Legislature
Minority-owned small businesses were largely shut out of Pa.’s first coronavirus loan program
https://www.inquirer.com/business/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-small-business-loans-grants-minority-owned-20200731.html
Gov. Wolf, GOP critic spar over social media post parroting health secretary’s LGBQT comments
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-gop-critic-spar-over-social-media-post-parroting-health-secretarys-lgbqt-comments/
Russ Diamond: Instead of censuring me over mask statement, Gov. Wolf and health secretary Levine should leave
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/russ-diamond-instead-of-censuring-me-over-mask-statement-gov-wolf-and-health-secretary-levine-should-leave.html
Sen. Mastriano blasts clergy in Facebook video, deletes it
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/politics/2020/07/30/sen-mastriano-blasts-clergy-facebook-video-deletes/5544486002/
American communities are united in the fight for justice | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-s-african-american-jewish-american-communities-are-united-in-the-fight-for-justice-opinion/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 860 more cases added on Thursday; Gov. Wolf says PA ‘paying the price’ for lax restrictions elsewhere
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-july30-stats-20200730-2wemzyalojfazkllc24sid6rd4-story.html
Pennsylvania reports 860 new coronavirus cases, 14 deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-860-new-coronavirus-cases-14-deaths/
Wear a mask to thank EMS workers and stop the spread, officials urge; trends still rising in South Jersey and Philly region
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covd-19-pa-nj-philly-wear-face-mask-wolf-levine-diamond-transgender-phillies-prek-20200730.html
COVID-19 Update: Western Pa. reports 263 new cases; Allegheny has highest single-day hospitalizations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/30/COVID-19-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-Allegheny-County-cases-data-deaths/stories/202007300148
Allegheny County sets record for new coronavirus hospitalizations; sees triple-digit cases for 8th straight day
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-sees-triple-digit-coronavirus-growth-for-8th-straight-day-record-hospitalizations/
31 new coronavirus cases reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/31-new-coronavirus-cases-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
14 new COVID-19 cases in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/14-new-covid-19-cases-in-county/article_82fb7116-54f0-5897-91b4-2b457ca7a468.html
Delaware County sees upward trend in daily coronavirus numbers
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delaware-county-sees-upward-trend-in-daily-coronavirus-numbers/article_e198d604-d2a0-11ea-97ff-4b1657f373b5.html
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine recommends nighttime alcohol ban as Ohio reports highest coronavirus case count yet
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/07/30/Ohio-Gov-Mike-DeWine-recommends-nighttime-alcohol-ban-as-Ohio-reports-highest-coronavirus-case-count-yet/stories/202007300201
The next pandemic: Study’s authors say a similar virus may already be out there
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/31/The-next-pandemic-Study-s-authors-say-a-similar-virus-may-already-be-out-there/stories/202007290139
Administration
Wolf reminder: Telework mandated unless not possible
https://www.timesleader.com/news/794435/wolf-reminder-telework-mandated-unless-not-possible
Wolf calls out Legislature for secrecy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/wolf-calls-out-legislature-for-secrecy/article_f71960c2-d2e4-52a0-b98d-2bee4a351a78.html
Business
Worst economic quarter impacts Western Pa. professionals
https://triblive.com/local/regional/worst-economic-quarter-impacts-western-pa-professionals/
‘14,000 attempts’: Balky technology, expiring unemployment benefits worry workers, state leaders
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/14000-attempts-balky-technology-expiring-unemployment-benefits-worry-pa-workers-state-leaders/
Broadband helping the world ‘transition’ amid COVID-19, Comcast executive says
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/07/31/Comcast-Corporation-broadband-internet-COVID19-NBC-Universal/stories/202007300172
Protesters join employee outside plant where racial slur was used
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/protesters-join-employee-outside-plant-where-racial-slur-was-used/article_006484f3-5bed-5aaf-9191-b68598fb8acd.html
Manufacturer of Power Stick products is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operations to Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/manufacturer-of-power-stick-products-is-moving-its-headquarters-and-manufacturing-operations-to-pa.html
How many Lehigh Valley businesses have permanently closed amid the pandemic?
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-businesses-permanent-closures-coronavirus-20200730-cdylxffeybdnnjucylrw3es4rm-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Jury trials will resume in some courtrooms across the Philly region after months of coronavirus restrictions
https://www.inquirer.com/news/courts-coronavirus-suburban-jury-trials-bucks-chester-montgomery-county-20200730.html
Education
Scranton School District releases proposed hybrid, virtual plans for the fall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-school-district-releases-proposed-hybrid-virtual-plans-for-the-fall/article_8666bdca-bec9-57b3-add1-b60d576e3ad8.html
Valley West plans to start school year with hybrid plan, split students into two groups
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/education/valley-west-plans-to-start-school-year-with-hybrid-plan-split-students-into-two-groups/article_d0e15cf8-31b5-5e7c-a36b-a525c5499630.html
Severance agreement for New Ken-Arnold superintendent approved sight unseen
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/severance-agreement-for-new-ken-arnold-superintendent-approved-sight-unseen/
Greensburg Salem cites limited space in ruling out full-time return to classrooms
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-salem-cites-limited-space-in-ruling-out-full-time-return-to-classrooms/
State guidelines say no fans in stands for school sports
https://www.citizensvoice.com/sports/state-guidelines-say-no-fans-in-stands-for-school-sports/article_e045770e-2e73-5a17-9c35-f1e79fb52f7c.html
PIAA’s decision leaves many administrators scratching their heads
https://www.dailylocal.com/sports/piaas-decision-leaves-many-administrators-scratching-their-heads/article_9f1558c5-2a10-5b61-9985-0614913d71bb.html
Pitt, Penn State set aside hundreds of beds for students who might get COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/30/University-of-Pittsburgh-Pitt-Penn-State-fall-COVID19-football-testing-Gallagher-online/stories/202007300137
State higher ed faces its future
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/31/State-higher-ed-faces-its-future-education-college/stories/202007280021
Wilkes president releases fall safety plan, sets virtual town halls for students and faculty
https://www.timesleader.com/news/794437/wilkes-president-releases-fall-safety-plan-sets-virtual-town-halls-for-students-and-faculty
Elections/Politics
Post-primary, Pa. Republicans notch some voter reg. gains | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/post-primary-pa-republicans-notch-some-voter-reg-gains-analysis/
Black Lives Matter demonstration in Greensburg counters VP Pence’s visit just blocks away
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2020/07/30/Greensburg-black-lives-matter-BLM-demonstration-counters-Mike-Pence-visit-Trump/stories/202007300194
Pennsylvania voters are completely polarized on the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/mask-debate-president-trump-governor-wolf-poll-coronavirus-pandemic-20200731.html
Cognetti endorses Biden for president
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/cognetti-endorses-biden-for-president/article_7a03919d-c50a-50d3-9485-c53039724bcd.html
Health Care
Deal with health insurance crisis
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/31/Deal-with-health-insurance-crisis/stories/202007310020
Local News
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to expand in Dickson City
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-river-heritage-trail-to-expand-in-dickson-city/article_c8d9ef02-77bb-5f41-b653-411fb05b2464.html
Reading City Council struggles to find ways to reduce loud gatherings at the Pagoda
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/reading-city-council-struggles-to-find-ways-to-reduce-loud-gatherings-at-the-pagoda/article_77e240da-d0f5-11ea-9911-8f119037e8c8.html
Chester County commissioners appoint new law firm for pipeline suit
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-commissioners-appoint-new-law-firm-for-pipeline-suit/article_930c676e-d28a-11ea-8202-b7acc1261f6f.html
Allentown looks to borrow more than $16 million
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-borrow-millions-budget-deficit-pandemic-20200730-z2k7z43hj5dmppla7nxdejiawm-story.html
Upper Burrell considers safety tax to help fire department
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/upper-burrell-considers-safety-tax-to-help-fire-department/
Mutual Aid Ambulance Service expands coverage area for 2nd time this year
https://triblive.com/local/regional/mutual-aid-ambulance-service-expands-coverage-area-for-2nd-time-this-year/
Activist burning Trump flags at courthouse taunted by counter-protesters
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/activist-burning-trump-flags-at-courthouse-taunted-by-counter-protesters/article_9a047081-0e06-518f-8300-7ff3a40ad3b6.html
Activist burns Trump flag outside Lackawanna County Courthouse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/activist-burns-trump-flag-outside-lackawanna-county-courthouse/article_cacf99ab-9300-551f-a6af-ca04d673c022.html
Luzerne County to give out coronavirus aid
https://www.timesleader.com/news/794428/luzerne-county-to-give-out-coronavirus-aid
Luzerne County courts, buildings prepare to reopen
https://www.timesleader.com/news/794353/order-outlines-reopening-of-luzerne-county-court-system
Major fire destroys apartment complex in Chester County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/chester-county-north-coventry-apartment-fire-20200730.html
National News
John Lewis mourned as ‘founding father’ of better America
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/john-lewis-funeral-atlanta-barack-obama-20200730.html
Philly
It’s official: Philly’s school year to begin fully remotely
https://www.inquirer.com/news/back-to-school-plan-philadelphia-school-district-board-20200730.html
Philly restaurant workers are organizing for higher wages and better work conditions despite the pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-restaurant-workers-organize-unions-vedge-20200731.html
With false promises and fancy dinners, Philly-based operation fleeced small investors in $600 million fraud, SEC charges
https://www.inquirer.com/news/par-funding-lisa-mcelhone-joe-laforte-cbsg-sec-complaint-20200731.html
Pat Toomey is walking a political tightrope on Trump’s threat to send federal agents to Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pat-toomey-trump-federal-agents-philadelphia-20200730.html
Job cuts at Philadelphia Magazine and buyouts at The Inquirer mark latest signs of economic strain at media outlets
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philly-mag-job-cuts-covid-19-inquirer-buyouts-20200731.html
Independent review of Philly’s response to protests is best bet to answer questions | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philly-controller-rhynhart-independent-review-city-unrest-response-20200731.html
What’s best for Philly schools this year? Educators weigh in. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-schools-reopening-virtual-teachers-educators-safety-20200730.html
Pitt
City controller willing to audit PPS device inventory
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/30/pittsburgh-city-controller-michael-lamb-willing-to-audit-PPS-device-inventory-sala-udin/stories/202007300174
In updated dress code policy, Port Authority forbids social justice and political statements on face masks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/07/30/Port-Authority-Pittsburgh-Allegheny-black-lives-matter-face-masks-employee-ban-dress-code-social-justice/stories/202007300166
Pitt receives federal grant to study how autonomous vehicle industry serves people with disabilities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/07/30/University-Pittsburgh-autonomous-vehicles-self-driving-USDOT-grant-study-disabilities-accessibility-ADA/stories/202007300055
Allegheny County data shows parties becoming a growing source of coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-data-shows-parties-becoming-a-growing-source-of-coronavirus/
State News
Pa. Game Commission adopts new plan in effort to curb chronic wasting disease
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pa-game-commissions-adopts-new-plan-in-effort-to-curb-chronic-wasting-disease/
Western Pa. residents among those receiving ‘mystery seed’ packets
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/western-pa-residents-among-those-receiving-mystery-seed-packets/
Transportation
Bridge building between governments leads to new Division Street span
https://www.timesleader.com/news/794439/bridge-building-between-governments-leads-to-new-division-street-span
Division Street Bridge reopens
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/division-street-bridge-reopens/article_7760f998-b460-575c-b61c-444a662e743b.html