Legislature
New Pennsylvania law gives ex-convicts a license to earn
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/new-pennsylvania-law-gives-ex-convicts-a-license-to-earn/article_e8ae1d28-c869-11ea-8891-1ba29a15ae2e.html
Our voice: Don’t slice, dice political districts
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/editorial/our-voice-dont-slice-dice-political-districts/article_11f2eeb4-a4e6-5cea-a5f9-dde527c46b02.html
More financial assistance may be on the way for Pennsylvanians struggling to pay utility bills
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-utility-shutoffs-financial-assistance-electric-gas-bills-20200721.html
Pa. lawmaker plans to introduce bill to protect state’s monuments
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-lawmaker-plans-to-introduce-bill-to-protect-states-monuments.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
COVID-19 Update: Western Pa. reports nearly 300 new cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/20/COVID-19-allegheny-county-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-cases-deaths-coronavirus/stories/202007200061
Allegheny County adds 172 covid-19 cases, with 4 new hospitalizations
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-adds-172-covid-19-cases-with-4-new-hospitalizations/
Westmoreland adds 21 new covid-19 cases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-adds-21-new-covid-19-cases/
3 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 711 statewide
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792590/3-new-cases-of-covid-19-confirmed-in-luzerne-county-711-statewide
No new COVID-19 deaths, 12 new cases in NEPA counties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/no-new-covid-19-deaths-12-new-cases-in-nepa-counties/article_b6a31f7b-9f66-50f3-8773-6bc1776c48e0.html
COVID numbers continue to rise in Beaver, Lawrence
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200720/covid-numbers-continue-to-rise-in-beaver-lawrence
Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Pennsylvania; 24 new cases in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-continue-to-rise-in-pennsylvania-24-new-cases-in-berks-county/article_0ab49548-caa7-11ea-9c68-3b8c9817bd6e.html
AHN announces mobile covid-19 testing locations
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ahn-announces-mobile-covid-19-testing-locations/
Luzerne County government coronavirus cases put workers on edge
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792663/luzerne-county-government-coronavirus-cases-put-workers-on-edge
Union head, Pedri disagree about courthouse safety for county workers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/union-head-pedri-disagree-about-courthouse-safety-for-county-workers/article_b3f81e3f-5da0-5db6-8e3e-0a1249277147.html
Jeannette City Hall closed after employee tests positive for the coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/jeannette-city-hall-closed-after-employee-tests-positive-for-the-coronavirus/
N.J. will allow parents to choose all-remote learning as Fauci warns Philly audience there’s ‘no end in sight’ to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-nj-schools-philadelphia-gyms-anthony-fauci-20200720.html
Congregations, other faith groups receive millions in federal aid
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/07/20/Congregations-other-faith-groups-receive-millions-in-federal-aid-coronavirus/stories/202007200007
Administration
Pennsylvania’s governor and top prosecutor sued Lincoln University over the ouster of its president
https://www.inquirer.com/education/lincoln-university-pa-lawsuit-brenda-allen-20200720.html
Bloomsburg Fair responds to Levine impersonator dunk tank incident
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792604/bloomsburg-fair-under-fire-for-post-of-levine-impostor-in-dunk-tank
Levine impostor at Bloomsburg Fairgrounds event sparks outrage
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/levine-impostor-at-bloomsburg-fairgrounds-event-sparks-outrage/article_ece4b57e-1f21-577e-99d3-8bf7914a4bf2.html
Wolf shouldn’t let the irresponsible actions of two Lebanon County Republican commissioners affect citizens.
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/21/Don-t-punish-residents/stories/202007180033
Business
This week marks the end of the extra $600 with unemployment claims
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/07/20/Federal-Pandemic-Unemployment-Compensation-Pennsylvania-Department-of-Labor-and-Industry-600/stories/202007200086
Whole Foods sued by workers for barring BLM face coverings
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/whole-foods-sued-barring-black-lives-matter-face-coverings-20200720.html
Dirty Dog Hauling still taking out trash, despite coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/dirty-dog-hauling-still-taking-out-trash-despite-coronavirus-pandemic.html
Berks County businesses adapt to reopening amid coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-businesses-adapt-to-reopening-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/article_edb068c6-c788-11ea-bbe2-33895e3cae71.html
Crime/Punishment
Former Sen. Mike Folmer to be sentenced Tuesday for child porn charges
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2020/07/former-sen-mike-folmer-to-be-sentenced-tuesday-for-child-porn-charges.html
Westmoreland County teacher killed by bullet fired from outside her home
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/20/Westmoreland-County-woman-killed-homicide-derry-township-chest-wound-Tracy-Squib/stories/202007200104
Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor is reviewing allegations of racism by police in rural Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-hanover-townhip-kevin-mckeon-attorney-general-20200720.html
Former assistant college basketball coach indicted on federal child porn charges
https://triblive.com/local/regional/former-assistant-college-basketball-coach-indicted-on-federal-child-porn-charges/
Montgomery County restorative justice program provides juvenile offenders a second chance
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-restorative-justice-program-provides-juvenile-offenders-a-second-chance/article_7b157978-a728-5a94-9f36-ac4f757bf3c2.html
Two wounded in Monday night shooting in York City
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/crime/2020/07/21/two-wounded-monday-night-shooting-york-city/5477646002/
Education
Crestwood plans in-person classes this fall
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/crestwood-plans-in-person-classes-this-fall/article_79a5318c-ad9b-5554-8249-66a209d4101e.html
Seneca Valley School Board approves plan to return to school
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/21/Seneca-Valley-School-Board-approves-plan-to-return-to-school/stories/202007210072
Despite coronavirus safety plans, many parents still wary about sending kids back to school
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/despite-coronavirus-safety-plans-many-parents-still-wary-about-sending-kids-back-to-school/article_781d52d4-c5fa-11ea-ac12-abd411ae3b26.html
From a teacher: What parents should keep in mind about schools reopening | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/from-a-teacher-what-parents-should-keep-in-mind-about-schools-reopening-opinion/
Universities’ ‘hybrid’ reopening plans now offer the worst of both worlds | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/college-plans-fall-2020-philadelphia-pennsylvania-hybrid-learning-20200720.html
Pitt, CMU and IUP land spots on Pennsylvania college ranking list
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pitt-cmu-and-iup-land-spots-on-pennsylvania-college-ranking-list/
Central Penn College to bring back in-person classes in the fall
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/central-penn-college-to-bring-back-in-person-classes-in-the-fall.html
Elections/Politics
Hazleton’s Barletta to head PA delegation at convention
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hazletons-barletta-to-head-pa-delegation-at-convention/article_c4eb8bac-b8bf-5b04-a636-0cc8eb4695da.html
Health Care
NAPA docs, nurse anesthetists need new jobs by end of month
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/napa-docs-nurse-anesthetists-need-new-jobs-by-end-of-month/article_e379a947-7ae8-5378-8afe-96b440cdf7e0.html
Local News
Scranton seeks $825K in aid to offset pandemic-response
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-seeks-825k-in-aid-to-offset-pandemic-response/article_7d60d43d-b89e-5b47-8ab5-d9418ddef3b8.html
Reading officials go door-to-door in support of the 2020 Census
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/reading-officials-go-door-to-door-in-support-of-the-2020-census/article_5b1385e8-cada-11ea-96e0-cbbd3536843c.html
Berks County receives $545,000 in federal funding for housing programs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-receives-545-000-in-federal-funding-for-housing-programs/article_47108d64-cac8-11ea-a5ab-ff95b77695e3.html
Lehigh County Authority makes pitch for settlement deal with Allentown; City Council to review Wednesday
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown–20200720-jisheh7erjasdl5b3de46kapue-story.html
Vandergrift muralist paints over racist graffiti at The Center
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-muralist-paints-over-racist-graffiti-at-the-center/
Grant sought to fix flooding problems at Oakmont Commons
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/grant-sought-to-fix-flooding-problems-at-oakmont-commons/
State grant will help construct road to proposed Unity kayak launch
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-grant-will-help-construct-road-to-proposed-unity-kayak-launch/
Wilkes-Barre’s finances affected by coronavirus, reports postive mid-year balance
Developer pitches warehouses in Hazle Twp.
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/developer-pitches-warehouses-in-hazle-twp/article_c83e62c7-e71d-58cd-816f-394ccbb7d113.html
National News
Federal agents, local streets: A ‘red flag’ in Oregon
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/07/21/Federal-agents-red-flag-in-Oregon-constitution-crisis/stories/202007210070
Teachers unions sue Gov. DeSantis over order pushing Florida schools to fully reopen
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/20/Florida-DeSantis-reopening-schools-order-COVID-19-school-teachers-lawsuit/stories/202007200124
FDA calls for removal of fruity, disposable e-cigarettes
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/fda-calls-removal-fruity-disposable-e-cigarettes-20200720.html
Tax hikes in a pandemic: Some states, cities say yes | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/tax-hikes-in-a-pandemic-some-states-cities-say-yes-analysis/
Philly
Philly’s Black essential workers rally in nationwide ‘Strike for Black Lives’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/strike-for-black-lives-philadelphia-20200720.html
Ballard Spahr law firm launches pro bono initiative to fight racial inequality
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-law-firm-ballard-spahr-racial-justice-initiative-pro-bono-suits-litigation-20200721.html
Two leaders leave PlayPenn amid allegations of racism and sexual harassment
https://www.inquirer.com/news/playpenn-founder-meshejian-resigns-assistant-fired-philadelphia-theater-20200720.html
Trump says he might send more federal law enforcement officers to Philadelphia and other major cities
https://www.inquirer.com/news/donald-trump-philadelphia-portland-federal-authorities-department-of-homeland-security-20200720.html
V Street has closed due to the pandemic as tensions rise among staff
https://www.inquirer.com/food/vedge-v-street-vegan-philly-restaurant-closed-rich-landau-james-beard-20200720.html
In Philly, a second John Coltrane mural falls to new development; but developer offers to recreate it
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/in-philly-a-second-john-coltrane-mural-falls-to-new-development-but-developer-offers-to-recreate-it/
A babysitter was charged in the death of a missing 2-year-old boy, police say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/king-hill-missing-person-child-babysitter-murder-philadelphia-police-20200720.html
Pregnant woman hit by racing teens in Philadelphia: police
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pregnant-woman-hit-by-racing-teens-in-philadelphia-police.html
Pitt
Funding will help city implement diversion program for those who commit low-level crimes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/20/Funding-Pittsburgh-city-implement-pre-arrest-diversion-program-level-crimes-mental-health/stories/202007200080
Pittsburgh announces new program to help keep people out of criminal justice system
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-announces-new-program-to-help-keep-people-out-of-criminal-justice-system/
Opinions range widely in community as Pittsburgh Public Schools prepares reopening plan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/20/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-reopening-plan-public-school-board-hearing-COVID-19/stories/202007200120
Highland Park filtration plant to come back in service this week
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/07/20/Highland-Park-microfiltration-plant-to-come-back-in-service-this-week-pwsa/stories/202007200079
PWSA: $14 million upgrade to filtration plant at Highland Park reservoir set to be completed
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pwsa-14-million-upgrade-to-filtration-plant-at-highland-park-reservoir-set-to-be-completed/
Funeral arrangements set for Robert Full, former Allegheny County chief of emergency services
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/07/20/Funeral-arrangements-robert-full-pittsburgh-forest-hills/stories/202007200051
BLM protesters march through Brentwood, Baldwin, Whitehall for Jonny Gammage’s birthday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/blm-protesters-march-through-brentwood-baldwin-whitehall-for-jonny-gammages-birthday/
State News
1,000 acres once owned by Campbell’s Soup scion are now a Pa. preserve
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/pennsylvania-white-clay-creek-elk-20200721.html
Only 5% of creeks and streams have names. Here’s how they get them, and how you could name one.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-stream-names-tacony-maps-board-geographic-names-20200720.html
Target shooting incident under investigation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792659/target-shooting-incident-under-investigation
Pennsylvania offers grants to help preserve, inventory historical records
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-offers-grants-to-help-preserve-inventory-historical-records/
Man shot by state police in Susquehanna County
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/man-shot-by-state-police-in-susquehanna-county/article_44e251c1-572e-5277-8733-b0d9a4eae0e8.html
What is ‘Pennsylvania Breaking News?’ It’s actually a conservative commentary site
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2020/07/what-is-pennsylvania-breaking-news-its-got-a-name-most-news-outlets-would-dream-of-but-its-actually-a-conservative-commentary-site.html
3 swimmers drown in one month at national park in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/3-swimmers-drown-in-one-month-at-national-park-in-pa.html
More Mariner East pipeline-related sinkholes in region
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/more-mariner-east-pipeline-related-sinkholes-in-region/article_49ca01b3-c1a8-5f5c-9967-320fd285059c.html
Transportation
PennDOT begins work on long-term projects Tuesday in Squirrel Hill, Plum
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/07/20/PennDOT-Squirrel-Hill-Plum-road-construction-projects-traffic/stories/202007200098
New airport public safety director never quit state police
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-airport-public-safety-director-never-quit-state-police/article_a20850cc-4262-546a-90df-139ad81c3ff8.html
Washington
John Lewis had courage, both physical and moral
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/21/Love-in-action-John-Lewis/stories/202007210029
Inspired by Bethel Park family, Congress moves to shed light on unexplained deaths in children
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/07/20/Pittsburgh-family-Scarlett-Pauley-Zarecky-Congress-sudden-unexplained-deaths-in-children-infants-Scarlett/stories/202007200064
Trump to bring back coronavirus briefings in attempt to revive faltering campaign
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/coronavirus-covid19-trump-white-house-briefings-20200721.html