Legislature
Rare fight erupts on Pa. Senate floor amid debate over program for the poor
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-senate-general-assistance-fetterman-scarnati-chaos-fight-20190626.html
Chaos erupts in Pennsylvania Senate over welfare bill
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/chaos-erupts-in-pennsylvania-senate-over-welfare-bill-2/
Pa. Senate embroiled in chaos over bill to scuttle cash assistance program
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/bill-to-scuttle-cash-assistance-program-passes-senate-in-chaotic-fashion.html
Senate session devolves into shouting as GOP repeals cash assistance
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/06/senate-session-devolves-into-shouting-match-as-gop-repeals-cash-assistance.php
Pa. Senate passes bills to change emissions testing in Westmoreland, statewide
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-senate-passes-bills-to-eliminate-emissions-testing-in-westmoreland-and-change-testing-statewide/
Pennsylvania Senate votes to let local police use radar to catch speeders
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-senate-radar-speeders-20190626-hy3gj2xgbfcdtbem6uwn6rcsw4-story.html
Senate votes to allow hunting on 3 Sundays in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/senate-votes-to-allow-hunting-on-three-sundays-in-pennsylvania-20190626.html
Berks County senators split 3-1 in favor of ending ban on Sunday deer hunting in Pennsylvania
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-senators-split-3-1-in-favor-of-ending-ban-on-sunday-deer-hunting-in-pennsylvania
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta’s technical schools bill passes Senate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190626/state-sen-camera-bartolottas-technical-schools-bill-passes-senate
Pa. House considers $90M for voting machines, end to straight-party voting
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/pa-house-considers-90m-for-voting-machines-end-to-straight-party-voting.html
House plans to give Wolf more than he bargained for in voting machine bill
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/06/house-plans-to-give-wolf-more-than-he-bargained-for-in-voting-machine-bill.php
How one bill could fund voting machines, change Pennsylvania’s elections, and tick off Democrats
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/how-one-bill-could-fund-voting-machines-change-pennsylvanias-elections-and-tick-off-democrats/
Official: Primary bill still excludes some voters
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190626/official-primary-bill-still-excludes-some-voters
UPMC, Highmark reach 11th-hour agreement
https://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/20190624/upmc-highmark-reach-11th-hour-agreement
You can’t buy Roman candles and aerial fireworks at roadside tents in Pa.; Here’s why
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/06/26/aerial-fireworks-roman-candles-cannot-sold-pa-roadside-tents-that-have-no-fire-prevention-measures/1547116001/
Historic Pa. law to automatically seal millions of criminal charges starting tomorrow
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/historic-pa-law-to-automatically-seal-millions-of-criminal-charges-starting-tomorrow.php
Missing meetings could cost Pa. local officials their elective post under House-passed proposed constitutional amendment
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/missing-meetings-could-cost-pa-local-officials-their-elective-post-under-house-passed-proposed-constitutional-amendment.html
Protestors march through Capitol, urge Pa. legislators to eliminate child marriage loopholes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/protestors-march-through-capitol-urge-pa-legislators-to-eliminate-child-marriage-loopholes.html
Pennsylvania lawmakers move to block plastic bag bans
https://www.readingeagle.com/article/20190626/AP/306269266/1009
State Senate passes two bills from Sen. Elder Vogel Jr.
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190626/state-senate-passes-two-bills-from-sen-elder-vogel-jr
Poverty is the moral issue of our time | Opinion| By: Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Sen. Vincent Hughes
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/poverty-pennsylvania-malcolm-kenyatta-vincent-hughes-20190626.html
Don’t cut off key opioid treatment
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/don-t-cut-off-key-opioid-treatment-1.2501399
Administration
Wolf calls for complete investigation into fires and explosion at largest oil refinery on the East Coast
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/wolf-calls-for-complete-investigation-into-fires-and-explosion-at-largest-oil-refinery-on-the-east-coast.html
Budget
Pennsylvania farming gets a hand-up in new state budget
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/pennsylvania-farming-gets-a-hand-up-in-new-state-budget.html
Berks delegation backs Pennsylvania budget in state House
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-delegation-backs-pennsylvania-budget-in-state-house
Editorial: State budget a missed opportunity
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-state-budget-a-missed-opportunity
Bucking colleagues, state Rep. Aaron Bernstine votes against state budget
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190626/bucking-colleagues-state-rep-aaron-bernstine-votes-against-state-budget
Business
Hundreds of Wayfair employees walk out to protest sales to a migrant detention center
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/06/26/Wayfair-employees-walkout-Boston-protest-sales-migrant-detention-center-border/stories/201906260215
Aramark bonus fiasco draws a second lawsuit
https://www.inquirer.com/business/aramark-bonus-fiasco-class-action-lawsuit-20190626.html
Weis Markets opens beer cafe at its supermarket in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/weis-markets-opens-beer-cafe-at-its-supermarket-in-reading
Crime/Punishment
Ex-Wilkes-Barre cop faces new sex charges
https://www.timesleader.com/news/748063/former-wbpd-officer-collins-accused-by-psp-of-raping-four-additional-women
Lawyer charged in animal mercy killing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lawyer-charged-in-animal-mercy-killing-1.2501460
Daylight gunfire shakes Scranton downtown; no injuries in shooting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/daylight-gunfire-shakes-scranton-downtown-no-injuries-in-shooting-1.2501339
Former Scranton School Director Christopher Musti claims incompetence in theft case
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-scranton-school-director-christopher-musti-claims-incompetence-in-theft-case-1.2501648
Berks County Prison Board discusses proposal to hire 6 correctional officers
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berk-county-prison-board-discusses-proposal-to-hire-6-correctional-officers
Education
Reading School District taxes to stay the same
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-school-district-taxes-to-stay-the-same
AG refers Hanover Area audit findings to Ethics Commission, prosecutors
https://www.timesleader.com/news/748065/ag-refers-hanover-area-audit-findings-to-ethics-commission-prosecutors
Auditor: Hanover Area overpaid vendors by $310K
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/auditor-hanover-area-overpaid-vendors-by-310k-1.2501458
Cheyney’s president vowed a balanced budget. As a crucial deadline approaches, he’s optimistic.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/cheyney-university-state-system-budget-deficit-20190626.html
As nation struggles with student loan debt, Dept. of Education announces lower interest rates
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/06/26/interest-rates-student-loans-July-education-federal-debt-plus-undergrad/stories/201906260146
Penn State suspends fraternity for several years after investigation into hazing
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/penn-state-suspends-greek-fraternity-for-several-years-after-investigation-into-hazing.html
Gaming
Q-and-A: Advice, insight about Pennsylvania’s new online sports betting
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/26/Pennsylvania-online-sports-betting-Ziernicki-Rivers-Casino-interview/stories/201906260148
Health Care
Allegheny Health Network to start building Harmar hospital next month
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-health-network-to-start-building-harmar-hospital-next-month/
A federal panel recommends the HPV vaccine for people through age 45
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/06/26/HPV-vaccine-recommendation-panel-cancer/stories/201906260222
Local News
Wilkes-Barre Farmers Market Opens Thursday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/748157/wilkes-barre-farmers-market-opens-thursday-2
Luzerne County Councilman presses for answers on cyber attack
https://www.timesleader.com/news/748152/luzerne-county-councilman-presses-for-answers-on-cyber-attack
Workshop aims to resolve conflict in Wilkes-Barre over feral cats
https://www.timesleader.com/news/748149/workshop-aims-to-resolve-conflict-in-wilkes-barre-over-feral-cats
Real estate industry resumes business after cyber attack
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/real-estate-industry-resumes-business-after-cyber-attack-1.2501441
Bicycle race, hill climb coming to Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bicycle-race-hill-climb-coming-to-scranton-1.2501388
‘One step at a time’: Luzerne manager chronicles county progress
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/one-step-at-a-time-luzerne-manager-chronicles-county-progress-1.2501393
All’s ready for Community Day Saturday
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/all-s-ready-for-community-day-saturday-1.2501391
Dunmore to be next to partner with land bank
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-to-be-next-to-partner-with-land-bank-1.2501298
Hempfield’s $4.3 million SAFER grant to be managed by outside organization
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfields-4-3-million-safer-grant-to-be-managed-by-outside-organization/
Westmoreland GOP commissioner candidates to keep separate campaigns
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-gop-commissioner-candidates-to-keep-open-dialogue-but-not-join-campaigns/
Kutztown struggles to adapt as upscale apartments lure college students out of the borough
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/new-era-of-student-housing-dawns-at-kutztown-university-borough-struggles-to-adapt
A federally funded program that offers free food to low-income Berks seniors seeks recipients
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/free-food-program-for-berks-county-seniors-underused
Reading parking garages begin upgrading their gates and pay system
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-garages-begin-upgrading-their-gates-and-pay-system
Vandalism surge compels Allentown to close restrooms in city parks
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-park-bathrooms-closed-vandalism-20190626-uqzivwrhl5fv7p26incq3u5avm-story.html
A bad time for stormwater fees? Harrisburg mayor says it is, but water board decides otherwise
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/a-bad-time-for-stormwater-fees-harrisburg-mayor-says-it-is-but-water-board-ignores-him.html
National News
Border Patrol defends treatment of children at Texas migrant facility
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/border-patrol-migrant-children-custody-mistreat-clint-texas-holding-facility-20190627.html
Philly
Refinery shutdown could mean new life for 1,400 waterfront acres
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-refinery-complex-real-estate-land-use-port-housing-remediation-20190626.html
Philadelphia Energy Solutions to close refinery damaged by fire; gas prices spike
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-refinery-fire-plan-to-close-20190626.html
Philadelphia Energy Solutions to close refinery after blaze
https://www.delcotimes.com/business/philadelphia-energy-solutions-to-close-refinery-after-blaze/article_fe63d882-981e-11e9-9294-3b733001d29f.html
How to stem Philly’s gun violence? Officials discuss obstacles, strategies at City Hall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-city-council-hearing-richard-ross-larry-krasner-20190626.html
Hahnemann University Hospital to close
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hahneman-hospital-philadelphia-closing-20190626.html
Brookhaven couple act as stand-in mom and dad to LGBTQ youth
https://www.inquirer.com/news/lgbtq-house-of-lamour-brookhaven-20190627.html
Customs: More cocaine seized from ship in Philadelphia than estimated
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/cocaine-seizure-port-gayane-bricks-tons-billion-20190626.html
Once touted as a recovery success story, Philly rehab owner admits he illegally profited from others’ addictions
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joseph-lubowitz-humble-beginnings-rehab-opioid-addiction-real-life-recovery-palm-beach-20190626.html
Amtrak is suing SEPTA to raise its yearly rent from $1.00 to $1.5 million
https://www.inquirer.com/news/amtrak-septa-suit-land-tracks-federal-law-20190626.html
Some board members question proposed sale of Philly school district building to charter operator
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-belmont-charter-building-school-district-sale-michael-karp-20190626.html
In the Northwest Philly neighborhood where he grew up, a police inspector reckons with rising gun violence | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/northwest-philadelphia-police-inspector-gun-violence-deshawn-beaufort-20190626.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh police to move some commanders to new assignments
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/26/Pittsburgh-police-move-some-commanders-new-assignments/stories/201906260128
Officer in Antwon Rose shooting denies family’s federal lawsuit claims
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/26/Michael-Rosfeld-Antwon-Rose-federal-civil-lawsuit-police-shooting-excessive-force/stories/201906260158
Michael Rosfeld, East Pittsburgh deny liability for death of Antwon Rose
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rosfeld-east-pittsburgh-deny-claims-made-by-rose-family-in-federal-lawsuit/
Brian O’Neill: Pittsburgh thrives on its walkable urban places
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2019/06/27/Pittsburgh-walkable-urban-place-space-Smart-Growth-America/stories/201906270018
Wilkinsburg council honors decorated World War II veteran
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/06/27/Wilkinsburg-council-honors-decorated-World-War-II-veteran/stories/201906270011
Vincentian to acquire senior care facility Schenley Gardens
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/06/27/Vincentian-to-acquire-senior-care-facility-Schenley-Gardens-Vizzoca/stories/201906260153
Online, paper surveys set up for Allegheny County community health survey
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/06/26/Online-paper-surveys-Allegheny-County-community-health-assessment/stories/201906260142
2 teens shot near daycare center in Perry South
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/06/27/2-teens-shot-near-daycare-center-in-Perry-South-pittsburgh/stories/201906270087
Peduto proposes $500K for blue bins, pushing for “higher-quality” recycling
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/06/26/Pittsburgh-Bill-Peduto-blue-bins-recycling-Pittsburgh-China-glass-plastic-bags/stories/201906260156
Peduto sets aside $500K to buy recycling bins for Pittsburgh residents
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-sets-aside-500000-to-buy-recycling-bins-for-city-residents/
Councilwoman Darlene Harris disapproves of process to pay $45K in city ethics legal fees
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/06/26/Pittsburgh-Councilwoman-Darlene-Harris-city-ethics-legal-fees/stories/201906260152
More of a good thing: Riverfront trails are planned for north surburbs
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/06/27/Riverfront-trails-planned-for-north-surburbs/stories/201906270043
State News
Pennsylvania Auditor General plans to revisit dog-law enforcement audit
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-auditor-general-plans-to-revisit-dog-law-enforcement-audit/
NEPA Fireworks Listings 2019
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-fireworks-listings-2019-1.2500657
Lehigh and Northampton among Pennsylvania counties helping ICE to deport people, study says
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-pennsylvania-counties-immigration-enforcement-local-jails-20190626-7b3fqsur3vclzjysbc53qwupte-story.html
11 things you need to know before getting a Real ID in Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/06/11-things-you-need-to-know-to-get-real-id.html
Vigil honors Osaze Osagie, pushes for mental health reform in Pa.
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/06/vigil-in-state-college-remembers-osaze-osagie-pushes-for-mental-health-reform.php
Transportation
This weekend’s outbound Parkway East closure may be the last in a $26.2M improvement project
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/06/26/Parkway-East-outbound-closed-this-weekend/stories/201906260119
Greensburg Road restrictions expected until November
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/greensburg-road-restrictions-expected-until-november/
Washington
Health care, immigration top issues at Democrats’ 1st debate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/06/26/Democratic-presidential-debates-2020-election/stories/201906260115
Democrats stake out stands on economy and immigration, clash on health care in first presidential debate
https://www.inquirer.com/news/democrats-debate-elizabeth-warren-cory-booker-julian-castro-bill-diblasio-immigration-economic-inequality-20190627.html
‘There are people who love you’: Rep. Susan Wild of Pa. gives emotional plea for suicide prevention 1 month after her partner’s death
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/susan-wild-representative-suicide-partner-mental-health-congress-20190626.html