Legislature
Town hall on guns brings out supporters, opponents
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/town-hall-on-guns-bring-out-supporters-opponents/article_30b77294-c42a-11e9-acc4-4782a2734f4b.html
Southeast Pa. lawmakers want to create a board on pipeline safety. Regulators have concerns about record privacy
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/southeast-pa-lawmakers-want-to-create-a-board-on-pipeline-safety-regulators-have-concerns-about-record-privacy/
Pipeline board plan running into resistance
https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/pipeline-board-plan-running-into-resistance/article_d1fbd599-37af-577b-851b-fededfdb4feb.html
Sentencing officials are trying — again — to build an algorithm to predict future crimes. Critics still have big concerns
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/sentencing-officials-are-trying-again-to-build-an-algorithm-to-predict-future-crimes-critics-still-have-big-concerns/
Almost 10 years in, Pa. commission struggles to agree on sentencing reforms
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/08/almost-10-years-in-pa-commission-struggles-to-agree-on-sentencing-reforms.php
Pa. can’t wait any longer on broadband expansion. Here’s why | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-cant-wait-any-longer-on-broadband-expansion-heres-why-opinion/
Gov. Wolf is acting to reduce gun violence, but he needs the Legislature to follow his lead | Pennlive Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/08/gov-wolf-is-acting-to-reduce-gun-violence-but-he-needs-the-legislature-to-follow-his-lead-pennlive-editorial.html
Killion: Red Flag laws prevent gun suicides and mass shootings
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/killion-red-flag-laws-prevent-gun-suicides-and-mass-shootings/article_400f910c-c378-11e9-9468-53aa1c8a3e99.html
Administration
Wolf touts investment in education at Coebourn Elementary
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/wolf-touts-investment-in-education-at-coebourn-elementary/article_72a11324-c45a-11e9-812d-972ddaf9b793.html
Gov. Wolf, Rep. Stephens to make PFAS funding announcement Thursday
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190821/gov-wolf-rep-stephens-to-make-pfas-funding-announcement-thursday
Getting the ball rolling: Gov. Wolf takes a measured step forward on guns
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/22/Pennsylvania-Tom-Wolf-gun-control-reform-measured/stories/201908210023
Philly standoff points to need for new gun law, Wolf says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/philly-standoff-points-to-need-for-new-gun-law-wolf-says.html
Shootings
2 shot in Upper Darby
https://www.inquirer.com/news/upper-darby-two-shot-20190822.html
Police: Fired worker at poultry plant kills boss, himself in Eastern Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/Fired-worker-poultry-plant-kills-boss-himself-pennsylvania-Plainville-Farms/stories/201908210137
York City mayor criticizes media, rumors following fatal shooting of child
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/crime/2019/08/21/york-city-mayor-criticizes-media-rumors-following-fatal-shooting-child/2075625001/
Unidentified man killed in Feltonville
https://www.inquirer.com/news/man-shot-dead-feltonville-20190822.html
Spring Hill woman arrested in shooting that left a man critically injured
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/shooting-in-Spring-Hill-pittsburgh-northview-heights/stories/201908210134
2 injured in 4th shooting of summer on McKees Rocks street
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/two-injured-in-fourth-shooting-of-the-summer-on-mckees-rocks-street/
A child is wounded by gunfire in McKees Rocks; his relatives lament the violence
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/Teen-8-year-old-shooting-McKees-Rocks/stories/201908210121
Business
Adidas’ Hanover Twp. distribution center looking to hire hundreds
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753115/adidas-hanover-twp-distribution-center-looking-to-hire-hundreds
Adidas plans to fill hundreds of jobs at Hanover Twp. Warehouse
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/adidas-plans-to-fill-hundreds-of-jobs-at-hanover-twp-warehouse-1.2523209
New hotel planned near Mohegan Sun Arena
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753142/new-hotel-planned-near-mohegan-sun-arena
Dunmore firm gets $25K Ben Franklin investment
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/dunmore-firm-gets-25k-ben-franklin-investment-1.2523103
Crime/Punishment
Ex-Elizabeth Borough police chief admits to stealing heroin
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/elizabeth-borough-police-chief-butler-heroin-guilty/stories/201908210135
Ex-Downingtown pastor charged with stealing nearly $100K in parish funds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/joseph-mcloone-st-josephs-joes-downingtown-theft-arrest-20190821.html
New Castle-area doctor pleads guilty to dealing fentanyl in Western Pa., Ohio
https://triblive.com/local/regional/new-castle-area-doctor-pleads-guilty-to-dealing-fentanyl-in-western-pa-ohio/
Education
Recovered from ransomware attack, Wyoming Area finishes bus schedules
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753139/recovered-from-ransomware-attack-wyoming-area-finishes-bus-schedules
All quiet at WVW meeting
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/all-quiet-at-wvw-meeting-1.2523237
Tax-rate typo creates $900K deficit at Pennsylvania school district
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/tax-rate-typo-creates-900k-deficit-at-pennsylvania-school-district/
Back-to-school fear: The market for bulletproof backpacks is tragic
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/22/Bulletproof-backpacks-school-safety-shootings-security/stories/201908220278
Lehigh Valley charter schools tell Allentown School District to ‘live within its means’; reject tuition pay cut
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-school-district-charter-schools-20190821-kf4toxch6jcpneodgt67tlzg2a-story.html
Gaming
Meadows Racetrack & Casino adding sportsbook, undergoing transformation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/08/22/Meadows-Racetrack-Casino-adding-sportsbook-betting-overhaul/stories/201908210169
Local News
Site for White Haven Center hearing changed to closer location
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753104/site-for-white-haven-center-hearing-changed-to-closer-location
White Haven Center closing tough call for some
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/white-haven-center-closing-tough-call-for-some-1.2523222
Boy to present ‘Jaws of Life’ to Plymouth fire station today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/boy-to-present-jaws-of-life-to-plymouth-fire-station-today-1.2523158
Solicitor: Nanticoke police chief’s future in mayor’s hands
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753117/solicitor-nanticoke-police-chiefs-future-in-mayors-hands
Overdose awareness event offers chance for healing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/overdose-awareness-event-offers-chance-for-healing-1.2523154
Plymouth hoping Dollar General will be first of many new businesses
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753072/plymouth-hoping-dollar-general-will-be-first-of-many-new-businesses
Scranton mayor race could be crowded
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-race-could-be-crowded-1.2523063
Financial consultant Amoroso gives final briefing on Scranton’s financial recovery
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/financial-consultant-amoroso-gives-final-briefing-on-scranton-s-financial-recovery-1.2523076
Lackawanna commissioners award contracts for Gateway Center
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-commissioners-award-contracts-for-gateway-center-1.2523059
Winds of change in Schuylkill County
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/winds-of-change-in-schuylkill-county-1.2523216
Committee to present plan to save decaying Harrison World War II memorial
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/committee-to-present-plan-to-save-decaying-harrison-world-war-ii-memorial/
Longtime Blawnox police chief George Bucha retires at 81
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/longtime-police-chief-bucha-retires-at-81/
Conceptual plans released for 2 new Hempfield parks
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/conceptual-plans-released-for-two-new-hempfield-parks/
Reading recycling fee wins new day in court
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-recycling-fee-wins-new-day-in-court
Chester County towing company owner sues Reading Parking Authority for $2.8 million
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/chester-county-towing-company-owner-sues-reading-parking-authority-for-28-million
Robesonia Furnace left polluted land; borough has $396,000 plan to clean it up
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/robesonia-furnace-left-polluted-land-borough-has-396000-plan-to-clean-it-up
Muhlenberg’s RiverFest grows to three days
https://www.readingeagle.com/weekend/article/muhlenbergs-riverfest-grows-to-three-days
Alsace looks to tackle nuisance bamboo
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/alsace-looks-to-tackle-nuisance-bamboo
Allentown mayor’s cabinet picks no longer able to avoid council confirmation, residency requirement
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-council-interim-department-heads-20190822-wasq7wc7ynha3dj6pglz6c7nju-story.html
West Easton gets $20K for new police department expected to hit the streets soon
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2019/08/west-easton-gets-20k-for-new-police-department.html
Sale of Warminster water, sewer systems could net $90M
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190822/sale-of-warminster-water-sewer-systems-could-net-90m
Opioid Crisis
White House to business: Help stop fentanyl trafficking
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/White-House-business-Help-stop-fentanyl-trafficking/stories/201908210143
Philly
North Philly shootout left neighbors wondering: Why’d police make a mess and leave us to clean up?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/maurice-hill-north-philadelphia-nicetown-police-standoff-20190822.html
In picking new police commissioner, Mayor Jim Kenney faces defining choice
https://www.inquirer.com/news/richard-ross-philadelphia-police-commissioner-replacement-jim-kenney-20190822.html
Philly Mayor Jim Kenney, resigned top cop Richard Ross try to pick up the pieces
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-commissioner-search-mayor-jim-kenney-richard-ross-sexual-harassment-20190821.html
Philadelphia police detective claims she endured sexual harassment amid department’s ‘grossly sexist culture’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-richard-ross-resigns-commissioner-lawsuit-detective-lisa-salvato-20190821.html
Ex-Police Commissioner Richard Ross: ‘I have never sought retribution’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-department-sexual-harassment-richard-ross-resignation-20190821.html
Potent coalition wants Black woman as next top cop in Philly
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/potent-coalition-wants-black-woman-as-next-top-cop-in/article_24b7e489-8a54-571a-9fd1-7ba676299496.html
Police commissioner resignation must be the start of more radical change for Philly PD | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-reform-sexual-harassment-lawsuit-20190821.html
Philly’s next police commissioner: 16 ideas to help Mayor Kenney choose the next top cop | Perspective
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-police-commissioner-search-jim-kenney-richard-ross-replacement-20190821.html
Philly to switch all 100,000 streetlights to ‘smart’ LEDs; expect some debate
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-streetlight-conversion-smart-led-savings-20190822.html
Renters are being forced out of Old City apartments to make way for Philly visitors
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/stay-alfred-philadelphia-509-vine-short-term-stays-sonder-20190821.html
Local 98′s inflatable rat targeted in federal fight to outlaw the protest mascot
https://www.inquirer.com/news/local-98-rat-nlrb-fairfield-inn-protest-20190821.html
Being a black female cop is hard enough without also being sexually harassed by your male colleagues | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/philadelphia-police-ross-lawsuit-sexual-harassment-jenice-armstrong-20190821.html
You can officially manage your SEPTA Key on the app now
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-key-app-travel-wallet-fare-passes-autoload-20190821.html
SEPTA’s general manager to depart this year
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/jeff-knueppel-septa-general-manager-retired-septa-20190821.html
Majority of Philadelphians think people with opioid addiction brought it on themselves, survey finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/pew-survey-addiction-disease-brought-upon-themselves-philadelphia-20190821.html
Pa. board moves to suspend Philly judge Lyris Younge for ‘condescending and undignified’ demeanor in Family Court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/lyris-younge-judge-philly-judicial-conduct-board-complaint-removal-family-court-20190821.html
Is Philadelphia ready for a big red skyscraper at Schuylkill Yards? | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/schuylkill-yards-philadelphia-brandywine-pau-architecture-color-skyscrapers-tower-20190821.html
Sojay Haze or Sour Tangie? Philly research seeks to find the best marijuana strain for pain.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/marijuana-usciences-cannabis-releaf-app-dispensaries-pain-study-20190822.html
Debating Philly’s iconic trolley system: Time for an expansion? Pro/Con | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/trolley-philadelphia-septa-public-transportation-transit-20190821.html
Pitt
County council vote on police review board still a cliffhanger after public meeting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/08/21/Allegheny-County-council-independent-police-review-board-bill-committee-Antwon-Rose/stories/201908210182
Allegheny County Council reviews ordinance to form countywide police review board
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-reviews-ordinance-to-form-countywide-police-review-board/
Brian O’Neill: Will Pittsburgh ever expand the T?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2019/08/22/Brian-O-Neill-Will-Pittsburgh-ever-expand-the-T/stories/201908220266
Parole board drops opposition to release of man acquitted in murder retrial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/godesky-retrial-homicide-pittsburgh-freed-parole/stories/201908210138
Tree of Life commemoration themes: “Remember. Repair. Together.”
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/08/21/Tree-of-Life-commemorations-massacre-Squirrel-Hill-Jewish-Federation-Torah/stories/201908210159
JC Penney, Shazier surprise teachers from Pittsburgh’s Fulton Elementary
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/21/JC-Penney-Shazier-surprise-city-teachers/stories/201908200160
Demolition of Pittsburgh’s ‘sagging’ garage begins
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/demolition-of-pittsburghs-sagging-garage-begins/
Former Islamic Center of Pittsburgh director Wasi Mohamed changes roles
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/former-islamic-center-of-pittsburgh-director-wasi-mohamed-changes-roles/
Oakland Italian grocery turns 40 years
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2019/08/21/Oakland-Italian-grocery-store-turns-40-Groceria-Merante/stories/201908210019
State News
Native fungi shows promise to stop spread of spotted lanternfly
https://triblive.com/local/regional/native-fungi-shows-promise-to-stop-spread-of-spotted-lanternfly/
Hold line on PLCB pricing
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/hold-line-on-plcb-pricing-1.2523120
Met-Ed says emails comparing consumers’ energy usage ‘not pitting neighbor against neighbor’
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/met-ed-says-emails-not-a-competition-not-pitting-neighbor-against-neighbor
Feces-related bacteria abundant in Harrisburg waterways, well above safe levels: environmentalists
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/feces-related-bacteria-abundant-in-harrisburg-waterways-due-to-sewage-overflows-environmentalists-claim.html
Sewage from pipes near Pa. Capitol, governor’s mansion deluging river with E. coli: report
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/08/22/sewage-pipes-near-pa-capitol-deluge-susquehanna-river-e-coli-report/2066336001/
Library has become crucial ‘access point’ for Pa. urban residents unable to afford wireless
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/library-has-become-crucial-access-point-for-urban-residents-unable-to-afford-wireless.html
More state money for Pa. libraries this year, but less than they got 10 years ago
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/more-state-money-for-pa-libraries-this-year-but-less-than-they-got-10-years-ago.php
Teens boys sneaking into Pa. swimming club pool leave drowning friend to die: cops
https://www.pennlive.com/daily-buzz/2019/08/teens-boys-sneaking-into-pa-swimming-pool-leave-drowning-friend-to-die-cops.html
Mario Andretti on Pocono-IndyCar debate: ‘Pocono is not for sissies’
https://www.mcall.com/sports/auto-racing/mc-spt-reinhard-pocono-column-20190821-uwrq3flhlrdmbpwr7ah2ghk3ri-story.html
Reading is No. 1 in Pennsylvania for first-time homebuyers, study finds
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-is-no-1-in-pa-for-first-time-homebuyers-study-finds
Who says compromise is dead? In September, two former Pa. governors will try to revive it | John L. Micek
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/who-says-compromise-is-dead-in-september-two-former-pa-governors-will-try-to-revive-it-john-l-micek/
New Trump administration rule would OK indefinite detention of migrant families in Berks facility
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/new-trump-administration-rule-would-ok-indefinite-detention-of-migrant-families-in-berks-facility/
DEP revokes some permitting power of Beaver County Conservation District
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190821/dep-revokes-some-permitting-power-of-beaver-county-conservation-district
Washington
Trump flip-flops on tax cuts, saying U.S. has ‘strong economy’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-no-tax-cuts-strong-economy-recession-fears-20190822.html
Trump insists US already has ‘strong’ gun background checks
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-insists-us-already-has-strong-gun-background-checks-20190821.html
Guns, impeachment, Medicare for All emerge in U.S. Sen. Bob Casey town hall in Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-bob-casey-town-hall-bethlehem-20190822-o5uf2bqcqbbn3hk2unuurdloua-story.html