Budget
Pa. Legislature appears ready to fast-track state budget with more education funding
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/06/19/Pa-Legislature-fast-track-state-budget-education-funding-tom-wolf/stories/201806190092
In Pennsylvania, it’s budgeting the election-year way. But the economy helped.
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/in_pensylvania_budgeting_the_e.html#incart_river_index
2018-19 proposed Pa. state budget makes $70 million investment in school safety
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/school_safety_a_priority_in_20.html#incart_river_index
State budget positioned for ahead-of-schedule passage
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/06/state-budget-positioned-for-ahead-of-schedule-passage.php
Election year optics drive an early budget for Pa. state government
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/election_year_optics_drive_an.html#incart_river_index
Public shut out of Pa. budget talks | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/state-budget-gov-wolf-harrisburg-20180620.html
Pa. House poised to pass $32.7 billion spending plan
http://www.tribdem.com/news/pa-house-poised-to-pass-billion-spending-plan/article_0d8e0fde-7436-11e8-a2e2-136b66dcf905.html
Legislature
House moves to amend medical marijuana law’s research rules
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/20180619_ap_2e0f09c6570547d98900af30901dcc40.html
Bills to combat gun violence advance in Pennsylvania House
http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13777715-74/bills-to-combat-gun-violence-advance-in-pennsylvania-house
Legislation on firearms wins battle in war on gun violence
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/legislation_on_firearms_wins_b.html#incart_river_index
Gun-control bills start to move in Pa. House
http://www.tribdem.com/news/gun-control-bills-start-to-move-in-pa-house/article_dbe9f790-7435-11e8-b354-a3e152758fd5.html
House moves some gun law changes; stops short of broad restrictions
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/06/house-moves-some-gun-law-changes-stops-short-of-broad-restrictions.php
Pa. House passes bill creating higher hurdles for public taking of protected lands
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/pa_house_passes_bill_creating.html#incart_river_index
State Sen. Scott Martin, county treasurer Amber Martin, push tax collector bill in Harrisburg hearing
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/state-sen-scott-martin-county-treasurer-amber-martin-push-tax/article_d73505ee-73fb-11e8-ae5b-c75aa09ecaf4.html
Want health insurance for life? Dental and vision too? Become a state lawmaker or a judge
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/retiree_health_benefits_fallin.html#incart_river_index
If it’s the 3rd Tuesday in June, it’s time for Pa.’s Seersucker Caucus to meet
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/06/if_its_the_3rd_tuesday_in_june.html#incart_river_index
Do Pennsylvania children, families need child welfare watchdog?
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20180619/do-pennsylvania-children-families-need-child-welfare-watchdog
One year later, residents still seeking answers at Conewago Twp. Cemetery
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/crime/2018/06/18/one-year-later-residents-still-seeking-answers-conewago-twp-cemetery/691154002/
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Commissioners urged to support fair districts
http://www.dailylocal.com/general-news/20180619/commissioners-urged-to-support-fair-districts
Administration
Wolf signs anti-blight laws aimed at reducing time, costs to bring down eyesores
http://www.tribdem.com/news/wolf-signs-anti-blight-laws-aimed-at-reducing-time-costs/article_85770e16-7435-11e8-924b-e3e21d1f3551.html
Business
Report: Allegheny County tops state for clean energy jobs
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13777678-74/report-allegheny-county-tops-state-for-clean-energy-jobs
Monroeville patient support company furloughs 202 people
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2018/06/19/lash-group-llc-amerisourcebergen-closing-furloughs-monroeville-pennsylvania-patient-support-services/stories/201806190077
Education
Judge orders Dallas teachers back to work, sets hearing
https://www.timesleader.com/news/708563/dallas-school-district-teachers-strike
Judge orders Dallas teachers to class
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/judge-orders-dallas-teachers-to-class-1.2352032
Scranton School District lays off 25 teachers
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-lays-off-25-teachers-1.2352124
Mercer County school district the latest to adopt bathroom policy for transgender students
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/06/19/Transgender-students-Pine-Richland-Lakeview-school-district-Mercer-County-Boyertown-court-ruling/stories/201806190126
Nearly half of Lancaster County districts lack full permission to collect school taxes
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/nearly-half-of-lancaster-county-districts-lack-full-permission-to/article_8970c10a-73ff-11e8-85c4-1f8c1b7aa7e6.html
LCCC rolls out new English as a Second Language program
https://www.timesleader.com/news/708607/lccc-rolls-out-new-english-as-a-second-language-program
Elections/Politics
John Fetterman criticizes Scott Wagner’s planned appearance with Mike Pence
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/06/19/john-fetterman-scott-wagner-mike-pence-pa-gov-race-tom-wolf/stories/201806190133
Delaware County Democrats, the first elected in 40 years, find acceptance, some tension in months since historic win
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/delaware-county-democrats-historic-win-40-years-kevin-madden-brian-zidek-20180619.html
Health Care
State Supreme Court: Lawsuit against UPMC filed by patients infected with hepatitis C may continue
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/06/19/UPMC-david-kwiatkowski-lawsuit-move-forward-fentanyl-duty-of-care-hepatitis-c/stories/201806190149
Immigration
Local advocates trying to help those caught up in ‘zero tolerance’ immigration policy
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/06/19/Local-advocates-seek-repeal-of-zero-tolerance-policy/stories/201806190134
Trump and Republican lawmakers search for a solution to border separations
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/06/19/Trump-and-Republican-lawmakers-search-for-a-solution-to-border-separations/stories/201806190156
In Florida, lawmakers are blocked from entering a shelter for immigrant children
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/06/19/In-Florida-lawmakers-are-blocked-from-entering-a-shelter-for-immigrant-children/stories/201806200112
Pa., N.J., Del. governors oppose sending troops to U.S. border due to family separation policy
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/delaware-national-guard-border-control-families-john-carney-troops-20180619.html
End the stalemate: Trump, Congress should cut a deal on immigration
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/06/20/End-the-stalemate-Trump-Congress-should-cut-a-deal-on-immigration/stories/201806200077
Youngest migrants held in ‘tender age’ shelters
http://triblive.com/usworld/world/13779718-74/youngest-migrants-held-in-tender-age-shelters
‘Toddlers detained’: Rachel Maddow ends her show in tears, Corey Lewandowski mocks disabled migrant girl
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/rachel-maddow-msnbc-crying-trump-toddlers-detained-corey-lewandowski-womp-womp-20180620.html
Casey lashes out at child separation policy
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/casey-lashes-out-at-child-separation-policy-1.2352067
Those who represent Berks, or want to, weigh in on immigration policy
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/those-who-represent-berks-or-want-to-weigh-in-on-immigration-policy
Local News
Tornado recovery: Barnes & Noble rebounds, county sets business meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/708609/tornado-recovery-barnes-noble-rebounds-county-sets-business-meeting
Tulsa storm response offers hope for local tornado recovery effort
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/tulsa-storm-response-offers-hope-for-local-tornado-recovery-effort-1.2351991
EMA plans meeting for businesses hit by tornado
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ema-plans-meeting-for-businesses-hit-by-tornado-1.2351982
Redevelopment Authority votes to distribute money from disputed TIF
https://www.timesleader.com/news/708597/redevelopment-authority-votes-to-distribute-money-from-disputed-tif
Highland Park TIF funds will be released
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/highland-park-tif-funds-will-be-released-1.2352009
W-B police hoping K-9 trainer will return
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-police-hoping-k-9-trainer-will-return-1.2352008
Commissioner: Lackawanna County chief of staff to resign
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commissioner-lackawanna-county-chief-of-staff-to-resign-1.2352004
Greater Scranton YMCA shows off renovations
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/greater-scranton-ymca-shows-off-renovations-1.2351928
Number please: City Hall may need new phones
http://www.standardspeaker.com/news/number-please-city-hall-may-need-new-phones-1.2352046
State environmental officials finalizing plan for investigation of gasoline in Harrison sewer
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13778030-74/state-environmental-officials-finalizing-plan-for-investigation-of-gasoline-in-harrison-sewer
East Deer commissioners approve purchase of police Taser
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13778032-74/east-deer-commissioners-approve-purchase-of-police-taser
Brackenridge seeking state money to replace broken water intake line
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13776941-74/brackenridge-seeking-state-money-to-replace-broken-water-intake-line
Walmart campaign raises $55K for Westmoreland food bank
http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/13778461-74/walmart-campaign-raises-55k-for-westmoreland-food-bank
Music festival to benefit Mail Pouch ad restoration in Ford City
http://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/13777090-74/music-festival-to-benefit-mail-pouch-ad-restoration-in-ford-city
Vendors, officials discuss decline, potential closure of Zern’s Farmers Market
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/vendors-officials-discuss-decline-potential-closure-of-zerns-farmers-market
Housing Authority to get additional funds
http://www.standardspeaker.com/news/housing-authority-to-get-additional-funds-1.2351996
Berks Encore in need of Meals on Wheels volunteers
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-encore-in-need-of-meals-on-wheels-volunteers
Reading Parking Authority buying license plate readers
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-buying-license-plate-readers&template=ourcityart
Reading Bike Hub facing difficulties again
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-bike-hub-facing-difficulties-again&template=ourcityart
Editorial: Positive developments blooming in downtown Reading this spring
http://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-positive-developments-blooming-downtown-this-spring
Bethlehem council votes to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-marinjuana-final-vote-20180619-story.html
Need some relief from your stormwater bill? Allentown Council will consider credits tonight
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-stormwater-credit-council-preview-20180619-story.html
Erie Sewer Authority OKs $64 million improvements plan
http://www.goerie.com/news/20180620/erie-sewer-authority-oks-64-million-improvements-plan
National News
She says she was 5 when another Jehovah’s Witness raped her. The religion’s leaders call such accounts ‘false stories’
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/jehovahs-witnesses-child-sex-abuse-stephen-lett-chessa-manion-20180620.html
FBI agent who said ‘we’ll stop’ Trump from becoming president escorted from building
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/fbi-agent-who-said-well-stop-trump-from-becoming-president-escorted-from-building-20180619.html
153 years after Juneteenth, black and brown people are still dehumanized in America | Solomon Jones
http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/solomon_jones/juneteenth-2018-trump-immigration-family-separation-20180619.html
Natural Gas
Well studies encouraging
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/well-studies-encouraging-1.2351938
Opioid Crisis
Glimmers of hope in the opioid war
http://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/glimmers-of-hope-in-theopioid-war-1.2351925
Philly
After 40 years, first of MOVE 9 is paroled – but others denied
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/move-philly-radical-group-debbie-sims-africa-michael-africa-bombing-powelton-village-west-philadelphia-20180619.html
Vice President Mike Pence attends GOP fundraiser in Philly; protests unfold
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/vice-president-mike-pence-attending-gop-fundraiser-in-philly-tonight-protests-expected-20180619.html
Protesters rally outside Pence fund-raiser at Rittenhouse
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/protesters-rally-immigration-children-pence-wagner-trump-fundraiser-rittenhouse-20180619.html
With $24 million parking lot deal, Goldenberg Group mulls Market East development
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/with-24-million-parking-lot-deal-goldenberg-group-mulls-market-east-development-20180619.html
Philadelphia Zoo welcomes newborn giraffe, Beau
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia/philadelphia-zoo-baby-giraffe-beau-20180619.html
Pitt
Long Relief – Pittsburghers gave the Pirates 460,000 pounds of Puerto Rico relief supplies
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/blog/long-relief-pittsburghers-gave-the-pirates-460000-pounds-of-puerto-rico-relief-supplies/
Police shoot and kill 17-year-old boy during traffic stop after shooting in North Braddock
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/06/19/North-Braddock-East-Pittsburgh-officer-involved-shooting/stories/201806190176
Police fatally shoot 17-year-old in East Pittsburgh
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13779210-74/police-fatally-shoot-17-year-old-in-east-pittsburgh
Refugees from Afghanistan and Somalia tell stories of resettling in Pittsburgh
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/06/20/world-refugee-day-pittsburgh-refugees-stories/stories/201806180165
Campaign to petition for new childhood education fund launches at Children’s Museum
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/06/19/Allegheny-county-Children-s-Fund-pittsburgh-novemeber-election-ballot-children-s-museum/stories/201806190103
Advisory panel set for Pittsburgh’s new affordable housing fund
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/06/19/Pittsburgh-Housing-Opportunity-Fund-advisory-board-affordable-housing-trust-fund/stories/201806190109
The 10 most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Allegheny County
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13777290-74/the-10-most-dangerous-intersections-for-pedestrians-in-allegheny-county
Port Authority wants to spend $2M on electric buses
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13778226-74/port-authority-wants-to-spend-2m-on-electric-buses
After 20 years, Highland Park Lake ready for fishing
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13778233-74/after-20-years-highland-park-lake-ready-for-fishing
Forest Hills man alleges racial discrimination against Strip District nonprofit
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13777300-74/forest-hills-man-alleges-racial-discrimination-against-strip-district-nonprofit
Juneteenth parade, music festival set for Downtown this weekend
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13777281-74/juneteenth-parade-music-festival-set-for-downtown-this-weekend
Scoobi scooters a fun way to zip around the neighborhood
http://triblive.com/local/allegheny/13739512-74/scoobi-scooters-a-fun-way-to-zip-around-the-neighborhood
State News
The last trip home for boy torn from his family in another century
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/family-separation-children-indian-carlisle-pennsylvania-cemetery-trump-20180620.html
Venomous passion: Pennsylvania’s snake hunters head to the hills
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/rattlesnake-hunt-roundup-rural-pennsylvania-venomous-copperhead-20180620.html
Hearing set over alleged racial discrimination at midstate golf club
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/06/golfers-alleging-racial-discrimination-at-midstate-club-hopeful-ahead-of-state-hearing.php
Pennsylvania state troopers begin wearing body cameras
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/20180619_ap_ade6eb3546f347288b5f799e9f68d1e5.html
Pa. moves ahead with blood tests of residents near tainted Bucks, Montco bases
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/pa-health-department-pfas-pfoa-pfos-military-navy-water-contamination-blood-tests-20180619.html
AG Shapiro: Pa. investors get back money from interest-rate rigging
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/ag-shapiro-pa-investors-get-back-money-from-interest-rate-rigging-20180619.html
Forty Fort native places second in gaming world championship
http://www.citizensvoice.com/news/forty-fort-native-places-second-in-gaming-world-championship-1.2352039
Medical marijuana applicants target Allegheny, Westmoreland counties for new operations
http://triblive.com/local/regional/13778078-74/medical-marijuana-applicants-target-allegheny-westmoreland-counties-for-new-operations
State, federal agriculture officials will host live Q&A on invasive spotted lanternfly
http://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/13778360-74/state-federal-agriculture-officials-will-host-live-qa-on-invasive-spotted-lanternfly
Crisis control in Berks dairyland
http://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/article/crisis-control-in-berks-dairyland
NBA draft will be real deal for Lonnie Walker
http://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/nba-draft-will-be-real-deal-for-lonnie-walker
Transportation
Free LCTA bus rides Thursday for Dump the Pump Day
https://www.timesleader.com/news/708570/free-lcta-bus-rides-thursday-for-dump-the-pump-day
Washington
Senate panel looks to fund Alzheimer’s research and resources
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/06/19/BOLD-Act-Susan-Collins-Bob-Casey-Alzheimers-research-resources/stories/201806190153
Trump administration pulls US out of UN human rights council
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20180619_ap_9c5b1005f064474f9a0825ab84a16e91.html