Legislature

We need a just recovery that includes higher pay for Black, brown, and low- paid essential workers | State Sen. Art Haywood
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-need-a-just-recovery-that-includes-higher-pay-for-low-paid-essential-workers-opinion/

Lawmakers beef up school safety grant fund to pay for masks, gloves in pandemic
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/lawmakers-beef-up-school-safety-grant-fund-to-pay-for-masks-gloves-in-pandemic/

Delayed notice of Pa. lawmaker’s COVID-19 diagnosis spurs outrage, calls for investigation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/delayed-notice-of-pa-lawmakers-covid-19-diagnosis-spurs-outrage-calls-for-investigation.html

Pa. state rep. says House speaker ‘should be in jail,’ claims GOP withheld knowledge of coronavirus exposure
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/05/rep-brian-sims-calls-for-investigation-after-claiming-republicans-withheld-coronavirus-exposure-from-democrats-says-pa-house-speaker-mike-turzai-should-be-in-jail.html

Pennsylvania House virus notification dispute mirrors growing divide in state politics
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-house-virus-notification-dispute-mirrors-growing-divide-in-state-politics/

Dems say GOP failed to reveal virus case
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dems-say-gop-failed-to-reveal-virus-case-1.2632816

Pa. Democrats criticize delayed disclosure of GOP House member’s coronavirus infection
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-democrats-criticize-delayed-disclosure-of-gop-house-members-coronavirus-infection/article_bbe9213c-a110-11ea-b249-9736bd5b714c.html

Coronavirus case in Pa. Capitol takes partisan rancor over pandemic to new level
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/05/28/pa-republican-state-rep-andrew-lewis-tests-positive-coronavirus-democrats-want-to-know-why-they-weren-t-told/stories/202005280150

No time for politics: GOP lawmaker tested positive, but Dems weren’t told
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/29/Pennsylvania-Legislature-COVID-19-coronavirus-Republicans-GOP-Democrats/stories/202005290043

Turzai says he didn’t know about positive COVID test, calls for future transparency
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/turzai-says-he-didnt-know-about-positive-covid-test-calls-for-future-transparency/

Dems call on Mike Turzai and other GOP leaders to resign after failing to disclose a state rep’s COVID-19 diagnosis
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/dems-call-on-mike-turzai-and-other-gop-leaders-to-resign-after-failing-to-disclose-a-state-reps-covid-19-diagnosis/Content?oid=17366088

By not disclosing COVID-19 diagnosis, Pa. Republicans betrayed our trust and risked lives | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-republicans-lawmaker-andrew-lewis-coronavirus-20200528.html

State House members say they were not exposed to GOP colleague with COVID-19
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200528/state-house-members-say-they-were-not-exposed-to-gop-colleague-with-covid-19

Berks lawmaker Mark Rozzi sues Allentown Diocese, alleging a priest sexually abused him when he was 13
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-lawmaker-mark-rozzi-sues-allentown-diocese-alleging-a-priest-sexually-abused-him-when-he/article_a413ecbc-a120-11ea-acc0-ab1dfd59d8d5.html

Pennsylvania House passes late-night resolution to end statewide business shutdown
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-house-resolution-shutdown-20200529-e7jb2i66hnfq7gsdv7udldag34-story.html

In late night debate, House votes to undo Wolf’s emergency declaration
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/in-late-night-debate-house-votes-to-undo-wolfs-emergency-declaration/

Pa. lawmaker wonders why she got $7,000 in unemployment compensation she never requested
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-lawmaker-wonders-why-she-got-7000-in-unemployment-compensation-she-never-requested.html

Budget

Pa. Senate approves short-term budget with no tax hikes; plan heads to Gov. Tom Wolf
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-senate-approves-short-term-budget-with-no-tax-hikes.html

Legislature sends bills on coronavirus aid, $25B budget to Gov. Wolf
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-lawmakers-plow-ahead-on-budget-emergency-aid/

Philly’s plastic bag ban is in jeopardy after Pa. Republicans amended a budget bill in a bid to halt it
https://www.inquirer.com/news/plastic-bag-ban-state-budget-philadelphia-regulation-20200528.html

Luzerne County would see $28.6M in federal virus aid under plan before Wolf
https://www.timesleader.com/news/785467/luzerne-county-would-see-28-6m-in-federal-virus-aid-under-plan-before-wolf

Coronavirus – COVID-19

Review of COVID-19 case data shows broad, continued regional declines
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/28/Pennsylvania-COVID-19-new-cases-data-regions-yellow-counties-decline-green/stories/202005280152

State says 67,000 patients tested for COVID-19 since shipments began in March
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200528/state-says-67000-patients-tested-for-covid-19-since-shipments-began-in-march

State surpasses 70,000 cases of COVID-19; Allegheny County reports 0 new deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/28/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-16/stories/202005280126

Allegheny County reports 23 coronavirus cases, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-23-coronavirus-cases-no-new-deaths/

Westmoreland County reports 1 new coronavirus case, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-reports-one-new-coronavirus-case-no-new-deaths/

County reports 12 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-reports-12-new-covid-19-cases-1-new-death-1.2632640

Coronavirus death toll rises by six in local counties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-death-toll-rises-by-six-in-local-counties-1.2632571

Montgomery County official: ‘Coronavirus is still in our midst’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-official-coronavirus-is-still-in-our-midst/article_fbf8a9ab-e039-5b3b-8a7b-a7a255c2ffdd.html

AHN to conduct mobile coronavirus testing in Duquesne
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/ahn-to-conduct-mobile-coronavirus-testing-in-duquesne/

State officials: Arena testing site met goals
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-officials-arena-testing-site-met-goals-1.2632819

For Clairton’s most vulnerable, indoor air purifiers a lifesaver
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/29/Clairton-most-vulnerable-indoor-air-purifiers-lifesaver-pollution-respiratory-health/stories/202005280167

Coronavirus pandemic is fueling efforts to increase access to abortion pills
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-spurs-telemedicine-mail-order-abortion-pill-access-20200529.html

Got a $1,200 stimulus debit card in the mail? Yes, it’s real.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/coronavirus-cash-eip-cards-irs-treasury-stimulus-payment-debit-20200529.html

Reopening

Gov. Tom Wolf’s push to move Philly area to ‘yellow’ phase despite data met with skepticism among city officials
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/gov-tom-wolf-philadelphia-yellow-mayor-jim-kenney-coronavirus-reopening-20200528.html

What our social lives will look like in the yellow phase
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-yellow-phase-philadelphia-pennsylvania-what-it-means-20200529.html

Luzerne County goes yellow today; here’s what that means
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-goes-yellow-today-here-s-what-that-means-1.2632823

As Pike and Monroe counties move to yellow phase, businesses ‘promise’ to keep guests safe
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-pike-and-monroe-counties-move-to-yellow-phase-businesses-promise-to-keep-guests-safe-1.2632562

What it means for Berks County to move into yellow phase on June 5
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/what-it-means-for-berks-county-to-move-into-yellow-phase-on-june-5/article_9aa1bffc-9c5b-11ea-92f2-ef25708ea0cb.html

When the green light comes: Businesses keep an eye on safety in lead-up to more reopenings
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/29/green-phase-business-owners-reopening-Pennsylvania-Allegheny-County-businesses/stories/202005280174

Green phase guidance prohibiting large crowds puts festivals, including Allentown Fair and Musikfest, in jeopardy
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-summer-events-in-jeopardy-20200528-hputp2wibzhznnixmm2wqjoy5e-story.html

Pennsylvania pools are allowed to open, but some may choose to stay closed
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pennsylvania-pools-are-allowed-to-open-but-some-may-choose-to-stay-closed/

DCNR moves to open state park swimming beaches, pools
https://www.timesleader.com/news/785485/dcnr-moves-to-open-state-park-swimming-beaches-pools

HHS Secretary Azar to visit region Friday, citing health benefits of reopening U.S.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/28/HHS-Secretary-Alex-Azar-Allegheny-Conference-Heritage-Valley-Pittsburgh-visit-friday/stories/202005280130

Yellow phase, proceed with caution
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/yellow-phase-proceed-with-caution-1.2632645

Administration

Massive unemployment scam strikes up to 58,000 people in Pa., far more than previously known
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/28/Massive-unemployment-scam-strikes-up-to-58-000-people-in-Pa-far-more-than-previously-known/stories/202005280178

Your View: In defense of Pennsylvania Health Secretary Levine
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-defending-rachel-levine-shanker-20200527-icw72bosevbsrorj6ciuhaqwdm-story.html

Business

Some Gap stores reopen in Philadelphia as hundreds more prepare to go live soon
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gap-reopening-coronavirus-philadelphia-20200529.html

J.C. Penney, Gap begin phased reopening of some stores in region
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/05/28/J-C-Penney-Gap-reopen-stores-Pennsylvania-coronavirus-pandemic-retail/stories/202005280136

Western Pa. restaurants prepare for expanded dining options, cope with losses
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pa-restaurants-prepare-for-expanded-dining-options-cope-with-losses/

Restaurant owners happy to have outdoor dining begin next week
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/restaurant-owners-happy-to-have-outdoor-dining-begin-next-week-1.2632822

On unemployment? You may get a check now instead of direct deposit as Pennsylvania protects against fraud
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pandemic-unemployment-fraud-paper-checks-20200528-rkkmzd3bijgrdfjkxyuexykcui-story.html

Wawa clerk in Lower Macungie threatened after he asked customer to put mask on, state police say
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-wawa-clerk-threatened-for-asking-customer-to-put-on-mask-20200528-qxjydffxczdc5livhnn32q5tza-story.html

Crime/Punishment

Boy, 2, shoots, kills himself; parents jailed
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/boy-2-shoots-kills-himself-parents-jailed-1.2632740

Education

Reading School Board action means the end for I-LEAD Charter School
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-school-board-action-means-the-end-for-i-lead-charter-school/article_14028656-a08a-11ea-bee7-4371b3172287.html

2 more Pennsylvania colleges announce plans to hold in-person classes this fall
https://triblive.com/local/regional/2-more-pennsylvania-colleges-announce-plans-to-hold-in-person-classes-this-fall/

Pa. state grants for college students to remain unchanged for 2020-21
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-state-grants-for-college-students-to-remain-unchanged-for-2020-21.html

Elections/Politics

An Election Day like never before: Mail-in balloting, new voting machines, multi-day counts for Pa.’s primary
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/a-pennsylvania-election-day-like-never-before-mail-in-balloting-new-voting-machines-multi-day-counts-thank-god-its-not-the-big-one.html

Flood of mail-in ballots spurs fight to change deadlines for Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/flood-of-mail-in-ballots-spurs-fight-to-change-deadlines-for-pennsylvania/

Pennsylvania Republicans don’t want to vote by mail: ‘We’re listening to Trump on this’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-mail-ballots-trump-republicans-20200529.html

Primary 2020 | Progressive vs. pragmatic: Democratic candidates for 34th House District offer up different philosophies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/29/Summer-Lee-Chris-Roland-Democratic-candidates-34th-House-district-pennsylvania-primary/stories/202005290071

Bucks County just went to court to extend Pennsylvania’s mail ballot deadline
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/bucks-county-mail-ballot-deadline-extension-2020-primary-20200528.html

Westmoreland County still needs poll workers for Tuesday’s primary election
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-still-needs-more-poll-workers-for-tuesdays-primary-election/

Who will succeed Justin Simmons in 131st District? Four Republicans make their cases
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-elections-131st-district-republican-primary-preview-20200529-bgmlmngm6zcifluvnwemzwo6ny-story.html

Health Care

Dwarfing competitors, UPMC receives $228 million in coronavirus stimulus cash
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/29/UPMC-Pennsylvania-medical-company-coronavirus-federal-grants-hospitals-revenue/stories/202005280193

UPMC to get $1 billion in federal aid after hard hit from coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-to-get-1-billion-in-federal-aid-after-hard-hit-from-coronavirus-pandemic/

Jefferson, Penn receive fraction of federal coronavirus stimulus cash to Pa. despite outsize impact
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/spl/upmc-pennsylvania-hospitals-federal-stimulus-coronavirus-20200529.html

Organ transplants surge at UPMC during pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/organ-transplants-surge-at-upmc-during-pandemic/

Local News

W-B council gives mayor temporary power to OK outdoor dining requests
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-gives-mayor-temporary-power-to-ok-outdoor-dining-requests-1.2632808

Luzerne County planning director resigns
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-planning-director-resigns-1.2632639

National News

Minneapolis police station torched amid George Floyd protest
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/28/Protesters-enter-Minneapolis-police-station-set-fires/stories/202005280202

7 shot at Louisville protest over fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/29/7-shot-at-Louisville-protest-over-fatal-police-shooting-Breonna-Taylor/stories/202005290081

Philly

Philly-area industrial leases approach pre-pandemic levels on e-commerce demand: Report
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/philadelphia-industrial-leases-online-groceries-supply-chain-cbre-20200529.html

Despite coronavirus uncertainty, Philly school board passes a $3.5 billion budget, but trouble looms ahead
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-philadelphia-school-district-budget-20200528.html

Nina Ahmad is making a million-dollar bet that an obscure state office will open future opportunities
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/pennsylvania-primary-election-auditor-general-nina-ahmad-scott-conklin-michael-lamb-20200529.html

Police arrest mother’s boyfriend in shooting death of 9-year-old East Germantown boy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fatal-shooting-9-year-old-boy-east-germantown-rajib-ingram-syiede-booker-20200528.html

Philly will have mail ballot drop boxes for voters this weekend and on election day. Find yours here.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadelphia-primary-mail-ballot-drop-box-locations-20200528.html

The primary election is our only run before November: can we protect both democracy and health? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/primary-election-2020-voting-philadelphia-pennsylvania-ballot-20200528.html

Pitt

Port Authority gets $100M in federal funding for Oakland-Downtown rapid transit project
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/28/Port-Authority-100-million-federal-funding-Bus-Rapid-Transit-tweet-Trump/stories/202005280200

Allegheny County government set to emerge from pandemic in better shape, but much ‘unknown’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/28/Allegheny-County-controller-Chelsa-Wagner-office-2019-services-fund-tax/stories/202005280138

Courts in Pittsburgh area to resume most operations Monday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/28/Allegheny-County-court-resume-most-hearings-Pittsburgh-courthouse-judge-people/stories/202005280129

Housing Authority donates $275K to ensure internet access for city students
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/05/28/Pittsburgh-Housing-Authority-donation-internet-access-laptops-city-public-schools-students/stories/202005280149

Allegheny County Health Department issues $361K fine against U.S. Steel
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-health-department-issues-361400-fine-against-u-s-steel/

State News

Bear sightings on the rise in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/bear-sightings-on-the-rise-in-western-pennsylvania/

Math error in Harrisburg may raise school tax bills
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/math-error-in-harrisburg-may-raise-school-tax-bills/article_5ef22d5c-0919-5968-ad3d-e2e928f689f1.html

Transportation

Airport passenger flow continues sharp decline due to pandemic
https://www.timesleader.com/news/785458/airport-passenger-flow-continues-sharp-decline-due-to-pandemic

Washington

Twitter places warning on a Trump tweet, saying it was ‘glorifying violence’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/05/29/Twitter-places-warning-on-a-Trump-Tweet-saying-it-glorified-violence/stories/202005290083

Graham urges older judges to retire so GOP can fill openings
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/lindsey-graham-republican-judges-20200528.html