Legislature
Area lawmakers introduce bill to boost safety at houses of worship
https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/area-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-boost-safety-at-houses-of/article_eeb6d4d6-5430-5f6d-80a7-84542cb92b74.html
Security grants sought for houses of worship after Pittsburgh synagogue massacre
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-pittsburgh-synagogue-shooting-security-money-20190603-p5wu4a56jrheppgnqver2fwmhy-story.html
Big marijuana firms are ‘rolling up’ local dispensaries and growers, skirting Pennsylvania’s laws
https://www.inquirer.com/business/harvest-big-marijuana-pennsylvania-consolidation-permits-laws-20190604.html
Bill to regulate human milk banks passes Pa. House
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/bill-to-regulate-human-milk-banks-passes-pa-house.html
Sen. Tommy Tomlinson proposes bill to stop illegal ‘skill games’
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190604/sen-tommy-tomlinson-proposes-bill-to-stop-illegal-skill-games
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta proposes plan to limit state government spending
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190603/state-sen-camera-bartolotta-proposes-plan-to-limit-state-government-spending
Bills seeks to change name of program to draw more municipalities’ interest
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/bills-seeks-to-change-name-of-program-to-draw-more-municipalities-interest.html
Bikers rally for motorcycle lemon law and procession rights at Pa. Capitol
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/bikers-rally-for-motorcycle-lemon-law-and-procession-rights-at-pa-capitol.html
Presiding over Pa. Senate, Lt. Governor nearly faints
https://www.inquirer.com/news/john-fetterman-faint-senate-floor-pennsylvania-20190603.html
Cigar, ski and seersucker clubs — all for Pa. lawmakers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-legislative-specialty-caucuses-ski-cigar-seersucker-20190603.html
New plan for Allentown State Hospital: Tear it down first, then find a buyer
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-state-hospital-demolition-bill-new-sale-process-20190603-kz37vcetjvat5cprpuifmctpju-story.html
Paul Muschick on Allentown State Hospital: Finally, a plan that makes sense
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-allentown-state-hospital-redevelopment-muschick-20190604-io4ssteysrflrptfndidm7yisu-story.html
We must protect the medical assistance transportation program | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/06/we-must-protect-the-medical-assistance-transportation-program-opinion.html
Pennsylvania breast milk law could harm premature newborns | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-breast-milk-laws-20190603.html
EDITORIAL: Pa. needs the Fairness Act
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2019/06/04/editorial-pa-needs-fairness-act/1288116001/
Administration
Gov. Wolf should call a statewide task force on gun violence | PennLive Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/06/gov-wolf-should-call-a-statewide-task-force-on-gun-violence-pennlive-editorial.html
What Lt. Gov. Fetterman learned on pot tour/PA’s climate goals
https://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/06/recreational-marijuana-legalization-carbon-emission-reductions.php
Budget
Study: Pennsylvania broadband speeds far slower than federal estimates
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2019/06/03/Pennsylvania-broadband-speeds-meinrath-penn-state-university-internet-slow/stories/201906030110
Spotty broadband service hinders internet users in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/spotty-broadband-service-hinders-internet-users-in-berks
Budget offers opportunity
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/budget-offers-opportunity-1.2491524
Pipelines
As Adelphia pipeline clears hurdles, Bucks officials raise zoning concerns
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/adelphia-gateway-pipeline-quakertown-bucks-county-20190604.html
Sunoco workers clean drilling fluid on Boot Road
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/sunoco-workers-clean-drilling-fluid-on-boot-road/article_482bbeac-863c-11e9-8451-d3f507cfafe3.html
Business
Anti-union groups are targeting home-care workers nationally, but labor in Pa. has already scored a win
https://www.inquirer.com/news/home-care-workers-union-dues-pennsylvania-20190604.html
Crime/Punishment
Prosecutor: Mom wanted to kill daughter with fentanyl in sippy cup so she could return to smoking pot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/03/toddler-fentanyl-death-poisoning-mother-jhenea-pratt-pittsburgh-east-hills-trial/stories/201906030081
Hermitage online drug importer admits guilt in FDA investigation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/03/drug-importer-pennsylvania-china-russia-emil-koledin-mercer-county-guilty-plea-fda/stories/201906030093
Ex-state agent sentenced in conspiracy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ex-state-agent-sentenced-in-conspiracy-1.2491551
Education
Woodland Hills eyes 70 job cuts, tax hike to balance budget
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/06/03/Woodland-Hills-budget-deficit-James-Harris-layoffs-teachers/stories/201906030129
Penn Hills residents voice concerns about school district’s financial plan
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-residents-voice-concerns-about-school-districts-financial-plan/
State seeks receivership for troubled Harrisburg School District
https://www.inquirer.com/news/harrisburg-school-district-receiver-financial-recovery-pedro-rivera-pennsylvania-20190603.html
Silencing voters? State takeover of Harrisburg schools would wrest control from elected board
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/silencing-voters-state-takeover-of-harrisburg-schools-would-wrest-control-from-elected-board.html
Requested state takeover of Harrisburg School District draws support from key state policymakers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/requested-state-takeover-of-harrisburg-school-district-draws-support-from-key-state-policymaker.html
A special day for students with special needs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/746201/a-special-day-for-students-with-special-needs
Lake-Lehman, Northwest propose tax hikes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lake-lehman-northwest-propose-tax-hikes-1.2491646
More than 100 scholarship winners honored at Berks County Community Foundation luncheon
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/more-than-100-scholarship-winners-honored-at-berks-county-community-foundation-luncheon
60 to 80 students decontaminated with fire hoses after pepper spray released at Easton Area Middle School
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pepper-spray-at-easton-area-middle-school-hazmat-20190603-y3xlhz4pgvc2vkkmgvaodcurny-story.html
Cheyney president optimistic budget will be balanced by month’s end
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/cheyney-president-optimistic-budget-will-be-balanced-by-month-s/article_990f3f02-8342-522e-81d1-ee932357ba8e.html
King’s College to mark 100th anniversary of Baltimore Mine disaster
https://www.timesleader.com/news/746186/kings-college-to-mark-100th-anniversary-of-baltimore-mine-disaster
Misericordia creating new community park in Dallas
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/misericordia-creating-new-community-park-in-dallas-1.2491626
Elections/Politics
This Butler County Democrat lost a House election. But does his race hold a lesson for red district underdogs?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/this-butler-county-democrat-lost-a-house-election-but-does-his-race-hold-a-lesson-for-red-district-underdogs/
Gaming
Some in this Pa. community don’t want a casino. Will it matter?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/some-in-this-pa-community-dont-want-a-casino-will-it-matter.html
Pennsylvania casinos ask court to stop or limit iLottery games
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/with-internet-poker-slots-and-other-games-coming-this-summer-pennsylvania-casinos-ask-court-to-stop-or-limit-ilottery-games.html
Health Care
Judge to decide next week if AG Shapiro can block looming UPMC-Highmark split
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/judge-to-decide-next-week-if-ag-shapiro-can-block-looming-upmc-highmark-split/
Quest Diagnostics discloses breach of patient records
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/06/03/Quest-Diagnostics-discloses-breach-patient-records-financial-medical-data/stories/201906030096
Report: Newborn withdrawal symptoms higher in NEPA
https://www.timesleader.com/news/746197/report-newborn-withdrawal-symptoms-higher-in-nepa
Number of Pennsylvania babies treated for drug exposure levels off, report shows
https://triblive.com/local/regional/number-of-pennsylvania-babies-treated-for-drug-exposure-levels-off-report-shows/
Babies born dependent on opioids — some Pa. counties have far more than others
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/babies-born-dependent-on-opioids-some-pa-counties-have-far-more-than-others.html
Local News
Luzerne County still recovering from cyber attack
https://www.timesleader.com/news/746203/luzerne-county-still-recovering-from-cyber-attack
County computer recovery ongoing after cyber attack
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-computer-recovery-ongoing-after-cyber-attack-1.2491672
No-penalty deadline coming up for residential stormwater fee payments
https://www.timesleader.com/news/746205/no-penalty-deadline-coming-up-for-residential-stormwater-fee-payments
JCC event to recall Jewish refugee boat that was turned away in 1939
https://www.timesleader.com/news/746179/jcc-event-to-recall-jewish-refugee-boat-that-was-turned-away-in-1939
Luzerne to rename park after late pastor
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-to-rename-park-after-late-pastor-1.2491570
W-B Twp. welcomes new police chief
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-twp-welcomes-new-police-chief-1.2491630
Collector of Scranton delinquent trash fees urges sheriff’s sales of top 10 scofflaw properties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/collector-of-scranton-delinquent-trash-fees-urges-sheriff-s-sales-of-top-10-scofflaw-properties-1.2491809
Scranton City Council takes first steps to ‘revive’ Public Library Authority
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-takes-first-steps-to-revive-public-library-authority-1.2491799
Courthouse Square sidewalks shaping up in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/courthouse-square-sidewalks-shaping-up-in-scranton-1.2491807
Local pools nearly ready for summer swim season
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/local-pools-nearly-ready-for-summer-swim-season-1.2491758
County Disability Action Committee to sponsor ADA workshop
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/county-disability-action-committee-to-sponsor-ada-workshop-1.2491772
Dorrance Twp. house explosion due to propane leak, state police say
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/dorrance-twp-house-explosion-due-to-propane-leak-state-police-say-1.2491601
Fighter’s Heaven opens gates
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/fighter-s-heaven-opens-gates-1.2491592
Greensburg council takes next step to dissolve Historic and Architectural Review Board
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-council-takes-next-step-to-dissolve-historic-and-architectural-review-board/
Reading wants to fix crumbling sidewalks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-wants-to-fix-crumbling-sidewalks
National News
Expect the unexpected: Report shows many can’t handle $400 expense
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/04/Financial-education-unexpected-expenses-money-responsibility-federal-reserve/stories/201906040059
Suddenly it’s D-Day again; aging veterans recall invasion
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/suddenly-its-d-day-again-aging-veterans-recall-invasion/
Natural Gas
Report: Pennsylvania natural gas production shows ‘significant’ jump
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/report-states-natural-gas-production-growth-showed-significant-strength-in-first-quarter-of-2019/
Opioid Crisis
The stimulant epidemic: Why our worries should go beyond opioids | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/stimulants-cocaine-opioids-drugs-20190603.html
Philly
7 Philly cops have been under investigation for their Facebook postings. See what they wrote.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-facebook-posts-racist-intolerant-investigation-20190603.html
High-ranking Philly cops included in database claiming biased Facebook posts
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-inspector-captains-facebook-posts-plain-view-project-20190603.html
New ‘Jeopardy!’ champ Emma Boettcher is a Philly-area native who auditioned 4 times
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/jeopardy-new-champ-emma-boettcher-james-holzhauer-20190603.html
This building on the Delaware River saved immigrant lives for 95 years. Now it’s been rescued by Tinicum Twp. | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/philadelphia-tinicum-immigration-history-lazaretto-architecture-renovation-20190604.html
Trial opens in one of Philly’s largest-ever assessment appeal cases, with $63 million at stake
https://www.inquirer.com/news/commercial-property-trial-avi-assessment-taxes-20190603.html
Are Camden and Philly homicides worth looking at as a single problem? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/camden-homicide-numbers-decline-spate-killings-20190604.html
Summer means hunger for nearly 1 in 4 Philadelphia kids. Health care providers can help. l Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/summer-food-program-philadelphia-complete-eats-20190603.html
Pitt
Pirates summer blood drives honor two Tree of Life victims
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2019/06/03/pittsburgh-pirates-summer-blood-drives-honor-tree-of-life-victims/stories/201906030126
Donate blood at Hotel Monaco in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/donate-blood-at-hotel-monaco-in-pittsburgh/
Judge won’t compel Pittsburgh RAND researcher to testify about military transgender ban report
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/03/rand-pittsburgh-transgender-military-researcher-judge-quashes-subpoeana-agnes-schaefer/stories/201906030130
Farmers market vouchers offered for older Allegheny County adults
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/aging-edge/2019/06/03/Allegheny-County-farmers-market-senior-vouchers-fruit-vegetables-savings/stories/201906030014
A different calling? Episcopal Diocese to market Trinity House for leasing or redevelopment
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/06/03/Trinity-Cathedral-Trinity-House-Episcopal-Diocese-Downtown/stories/201906040067
Council questions Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre lease renewal on land given to city by first mayor
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/03/Council-Pittsburgh-Ballet-Theatre-lease-renewal-Denny-Park-Strip-District-Ebenezer-Denny-mayor/stories/201906030131
Time to step up: U.S. Steel must do more for community health
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/04/US-Steel-community-health-environment-mon-valley-clairton-coke-works-air-pollution/stories/201906040057
Pittsburgh debates parking lot on property donated 144 years ago
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-debates-parking-lot-on-property-donated-144-years-ago/
Region can’t afford to pass on $1.1B Pittsburgh airport plan, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/region-cant-afford-to-pass-on-1-1b-pittsburgh-airport-plan-officials-say/
GirlGov pitches political engagement for local high school girls
https://triblive.com/local/regional/girlgov-pitches-political-engagement-for-local-high-school-girls/
State News
Pennsylvania is making more profits on wine and liquor sales. But who’s paying?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/plcb-flexible-pricing-higher-profits-state-budget-20190604.html
On sale at the Pa. state stores: Wine in a box that’s actually good
https://www.inquirer.com/food/drink/bandit-chardonnay-california-wine-in-a-box-20190604.html
Several Western Pa. swimming spots fail water-quality tests
https://triblive.com/local/regional/several-area-swimming-spots-fail-water-quality-tests/
PennDOT honors 2 Uniontown employees for excellence
https://triblive.com/local/regional/penndot-honors-2-uniontown-employees-for-excellence/
Girl Scouts receive $845,000 grant for building outdoor programs
https://triblive.com/local/regional/girl-scouts-receive-845000-grant-for-building-outdoor-programs/
State police: Animals suffer in hot cars just like humans
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-police-dont-leave-your-pet-in-the-car-this-summer/
Transportation
PennDOT undergoing 83 projects in Lackawanna County for 2019 construction season
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/penndot-undergoing-83-projects-in-lackawanna-county-for-2019-construction-season-1.2491813
Norfolk Southern crossing maintenance closes Penn Street for several days
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/norfolk-southern-crossing-maintenance-closes-penn-street-for-several-days
Washington
A judge rejects House’s challenge to plans for border-wall funding
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/06/03/judge-rejects-House-block-funding-Trump-border-wall/stories/201906030163
Congress finally sends the $19B disaster aid bill to Trump
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/06/03/House-disaster-aid-bill-Trump-19-billion-relief-Congress/stories/201906030164
U.S. Rep. John Joyce racks up 12,000 miles of travel in six months
https://triblive.com/local/regional/u-s-rep-john-joyce-racks-up-12000-miles-of-travel-in-six-months/
Casey, Toomey reveal list of troubled nursing homes, including one in Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/casey-toomey-reveal-list-of-troubled-nursing-homes-including-one-in-scranton-1.2491685