Legislature
State Sen. Jay Costa renews push for Pennsylvania gun reform post mass shootings
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/state-sen-jay-costa-renews-push-for-pennsylvania-gun-reform-post-mass-shootings/Content?oid=15573665
Baker, Yudichak weigh in on mass shootings
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751840/baker-yudichak-weigh-in-on-mass-shootings
Chesco state legislators call for gun session
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chesco-state-legislators-call-for-gun-session/article_5a5720cc-b877-11e9-a8c3-2be2cdc5c427.html
Shootings punctuate lack of consensus among Pennsylvania lawmakers on stopping them
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-gun-discussions-20190806-4pgn3wrdvjcgzphnbowf72lo3e-story.html
Pa. Republican lawmaker plans hearings following mass shootings
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-republican-lawmaker-plans-hearings-following-mass-shootings.html
Trump wants states to pass red flag gun laws. Will the Pennsylvania Legislature comply?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/trump-wants-states-to-pass-red-flag-gun-laws-will-the-pennsylvania-legislature-comply/
Legislature must act on assault weapons ban
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/08/07/Legislature-must-act-on-assault-weapons-ban/stories/201908060113
Pa. lawmakers proposing controversial ‘heartbeat’ abortion bill despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s vow to veto
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-lawmakers-proposing-controversial-heartbeat-bill-despite-gov-tom-wolfs-vow-to-veto.html
Short odds on addiction
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/short-odds-on-addiction-1.2516991
Editorial: Open up debate over axing school property taxes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-open-up-debate-over-axing-school-property-taxes
The high cost of the Pa. Turnpike is taking a toll on all of us. Lawmakers should approve this plan for relief | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-high-cost-of-the-pa-turnpike-is-taking-a-toll-on-all-of-us-lawmakers-should-approve-this-plan-for-relief-opinion/
Business
Comcast announces largest expansion of its internet services for low-income families
https://www.inquirer.com/education/comcast-internet-low-income-expansion-colleges-20190806.html
GUARD move almost complete; 700-plus working at downtown company
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751860/guard-move-almost-complete-700-plus-working-at-downtown-company
Crime/Punishment
Bedford County man indicted in massive gun theft case involving ATF destruction facility
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/06/richard-adam-schreiber-bedford-county-indicted-gun-theft-case-atf-destruction-facility-martinsburg-wv/stories/201908060159
New Kensington cops revive 2 men who overdosed, then charged 1 of them
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-revive-2-men-who-overdosed-then-charged-1-of-them/
Inmate charged with attempted murder of state troopers during Indiana County transport
https://triblive.com/local/regional/inmate-charged-with-attempted-murder-of-state-troopers-during-indiana-county-transport/
South Media Fire Co. treasurer charged in $50G theft of funds
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/south-media-fire-co-treasurer-charged-in-g-theft-of/article_e2bbcdb6-b87f-11e9-936c-dfdb70de9272.html
Education
Scranton school directors discuss potential savings, switching to payroll tax
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-directors-discuss-potential-savings-switching-to-payroll-tax-1.2517125
Mazur defends WVW in lunch tab saga
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mazur-defends-wvw-in-lunch-tab-saga-1.2517194
WVW votes to borrow $3M after school tax bill delay
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvw-votes-to-borrow-3m-after-school-tax-bill-delay-1.2517162
Harrisburg schools chief Samuels expects quick improvements for failing district
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/harrisburg-schools-chief-samuels-expects-quick-improvements-for-failing-district.html
Pa. educators turn to Secret Service for safety advice
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/pa-educators-turn-to-secret-service-for-safety-advice.php
Is the NCAA’s new system to cut down basketball recruiting corruption working?
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/ncaa-basketball-recruiting-academies-aau-corruption-philadelphia-jay-wright-20190806.html
Gaming
Parx Casino to unveil new Sportsbook
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190806/parx-casino-to-unveil-new-sportsbook
Health Care
Wright Center begins health services at First Hospital
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751850/wright-center-begins-health-services-at-first-hospital
Local News
Five Luzerne County Council applicants pitch their credentials
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751856/five-luzerne-county-council-applicants-pitch-their-credentials
‘Stuff the Bus’ fills 1,600 backpacks
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/stuff-the-bus-fills-1-600-backpacks-1.2517137
Cordaro loses another appeal to overturn his conviction
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cordaro-loses-another-appeal-to-overturn-his-conviction-1.2517080
Religious sisters seek to relocate Abingtons cemetery
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/religious-sisters-seek-to-relocate-abingtons-cemetery-1.2517133
Wasco seeks Republican mayor nomination
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wasco-seeks-republican-mayor-nomination-1.2517249
Latrobe Night Out opens eyes to local policing methods, impaired driving hazards
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-night-out-opens-eyes-to-local-policing-methods-impaired-driving-hazards/
Westmoreland Diversity Coalition to host former skinhead as keynote speaker
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-diversity-coalition-to-host-former-skinhead-as-keynote-speaker/
Plans being made for removal of Belvedere Hotel’s charred remains
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plans-being-drawn-up-for-removal-of-belvedere-hotel-remains-in-oaklahoma-borough/
Donations sought for 2020 New Kensington fireworks
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/donations-sought-for-2020-new-kensington-fireworks/
Asbestos could limit Tarentum demolitions; borough focusing on 10 properties
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/asbestos-could-limit-tarentum-demolitions-borough-focusing-on-10-properties/
Vandergrift hopes block grant money will cover paving costs
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-hopes-block-grant-money-will-cover-paving-costs/
Leechburg police sporting new look
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/leechburg-police-sporting-new-look/
Veterans groups praise hiring of new Berks County vets director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/veterans-groups-praise-hiring-of-new-berks-county-vets-director
The 165th Reading Fair, a scaled-back affair, is underway
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/165th-reading-fair-is-underway
2019’s Berks County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year grows 40 kinds of trees, sending hundreds to military families every Christmas
https://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/article/branching-out
Police beef up security at Musikfest following mass shootings, social media threats
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-bethlehem-musikfest-security-police-20190806-uqb3rcrmqzbyho3h3pgi3uvmbi-story.html
National Night Out 2019 creates a ‘positive experience’
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/national-night-out-creates-a-positive-experience/article_263e8b6e-b8bc-11e9-b769-37503593d2b1.html
National News
Appreciation: Toni Morrison, America’s foremost chronicler of voices rarely heard
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2019/08/06/Nobel-laureate-Toni-Morrison-American-author-literature-dead-dies-Beloved-Song-Solomon/stories/201908060091
Gun reform urged in Ohio as Texas Democrats shun Trump visit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/08/07/Gun-reform-Ohio-as-Texas-Democrats-shun-Trump-visit-mass-shootings-el-paso-dayton/stories/201908070064
Lawsuit: Boy Scouts failed to stop hundreds of previously unknown sexual predators
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/06/Boy-Scouts-lawsuit-Pennsylvania-Abused-Scouting-reports-sexual-abuse-assault-predator/stories/201908060095
UPDATED: Luzerne County man sues Scouts, alleges abuse by Plains scoutmaster
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/751818/luzerne-county-man-sues-boy-scouts-alleges-abuse-by-plains-scoutmaster
New Jersey
New Jersey now one of only four states not yet offering REAL ID cards, as deadline approaches
https://www.inquirer.com/news/real-id-driver-license-fly-new-jersey-motor-vehicle-pennsylvania-20190806.html
Philly
Nearly 3 in 10 Philadelphians know someone who’s died from opioid use, Pew survey finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/pew-survey-philadelphians-know-overdose-victims-opioid-crisis-20190806.html
These Philly-area hospitals had the most complications after hip, knee, bypass, and spinal surgery
https://www.inquirer.com/health/hip-knee-replacement-bypass-best-hospital-20190807.html
Improving a neighborhood isn’t so simple, even for groups who care about the same place | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philly-chinatown-callowhill-expressway-business-improvement-district-20190807.html
CEO of CHOP: Girl Scouts taught me leadership | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/madeline-bell-ceo-chop-philadelphia-girl-scouts-20190807.html
ACCT Philly executive director resigns after less than a year
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/acct-philly-susan-russell-resigns-executive-director-20190806.html
Yet again, Archbishop Chaput foolishly misses the mark in a time of crisis | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/archbishop-charles-chaput-gun-violence-mass-shootings-fools-20190806.html
Philly’s youth deserve opportunities, not abusive prisons | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-youth-incarceration-institutions-criminal-justice-reform-20190806.html
Philly Community Organizations & Elected Officials Gather To End Gun Violence
https://www.phillytrib.com/multimedia/philly-community-organizations-elected-officials-gather-to-end-gun-violence/video_5176adf0-b8cd-11e9-80c2-377be2897615.html
Pitt
Peduto, Moms Demand Action call on lawmakers to vote on gun bills in next 30 days
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/06/Pittsburgh-Bill-Peduto-Moms-Demand-Action-Shannon-Watts-gun-control-bills-vote/stories/201908060116
New online tool can help county residents have arrest records expunged
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/06/New-online-tool-can-help-county-residents-have-arrest-records-expunged/stories/201908060156
Project Reset is Allegheny County officials’ effort to give people a fresh start
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/project-reset-is-allegheny-county-officials-effort-to-give-people-a-fresh-start/
City and Parks Conservancy would split decision-making on parks money, city says
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/06/property-tax-increase-pittsburgh-parks-conservancy-ballot-referendum-petition/stories/201908050110
Man fatally shot by police in Shaler identified as Penn Hills school teacher
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/06/Police-home-Shaler-spencer-grove-lane/stories/201908060165
Authorities: Shaler man shot and killed after pointing gun at police
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/multiple-police-departments-on-scene-of-possible-shooting-in-shaler/
‘Tell me about Jesus’: Slain street preacher remembered for passionate faith
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/06/Pittsburgh-funeral-boxer-street-preacher-rev-sheldon-stoudemire-stud-faith/stories/201908060123
Zoning board approves construction of new 6-story CMU dorm in Shadyside
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/06/Zoning-board-approves-construction-of-new-6-story-CMU-dorm-in-Shadyside/stories/201908060166
‘The building is special’ — Miami investment firm buys Cultural District property dating to the late 1800s
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/08/06/Ten-Penny-Cultural-District-Penn-Avenue-Market-Street-Real-Estate-Rockwell/stories/201908060158
Football, ribs, music combine at Heinz Field Rib Fest and Kickoff
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/football-ribs-music-combine-at-heinz-field-rib-fest-and-kickoff/
State News
Only in Pennsylvania: Legal quirk for wineries – discounts are fine, just don’t advertise it
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-wineries-not-allowed-volume-discount-20190806.html
Confidence shattered: Gas explosion rocked Washington neighborhood
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/07/Confidence-shattered-Gas-explosion-rocked-Washington-neighborhood/stories/201908050027
Census takers identifying hard-to-reach populations across Western Pa., country
https://triblive.com/local/regional/census-takers-identifying-hard-to-reach-populations-across-western-pa-country/
Deferred repairs, budget cuts threaten Keystone, other state parks, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/deferred-repairs-budget-cuts-threaten-keystone-other-state-parks-officials-say/
Pa. ICE detainee stops her own deportation with a phone call
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/pa-ice-detainee-stops-her-own-deportation-with-a-phone-call.php
Transportation
Reading’s Penn Street Bridge renovation is on track for completion in December
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/penn-street-bridge-renovation-is-on-track-for-completion-in-december
Bridge commission reviewing PA E-ZPass discount on Scudder Falls
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190806/bridge-commission-reviewing-pa-e-zpass-discount-on-scudder-falls
Washington
Some skeptical as Trump prepares to visit El Paso, Dayton shooting sites
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-visit-el-paso-dayton-shooting-sites-20190807.html
Scott Perry joins conservatives citing mental health issues as factor in mass shootings; research says otherwise
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/scott-perry-joins-conservatives-citing-mental-health-issues-as-factor-in-mass-shootings-research-says-otherwise.html