Legislature
Bills push free, affordable college for state students
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/bills-push-free-affordable-college-for-state-students/article_8381bf44-7c45-5f1d-98f5-6ff4cf8c1de8.html
As Pa.’s cost of college rises, legislature proposes free tuition, room and board
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/as_pas_cost_of_college_rises_l.html#incart_2box_politics
Pa. Senate unanimously OKs bill to stop SNAP trafficking
http://www.wfmz.com/news/berks/pa-senate-unanimously-oks-bill-to-stop-snap-trafficking/750014503
Lawmakers OK civics knowledge test for Pennsylvania students
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20180606_ap_22a245ded7304c299a0af2d81a4c74ca.html
House passes bill to require students to take citizenship test
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/house_passes_bill_to_require_s.html#incart_2box_politics
Pennsylvania eyes statewide school threats reporting system
http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13732100-74/pennsylvania-eyes-statewide-school-threats-reporting-system
School threat reporting system wins passage in state Senate
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/school_threat_reporting_system.html#incart_river_index
School safety proposal passes unanimously in Pa. Senate
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/06/school-safety-proposal-passes-unanimously-in-pa-senate/
Elevator safety bill moving forward
http://citizensvoice.com/news/elevator-safety-bill-moving-forward-1.2346602
Brown’s HB 2152 moves on to state senate
http://www.poconorecord.com/news/20180606/browns-hb-2152-moves-on-to-state-senate
Bills providing free, reduced-price college for Pa. students deserve a look | Editorial
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/06/bills_providing_free_reduced-p.html#incart_river_index
Test overdue
http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/test-overdue-1.2346586
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Despite trepidation, redistricting bill progressing
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/06/despite-trepidation-redistricting-bill-progressing-through-senate.php
Administration
Pa. Gov. Wolf signs executive order in attempt to bridge gender pay gap in state workforce
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/pa-gender-pay-gap-tom-wolf-executive-order-20180606.html
Gov. Wolf removes salary histories to fight gender pay gap
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/gov_wolf_removes_salary_histor.html#incart_river_index
Wolf signs order focused on ending wage gap
http://www.tribdem.com/news/wolf-signs-order-focused-on-ending-wage-gap/article_39d75596-69f5-11e8-b37d-a3dbbd278fd2.html
New executive order aims to close wage gap for some state workers
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/06/new-executive-order-aims-to-close-wage-gap-for-some-state-workers.php
Pennsylvania agriculture secretary hears from Berks farmers
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-agriculture-secretary-meets-with-berks-farmers
Business
Pa.’s $10M helps AmerisourceBergen decide on new Conshy HQ, with 550 new jobs
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/amerisourcebergen-hq-conshohocken-550-new-jobs-pa-gov-wolf-10-million-joseph-n-distefano-20180606.html
Store restroom’s blue lighting aims to deter drug use
http://citizensvoice.com/news/store-restroom-s-blue-lighting-aims-to-deter-drug-use-1.2346605
AmerisourceBergen to keep headquarters in Pa.; add more than 550 jobs
http://www.pennlive.com/business/index.ssf/2018/06/amerisourcebergen.html#incart_river_index
Officials: Water main contractor struck Mariner East 2 in Delaware County
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2018/06/06/officials-water-main-contractor-struck-mariner-east-2-in-delaware-county/?_ga=2.155296317.782472858.1528286101-143648526.1525781970
Crime/Punishment
Dozens of speakers at hearing assail Pa. plan to use algorithm in sentencing
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/philadelphia-pennsylvania-algorithm-sentencing-public-hearing-20180606.html
Addiction clinic operator to plead guilty in drug case involving five Pittsburgh doctors
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/06/06/opioid-suboxone-addiction-clinic-christopher-handa-federal-court-plea-redirections-treatment-advocates/stories/201806060173
Foreign exchange student from Taiwan faces new federal charge after Delaware County school shooting threat
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/an-tso-sun-foreign-exchange-student-faces-new-federal-charge-after-delaware-county-school-shooting-threat-20180606.html
Bucks funeral home director pleads guilty to stealing nearly $300K from clients
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/bucks-funeral-home-director-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-nearly-300k-from-clients-20180606.html
Not in session: Grand juries cannot permit exceptional testimony
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/06/07/Not-in-session-Grand-juries-cannot-permit-exceptional-testimony/stories/201806070084
Diocese of Scranton mum on grand jury statement
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/diocese-of-scranton-mum-on-grand-jury-statement-1.2346492
Education
Proposed budget cuts strike sour note in Mars Area schools
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2018/06/06/Mars-Area-School-District-band-music-budget-tax-increase/stories/201806070028
Don’t let the Lower Merion School District plunder our precious open space | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/lower-merion-school-district-stoneleigh-20180607.html
Teacher furloughs raise concerns about Central Greene’s finances
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/teacher-furloughs-raise-concerns-about-central-greene-s-finances/article_7a053556-69b5-11e8-9d91-d746182ac462.html
Reading Area Community College gets $751,695 for adult education
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-area-community-college-gets-751695-for-adult-education&template=ourcityart
Health Care
Woman sues UPMC for exposure to TB and seeks class action
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2018/06/06/Woman-sues-UPMC-exposure-to-TB-seeks-class-action/stories/201806060196
UPMC sued for negligence after infected nurse exposes thousands to tuberculosis
http://triblive.com/news/healthnow/13731955-74/upmc-sued-for-negligence-after-infected-nurse-exposes-thousands-to-tuberculosis
Local News
NIT hits Hutson St. in response to residents’ complaints on crime, blight and parking
https://www.timesleader.com/news/706935/nit-hits-hutson-st-in-response-to-residents-complaints-on-crime-blight-and-parking
Residents’ complaints draw city response in Iron Triangle
http://citizensvoice.com/news/residents-complaints-draw-city-response-in-iron-triangle-1.2346598
Luzerne County 911 to host open house
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/706962/luzerne-county-911-to-host-open-house
Luzerne County home rule ballot question may not be sought for November general election
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/706937/luzerne-county-home-rule-ballot-question-may-not-be-sought-for-november-general-election
Avoca residents suing law firm that aided them in creosote plant case
http://citizensvoice.com/news/avoca-residents-suing-law-firm-that-aided-them-in-creosote-plant-case-1.2346608
No tax bills for Scranton parking garage sold for $1
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/no-tax-bills-for-scranton-parking-garage-sold-for-1-1.2346517
What a mess: Mayor not pleased with trash haulers
http://www.standardspeaker.com/news/what-a-mess-mayor-not-pleased-with-trash-haulers-1.2346580
Mahanoy City kicks off preemptive enforcement
http://www.standardspeaker.com/news/mahanoy-city-kicks-off-preemptive-enforcement-1.2346574
Harrison seniors facility gets zoning OK
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13731574-74/harrison-seniors-facility-gets-zoning-ok
Gilpin considers tax abatement for new businesses
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13731320-74/gilpin-considers-tax-abatement-for-new-businesses
Aliquippa police chief placed on paid leave
http://triblive.com/local/regional/13733418-74/aliquippa-police-chief-placed-on-paid-leave
Tiny murals in West Reading part of an unusual exhibition
http://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/more-than-100-tiny-murals-have-popped-up-all-over-west-reading
Berks County honors child welfare workers this week
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-honors-child-welfare-workers-this-week
National News
Two of Scott Pruitt’s aides resign as the EPA’s ethics questions continue
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/06/06/Two-of-Scott-Pruitt-s-aides-resign-as-the-EPA-s-ethics-questions-continue/stories/201806060245
Pipeline explosion reported near Wheeling, W.Va.
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/06/07/Pipeline-explosion-moundsville-west-virginia/stories/201806070129
Opioid Crisis
Awareness, technology start to work
http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/awareness-technology-start-to-work-1.2346584
Battling opioid addiction: These meds can save lives. But they’re not available everywhere in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/06/a77ab21935202/stigma_against_meds_to_treat_o.html#incart_target2box_default_#incart_target2box_targeted_
Philly
Tax on new construction advances despite Kenney concerns, scorching criticism from building trades
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/tax-on-new-construction-advances-despite-kenney-concerns-scorching-criticism-from-building-trades-20180606.html
As Philadelphia changes, Wells Fargo Center tries to change with it
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/wells-fargo-arena-renovation-upgrades-construction-sixers-flyers-20180607.html
Philly man, wrongly imprisoned for 25 years, gets nearly $10 million from city
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/anthony-wright-louise-talley-10-million-settlement-dna-evidence-rape-murder-nicetown-25-years-philadelphia-20180606.html
Two men critically wounded in North Philly shooting
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/crime/two-men-critically-wounded-in-north-philly-shooting-20180606.html
On Kensington’s Emerald Street, heroin-weary neighbors hope for a break
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/addiction/on-kensingtons-emerald-street-heroin-weary-neighbors-hope-for-a-break-20180606.html
Judge sides with Philadelphia in ‘sanctuary city’ fight
http://www.phillytrib.com/metros/judge-sides-with-philadelphia-in-sanctuary-city-fight/article_b53821e6-69e8-11e8-a89e-372a93af1e7a.html
Judge rules for Philadelphia in ‘Sanctuary City’ case
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/sanctuary-city-judge-rules-for-philadelphia-trump-undocumented-immigrants-20180606.html
Queen Village makes room for memorial to a historic African American burial ground
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/inga_saffron/queen-village-makes-room-for-memorial-to-a-historic-african-american-burial-ground-20180607.html
New test: 10.7 million asbestos fibers on floor at Philadelphia elementary school
http://www.philly.com/philly/education/olney-elementary-school-philadelphia-asbestos-fibers-increase-toxic-city-20180606.html
Designs to be aired for middle segment of central Delaware River waterfront trail
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/real_estate/commercial/delaware-river-waterfront-trail-development-i95-park-20180606.html
Pitt
Battle over controversial Penn Plaza development headed to court
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/06/06/Battle-over-Penn-Plaza-headed-to-court-Gumberg-Enright-East-Liberty-development/stories/201806060158
Developer appeals Pittsburgh planning board conditions on Penn Plaza project
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13731538-74/developer-appeals-pittsburgh-planning-board-conditions-on-penn-plaza-project
Pittsburgh looking to replace Washington Boulevard floodgates after latest failure
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/06/06/Washington-Boulevard-floodgates-replacement-failure-Pittsburgh-Allegheny-River-Negley-Run/stories/201806060165
Pittsburgh’s Washington Boulevard flood gates are again malfunctioning
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13731828-74/pittsburghs-washington-boulevard-flood-gates-are-again-malfunctioning
Humane Animal Rescue celebrates 1,000th transfer rescue
http://www.post-gazette.com/pets/pet-tales/2018/06/06/Humane-Animal-rescue-celebrates-1000-transfer-rescue-Pittsburgh-dogs/stories/201806060161
ABBA The Tribute Concert to headline Pride Rocks on Saturda
http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2018/06/06/ABBA-The-Tribute-to-headline-Pride-Rocks-Delta-Foundation/stories/201806060201
Report: No arrests in most Pittsburgh homicides, mirroring many U.S. cities
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13731216-74/report-no-arrests-in-most-pittsburgh-homicides-mirroring-many-us-cities
East Hills park dedicated to murder and rape victim in unsolved case
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13734226-74/east-hills-park-dedicated-to-murder-and-rape-victim-in-unsolved-case
State News
Big Brothers Big Sisters branches to get big play day from Pinball PA
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13732354-74/big-brothers-big-sisters-branches-to-get-big-play-day-from-pinball
Venues throughout the region slate concerts, festivals this season
http://citizensvoice.com/arts-living/venues-throughout-the-region-slate-concerts-festivals-this-season-1.2345915
Nonprofits encouraged to apply for Fresh Paint Days grants
http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13731911-74/nonprofits-encouraged-to-apply-for-fresh-paint-days-grants
Emerald ash borer has been an environmental problem, but now may be financial problem
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/emerald-ash-borer-has-been-an-environmental-problem-but-now-may-be-financial-problem-1.2346675
Pa. natural gas boom falls in Russia’s crosshairs as gas-rich nation amplifies discord in American politics, energy sector
https://lancasteronline.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-natural-gas-boom-falls-in-russia-s-crosshairs-as/article_dfaba32c-6997-11e8-9a8c-07379a49b0f4.html
Virus linked to smallmouth bass deaths in Susquehanna
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2018/06/06/virus-linked-to-smallmouth-bass-deaths-in-susquehanna/?_ga=2.119975054.782472858.1528286101-143648526.1525781970
Berks Military History Museum marks 74th anniversary of D-Day
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-military-history-museum-marks-74th-anniversary-of-d-day
Transportation
Southwest Pa. Commission proposes $4.9 billion in transportation projects over next 4 years
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/06/06/Southwestern-Pennsylvania-Commission-Pittsburgh-proposal-transportation-projects-4-year-plan/stories/201806060185
McKinney Road bridge in McCandless to close for 2 months
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13731683-74/mckinney-road-bridge-in-mccandless-to-close-for-2-months
Washington
House GOP in 11th-hour attempt for immigration accord
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/06/06/There-s-no-immigration-deal-yet-between-the-House-s-Republican-factions/stories/201806060236
Pittsburgh judicial nominee tells senators his ideology won’t influence his ability to apply precedent
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/06/06/David-Porter-judicial-nominee-Toomey-Casey-Grassley-Feinstein-blue-slip-pittsbsurgh/stories/201806060205