Coronavirus – COVID-19
Hazard pay program to aid essential workers across Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/07/16/Hazard-pay-program-Pennsylvania-front-line-health-care-aid-workers-CARES-funding-Wolf/stories/202007160139
Gov. Wolf announces $50 million in grants for hazard bonuses to Pa. front-line workers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-announces-50-million-in-grants-for-hazard-bonuses-to-pa-front-line-workers/
Pennsylvania announces coronavirus ‘hazard pay’ program of $3 an hour for front-line workers making less than $20 an hour
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-hazard-pay-virus-20200716-55wsq3lupvhstip42fquroed7m-story.html
Wolf Administration offers $50 million in business grants to cover “hazard pay” for essential workers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/wolf-administration-offers-50-million-in-business-grants-to-cover-hazard-pay-for-essential-workers.html
Some Pa. workers can get a temporary $3 an hour raise under new state grant
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/some-pa-workers-can-get-temporary-3-an-hour-raise-under-new-state-grant/
Coronavirus ban on utility shutoffs in Pa. stays in place after PUC vote ends in a tie
https://www.inquirer.com/business/deadlocked-pennsylvania-utility-commission-extends-coronavirus-shutoff-moratorium-20200716.html
Hospitals must continue to report coronavirus data to Pa. amid federal shakeup
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/hospitals-must-continue-to-report-coronavirus-data-to-pa-amid-federal-shakeup.html
Allegheny County sees decrease in COVID-19 cases for second straight day
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/16/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-39/stories/202007160120
Allegheny County reports 140 new coronavirus cases; health officials reviewing restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-140-new-coronavirus-cases-12-new-hospitalizations/
NEPA records two new COVID-19 deaths, only 19 cases
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/nepa-records-two-new-covid-19-deaths-only-19-cases/article_14d0921e-dd7a-5876-9cc4-1dee29473b97.html
6 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County; 781 statewide
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/6-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-luzerne-county-781-statewide/article_81e84d79-ae86-5d39-97ef-1c0d0962f909.html
Berks County has 19 new coronavirus cases as Pennsylvania reports 781 statewide
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-has-19-new-coronavirus-cases-as-pennsylvania-reports-781-statewide/article_12696060-c765-11ea-9074-27a506ec0153.html
New COVID-19 data system led by local firm steps up load on hospitals, raises transparency woes
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/07/17/new-COVID-19-reporting-HHS-CDC-teletracking/stories/202007160134
Berks commissioners create panel of health care professionals to help guide coronavirus response
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-commissioners-create-panel-of-health-care-professionals-to-help-guide-coronavirus-response/article_0de8f9aa-c7a7-11ea-b9eb-77f6902157d1.html
Coroner Graham Hetrick vents about COVID-19 face mask mandates: ‘It should be a choice’
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2020/07/pa-coroner-graham-hetrick-vents-about-covid-19-face-mask-mandates-it-should-be-a-choice.html
Legislature
Scranton would get big budget break from state tax bill
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-would-get-big-budget-break-from-state-tax-bill/article_1830c680-42f1-57d8-ab20-ee0a01637261.html
State Rep. Boyle proposes legislation to allow municipalities to set their own minimum wage
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/state_and_region/state-rep-boyle-proposes-legislation-to-allow-municipalities-to-set-their-own-minimum-wage/article_38d42a8c-1a4e-51bb-9e80-a0704b702222.html
Use new law to diminish housing blight
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/use-new-law-to-diminish-housing-blight/article_afe29424-9eed-5008-bba5-4d3471dc438c.html
Administration
Wolf says he opposes open records bill, despite unanimous support
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/wolf-says-he-opposes-open-records-bill-despite-unanimous-support/
Wolf will veto Grove’s bill targeting RTKs
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/07/16/groves-bill-forcing-rtk-response-heads-wolfs-desk/5450733002/
Wolf yanks virus funding from rebellious Lebanon County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/07/16/Pennsylvania-Governor-Tom-Wolf-coronavirus-COVID-19-funding-Lebanon-County/stories/202007160147
Pennsylvania officials warn of dangers of hot cars for children, pets as temperatures rise
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-officials-warn-of-dangers-of-hot-cars-for-children-and-pets-temperatures-rise/
Business
Have Pa. bars, restaurants found a loophole in Gov. Wolf’s new mandates?
https://www.pennlive.com/reopeningpa/2020/07/have-pa-bars-restaurants-found-a-loophole-in-gov-wolfs-new-mandates.html
‘We’re scapegoats,’ say suburban Philly restaurant and bar owners fighting back at tighter coronavirus restrictions
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pennsylvania-restaurant-bar-owners-petition-coronavirus-capacity-shutdown-20200717.html
Why do Pennsylvania restaurants face tougher coronavirus restrictions?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pennsylvania-coronavirus-restriction-restaurants-indoor-dining-tom-wolf-harrisburg-20200717.html
What constitutes a meal? Lehigh Valley bars, breweries and wineries scramble to comply with Gov. Wolf’s latest restrictions
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-bars-breweries-react-gov-wolf-restrictions-20200716-l2xswgoolvacreuppd7vdqd47i-story.html
Restaurateurs hopeful to weather new round of COVID-19 restrictions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/restaurateurs-hopeful-to-weather-new-round-of-covid-19-restrictions/article_4cfdc036-b7f3-53a6-a1d4-67c799f3e31d.html
Berks restaurants continue adapting to deal with new coronavirus restrictions
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-restaurants-continue-adapting-to-deal-with-new-coronavirus-restrictions/article_51e7cd18-c7a5-11ea-9b51-b7d4550e34df.html
New COVID-19 rules for bars need clarification, Bucks County says
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200716/new-covid-19-rules-for-bars-need-clarification-bucks-county-says
Chester County Commissioners urge patience with new restrictions
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-commissioners-urge-patience-with-new-restrictions/article_efcb4aa6-c781-11ea-9c7f-0358f3d50678.html
Business owner reads between lines to get ahead of pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/business-owner-reads-between-lines-to-get-ahead-of-pandemic/article_0736e091-0f5b-5b98-814c-0064beefc2f7.html
Pa. winemakers call for clarity in new COVID-19 mitigation restrictions even as they look to comply
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-winemakers-call-for-clarity-in-new-covid-19-mitigation-restrictions-even-as-they-look-to-comply.html
5 more workers test positive for covid-19 at Beaver County ethane cracker site
https://triblive.com/local/regional/5-more-workers-positive-for-covid-19-at-shell-chemicals-ethane-cracker-site-in-beaver-county/
Giant Eagle defends mask policy in answer to lawsuit
https://triblive.com/local/regional/giant-eagle-defends-mask-policy-in-answer-to-lawsuit/
Elliott Group to close Rostraver facility, impacting 40 jobs
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/elliott-group-to-close-rostraver-facility-impacting-40-jobs/
COVID forced working moms like me to prove we’re superheroes. But how long can we last? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-parenting-work-from-home-employer-policies-20200716.html
Schuylkill Valley Sports closing 9 of 10 stores, including Wyoming Valley Mall location
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792135/schuylkill-valley-sports-closing-9-of-10-stores-including-wyoming-valley-mall-location
Drive-in theaters touted as ideal spots during pandemic despite low attendance rates
https://triblive.com/local/regional/drive-in-theaters-touted-as-ideal-spots-during-pandemic-despite-low-attendance-rates/
Change needed: U.S. coin shortage hits local businesses
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/change-needed-u-s-coin-shortage-hits-local-businesses/article_a9ea0750-a159-53d9-92f5-f491fa920ab3.html
Another Luzerne County furniture store closing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/business/another-luzerne-county-furniture-store-closing/article_e2884581-a84e-5393-b876-32451983211b.html
Crime/Punishment
Video shows police hitting restrained Poconos resort guest in head during arrest
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-video-officer-strikes-poconos-resort-guest-in-head-20200717-dce7csdnz5bjfety7mnrqdzxcm-story.html
In wake of Pocono resorts’ arrests, NAACP wants videos and police policies reviewed
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200716/in-wake-of-pocono-resortsrsquo-arrests-naacp-wants-videos-and-police-policies-reviewed
Police investigate fatal shooting in McKeesport
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/17/Police-investigate-shooting-in-McKeesport/stories/202007170073
Iowa drug kingpin who killed 5 set for execution Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/17/Iowa-drug-kingpin-who-killed-5-set-for-execution-Friday-Dustin-Honken/stories/202007170074
Education
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
State issues health guidelines for reopening schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/16/Pennsylvania-schools-reopening-COVID-19-health-guidelines-student-safety/stories/202007160141
Pa. recommends 6-foot distancing all day in schools; teachers union calls for districts to plan for online-only learning
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-schools-reopening-guidelines-surge-nj-online-learning-20200716.html
Hybrid return to school may be best, Pa. education chief says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792122/hybrid-return-to-school-may-be-best-pa-education-chief-says
State pushes hybrid school week as COVID-19 cases surge
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/state-pushes-hybrid-school-week-as-covid-19-cases-surge/
Here’s how Pa. thinks schools can reopen safely from the coronavirus shutdown
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/heres-how-pa-thinks-schools-can-reopen-safely-from-the-coronavirus-shutdown/article_c92099a8-c798-11ea-980d-6b09a06bb8a0.html
State releases more guidance on school reopening
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/state-releases-more-guidance-on-school-reopening/article_78d3abe9-9ce0-5728-8fba-2bdfa0960d21.html
What will school look like this fall? Teachers, top educators grapple with safety, financial concerns
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200717/what-will-school-look-like-this-fall-teachers-top-educators-grapple-with-safety-financial-concerns
Berks Catholic will start school year with in-person classes, Allentown Diocese says
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/high-school/piaa-is-all-in-on-fall-season-playoffs/article_6bbbfc44-c6ee-11ea-8c90-07d27c2c64cb.html?utm_source=connatix&utmo_medium=video&utm_campaign=highlights
Montgomery County official: ‘no way possible to guarantee that any school will be free of the coronavirus’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-official-no-way-possible-to-guarantee-that-any-school-will-be-free-of/article_d1f17647-55cc-5667-b3b1-ba982c833b09.html
Beaver County schools start to plan for fall
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200717/beaver-county-schools-start-to-plan-for-fall
Lackawanna Trail discusses reopening plans
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/lackawanna-trail-discusses-reopening-plans/article_a3261f49-0911-5eb0-94f4-3ea31ea2c4ab.html
Schools can’t reopen safely without better COVID testing for kids, say these Philly pediatricians l Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing-school-district-of-philadelphia-reopening-plan-20200717.html
Plum residents show support for, opposition to school director over Facebook post
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plum-residents-come-out-in-support-and-opposition-of-school-director-following-racially-charged-facebook-post/
PIAA willing to be flexible to preserve fall sports season
https://www.timesonline.com/sports/20200716/piaa-willing-to-be-flexible-to-preserve-fall-sports-season
Pa.’s cyber-charter schools are flourishing, not failing — before, during, and after COVID-19 | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-s-cyber-charter-schools-are-flourishing-not-failing-before-during-and-after-covid-19-opinion/
Feds should help schools, not hinder
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/17/School-education-support-funding-punishment-safety-measures-Betsy-DeVos-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202007100063
High-stakes decisions, including mergers, will be needed to grow State System, chancellor says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/16/State-System-Higher-Education-chancellor-Daniel-Greenstein-growth-online-integration-merger/stories/202007160124
Pa. teachers union urges Gov. Wolf to require schools have an online option in re-opening plans
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-teachers-union-urges-gov-wolf-to-require-schools-have-an-online-option-in-re-opening-plans.html
Pennsylvania could integrate 6 state universities, including Cal U, Clarion, Edinboro, Slippery Rock
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-could-integrate-6-state-universities-including-cal-u-clarion-edinboro-and-slippery-rock/
Ousted Lincoln University president Brenda Allen has sued the trustees, saying they illegally conspired to fire her
https://www.inquirer.com/education/lincoln-university-president-brenda-allen-sues-trustees-braswell-20200716.html
Penn State denies removal of tweet was related to welcoming conservative views
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/16/Penn-State-denies-removal-welcoming-tweet-conservative-views-students/stories/202007160111
Elections/Politics
National groups come to the aid of Democrat challenging U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in Bucks County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/congress-brian-fitzpatrick-christina-finello-donald-trump-bucks-county-20200716.html
Tens of thousands of mail ballots have been tossed out in this year’s primaries. What will happen in November?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/2020-election-mail-in-ballots-pennsylvania-florida-nevada-united-states-20200716.html
Gaming
Live! Casino Pittsburgh gears up for hiring more than 500 positions in Hempfield
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/live-casino-pittsburgh-gears-up-for-hiring-more-than-500-positions/
Pennsylvania casino revenues down 18%, hammered by pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-casino-revenues-down-18-hammered-by-pandemic/
Local News
Authority amends contract with DeNaples firm to include municipal recycling fees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/authority-amends-contract-with-denaples-firm-to-include-municipal-recycling-fees/article_e629fbb7-01bd-5f48-a84a-6979eef03972.html
Organizers working to establish Lackawanna County chapter of NAACP
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/organizers-working-to-establish-lackawanna-county-chapter-of-naacp/article_6ad5165d-e89e-52c3-9286-5f894a666e12.html
Upper Darby rolls out new beautification effort
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/upper-darby-rolls-out-new-beautification-effort/article_cf5eeb5a-c791-11ea-aa23-4b6251e0ccff.html
Westmoreland County to cap initial coronavirus grants for small businesses, nonprofits at $25K
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-to-cap-initial-coronavirus-grants-for-small-businesses-nonprofits-at-25k/
Hempfield resident confronts maskless county controller at commissioners meeting
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-resident-confronts-maskless-county-controller-at-commissioners-meeting/
Vandergrift pool to reopen Friday after possible covid-19 exposure
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-pool-to-reopen-friday-after-possible-covid-19-exposure/
WB Council rejects Citizen Police Review Board ordinance
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792137/wb-council-rejects-citizen-police-review-board-ordinance
Benefit drive-in concert at arena raises money for local venues
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792101/benefit-drive-in-concert-at-arena-raises-money-for-local-venues
Route set for Hazleton’s Rockin’ the County concert
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792133/route-set-for-hazletons-rockin-the-county-concert-2
National News
Mortgage rates drop below 3% for first time, tempting homebuyers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2020/07/16/30-year-fixed-mortgage-rate-falls-below-3/stories/202007160144
Washington NFL team faces sexual harassment claims from 15 women
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/07/16/Washington-Redskins-sexual-harassment-allegations-15-women-NFL-team-employees/stories/202007160172
Natural Gas
Grand jury report on fracking will not help Pennsylvanians | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-grand-jury-fracking-department-environmental-protection-attorney-general-20200717.html
Philly
Besieged, then betrayed
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/a/west-philadelphia-52nd-street-protest-police-response-tear-gas-20200717.html
Philly’s small businesses hit by COVID land grants from PayPal and other sources
https://www.inquirer.com/news/paypal-grants-black-owned-businesses-philadelphia-salon-daycare-20200717.html
Paul Robeson House among 27 Black institutions awarded combined $1.6M from National Trust for Historic Preservation
https://www.inquirer.com/news/paul-robeson-house-philadelphia-awarded-grant-money-national-trust-historic-preservation-20200716.html
The Parking Lot Social, a drive-in experience for the social-distancing age, is coming to Philly’s Navy Yard next week
https://www.inquirer.com/news/parking-lot-social-philadelphia-navy-yard-drive-in-20200717.html
Philadelphia gyms can reopen Monday, with rules on masks and social distancing
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-gyms-reopening-coronavirus-fitness-center-restrictions-covid19-20200716.html
Point Breeze rental complex proposed under plan to keep homes affordable even if landlord changes
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/point-breeze-affordable-housing-mamie-nichols-community-land-trust-wcrp-20200716.html
Pregnant woman fatally wounded in North Philly shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/north-philadelphia-shooting-pregnant-woman-20200716.html
Philly postpones clearing out of Parkway homeless encampment
https://www.inquirer.com/news/homeless-encampment-benjamin-franklin-parkway-20200716.html
Big event cancellations will strain SEPTA. But new rider habits are the bigger concern.
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-events-philadelphia-eagles-nrg-thanksgiving-parade-20200716.html
Reopening plan for Philly schools exposes bigger weaknesses in system | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-school-reopening-plan-funding-coronavirus-covid-20200717.html
Pitt
Allegheny County health director offers new guidance on who should be tested
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/16/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-testing-quarantine-isolation-cases/stories/202007160129
Port Authority to buy six more electric buses
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/07/16/Port-Authority-electric-buses-delivered-late-2021-New-Flyer-rapid-transit/stories/202007160119
PWSA, state Attorney General’s Office reach settlement in lead contamination case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/16/PWSA-pittsburgh-water-lead-contamination-settlement-line-replacements-attorney-general/stories/202007160118
Mother of Duquesne University student who fell to his death is still seeking answers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mother-of-duquesne-university-student-who-fell-to-his-death-is-still-seeking-answers/
State News
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission post on International Snake Day draws viewers to post more snakes
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-fish-and-boat-post-on-international-snake-day-draws-viewers-to-post-more-snakes/
Annual PA Society gala in NYC cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/annual-pa-society-gala-in-nyc-cancelled-due-to-covid-19-concerns.html
Washington
Sen. Bob Casey calls for families to be released from ICE centers, including in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/sen-bob-casey-calls-for-families-to-be-released-from-ice-centers-including-in-berks/article_12a56bf6-c791-11ea-8557-3b2ed14476e9.html
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visits Constitution Center, says America’s founding principles are under assault
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/mike-pompeo-secretary-human-rights-national-constitution-center-covid-coronavirus-20200716.html