“The people are speaking, and they’re speaking in one voice in opposition to this infrastructure. It is not something that people desire in any shape, form or fashion. This potentially could be the issue that gives you the status of a former member of a city council or a former member of Congress.” — Tatishe Nteta, provost professor of political science at UMass Amherst.

Good Tuesday morning, readers. If you were lucky enough to have Indigenous People’s Day off yesterday, welcome to the working week.

On this day in 1903, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost the first World Series. The team now known as the Boston Red Sox, then the Boston Americans, defeated Pittsburgh 3-0 to close out the 5-3 series.

Thanks for starting your day with us. We deeply appreciate you reading, sharing and supporting our work.  -- Pete

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As black lung surges in Appalachia, Trump administration halts rollout of new coal mine dust rules: A new study shows that rates for black lung disease in Appalachia are surging. At the same time, the Trump administration is putting regulations that could reduce miners’ exposure to the dust associated with the disease on hold.

Once a bucolic Pennsylvania river, the Tioga, is now all but dead: When the lingering sun of late May inches along to peer down on the Tioga River — its water glistening — it does so as birds chirp overhead, as a chipmunk darts through rustling riverbed brush, and as yellow butterflies dance into the gorge.

Pennsylvania's GOP members of Congress are failing us on measles (commentary): Tragically, more than 1,000 people in Pennsylvania have been infected with measles in 2026, now associated with 198 hospitalizations and five deaths. In neighboring New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul just declared a statewide health emergency as cases surge in rural counties. 

Election betting is booming as the midterms near, and some states are fighting for the power to curb it: Prediction markets have emerged as a flashpoint in state and federal relations, as a host of states struggle with the Trump administration over who has authority to regulate the platforms and whether state laws restricting gambling apply to them.

In Harrisburg, advocates rally for tougher rules on fracking: Environmental groups and citizens are urging Pennsylvania regulators to increase the minimum amount of protective buffer space between gas wells and homes, schools and water sources. The issue has taken on new urgency as the AI data center buildout spurs more demand for natural gas.

Election betting is booming as the midterms near, and some states are fighting for the power to curb it: Prediction markets have emerged as a flashpoint in state and federal relations, as a host of states struggle with the Trump administration over who has authority to regulate the platforms and whether state laws restricting gambling apply to them.

Supreme Court denies request to extend deadline for skill games: The state Supreme Court on Friday denied requests to extend the deadline Tuesday to remove skill games from establishments across the commonwealth.