Legislature
Philly lawmaker’s ban on ‘gay, trans panic defense’ is an idea whose time has come | Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/07/philly_lawmakers_ban_on_gay_tr.html
State Rep. Jake Wheatley wants to legalize marijuana in Pennsylvania
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/07/25/Jake-Wheatley-Pennsylvania-marijuana-legalize-recreational-use-tax-revenue/stories/201807250157
Administration
Labor, Industry secretary visits Blair’s CareerLink
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/07/labor-industry-secretary-visits-blairs-careerlink/
Business
Hersheypark to remain closed Thursday due to flooding
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/hersheypark-knoebels-closed-flooding-rain-wednesday-20180725.html
State officials, businesses discuss workforce development
https://observer-reporter.com/business/state-officials-businesses-discuss-workforce-development/article_d3d98618-8f7b-11e8-993b-67554172d6ce.html
Crime/Punishment
Judge: Main Line’s payday lending ‘godfather’ not too sick for prison
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/charles-hallinan-payday-lending-prison-sentence-cancer-godfather-eduardo-robreno-butner-nc-medical-center-20180725.html
Indiana County highway detail results in 3 drug arrests, 84 traffic citations
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13904529-74/indiana-county-highway-detail-results-in-3-drug-arrests-84-traffic-citations
Education
New Kensington-Arnold School District expected to recall more furloughed teachers
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13903068-74/story
Harrisburg School District explains grading policy that gives students a 50 percent for free
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/harrisburg_school_district_exp.html#incart_river_index
Women Empowered: Getting to screech, moonwalk in the name of (bird) science
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712806/women-empowered-getting-to-screech-moonwalk-in-the-name-of-bird-science
Penn State New Kensington campus gets $75K for revitalization efforts
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13903890-74/penn-state-new-kensington-campus-gets-75k-for-revitalization-efforts
Temple finds more misreporting for U.S. News magazine rankings
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/temple-university-fox-business-school-misreporting-magazine-ranking-scandal-20180725.html
Why are suburban super-students burning out in college? These Main Line therapists say anxiety is high – and all around us | Maria Panaritis
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/teenager-anxiety-therapy-high-school-students-mental-health-main-line-maria-panaritis-20180725.html
APNewsBreak: Pennsylvania pays fired university VP’s lawyer
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20180724_ap_11655b5cff3b4c51b2dcf1126aaa58cb.html
DeVos rules would cut estimated $13B in student loan relief
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20180725_ap_71ff8fc6dd71402f87482b36e6a1a40c.html
Elections/Politics
Candidates should reveal tax returns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/candidates-should-reveal-tax-returns-1.2365992
Another GOP headache: Female voters hand Dems a double-digit edge in new poll | Analysis
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/07/another_gop_headache_female_vo.html
Trump coming to Wilkes-Barre to stump for Barletta
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/trump-wilkes-barre-rally-lou-barletta-campaign-mohegan-sun-august-20180725.html
Trump will visit arena on Aug. 2
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/trump-will-visit-arena-on-aug-2-1.2366042
Congressional candidate Chrin meets with DA Salavantis on sanctuary cities
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712809/congressional-candidate-chrin-meets-with-da-salavantis-on-sanctuary-cities
Power to more people: A healthy trend toward third-party candidates
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/07/26/Power-to-more-people-A-healthy-trend-toward-third-party-candidates/stories/201807250054
Environment
Delco Council commissions long-debated study of Sunoco pipeline
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/sunoco-pipeline-mariner-east-delaware-county-council-study-20180725.html
Three operators ordered to plug more than a thousand abandoned gas and oil wells in Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/regional/13903783-74/three-operators-ordered-to-plug-more-than-a-thousand-abandoned-gas-and
State orders companies to plug more than 1,000 abandoned oil, gas wells
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2018/07/25/state-orders-companies-to-plug-1000-abandoned-oil-gas-wells/?_ga=2.234487006.1153894920.1532435413-143648526.1525781970
Feds meet with Montco, Bucks residents on water contamination at bases
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/feds-hear-from-horsham-epa-meeting-military-water-contamination-20180725.html
Susquehanna County farmers get nod for protecting water
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/susquehanna-county-farmers-get-nod-for-protecting-water-1.2365953
Officials sign pact creating Mount Penn Preserve Partnership
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/officials-sign-pact-creating-mount-penn-preserve-partnership
Flooding
Gov. Wolf to tour flood-ravaged areas in western Schuylkill
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/gov-wolf-to-tour-flood-ravaged-areas-in-western-schuylkill
Schuylkill County official warns public to avoid flood-stressed Moon Lake Dam
http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-moon-lake-dam-flood-alert-schuylkill-20180725-story.html
Heavy rain, flood waters prompt evacuations in central Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13903547-74/heavy-rain-flood-waters-prompt-evacuations-in-central-pennsylvania
Flash flooding wreaks havoc across county
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712781/flash-flood-warning-issued-for-luzerne-county-several-roads-blocked
Roads closed, power outages due to heavy rain
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/roads-closed-power-outages-due-to-heavy-rain-1.2366039
Agricultural Plymouth Flats buzzes with flood preparations
https://www.timesleader.com/news/712814/agricultural-plymouth-flats-buzzes-with-flood-preparations
Short-lived downpour floods Vandergrift streets, homes
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13903872-74/short-lived-downpour-floods-vandergrift-streets-homes
When will the waters subside? Susquehanna River, other central Pa. creeks remain high
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/when_will_the_waters_subside_s.html#incart_river_index
Flood warning continues for rivers, areas across central Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/07/flood_warning_continues_for_ri.html#incart_river_index
Gaming
Westmoreland Mall chosen to host region’s new mini-casino
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2018/07/25/Pennsylvania-mini-casino-Westmoreland-Mall-Stadium-Casino-CBL-Properties/stories/201807250188
Residents, lawmakers react to proposed Westmoreland Mall casino
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13903168-74/residents-lawmakers-react-to-proposed-westmoreland-mall-casino
Health Care
Tower Health seeks tax relief across southeast PA
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/tower-health-seeks-tax-relief-across-southeast-pa
Local News
Councilwoman questions Solomon Creek project progress
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/councilwoman-questions-solomon-creek-project-progress-1.2366013
JCC prepares to move to new home in Kingston
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/jcc-prepares-to-move-to-new-home-in-kingston-1.2365983
Owner of proposed clinic files lawsuit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/owner-of-proposed-clinic-files-lawsuit-1.2366008
Cummings suggests countywide ban on edibles infused with marijuana, pot extracts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cummings-suggests-countywide-ban-on-edibles-infused-with-marijuana-pot-extracts-1.2365951
Clarks Summit mulls renovations to borough building, moving to new location
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/clarks-summit-mulls-renovations-to-borough-building-moving-to-new-location-1.2366026
Old Forge ‘Jeopardy!’ champ falls $1 short of winning
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-jeopardy-champ-falls-1-short-of-winning-1.2365997
$5 vehicle registration fee back up for discussion in Lehigh County
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-registration-fee-plan-lehigh-county-20180725-story.html
A Pennsylvania steel town reinvents itself with a future beyond steel
https://www.pri.org/stories/2018-07-25/pennsylvania-steel-town-reinvents-itself-future-beyond-steel
Summit comprehensive plan aims to stop sprawl
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180726/summit-comprehensive-plan-aims-to-stop-sprawl
National News
States try to quash robocalls, but they’re worse than ever
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/robocalls-fcc-ftc-autodial-blocking-chinese-scam-cruise-do-not-call-registry-spoofing-20180725.html
Thousands of older children also were separated at the border. What happens to them?
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/thousands-of-older-children-also-were-separated-at-the-border-what-happens-to-them-20180725.html
Opioid Crisis
How opioids reshape your brain, and what scientists are learning about addiction
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/addiction/what-science-knows-about-how-opioids-reshape-your-brain-20180724.html
Counties take different paths to sue drug companies in opioid crisis
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/counties-take-different-paths-to-sue-drug-companies-in-opioid-crisis
Philly
She says her granddaughter’s acceptance to Philly charter was rescinded because of her special-education status
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/she-says-her-granddaughters-acceptance-to-philly-charter-was-rescinded-because-of-her-special-education-status-20180726.html
African valets who park the cars at Penn Medicine say they got fired after trying to unionize
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/african-valets-who-park-the-cars-at-penn-medicine-say-they-got-fired-after-trying-to-unionize-20180726.html
SEPTA sells naming rights of AT&T Station to NRG
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/energy/septa-broad-street-line-station-att-nrg-naming-rights-20180726.html
Controller’s sex harassment audit is only a partial picture | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/sexual-harassment-rebecca-rhynhart-audit-controller-jewell-williams-20180726.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh Public Schools board passes resolution opposing armed teachers in schools
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/07/25/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-armed-teachers-gun-resolution-donald-trump-NRA/stories/201807250010
Pittsburgh airport lands nonstop flights to London
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/07/25/Pittsburgh-International-Airport-nonstop-flights-to-London-British-Airways-Heathrow/stories/201807250089
Latest lead tests deliver better findings for PWSA
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/07/25/PWSA-lead-test-results-improve-orthophosphate-lead-lines-replacements-pittsburgh-water/stories/201807250162
Pittsburgh City Council postpones vote on new UPMC hospital while mayor backs plan
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13903249-74/pittsburgh-city-council-postpones-vote-on-new-upmc-hospital-while-mayor-backs
Pittsburgh City Council approves $40 million purchase and renovation of Downtown building
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13902827-74/pittsburgh-city-county-approves-40-million-purchase-and-renovation-of-downtown-building
Protesters block Downtown streets in demonstration against police shooting
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/07/25/downtown-pittsburgh-police-shooting-protest-dontay-green-arlington/stories/201807250200
DA freezes bank accounts of Carnegie Library theft defendants, spurring legal challenge
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/07/25/Carnegie-library-rare-book-theft-john-schulman-caliban-frozen-bank-account/stories/201807250125
Former Allegheny County crime lab chemist pleads guilty to stealing drugs
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/07/25/Former-Allegheny-County-crime-lab-chemist-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-drugs-matthew-ieraci-pittsburgh/stories/201807250190
Clark Bar fans get more bad news as manufacturing plant closes near Boston
http://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2018/07/25/Clark-Bar-Pittsburgh-candy-manufacturing-plant-closes-Boston-Necco-Wafers/stories/201807250165
Grand jury indicts Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office clerk for tipping off drug-dealing suspects
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/07/25/Allegheny-county-Sheriffs-Office-Erika-Romanowski-indicted-federal-grand-jury-drug-ring/stories/201807250160
YMCA to exit bankruptcy; top exec says it still faces challenges
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/07/25/YMCA-Greater-Pittsburgh-exit-bankruptcy-Kevin-Bolding-branches-closures-Millcraft/stories/201807250164
Pittsburgh YMCA exits bankruptcy, embarks on reorganization
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13903977-74/pittsburgh-ymca-exits-bankruptcy-embarks-on-reorganization
Bombardier to relocate some offices to Strip District from West Mifflin
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/07/24/Bombardier-Transportation-to-relocate-some-offices-from-West-Mifflin-to-Strip-District-rail/stories/201807240107
The dangers of dumps: Protecting the environment begins on the surface
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/07/26/The-dangers-of-dumps-Protecting-the-environment-begins-on-the-surface/stories/201807260025
Pittsburgh water authority hopes to lift ‘flush and boil’ order for the North Side by Thursday
https://triblive.com/news/adminpage/13903596-74/pittsburgh-water-authority-hopes-to-lift-flush-and-boil-order-for-the
State News
The wait for Social Security disability benefits in Pa. might grow longer under new proposal
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/ssi-disablity-hearings-congress-backlog-philadelphia-reconsideration-delays-20180725.html
Grandparents to protest at Berks County Residential Center
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/grandparents-to-protest-at-berks-county-residential-center
Pennsylvania officials attack plan to relax mileage rules
http://www.phillytrib.com/metros/pennsylvania-officials-attack-plan-to-relax-mileage-rules/article_f7b80b28-90c4-11e8-a690-4b4d8f28dfee.html
Transportation
Historic pedestrian bridge in Weatherly closed
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/historic-pedestrian-bridge-in-weatherly-closed-1.2365990
Lehigh Valley-based Trans-Bridge to take over some NYC runs for Bieber buses
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lehigh-valley-based-trans-bridge-to-take-over-some-nyc-runs-for-bieber-buses
Washington
House conservatives move to impeach deputy attorney general
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20180725_ap_5c36ed17e3744b1c81cfc587784b7b30.html