Legislature
Old enough to marry? Or buy cigarettes? Age matters in bills before Pa. lawmakers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/old-enough-to-marry-or-buy-cigarettes-age-matters-in-bills-before-pa-lawmakers.html
Pennsylvania breweries might dodge sales tax bullet set to take effect on July 1
https://www.inquirer.com/business/breweries-taproom-sales-tax-solution-proposed-20190617.html
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta’s bill on nurse practitioners again passes Senate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190616/state-sen-camera-bartolottas-bill-on-nurse-practitioners-again-passes-senate
State Sen. Elder Vogel Jr.’s bill delaying emissions equipment upgrade passes committee
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190616/state-sen-elder-vogel-jrs-bill-delaying-emissions-equipment-upgrade-passes-committee
Bill would keep charter schools from claiming they are tuition-free
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-charter-school-transparency-in-advertisement-20190616-kovqxnfgwvhevjbmlxa32u24pu-story.html
Nesbit bill targets extortion
https://www.sharonherald.com/news/local_news/nesbit-bill-targets-extortion/article_6de365e6-90aa-11e9-ae94-b75202bea4eb.html
Committee approves Ward’s protections for cancer patients
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/06/committee-approves-wards-protections-for-cancer-patients/
Kosierowski breaks ranks, favors new abortion limit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/kosierowski-breaks-ranks-favors-new-abortion-limit-1.2496597
Heffley bed bill passed by House
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/heffley-bed-bill-passed-by-house-1.2497164
Proposed changes to PIAA playoff and transfer rules / Changes in emission test rules
https://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/06/proposed-changes-to-piaa-playoff-and-transfer-rules-changes-in-emission-test-rules.php
A middle way on guns: Closing background check gap is a place to start
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/17/A-middle-way-on-guns-Closing-background-check-gap-is-a-place-to-start/stories/201906170015
If emissions tests are no longer needed in Pa., bag them | Editorial
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/2019/06/if-emissions-tests-are-no-longer-needed-in-pa-bag-them-editorial.html
Administration
Wolf still pushing plan to slap fee on towns that rely on state police
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/wolf-still-pushing-plan-to-slap-fee-on-towns-that/article_a2c14faa-8ef0-11e9-b77d-53c52dda1775.html
Gov. Tom Wolf asked to investigate possible link between Pa. fracking, childhood cancers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/06/17/fracking-health-effects-tom-wolf-letter-environmental-rachel-levine/stories/201906140125
Budget
It’s turkey season at the Capitol when all manner of fowl fly | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/06/its-turkey-season-at-the-capitol-when-all-manner-of-fowl-fly-opinion.html
Late budgets are not uncommon in Pennsylvania: will this year be different? | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/06/late-budgets-are-not-uncommon-in-pennsylvania-will-this-year-be-different-opinion.html
Pennsylvania has a surplus, and lots of budget patches, too
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190616/pennsylvania-has-surplus-and-lots-of-budget-patches-too
Business
Reading Eagle sale to MediaNews Group expected to close by the end of June
https://www.inquirer.com/business/reading-eagle-bankruptcy-sale-medianews-digital-first-20190617.html
Target is hit with register trouble for second consecutive day
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/06/16/Target-is-hit-with-register-trouble-for-second-consecutive-day/stories/201906160170
Fad or pain miracle? CBD stores proliferate in the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-nws-cbd-spreading-20190617-3rd23e5p2va7jbb2ewhq2mlaae-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Police: Deaths of 4 believed homicide-suicide in Bradford County
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/police-deaths-of-4-believed-homicide-suicide-in-bradford-county/
Education
Hearing on state takeover of Harrisburg schools to begin this morning
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/hearing-on-state-takeover-of-harrisburg-schools-to-begin-this-morning.html
In Bethlehem elementary schools, an early introduction to Spanish
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-elementary-school-spanish-classes-20190617-gii5xxcpn5cypdissozck6pc5y-story.html
Elections/Politics
Potential new Luzerne County voting machines under review
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747294/potential-new-luzerne-county-voting-machines-under-review
Gaming
Rutter’s to get video game gambling in one store, 19 locations still seeking approval
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/06/16/video-game-gambling-could-coming-rutters-near-you-soon-pennsylvania-gaming-control-board/1473095001/
Health Care
Patients seek clarity as UPMC-Highmark split looms
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/patients-seek-clarity-as-upmc-highmark-split-looms/
Local News
Wilkes-Barre employee overtime rose 67% in 3 years
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-employee-overtime-rose-67-in-3-years-1.2497203
Institute Insights: Newman has helped downtown follow the right roadmap
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747265/institute-insights-nueman-has-helped-downtown-follow-the-right-roadmap
Luzerne County Councilman Harry Haas said River Common looking better
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/747256/luzerne-county-councilman-harry-haas-said-river-common-looking-better
Experts, officials give cybersecurity tips after Luzerne County attack
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/experts-officials-give-cybersecurity-tips-after-luzerne-county-attack-1.2497233
Snakes back in the wild after annual roundup
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/snakes-back-in-the-wild-after-annual-roundup-1.2497127
Popular Jessup park slated for new plastic playground by end of year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/popular-jessup-park-slated-for-new-plastic-playground-by-end-of-year-1.2497263
Geisinger Community Medical Center to pay $1M over a decade to park at Nay Aug
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/geisinger-community-medical-center-to-pay-1m-over-a-decade-to-park-at-nay-aug-1.2497237
Full press on garbage fee
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/full-press-on-garbage-fee-1.2497061
Mahanoy City home rule commission meets for first time
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/mahanoy-city-home-rule-commission-meets-for-first-time-1.2497162
Youth take to McKeesport’s streets for Soap Box Derby
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2019/06/16/Youth-McKeesport-gravity-Greater-Pittsburgh-Soap-Box-Derby/stories/201906160154
Westmoreland County could face legal action over suicide of suspended jail guard
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/possible-legal-action-looms-against-westmoreland-county-regarding-late-jail-guard-wife-involved-in-human-trafficking-case/
Supporters fear for Keystone Park project, plan informational meeting
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/supporters-fear-for-keystone-park-project-plan-informational-meeting/
Leechburg residents call meeting to measure support for reopening town’s library
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/leechburg-residents-call-meeting-to-measure-support-for-reopening-towns-library/
National News
Carli Lloyd starts, scores twice in United States’ win vs. Chile in World Cup
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/soccer/2019/06/16/United-States-Chile-Women-s-World-Cup-soccer-Carli-Lloyd-Sweden/stories/201906160179
Opioid Crisis
List of local opioid suits growing
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747217/list-of-local-opioid-suits-growing
Philly
At least 8 shot, including four teens, at graduation party in Southwest Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/8-shot-at-graduation-party-southwest-philadelphia-20190617.html
16 shootings, 26 victims, 4 dead as Philly weekend violence escalates
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-shootings-crime-south-street-20190616.html
Novartis’ new $2.1 million drug has roots in Philadelphia. Here’s how the city has impacted treatment of rare diseases.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/consumer/zolgenzma-novartis-gene-therapy-penn-philadelphia-20190617.html
Tis the season I (sorta) feel sorry for many Philly lawmakers | John Baer
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/john-baer-tartaglione-hughes-evans-poverty-budget-20190617.html
CNN takes Philly’s ‘Toxic City’ to a national audience
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/united-shades-of-america-philadelphia-chester-kamau-bell-20190616.html
‘A man who built bridges’: Philadelphia deputy sheriff eulogized
https://www.inquirer.com/news/dante-austin-deputy-sheriff-philadelphia-20190615.html
As Philadelphia stalls on supervised injection, other places take up the debate. Even Congress. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/safe-supervised-injection-consumption-sites-department-justice-amendment-pramila-jayapal-20190617.html
‘I’m living for more than myself’: One dad’s commitment to good health on Father’s Day | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/black-men-health-boys-fathers-day-20190616.html
Pitt
Hill District leaders are wary about U Prep realignment proposal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/06/17/Milliones-University-Prep-Uprep-Hill-District-Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Arsenal-reconfiguration-students/stories/201906100093
U Prep’s shift of grades 6-8 to Arsenal faces board vote Wednesday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/06/17/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Arsenal-Uprep-Milliones-Lawrenceville-students/stories/201906160008
Closing down Riverbend: Greed and political indifference make a lethal cocktail
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/17/Closing-down-Riverbend-Greed-political-indifference-lethal-cocktail/stories/201906170014
Pittsburgh officer fatally shoots dog attacking him during call
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-officer-fatally-shoots-dog-attacking-him-during-call/
State News
Tornado may have touched down in Armstrong County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/06/16/Tornado-may-have-touched-down-in-Armstrong-County/stories/201906160180
Harsh winds, rain rip through Butler County knocking down trees, wires
https://triblive.com/local/regional/harsh-winds-rain-rip-through-butler-county-knocking-down-trees-wires/
Momentum in Malvern: How a sleepy Chester County borough is turning into ‘a destination for restaurants’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/malvern-brick-brew-christophers-chester-county-restaurants-20190615.html
How residents grapple with life in the shadows of U.S. Steel’s Clairton Plant
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/how-residents-grapple-with-life-in-the-shadows-of-u-s-steels-clairton-plant/
Clairton air quality remains an ongoing concern
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/clairton-air-quality-remains-an-ongoing-concern/
Article examines chronic wasting disease in Pa. deer, whether it could spread to humans
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/article-examines-chronic-wasting-disease-in-pa-deer-whether-it-could-spread-to-humans/
Why your child should have a savings account and how to open one
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/why-your-child-should-have-a-savings-account-and-how-to-open-one-1.2497082
Schuylkill County Senior Services receives $102K grant
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/schuylkill-county-senior-services-receives-102k-grant-1.2497158
Anti-Energy activists are trying to make Pennsylvania the next California | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/06/anti-energy-activists-are-trying-to-make-pennsylvania-the-next-california-opinion.html
Are the kids all right? Pennsylvania has some work to do to improve children’s lives, report says
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/06/are-the-kids-all-right-pennsylvania-has-some-work-to-do-to-improve-childrens-lives-report-says.html
Washington
Congress eyes ban on firefighting foams that tainted Pa. drinking water
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/congress-eyes-ban-on-firefighting-foams-that-have-tainted-pa-drinking-water.php
Rep. Houlahan welcomes Trump to help her fight to save Sikorsky jobs
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/rep-houlahan-welcomes-trump-to-help-her-fight-to-save/article_caa503c6-8faf-11e9-8a57-7332379818d7.html