Legislature
Auditor general, Pittsburgh mayor call for marijuana legalization
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13882695-74/auditor-general-pittsburgh-mayor-call-for-marijuana-legalization
Pa. report: Legalizing marijuana could generate $580 million in state tax revenues
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/legalizing-marijuana-pa-auditor-general-tax-revenues-20180719.html
Pa. could reap about $600 million a year from legal marijuana, state official says
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pa-could-reap-about-600-million-a-year-from-legal-marijuana-state-official-says
Marijuana bills increasingly focus on social justice
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/marijuana-bills-increasingly-focus-on-social-justice-20180719.html
This state senator wants Pennsylvania to ban the outdated gay and trans ‘panic defense’
https://theincline.com/2018/07/18/this-state-senator-wants-pennsylvania-to-ban-the-outdated-gay-and-trans-panic-defense/
Gambling, smoking and drinking give Pa. a lot of money in ‘sin taxes’
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/07/dcd817bb9c4652/gambling-smoking-and-drinking.html#incart_river_index
Residents demand a shutdown of Sunoco pipeline project
http://www.pottsmerc.com/general-news/20180719/residents-demand-a-shutdown-of-sunoco-pipeline-project
Bill Tracker: Using technology to reduce DUIs
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-using-technology-to-reduce-duis/article_caa58801-09be-5731-a749-2d4f8b873882.html
Berks DA backs bill to boost sentences for fentanyl dealers
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-da-backs-bill-to-boost-sentences-for-fentanyl-dealers
Business
Employees, advertisers flee abc27 in Harrisburg after allegations of harassment and verbal abuse
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/abc27-flora-posteraro-discrimination-nexstar-robert-bee-20180719.html
Kennywood, Steelers partner for new attraction, record-breaking coaster
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13882524-74/kennywood-steelers-partner-for-new-attraction-record-breaking-coaster
BAYADA Home Health Care founder visits new Pittston location
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712057/bayada-home-health-care-founder-visits-new-pittston-location
Nanticoke business designs truck for promotion honoring Eagles
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nanticoke-business-designs-truck-for-promotion-honoring-eagles-1.2363836
Cooper’s ditches straws amid environmental concerns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cooper-s-ditches-straws-amid-environmental-concerns-1.2363882
Young workers a highlight of Labor Secretary’s Reading visit
http://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/young-workers-a-highlight-of-labor-secretarys-reading-visit
Crime/Punishment
Coraopolis physician pleads guilty to illegal Suboxone distribution, Medicare fraud
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13883324-74/coraopolis-physician-pleads-guilty-to-illegal-suboxone-distribution-medicare-fraud
ATV driver charged with fleeing Wilkes-Barre Twp. Police
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712075/atv-driver-charged-with-fleeing-wilkes-barre-twp-police
Jermyn police report less ATV complaints after implementing new deterrent initiative
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jermyn-police-report-less-atv-complaints-after-implementing-new-deterrent-initiative-1.2363838
Watchdog report: Pennsylvania’s bail system keeps poor people in jail
http://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-pennsylvania-bail-reform-cash-bail-questioned-20180613-story.html
Education
Dallas union: Let’s keep talking
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dallas-union-let-s-keep-talking-1.2363883
NAACP calls for another W-B Area board member to resign
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/naacp-calls-for-another-w-b-area-board-member-to-resign-1.2363823
Is Stoneleigh safe? Lower Merion district buys nearby property for middle school
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/stoneleigh-eminent-domain-lower-merion-school-district-purchase-property-middle-school-20180719.html
The NCAA’s amateur model is already fragile. Will legalized sports betting kill it?
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2018/07/19/ncaa-amateurism-rules-college-sports-gambling-legalization-pa/stories/201807190036
Penn State proposes tuition freeze, only the second in more than 50 years
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/penn-state-proposes-tuition-freeze-20180719.html
Richardson named dean of Misericordia University’s College of Business
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712044/richardson-named-dean-of-misericordia-universitys-college-of-business
Elections/Politics
Pa. GOP gov nominee to climate change activist: ‘You’re a little young and naive’
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/scott-wagner-pa-gop-pennsylvania-governors-race-nominee-climate-change-activist-20180719.html
‘You’re a little young and naive,’ Scott Wagner tells teen who asked about climate change
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2018/07/19/pa-2018-governors-race-scott-wagner-tells-teen-she-naive/800995002/
Jess King is the only Pennsylvania candidate for Congress drawing a salary from her campaign
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/jess-king-is-the-only-pennsylvania-candidate-for-congress-drawing/article_86c5de3c-8b96-11e8-bc8f-3f9a023379f9.html
Pennsylvania leads nation in youth voter registration uptick, says Dem data firm analysis
http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-youth-voter-registration-increase-20180719-story.html
Gaming
Parx Casino readies second pitch for casino gambling in Carlisle area
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/parx_casino_readies_pitch_for.html#incart_river_index
Local News
Sherman Hills owner settles negligence suit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sherman-hills-owner-settles-negligence-suit-1.2363815
No stranger to controversy, Wyoming’s top cop faces theft charge
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712086/no-stranger-to-controversy-wyomings-top-cop-faces-theft-charge
Anthracite Heritage Week program set
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/anthracite-heritage-week-program-set-1.2363817
Defamation suit moves to next phase
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/defamation-suit-moves-to-next-phase-1.2363971
Valley View Estates trailer park sold; new owners vow improvements
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/valley-view-estates-trailer-park-sold-new-owners-vow-improvements-1.2363942
Case shows validity of ‘sanctuary’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/case-shows-validity-of-sanctuary-1.2363777
Unruly grass growth on property prompts complaint from neighbor
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/unruly-grass-growth-on-property-prompts-complaint-from-neighbor-1.2363791
State AG probes Carbon clerk of courts office
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/state-ag-probes-carbon-clerk-of-courts-office-1.2363825
DiverseCity and basketball bring the deaf and the hearing communities together
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2018/07/19/DiverseCity-and-basketball-bring-the-deaf-and-the-hearing-communities-together/stories/201807120003
Commissioners urged to slow possible sale of Berks Heim
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-commissioners-urged-to-slow-possible-sale-of-nursing-home
Muhlenberg teen tells his story of being bullied; group founder says it must end
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/muhlenberg-boy-tells-his-story-of-being-bullied-group-founder-says-it-must-end
Readapalooza brings stories to life at Penn Street Market in Reading
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/readings-readapalooza-brings-stories-to-life-at-penn-street-market
Bikes roll in with Bringin’ in the Roar parade
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180720/bikes-roll-in-with-bringin-in-roar-parade
Why is Erie’s garbage collected at night? Cost, safety
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180720/why-is-eries-garbage-collected-at-night-cost-safety
Allentown’s Americus Hotel celebrates a new beginning, with room rentals and banquets coming soon
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-americus-hotel-financing-party-20180718-story.html
National News
11 dead after duck boat sinks during storm near Branson, Mo.; 5 still missing
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/07/20/dead-missing-after-duck-boat-sinks-storm-Branson-Missouri/stories/201807200086
NFL suspending national anthem policy to negotiate with NFL Players’ Association
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/nfl-national-anthem-protests-nflpa-eagles-dolphins-malcolm-jenkins-20180719.html
Philly
A sexual harassment complaint against Sheriff Jewell Williams was substantiated this year, documents show
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/philadelphia-sheriff-jewell-williams-sexual-harassment-case-substantiated-mayors-office-controller-20180719.html
Sexual harassment policy updated for city agencies
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/sexual-harassment-policy-updated-for-city-agencies/article_f5a65306-3fea-5d4f-b131-c5b66663a4e3.html
A $102.8M impact: Made in America regarded as economic boon to Philly
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/a-m-impact-made-in-america-regarded-as-economic-boon/article_51390773-29bd-586d-89db-34097fe02fa3.html
What makes Made in America such a distinctly Philadelphian event? It’s the Parkway, stupid
http://www.philly.com/philly/entertainment/music/made-in-america-2018-jay-z-parkway-move-mayor-kenney-20180719.html
Did Mayor Kenney diss Jay-Z over Made in America? | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/mayor-kenney-jay-z-roc-nation-made-in-america-20180719.html
Mayor Kenney vs. Jay-Z: A lose-lose? | Stu Bykofsky
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/stu_bykofsky/jay-z-beyonce-philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-made-in-america-festival-benjamin-franklin-parkway-lose-stu-bykofsky-20180719.html
Philly spent $2.2M since 2012 to settle sexual harassment cases. The controller says it’s probably higher
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/philadelphia-city-sexual-harassment-policy-jim-kenney-rebecca-rhynhart-controller-audit-payouts-20180719.html
Philly NAACP leader didn’t disclose his paid gig lobbying for Kenney’s soda tax | Clout
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/clout/clout-mayor-kenney-soda-tax-rodney-muhammad-lobbying-fine-20180720.html
Calling for nuance in terrorism sentences, judge frees Philly man 6 years after arrest
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/bakhtiyor-jumaev-sentencing-philly-terrorism-case-denver-uzbekistan-20180719.html
You’re not seeing things. Philadelphia’s identical firehouses are all over the city
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/inga_saffron/philadelphia-firehouses-1950s-modernist-design-20180720.html
Pipeline advances plan to open western Pa. to Midwest refiners, at expense of Philly producers
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/energy/buckeye-advances-bidirectional-penna-pipeline-detrimental-philly-refiners-20180720.html
Why we need to rename Taney Street | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/taney-street-philadelphia-rename-roger-taney-mone-davis-20180719.html
Close Chestnut Street to cars (again) to make Center City more vibrant | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/chestnut-street-transitway-center-city-cars-bikes-buses-20180719.html
2018 Phila. Sports Hall of Fame class announced
http://www.phillytrib.com/sports/phila-sports-hall-of-fame-class-announced/article_75461cea-ebfc-517b-8680-e0ec6d40a65d.html
Pitt
Port Authority may use new firm for next stage of Bus Rapid Transit design
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/07/19/Port-Authority-BRT-Oakland-Downtown-Pittsburgh-design-contract-CDM-Smith-AECOM-transportation/stories/201807190145
Port Authority expects to complete Blue Line work by Sept. 1
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/07/19/Port-Authority-expects-to-complete-blue-line-work-by-Sept-1/stories/201807190113
Five homeless youths receive $5,000 college scholarships
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/07/19/homeless-youth-homeless-children-s-Education-Fund-college/stories/201807200006
Effort underway to restore Cascades pools, waterfalls in South Park
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2018/07/19/Penguins-Foundation-Allegheny-County-restoration-South-Park-Cascades/stories/201807190131
Protests that backfire: Blocking traffic got attention; now focus on reforms
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/07/20/Protests-that-backfire-Blocking-traffic-got-attention-now-focus-on-reforms-1/stories/201807200083
9 companies competing for medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13882310-74/nine-companies-competing-for-medical-marijuana-dispensary-licenses-in-pittsburgh
Pittsburghers celebrate city’s name with ‘H Day’
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13881451-74/pittsburghers-celebrate-citys-name-with-h-day
Pittsburgh area home sales increase while inventory moves faster
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13882378-74/pittsburgh-area-homes-sales-increase-while-inventory-moves-faster
State News
How one Delaware County town became ‘a cool place to go in the suburbs’
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/media-delaware-county-continues-to-thrive-restaurants-brick-brew-pinocchios-granite-run-mall-20180720.html
Pa. Attorney General sues housing lender for ‘deceptive’ practices
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/07/19/PA-Attorney-general-sues-contract-for-deeds-housing-lender-deceptive-rent-own/stories/201807190146
State Capitol building to be lighted for Special Olympics 50th anniversary
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13881152-74/state-capitol-building-to-be-lighted-for-special-olympics-50th-anniversary
Hearing on central Pa. golf club accused of racism postponed
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/hearing_on_central_pa_golf_clu.html#incart_river_index
25 Pennsylvania towns with the longest commute times
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/07/3618ce1d10/25_pennsylvania_towns_with_the.html#incart_river_index
On Politics: Lloyd Smucker calls for pressure on Russia; final campaign spending revealed for Beiler and Hartman; and Fetterman to visit Lancaster
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/on-politics-lloyd-smucker-calls-for-pressure-on-russia-final/article_471f1d28-8b98-11e8-814b-eb7b980d101d.html
After five-year delay, Cokeburg dam project back on track with Local Share Account
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/after-five-year-delay-cokeburg-dam-project-back-on-track/article_a99957d2-8abe-11e8-bc49-bf13724382ad.html
Transportation
Work to replace 2nd East Deer bridge delayed
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13884356-74/work-to-replace-second-east-deer-bridge-delayed-into-august
Tarentum southbound on-ramp to Route 28 to close this weekend
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13882328-74/tarentum-southbound-on-ramp-to-route-28-to-close-this-weekend
Officials unveil new plan to address safety on Warren Street Bypass in Reading
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/officials-unveil-new-plan-to-address-safety-on-warren-street-bypass-in-reading
Restrictions planned for Route 222 roundabout in Richmond Township
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/route-222-roundabout-set-to-be-widened
Bieber may be shut out of Port Authority over money owed to agency
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bieber-may-have-to-halt-service-to-port-authority
Port Authority: Bieber owes $200k, will not be using NYC terminal
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-bieber-bus-port-authority-lehigh-valley-commuters-nonpayment-20180720-story.html
State Street is deadliest road in nation, experts say
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/state_street_deadliest_in_nati.html#incart_river_index
Washington
Toomey co-sponsors measure to keep Iraqi Jewish artifacts in U.S.
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/07/19/Senator-Pat-Toomey-Iraqi-Jewish-artifacts-US-congress/stories/201807190184
Senate panel advances PA judicial nominee, over Bob Casey’s objection
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/david-porter-pa-advances-over-bob-casey-objection-pa-third-circuit-20180719.html
Casey speaks out against newsprint tariffs, defends ‘bedrock of our democracy’
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13882582-74/casey-speaks-out-against-newsprint-tariffs-defends-bedrock-of-our-democracy