Legislature
‘How do we call an ambulance? We don’t.’ Indiana County official pleads for help with broadband dead zones
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/08/08/rural-pennsylvania-broadband-indiana-county-rodney-ruddock-senate-hearing-puc-fcc/stories/201908080105
How Pa.’s Supreme Court moved left, and what it means for the GOP
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/how-pa-s-supreme-court-moved-left-and-what-it-means-for-the-gop/
Pa. gun bills find support in aftermath of shootings
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190808/pa-gun-bills-find-support-in-aftermath-of-shootings
After complaints, senators return to drawing board on part of school safety law
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/08/after-complaints-senators-return-to-drawing-board-on-part-of-school-safety-law.php
Should Pennsylvania push to ban plastic bags? Pro/Con | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/single-use-plastic-bag-bans-pennsylvania-philadelphia-20190808.html
Here’s how Harrisburg can do its part to fight gun violence | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/heres-how-harrisburg-can-do-its-part-to-fight-gun-violence-opinion/
End nepotism by state law
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/end-nepotism-by-state-law-1.2517906
Administration
Gov. Wolf visits West Chester
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/gov-wolf-visits-west-chester/article_0497bd62-ba26-11e9-a19d-7b99c6a701d8.html
Business
NEPA businessman built prop for ‘The Irishman’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nepa-businessman-built-prop-for-the-irishman-1.2517961
Wood-Mode purchase completed; new owner hopes to hire up to 500
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/wood-mode-purchase-completed-new-owner-hopes-to-hire-up-to-500.html
Crime/Punishment
2 state constables broke law while working for Mariner East pipeline, Chester DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mariner-east-sunoco-constable-chester-county-20190809.html
2 charged with using state constable positions for pipeline work
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/charged-with-using-state-constable-positions-for-pipeline-work/article_aaa39f36-9e7d-5380-a7c4-a077e84896a6.html
Ex-Penn State coach Jerry Sandusky to be resentenced next month in sexual abuse case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/08/Jerry-Sandusky-resentenced-child-abuse-molestation-case-penn-state-football/stories/201908080109
Strength in numbers: Mon Valley towns should join forces on police
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/08/09/Mon-Valley-police-forces-numbers/stories/201908050028
‘People don’t go to jail to die:’ Photos show badly bruised body of man who died after struggle in county jail
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/people-dont-go-to-jail-to-die-attorneys-show-photos-of-badly-bruised-man-who-died-after-a-struggle-in-dauphin-county-prison.html
Take a look at recent Allentown crime data trends
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-police-crime-stats-summary-20190809-hd54syo3gfhgbjp7pzkjjos77u-story.html
Education
Scranton School Board negotiating departure of superintendent
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-negotiating-departure-of-superintendent-1.2517826
Program gives Berks County teachers behind-the-scenes look at businesses
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/program-gives-berks-county-teachers-behind-the-scenes-look-at-businesses
Harrisburg School District recovery team working to craft budget, improve finances
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/harrisburg-school-district-recovery-team-working-to-craft-budget-improve-finances.html
Allentown School District submits budget still dependent on charter schools accepting less money
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-school-board-20190808-2eoaegbpvzbdlglzatb7477qzq-story.html
Elections/Politics
County election board wants to clarify its role
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-election-board-wants-to-clarify-its-role-1.2517924
Gaming
Renovated Nemacolin casino to host ribbon-cutting
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/08/08/lady-luck-casino-nemacolin-resort-churchill-downs-fayette-county/stories/201908080198
Presque Isle Downs & Casino officially launches sports betting
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190808/presque-isle-downs-amp-casino-officially-launches-sports-betting
Parx Casino’s new sportsbook designed to attract sports fans in addition to bettors
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190808/parx-casinos-new-sportsbook-designed-to-attract-sports-fans-in-addition-to-bettors
Health Care
Highmark CEO optimistic that UPMC deal will attract more patients to Highmark plans
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/highmark-ceo-optimistic-that-upmc-deal-will-attract-more-patients-to-highmark-plans/
Local News
Pittston mayor hopes to bring theater to city
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pittston-mayor-hopes-to-bring-theater-to-city-1.2517964
16th annual Plymouth Alive Original Kielbasa Festival begins Friday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751979/16th-annual-plymouth-alive-original-kielbasa-festival-begins-friday
Another commercial project could be coming to Nanticoke region
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/another-commercial-project-could-be-coming-to-nanticoke-region-1.2517923
Ceremonial groundbreaking pauses work on New Kensington’s Pioneer Apartments
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ceremonial-groundbreaking-pauses-work-on-new-kensingtons-pioneer-apartments/
Harrison Recreation Board seeks residents to help with community events
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-recreation-board-seeks-residents-to-help-with-community-events/
Reading City Council to update zoning map for Buttonwood Gateway Project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-council-to-update-zoning-map-for-buttonwood-gateway-project&template=ourcityart
Reading youngsters celebrate end of summer with lantern parade
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-youngsters-celebrate-end-of-summer-with-lantern-parade&template=ourcityart
Editorial: Reading must confront its problems
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-reading-must-confront-its-problems
National News
5 years after Ferguson, racial tension might be more intense
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/5-years-after-ferguson-racial-tension-might-be-more-intense.html
Immigration: Nearly half of the 680 arrested in raid released
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/immigration-nearly-half-of-the-680-arrested-in-raid-released.html
Natural Gas
Driller, public health consultant debate correlation-versus-causation at fracking hearing
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/driller-public-health-consultant-debate-correlation-versus-causation-at-fracking-hearing/
Opioid Crisis
Opioids are over-prescribed for children who get their tonsils out, study finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioids-overprescribe-children-tonsillectomy-doctors-pain-tonsils-guidelines-national-20190808.html
Philly
Infections, the hidden danger of the opioid crisis, are on the rise in Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-crisis-infections-strep-a-endocarditis-drug-use-philadelphia-20190809.html
Philly DA Larry Krasner clashes with Pa. AG Josh Shapiro — again — over alleged power grab | Clout
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/clout-larry-krasner-josh-shapiro-paraguay-joe-biden-sherrie-cohen-deja-lynn-alvarez-20190809.html
Hahnemann bankruptcy hearing is postponed as residency slots auction heats up
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hahnemann-bankruptcy-residency-slots-auction-20190809.html
Eastern University charter parents worry about possible closure: ‘I’m not going back to the School District’
https://www.inquirer.com/education/eastern-university-academy-charter-school-philadelphia-closing-20190809.html
Lawsuit claims wrongful death, conspiracy by police who fatally shot man outside his North Philly home
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tyreas-carlyle-philadelphia-police-department-lawsuit-paul-hetznecker-fatal-shooting–20190808.html
SEPTA to rethink communications after severe storm rouses commuter fury
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-storm-train-weather-delays-trolley-thunder-20190808.html
Pitt
Woman dies after being stabbed at Downtown bus stop; video shows police arresting suspect
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/08/2-injured-stabbing-Downtown-Pittsburgh-bus-stop-hijab/stories/201908080121
Woman killed, another hurt in Downtown Pittsburgh stabbing; McKeesport man arrested
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/2-women-stabbed-in-pittsburghs-downtown-1-in-critical-condition/
Mayor Peduto joins hundreds of U.S. mayors urging Senate to vote on background checks
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/08/Bill-Peduto-joins-US-mayors-US-senate-schumer-mcconnell-gun-control-background-checks/stories/201908080160
Pittsburghers gather to demand stricter gun laws
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/08/pittsburghers-gather-to-demand-stricter-gun-laws.php
Larimer basketball court rededicated as ‘Costa Court’ to commemorate Costa family
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/08/08/costa-court-larimer-avenue-basketball-tyrone-moon-howard-pittsburgh/stories/201908080166
Some Larimer residents upset over name of Costa basketball court
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/some-larimer-residents-upset-over-name-of-costa-basketball-court/
Tibetan religious leader speaks at East Liberty community garden as part of Pittsburgh visit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/08/08/Bon-Tibetan-Buddhism-Olmo-Ling-Menri-Trizin-pittsburgh-east-liberty-community-garden/stories/201907260103
Lidia’s in the Strip District to close in September
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2019/08/08/Lidia-s-Strip-District-will-close-in-September-Pittsburgh-Lidia-Bastianich/stories/201908080203
Karen Kane: Judge Cashman failed in jail oversight
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/karen-kane/2019/08/09/Judge-David-Cashman-failed-Allegheny-County-jail-oversight-resign-transgender-inmates-innocent-guilty/stories/201908090025
Demolition of former Pittsburgh Playhouse continues
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/demolition-of-former-pittsburgh-playhouse-continues/
State News
Bomb threats called into multiple area hospitals, businesses
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/08/08/Bomb-threats-hospitals-allegheny-county-businesses-pittsburgh-benedum-center-ds-six-pax/stories/201908080219
State grants to fund Harrison business park development
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/08/08/State-grants-to-fund-Harrison-Township-business-park-development/stories/201908070070
State awards wildfire-fighting grants to volunteer fire companies in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-awards-wildfire-fighting-grants-to-volunteer-fire-companies-in-nepa-1.2517820
Volunteer fire companies receive state grants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/volunteer-fire-companies-receive-state-grants-1.2517952
Disaster loans available for July 21-22 storm damage
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/08/08/Disaster-loans-available-for-July-21-22-storm-damage/stories/201908080122
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/
Boy Scout sex abuse scandal: Déjà vu, again | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/boy-scouts-abuse-catholic-church-sexual-grand-jury-editorial-20190809.html
BSA says it’s supplying information to law enforcement in wake of sexual assault suit
https://www.timesleader.com/news/751969/bsa-says-its-supplying-information-to-law-enforcement-in-wake-of-sexual-assault-suit
Discipline, firearms taught at Camp Cadet
https://www.timesleader.com/news/752002/discipline-firearms-taught-at-camp-cadet
Watch out for invasive Northern Snakehead fish
https://triblive.com/local/regional/watch-out-for-invasive-northern-snakehead-fish/
Western Pa. libraries struggle with changing e-book rules
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pa-libraries-struggle-with-changing-e-book-rules/
Free KI tablets available for those near nuclear plant
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/free-ki-tablets-available-for-those-near-nuclear-plant-1.2517953
Pennsylvania county can keep Christian cross on seal, court rules
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/08/pennsylvania-county-can-keep-christian-cross-on-seal-court-rules.html
Flooding leaves motorists stranded throughout the Main Line area
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/flooding-leaves-motorists-stranded-throughout-the-main-line-area/article_8a150648-b9ea-11e9-8780-73c80b33d1b6.html
Transportation
I-95 reconstruction has shut down a Girard Ave. off-ramp for two years. Fishtown is adapting, again.
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/interstate-95-closure-philadelphia-highway-detour-girard-20190808.html
I-95 commute causing a headache? Here’s the cure
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190809/i-95-commute-causing-headache-heres-cure
Small plane crashes in a Montgomery County neighborhood, killing 3 family members
https://www.inquirer.com/news/plane-crash-upper-moreland-montgomery-county-20190808.html
Rocky road: Work begins on crumbling Sans Souci Parkway
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rocky-road-work-begins-on-crumbling-sans-souci-parkway-1.2517967
Route 910 bridge in West Deer to close until October
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/route-910-bridge-in-west-deer-to-close-until-october/
Harrison Avenue Bridge to close overnight Monday and Tuesday for paving work
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/harrison-avenue-bridge-to-close-overnight-monday-and-tuesday-for-paving-work-1.2517867
Clydesdale Bus Lines, which started as a way to fill the Bieber Tourways void, is up for sale
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/clydesdale-bus-lines-up-for-sale
Washington
We have to keep fighting for these common-sense gun laws | Mary Gay Scanlon
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-have-to-keep-fighting-for-these-common-sense-new-gun-laws-mary-gay-scanlon/
Trump reschedules visit to Beaver County cracker plant
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/08/08/Trump-reschedules-Beaver-County-cracker-plant-Shell-jobs/stories/201908080150
Trump names his acting spy director after confirming the No. 2 intel chief stepped down
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/08/08/Trump-intelligence-director-acting-national-Sue-Gordon-deputy/stories/201908080221
GOP freezes Twitter spending after McConnell account locked
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/gop-freezes-twitter-spending-after-mcconnell-account-locked-20190808.html