9-9258-83ca571305b1.html
Crime/Punishment
Beaver County DA files more criminal charges against former special needs caretaker
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/01/McGuire-Memorial-Beaver-County-criminal-charges-Zachary-Dinell-Tyler-Smith-abuse/stories/201908010140
Separate abduction incidents reported in Hazleton
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751434/separate-abduction-incidents-reported-in-hazleton
Allentown police shoot and kill New Jersey man who fired shots in air, then pointed gun at officers, chief says
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-allentown-shooting-fifth-street-20190801-u55vht4okrf67mbr7w4wbwqkiy-story.html
Allentown a ‘city under siege,’ community activist says after police shooting
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-hasshan-batts-20190801-r3fd6d3lqvdt7jegvmznkgx7fu-story.html
Education
WVW receives $22K donation to pay off school lunch tabs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvw-receives-22k-donation-to-pay-off-school-lunch-tabs-1.2515563
Philadelphia businessman donates full amount to pay WVW lunch debts
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751406/philadelphia-businessman-donates-full-amount-to-pay-wvw-lunch-debts
Preliminary 2020 Scranton School District budget calls for 6.7% tax hike
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/preliminary-2020-scranton-school-district-budget-calls-for-6-7-tax-hike-1.2515360
Pa. public schools lag academically but are safer than most nationally: report
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-public-schools-lag-academically-but-are-safer-than-most-nationally-report-says.html
How Pa. schools spent an unprecedented flood of safety and security cash
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/cameras-counselors-and-yoga-how-pa-schools-spent-an-unprecedented-flood-of-safety-and-security-cash.php
Auditor General seeks details of WB Area high school consolidation project
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751394/auditor-general-seeks-details-of-wb-area-high-school-consolidation-project
W-B Area high school plan catches auditor’s eye
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-area-high-school-plan-catches-auditor-s-eye-1.2515561
Should more students be suspended? In a new study, some teachers say, yes.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/school-discipline-suspension-underreporting-teachers-20190801.html
Editorial: New Alvernia chief has promising vision for school, city
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/new-alvernia-chief-has-promising-vision-for-school-city
Elections/Politics
Millennial Republican to challenge U.S. Rep. Scott Perry in GOP primary
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/can-the-aoc-playbook-work-on-the-political-right-pa-congressional-candidate-bobby-jeffries-aims-to-find-out.html
Health Care
Karen Kane: The Cleveland Clinic CEO’s advice for UPMC, Highmark
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/karen-kane/2019/08/02/Cleveland-Clinic-CEO-Tom-Mihaljevic-UPMC-Highmark/stories/201908010021
Lehigh Valley plans new hospital in Carbon County
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/lehigh-valley-plans-newhospital-in-carbon-county-1.2515479
Local News
State grant goes to W-B hotel project
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-grant-goes-to-w-b-hotel-project-1.2515564
Plans for next year’s Rockin’ the River already begin
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751419/plans-for-next-years-rockin-the-river-already-begin
County audit shows $4.4M surplus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-audit-shows-4-4m-surplus-1.2515558
Scranton to host national toy train convention in 2021
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-to-host-national-toy-train-convention-in-2021-1.2515573
Lackawanna County projects get $4.5 million in state grants
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-projects-get-4-5-million-in-state-grants-1.2515480
Keystone again trying to change Dunmore zoning ordinance to say landfills are not structures
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/keystone-again-trying-to-change-dunmore-zoning-ordinance-to-say-landfills-are-not-structures-1.2515400
Clarks Summit funeral home wants to build crematory
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/clarks-summit-funeral-home-wants-to-build-crematory-1.2515569
Nanticoke cop again files suit against city
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nanticoke-cop-again-files-suit-against-city-1.2515433
Teen completes veteran’s home for Eagle Scout project
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/teen-completes-veteran-s-home-for-eagle-scout-project-1.2515476
Red sand fills cracks near Schuylkill courthouse to raise human trafficking awareness
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/red-sand-fills-cracks-near-schuylkill-courthouse-to-raise-human-trafficking-awareness-1.2515356
Columbia Gas apologizes for Washington County house explosion
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/08/01/Columbia-Gas-apologizes-Washington-County-Park-Lane-house-explosion-North-Franklin/stories/201908010127
Westmoreland development projects get nearly $6 million
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-development-projects-get-nearly-6-million/
Harrison Point project awarded $1M state grant for development
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-point-project-awarded-1m-state-grant-for-development/
You don’t have to be Italian, a parishioner to enjoy Festa Italiana in New Kensington
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/you-dont-have-to-be-italian-a-parishioner-to-enjoy-festa-italiana-in-new-kensington/
Berks County commissioner proposes swapping millions in airport debt for land
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-commissioner-proposes-swapping-airport-debt-for-land
Reading redevelopment project gets $1.5 million boost
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-redevelopment-project-gets-15-million-boost
Reading readies for 3rd Radsport Festival
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-readies-for-3rd-radsport-festival
Police: Testing ‘inconclusive’ for specific irritant after hazmat incident at Upper Saucon Township hotel
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-spring-hill-suites-20190802-cdb7dpqkzjhmzhb35ji4qngt7y-story.html
Beaver County officials want answers on homeless shelter
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190801/beaver-county-officials-want-answers-on-homeless-shelter
Which local projects were awarded millions of dollars in state aid? Who missed out?
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/08/which-local-projects-were-awarded-millions-of-dollars-in-state-aid-who-missed-out.html
Erie County projects get $13 million in state funding
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190801/erie-county-projects-get-13-million-in-state-funding
Opioid Crisis
Overdose deaths decrease by 18 percent but Pa. Gov. Wolf says ‘You don’t see a mission accomplished sign here’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/overdose-deaths-decrease-by-18-percent-but-pa-gov-wolf-says-you-dont-see-a-mission-accomplished-sign-here.html
Gov. Tom Wolf says Pennsylvania opioid deaths down
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wolf-says-pennsylvania-opioid-deaths-down
Wolf administration eyes stimulant use, adds resources for families affected by opioid deaths
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/wolf-admin-looks-at-stimulant-use-adds-resources-for-families-affected-by-opioid-deaths.php
Wolf, state officials announce drop in overdose deaths, detail other anti-addiction efforts
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190801/wolf-state-officials-announce-drop-in-overdose-deaths-detail-other-anti-addiction-efforts
Philly
Philadelphia officials declare health emergency over hepatitis A outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/health/hepatitis-a-outbreak-emergency-philadelphia-20190801.html
Philly refinery closure paves the way for pipeline settlement. Midwestern refiners win, for now.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/buckeye-laurel-gasoline-pipeline-will-allow-midwestern-refinerst-ship-pennsylvania-20190801.html
Philly’s real estate agents are buzzing about it. Competitors are suing it. What is Compass?
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/compass-philadelphia-real-estate-brokerage-agents-start-up-technology-concierge-zillow-20190801.html
What did police do? Protesters demand answers on man’s SEPTA subway track death.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-taser-electrocuted-septa-track-death-20190802.html
‘It was just like a movie scene’: Shots fired during armored-car stickup in University City
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/university-city-armored-car-robbery-shooting-philadelphia-20190801.html
FBI is investigating workers who misused funds at SEPTA
https://www.inquirer.com/news/septa-theft-fbi-fraud-20190801.html
Longest-serving Philly sheriff is sentenced to 5 years in prison for $675K bribery scheme
https://www.inquirer.com/news/sheriff-john-green-sentence-bribes-philadelphia–20190801.html
Musician Corinne Bailey Rae teaches Philly School District kids about the music biz
https://www.inquirer.com/education/grammy-corinnebaileyrae-music-education-philadelphia-uniontransfer-20190801.html
Giant’s second downtown Philly store, Heirloom Market, is opening today in University City
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/giant-heirloom-market-grocery-store-opening-university-city-philadelphia-20190802.html
Council President Darrell Clarke: We have a plan to keep more kids safe from gunfire | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/darrell-clarke-firearms-prohibition-recreation-centers-harrisburg-20190802.html
Pitt
Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office suing regatta organizer for $32,000 in unpaid bills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/01/Allegheny-County-sheriffs-pittsburgh-regatta-lawsuit-criminal-investigation-security/stories/201908010100
Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office sues Pittsburgh regatta organizer
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-sheriffs-office-sues-pittsburgh-regatta-organizer/
Former Pittsburgh CAPA teacher charged with sexual assault of student
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/01/Pittsburgh-CAPA-teacher-Samuel-Karas-charged-sexual-assault-student-underage/stories/201908010104
Sheriff’s deputies arrest 2 after protesters disrupt jail board meeting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/01/Sheriff-deputies-arrest-two-activists-jail-board-meeting/stories/201908010174
Allegheny County Jail Oversight Board meeting cut short after disruption, 2 cited
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-jail-oversight-board-meeting-cut-short-after-disruption-2-cited/
Giant Eagle inks deal for planned tech hub in Lawrenceville
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/08/01/Giant-Eagle-techmill-41-annex-digital-lawrenceville-grocery-retail-getgo/stories/201908010136
Hundreds register for diocese’s abuse compensation plan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/08/01/Pittsburgh-catholic-diocese-compensation-plan-sexual-abuse-hundreds-file/stories/201908010130
Whither the regatta: Officials must start now to put event back on track
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/02/Three-Rivers-Regatta-officials-must-put-event-back-on-track/stories/201908010036
VW settlement will fund new charging stations in East Liberty
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/vw-settlement-will-fund-new-charging-stations-in-east-liberty/
State News
Lou Barletta, out of Congress but still into immigration policy, wants to build that wall | Clout
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/lou-barletta-president-donald-trump-border-wall-vice-president-joe-biden-detroit-debate-20190802.html
3-year-old girl drowns in Plum swimming pool
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/08/01/3-year-old-girl-drowns-in-Plum-swimming-pool/stories/201908010191
In wake of drownings, are fewer affordable swim classes in the Lehigh Valley putting children at risk?
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-prevent-drowning-swim-classes-20190802-wk6jepwyo5fbrhdb4yudcdjsxu-story.html
‘It was terrifying’: Black Chadds Ford couple left shaken by white Pa. trooper’s alleged misconduct
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rodney-gillespie-angela-pennsylvania-state-police-chadds-ford-state-trooper-driving-while-black-racial-profiling-20190803.html
Pennsylvania Lottery reports record sales after adding online, bar games
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/08/01/Pennsylvania-Lottery-revenue-record-elderly-aging-care-profits/stories/201908010099
Meet ‘Bugha,’ the Pennsylvania teen who won the Fortnite World Cup’s $3 million prize
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/kyle-giersdorf-fortnite-world-champion-nyc-20190801.html
Kathleen Kane released from prison — one of them, anyway | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/kathleen-kane-porngate-jail-metoo-editorial-20190802.html
Pipeline community representatives in battle with PUC for more information
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/pipeline-community-representatives-in-battle-with-puc-for-more-information/article_14bb0908-b475-11e9-b2ae-db14ecff8a8f.html
Transportation
LCTA reveals name change
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-reveals-name-change-1.2515540
Washington
Vexed with minority status and rancor, GOP lawmakers retire
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/vexed-with-minority-status-rancor-gop-lawmakers-retire-20190802.html
Tax credits or insurance program? Paid family and medical leave proposals clash in Washington
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/08/01/Tax-credit-social-insurance-Paid-family-medical-leave-proposals-clash-in-Washington/stories/201907310212
Perry blames low town hall attendance on ‘fake news’ and liberal spite
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/01/perry-blames-low-town-hall-attendance-fake-news-and-liberal-spite/1892559001/