Legislature
Pa. Senate panel explores election issues that arose from the June primary
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-senate-panel-explores-election-issues-that-arose-from-the-june-primary.html
Pennsylvania’s new hazard pay program will mean green for some; but leaves others green with envy
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2020/07/pennsylvanias-new-hazard-pay-program-will-mean-green-for-some-but-leaves-others-green-with-envy.html
Baseline heart screening education for parents, student athletes now the law in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/baseline-heart-screening-education-for-parents-student-athletes-now-the-law-in-pa.html
Legislature presides over toll disaster
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/legislature-presides-over-toll-disaster/article_67d8095d-df3e-58ae-8653-1063b6224c12.html
Lawmakers: Tax credits will bring good-paying jobs to NEPA; environmentalists fear ecological impact
https://www.timesleader.com/news/793141/lawmakers-tax-credits-will-bring-good-paying-jobs-to-nepa-environmentalists-fear-ecological-impact
Yudichak and Kaufer praise ‘landmark’ legislation signed Thursday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-and-kaufer-praise-landmark-legislation-signed-thursday/article_05346e96-884b-51d8-9095-bfa034561386.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Health Secretary Levine explains why Pa. ordered restaurants to limit capacity, but still won’t show the data to back it up
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/health-secretary-levine-explains-why-pa-ordered-restaurants-to-limit-capacity-but-still-wont-show-the-data-to-back-it-up/
Pennsylvania’s rate of covid-19 testing among lowest in country, data show
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvanias-rate-of-covid-19-testing-among-lowest-in-country-data-show/
How did 4,707 coronavirus cases go missing? The devil’s in the data
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/how-did-4707-coronavirus-cases-go-missing-the-devils-in-the-data.html
Pa. says school reopenings could hinge on crowd limits at bars and eateries; Philly ‘unlikely’ to allow indoor dining Aug. 1 amid coronavirus upticks
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-pennsylvania-restaurants-bars-philadelphia-schools-cases-deaths-20200723.html
Levine says schools’ reopening depends on state residents
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/levine-says-schools-reopening-depends-on-state-residents/article_16b45e45-0072-599c-b3d5-b654eac28768.html
Western Pa. accounts for 236 of state’s nearly 1,000 cases of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/23/Allegheny-County-reports-2-new-deaths-147-new-cases-of-COVID-19/stories/202007230125
Allegheny County reports 147 new coronavirus cases, 15 new hospitalizations
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-147-new-coronavirus-cases-15-new-hospitalizations/
Westmoreland County adds 20 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-20-new-coronavirus-cases-no-new-deaths/
6 new COVID-19 cases reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/6-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-county/article_66d22e50-dc47-5f24-ad69-b988f4c3ca0d.html
Infant who tested positive for coronavirus dies, Berks County coroner says
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/infant-who-tested-positive-for-coronavirus-dies-berks-county-coroner-says/article_b994d9c0-ccd1-11ea-9a27-47672d1afa39.html
Pennsylvania’s food stamp enrollment up nearly 10% since February, and officials are bracing for more pandemic-spurred applications
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pa-snap-welfare-enrollment-20200723-tspa227aijgelljsxx3q4p3r6y-story.html
Montgomery County officials plead with citizens to cooperate with coronavirus contact tracers
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-plead-with-citizens-to-cooperate-with-coronavirus-contact-tracers/article_e313f57a-5842-55df-a16b-137fac528a15.html
CDC lowers number of quarantine days for people who test positive for coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/07/cdc-lowers-number-of-quarantine-days-for-people-who-test-positive-for-coronavirus.html
Without a vaccine, researchers say, herd immunity may never be achieved
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/24/without-a-vaccine-researchers-say-herd-immunity-may-never-be-achieved/
Administration
Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf signs bill allowing school districts to extend property tax deadline for taxpayers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-gov-tom-wolf-signs-bill-allowing-school-districts-to-extend-property-tax-deadline-for-taxpayers.html
Business
BNY Mellon imposing 40-hour workweek, raising minimum wage
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/07/23/BNY-Mellon-imposing-40-hour-workweek-raising-minimum-wage/stories/202007230160
Is Sheetz better than Wawa? Pa. politicians throw down over mac ’n’ cheeze bites and hoagies. | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/wawa-sheetz-pennsylvania-rivalry-john-fetterman-brendan-boyle-20200723.html
Dunmore meatpacking plant endangering workers to COVID-19 exposure, complaint claims
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/dunmore-meatpacking-plant-endangering-workers-to-covid-19-exposure-complaint-claims/article_13281c05-4094-5bc5-bf55-9ae6a4509525.html
For Black-owned businesses, access to capital is starting point to leveling field
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/for-black-owned-businesses-access-to-capital-is-starting-point-to-leveling-field.html
Bars, restaurants (try to) adapt to new alcohol service rules
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/business/bars-restaurants-try-to-adapt-to-new-alcohol-service-rules/article_720a8998-87b9-5342-9a6a-3a82ff90c2aa.html
No tiny meals: State officials crack down on bars serving popcorn, single chicken tender as ‘meal’ with alcohol
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200723/no-tiny-meals-state-officials-crack-down-on-bars-serving-popcorn-single-chicken-tender-as-rsquomealrsquo-with-alcohol
Murrysville company will help test systems for lunar lander
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/murrysville-company-will-help-test-systems-for-lunar-lander/
Crime/Punishment
Police: Derry Township woman slain in revenge shooting into wrong house
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/police-derry-township-woman-slain-during-revenge-fueled-shooting-into-wrong-house/
Drug court graduates celebrate accomplishment despite covid-19 restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/drug-court-graduates-celebrate-accomplishment-despite-covid-19-restrictions/
Berks County DA releases surveillance video of Wyomissing Walmart arrest and second protest held
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-da-releases-surveillance-video-of-wyomissing-walmart-arrest-and-second-protest-held-video/article_b1b84738-cd02-11ea-8dbf-db3e3ad62cd8.html
Three-county drug operation broken up, Berks County district attorney says
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/three-county-drug-operation-broken-up-berks-county-district-attorney-says-video/article_acd9771e-ccf8-11ea-b91e-0fb3fb0d879d.html
Education
Allentown School District to reopen schools virtually with hope of in-person classes later in fall
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-schools-reopen-virtually-coronavirus-20200724-aiw7lbubtjfwncw2ckyvm2dnkm-story.html
Abington Heights discusses plans for return to school
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/abington-heights-discusses-plans-for-return-to-school/article_95e52f8c-4b98-5b76-b658-440e7013af69.html
Woodland Hills School District suspends cheerleading after positive covid-19 test
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/woodland-hills-school-district-suspends-cheerleading-after-positive-covid-19-test/
Hazleton Area back-to-school plan starts to take shape
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/education/hazleton-area-back-to-school-plan-starts-to-take-shape/article_e292d87b-f7dc-5480-b69f-0330a73e6810.html
Perry: ‘Generally speaking,’ kids won’t transmit COVID-19 to teachers
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/23/perry-generally-speaking-kids-wont-transmit-covid-19-teachers/3288142001/
Elections/Politics
Will Pat Toomey run for governor? A third U.S. Senate term? Pa. Republicans are wondering
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/07/will-pat-toomey-run-for-governor-a-third-us-senate-term-pa-republicans-are-wondering.html
Perry boosted by $200K from Big Pharma-linked group as dark money hits PA-10
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/perry-boosted-by-200k-from-big-pharma-linked-group-as-dark-money-hits-pa-10/
Health Care
Highmark partnerships with Geisinger, Penn State Health begin to pay off
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/07/24/Highmark-partnerships-Geisinger-Penn-State-Health-health-insurance/stories/202007210120
Local News
‘Work from Here’ marketing initiative aims to sell Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/work-from-here-marketing-initiative-aims-to-sell-scranton/article_bb5f5c7c-c149-551f-9aee-bdfc7f86be50.html
Retired Secret Service Agent hired as new chief detective in Lackawanna County DA’s office
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/retired-secret-service-agent-hired-as-new-chief-detective-in-lackawanna-county-das-office/article_510519f3-04cd-5ad4-bcf7-1296d209bbaf.html
Schuylkill River Trail extension from Hamburg to Reading is top priority of Berks County 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/transportation/schuylkill-river-trail-extension-from-hamburg-to-reading-is-top-priority-of-berks-county-2020/article_97c850d6-cd00-11ea-8e74-872a30f5c027.html
Luzerne County active adult centers reopen for meals
https://www.timesleader.com/news/793144/luzerne-county-active-adult-centers-reopen-for-meals
$12.25M in state loans paying for wastewater, stormwater projects in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/12-25m-in-state-loans-paying-for-wastewater-stormwater-projects-in-westmoreland-county/
Community plans ‘memorial wall’ in Harrisburg for victims of gun violence, COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/community-plans-memorial-wall-in-harrisburg-for-victims-of-gun-violence-covid-19.html
Philly
After an outcry, Philly’s schools reopening plan is put on hold
https://www.inquirer.com/education/coronavirus-philadelphia-school-reopening-guidelines-virtual-digital-childcare-20200723.html
Philly school board punts on reopening plan after backlash during marathon meeting
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/24/philly-school-board-punts-on-reopening-plan-after-backlash-during-marathon-meeting/
The painful inside view of the racism behind PlayPenn’s implosion
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/playpenn-philadelphia-theater-development-racism-sexual-harassment-20200724.html
After Goya Foods’ CEO praises Trump, Philly Latinos boycott and turn to other brands
https://www.inquirer.com/news/goya-boycott-latino-hispanic-food-cooking-20200724.html
Mayor Kenney, pick up the damn trash | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-trash-pickup-garbage-streets-mayor-jim-kenney-20200724.html
Philly in crisis: Black Clergy host town hall on surging gun violence
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philly-in-crisis-black-clergy-host-town-hall-on-surging-gun-violence/article_68ffe27c-cda6-11ea-822f-531aa41fabfa.html
In Philly, food insecurity expected to worsen as coronavirus pandemic drags on
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/in-philly-food-insecurity-expected-to-worsen-as-coronavirus-pandemic-drags-on/
Airlines warn of more than 2,100 potential layoffs and furloughs at PHL this fall
https://www.inquirer.com/business/tourism/american-airlines-united-airlines-furloughs-layoffs-philadelphia-international-airport-coronavirus-20200723.html
Free Library director Siobhan Reardon has resigned following complaints about workplace racial discrimination
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-free-library-director-siobhan-reardon-resigns-20200723.html
Fact-checking Trump on rising murders in Philly | PolitiFact
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/trump-philadelphia-homicides-fact-check-20200724.html
A former Pa. congressman caught in 1970s Abscam sting has been indicted again — this time for election fraud
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ozzie-myers-indicted-voter-fraud-philadelphia-domenick-demuro-abscam-20200723.html
Pitt
Judge orders part of Allegheny County courthouse closed temporarily
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/24/Allegheny-County-criminal-court-closed-pandemic/stories/202007240089
Several Allegheny County court offices temporarily closed
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/several-allegheny-county-court-offices-temporarily-closed/
President of Pittsburgh teachers union supports online learning to start school year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/23/PFT-president-Pittsburgh-teachers-union-Nina-Esposito-Visgitis-supports-online-learning/stories/202007230153
Pittsburgh Public Schools considering 9-week delay for classroom learning
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-schools-leaders-consider-9-week-delay-for-classroom-learning/
Pittsburgh officials not included on White House call warning city to step up virus fight
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/levine-pa-officials-were-on-phone-call-with-dr-deborah-birx/
Pittsburgh’s housing authority approves incentives for landlords
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/07/23/Pittsburgh-s-housing-authority-approves-incentives-for-landlords/stories/202007230128
No fans in seats, players in masks but … baseball is back!
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2020/07/24/Pittsburgh-Pirates-COVID-19-MLB-baseball-shortened-season-remote-broadcasts/stories/202007220119
Hitting the mark: Target to open a store in Downtown Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/07/23/Target-Kaufmann-s-Macy-s-Downtown-Pittsburgh-Core-Realty/stories/202007230119
Scavenger hunt billboard tour created to combat pandemic anxieties and improve mental health
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/23/Scavenger-hunt-billboard-tour-created-to-spread-joy-amid-pandemic-battles/stories/202007230124
Worthwhile reform effort
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/24/Worthwhile-reform-effort/stories/202007230063
Paul O’Hanlon: A wake-up call to Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/07/24/A-wake-up-call-to-Pittsburgh-Leadership-accessibility-action-ADA/stories/202007240019
Duquesne Light warns customers of ongoing phone scam
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/duquesne-light-warns-customers-of-ongoing-phone-scam/
Hold the Picklesburgh: The beloved Pittsburgh festival is canceled
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/hold-the-picklesburgh-the-beloved-pittsburgh-festival-is-canceled/
State News
Pa. Supreme Court chief justice complained about a Black justice and her ‘minority agenda,’ former judge says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-chief-justice-thomas-saylor-cynthia-baldwin-minority-agenda-reprimand-20200723.html
U.S. Attorney Bill McSwain spent more than $75,000 to slap his name and face on billboards
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/us-attorney-bill-mcswain-philly-da-larry-krasner-fraternal-order-police-governor-tom-wolf-scott-wagner-20200724.html
Systemic racism can be covert. Here’s one way Pennsylvania and the nation can reduce it.
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-systemic-racism-auto-insurance-muschick-20200724-pxurtsvjmjaszed36uvj6tqn74-story.html
Transportation
Pa. residents now can self-certify as nonbinary on driver’s licenses, photo ID cards
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/07/23/PennDOT-announces-non-binary-gender-designation-option-on-drivers-licenses-photo-ID-cards/stories/202007230135
PennDOT adds 3rd gender identity option for non-binary drivers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/penndot-adds-3rd-gender-identity-option-for-non-binary-drivers/
Airport Board accepts Vogue’s resignation; probe continues
https://www.timesleader.com/news/793146/airport-board-accepts-vogues-resignation-probe-continues