Legislature
Tackling property tax relief on Pa. lawmakers’ minds again; work group formed to find a solution
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/tackling-property-tax-relief-on-pa-lawmakers-minds-again-work-group-formed-to-find-a-solution.html
Property taxes are even more hated than you think, poll shows
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/property-taxes-are-even-more-hated-than-you-think-poll-shows.html
Pa. state rep crafts a plan to eliminate school property taxes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-state-rep-crafts-a-plan-to-eliminate-school-property-taxes.html
New Pennsylvania school property tax elimination bill seeks ‘permanent fix’
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/education/2019/08/07/new-pennsylvania-school-property-tax-elimination-bill-seeks-permanent-fix/1892957001/
Pa. lawmakers, gun control advocates rally to change state laws
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/pa-lawmakers-gun-control-advocates-rally-to-change-state-laws.php
Calls for Pa. special session on guns grow after shootings in Dayton, El Paso
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-guns-special-session-tom-wolf-friel-otten-tree-of-life-20190807.html
Gov. Wolf, Sen. Casey call for action on guns after mass shootings
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/gov-wolf-sen-casey-call-for-action-on-guns-after-mass-shootings.html
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture visits Berks to tout new app that will make it easier to find fresh produce
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/ag-secretarys-message-at-leesport-farmers-market-fresh-produce-for-all
Advocacy group fights for grandparents raising grandchildren
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751929/advocacy-group-fights-for-grandparents-raising-grandchildren
Chester County DA will review pipeline ‘boom’
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/chester-county-da-will-review-pipeline-boom/article_f60032ca-b958-11e9-bf33-57cb7b8c071b.html
Wolf should call session on violence
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/wolf-should-call-session-on-violence-1.2517573
A minute of slaughter: Ohio and Pa. should adopt gun safety laws
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/08/Gun-safety-laws-reform-Pennsylvania-Ohio-El-Paso-Dayton/stories/201908080021
Editorial: Lawmakers should take on cost of constables’ work
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-lawmakers-should-step-up-to-cost-of-constables-work
Sen. Bob Mensch: We must all support Pennsylvania farmers
https://www.phoenixvillenews.com/sen-bob-mensch-we-must-all-support-pennsylvania-farmers/article_b8516276-aef0-56db-a625-29160aeb2b56.html
Business
Powers ports distributor scoops up Jessup warehouse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/powersports-distributor-scoops-up-jessup-warehouse-1.2517516
Crime/Punishment
State inmate charged with attempted murder of two troopers in Indiana County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/07/Pennsylvania-SCI-Pine-Grove-inmate-Simere-Maurice-Alford-murder-attempt-troopers-Indiana/stories/201908070104
Letter from one lifer to another leads to new trial in 1996 Carrick homicide
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/07/pittsburgh-homicide-retrial-letter-dismembered-scott-godesky-brian-mirenna-lehrman-erfort-carrick/stories/201908070118
Police: Mother, 2 daughters made $250K in personal purchases on Washington County company’s credit card
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/police-mother-2-daughters-made-250k-in-personal-purchases-on-washington-county-companys-credit-card/
Education
Residents express anger over Scranton school tax hikes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/residents-express-anger-over-scranton-school-tax-hikes-1.2517617
Pennsylvania set up a tip line for school threats. Instead, students overwhelmingly called with mental health concerns
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/pennsylvania-set-up-a-tip-line-for-school-threats-instead-students-overwhelmingly-called-with-mental-health-concerns/
Many area school districts, schools among best in state
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190808/many-area-school-districts-schools-among-best-in-state
Innovation schools? Why a new category of school in Pa.?
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/innovation-schools-why-a-new-category-of-school-in-pa.php
Which Pa. college’s students study the least? Where’s the best campus food? Where do students pack the stadium?
https://expo.pennlive.com/news/g66l-2019/08/7950bb46d52457/which-pa-colleges-students-study-the-least-wheres-the-best-campus-food-where-do-students-pack-the-stadium.html
Elections/Politics
Luzerne County voting district reductions and additions planned
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751939/luzerne-county-voting-district-reductions-and-additions-planned
Election districts will be reconfigured for November
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election-districts-will-be-reconfigured-for-november-1.2517619
Pa. Democrats support Joe Biden and Elizabeth Warren, but will vote for anyone against Donald Trump in 2020, poll finds
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-2020-presidential-election-poll-trump-biden-warren-sanders-20190808.html
Democrats train students of color in battleground states, hoping to avoid Clinton’s 2016 mistakes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/organizing-corps-dnc-democrats-philadelphia-field-presidential-election-politics-20190808.html
Fellow Dems challenging Leach promise similar policies, but a change in culture
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/08/fellow-dems-challenging-leach-promise-similar-policies-but-a-change-in-culture.php
Gaming
As Eagles preseason opens, Parx Casino to match bets for early birds at new sportsbook
https://www.inquirer.com/business/parx-casino-opens-new-sports-betting-venue-in-time-for-eagles-game-20190808.html
Health Care
Geisinger will consolidate pain clinic to South W-B
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/geisinger-will-consolidate-pain-clinic-to-south-w-b-1.2517557
Local News
It’s Kielbasa time: Festival begins on Friday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751937/its-kielbasa-time-festival-begins-on-friday
Applicant for Luzerne County Council seat appears ineligible
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751907/applicant-for-luzerne-county-council-seat-appears-ineligible
Scranton City Council appoints attorney to fill vacant seat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-appoints-attorney-to-fill-vacant-seat-1.2517473
Scranton’s new mayor faces old stormwater problem
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-s-new-mayor-faces-old-stormwater-problem-1.2517720
Fell Twp. zoners continue meeting on quarry project
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fell-twp-zoners-continue-meeting-on-quarry-project-1.2517717
Former Mount Pleasant police chief sues borough for wrongful termination
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/07/Former-Mount-Pleasant-police-chief-sues-borough-for-wrongful-termination/stories/201908070133
Blackburn’s to raze Tarentum building for parking lot
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/blackburns-to-raze-tarentum-building-for-parking-lot/
New $245,000 section of Tredway recreational trail in Allegheny Township opens
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-245000-section-of-tredway-recreational-trail-in-allegheny-township-opens/
Missing bricks and deteriorating steps raise safety concerns in downtown Reading courtyards
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/missing-bricks-and-deteriorating-steps-raise-safety-concerns-in-downtown-reading-courtyards
Chief Alsleben defends Allentown police force’s work, faces criticism from dissatisfied residents
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-city-council-alsleben-police-hearing-20190808-lcb7lwkukneupodnvkhssey5fe-story.html
City considers CDBG money for cemeteries
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/08/city-considers-cdbg-money-for-cemeteries/
Funds secured for emergency services complex in West End
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190807/funds-secured-for-emergency-services-complex-in-west-end
National News
Daycare centers were using dangerous infant sleepers months after recall, survey finds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/daycare-center-fisher-price-sleeper-recall-infant-deaths-20190808.html
The Dolphins’ owner endures backlash over a planned Trump fundraiser
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2019/08/07/Trump-owner-Dolphins-fundraiser-Stephen-Ross-Equinox-SoulCycle-Kenny-Stills/stories/201908070137
Largest US immigration raids in a decade net 680 arrests
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mississippi-food-processing-immmigration-raids-20190807.html
Philly
Philly charter school on the brink of closing after losing payments from School District
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-charter-school-closing-appeals-eastern-university-20190808.html
Kensington’s hepatitis A outbreak another argument for supervised injection sites | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/hepatitis-a-outbreak-emergency-philadelphia-homeless-supervised-injection-20190808.html
That empty lot across from Pat’s and Geno’s? Apartments, rowhouses likely soon at Philly’s cheesesteak corner.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/pats-genos-cheesesteak-philadelphia-new-development-passyunk-avenue-gentrification-high-top-apartments-20190808.html
Main Line Health, Cooper join Temple and Jefferson to bid for Hahnemann residency slots
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hahnemann-residency-slots-auction-draws-more-bidders-20190808.html
Philadelphia Museum of Art’s record-breaking fund-raising campaign passes $455 million
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-museum-of-art-capital-campaign-lenfest-dietrich-williams-mcneil-20190807.html
Philly homeless shelter loses over $4,000 to IOI Payroll fraud
https://www.inquirer.com/business/non-profit-homeless-shelter-irs-ioi-payroll-fraud-20190807.html
Who will decide the future of the South Philly refinery?
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/who-will-decide-the-future-of-the-south-philly-refinery.php
Pitt
In wake of Pittsburgh arrests, FBI warns parents to protect kids against online sex exploitation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/07/child-sex-trafficking-sexploitation-fbi-pittsburgh-warning-crackdown/stories/201908070093
FBI, local law enforcement target child sexual predators in Pittsburgh region
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/fbi-local-law-enforcement-target-child-sexual-predators-in-pittsburgh-region/
‘A straight-laced guy’: Neighbors say behavior of Penn Hills teacher killed in Shaler was unusual
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/07/Neighbors-say-erratic-behavior-of-Penn-Hills-teacher-killed-in-Shaler-is-shocking/stories/201908070105
Death of Penn Hills teacher shocks school district, Shaler neighbors
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/community-school-district-shocked-at-death-of-babbit/
Parks Conservancy to host four more public meetings on ‘Parks Plan,’ ballot initiative
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2019/08/07/Pittsburgh-Parks-Conservancy-public-meetings-Parks-Plan-ballot-referendum-property-taxes-levy-Peduto-November/stories/201908070081
Assistant municipal manager files federal lawsuit against Bethel Park for age, gender discrimination
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/07/Assistant-municipal-manager-files-federal-lawsuit-against-Bethel-Park/stories/201908070126
YWCA stands against gun violence, calls on leaders
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/08/08/YWCA-stands-against-gun-violence-calls-on-leaders/stories/201908070092
What you need to know if you’re going to Steelers preseason opener
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/ready-for-steelers-football-heres-what-you-need-to-know-if-youre-going-to-fridays-preseason-game/
State News
Groups warn Pennsylvania about setting liquor prices ‘in secret, behind closed doors’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/plcb-prices-violate-international-trade-20190808.html
Activists flag cops’ offensive Facebook posts, prompting probes across Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/facebook-social-media-montgomery-county-offensive-20190807.html
Court reviews fine in case that could rewrite Pennsylvania nepotism rules
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/court-reviews-fine-case-that-could-rewrite-nepotism-rules-20190807.html
Poll: Majority of Pennsylvanians support additional regulations on gun ownership
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/poll-majority-of-pennsylvanians-support-additional-regulations-on-gun-ownership/
Poll: Overhaul of Pa. tax system has big public support
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/poll-overhaul-of-pa-tax-system-has-big-public-support-1.2517635
Trump matches high water mark in new Pa. poll; Biden leads Democratic presidential hopefuls
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/trump-matches-high-water-mark-in-new-pa-poll-biden-leads-democratic-presidential-hopefuls.html
Game Commission proposal to ban feeding deer and turkeys draws a lot of interest
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/game-commission-proposal-to-ban-feeding-deer-and-turkeys-draws-a-lot-of-interest/
Driving while black in Wyeth country | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/pennsylvania-state-police-driving-while-black-rodney-gillespie-chadds-ford-maria-panaritis-20190807.html
Woman ejected from Sesame Place after confrontation, alleged racial comments to Muslim woman
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/sesame-place-go-back-where-you-came-from-pennsylvania-20190807.html
Pennsylvania Boy Scout sex abuse lawsuit could be first of many
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-boy-scout-sex-abuse-lawsuit-could-be-first-of-many/
Former Northeast PA Council head defends Scouts
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/former-northeast-pa-council-head-defends-scouts-1.2517632
Transportation
TRAFFIC: PennDOT will be closing two ramps leading to and from Parkway East this weekend
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/08/07/TRAFFIC-PennDOT-Downtown-Pittsburgh-Boulevard-Allies-Parkway-East-ramps/stories/201908070116
Route 31 shift will allow eastbound traffic to bypass intersection at Donegal
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/route-31-shift-will-allow-eastbound-traffic-to-bypass-intersection-at-donegal/
Tensions rise over how Lehigh Valley picks which transportation projects will get dwindling pot of money
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-penndot-shifflet-explains-funding-cuts-20190807-o7xuw7pc2fcmpobsvhn3jxneju-story.html