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On the 75th anniversary of the Donora smog disaster, Pennsylvania’s air quality is still terrible

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On the 75th anniversary of the Donora smog disaster, Pennsylvania’s air quality is still terrible


So long as society’s been burning fossil fuels to get power and warmth, we’ve been sufferer to an invisible pollutant that wreaks havoc on our well being and atmosphere. Soot — formally generally known as high quality particulate matter — is a harmful and lethal man-made air pollutant that comes from burning oil, gasoline, and coal. At present, the U.S. Environmental Safety Company (EPA) is within the means of updating the degrees at which soot is allowed to be within the air. Implementing the strongest doable science-based requirements will defend the well being of all Pennsylvanians and the environment.

Pennsylvanians aren’t any strangers to polluted air. This 12 months marks the seventy fifth anniversary of the historic Donora smog catastrophe close to Pittsburgh. It was one of many worst air air pollution disasters in U.S. historical past — 20 folks died — sparking a motion to cut back air air pollution and guarantee clear air to breathe for all Individuals. Sadly, thousands and thousands of Pennsylvanians nonetheless face elevated air air pollution ranges. In truth, in response to the American Lung Affiliation, Pittsburgh ranks because the 14th worst metropolitan space within the nation for year-round particle air pollution, and Philadelphia ranks 18th worst within the nation. All informed, greater than 1.7 million Pennsylvanians stay in counties receiving an “F” grade for particle air pollution.

Soot comes from energy vegetation, car tailpipes, and different industrial sources that run on soiled fossil fuels. Soot negatively impacts the well being of residents throughout Pennsylvania and places our pure atmosphere in danger. Burning fossil fuels is the supply of soot air pollution and can also be the primary driver of local weather change. Along with contributing to local weather change, soot additionally causes haze and acid rain, which has detrimental results on our lakes, streams, and different ecosystems.

Soot is finer than pure air pollution like mud and pollen, and as such is ready to penetrate deeper into human lung tissue. Soot publicity has been proven to extend mortality charges, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. These risks are extra outstanding for kids, seniors, and people with persistent diseases, significantly bronchial asthma. Greater than 20% of kids in each Allegheny and Philadelphia Counties have bronchial asthma, greater than twice the nationwide price.

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Along with bronchial asthma exacerbation and different respiration points, soot can also be linked to grave diseases and well being dangers together with coronary heart illness, ailments like Parkinson’s and dementia, and points associated to being pregnant and childbirth. Harvard researchers estimated that Pennsylvania has the very best charges of untimely deaths attributable to soot air pollution within the nation.

Sadly, America’s air high quality requirements for soot air pollution haven’t been up to date in over a decade. That’s why it’s so vital that the EPA is taking steps to revise them now. At present, the EPA is proposing a brand new customary that would cut back allowable ranges of soot air pollution in our air by about 20%. But, public well being knowledge present that the EPA can and may go even additional with its requirements. By reducing the present customary by 33%, the EPA might save 4 occasions as many lives, or practically 20,000 lives every year.

Over the course of the EPA’s official public remark interval, tens of hundreds of Pennsylvanians added their names in assist of stronger soot protections. Respiratory clear and wholesome air ought to be a proper and never a privilege. Making certain that the EPA’s newly proposed public well being protections are strengthened and authorized will likely be a giant step towards serving to Pennsylvanians and all Individuals breathe extra simply.

Ellie Kerns is the local weather and clear power affiliate with PennEnvironment, a statewide environmental advocacy nonprofit.



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Pennsylvania

New Details on 2 Tornadoes Confirmed in Northwestern Pennsylvania During Monday’s Storms

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New Details on 2 Tornadoes Confirmed in Northwestern Pennsylvania During Monday’s Storms


Survey Summary:
The National Weather Service Cleveland office confirmed an EF-
2 tornado in eastern Erie County, Pennsylvania, with maximum
estimated wind speeds of 115 mph and a maximum path width of
150 yards. The tornado touched down just northwest of the
intersection of Plum Road and Page Road, with swirls in the field
and moving northeast toppling a large tree and destroying a barn
near Knoyle Rd. The tornado crossed Knoyle Road and struck a second
barn directly, which contained several vehicles and trailers. The
barn was destroyed, leaving the cars heavily damaged and a
trailer overturned. Debris from the structure was across a
nearby field and into the adjacent woods. Two horses and several
cows were killed as a result of the tornado. A nearby home
sustained moderate damage, including ripped siding from the west
side, broken windows, and a blown-out side door. The tornado
continued northeast across an open field before entering a wooded
area, where it damaged several trees. It then lifted shortly
thereafter.



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Pennsylvania Lottery Powerball, Pick 2 Day results for June 9, 2025

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The Pennsylvania Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Monday, June 9, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from June 9 drawing

30-33-40-43-52, Powerball: 25, Power Play: 4

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 2 numbers from June 9 drawing

Day: 7-7, Wild: 8

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Evening: 4-9, Wild: 5

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from June 9 drawing

Day: 1-4-6, Wild: 8

Evening: 2-7-5, Wild: 5

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 4 numbers from June 9 drawing

Day: 0-5-1-1, Wild: 8

Evening: 3-9-5-4, Wild: 5

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 5 numbers from June 9 drawing

Day: 0-4-5-7-1, Wild: 8

Evening: 1-8-4-4-0, Wild: 5

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Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash4Life numbers from June 9 drawing

06-08-28-57-60, Cash Ball: 03

Check Cash4Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 5 numbers from June 9 drawing

04-07-17-27-36

Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Treasure Hunt numbers from June 9 drawing

11-13-22-25-29

Check Treasure Hunt payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Match 6 Lotto numbers from June 9 drawing

10-19-22-33-43-47

Check Match 6 Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from June 9 drawing

01-07-24-50-59, Powerball: 11

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

  • Sign the Ticket: Ensure your ticket has your signature, name, address and phone number on the back.
  • Prizes up to $600: Claim at any PA Lottery retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
  • Prizes from $600 to $2,500: Use a Claim Form to claim at a retailer or by mail: Pennsylvania Lottery, ATTN: CLAIMS, PO BOX 8671, Harrisburg, PA 17105.
  • Prizes over $2,500: Mail your signed ticket with a Claim Form or in person at a Lottery Area Office (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Lottery Headquarters is currently not open to the public. Visit the PA Lottery website for other office locations near you.

When are the Pennsylvania Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: 1:35 p.m. and 6:59 p.m. daily.
  • Cash4Life: 9 p.m. daily.
  • Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. daily.
  • Treasure Hunt: 1:35 p.m. daily.
  • Match 6 Lotto: 6:59 p.m. Monday and Thursday.
  • Powerball Double Play: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Pennsylvania editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Legislative roundup: DHS highlights vital role of Medicaid in supporting economy

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Legislative roundup: DHS highlights vital role of Medicaid in supporting economy


Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys and Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley this week discussed the importance of Medicaid in providing health care coverage to millions of Pennsylvanians amid proposed federal cuts to the program — which would kick more than 300,000 Pennsylvanians off their health insurance.

More than three million Pennsylvanians – or 1 in 4 people – get their health care coverage through Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania. With this coverage, Pennsylvanians can see a doctor, fill prescriptions and access preventive services like health screenings. This coverage is vital to helping people stay healthy, take care of their families and contribute to our economy.

“All of us know someone — whether its ourselves, a friend, loved one, or a neighbor — who Medicaid has helped,” Arkoosh said. “But no matter how you personally get your health care coverage, Medicaid is vital to protecting the health of your community. Congressional Republicans’ proposed cuts to Medicaid would be devastating not only for those who would lose their health coverage, but for all of us who would face the real life consequences of crowded emergency departments, increases in the cost of health insurance, and the catastrophic effects on economies and health systems in rural areas.”

More than 300,000 Pennsylvanians will lose access to Medicaid due to:

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• New eligibility requirements.

• Increased bureaucratic paperwork because of proposed six-month re-determinations, whether eligibility is determined every six months instead of every year.

• New work reporting requirements, which will require more staff and new IT infrastructure.

The bill also proposes other federal cuts that will further destabilize our health care infrastructure and threaten the closure of hospitals, especially in our rural communities. Half of Pennsylvania’s 65 hospitals serving rural communities operate at a deficit, struggling to survive, and relying significantly on Medicaid to cover the cost of providing care.

“The Congressional Republicans’ bill would have devastating consequences for Pennsylvanians. From unaffordable health care costs to a higher number of uninsured individuals seeking uncompensated care through our hospital systems, this bill should concern every one of us.” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys.

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As of today, Congressional Republicans’ bill needs to pass the U.S. Senate and be signed into law. There are no changes to Medicaid.

Lawrence confirmed as Pa.’s Consumer Advocate

Attorney General Dave Sunday this week announced that the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed the nomination of Darryl Lawrence to serve as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate.

Lawrence has been serving as interim Consumer Advocate since Feb. 4, where he has been representing Commonwealth consumers in public utility service quality and pricing matters. Lawrence has been with the Office of Consumer Advocate since June 2005 and previously held the position of Senior Assistant Consumer Advocate for the office.

“I am pleased that the Senate has confirmed my appointment of Darryl Lawrence as Pennsylvania’s Consumer Advocate, and am confident that Darryl will serve Pennsylvanians well in that capacity,” Sunday said. “Darryl dedicated his career to advocating on behalf of Pennsylvanians who may not have a voice in the regulatory, judicial, and legislative processes attached to public utilities. He has proven himself as an experienced, tough, fair, and honest advocate.”

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The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate was established by the General Assembly in 1976 to serve as the legal representative for all utility ratepayers in the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate is housed in the Office of Attorney General, but functions independently. The Office of Consumer Advocate has discretion and authority to intervene in litigation on its own behalf, and has actively participated in matters before the Pennsylvania Utility Commission and in state and federal courts.

Public utilities include electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and telecom companies under either Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or Federal Energy Regulatory Commission jurisdiction.

PUC Chairman confirmed for second term

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission this week thanked the State Senate for unanimously confirming the reappointment of Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank to a second term as Commissioner and expressed appreciation to Governor Josh Shapiro for submitting the nomination.

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Chairman DeFrank was confirmed on June 4, by the Senate and will continue serving as chairman of the commission. His new term extends through April 1, 2030.

“I’m honored by the confidence shown by Governor Shapiro and the Senate,” DeFrank said. “At a time of fast-moving change across our energy and utility systems — from rising demand and extreme weather to cyber-security and infrastructure modernization — the Commission’s mission remains clear: ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable service for every Pennsylvanian.”

DeFrank was sworn in immediately following his confirmation.

NIL legislation to protect student athletes to be introduced

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford/Fulton, and Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-Perry/Juniata, this week announced they will soon introduce legislation to provide protections for student-athletes receiving compensation for the use their name, image and likeness (NIL).

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While a case wending through federal courts will likely expand the NIL universe, no state legal structure exists. This leaves compensated student-athletes vulnerable to poor financial decisions and without recourse if they should become injured during their career.

“NIL is one of the most dynamic and evolving spaces in the national sports market that has become a life-changing positive for many student-athletes and families,” Topper said. “As the NIL landscape continues to advance at the federal level, it is appropriate for state legal supplements to ensure student-athletes are protected at a vulnerable time in their lives.”

“Our legislation will ensure that students have the financial education and protection available to safeguard their NIL assets while giving them the opportunity to save NIL earnings should they become injured or otherwise incapable of pursuing their athletic career.”

According to the recently filed co-sponsorship memo in advance of the introduction of formal legislation, the Topper-Stambaugh NIL proposal would require institutions of higher education to offer all student-athletes the option to place a portion of their revenue sharing or NIL earnings into trust accounts. The institutions may partner with established financial firms experienced in educational trust management to minimize administrative overhead. The accounts would have the following features:

• Funds become fully accessible upon graduation or departure from the university.

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• Limited hardship withdrawals permitted with appropriate oversight.

• Professional investment management with transparent reporting.

• Opt-in structure that preserves athlete autonomy while encouraging responsible financial planning.

In addition, colleges and universities would be mandated to provide financial literacy education and resources to their student-athletes.

“In the new ‘Wild, Wild West’ of collegiate athletics that NIL has spawned, helping protect student-athletes from financial harm or exploitation is a solid first step states should take,” Stambaugh said. “As the landscape surrounding NIL evolves, Pennsylvania will be studying changes and enacting policies to ensure our colleges and universities can remain competitive.”

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.



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