Legislature
‘Deeply troubling’: Lawmakers react to PFAS investigation
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190801/deeply-troubling-lawmakers-react-to-pfas-investigation
Cash assistance program for the poor in Pa. ends today
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/08/cash-assistance-program-for-the-poor-in-pa-ends-today.php
‘Peyton’s Law’ aiming to give student athletes information on a deadly heart condition
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/peytons-law-aiming-to-give-student-athletes-information-on-a-deadly-heart-condition.html
Pennsylvania needs to review its parole system
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2019/08/01/Pennsylvania-parole-system-review-corrections-homicide/stories/201908010059
Cast of five, or thousands?
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/cast-of-five-or-thousands-1.2514990
Administration
Gov. Wolf announces millions in funding to fix environmental hazards in Philly schools
https://www.inquirer.com/education/lead-paint-philadelphia-toxic-city-governor-wolf-remediation-environmental-20190731.html
Pa. again pledges extra help to remove lead paint from Philly schools
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/pa-again-pledges-extra-help-to-remove-lead-paint-from-philly-schools.php
‘Today is a day of reckoning’; Gov. Tom Wolf wants Pa. to do better for its residents in vulnerable situations
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/today-is-a-day-of-reckoning-gov-tom-wolf-wants-pa-to-do-better-for-its-residents-in-vulnerable-situations.html
Wolf issues executive order aimed at improving Pa’s ‘outdated’ human services
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/08/wolf-issues-executive-order-aimed-at-improving-pas-outdated-human-services.php
Wolf announces reforms to state regulation of child, adult care facilities
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/wolf-announces-reforms-to-state-regulation-of-child-adult-care-facilities/
Gov. Tom Wolf orders state overhaul after abuses at Glen Mills Schools
https://www.inquirer.com/news/governor-wolf-pa-glen-mills-schools-executive-order-abuse-20190731.html
Wolf announces reforms in wake of Glen Mills saga
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/wolf-announces-reforms-in-wake-of-glen-mills-saga/article_cd747510-b3da-11e9-8ab4-63150aff132a.html
Will Governor Wolf’s reform keep another Glen Mills from happening? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/glen-mills-tom-wolf-institutions-pennsylvania-editorial-20190801.html
Business
Amazon building facility in Findlay that will create 800 jobs
https://observer-reporter.com/business/amazon-building-facility-in-findlay-that-will-create-jobs/article_33166f1c-b3a5-11e9-850c-fffc9fe4f004.html
Coal-fired plant operator to pay Pa. ‘historic’ $1M for polluting water with ash
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/brunner-island-susquehanna-coal-20190731.html
Tenaska plant near Smithton generating power, money
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/tenaska-plant-near-smithton-generating-power-money/
Harvest, the big marijuana company on the ropes in Pennsylvania, accused of misleading Ohio regulators
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/harvest-health-cannabis-marijuana-pennsylvania-ohio-20190731.html
Local man prepares to brew up new business in Plymouth
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-man-prepares-to-brew-up-new-business-in-plymouth-1.2514984
A Wawa or Sheetz on every corner? Here’s what’s driving the Lehigh Valley’s convenience store boom
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-convenience-store-battle-20190801-6rgsdvaltrdurdxkbx37jlxhqu-story.html
Crime/Punishment
One dead, another injured in overnight shooting outside Clairton bar
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/01/One-dead-overnight-shooting-outside-Clairton-bar/stories/201908010084
Death of federal inmate ruled homicide
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/death-of-federal-inmate-ruled-homicide-1.2515014
The number of women in Berks County Prison hit a record this month. Officials are trying to find out why
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-prison-sees-spike-in-female-inmates
Education
Scranton School District recovery committee concerned about workload, tasks in plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-recovery-committee-concerned-about-workload-tasks-in-plan-1.2515029
State investigators probe employment records of former Scranton principal Damiano
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-investigators-probe-employment-records-of-former-scranton-principal-damiano-1.2514943
Delay in tax bills leads to WVW taking out short term loan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751361/delay-in-tax-bills-leads-to-wvw-taking-out-short-term-loan
Lackawanna Trail hires company to recoup owed student lunch fees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-trail-hires-company-to-recoup-owed-student-lunch-fees-1.2514964
Our view: Cutting free lunch is hard to justify
https://www.timesleader.com/opinion/editorials/751369/our-view-cutting-free-lunch-is-hard-to-justify
Harrisburg School District expects to lose up to $1.5 million because of missing financial records
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/harrisburg-school-district-expects-to-lose-up-to-15-million-because-of-missing-financial-records.html
Duquesne University to open college of osteopathic medicine
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/08/01/Duquesne-University-college-osteopathic-medicine-Gormley-Dausey/stories/201907310269
Elections/Politics
A looming civil-rights fight could shift political power away from Philly and North Jersey
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/redistricting-pa-nj-population-citizens-residents-20190801.html
Democratic delegate training session set for Vanport
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190731/democratic-delegate-training-session-set-for-vanport
Health Care
Highmark taking ACA insurance offerings into new counties in 2020
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/07/31/Highmark-expand-ACA-offerings-2020-health-insurance-Obamacare-rates/stories/201907310216
Kidney punch: A $540,000 dialysis bill showcases health care ills
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/01/Health-care-industry-flaws-ills-dialysis-Montana/stories/201908010037
Pennsylvania is running out of doctors; patients are dying and there is no remedy in sight
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/08/01/pennsylvania-doctor-shortage-puts-patients-lives-risk/1338286001/
Local News
County audit complete, shows surplus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-audit-complete-shows-surplus-1.2515013
Municipalities asked to weigh in on Lehman Township stormwater program agreement
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751367/municipalities-asked-to-weigh-in-on-lehman-township-stormwater-program-agreement
Remembering Sue: Plymouth Alive Kielbasa Festival to name band shell for Gryziec
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751356/remembering-sue-plymouth-alive-kielbasa-festival-to-name-band-shell-for-gryziec
Brewsterhout Rooftop Party returns to support library
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/brewsterhout-rooftop-party-returns-to-support-library-1.2514800
B+ for Ben: Pittston Tomato Festival will help man find kidney
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751359/b-for-ben-pittston-tomato-festival-will-help-man-find-kidney
Field of dreams: Community effort restores Challenger Little League field
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/field-of-dreams-community-effort-restores-challenger-little-league-field-1.2515102
Nine Scranton residents seek remander of Evans’ council seat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nine-scranton-residents-seek-remander-of-evans-council-seat-1.2514979
Scranton officials pushing to replace business privilege and mercantile taxes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-officials-pushing-to-replace-business-privilege-and-mercantile-taxes-1.2514965
Diocesan compensation fund enters new phase
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/diocesan-compensation-fund-enters-new-phase-1.2515106
Valley authority offers free lead checks
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/valley-authority-offers-free-lead-checks-1.2515007
Farmers market planned at former Creekside Co-op, the Elkins Park grocery that closed
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/creekside-co-op-elkins-park-closed-sold-farmers-market-grocery-20190731.html
City explores towing deal
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-explores-towing-deal-1.2515065
At Ardmore’s Suburban Square, they’re not playing. The mall’s full-body makeover is ‘Wow.’ | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/suburban-square-ardmore-shopping-center-renovation-maria-panaritis-20190801.html
Multiple injured, including 3 firefighters in Washington County house explosion
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/07/31/Emergency-house-explosion-Washington-County-Franklin-Park-Lane/stories/201907310254
City weighs new computer security measures following ransomware attack
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/city-weighs-new-computer-security-measures-following-ransomware-attack/article_99d2efc6-b3a2-11e9-a7b4-379694cd118e.html
Longtime Latrobe councilman, municipal authority member dies from crash injuries
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/longtime-latrobe-councilman-municipal-authority-member-dies-from-crash-injuries/
Emergency repair needed for Verona sink hole
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/emergency-repair-needed-for-verona-sink-hole/
Reading girl’s lemonade stand raises money for retired police K-9s
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-girls-lemonade-stand-raises-money-for-retired-police-k-9s
Reading fire melts chemical containers at company on Front and Washington streets
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/front-and-washington-streets-closed-as-fire-cleanup-continues
Reading Radsport races into West Reading with Finish Line Festival
https://www.readingeagle.com/weekend/article/radsport-racing-into-west-reading-with-finish-line-festival
As violence flares, mothers of murder victims fight to save Allentown’s youth
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-allentown-mothers-stories-20190801-hij6xntpefan3igglegipuz23i-story.html
National News
Reagan called Africans ‘monkeys’ in a call with Nixon, a tape reveals
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/07/31/Reagan-Nixon-monkeys-African-racist-call-tape/stories/201907310286
At least 37 are injured after a fire breaks out at an ExxonMobil plant in Texas
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/07/31/fire-Baytown-Texas-plant-ExxonMobil-refinery-37-injured/stories/201907310289
Why is the U.S. turning away immigrants while employers need workers?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/us-immigration-labor-employers-jobs-economy-20190801.html
Gun violence can be reduced with public health techniques | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/mass-shootings-july-2019-philadelphia-gilroy-garlic-public-health-epidemic-20190731.html
New Jersey
New Jersey releases ‘guidance’ on new medical aid in dying law
https://www.inquirer.com/health/new-jersey-medical-aid-dying-law-20190731.html
Opioid Crisis
Editorial: Let’s put meaningful dent in drug crisis
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-lets-put-meaningful-dent-in-drug-crisis
Philly
7 Philly cops whose Facebook posts were flagged in database scandal have resigned
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-facebook-richard-ross-firings-terminations-plain-view-project-20190801.html
Whatever you call the neighborhood around Philly’s new Rail Park, it needs improvement
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/callowhill-chinatown-philadelphia-special-services-business-improvement-district-gentrification-20190801.html
Philadelphia Foundation awards $1 million to community groups selected by online vote
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-foundation-hace-basketball-energy-awards-20190731.html
‘Surreal’ feeling for Philly man cleared of murder after spending half his life behind bars
https://www.inquirer.com/news/john-miller-philadelphia-murder-overturned-larry-krasner-innocence-project-pepper-hamilton-20190731.html
The Fashion District, former Gallery mall, still set to open this September, PREIT CEO says
https://www.inquirer.com/business/fashion-district-gallery-mall-center-city-shopping-philadelpha-preit-20190731.html
Philadelphia Foundation’s special $1 million initiative benefited from public support | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-foundation-100th-anniversary-1-million-grants-20190801.html
Ex-Philadelphia sheriff facing prison over $675k in bribes
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/ex-philadelphia-sheriff-facing-prison-over-675k-in-bribes.php
After refinery fire, Philly advisory group to discuss the site’s future
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/after-refinery-fire-philadelphia-creates-advisory-group-to-discuss-the-sites-future.php
Pitt
Will you make your flight? Pittsburgh International now has technology to tell you
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/07/31/flight-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-Technology-app-Zensors-security/stories/201907310226
Line wait times at Pittsburgh International Airport to be more accurate with new technology
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/line-wait-times-at-pittsburgh-international-airport-to-be-more-accurate-with-new-technology/
Pittsburgh police launch blood drive to honor slain Officer Calvin Hall
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/07/31/Pittsburgh-police-blood-drive-bank-honor-Officer-Calvin-Hall/stories/201907310235
Vendors, boat racers blindsided and ‘scrambling’ after Regatta cancellation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/01/EQT-Three-Rivers-regatta-canceled-pittsburgh-vendors-lionheart-event-groups-2019/stories/201907310273
Pittsburgh to launch criminal investigation into Three Rivers Regatta promoter
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-to-launch-criminal-investigation-into-three-rivers-regatta-promoter/
Regular power outages In Regent Square, Wilkinsburg frustrate residents
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/07/31/Power-Outages-Regent-Square-Wilkinsburg-Duquesne-Light/stories/201907310258
Lawn care limbo: Peduto fails to deliver on promised grass-cutting
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/01/Bill-Peduto-City-Cuts-grass-cutting-Pittsburgh-promise-failure/stories/201908010022
Cause of massive Penn Hills fire still unknown
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/cause-of-massive-penn-hills-fire-still-unknown/
VA resource fair in Oakland will focus on women veterans
https://triblive.com/local/regional/va-resource-fair-will-focus-on-women-veterans/
State News
Pennsylvania to offer gender-neutral option on state IDs
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-nonbinary-state-id-drivers-license-gender-20190731.html
Advocates fret Trump-backed proposal that could kick 200K Pennsylvanians off food stamps
https://triblive.com/local/regional/advocates-fret-trump-backed-proposal-that-could-kick-200k-pennsylvanians-off-food-stamps/
Dartboard with faces of 4 congresswomen sparks controversy at Fayette County Fair
https://triblive.com/local/regional/dartboard-with-faces-of-4-congresswomen-sparks-controversy-at-fayette-county-fair/
Cash 5 winning ticket worth $400,000 sold in Dunmore
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cash-5-winning-ticket-worth-400-000-sold-in-dunmore-1.2514876
Luzerne Co. liquor license up for auction
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/luzerne-co-liquor-license-up-for-auction-1.2515006
Make lakes great again
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/make-lakes-great-again-1.2514991
Billionaire backer of Marsy’s Law cuts deal on drug trafficking charges
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/billionaire-backer-of-marsys-law-cuts-deal-on-drug-trafficking-charges/
Transportation
Lane closures expected on state Route 92 in Lenox Twp.
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lane-closures-expected-on-state-route-92-in-lenox-twp-1.2514938
Residents, leaders respond to ongoing increases
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190731/residents-leaders-respond-to-ongoing-increases
Washington
Joe Biden again absorbs attacks in second Democratic debate. This time he was prepared.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/democratic-debate-takeaways-detroit-joe-biden-kamala-harris-cory-booker-politics-presidential-election-trump-20190801.html
Democratic debate recap: Joe Biden and Cory Booker go at it, Kamala Harris calls Trump a ‘predator’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/democratic-debate-cnn-night-two-live-updates-joe-biden-cory-booker-kamala-harris-20190731.html
Senate panel OKs defense pick despite sex assault allegation
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/senate-approves-defense-nominee-air-force-general-john-hyten-20190801.html
Senate confirms fourth Trump judicial nominee to Western District of Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/31/Senate-confirms-fourth-Trump-judicial-nominee-to-Western-District-of-Pennsylvania/stories/201907310265
Rep. Mike Kelly talks racism, deficit, health care, more in Erie
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190801/rep-mike-kelly-talks-racism-deficit-health-care-more-in-erie