Legislature
Vetoed petrochemical tax break bill revived in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-state-lawmakers-might-vote-on-tax-breaks-to-natural-gas-project-20200712.html
Four months after the coronavirus hit Pennsylvania, some residents are still waiting for unemployment benefits
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/four-months-after-the-coronavirus-hit-pennsylvania-some-residents-are-still-waiting-for-unemployment-benefits/article_c0b71216-c2ce-11ea-b11e-8344441dd6e2.html
Damning report on Pa.’s failure to protect residents from fracking unlikely to result in major reform
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/fracking-pennsylvania-health-environment-damage-reform-20200713.html
Background checks work; expand them
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/background-checks-work-expand-them/article_484c0f50-970b-573e-bc5d-43d53cbb9267.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
4 more states — Del., Iowa, Kansas, Okla. — added to Pa.’s travel quarantine list
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/07/12/4-more-states-added-Pennsylvania-travel-quarantine-list/stories/202007120127
Western Pa. reports 303 new cases with Allegheny County’s 200 leading the way
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/12/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-38/stories/202007120123
Allegheny County reports 200 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-200-new-coronavirus-cases-no-new-death/
Lawrence County COVID cases grow by 40 percent in one week
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200712/lawrence-county-covid-cases-grow-by-40-percent-in-one-week
19 new coronavirus cases reported in Westmoreland County, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/19-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-westmoreland-county-no-new-deaths/
Luzerne County adds 15 new positive virus cases Sunday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/luzerne-county-adds-15-new-positive-virus-cases-sunday/article_355343c9-0f7e-548b-8f8e-8c77d11bbd39.html
New COVID-19 cases in Northeast Pennsylvania, but no new deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/new-covid-19-cases-in-northeast-pennsylvania-but-no-new-deaths/article_0c3fbfd5-76dd-5d50-b4f8-0e1a9986e7eb.html
Twelve more coronavirus cases recorded in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/twelve-more-coronavirus-cases-recorded-in-berks/article_1566fadc-c45b-11ea-9106-d3343864a83e.html
5 residents at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden test positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/regional/5-residents-at-concordia-at-villa-st-joseph-in-baden-test-positive-for-covid-19/
Census shows neighborhoods most vulnerable to coronavirus
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200712/census-shows-neighborhoods-most-vulnerable-to-coronavirus
What Pittsburgh doctors say about link between blood type and coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/what-pittsburgh-doctors-say-about-link-between-blood-type-and-coronavirus/
Erie County nurses at fore of COVID-19 effort
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200713/erie-county-nurses-at-fore-of-covid-19-effort
COVID-19 patients can be overwhelmed with inflammation. Doctors are learning to calm that ‘storm.’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-inflammation-cytokine-storm-steroids-actemra-20200713.html
COVID-19 sparked a rising interest in home births, but not all can afford them
https://www.inquirer.com/news/midwife-midwives-birth-covid-babies-delivery-20200712.html
Americans are bewildered by patchwork of social-distancing rules
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200713/americans-are-bewildered-by-patchwork-of-social-distancing-rules
Administration
Doug Shields: Don’t let Gov. Wolf off the hook on fracking crimes
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/07/12/Doug-Shields-Tom-Wolf-environment-fracking-crimes/stories/202007130007
Budget
A look at the 2020-2021 stopgap budget: Health & Human Services | The Numbers Racket
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/a-look-at-the-2020-2021-stopgap-budget-health-services-the-numbers-racket/
Business
Hazard pay? It’s not required but some employers use the money to acknowledge the strain
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/07/13/hazard-pay-legislation-highmark-Jefferson-Hospital-UFCW-covid-19-employee-bonus/stories/202007070102
As pandemic strains supply chains, business organizations call for manufacturers to reshore
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/07/13/As-pandemic-strains-supply-chains-business-organizations-call-for-manufacturers-to-reshore/stories/202007090026
Black-owned businesses: Stories of struggle and success | PennLive launches a vital two-week series
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/black-owned-businesses-stories-of-struggles-and-success-pennlive-launches-two-week-series.html
1 in 5 U.S. small firms plan layoffs after using PPP loan
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/07/1-in-5-us-small-firms-plan-layoffs-after-using-ppp-loan.html
Crime/Punishment
Allentown, Pa. police respond to video showing officer kneeling on man’s head
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/07/13/Allentown-Pennsylvania-police-video-officer-kneeling-on-neck/stories/202007130056
Education
How will Pennsylvania schools reopen this fall? Your questions, answered
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/how-will-pennsylvania-schools-reopen-this-fall-your-questions-answered/
Delaware County school districts scrambling to come up with reopening plans
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-school-districts-scrambling-to-come-up-with-reopening-plans/article_6b60bd26-c3be-11ea-ad1f-1b3d47e344f9.html
Doctors: Politics shouldn’t guide school reopenings
https://www.timesleader.com/news/791519/doctors-politics-shouldnt-guide-school-reopenings
Betsy DeVos again calls for school districts to open fully for 2020-21
https://www.inquirer.com/education/coronavirus-covid-19-education-secretary-betsy-devos-wants-schools-to-reopen-fully-despite-rising-infection-rates-20200712.html
School districts in Luzerne County working on reopening plans for students and staff
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/school-districts-in-luzerne-county-working-on-reopening-plans-for-students-and-staff/article_2e5a8da1-eb7e-5161-9181-03dae13e70aa.html
With masks and athletes, breaks and hydration are more important than ever
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/13/health-risks-masks-PPE-breathing-high-school-sports-returning-pennsylvania/stories/202007120064
Penn State Interfraternity Council suspends social activities to avoid COVID-19 outbreaks
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/13/penn-state-interfraternity-council-suspends-social-activities-to-avoid-covid-19-outbreaks-2/
NJCAA expected to push junior college football season to spring: reports
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/07/njcaa-expected-to-push-junior-college-football-season-to-spring-reports.html
Elections/Politics
Montgomery County officials preparing for November election with eyes on pandemic
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-preparing-for-november-election-with-eyes-on-pandemic/article_4219121a-854b-56ed-88f5-87fd8186921d.html
Delaware County pols eye top of the ticket as fall races kick off
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/delaware-county-pols-eye-top-of-the-ticket-as-fall-races-kick-off/article_cca1a5e4-c307-11ea-a899-8b08f52f6586.html
Ready or not: Election costs soar in prep for virus voting
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/13/ready-or-not-election-costs-soar-in-prep-for-virus-voting/
Why the nation is watching Jeff Sessions vs. former Auburn football coach
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/07/why-the-nation-is-watching-jeff-sessions-vs-former-auburn-football-coach.html
Health Care
“Healing” visitors now allowed back in Bucks, Montco hospitals
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200713/healingldquo-visitors-now-allowed-back-in-bucks-montco-hospitals
UPMC CEO Jeffrey Romoff made nearly $9M last year, a $430K bump
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-ceo-jeffrey-romoff-made-nearly-9m-last-year-a-430k-bump/
Local News
Lackawanna eyes Wilkes-Barre as model in exploring potential health department
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lackawanna-eyes-wilkes-barre-as-model-in-exploring-potential-health-department/article_d69766e8-19f0-5767-9e54-cfce1db865ea.html
Public health study looks at what it takes to go ‘blue
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/public-health-study-looks-at-what-it-takes-to-go-blue/article_359049a7-9729-5c40-a987-7f08a8973c6c.html
Lackawanna County sees spike in hotel expense for homeless families
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-sees-spike-in-hotel-expense-for-homeless-families/article_a096a9a2-25e5-52ca-aa97-30c20ccc17b6.html
Retrofit of former Lackawanna County administration building progressing
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/retrofit-of-former-ackawanna-county-administration-building-progressing/article_3547db52-62eb-5be2-b944-abecca07af05.html
Scranton passes out passport to parks
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-passes-out-passport-to-parks/article_ff46c80a-6632-57cf-a2e4-13d84066482b.html
New Kensington Salvation Army’s new leadership to develop new home, eventually more programs
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-salvation-armys-new-leadership-to-develop-new-home-eventually-more-programs/
Lower Burrell hosts ‘Rise Up Against Racism’ event
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-hosts-rise-up-against-racism-event/
BLM NEPA United Movement holds event on Public Square
https://www.timesleader.com/news/791498/blm-nepa-united-movement-holds-event-on-public-square
Event in Pittston honors those lost to COVID-19
https://www.timesleader.com/news/791515/event-in-pittston-honors-those-lost-to-covid-19
Luzerne County Council asked to alter tax diversion for Pittston area residential project
https://www.timesleader.com/news/791487/luzerne-county-council-asked-to-alter-tax-diversion-for-pittston-area-residential-project
County boards slowly resuming in-person meetings
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/county-boards-slowly-resuming-in-person-meetings/article_235cde34-9546-5d05-9e51-5c14725c4483.html
National News
Washington to shed ‘Redskins’ name today, reports say
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/07/13/Washington-Redskins-name-change-NFL-team-Monday-report/stories/202007130053
Kelly Preston, actor and wife of John Travolta, dies at 57
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/kelly-preston-john-travolta-wife-dies-breast-cancer-20200713.html
Philly
Philly teachers and students take to the street to protest racism
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-teachers-protest-racism-black-lives-matter-20200712.html
SEPTA officer under investigation after Philly protesters beaten with baton
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-septa-police-brutality-protest-rizzo-statue-msb-676-52nd-street-20200712.html
Philly dishwasher manufacturer survived coronavirus pandemic by switching to hand sanitizers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/manufacturer-pivot-innovation-covid-19-franklin-insitute-20200713.html
Philly schools weigh reopening with a hybrid learning model, masks and cleanings every 4 hours
https://www.inquirer.com/education/back-to-school-philadelphia-coronavirus-school-district-plans-reopening-20200709.html
Philly’s FOP head supports police reforms; critics say it’s not enough
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/phillys-fop-head-supports-police-reforms-critics-say-its-not-enough/article_9fd6a09d-a182-5456-b614-487ad16bf2a7.html
Pitt
Five Catholic churches temporarily close due to COVID-19 case in South Hills parish
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/07/12/Pittsburgh-Catholic-diocese-churches-closing-South-Hills-St-Albert-COVID-19/stories/202007120154
Black Political Assembly supports new contract for PPS chief Hamlet
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/13/Western-PA-Black-Political-Assembly-supports-PPS-Anthony-Hamlet-contract/stories/202007100097
Rush to keep businesses afloat sent over $3B in government loans to Pittsburgh-area employers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/07/12/PPP-loans-pa-small-business-covid-19-layoffs-jobs-pittsburgh/stories/202007090156
Tough but fair dean takes on new role at 83
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/13/Arthur-Levine-University-of-Pittsburgh-School-Medicine-Berg-Nordenberg-Dean-senior-vice-chancellor/stories/202006300108
Pittsburgh arts organizations offer diverse mix of online content during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2020/07/13/Arts-digital-stream-viewers-Pittsburgh-symphony-opera-ballet-concert-free-covid-19/stories/202007100121
Historic designation for Lawrenceville house pits architect against homeowners
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/homes/2020/07/13/Ewalt-House-Lawrenceville-Pittsburgh-historic-designation-architecture-real-estate/stories/202007090145
Two years of traffic restrictions begin Monday on Fifth Avenue in Oakland
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/07/12/Oakland-Fifth-Avenue-traffic-restrictions-Innovation-Research-Tower-Carlow-University/stories/202007120074
State News
Kernsville Dam moves a step closer to demolition
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/kernsville-dam-moves-a-step-closer-to-demolition/article_0e0d3b4a-c2ba-11ea-83d6-13b6a0c63d9f.html
With tax day approaching, new website helps people tap billions in credits that often go unclaimed
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-tax-refund-stimulus-help-website-20200713-qzx55pt55bghnewpgz5ohasski-story.html
Lockdown got you down? Get out on Pa.’s rail trails for your health and to help the economy
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/lockdown-got-you-down-get-out-on-pa-s-rail-trails-for-your-health-and-to-help-the-economy/
Transportation
Uber and Lyft traffic is picking up as the Philadelphia area reopens. What will happen when more drivers return to the road?
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/uber-lyft-rideshare-coronavirus-face-masks-septa-20200713.html
Increase in covid-19 cases not sharp enough to push gas prices lower, analyst says
https://triblive.com/local/regional/increase-in-covid-19-cases-not-sharp-enough-to-push-gas-prices-lower-analyst-says/
Pa. highway fatalities fell to all-time low in 2019; traffic counts down in 2020
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/pa-highway-fatalities-fell-to-all-time-low-in-2019-traffic-counts-down-in-2020/article_d6e36f9d-3965-518f-a197-4ae796b4a222.html