Legislature
Bill to move to open primary elections represents ‘a promising day for independent voters across Pa.’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/bill-to-move-to-open-primary-elections-represents-a-promising-day-for-independent-voters-across-pa.html
Watered down Pa. Sunday hunting bill passes Senate committee: What’s next?
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/06/18/watered-down-pa-sunday-hunting-bill-passes-senate-committee/1485351001/
A proposal to change Pa.’s teacher evaluation system is moving forward — without support from Philly’s unions
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/a-proposal-to-change-pa-s-teacher-evaluation-system-is-moving-forward-without-support-from-philly-teachers/
State lawmakers may cut a program that gives about $200 a month the state’s poorest
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190618/state-lawmakers-may-cut-program-that-gives-about-200-month-states-poorest
Lancaster County carve-out on truck stop gambling passes state Senate; bill moves to state House now
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/lancaster-county-carve-out-on-truck-stop-gambling-passes-state-senate-bill-moves-to-state-house-now.html
Bill expanding property tax relief for disabled vets moves forward in state Senate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190618/bill-expanding-property-tax-relief-for-disabled-vets-moves-forward-in-state-senate
House committee approves bill for Allentown State Hospital demolition and property sale
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-browne-hospital-20190618-3ezdwh27hjg3vesqj4oromopma-story.html
When Juneteenth is made a holiday in Pa., a Harrisburg family will have special reason to celebrate
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/when-juneteenth-is-made-official-wednesday-in-pa-one-harrisburg-family-will-have-special-reason-to-celebrate.html
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta’s drug dealer bill unanimously passes state Senate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190618/state-sen-camera-bartolottas-drug-dealer-bill-unanimously-passes-state-senate
Sappey bill to fight red tape for municipalities
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/sappey-bill-to-fight-red-tape-for-municipalities/article_2fbe1f6a-9288-11e9-8e0a-2f60d37112bb.html
Bill Tracker: Requiring better smoke alarms
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-requiring-better-smoke-alarms/article_14abfa4c-ab08-5b64-b809-0f5e7c23adbb.html
Collateral damage in hospital war
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/collateral-damage-in-hospital-war-1.2497826
Adequate funding, not ‘regulatory reform’ is the key to an effective DEP | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/adequate-funding-not-regulatory-reform-is-the-key-to-an-effective-dep-opinion/
Administration
Wolf vetoes increase in tax credits for Pa. private-school scholarships
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-education-improvement-tax-credits-eitc-scholarships-private-schools-wolf-veto-20190618.html
Gov. Tom Wolf vetoes $100M private schools bill in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/governor-vetoes-100m-private-schools-bill-in-pennsylvania/
Gov. Wolf considering childhood cancer investigation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/06/18/Gov-Wolf-mulling-childhood-cancer-investigation/stories/201906180119
Wolf wants power plant emission plan to fight climate change
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/wolf-wants-power-plant-emission-plan-to-fight-climate-change-20190618.html
General Assistance issue is a test for Gov. Wolf | John Baer
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/john-baer-general-assistance-tom-wolf-legislature-20190618.html
Budget
Cracking the Code: These budget bills are where the deals get made
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/cracking-the-code-these-budget-bills-are-where-the-deals-get-made/
Business
County: Inspectors verify that latest incident at Clairton Coke Works posed no public risk
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/06/18/Allegheny-County-Inspectors-verify-latest-incident-Clairton-Coke-Works-posed-no-health-risk/stories/201906180110
Clairton Coke Works fire renews residents’ concerns over air quality
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/clairton-coke-works-fire-renews-residents-concerns-over-air-quality/
Century III Mall hires firm for redevelopment
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/06/18/West-Mifflin-Century-III-Mall-redevelopment-Moonbeam-Capital-McKnight-Realty-Zober/stories/201906180123
Greensburg police warn of ransomware attack on businesses
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-police-warn-of-ransomware-attack-on-businesses/
Editorial: State leaders blowing great budget opportunity
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-state-leaders-blowing-great-budget-opportunity
Crime/Punishment
Parole, probation violations crowd Pennsylvania, U.S. prisons, report says
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/parole-probation-violations-crowd-pennsylvania-u-s-prisons-new-report-says/
Report: Technical parole violations cost Pa. about $100 million a year
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/report-technical-parole-violations-cost-pa-about-100-million-a-year.php
Neighbors described ‘foul odor’ for weeks, but body wasn’t found until after inmate’s confession
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/18/Search-warrant-Cambria-County-inmate-Delrico-McClinton-confession-East-Pittsburgh-death/stories/201906180106
Two charged in 16-ton, $1B Philly port cocaine bust, ‘one of largest seizures in U.S. history’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/cocaine-seized-philly-port-drug-bust-cargo-ship-customs-and-border-protection-20190618.html
Education
Scranton School District gets more time for recovery plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-gets-more-time-for-recovery-plan-1.2497662
Dairy farmers rally in support of returning whole milk to schools
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/dairy-farmers-rally-in-support-of-returning-whole-milk-to-schools/
Moo-ve over skim milk: These lawmakers are udderly serious about bringing back whole milk
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/moo-ve-over-skim-milk-these-lawmakers-are-udderly-serious-about-bringing-back-whole-milk/
Bus company axed by Crestwood sues district for breach of contract
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747432/bus-company-axed-by-crestwood-sues-district-for-breach-of-contract
Bus company files suit against Crestwood
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bus-company-files-suit-against-crestwood-1.2497977
Students sue over sexual abuse by CTC teacher
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/students-sue-over-sexual-abuse-by-ctc-teacher-1.2497814
Unionville to outfit its school buses with stop-arm cameras
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/unionville-to-outfit-its-school-buses-with-stop-arm-cameras/article_3c465ae0-920b-11e9-b39f-83becf9c3bbf.html
Watchdog: Schools underreporting use of restraint, seclusion
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/watchdog-schools-underreporting-use-of-restraint-seclusion.php
Since #MeToo, colleges crack down on romantic relationships between professors and students
https://www.inquirer.com/news/colleges-are-changing-policies-consensual-professor-student-relationships-me-too-title-ix-faculty-rules-20190619.html
$5.3 million in Pennsylvania student debt to be canceled as part of national lawsuit settlement
https://www.inquirer.com/business/itt-technical-student-debt-lawsuit-settlement-pennsylvania-20190618.html
LCCC tuition to increase for county residents
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lccc-tuition-to-increase-for-county-residents-1.2497978
Elections/Politics
Local Republicans gather to support president’s reelection announcement
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-republicans-gather-to-support-president-s-reelection-announcement-1.2498001
Gaming
Rivers Casino ready to get rolling on $60 million hotel
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/06/18/Rivers-Casino-North-Shore-60-million-The-Landing-Hotel-Pittsburgh-Rush-Street-Gaming/stories/201906180093
Health Care
There’s still time: Romoff can yet rescue health care — and his legacy
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/19/UPMC-Highmark-consent-decree-Jeffrey-Romoff-rescue-health-care-legacy/stories/201906190046
Highmark-insured seniors who use UPMC could get another chance to switch plans
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/highmark-insured-seniors-who-use-upmc-could-get-another-chance-to-switch-plans/
Geisinger’s top exec named one of the nation’s ‘most influential physician executives’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/geisinger-s-top-exec-named-one-of-the-nation-s-most-influential-physician-executives-1.2498110
Local News
County assessor’s office database still down after cyber attack
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-assessor-s-office-database-still-down-after-cyber-attack-1.2497908
With some help Wilkes-Barre controller finds $29K in unclaimed property for city
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747462/with-some-help-wilkes-barre-controller-finds-29k-in-unclaimed-property-for-city
Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority will collect interest payments on former train station property
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747453/luzerne-county-redevelopment-authority-will-collect-interest-payments-on-former-train-station-property
Companies donate e-bike to Luzerne police after Back Mountain Trail booby trap
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747456/companies-donate-e-bike-to-luzerne-police-after-back-mountain-trail-booby-trap
Bike donated to Luzerne police after crash on Back Mountain Trail
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bike-donated-to-luzerne-police-after-crash-on-back-mountain-trail-1.2497902
Author, ex-judge’s daughter discuss book on case against Ciavarella
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747460/author-ex-judges-daughter-discuss-book-on-case-against-ciavarella
County councilwoman says vendor should be ruled out
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-councilwoman-says-vendor-should-be-ruled-out-1.2498005
VA to hold open forum meeting
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/va-to-hold-open-forum-meeting-1.2497982
Salary bumps spark debate among city council
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/salary-bumps-spark-debate-among-city-council-1.2497972
Two Downtown Scranton buildings get state tax credits for renovations of historic structures
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/two-downtown-scranton-buildings-get-state-tax-credits-for-renovations-of-historic-structures-1.2498123
CHRIS KELLY: Small wins still can have a big impact
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-small-wins-still-can-have-a-big-impact-1.2498079
Alle-Kiski SWAT team on hold to comply with recent state Supreme Court ruling
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/alle-kiski-swat-team-on-hold-to-comply-with-recent-state-supreme-court-ruling/
Lower Burrell man, friends chronicle bad parking in Alle-Kiski Valley
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-man-friends-chronicle-bad-parking-in-alle-kiski-valley/
RAWA updates construction on water main along the Schuylkill River
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rawa-updates-construction-on-water-main-along-the-schuylkill-river
NFL quarterback Chad Henne back in Berks as a ‘Hometown Hero’
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/chad-henne-back-in-berks-as-a-hometown-hero
Reading projects get Historic Preservation tax credits from state
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-projects-get-historic-preservation-tax-credits-from-state&template=ourcityart
Free pet adoptions this weekend at the Humane Society of Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/free-pet-adoptions-this-weekend-at-the-humane-society-of-berks-county
Dems shut out of county council-prison board meeting
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/dems-shut-out-of-county-council-prison-board-meeting/article_e60653ea-91f8-11e9-8828-cb0225a1875f.html
National News
Missouri cites ‘failed abortions’ in clinic license dispute
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/missouri-failed-abortions-clinic-only-complications-planned-parenthood-20190618.html
Half of young Americans say they don’t know much about the U.S. Army. That has to change | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/army-military-service-united-states-recruitment-20190619.html
New Jersey
To stem the tide of overdose deaths, pharmacies across New Jersey gave out free doses of naloxone
https://www.inquirer.com/health/pharmacy-naloxone-giveaway-new-jersey-20190618.html
Gov. Murphy decries ‘rigged system’, pledges to veto legislation extending controversial tax programs
https://www.inquirer.com/news/phil-murphy-george-norcross-nj-eda-task-force-report-20190618.html
Opioid Crisis
As addiction programs rise, overdose deaths drop in Berks and Pennsylvania
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/as-addiction-programs-rise-overdose-deaths-drop-in-berks-and-pennsylvania
Philly
After weekend shootings, Philly DA Larry Krasner defends his office’s record on gun cases
https://www.inquirer.com/news/larry-krasner-district-attorney-philadelphia-gun-prosecutions-richard-ross-20190618.html
Six Philadelphia real estate projects awarded historic tax credits by state agency
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/historic-tax-credits-philadelphia-pennsylvania-historic-preservation-six-awards-schools-20190619.html
Man slain at graduation party was ‘ambitious,’ ‘outgoing’ son of Ivory Coast immigrants
https://www.inquirer.com/news/isiaka-meite-homicide-murder-philadelphia-southwest-graduation-weekend-commissioner-richard-ross-violence-20190618.html
NYC crash spurs questions about helicopters in cities: Here’s why they fly over Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/helicopters-in-philadelphia-nyc-crash-20190618.html
It’s on: Meeting for paralyzed gunshot survivors set for Monday, July 15, at Temple University Hospital | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/helen-ubinas-gun-violence-paralyzed-philadelphia-survivors-20190619.html
This software titan proposes a computer museum to mark Philly’s role in starting the digital world
https://www.inquirer.com/business/eniac-computer-pennsylvania-university-silicon-valley-museum-20190619.html
Pitt
Urban fishing group gets funding grant
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2019/06/18/Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania-fishing-inner-city-kids-Fish-and-Boat-Awesome-Foundation/stories/201906180060
Karen Kane: The mayor chirps in a tweet
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/columnists/2019/06/19/Karen-Kane-Bill-Peduto-breaks-his-shameful-silence-on-UPMC-Highmark-consent-decree-Jay-Costa/stories/201906190048
Randyland ‘therapy museum’ honored with Mayor’s Public Art Award
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2019/06/18/Randyland-Mayor-Peduto-Public-Art-Award-North-Side-randy-gilson/stories/201906180115
Plans for parks, trails along Allegheny River communities moving forward
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/06/18/Plans-for-parks-trails-along-Allegheny-River-communities-moving-forward/stories/201906060010
A year after Antwon Rose II death: Little change, but quiet determination
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/19/antwon-rose-year-anniversary-police-shooting-legislation-pittsburgh/stories/201906180103
The death of Antwon Rose: 1 year later
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/the-death-of-antwon-rose-1-year-later/
1 year after Antwon Rose’s death, a look at where things stand
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/1-year-after-antwon-roses-death-a-look-at-where-things-stand/
City Council roundup: Babies, gators and who should serve on the Historic Review Commission
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/18/City-council-Pittsburgh-Strassburger-baby-reptiles-alligators-tom-kelly-Historic-Review-Commission-James-Hill-Peduto/stories/201906180114
Happy 60th birthday to Pittsburgh’s iconic Fort Pitt Bridge
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/happy-60th-birthday-to-pittsburghs-iconic-fort-pitt-bridge/
State News
Environmentalist panel discusses pinning down cause of childhood cancers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/06/18/childhood-cancer-Ewing-sarcoma-Canon-McMillan-Goldstein-Ketyer-Rippel-fracking/stories/201906180085
Hundreds of sexual harassment and misconduct claims filed by Pa. state employees, costing $1.9M
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-sexual-harrassment-misconduct-complaints-20190618.html
Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling could favor doctors in defamation suit against Excela Health
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pennsylvania-supreme-court-ruling-could-favor-doctors-in-defamation-suit-against-excela-health/
Allegheny National Forest ranks as No. 2 camping destination in U.S.
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pas-allegheny-national-forest-ranked-among-top-camping-sites/
Second major local prize this month highlight’s county’s lottery habit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/second-major-local-prize-this-month-highlight-s-county-s-lottery-habit-1.2498075
Going to a carnival? Here’s how you can make sure those rides are safe
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/going-to-a-carnival-heres-how-you-can-make-sure-those-rides-are-safe.html
County to help preserve land of ill farmer
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190618/county-to-help-preserve-land-of-ill-farmer
Closing TMI: How to secure the infamous nuclear power site and why it might take 60 years
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/06/19/closing-three-mile-island-tmi-safe-exelon-decades-cost/1352558001/
Spotted lanternfly found in York County outside of quarantine zone: Now what?
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/06/18/spotted-laternfly-found-york-county-outside-quarantine-zone/1486965001/
Transportation
PennDOT tells Ross officials that Reis Run slide has top priority
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/06/18/PennDOT-tells-Ross-that-Reis-Run-slide-has-top-priority/stories/201906180080
Washington
Trump says he won’t apologize for his Central Park Five comments
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/18/Trump-Central-Park-Five/stories/201906180171
House votes to block military transgender ban
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/house-representatives-military-transgender-ban-armed-forces-service-president-donald-trump-20190619.html
Canada
Trudeau’s government approves the expansion of the divisive Trans Mountain pipeline
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/06/18/Trans-Mountain-oil-pipeline-expansion-Canada/stories/201906180170