Legislature
Proposed constitutional amendment would move Pa. to regional elections for supreme, appeals courts
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/22/proposed-constitutional-amendment-would-move-pa-to-regional-elections-for-supreme-appeals-courts/
Bartolotta probation reform bill passes state Senate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200721/bartolotta-probation-reform-bill-passes-state-senate
Pa. House panel weighs bill that would authorize robot deliveries of groceries and packages
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-house-panel-weighs-bill-that-would-authorize-robot-deliveries-of-groceries-and-packages.html
Rules on tax credits must be tightened by the Legislature
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/22/Abuse-in-the-name-of-good/stories/202002140056
One lawmaker’s lonely quest: How many restaurant liquor licenses are there in every Pa. county? | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/one-lawmakers-lonely-quest-how-many-restaurant-liquor-licenses-are-there-in-every-pa-county-mark-okeefe/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
‘Wear a mask’: Wolf, Levine say COVID-19 wave not over in Pa., during WellSpan visit
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/07/21/wear-mask-wolf-levine-say-covid-19-wave-not-over-pa/5478302002/
Pa. coronavirus numbers double what they were last month; back-to-school worries intensify
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-cases-camden-schools-new-jersey-quarantine-trump-20200721.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 1,027 new cases added Tuesday; second largest increase since May
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-cases-daily-update-20200721-tvxqvp72vzafnealrdjlxmuhzq-story.html
Allegheny County reports 1 new death, 139 new cases of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/21/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-41/stories/202007210085
19 new covid-19 cases reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/19-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
New NEPA cases cross 50 for first time since May
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/new-nepa-cases-cross-50-for-first-time-since-may/article_ac661ffa-5f66-5f51-b05d-e92d561e0889.html
12 new positive cases in county; 1,027 statewide
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/12-new-positive-cases-in-county-1-027-statewide/article_7f4eee47-ecd1-58db-a32d-56c7e2eb8165.html
1K: Beaver County hits 1,000 COVID-19 cases with largest daily increase of pandemic
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200721/1k-beaver-county-hits-1000-covid-19-cases-with-largest-daily-increase-of-pandemic
Montgomery County records 297 positive coronavirus cases, 6 deaths, over seven-day period
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-297-positive-coronavirus-cases-6-deaths-over-seven-day-period/article_a2e954f7-13c6-5bc3-8585-2c980524d5ed.html
20 more positives for Berks County in state reporting
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/20-more-positives-for-berks-county-in-state-reporting/article_6a5ea9ac-cb42-11ea-9ab9-1f0d2d9e732a.html
Proposed testing lab in southeast PA could shorten coronavirus test wait times
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200721/proposed-testing-lab-in-southeast-pa-could-shorten-coronavirus-test-wait-times
Experts say pandemic reveals big cracks in health care data sharing
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/experts-say-pandemic-reveals-big-cracks-in-health-care-data-sharing/article_0bc596a1-28aa-5b9e-8219-72814621bb84.html
Senate hearing highlights impact of COVID-19 pandemic on communities of color
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/senate-hearing-highlights-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-communities-of-color/article_23ca3ce7-eae2-5ae5-bb9c-020faa6c9707.html
Administration
Wolf on looming RTK bill veto: ‘I would have voted for it too’
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/07/21/wolf-looming-rtk-bill-veto-i-would-have-voted-too/5472094002/
As a transgender woman, Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine takes abuse while leading coronavirus efforts
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-rachel-levine-coronavirus-20200721-qim56vtjszbjlp5tmyj7bdftxq-story.html
Bloomsburg Fair apologizes for Levine impersonator, focuses on planning amid pandemic
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792770/bloomsburg-fair-apologizes-for-levine-impersonator-focuses-on-planning-amid-pandemic
Bloomsburg Fair officials apologize, say Levine impostor went for Marilyn Monroe look
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bloomsburg-fair-officials-apologize-say-levine-impostor-went-for-marilyn-monroe-look/article_7105264d-2cec-5cbd-aa00-d39977febfa3.html
Business
Pa., N.J. workers set to lose the extra $600 in unemployment benefits this week
https://www.inquirer.com/business/unemployment-coronavirus-pandemic-federal-600-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200722.html
Target, Walmart, CVS partner to reimagine the retail plastic bag
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/07/22/Target-Walmart-CVS-partner-reimagine-retail-plastic-bag/stories/202007220041
Pa.’s technology industry grows, but not for Black workers: ‘The issue is racial inequity’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pas-technology-industry-is-growing-but-not-for-black-workers-the-heart-of-the-issue-is-racial-inequality.html
Harrisburg fashionista turns to digital experience to keep business going during pandemic: ‘We had to figure out how to stay relevant’
https://www.pennlive.com/blackbusiness/2020/07/harrisburg-fashionista-turns-to-digital-experience-to-keep-business-going-during-pandemic-we-had-to-figure-out-how-to-stay-relevant.html
A pop-up drive-in movie theater is coming to Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/drive-in-movie-theater-philly-expo-center-oaks-20200721.html
State grants will expand alternative-fuel fleets in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-grants-will-expand-alternative-fuel-fleets-in-western-pennsylvania/
Crime/Punishment
Westmoreland County jail reports 2nd covid-19 case, tests 17 more inmates
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-jail-reports-second-covid-19-case-tests-17-more-inmates/
Former Pa. State Sen. Mike Folmer gets jail term for child porn possession
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/mike-folmer-pennsylvania-state-senate-child-pornography-sentencing-20200721.html
Man charged with raping 4 Penn State students over 2010-17
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/man-charged-with-raping-4-penn-state-students-over-2010-17/
Education
Don’t let Trump and DeVos bully you into reopening schools, Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro tells educators
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/trump-betsy-devos-reopening-schools-josh-shapiro-20200721.html
Lake-Lehman unveils re-opening plans
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792792/lake-lehman-unveils-re-opening-plans
Greater Latrobe proposes return to classrooms in green or yellow pandemic phases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greater-latrobe-proposes-return-to-classrooms-in-green-or-yellow-pandemic-phases/
Middletown makes it official, offers students three options for attendance this fall
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/middletown-makes-it-official-offers-students-three-options-for-attendance-this-fall.html
Deer Lakes plans in-person classes, online instruction for 2020-21 school year
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/deer-lakes-plans-in-person-classes-online-instruction-for-2020-21-school-year/
As schools waffle on reopening, teachers ask: Where will the subs be?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/as-schools-waffle-on-reopening-teachers-ask-where-will-the-subs-be/
Republicans must back a COVID-19 relief bill to rescue public schools. The alternative is calamity. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/pennsylvania-coronavirus-relief-bill-public-schools-reopening-republicans-gop-senate-toomey-20200721.html
Lincoln University might keep its ousted president in the job after all
https://www.inquirer.com/education/lincoln-university-president-brenda-allen-new-vote-20200721.html
Elections/Politics
VoteSafe Pennsylvania begins effort to educate voters on how to safely cast ballots in Nov.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/07/21/VoteSafe-Pennsylvania-begins-effort-to-educate-voters-on-how-safely-cast-votes-in-November/stories/202007210106
VoteSafe Pennsylvania aims to help voters access safe options for election
https://triblive.com/local/regional/votesafe-pennsylvania-aims-to-help-voters-access-safe-options-for-election/
Northampton County — ‘swing county, USA’ — prepares for unprecedented influx of ballots by mail
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/22/northampton-county-swing-county-usa-prepares-for-unprecedented-influx-of-ballots-by-mail/
No, Joe Biden doesn’t want to ban fracking or kill the Pennsylvania jobs it supports
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/joe-biden-pennsylvania-fracking-jobs-fact-check-20200721.html
Local News
Scranton City Council approves 18-month Act 47 extension
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-approves-18-month-act-47-extension/article_0837f9a0-5dc2-524a-9cee-6a04e9c35932.html
In Scranton, even winning carries pain
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/in-scranton-even-winning-carries-pain/article_efdeac3b-5654-5ee4-8759-4d66ee95bad2.html
Berks County makes final push for census count as workers head to homes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-makes-final-push-for-census-count-as-workers-head-to-homes/article_4fd356a8-cb80-11ea-b686-77c89941e69d.html
New Kensington considering dumping garbage hauler as residents’ complaints pile up
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-considering-dumping-garbage-hauler-as-residents-complaints-pile-up/
‘Saints and heroes’ help feed children in need among Montgomery County’s well-to-do
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-food-montgomery-county-suburbs-children-hunger-20200721.html
Wyoming Valley Levee overseer eyes new option to reduce sandbag closures
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792781/wyoming-valley-levee-overseer-eyes-new-option-to-reduce-sandbag-closures
Wilkes-Barre’s pandemic spending tops $500,000
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/wilkes-barres-pandemic-spending-tops-500-000/article_de51ccd4-5ba7-50e6-b5f6-99ef3ea6f674.html
Wilkes-Barre Fire Department debuts virus ‘decon’ unit
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792774/wilkes-barre-fire-department-debuts-virus-decon-unit
National News
Ohio House speaker, 4 others charged in $61 million bribery scheme
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/21/Ohio-House-Speaker-Larry-Householder-arrested-60-million-bribery-scheme/stories/202007210132
Philly
Coronavirus could leave Philly’s budget in the red next year, state board warns
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-budget-coronavirus-taxes-overtime-20200721.html
Breaking down the toll of Philly’s coronavirus hospitalizations by race, age, and neighborhood
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-hospitalization-philadelphia-report-race-age-sex-20200721.html
Philly doctor: I wear my mask everywhere because it’s ‘the right thing to do’ | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/coronavirus-mask-wearing-doctor-20200722.html
Trump is threatening to send federal agents to Philly. Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/trump-federal-agents-philadelphia-20200721.html
Trump’s federal agents are not welcome in Philly | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/trump-threat-federal-agents-philadelphia-police-brutality-20200721.html
Two vacant South Philadelphia houses collapse; no injuries reported
https://www.inquirer.com/news/house-collapse-south-philadelphia-building-fire-department-20200721.html
Man fatally shot in South Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/south-philadelphia-homicide-man-shot-taney-20200721.html
Three people were killed overnight in Philly as shootings continue to spike
https://www.inquirer.com/news/three-murders-philadelphia-shootings-increase-police-20200721.html
Philly restaurants may not survive coronavirus due to confusing new sales restrictions | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-governor-wolf-pa-alcohol-sales-restaurants-reopening-20200721.html
Pitt
COVID downsizing: Some Pittsburgh firms looking to shrink office footprint due to pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/07/22/COVID-19-downsizing-CBRE-EQT-Pittsburgh-Chevron-UPMC-Downtown-Pittsburgh/stories/202007220052
Suit over Shadyside slaying can go forward, Pa. high court rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/21/Lisa-Maas-family-lawsuit-Terrence-Andrews-slaying-Shadyside-PA-supreme-court/stories/202007210128
Man critically wounded in Knoxville shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/22/Man-critically-wounded-in-Knoxville-shooting-pittsburgh/stories/202007220074
PPS set to present reopening plan to school board
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/21/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-reopening-administrators-preliminary-plan-school-board/stories/202007210108
Pitt plans phased-in reopening for students with ‘shelter-in-place’ requirements
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/21/Pitt-reopening-plan-students-shelter-in-plan-fall-return-to-campus-classes/stories/202007210083
Voters will decide whether to strengthen Pittsburgh Citizen Police Review Board
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/voters-will-decide-whether-to-strengthen-pittsburgh-citizen-police-review-board/
State News
A split among utility regulators muddies future of utility shutoffs during the pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/07/22/split-utility-regulators-shutoffs-pandemic-coronavirus/stories/202007210124
Ex-DHS Secretary Tom Ridge: ‘It would be a cold day in hell’ before ‘personal militia’ would be welcomed uninvited in Pa.
https://triblive.com/news/world/ex-dhs-secretary-tom-ridge-it-would-be-a-cold-day-in-hell-before-personal-militia-would-be-welcomed-uninvited-in-pa/
2nd heat wave in Western Pa. strains power grid but utilities handle extra demand
https://triblive.com/local/regional/second-heat-wave-in-western-pa-strains-power-grid-but-utilities-handle-extra-demand/
Transportation
Pa. Turnpike to raise tolls 6% in January, add 45% surcharge for most non-E-ZPass drivers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/07/21/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-toll-increase-E-ZPass-Toll-By-Plate-surcharge/stories/202007210058
ATV riding will soon be permitted on Gilpin roads
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/atv-riding-will-soon-be-permitted-on-gilpin-roads/
Washington
Trump asked ambassador to try to steer British Open to one of his resorts, sources say
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/golf/2020/07/21/Trump-British-Open-ambassador-resort/stories/202007210146
The Trump administration is ordering China to close its consulate in Houston
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-administration-china-houston-consulate-closing-order-20200722.html
Meuser denounces Wolf on Lebanon County
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/coronavirus/meuser-denounces-wolf-on-lebanon-county/article_7c51fcfa-b801-563a-b70b-6ef6fc585feb.html