Legislature
Cash assistance program for Pa.’s poorest residents appears to be on brink of elimination
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/cash-assistance-program-for-pas-poorest-residents-appears-to-be-on-brink-of-elimination.html
General Assembly moves closer to eliminating cash assistance for disabled Pennsylvanians
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/general-assembly-moves-closer-to-eliminating-cash-assistance-for-disabled-pennsylvanians/
Pa. Senate Democrats ask Wolf for disaster declaration to fight gun violence
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-senate-democrats-ask-wolf-for-disaster-declaration-to-fight-gun-violence/
‘Downton Abbey’ star, local lawmakers, call for end to puppy mills
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/downton-abbey-star-local-lawmakers-call-for-end-to-puppy/article_a2ada66c-96ac-11e9-bea5-e30d0b11e144.html
No more snow days? Pa. schools may soon allow kids to work at home
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/no-more-snow-days-pa-schools-may-soon-allow-kids-to-work-at-home.html
Pennsylvania marks 100th anniversary of vote in favor of women’s suffrage
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pennsylvania-marks-100th-anniversary-of-vote-in-favor-of-womens-suffrage/
On the 100-year anniversary of the right to vote in Pa., women reflect on suffrage movement
https://www.inquirer.com/news/100-year-anniversary-right-vote-pa-women-reflect-suffrage-movement-20190624.html
Question of LSA program audit still an open one
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/question-of-lsa-program-audit-still-an-open-one/article_119cfa6a-969d-11e9-8258-b70ad4fa7ad9.html
In the midst of opioid crisis, Harrisburg dismisses evidence on treatment | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/buprenorphine-suboxone-medication-treatment-opioid-mat-bills-pennsylvania-20190624.html
End consumer abuse by ‘nonprofits’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/end-consumer-abuse-by-nonprofits-1.2500267
Editorial: Regional approach best for local law enforcement
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/regional-approach-is-best-for-local-law-enforcement
EDITORIAL: If given chance, Pennsylvanians should vote for Marsy’s Law for victims’ rights
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2019/06/25/editorial-pa-voters-should-support-victims-rights-referendum/1547244001/
Budget
Why doesn’t the Pa. budget plan include a minimum wage increase?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/no-increase-in-pennsylvanias-minimum-wage-in-this-state-budget-what-happened.html
Gov. Tom Wolf says proposed Pennsylvania state budget meets his objectives
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/gov-tom-wolf-says-proposed-pennsylvania-state-budget-meets-his-objectives.html
Pa. budget deal doesn’t include 2020 Census funding that state commission recommended
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-census-funding-budget-pennsylvania-commission-new-jersey-20190624.html
Scranton schools could receive funding boost in state budget
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-schools-could-receive-funding-boost-in-state-budget-1.2500230
Pennsylvania budget compromise hinges on saving surplus cash
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-budget-compromise-hinges-on-saving-surplus-cash
Pa. to extend $60M school security program for second year
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/pa-to-extend-60m-school-security-program-for-second-year.html
Pa. legislative leaders agree on $34B state budget plan: more for schools, no new taxes and no minimum wage hike
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/new-34-billion-state-budget-plan-boost-funding-for-schools-rebuilds-rainy-day-fund.html
Some Pa. teachers could still get a raise as part of this year’s budget negotiations
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/some-pa-teachers-could-still-get-a-raise-as-part-of-this-years-budget-negotiations/
House Republicans ponder rider cutting funding to Pitt to prevent fetal tissue research
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/house-republicans-ponder-rider-on-pitt-funding-to-prevent-fetal-tissue-research/
Business
Marketplace at Steamtown contest offers $20k in perks, free vendor space to winning entrepreneur
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/marketplace-at-steamtown-contest-offers-20k-in-perks-free-vendor-space-to-winning-entrepreneur-1.2500474
Crime/Punishment
30 million criminal cases will be sealed in Pennsylvania starting Friday. Here’s what you need to know
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pennsylvania-clean-slate-law-online-20190625-oqjmuxe2tncjdovywrwa7hu6ge-story.html
Westmoreland jail sees highest percentage of new inmates needing drug, alcohol detox
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-jail-sees-highest-percentage-of-new-inmates-needing-drug-alcohol-detox/
Task force drug sweep leads to at least 22 arrests around Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747866/task-force-drug-sweep-leads-to-at-least-15-arrests-around-wilkes-barre
Two people, including Misericordia coach, charged with assaulting police, resisting arrest
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/two-people-including-misericordia-coach-charged-with-assaulting-police-resisting-arrest-1.2500381
2 state troopers, prisoner injured during trip to prison in Indiana County
https://triblive.com/local/regional/2-state-troopers-prisoner-injured-during-trip-to-prison-in-indiana-county/
Paul Muschick on Allentown shooting: Nothing good happens after midnight
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-allentown-shooting-ar-15-deja-vu-muschick-20190625-7c5htzlyfjhtrhe5ekcqsbamly-story.html
Education
Penn Hills School District: Massive debt, long road to recovery
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/06/24/Penn-Hills-School-District-massive-debt-long-road-to-recovery/stories/201906220018
Greensburg Salem to pay $140,000 in secret settlement with unnamed former employee
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-salem-to-pay-140000-in-secret-settlement-with-unnamed-former-employee/
Wilkes-Barre Area meeting: Budget, dress code, change orders, Fischer settlement
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747965/wilkes-barre-area-meeting-budget-dress-code-change-orders-fischer-settlement
Who earned the most money at the Harrisburg School District?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/who-earned-the-most-money-at-the-harrisburg-school-district.html
PSU fraternity involved in Timothy Piazza’s death now suing Penn State for over $500,000
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/24/Penn-State-Beta-Theta-Pi-Timothy-Piazza-fraternity-hazing/stories/201906240117
At Villanova, a record-setting year for producing Fulbright winners
https://www.inquirer.com/news/villanova-university-fulbright-scholars-record-20190624.html
Gaming
Caesars, the big casino firm with four in Philly area, gets swallowed by an upstart firm
https://www.inquirer.com/business/caesars-casinos-chester-atlantic-city-20190624.html
Rivers Casino ready to kick off its online sports betting
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/24/Rivers-Casino-online-app-sports-betting-Pennsylvania-Rush-Street-betrivers/stories/201906240089
Health Care
UPMC, Highmark reach 10-year deal for patient coverage
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/ag-shapiro-promises-major-development-in-upmc-highmark-dispute/
Many patients celebrate UPMC-Highmark agreement, but some remain skeptical
https://triblive.com/local/regional/many-patients-celebrate-upmc-highmark-agreement-but-some-remain-skeptical/
EDITORIAL: Goliath corrects course: UPMC pledges access to Highmark customers
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/24/UPMC-cross-network-access-Highmark-customers-Pittsburgh-health-care-victory-Josh-Shapiro-Jeffrey-Romoff-Tom-Wolf/stories/201906240060
Excela Health reports more financial losses, predicts return to profitability in 2020
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-health-reports-more-financial-losses-predicts-return-to-profitability-in-2020/
Local News
County database still down as recovery continues
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-database-still-down-as-recovery-continues-1.2500388
Garage sale deal expected to close Tuesday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747949/garage-sale-deal-expected-to-close-tuesday
What you need to know about the Route 309 Burger King plan, traffic and more
https://www.timesleader.com/news/747972/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-route-309-burger-king-plan-traffic-and-more
New W-B Twp. retail, restaurant spaces planned
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-w-b-twp-retail-restaurant-spaces-planned-1.2500299
W-B K-9 costs even higher
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-k-9-costs-even-higher-1.2500296
Pittston officials approve bar’s demolition
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pittston-officials-approve-bar-s-demolition-1.2500383
Hazleton to host firemen’s association convention
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hazleton-to-host-firemen-s-association-convention-1.2500312
New’Leadership’ program explores Lackawanna County’s hidden gems, and wrinkles, too
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-leadership-program-explores-lackawanna-county-s-hidden-gems-and-wrinkles-too-1.2500295
Scranton city council hears from vendor of parking kiosks coming this year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-hears-from-vendor-of-parking-kiosks-coming-this-year-1.2500502
Annual NeighborWorks Week brings to Scranton 400 volunteers to work on homes of 60 elderly owners
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/annual-neighborworks-week-brings-to-scranton-400-volunteers-to-work-on-homes-of-60-elderly-owners-1.2500512
Scranton care home resumes normal operations after Legionnaires’ case
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-care-home-resumes-normal-operations-after-legionnaires-case-1.2500290
Mike Munchak excited for opportunity with Denver Broncos
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/mike-munchak-excited-for-opportunity-with-denver-broncos-1.2500492
Westmoreland commissioners better funded than GOP challengers, reports show
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/incumbent-westmoreland-commissioners-start-general-election-season-better-funded-than-gop-challengers/
Tarentum barber makes impact on customers, community
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-barber-makes-impact-on-customers-community/
New Kensington health board eyes 7 more buildings for demolition
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-health-board-eyes-6-more-buildings-for-demolition/
Gilpin schedules ATV ordinance for vote
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/gilpin-schedules-atv-ordinance-for-vote/
Reading Public Museum officials seeking their $110,000 sculpture that vanished in last week’s flooding
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-public-museum-sculpture-vanishes-in-storm
Reading officials vote to go green
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-officials-vote-to-go-green
Spring residents sound off about sewage in basements
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/spring-residents-sound-off-about-sewage-in-basements
Community meetings set for Clifton, U.D. middle school project
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/community-meetings-set-for-clifton-u-d-middle-school-project/article_2c9b372e-96c4-11e9-862e-83150fcca497.html
National News
Migrant kids are moved from a Texas Border Patrol site amid reports of the conditions there
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/24/migrant-children-Texas-Border-Patrol-conditions/stories/201906240116
New Jersey
N.J. bill would ban discrimination based on hairstyle. It’s a measure prompted by Buena dreadlocks incident
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/new-jersey-bill-hair-discrimination-dreadlocks-andrew-johnson-buena-wrestling-20190624.html
Philly
Philly’s AOC? How Helen Gym became the city’s most progressive Council member.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/helen-gym-philadelphia-politics-city-council-primary-20190625.html
Philly refinery fire could push cash-strapped owner closer to the brink
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-refinery-fire-financial-sunoco-20190624.html
Probe of Philly refinery fire to look at potential release of dangerous chemical
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/investigations-of-philadelphia-refinery-fire-to-include-potential-release-of-dangerous-chemical.php
Why LGBTQ bookstores, such as Philadelphia’s Giovanni’s Room, are a lifeline for queer teens
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/books/lgbt-ya-giovannis-room-queer-bookstores-philadelphia-20190625.html
What’s up with the I-95 overcap park?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/i95-park-cap-delaware-river-curious-philly-20190624.html
How do you put a price tag on traffic congestion? Philly says it’s in the millions.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/congestion-philadelphia-streets-traffic-transit-septa-ppa-20190624.html
Six months in, Philly assesses its smoking ban in inpatient rehabs
https://www.inquirer.com/health/philadelphia-smoking-ban-inpatient-addiction-treatment-center-20190624.html
Philly police: 10 recruits resigned after trying to cheat on open-book test
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-cheating-recruits-test-police-academy-20190624.html
Chief inspector’s lawsuit: Philly Sheriff Jewell Williams once encouraged me to kill myself
https://www.inquirer.com/news/jewell-williams-philadelphia-sheriffs-office-dante-austin-law-suit-sexual-harassment–20190624.html
Labeled a murderer for 24 years, Philadelphia man is exonerated
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-da-larry-krasner-wrongful-conviction-exoneration-johnny-berry-20190624.html
Immigrant allies call for justice, assail Trump administration outside Philadelphia ICE offices
https://www.inquirer.com/news/immigration-rally-ice-office-20190624.html
Plan for 278-unit apartment building moving forward at site of demolished West Philly church
https://www.inquirer.com/news/alterra-apartments-lvl-west-philadelphia-church-demolition-20190624.html
No, Philly doesn’t need to cure poverty to reduce crime | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-violence-larry-krasner-district-attorney-crime-20190624.html
Philly believes it can win hosting rights for 2026 men’s World Cup
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/philly-believes-it-can-win-hosting-rights-for-2026-mens-world-cup.php
Pitt
City to close three ‘failing’ Mount Washington overlooks, additional sidewalks
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/24/mount-washington-overlooks-closed-pittsburgh-infrastructure/stories/201906240095
Just Ducky Tours cancels its 2019 season
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/24/Just-Ducky-Tours-cancels-its-2019-season/stories/201906240122
Long-time public defender announces bid for Allegheny County DA
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/06/24/Long-time-public-defender-Lisa-Middleman-District-Attorney-Zappala/stories/201906240113
Mayor Peduto marks Pittsburgh contributions to women’s suffrage on centennial of Pa. ratification
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/24/Mayor-Peduto-Pittsburgh-womens-suffrage-centennial-Pennsylvania-ratification-19th-amendment-daisy-lampkin/stories/201906240068
East Liberty data company looks to make more sense of parking in the Strip District and beyond
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/06/24/allvision-pittsburgh-strip-district-parking-data/stories/201906240072
Oakland residents mount challenge against proposed 10-story office tower
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/06/24/oakland-zoning-board-appeal-walnut-capital-building/stories/201906190137
Health department about to launch survey of county residents’ views on health
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/06/24/Health-department-survey-residents-Allegheny-County-assessment-Karen-Hacker/stories/201906210113
Five Pittsburgh police officers sworn in as sergeants
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/24/Pittsburgh-police-sergeants-ceremony/stories/201906240100
Peduto ‘concerned’ about narcotics, vice squads in wake of South Side bar brawl
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-evaluating-police-operations-in-wake-of-south-side-bar-brawl/
Vandals deface memorial to slain Pittsburgh officer Paul Sciullo II at parents’ home
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/vandals-deface-memorial-to-slain-pittsburgh-officer-outside-parents-home/
Pittsburgh self-driving car company Argo AI funding $15M Carnegie Mellon research center
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-self-driving-car-company-funding-15m-carnegie-mellon-research-center/
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh members launch unionization effort
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/carnegie-library-of-pittsburgh-members-launch-unionization-effort/
State News
Carbon program offers forest owners a way to profit — by letting their trees stand
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/06/23/forest-carbon-market-working-woodlands-Nature-Conservancy-Pennsylvania-climate/stories/201906230035
Vanguard bought a Chester County farm years ago with visions of expanding its campus. Now the land’s up for sale.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/vanguard-happy-days-farm-uwchlan-exton-selling-bid-20190624.html
Dedication held and volunteers honored at new section of the Back Mtn. Trail
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dedication-held-and-volunteers-honored-at-new-section-of-the-back-mtn-trail-1.2500305
Woodpeckers die when stuck on Spotted Lanternfly traps
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/woodpeckers-die-when-stuck-on-spotted-lanternfly-traps/
Pa. adds Tree-of-Heaven to noxious weeds list, bans sales to combat spotted lanternfly
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-adds-tree-of-heaven-to-noxious-weeds-list-bans-sales-to-combat-spotted-lanternfly/
Pipeline work keeps chugging along
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/pipeline-work-keeps-chugging-along/article_53685008-96b0-11e9-8b9f-db613e24d426.html
Transportation
Heavy traffic expected in Harmar after portion of Route 910 closed
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/heavy-traffic-expected-in-harmar-after-portion-of-route-910-closed/
Westmoreland tries again for $25 million Laurel Valley connector funding
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-tries-again-for-25-million-laurel-valley-connector-funding/
Demolition work underway on bridge over Route 28
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/demolition-work-underway-on-bridge-over-route-28/
Washington
Trump says of woman who accused him of sexual assault: ‘She’s not my type’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/president-donald-trump-e-jean-carroll-sexual-assault-accused-not-my-type-20190625.html