Legislature
As General Assistance ends, worries grow about impact on low-income Pennsylvanians
https://www.inquirer.com/news/general-assistance-pennsylvania-low-income-homeless-project-home-20190710.html
DePasquale: Scrap Keystone exams for high school kids and replace them with SATs
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/depasquale-scrap-keystone-exams-for-high-school-kids-and-replace-them-with-sats/
Work-free snow days may be history for Berks students
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/work-free-snow-days-may-be-history-for-berks-students
Legalizing recreational marijuana use could create ‘carnage’ on Pa. roads, judge predicts
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/07/legalizing-recreational-marijuana-use-could-create-carnage-on-pa-roads-judge-predicts.html
Reject efforts to criminalize pipeline protests
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/reject-efforts-to-criminalize-pipeline-protests-1.2506837
Right call on election safety
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/right-call-on-election-safety-1.2506853
Pa. legislators, how about a present for your constituents? Pass the Gift Ban bill | Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/07/pa-legislators-how-about-a-present-for-your-constituents-pass-the-gift-ban-bill-editorial.html
EDITORIAL: Law that regulates armed school security seems like reasonable measure
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2019/07/11/editorial-sensible-law-school-security/1679381001/
Business
Campbell to lay off about 80 workers in North America as part of reorganization, half of those in Philly region
https://www.inquirer.com/business/campbell-soup-layoffs-camden-ceo-20190710.html
Montgomery County has hundreds of health-care jobs going unfilled
https://www.inquirer.com/business/montgomery-county-pa-jobs-health-care-nursing-hospitals-merck-20190710.html
Trump requested, Lockheed Martin delivered: Coatesville helicopter plant to stay open
https://www.inquirer.com/news/sikorski-lockheedmartin-helicopter-west-chester-closing-layoffs-20190710.html
As protesters cursed outside, a corporate battle came to a quiet end
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/07/10/EQT-shareholder-meeting-Rice-Energy-McNally-oil-gas-shale-Pittsburgh-protest/stories/201907100112
Bensalem ambulance firms to pay $460,000 for allegedly defrauding Medicare
https://www.inquirer.com/business/medicare-fraud-unicare-ambulance-easterncare-bensalem-us-attorney-mcswain-20190710.html
Crime/Punishment
How ‘prison gerrymandering’ shifts political power from urban Pennsylvanians of color to white, rural ones
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/prison-gerrymandering-pa-2021-redistricting-census-20190725.html
FBI makes arrests in Puerto Rico scandal, prompting calls for governor’s ouster
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/fbi-makes-arrests-puerto-rico-scandal-prompting-calls-governors-ouster-20190711.html
Education
Pa. principal who wore blackface to take sabbatical, be teacher
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pa-principal-who-wore-blackface-to-take-sabbatical-be-teacher/
Hanover Area superintendent Jones to retire Aug. 31
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hanover-area-superintendent-jones-to-retire-aug-31-1.2506884
Tamaqua Area School Board to rescind armed teachers policy
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/tamaqua-area-school-board-to-rescind-armed-teachers-policy-1.2506926
Citing technicality, Tamaqua scraps first-of-kind policy to arm teachers
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/citing-technicality-tamaqua-scraps-first-of-kind-policy-to-arm-teachers.php
PIAA proposal draws mixed reaction from wrestling coaches
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/piaa-proposal-draws-mixed-reaction-from-wrestling-coaches
Leaking pipes at Scranton High could cost major repair, legal issues
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/leaking-pipes-at-scranton-high-could-cost-major-repair-legal-issues-1.2507043
State universities freeze tuition, first time in 2 decades
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/10/State-universities-freeze-tuition-first-time-in-2-decades/stories/201907100138
Health Care
Rx for physician burnout: Let nurse-practitioners and PA’s do more l Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/physician-burnout-fix-let-nurse-practitioners-assistants-do-more-20190711.html
State’s takeover of Obamacare marketplace is a win for Pa., but it’s only the first step | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/states-takeover-of-obamacare-marketplace-is-a-win-for-pa-but-its-only-the-first-step-opinion/
Local News
Book it: United Way reading program keeps kids sharp during summer
https://www.timesleader.com/news/749397/book-it-united-way-reading-program-keeps-kids-sharp-during-summer
KKK brick on Public Square covered with anti-nationalist sticker
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/749382/kkk-brick-on-public-square-covered-with-anti-nationalist-sticker#/
Activist plans to remove alleged hate group’s brick from W-B monument
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/activist-plans-to-remove-alleged-hate-group-s-brick-from-w-b-monument-1.2506906
Sources: Fireworks started blaze that killed 11-year-old boy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sources-fireworks-started-blaze-that-killed-11-year-old-boy-1.2506931
Arena’s insurance costs to increase
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/arena-s-insurance-costs-to-increase-1.2506881
Former Scranton mayor Bill Courtright passed on tax deal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-scranton-mayor-bill-courtright-passed-on-tax-deal-1.2507041
Gaughan won’t seek candidacy in mayoral special election, Donahue considering candidacy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/gaughan-won-t-seek-candidacy-in-mayoral-special-election-donahue-considering-candidacy-1.2506835
Scranton City Council authorizes settlement with UGI over pave-cut lawsuit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-authorizes-settlement-with-ugi-over-pave-cut-lawsuit-1.2506858
Throop borough officials gain support of county commissioners in seeking zip code
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/throop-borough-officials-gain-support-of-county-commissioners-in-seeking-zip-code-1.2507006
Labor board accuses Scranton nursing home of thwarting union efforts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/labor-board-accuses-scranton-nursing-home-of-thwarting-union-efforts-1.2506935
Court advocates receive Hawk grant
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/court-advocates-receive-hawk-grant-1.2507017
City council OKs federal grant allotment ordinance
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-council-oks-federal-grant-allotment-ordinance-1.2506913
Allegheny Township gets $71K for keeping insurance claims to a minimum
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-township-gets-71k-for-keeping-insurance-claims-to-a-minimum/
Billboard company calls Tarentum zoning ‘unconstitutional’
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/billboard-company-calls-tarentum-zoning-unconstitutional-in-denial-appeal/
Verona joins Allegheny County’s Live Well Allegheny initiative to promote healthy living
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/verona-joins-allegheny-countys-live-well-allegheny-initiative-to-promote-healthy-living/
Tarentum considering 16% increase in part-time cop pay
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-considering-16-percent-increase-in-part-time-cop-pay/
Gas drilling windfall will help repair roads in Fawn
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/gas-drilling-windfall-will-help-repair-roads-in-fawn/
Calumet VFD cancels drag queen bingo after low ticket sales, warnings from churches
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/calumet-vfd-cancels-drag-queen-bingo-after-low-ticket-sales-warnings-from-local-churches/
Former Muhlenberg College president resigns from board overseeing Allentown’s NIZ
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-niz-amendments-equal-opportunity-shanker-20190710-kjihtcvhwrg43lwkx76xzf3dj4-story.html
County OKs plan to boost open space, allocates money
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/county-oks-plan-to-boost-open-space-allocates-money/article_91500d64-a346-11e9-b9aa-e7d1aac35072.html
Refreshing? Taxpayers to save big with West Chester’s water switch
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/refreshing-taxpayers-to-save-big-with-west-chester-s-water/article_2e90a990-a350-11e9-af06-43f6ae6db6c8.html
Natural Gas
Landslide, $45,000 fine didn’t stop Upper Burrell gas well drilling
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/landslide-didnt-stop-upper-burrell-gas-well-drilling/
Report: Pennsylvania had record year for natural gas production
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/report-pennsylvania-had-record-year-for-natural-gas-production/
Opioid Crisis
A.I. Could Help Predict Who Is At Risk For Opioid Overdoses
https://www.wesa.fm/post/ai-could-help-predict-who-risk-opioid-overdoses#stream/0
Philly
The national progressive movement is growing. Now its biggest gathering — Netroots — is coming to Philly.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/netroots-convention-philadelphia-progressive-elizabeth-warren-presidential-forum-20190710.html
After fine-tuning, SEPTA’s new transit map to debut
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-map-transit-philadelphia-20190711.html
Philly public defender suit seeks to blow up ‘unlawful’ probation detainers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-probation-detainers-keir-bradford-gray-20190711.html
Out of City Hall, Amber Hikes fought for trans folks, LGBTQ people of color — and that flag
https://www.inquirer.com/news/amber-hikes-leaves-mayors-office-lgbt-affairs-kenney-racial-justice-black-brown-flag-intersectionality-20190710.html
Ex-Philly cop gets 1 year in prison for violent sexual assault while on duty in Rhawnhurst
https://www.inquirer.com/news/thomas-oneill-sentencing-prison-philadelphia-police-corruption-sexual-assault-rhawnhurst-20190710.html
Medical residents scramble as Hahnemann, Tower plan to transfer training program
https://www.inquirer.com/health/hahnemann-drexel-tower-medical-residents-20190710.html
As Philly hospital closes labor unit, concerns over lack of maternity wards
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/as-hahnemann-closes-labor-unit-concerns-over-lack-of-maternity-wards-in-philly.php
Photos: A year at Strawberry Mansion High School
https://www.inquirer.com/photo/inq/photography-strawberry-mansion-high-school-philadelphia-20190711.html
Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery closing means great opportunities for Philadelphia | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/oil-refinery-blast-pec-philadelphia-park-20190711.html
Philly rec centers should slap ‘mosquitoes’ away | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/mosquito-device-sonic-weapon-philly-playgrounds-gym-20190710.html
Pitt
Kopy’s Bar attorney wants to know why detectives kept their jobs after brawl
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/07/10/Kopys-Bar-Stephen-Kopy-owner-attorney-brawl-explanation-detectives-jobs-reassigned/stories/201907100115
Penn Hills caught illegal dumpers on video as town works to end the problem
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/07/10/Penn-Hills-illegal-dumping/stories/201907100110
Pitt raising tuition in 2019-20
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/07/10/University-of-Pittsburgh-tuition-increase-board-of-trustees-2019/stories/201907100118
A Group on a Mission: youth help restore old Brookline church through national program
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/07/10/Group-Mission-Trips-GMT-Pittsburgh-youth-religion-nonprofit-repair-renovate/stories/201907070032
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand brings presidential campaign tour to Pittsburgh today
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/07/11/Sen-Kirsten-Gillibrand-brings-presidential-campaign-tour-to-Pittsburgh-today/stories/201907110072
Presidential hopeful Kirsten Gillibrand to campaign in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/kirsten-gillibrand-to-campaign-in-pittsburgh-thursday/
Brian O’Neill: Improving Pittsburgh’s parks won’t be easy
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2019/07/11/Pittsburgh-parks-upgrades-Jayne-Miller-conservancy/stories/201907110015
Detroit trial for Khari Mosley, husband of Allegheny County controller, to start Thursday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/detroit-trial-for-khari-mosley-husband-of-allegheny-county-controller-to-start-thursday/
Pittsburgh International ranks 7th on Travel & Leisure list of best U.S. airports
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-international-ranks-seventh-best-in-travel-leisure-survey/
Pittsburgh attorney confirmed as federal judge
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-attorney-confirmed-as-federal-judge/
Inspection of Smithfield Street Bridge in Pittsburgh starts Thursday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/smithfield-street-bridge-inspection-starts-thursday/
Pittsburgh zoo mourns death of African lion
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-zoo-mourns-the-loss-of-african-lion-razi/
State News
After wettest year on record for Pa., N.J., more storms due Thursday, and ‘Barry’ may be a factor
https://www.inquirer.com/weather/weather-hurricane-barry-floods-philadelphia-weather-20190711.html
International honor: UNESCO affirms Fallingwater’s greatness
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/07/11/Fallingwater-Frank-Lloyd-Wright-UNESCO-greatness/stories/201907100038
2 fined, face license revocations for illegal fishing in Armstrong County
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/two-fined-face-fishing-license-revocations-for-case-along-allegheny-river-in-armstrong-county/
Too much of a good thing: All that rain taking a toll on trees in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/too-much-of-a-good-thing-all-that-rain-taking-a-toll-on-trees-in-berks
Lonnie Walker IV makes video raising awareness of dogs in hot cars
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lonnie-walker-iv-makes-video-raising-awareness-of-dogs-in-hot-cars-video
With temperatures and air conditioning bills going up, how does Pa. rank nationally in energy costs?
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2019/07/with-temperatures-and-air-conditioning-bills-going-up-how-does-pa-rank-nationally-in-energy-costs.html
Transportation
Pa. state police report 9 killed in crashes over 5-day Fourth of July holiday
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-police-report-9-killed-in-crashes-over-5-day-fourth-of-july-holiday/
Washington
Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon of Swarthmore is ready for Robert Mueller | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/mary-gay-scanlon-judiciary-committee-5th-conressional-district-mueller-testimony-maria-panaritis-20190711.html
Omar calls Carlson a ‘racist fool’ after he labels her proof of ‘dangerous’ immigration
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/07/10/Ilhan-Omar-Tucker-Carlson-Fox-News-racist-fool-host-calls-dangerous-immigration/stories/201907100158
Trump order aims to increase organ donation and improve kidney disease treatment
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/07/10/Trump-order-aims-to-increase-organ-donation-and-improve-kidney-disease-treatment/stories/201907100120
Labor Secretary Alex Acosta defends his handling of Jeffrey Epstein case amid calls for resignation
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/jeffrey-epstein-arrested-alex-acosta-trump-sex-trafficking-20190709.html
Casey, Toomey react to plea-deal controversy surrounding Labor Secretary Acosta
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/casey-toomey-react-to-plea-deal-controversy-surrounding-labor-secretary-acosta/
Threatening veto of spending bill, White House opposes two PFAS cleanup measures
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pfas-trump-congress-water-foam-contamination-defense-spending-bill-20190710.html
Three challengers planning to take on Pa. GOP congressman
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/07/three-challengers-planning-to-take-on-gop-congressman-in-competitive-bucks-race.php
Fitzpatrick, local Lyme disease group support TICK bill
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190710/fitzpatrick-local-lyme-disease-group-support-tick-bill