Legislature
Families of Cosmo DiNardo’s victims stand with lawmakers pushing for tougher gun laws
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/cosmo-dinardo-murders-gun-legislation-bucks-county-20180731.html
Rep. proposes drug testing potential abuse victims, draws condemnation
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/08/rep-proposes-drug-testing-potential-abuse-victims-draws-condemnation.php
Pennsylvania should stop suspending driver’s licenses for non-driving offenses | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-drivers-licenses-suspension-non-driving-offenses-editorial-20180801.html
Business
Great Wolf Lodge to ban plastic straws
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/great-wolf-lodge-to-ban-plastic-straws-20180731.html
Unemployment up in June after record lows in May
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/unemployment-up-in-june-after-record-lows-in-may-1.2368203
Building 24 in Wyomissing is participating in the national Blended Burger Project
http://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/building-24-in-wyomissing-is-participating-in-the-national-blended-burger-project
3D Guns
Federal judge blocks publication of 3D-printed gun blueprints
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/trump-tweet-3d-printed-guns-nra-20180731.html
Going ballistic: The war is on against 3D gun printers | Stu Bykofsky
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/stu_bykofsky/3d-gun-printers-pennsylvania-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-stu-bykofsky-20180731.html
Downloadable gun access courts disaster
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/downloadable-gun-access-courts-disaster-1.2368227
Making a 3D gun is not like hitting the Easy button at Staples, Harrisburg University prof says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/making_a_3d_gun_is_not_like_hi.html#incart_river_index
Clergy Sex Abuse
Greensburg priest pleads guilty to child sexual abuse
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/07/31/Greensburg-priest-john-sweeney-diocese-pleads-guilty-child-sex-abuse-pennsylvania-grand-jury/stories/201807310083
Former Greensburg diocese priest pleads guilty to lesser charge in sexual assault case
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13922167-74/former-greensburg-diocese-priest-pleads-guilty-to-lesser-charge-in-sexual-assault
Crime/Punishment
First Penn State frat brother sentenced to house arrest in Tim Piazza hazing
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/ryan-burke-first-penn-state-frat-brother-tim-piazza-hazing-sentence-20180731.html
Penn State frat member gets house arrest over pledge death
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/penn_state_frat_member_gets_ho.html#incart_river_index
Editorial | DOC’s response to SCI-Somerset attacks falls short
http://www.tribdem.com/news/editorial-doc-s-response-to-sci-somerset-attacks-falls-short/article_2af2e794-951e-11e8-a93b-573d495ee56c.html
Education
All Leechburg Area elementary students to get free breakfast and lunch
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13923005-74/all-leechburg-area-elementary-students-to-get-free-breakfast-and-lunch
Rational mergers: Statewide study makes case for school consolidations
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/01/Rational-mergers-Statewide-study-makes-case-for-school-consolidations/stories/201807310031
Real estate taxes rising in all but one Luzerne County school district
https://www.timesleader.com/news/713475/real-estate-taxes-rising-in-all-but-one-luzerne-county-school-district
Schools get grants for healthy meals
http://www.timesonline.com/news/20180731/schools-get-grants-for-healthy-meals
Cheyney University to partner with Thomas Jefferson, Starbucks in a comeback bid
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/cheyney-university-starbucks-partnership-institute-thomas-jefferson-starbucks-20180731.html
Business professors donate pay for student scholarships
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business-professors-donate-pay-for-student-scholarships-1.2368416
96-year-old Wernersville woman receives college degree
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/96-year-old-wernersville-woman-receives-college-degree
Elections/Politics
Can Trump visit for Lou Barletta jump-start Pa. Senate race? | John Baer
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/john_baer/john-baer-trump-rally-lou-barletta-wilkes-barre-bob-casey-pa-senate-race-20180731.html
Barletta: Let’s see what the poll results are on Nov. 6
https://www.timesleader.com/news/713463/barletta-lets-see-what-the-poll-results-are-on-nov-6
From Helsinki to W-B Twp., local attorney ready to protest
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/from-helsinki-to-w-b-twp-local-attorney-ready-to-protest-1.2368287
Here’s which Pennsylvania candidates are getting campaign cash from President Trump, Hillary Clinton
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-clinton-trump-donations-pennsylvania-7th-20180731-story.html
Health Care
Group pushing to preserve, improve Medicare, Medicaid
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/group-pushing-to-preserve-improve-medicare-medicaid-1.2368296
Officials are promoting lower-cost, short-term health plans
http://www.readingeagle.com/article/20180801/AP/308019789/1273
Local News
Mayor will make W-B’s case for Act 47 status at hearing today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mayor-will-make-w-b-s-case-for-act-47-status-at-hearing-today-1.2368244
Public hearing Wednesday on Wilkes-Barre’s bid for distressed status
https://www.timesleader.com/news/713509/public-hearing-wednesday-on-wilkes-barres-bid-for-distressed-status
County flood authority fills new deputy director position
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-flood-authority-fills-new-deputy-director-position-1.2368242
Plan for apartment complex in North Scranton on hold
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/plan-for-apartment-complex-in-north-scranton-on-hold-1.2368350
Pro-gun church’s use of logo prompts lawsuit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pro-gun-church-s-use-of-logo-prompts-lawsuit-1.2368268
Proposal could open city parks to additional themed events
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/proposal-could-open-city-parks-to-additional-themed-events-1.2368272
Popular pig roast canceled amid complaints in Malvern
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/pig-roast-malvern-fire-company-complaints-cancelled-20180731.html
Bucks County Batman fights petty crime in a $12k Batsuit | We the People
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/bucks-county-batman-fights-petty-crime-in-a-12k-batsuit-we-the-people-20180801.html
5 rescued from partial building collapse in Fayette County, 2 taken to hospital
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2018/08/01/5-rescued-from-partial-building-collapse-Fayette-County/stories/201808010090
Five freed after building collapse near Uniontown
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13923614-74/five-freed-after-building-collapse-near-uniontown
Alsace Township takes over EMS action plans
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/alsace-township-takes-over-ems-action-plans
Allentown launches plan for fireworks restrictions
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-fireworks-noise-20180731-story.html
State College housing boom spurs debate over town’s changing character
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/08/housing-boom-in-state-college-spurs-debate-over-changing-character-of-the-town.php
Beaver County drug overdose calls drop by 44 percent
http://www.timesonline.com/news/20180731/beaver-county-drug-overdose-calls-drop-by-44-percent
New Erie parking technology to debut in August
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180801/new-erie-parking-technology-to-debut-in-august
Marijuana
3 southwestern Pa. groups receive permits to grow, process medical marijuana
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2018/07/31/medical-marijuana-grower-processor-permits-round-2-pennsylvania/stories/201807310094
New Kensington loses out on new round of marijuana grow licenses
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13924236-74/new-kensington-loses-out-on-new-round-of-marijuana-grow-licenses
Thirteen more medical marijuana growers OKd; Philly shut out again
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/pennsylvania-medical-marijuana-permits-grow-processors-flower-bud-nugs-20180731.html
Medical marijuana growers approved in Southwestern Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13922492-74/medical-marijuana-growers-approved-in-pittsburgh-johnstown-fayette-county
State issues license for 2nd medical marijuana grow site in Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/713501/state-issues-license-for-2nd-medical-marijuana-grow-site-in-luzerne-county
County gets second medical marijuana grower
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-gets-second-medical-marijuana-grower-1.2368254
Caution merited on marijuana
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/caution-merited-on-marijuana-1.2368229
Pennsylvania selects 13 more medical marijuana growers
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-selects-13-more-medical-marijuana-growers
Doctor, banker, athlete, cop: Who just won permits to grow medical marijuana in Pa.?
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/08/579891dcd34206/doctor-banker-athlete-cop-who.html#incart_river_index
Medical marijuana benefits debated
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/08/medical-marijuana-benefits-debated/
Saxton, Johnstown win bids to grow pot
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/08/saxton-johnstown-win-bids-to-grow-pot/
Medical marijuana growing/processing permit issued for Johnstown
http://www.tribdem.com/news/medical-marijuana-growing-processing-permit-issued-for-johnstown/article_50253554-94e1-11e8-9e30-636606bea109.html
National News
Facebook finds ‘sophisticated’ efforts to disrupt midterm elections
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/07/31/Facebook-identified-ongoing-campaign-influence-U-S-midterm-elections/stories/201807310107
An HHS official says his agency warned that family separation is bad for immigrant kids
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/07/31/Top-Democrat-nielsen-homeland-security-immigration-resignation/stories/201807310092
Foul waters: Michigan case puts spotlight on a national concern
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/08/01/Foul-waters-Michigan-case-puts-spotlight-on-a-national-concern/stories/201808010025
New Jersey
N.J. launches new free-tuition program for some community college students
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/free-college-tuition-phil-murphy-students-community-innovation-challenge-20180731.html
Philly
Four city labor contracts, 1 pension fund and a plan to close a $6 billion gap
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/4-labor-contracts-1-pension-fund-and-a-plan-to-close-a-6-billion-gap-20180801.html#loaded
Source: No 1st-degree-murder charge in Rittenhouse stabbing
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/michael-white-sean-schellenger-rittenhouse-square-stabbing-vigil-before-preliminary-hearing-20180731.html
Philadelphia police shut down new Occupy ICE camp near City Hall, four demonstrators taken away as protests erupt
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/occupy-ice-protest-philadelphia-police-shut-down-immigration-camp-20180731.html
Dying from ALS, Ady Barkan will save U.S. democracy if it’s the last thing he does | Will Bunch
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/will_bunch/ady-barkan-als-lou-gehrigs-disease-activism-trump-20180731.html
Meet the team that created a dystopian West Philadelphia film where black folks rise up to fight police brutality
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/resistance-battle-of-philadelphia-speculative-fiction-m-asli-dukan-blackstar-20180801.html
Supporters gather at church for Michael White
http://www.phillytrib.com/metros/supporters-gather-at-church-for-michael-white-vigil/article_83d58d21-59b6-5ecd-8e8d-d4839c644e1e.html
SEPTA paper transfers are no more
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/septa-transfers-tokens-key-cards-patco-20180731.html
Meet the Philly-based accessories czarina who is fighting the Trump administration’s handbag tariffs | Elizabeth Wellington
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/elizabeth_wellington/accessories-karen-giberson-trump-tariffs-20180731.html
Public Ledger building owner sells off section of historic structure in Philly
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/real_estate/commercial/public-ledger-building-owner-sells-off-section-of-historic-philly-structure-20180731.html
Sick kids, hazardous classrooms: The solution requires better planning for Philly’s schools | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-schools-environmental-issues-sick-kids-toxic-city-20180731.html
Pitt
Station Square’s $30 million upgrade includes 5 to 7 new restaurants
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/07/31/Station-Square-plans-30-million-upgrade/stories/201807310059
Pittsburgh council narrowly clears purchase of former Art Institute building
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/07/31/Pittsburgh-city-council-clears-purchase-former-art-institute-building-URA-offices/stories/201807310122
Pittsburgh signs off on $40M purchase and renovation of Downtown building
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13923312-74/pittsburgh-signs-off-on-40-million-purchase-and-renovation-of-downtown-building
Pittsburgh City Council approves UPMC’s $400M plan to expand Mercy hospital
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13923570-74/pittsburgh-city-council-approves-upmcs-400-million-plans-to-expand-mercy-hospital
UPMC police officer’s Facebook comments attract activists’ attention
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/07/31/UPMC-police-officer-David-Murray-Facebook-comments-social-justice-Antwon-Rose/stories/201807310109
FAA grants $7M to Pittsburgh International Airport to rebuild deicing pad
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13923591-74/faa-grants-7m-to-pittsburgh-international-airport-to-rebuild-deicing-pad
U.S. Steel fighting $1M fine from Allegheny County Health Department for Clairton pollution
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13923579-74/us-steel-fighting-1m-fine-from-allegheny-county-health-department-for-clairton
Retired Allegheny County Jail guards raise safety concerns following stabbing
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13923461-74/retired-allegheny-county-jail-guards-raise-safety-concerns-following-stabbing
State News
Pennsylvania urged to watch pets, livestock for invasive tick first found in N.J.
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/environment/longhorned-tick-pets-livestock-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20180731.html
New invasive tick species, the longhorn, confirmed in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13922566-74/new-invasive-tick-species-the-longhorn-confirmed-in-pennsylvania
Invasive tick discovered in central Pa. brings risks for livestock, people
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/asian_longhorn_tick_found_cent.html#incart_river_index
West Nile Virus detected in Penn Hills man
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13923519-74/west-nile-virus-detected-in-penn-hills-elderly-man-spray-treatment-in
West Nile Virus found in more mosquito samples in Dauphin County
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/west_nile_virus_found_in_more.html#incart_river_index
Western Pa. counties snag funding for water pollution prevention
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13923242-74/local-counties-snag-funding-for-water-pollution-prevention
West Penn Power had most major outages among Pa. utilities last year
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13925010-74/west-penn-power-had-most-major-outages-among-pa-utilities-last-year
Grandmothers, immigration activists hold vigil at Berks center
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/grandmothers-immigration-activists-hold-vigil-at-berks-center
Chesapeake Bay Foundation names Carlisle resident as Pa. Director of Major Giving
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/chesapeake_bay_foundation_name.html
Former state Rep. Veon tied to 2007 racetrack lawsuit
http://www.timesonline.com/news/20180731/former-state-rep-veon-tied-to-2007-racetrack-lawsuit
Transportation
Route 28 lane restrictions begin Friday morning
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13923050-74/route-28-lane-restrictions-begin-friday-morning
Perkiomen Avenue construction causing headaches and hardships for some
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/perkiomen-avenue-construction-causing-headaches-and-hardships-for-some
Route 322 construction project will extend trip to State College: drone footage
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/route_322_construction_penn_st.html#incart_river_index
Officials celebrate interchange project
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/08/officials-celebrate-interchange-project/
Washington
Congress authorizes four-month extension of National Flood Insurance Program
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/07/31/Congress-extension-National-Flood-Insurance-Program-flooding-Allegheny-County-PIttsburgh/stories/201807310130
Casey’s bipartisan Career & Technical Education bill signed into law
https://www.timesleader.com/news/713521/caseys-bipartisan-career-technical-education-bill-signed-into-law
With Pa. visit looming, Trump’s White House snubs Bob Casey at his own bill-signing
https://www.pennlive.com/capitol-notebook/2018/07/trump_white_house_snubs_casey.html#incart_river_index
GOP officials field addiction responses
http://www.tribdem.com/news/gop-officials-field-addiction-responses/article_52bc277a-9539-11e8-a5fa-dbc7f83cb2b1.html