Legislature
State Sen. Judy Schwank calls for the closure of the Berks County Residential Center
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sen-schwank-calls-for-closure-of-berks-county-residential-center
Philly Council President Darrell Clarke calls for law banning guns at rec centers. Can it pass the Pa. legislature?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gun-legislation-darrell-clarke-vincent-hughes-donna-bullock-cindy-bass-harrisburg-philadelphia-20190724.html
Philly lawmakers face long odds to ban guns from city playgrounds
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/philly-lawmakers-want-to-ban-guns-from-city-playgrounds—but-face-long-odds.php
City Council wants to ban guns at rec centers, but faces hurdles in Harrisburg
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-council-wants-to-ban-guns-at-rec-centers-but/article_1fb235f7-be93-55f3-9e1a-fcfce9059169.html
Did deadly gas cloud escape during Philly refinery fire? City says it was a faulty meter.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/philadelphia-refinery-fire-pes-air-monitoring-senate-hearing-20190724.html
Killion introduces legislation closing dangerous dog loophole
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/killion-introduces-legislation-closing-dangerous-dog-loophole/article_18eb616e-2da9-53a5-92c1-94dd76baa2b6.html
Undermining voters: Targeting Philly DA is a dangerous precedent
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/07/25/Larry-Krasner-Philadelphia-district-attorney-criminal-justice-Martina-White/stories/201907210020
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf unveils ‘Customer Service Transformation’ for state government
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190724/gov-tom-wolf-unveils-customer-service-transformation-for-state-government
Pa. moves to one-stop shopping to make it easier for the public to access state government services
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/pa-moves-to-one-stop-shopping-to-make-it-easier-for-the-public-to-access-state-government-services.html
Pa. Second Lady Gisele Fetterman: ‘People’s pool’ opens up unused amenity for schoolchildren
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/07/pa-second-lady-gisele-fetterman-peoples-pool-opens-up-unused-amenity-for-schoolchildren.html
Business
Kildare’s closed in Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kildare-s-closed-in-scranton-1.2512213
Crime/Punishment
Judge gives Ross woman mandatory prison term for not aiding victim in fatal hit-and-run
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/24/melinda-gregor-michael-menner-ross-babcock-mandatory-prison-fatal-hit-and-run/stories/201907240080
Alleged terrorist arraigned in North Side church bomb plot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/24/Alleged-terrorist-arraigned-in-North-Side-church-bomb-plot/stories/201907240105
Pennsylvania high court declines to review Jerry Sandusky decision
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/24/Pennsylvania-high-court-declines-to-review-jerry-Sandusky-decision-penn-state/stories/201907240125
Bucks County cop charged with possessing child porn
https://www.inquirer.com/news/brian-craig-reeves-child-porn-middletown-police-bucks-20190725.html
Meek Mill’s conviction vacated by Pa. Superior Court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/meek-mill-conviction-overturned-cleared-larry-krasner-philadelphia-20190724.html
Police investigate 4 related shooting incidents within 24 hrs. in city
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/police-investigate-4-related-shooting-incidents-within-24-hrs-in-city-1.2512228
Sentence stands in fatal ATV crash
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/07/sentence-stands-in-fatal-atv-crash/
Education
A Pa. school district that warned about lunch debt now wants to accept a donation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/24/school-lunch-district-debt-offer-pay-CEO/stories/201907240145
‘Lunch shaming’ school district apologizes, says it will accept La Colombe CEO’s donation
https://www.inquirer.com/news/school-lunch-debt-unpaid-shaming-wyoming-valley-west-todd-carmichael-la-colombe-20190724.html
WVW will accept donation to pay off lunch tabs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvw-will-accept-donation-to-pay-off-lunch-tabs-1.2512211
WVW Education Foundation to accept money donations for lunches
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750777/wvw-education-foundation-to-accept-money-donations-for-lunches
Kaufer: Valley West will accept businessman’s offer to pay lunch fees
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750730/kaufer-valley-west-will-accept-businessmans-offer-to-pay-lunch-fees
Something humerus: Women Empowered By Science campers assemble skeletons at Wilkes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750754/something-humerus-women-empowered-by-science-assemble-skeletons-at-wilkes
Harrisburg schools’ financial, personnel records flawed: ‘Frankly, it’s an illusionary budget,’ an official says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/harrisburg-schools-financial-personnel-records-flawed-frankly-its-an-illusionary-budget-an-official-says.html
A tuition freeze was a good first step. Pa’s state-owned universities still have big problems to fix | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/a-tuition-freeze-was-a-good-first-step-pas-state-owned-universities-still-have-big-problems-to-fix-opinion/
Elections/Politics
Election upgrades could come with hidden costs for Pa. taxpayers
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/election-upgrades-could-come-with-hidden-costs-for-pa-taxpayers.php
Gaming
Parx Casino back to drawing board on Cumberland County mini-casino site
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/parx-casino-back-to-drawing-board-on-cumberland-county-mini-casino-site.html
Local News
Debate continues over county council vacancy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/debate-continues-over-county-council-vacancy-1.2512222
Rocket Ismail to speak at NEPA Alliance dinner
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rocket-ismail-to-speak-at-nepa-alliance-dinner-1.2512172
Scranton City Council appoints Evans temporary mayor
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-city-council-appoints-evans-temporary-mayor-1.2512231
Good, yet disappointing mayoral pick
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/good-yet-disappointing-mayoral-pick-1.2512134
Scranton may contract with firm for stormwater engineering services
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-may-contract-with-firm-for-stormwater-engineering-services-1.2512131
Lackawanna commissioners approve $220,000 in community grants
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-commissioners-approve-220-000-in-community-grants-1.2512332
For now, problem house has White Haven’s hands tied
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/for-now-problem-house-has-white-haven-s-hands-tied-1.2512160
White Haven ponders citing unsafe bicyclists
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/white-haven-ponders-citing-unsafe-bicyclists-1.2512156
Ceremonial groundbreaking set for New Kensington apartment project
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ceremonial-groundbreaking-set-for-new-kensington-apartment-project/
Harmar cuts sewer line rehab to only 2 streets after grant standards change
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/income-guideline-change-forces-harmar-to-cut-back-planned-sewer-line-rehab/
Reading Parking Authority picks interim executive director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-picks-interim-executive-director
Reading City Council officially approves the three-year exit plan from Act 47
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-council-oks-plan-to-exit-act-47
Editorial: With flag flap settled, Reading must seize opportunities
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-with-flag-flap-settled-reading-must-seize-opportunities
At a ‘critical time,’ an Allentown program focused on reducing gun violence was scaled back
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-youth-violence-state-grant-20190724-fzjg7xy7sbfvnbc7eybpp7a5zi-story.html
National News
The Earth warmed faster in the last few decades than the previous 1,900 years, a study says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/07/24/2-000-years-climate-warming-global-change/stories/201907240160
Border Patrol boss joined Facebook page to read staff posts
https://www.inquirer.com/wires/ap/border-agent-facebook-undercover-migrants-20190724.html
Food stamp myths and rule changes will drive up hunger | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/snap-food-stamps-usda-undersander-20190725.html
Opioid Crisis
Forum tackles the effects of drug abuse
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/750747/forum-tackles-the-effects-of-drug-abuse
Philly
Did an insult about a slain South Philly teen play a role in the killing of a police commander’s son?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nicholas-flacco-christopher-philadelphia-police-murder-fdr-park-salvatore-dinubile-20190724.html
Where in the region did people ignore 2010 Census forms? And what could it mean for 2020?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-census-questionnaire-mail-response-rate-2010-cuny-20190725.html
In a rare move, workers at 6 low-income health centers in Philly vote to unionize
https://www.inquirer.com/news/public-health-management-corp-union-health-center-20190725.html
Hahnemann starts releasing stranded residents; St. Chris auction could see competitive bidding
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hahnemann-university-hospital-releases-residents-20190724.html
Climate change makes some Philadelphia neighborhoods extra steamy. The city has a plan.
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/philadelphia-heat-island-climate-change-hunting-park-20190724.html
For Philly’s poor commuters, SEPTA fare ranks among most expensive in U.S. cities
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-bus-fee-transfer-poverty-transit-pew-study-20190724.html
At Pa. Convention Center, labor leaders agree to end a key practice, betting it’ll mean more work
https://www.inquirer.com/business/convention-center-union-labor-work-rules-20190724.html
City opens new Fishtown play area — the first funded by Philly’s soda tax
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-opens-new-fishtown-play-area-the-first-funded-by/article_096ce72c-09be-5834-8bb2-c53a5fa5e071.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh to offer a variety of alternative mobility options at central locations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/07/24/Pittsburgh-mobility-Spin-Zipcar-Waze-electric-bikes-scooters-carpools-joint-stations/stories/201907240135
Pittsburgh moves one step closer to proposed Bus Rapid Transit system
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/07/24/Pittsburgh-Council-one-step-closer-Port-Authority-Bus-Rapid-Transit-system/stories/201907240091
PG seeks to unseal records in slaying of Pittsburgh police officer
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/24/calvin-hall-christian-bey-police-homicide-emergency-petition-unseal-pittsburgh-post-gazette/stories/201907240131
City Council passes affordable housing zoning for Lawrenceville, remembers community advocate Aggie Brose
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/24/City-Council-passes-affordable-housing-zoning-Lawrenceville-Aggie-Brose/stories/201907240103
Council approves affordable housing requirements in Lawrenceville
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/council-approves-affordable-housing-requirements-in-lawrenceville/
Port Authority approved for $1.9 million grant to purchase electric buses
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/port-authority-approved-for-1-9-million-grant-to-purchase-electric-buses/
SEA controller put on unpaid leave over charges of stealing more than $300K from past employer
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/24/sharon-mink-sports-exhibition-authority-controller-forgery-allegheny-county-pittsburgh-district-attorney/stories/201907240104
District Attorney: SEA official embezzled $320K from previous employer
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/plum-woman-charged-with-embezzling-320k-from-insurance-firm-where-she-worked/
Pittsburgh airport unveils sensory-friendly suite to ease travel experience for those with special needs
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/07/24/Pittsburgh-airport-unveils-sensory-friendly-suite-to-ease-travel-experience-for-those-with-special-needs/stories/201907230107
Washington Township man behind new sensory-friendly space at Pittsburgh airport
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/pittsburgh-international-airport-unveils-sensory-room-for-those-with-autism/
Allegheny Intermediate Unit to host job fair for educators
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/24/Allegheny-Intermediate-Unit-to-host-job-fair-for-educators/stories/201907240107
Pickles, the cat who lost a leg to a firecracker, gets a new home
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/07/24/Pickles-firecracker-cat-amputate-Humane-Animal-Rescue-PETA/stories/201907240127
CMU moves to boost its presence at Hazelwood Green with land acquisition
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/07/24/CMU-Hazelwood-Green-Heinz-Endowments-land-research-lab-office/stories/201907240078
State News
PA Immigration Detention Center under Scrutiny
https://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/07/guest-host-katie-meyer.php
Transportation
Plan to realign Aspinwall’s Brilliant Avenue on hold
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plan-to-realign-aspinwalls-brilliant-avenue-on-hold/
Here’s what motorists think about Berks County roads
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/heres-what-motorists-think-about-berks-county-roads#/questions
Washington
Mueller testimony was a win for Pa. women, that fearsome force of our political age | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/robert-mueller-testimony-congress-women-scanlon-dean-maria-panaritis-20190725.html
Reschenthaler questions Mueller, calls report process ‘un-American’
https://triblive.com/news/world/reschenthaler-questions-mueller-calls-report-process-un-american/
U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler spreads a conspiracy theory about Robert Mueller
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/us-rep-guy-reschenthaler-spreads-a-conspiracy-theory-about-robert-mueller/Content?oid=15487791
Meuser: ‘Our immigration system is flawed’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/750769/meuser-our-immigration-system-is-flawed
Capital-Star Q&A: PA-10 candidate Eugene DePasquale on his congressional run, budget cuts
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/capital-star-qa-pa-10-candidate-eugene-depasquale-on-his-congressional-run-budget-cuts/