Legislature

Pa. Senate unanimously passes bill to reform probation system; supporters call it a ‘milestone’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-senate-unanimously-passes-bill-to-reform-probation-system-supporters-call-it-a-milestone.html

Pa. lawmakers pass proposed constitutional changes rebalancing powers among governmental branches
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-lawmakers-pass-proposed-constitutional-changes-rebalancing-powers-among-governmental-branches.html

Republicans aim at Pennsylvania’s Democratic majority court in Pennsylvania
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/16/republicans-aim-at-pennsylvanias-democratic-majority-court-in-pennsylvania/

The Pa. legislature has had plenty of bad ideas, but this one’s a doozy | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/the-pa-legislature-has-had-plenty-of-bad-ideas-but-this-ones-a-doozy-john-baer.html

Pa. lawmakers want voters to weaken governor’s emergency powers, boost their own
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/coronavirus-disaster-declaration-pennsylvania-legislature-powers-20200716.html

COVID-19 fallout proves case for broadband
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/covid-19-fallout-proves-case-for-broadband/article_f4ea92d1-3dc7-5c27-826e-8e4f53b25ef2.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

Gov. Tom Wolf announces new restrictions on bars, restaurants
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/07/15/pa-covid-19-restrictions-bars-restaurants-tom-wolf-coronavirus-telework/stories/202007150134

Wolf willing to ‘pull the plug’ on school reopening if new COVID surge can’t be stopped
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/wolf-would-pull-the-plug-on-school-reopening-if-new-covid-surge-cant-be-stopped.html

Aiming to stop the virus ‘in its tracks,’ Wolf imposes new restrictions on bars, restaurants, and indoor gatherings, warning that Pa. could see a new surge
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-pennsylvania-wolf-restrictions-bars-restaurants-surge-20200715.html

Gov. Wolf tightens restrictions on bars, restaurants as covid-19 surge continues
https://triblive.com/local/regional/gov-wolf-tightens-restrictions-on-bars-restaurants-as-covid-19-surge-continues/

New Pa. coronavirus restrictions related to indoor capacities does not apply to religious institutions: Wolf
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/07/new-pa-coronavirus-restrictions-related-to-indoor-capacities-does-not-apply-to-religious-institutions-wolf.html

‘We are already at a tipping point,’ Wolf says, as Pa. imposes new health restrictions on bars and restaurants
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-pa-wolf-to-announce-new-dining-bar-restrictions/

Wolf shuts down bar service, limits restaurant capacity as COVID-19 cases creep upward
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/wolf-shuts-down-bar-service-limits-restaurant-capacity-as-covid-19-cases-creep-upward/article_864182de-c57e-5308-b7c5-88e855e45a62.html

Gov. Wolf orders Pennsylvania bars that do not serve food to close; limits capacity of other bars, and restaurants
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-wolf-press-wednesday-20200715-syc2mc7xonajvjilu4kvattd4q-story.html

Wolf’s restrictions explained
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792005/wolfs-restrictions-explained

LAST CALL (again): Wolf shuts down bar service, limits restaurant capacity
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/last-call-again-wolf-shuts-down-bar-service-limits-restaurant-capacity/article_e884d2ab-28f7-5b2a-9816-98dbe9d7cb28.html

GOP lawmakers denounce Gov. Tom Wolf’s new coronavirus restrictions on restaurants and bars
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/gop-lawmakers-denounce-gov-tom-wolfs-new-coronavirus-restrictions-on-restaurants-and-bars.html

Hazleton Mayor Cusat: Governor’s new restrictions are ‘ridiculous’
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-mayor-cusat-governor-s-new-restrictions-are-ridiculous-1.2642511

About 50% of Pa. nursing homes still have not completed universal testing of residents, staff
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/about-50-of-pa-nursing-homes-still-have-not-completed-universal-testing-of-residents-staff/

Pennsylvania reports 994 new covid-19 cases, 26 new deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-994-new-covid-19-cases-26-new-deaths/

Allegheny County reports 246 new cases of COVID-19, 5 more deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/15/COVID-19-data-cases-deaths-allegheny-county-pittsburgh-pennsylvania/stories/202007150100

Allegheny County adds 246 new covid-19 cases, 5 new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-adds-246-new-covid-19-cases-5-new-deaths/

21 new covid-19 cases reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/21-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-westmoreland-county/

11 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/11-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-luzerne-county/article_7b969ed6-5744-5eca-bbf3-1c749bfb3672.html

New coronavirus cases in Berks County rise by 34; Pennsylvania running at May levels
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/new-coronavirus-cases-in-berks-county-rise-by-34-pennsylvania-running-at-may-levels/article_1ba4b84a-c6a8-11ea-8e1e-bb5a12ccd26f.html

This small Delco borough has the Philly region’s highest rate of coronavirus cases
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid19-coronavirus-yeadon-delaware-county-pennsylvania-high-case-rate-nursing-homes-testing-20200716.html

Coronavirus pandemic could worsen rising rates of postpartum depression
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-postpartum-depression-pregnancy-20200716.html

Why are minorities getting hit harder by COVID-19? Partly because of systemic racism, doctors, health experts say
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-hearing-house-dems-20200715-ubrwti54rfgbvewjrr7ozfpf34-story.html

Pitt, UPMC recruiting COVID-19 vaccine trial volunteers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/15/Pitt-UPMC-Pittsburgh-recruiting-COVID-19-vaccine-trial-volunteers-coronavirus/stories/202007150113

Temperature checks have become common. But are they effective in fight against COVID-19?
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200716/temperature-checks-have-become-common-but-are-they-effective-in-fight-against-covid-19/1

Montgomery County officials frustrated, angry about delayed coronavirus test results
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-frustrated-angry-about-delayed-coronavirus-test-results/article_b7c854c8-1f74-53c1-a21f-934e3e53223e.html

Families of health workers killed by COVID-19 fight for denied workers’ comp benefits
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-health-care-workers-compensation-20200716.html

You’re probably not an expert at assessing COVID-19 risks. Your doctor can help. | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/covid-coronavirus-risks-social-distancing-doctor-guidance-20200715.html

Many Pennsylvanians still struggling to access $1,200 federal checks, Lamb and Doyle say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/07/15/1200-stimulus-checks-many-Pennsylvania-struggle-access-Conor-Lamb-Mike-Doyle/stories/202007150143

Americans hurt by COVID-19 should be able to discharge student loans in bankruptcy, says Philly congresswoman
https://www.inquirer.com/business/law/mary-gay-scanlon-congress-student-loan-debt-discharge-bankruptcy-20200716.html

During televised address, Gov. DeWine pleads with Ohioans to wear masks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/07/15/Ohio-Gov-DeWine-coronavirus-address-Ohioans-masks-COVID-19-cases/stories/202007150179

Going cashless leaves some behind
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/16/Cashless-pandemic-physical-currency/stories/202007170004

Administration

Wolf extends firearm permits through Sept. 30
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200715/wolf-extends-firearm-permits-through-sept-30

Business

‘I don’t know what else they want me to do,’ bar owner says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792002/i-dont-know-what-else-they-want-me-to-do-bar-owner-says

Sheetz in Creighton closed after employee tested positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/sheetz-in-creighton-closed-after-employee-tested-positive-for-covid-19/

New factory set for Olyphant with salaries starting at $37,000
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/new-factory-set-for-olyphant-with-salaries-starting-at-37-000/article_3a9c9d14-5774-50ff-b2d9-83c6cb372554.html

Medical marijuana dispensary opens in downtown Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/medical-marijuana-dispensary-opens-in-downtown-reading/article_80ffbbc4-c6c4-11ea-845e-3bd4a0059177.html

Crime/Punishment

Supreme Court clears way for 2nd federal execution this week
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/16/Supreme-Court-clears-way-for-2nd-federal-execution-this-week-Wesley-Ira-Purke/stories/202007160102

Education

South Fayette School District reopening plan presented, approval set for next week
https://triblive.com/local/carlynton/south-fayette-school-district-reopening-plan-presented-approval-set-for-next-week/

New Kensington-Arnold School District reopening plan presented
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-arnold-school-district-reopening-plan-presented/

Steelton-Highspire School District discusses plans for new school year that may or may not happen in the classroom
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/steelton-highspire-school-district-discusses-plans-for-new-school-year-that-may-or-may-not-happen-in-the-classroom.html

Shaler alumni demand that district commit to anti-racism curriculum in the largely white district
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/16/shaler-alumni-demand-that-district-commit-to-anti-racism-curriculum-in-the-largely-white-district/

For now, football and other fall sports are still in the PIAA’s plans
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2020/07/15/piaa-fall-sports-season-annoucement-wpial-season-covid-19/stories/202007150155

PIAA staying the course toward fall sports opening on time
https://www.citizensvoice.com/sports/high-school/piaa-staying-the-course-toward-fall-sports-opening-on-time/article_91ac6a48-d454-5f77-808a-c44c12ac24a4.html

Facebook post has some Plum officials calling for the resignation of a school director
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/facebook-post-has-some-plum-officials-calling-for-the-resignation-of-a-school-director/

Lawsuit alleges Parkland, Palisades school districts allowed sexual abuse of former students
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-parkland-palisades-school-districts-sued-sex-abuse-20200716-yc26dm2forhynd23bcubxoqwoq-story.html

Schools are scrambling for tents. But public ones aren’t so sure they can afford the cover. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-covid-pa-public-schools-reopening-tents-social-distancing-maria-panaritis-20200715.html

State System’s universities announce fall plans for reopening
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/15/State-System-Higher-Education-California-IUP-Edinboro-Clarion-Slippery-Rock-reopening-plans/stories/202007150151

Most State System instructors ‘feel unsafe’ about returning to the classroom
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/15/State-System-Higher-Education-instructors-APSCUF-union-survey-unsafe-classroom-return-Jamie-Martin/stories/202007150019

As a Black student at Haverford College, I know what racism looks like at ‘liberal’ institutions | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/university-college-diversity-haverford-black-lives-matter-20200715.html

Lackawanna College announces reopening plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/lackawanna-college-announces-reopening-plan/article_e40902f7-c906-5a37-ab86-99b6c5bade41.html

Reading Area Community College to resume in-person classes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/education/reading-area-community-college-to-resume-in-person-classes/article_5fa818ae-c6b5-11ea-8360-b3fe2a27ad89.html

Elections/Politics

Mike Bloomberg’s gun-control group will spend $1 million to help Democrats flip Pa. legislature
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-legislature-elections-2020-20200716.html

Joe Biden leads in a new Pennsylvania poll, but many are wary of ‘secret Trump voters’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-biden-poll-ahead-swing-counties-clinton-obama-turnout-monmouth-university-20200715.html

Coronavirus creates costly elections, but Berks officials are hopeful financial help will continue
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/coronavirus-creates-costly-elections-but-berks-officials-are-hopeful-financial-help-will-continue/article_86f04076-c5ed-11ea-a575-8b27f13df0cf.html

Gaming

Mohegan Sun Pocono seeks clarification on alcohol sales
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/mohegan-sun-pocono-seeks-clarification-on-alcohol-sales/article_8cd5ea6a-3d77-5ea1-9098-d57d2d336df5.html

Local News

Council OK’s RACP funds for Scranton Counseling project
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/council-oks-racp-funds-for-scranton-counseling-project/article_225476b9-6bb1-5c68-baa8-ba9853f28d8a.html

New COVID restrictions may dash county tax sale plans
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/new-covid-restrictions-may-dash-county-tax-sale-plans/article_8461d19b-5f34-54d4-a516-64764362dcb8.html

Catholic Social Services sets emergency food distribution
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/catholic-social-services-sets-emergency-food-distribution/article_a03b5504-85b1-5c48-b407-f2df9fb937ab.html

For three hours, Allentown City Council read comments from the public about police video as protesters demanded reform outside City Hall
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-protesters-city-council-police-reform-20200716-ado5r4h4fzef5lp6qnep7r2k5m-story.html

Montgomery County drug-related deaths were up in 2019
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-drug-related-deaths-were-up-in-2019/article_d92190c8-9b13-5086-9028-e08e3db1cafb.html

Delaware County council orders spending cuts of up to 10 percent
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-council-orders-spending-cuts-of-up-to-10-percent/article_59304f74-c6ff-11ea-9a5f-1f233c77d315.html

Bucks organizations benefit from tax credit program
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200716/bucks-organizations-benefit-from-tax-credit-program

NAACP endorses Wilkes-Barre police review board ordinance
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/naacp-endorses-wilkes-barre-police-review-board-ordinance/article_bb401658-9286-5457-ba03-e4d8a4486974.html

Westmoreland planning department leader shifts to redevelopment authority, land bank
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-planning-department-leader-shifts-to-redevelopment-authority-land-bank/

National News

Biden, Gates, other Twitter accounts hacked in Bitcoin scam
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/16/Biden-Gates-other-Twitter-accounts-hacked-in-Bitcoin-scam/stories/202007160106

Justice Ginsburg has left hospital, is doing well at home, court says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/16/Justice-Ginsburg-hospital-supreme-court-infection/stories/202007160105

Berkeley moves toward removing police from traffic stops
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/berkeley-removing-police-traffic-stops-20200715.html

Philly

Philly’s school plan is out. Parents are panicked.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-schools-reopening-plan-parents-childcare-families-20200715.html

Philly’s coronavirus back-to-school plan: No full reopening, most students in class 2 days, could cost $80M
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-schools-reopening-school-district-plan-released-20200715.html

Philly schools’ reopening plan: Classes 2 days a week, Sept. 2 return date
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/philly-schools-reopening-plan-classes-2-days-a-week-sept-2-return-date/

Philadelphia is paying $35 million this year for Eagles and Phillies stadiums that fans may not be able to visit
https://www.inquirer.com/business/stadiums-coronavirus-covid-bonds-eagles-phillies-20200716.html

Encampment outside Philadelphia Housing Authority headquarters also given notice to vacate by Friday
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-housing-authority-pha-homeless-encampment-protest-sharswood-20200715.html

Glenside man is ordered to apologize to a Philly cop he punched during a violent protest in 2018
https://www.inquirer.com/news/brian-glantz-white-nationalist-protest-counter-protest-independence-mall-philadelphia-20200715.html

Homeless encampment on Parkway ties Black Lives Matter to housing | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/homeless-encampment-benjamin-franklin-parkway-black-lives-matter-housing-coronavirus-20200715.html

Pitt

Short City Council hearing kicks off string of meetings on police reform in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/07/15/Short-hearing-kicks-off-string-of-meetings-on-police-reform-in-Pittsburgh/stories/202007150160

Pittsburgh voters will likely see Citizen Police Review Board ballot question in November
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/07/15/Pittsburgh-voters-referendum-ballot-question-elections-citizen-Police-Review-Board-expanded-powers/stories/202007150118

Allegheny County Council rejects certain coronavirus testing, ‘less-lethal’ weapons ban
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-rejects-certain-coronavirus-testing-less-lethal-weapons-ban/

Allegheny County judges again asked to allow proper public access to court proceedings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/15/Allegheny-County-judges-proper-access-court-proceedings-letter-public/stories/202007150119

Allegheny County explains covid-19 backlog, advises priority testing
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-explains-covid-19-backlog-advises-priority-testing/

6 more Port Authority employees test positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/6-more-port-authority-employees-test-positive-for-covid-19/

Pittsburgh closes firefighter training facility over coronavirus concerns
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-closes-firefighter-training-facility-over-coronavirus-concerns/

A long and winding road: Developers eye completion of Garden Theater block on the North Side
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/07/16/Garden-Theater-North-Side-Trek-Development-Q-Pittsburgh-Planning-Commission/stories/202007150167

Pittsburgh man uses 27 billboards to display uplifting art exhibition
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-man-uses-27-billboards-to-display-uplifting-art-exhibition/

State News

Pope Francis has named a Pennsylvania cleric to succeed Nelson Perez as bishop of Cleveland
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/edward-malesic-cleveland-bishop-nelson-perez-pope-francis-20200716.html

Western Pa. residents flock to campsites for safe, social-distanced summer fun
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pa-residents-flock-to-campsites-for-safe-social-distanced-summer-fun/

State to reimburse canceled Wayne County Fair for harness racing
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-to-reimburse-canceled-wayne-county-fair-for-harness-racing/article_29a46467-fc63-5ad8-9b94-332e08bdb632.html

Washington

Pa., N.J. claim Delaware will steal their cargo business if Congress approves shipping bill
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-port-wilmington-gulftainer-rivalry-wolf-murphy-carper-20200716.html

The Justice in Policing Act will help address systemic racism in policing | U.S. Sen. Bob Casey
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/07/the-justice-in-policing-act-will-help-address-systemic-racism-in-policing-us-sen-bob-casey.html