Legislature
Legislators, families discuss plan to prevent White Haven Center closing
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753032/legislators-families-discuss-plan-to-prevent-white-haven-center-closing
Gov. Wolf commits to help find financial aid for Scranton School District
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/gov-wolf-commits-to-help-find-financial-aid-for-scranton-school-district-1.2522700
Childhood vaccinations promoted in two state bills to keep parents informed
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/08/20/Children-vaccinations-legislation-Frankel-Kosierowski-exemption-Allegheny/stories/201908200143
Proposed law aims to increase vaccination rate in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/parents-who-dont-vaccinate-children-would-get-yearly-medical-counseling-under-proposed-state-law/
Lawmaker aims to tax retirement income and food as a way to eliminate school property taxes; ‘This is not going to be an easy sell’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/lawmaker-discusses-his-plan-to-eliminate-school-property-taxes-admits-this-is-not-going-to-be-an-easy-sell.html
Retirement tax still on table to lessen property tax load, Pennsylvania lawmaker says
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-frank-ryan-20190820-2blh4umfy5cvlc4w55x5qr7k4y-story.html
How to get rid of property taxes? Lawmaker looks to retirement income.
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/08/how-to-get-rid-of-property-taxes-lawmaker-looks-to-retirement-income.php
A Republican lawmaker wants to eliminate Pa.’s property tax by targeting retirement income. Will his bill gain traction this session?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/a-republican-lawmaker-wants-to-eliminate-pa-s-property-tax-by-targeting-retirement-income-will-his-bill-gain-traction-this-session/
West Chester bag ban sends message to state lawmakers
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/west-chester-bag-ban-sends-message-to-state-lawmakers.php
Lawmakers step in to keep Allegheny River locks open next summer in Armstrong County
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lawmakers-step-in-to-keep-allegheny-river-locks-open-next-summer-in-armstrong-county/
Lawmakers tour local farm, ice cream firm
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/lawmakers-tour-local-farm-ice-cream-firm-1.2522758
Public hearing set on Comitta’s pipeline safety legislation
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/public-hearing-set-on-comitta-s-pipeline-safety-legislation/article_f6005142-c38a-11e9-8f06-5b298e147250.html
Pa. state senator, brother to pay delinquent $14K property tax bill
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-state-senator-brother-to-pay-delinquent-14k-property-tax-bill.html
State Rep. Summer Lee wants county health department to halt a Braddock fracking well
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/state-rep-summer-lee-wants-county-health-department-to-halt-a-braddock-fracking-well/Content?oid=15671464
State rep.’s town hall will talk constitutional amendments to fight corruption | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/constitutional-convention-amendments-pennsylvania-government-reform-20190820.html
Charter bills crucial for all districts Fair school funding imperative
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/charter-bills-crucial-for-all-districts-fair-school-funding-imperative-1.2522714
Editorial: Family engaged in noble battle to strengthen DUI law
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/family-engaged-in-noble-battle-to-strengthen-dui-law
Will Pa. lawmakers move gun control from the third rail to the political fast track? | Fletcher McClellan
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/will-pa-lawmakers-move-gun-control-from-the-third-rail-to-the-political-fast-track-fletcher-mcclellan/
Shootings
Teen shot, 8-year-old grazed by stray bullet in McKees Rocks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/21/Teen-8-year-old-shooting-McKees-Rocks/stories/201908210121
Reading police investigating fatal shooting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-police-investigating-fatal-shooting/4
Police: One arrested in fatal shooting of 5-year-old in York City
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/crime/2019/08/21/police-one-arrested-fatal-shooting-5-year-old-york-city/2069953001/
Administration
Gov. Wolf urges passage of lost or stolen gun law in wake of Philly police shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tom-wolf-pa-mass-shootings-lost-stolen-guns-legislation-20190821.html
Business
Hotel boom spreads in Wilkes-Barre Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hotel-boom-spreads-in-wilkes-barre-twp-1.2522805
New Dollar General store eyed for Plymouth
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-dollar-general-store-eyed-for-plymouth-1.2522794
Crime/Punishment
FBI: Reports of ‘underaged’ massage parlor workers led to probe linked to Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/fbi-reports-of-underaged-massage-parlor-workers-led-to-probe-linked-to-western-pa/
How stealing a $5 sandwich and a soda can result in a felony conviction in Pa.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/watchdog/2019/08/21/felony-retail-theft-pennsylvania-how-it-works-three-strikes/1686142001/
Education
Teacher salaries: Pa. ranks among top states for starting teachers, study shows
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/teacher-salaries-pa-ranks-among-top-states-for-starting-teachers-study-shows.html
Elizabeth Forward delays start of school as bus dispute continues
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/elizabeth-forward-delays-start-of-school-as-bus-dispute-continues/
Pa. STEAM Charter’s president calls potential lengthy appeal a ‘waste of taxpayers’ money’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-steam-charters-president-calls-potential-lengthy-appeal-a-waste-of-taxpayers-money.html
What’s new at Berks County districts for the 2019-2020 school year
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/whats-new-at-berks-county-schools
State universities’ faculty contract remains a work in progress as fall semester is about to get underway
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/state-universities-faculty-contract-remains-a-work-in-progress-as-fall-semester-is-about-to-get-underway.html
Elections/Politics
Republican David Rowe wins special election for state House seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Keller
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/republican-wins-special-election-for-state-house-seat-formerly-held-by-u-s-rep-keller/
Gaming
What’s up with our mini-casino at the York Galleria?
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/08/20/mini-casino-york-galleria-penn-national-seeks-approval-springettsbury-township-move-into-old-sears/2061533001/
Health Care
Advocacy project looks to eliminate millions in medical debt for Western Pennsylvanians
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/advocacy-project-looks-to-eliminate-millions-in-medical-debt-for-western-pennsylvanians/Content?oid=15672761
Local News
Flood authority, county officials debate proposed agreement
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flood-authority-county-officials-debate-proposed-agreement-1.2522778
Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority to prioritize repairs for properties
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753028/wilkes-barre-parking-authority-to-prioritize-repairs-for-properties
Plains Twp. community celebrates National Night Out
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753038/plains-twp-community-celebrates-national-night-out
State Supreme Court affirms Nanticoke police chief was hired illegally
https://www.timesleader.com/news/753003/state-supreme-court-affirms-nanticoke-police-chief-was-hired-illegally
Court: Nanticoke police chief’s hiring illegal
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/court-nanticoke-police-chief-s-hiring-illegal-1.2522809
New Weatherly complex site too small for police
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/new-weatherly-complex-site-too-small-for-police-1.2522754
County Republicans choose candidate for Scranton mayor race
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/county-republicans-choose-candidate-for-scranton-mayor-race-1.2522763
Zoning condition kills plans for apartments, artist studios in Green Ridge
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/zoning-condition-kills-plans-for-apartments-artist-studios-in-green-ridge-1.2522701
Scranton Planning Commission, officials again meet with SAPA consultant in process of updating zoning
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-planning-commission-officials-again-meet-with-sapa-consultant-in-process-of-updating-zoning-1.2522817
Disney offering a look under the hood at upcoming professional training seminar in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/disney-offering-a-look-under-the-hood-at-upcoming-professional-training-seminar-in-scranton-1.2522712
Westmoreland County training program highlights LGBTQ community
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-training-program-highlights-lgbtq-community/
Bernhart Dam spillway needs to be removed to drain lake, Reading officials say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bernhart-dam-spillway-needs-to-be-removed-to-drain-lake-reading-officials-say
Reading Area Water Authority wants PennDOT to pay costs of water line relocation
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rawa-wants-penndot-to-pay-costs-of-water-line-relocation
DELCORA extends sale negotiations with Aqua
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/delcora-extends-sale-negotiations-with-aqua/article_95534d66-c369-11e9-8c6f-4f5c3ea2be43.html
National News
Bad policing costs lives. So why are fired officers allowed to join other departments? | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/daniel-panteleo-eric-garner-police-20190821.html
U.S.: It’s now OK for credit unions to provide banking services to hemp businesses
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/hemp-cbd-credit-union-ncua-financial-services-banking-20190820.html
NASCAR team owner Richard Childress resigns from NRA, the sixth board member to exit since May
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/richard-childress-nascar-owner-resigns-nra-board-20190820.html
New Jersey
N.J. is devoting $10M to help towns share services and chip away at residents’ property taxes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/property-taxes-new-jersey-shared-services-czar-phil-murphy-20190820.html
Opioid Crisis
The 15 Pennsylvania counties that received the most opioid pills between 2006 and 2012
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/the-15-pennsylvania-counties-that-received-the-most-opioid-pills-between-2006-and-2012
Whitehall man’s honesty about son’s addiction moved CEO, comes to TV Saturday
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/08/20/Whitehall-John-Hindman-Sean-Addiction-Unplugged-A-E-Network-opioids-Leidos-Roger-Krone/stories/201908200097
Philly
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross resigns after woman alleges affair, retribution
https://www.inquirer.com/news/richard-ross-resigns-philadelphia-police-commissioner-gender-racial-sexual-harassment-20190820.html
Ross hands in resignation amid departmental allegations of sexual misconduct, racism
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/ross-hands-in-resignation-amid-departmental-allegations-of-sexual-misconduct/article_07514250-c393-11e9-b831-e78be96af344.html
Philly’s first woman police commissioner brings distinguished career
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/phillys-first-woman-police-commissioner-brings-distinguished-career.php
Philly soda tax: Here’s how much money it has raised, and how it’s been spent
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-soda-tax-revenue-spending-20190821.html
South Philly’s historic Jewish community is growing. She opened a new synagogue to serve it.
https://www.inquirer.com/life/south-philadelphia-shtiebel-hadas-dasi-fruchter-rabbanit-shabbat-synagogue-east-passyunk-avenue-20190821.html
Philadelphia Planned Parenthood groups stay open after Title X loss, but seek donations
https://www.inquirer.com/health/planned-parenthood-abortion-title-x-funding-donors-philadelphia-new-jersey-20190820.html
Philly’s iconic I. Goldberg Army & Navy announces it is closing after a century
https://www.inquirer.com/business/i-goldberg-army-navy-philadelphia-business-closing-20190820.html
Idled Philadelphia refinery is laying off most workers immediately
https://www.inquirer.com/business/fire-damaged-philly-refinery-terminates-most-workers-early-20190820.html
Hahnemann University Hospital: 171 years of Philadelphia medical history
https://www.inquirer.com/health/hahnemann-university-hospital-timeline-history-20190821.html
Pitt
As another Oakland club struggles to survive, its building is up for sale
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/08/21/Twentieth-Century-Club-Oakland-Bigelow-Boulevard-Pittsburgh-Athletic-Association-Benno-Janssen/stories/201908210085
Owner of Oakland apartment buildings ‘working around the clock’ to resettle displaced residents
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/20/Oakland-apartments-AHRCO-allegheny-housing-rehabilitation-authority-fire-resettle-pittsburgh/stories/201908200151
Red Cross closes overnight shelter, continues to help people displaced by West Oakland fire
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/red-cross-continues-to-help-people-displaced-by-west-oakland-fire/
More Pa. colleges, universities to offer additional aid for Pittsburgh Promise awardees
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/08/20/Pittsburgh-Promise-public-schools-Chatham-LaRoche-financial-aid-scholarships-students/stories/201908200115
Port Authority’s track replacement project will finish a few days late
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/08/20/Port-Authority-track-replacement-service-delays-light-rail-system/stories/201908200130
Lawsuit accuses two priests of sexual abuse
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/20/Priest-sex-abuse-Diocese-Pittsburgh-Holy-Family-Institute-grand-jury-Larry-Smith-Gerdes-Girdis/stories/201908200122
City of Pittsburgh floats idea of buying out homeowners who experience repeated flooding
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/19/Pittsburgh-buying-out-homeowners-flooding-saw-mill-run-route-51-provost-route-88-coghill-whitehall/stories/201908140119
Allegheny County Council supports health department’s enforcement actions against U.S. Steel
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-supports-health-departments-enforcement-actions-against-u-s-steel/
Lawyer for fired sports authority controller questions latest allegation
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/lawyer-for-fired-sports-and-exhibition-authority-controller-questions-latest-allegation/
Report: Pittsburgh area home prices rise, sales slow slightly
https://triblive.com/local/regional/report-pittsburgh-area-home-prices-rise-sales-slow-slightly/
State News
Beaver County agency did poor job overseeing major pipeline projects, the state found, yanking its power
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/08/20/Beaver-County-Conservation-District-permits-pipeline-DEP-Revolution-Shell-Falcon-Energy-Transfer/stories/201908200138
Combat blight: Allegheny County should help its towns get cash
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/21/Allegheny-County-combat-blight-poverty-fees/stories/201908100017
Federal consumer agency hires exec in complaint-ridden Pa. firm as watchdog
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pheaa-fedloan-consumer-protection-student-loans-complaints-20190820.html
Two insurers to pay $117,000 to Pennsylvanians after major investment scam
https://www.inquirer.com/business/annuity-scam-pennsylvania-insurance-department-oxford-life-sentinel-security-20190820.html
New McKeesport nesting platform protects osprey family from power lines
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/new-mckeesport-nesting-platform-protects-osprey-family-from-power-lines/
Planned Parenthood Keystone rejects funding
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/planned-parenthood-keystone-rejects-funding-1.2522807
Event aims to connect women farmers in Berks to resources and regenerative practices
https://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/article/event-aims-to-connect-women-farmers-in-berks-to-resources-and-regenerative-practices
Transportation
Road remains closed in Ross after May landslide
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/2019/08/20/Road-remains-closed-in-Ross-after-May-landslide/stories/201908220264
Cheswick, Harmar, Springdale Township team up for Low Grade Road improvements
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-harmar-springdale-township-team-up-for-low-grade-road-improvements/
DUI checkpoints, roving patrols, planned for Labor Day weekend
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dui-checkpoints-roving-patrols-planned-for-labor-day-weekend-1.2522818
Pa. Turnpike to replace Cumberland, Lehigh county bridge spans
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pa-turnpike-to-replace-cumberland-lehigh-county-bridge-spans.html
Washington
Pa. Democratic lawmaker hears from voters on impeachment, gun laws
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/pa-democratic-congressman-hears-from-voters-on-impeachment-gun-laws.php