Coronavirus – COVID-19
Levine: Virus threat not over for nursing homes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/levine-virus-threat-not-over-for-nursing-homes-1.2633969
State launches covid-19 testing of nursing home residents, staff
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-launches-covid-19-testing-of-nursing-home-residents-staff/
Pennsylvania health secretary concerned about virus spread during protests; plans to test in all nursing homes moving forward
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-numbers-monday-20200601-o3dtsvtk25ayppfl7t2jlm6lce-story.html
Levine warns that protests could bring increase in new COVID-19 cases as figures remain low
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/01/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-18/stories/202006010059
Counting over 60,000 COVID-19 cases at nursing homes, CMS pushes states to do more
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/01/nursing-homes-CMS-states-agency-inspections-facilities-Pennsylvania-COVID-19/stories/202006010099
From confusion to threats, some Pa. nursing home residents aren’t getting their coronavirus stimulus checks
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/nursing-home-stimulus-checks-pennsylvania-20200602.html
Pennsylvania reports 356 new coronavirus cases, 12 more deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-reports-356-new-coronavirus-cases-12-more-deaths/
No new coronavirus cases, deaths reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/no-new-coronavirus-cases-deaths-reported-in-westmoreland-county-2/
County adds 3 virus cases, no deaths
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-adds-3-virus-cases-no-deaths-1.2633971
Only 11 new virus cases, one death in Northeast Pennsylvania counties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/only-11-new-virus-cases-one-death-in-northeast-pennsylvania-counties-1.2633888
Berks has 13 new coronavirus positive tests and no deaths according to latest state daily report
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-has-13-new-coronavirus-positive-tests-and-no-deaths-according-to-latest-state-daily/article_3cb39ee0-a40f-11ea-a05f-c3cf820a788c.html
Montgomery County reports 16 more coronavirus deaths during three-day period
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-reports-16-more-coronavirus-deaths-during-three-day-period/article_dc1a220f-d8cd-5920-a62e-fba8140c292b.html
Berks County will disconnect coronavirus hotline on Friday
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-will-disconnect-coronavirus-hotline-on-friday/article_26d97d9c-a428-11ea-84be-d731a9ab73f3.html
Shredded your stimulus debit card? Here’s what to do
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-stimulus-debit-card-replacement-muschick-20200602-yvi3nejz6zgo7cczvbvwatmtuq-story.html
You can flush, but the virus can’t hide: Harrisburg starts testing sewage for COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/you-can-flush-but-the-virus-cant-hide-harrisburg-starts-testing-sewage-for-covid-19.html
Reopening
Lackawanna County moving to yellow phase, but senior services won’t resume immediately
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-moving-to-yellow-phase-but-senior-services-won-t-resume-immediately-1.2634165
George Floyd Protests
Police say 4 officers shot in St. Louis protests
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/02/Police-say-4-officers-shot-in-St-Louis-protests-George-Floyd/stories/202006020062
Demonstrators abroad identify with the cause of U.S. protests
https://www.post-gazette.com/breaking/2020/06/02/Demonstrators-abroad-identify-with-the-cause-of-US-protests/stories/202006020064
Death toll grows as police, participants are killed during national protests
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/06/death-toll-grows-as-police-participants-are-killed-during-national-protests.html
Harrisburg police commissioner has spent a career trying to defuse tensions. The current crisis is his biggest test yet
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2020/06/harrisburg-police-chief-tom-carter-has-spent-a-career-trying-to-defuse-tensions-in-the-city-the-george-floyd-crisis-gives-him-his-biggest-test-yet.html
Lancaster leaders point to outside agitators who tried to incite violence
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/01/lancaster-leaders-point-to-outside-agitators-who-tried-to-incite-violence/
Protests symptoms of root issues
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/protests-symptons-of-root-issues-1.2633950
We’re Pa. police chiefs: Our profession has failed Black and Brown Americans. We must do better | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/were-pa-police-chiefs-our-profession-has-failed-black-and-brown-americans-we-must-do-better-opinion/
Elections/Politics
Wolf adds week to time frame Allegheny County mail-in, absentee ballots can be submitted
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/06/01/Pennsylvania-primary-voters-Governor-Wolf-mail-in-absentee-ballots-election/stories/202006010106
Gov. Tom Wolf extends deadline for mail-in ballots for Pa. primary election in 6 counties
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/gov-tom-wolf-says-hes-extending-time-to-count-mail-in-ballots-for-pa-primary.html
What we’re watching for in Tuesday’s unprecedented Pennsylvania primary election
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-primary-2020-what-to-watch-20200602.html
Biden fans and the Pa. Democratic establishment are taking a quiet primary victory lap: ‘He’s the guy to beat Trump’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/joe-biden-primary-winner-pennsylvania-fans-supporters-20200602.html
Biden vows to take on systematic racism, plans to speak Tuesday morning in Philadelphia
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/biden-vows-to-take-on-systematic-racism-plans-to-speak-tuesday-morning-in-philadelphia.html
Luzerne County election workers feverishly sorting mail-in ballot returns
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786051/luzerne-county-election-workers-feverishly-sorting-mail-in-ballot-returns
Onslaught of mail-in ballots expected for today’s primary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/onslaught-of-mail-in-ballots-expected-for-today-s-primary-1.2634136
What’s at stake: Few contested races on the ballot
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/what-s-at-stake-few-contested-races-on-the-ballot-1.2634138
Polling site changes for primary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/polling-site-changes-for-primary-1.2634053
Westmoreland swamped with mail-in ballots
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-swamped-with-mail-in-ballots/
Allegheny Family Network shuttle to help residents get to primary polling locations in Highlands area
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-family-network-shuttle-to-help-residents-get-to-primary-polling-locations-in-highlands-area/
Polls are open, but turnout uncertain as voters cast primary ballots amid virus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/polls-are-open-but-turnout-uncertain-as-voters-cast-primary-ballots-amid-virus-1.2633941
Primary election: What you need to know before you head to Berks polls
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/primary-election-what-you-need-to-know-before-you-head-to-berks-polls/article_ef375716-a020-11ea-9b7a-7b4269abd103.html
Pennsylvania primary election: The polls are open for an election like no other
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-lv-primary-election-2020-20200602-6mz27dw76bbf7fjbswyy4ox3ci-story.html
Lehigh Valley procrastinator’s guide to the 2020 election
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-procrastinators-guide-primary-election-2020-20200528-55kzw3gvbfcpvldfvw6mni6ij4-story.html
Primaries become test run for campaigning during coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/primaries-become-test-run-for-campaigning-during-coronavirus.html
Your questions about voting in the Pennsylvania primary, answered
https://papost.org/2020/06/01/your-questions-about-the-pennsylvania-primary-answered/
Amid unrest, curfews and a global pandemic, Pennsylvania prepares to vote
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/02/amid-unrest-curfews-and-a-global-pandemic-pennsylvania-prepares-to-vote/
Montgomery County adds 5 ballot drop-off boxes for Tuesday election
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-adds-5-ballot-drop-off-boxes-for-tuesday-election/article_e39d1807-bd73-504b-a6b5-9eef1b78fc7e.html
Legislature
Pa. lawmakers question Gov. Wolf’s authority to extend mailed ballot deadline in 6 counties
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-lawmakers-balk-at-gov-wolfs-authority-to-extending-mail-in-ballot-deadline-in-6-counties.html
Referendum on voting itself
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/referndum-on-voting-itself-1.2633949
State House district offices starting to reopen
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200601/state-house-district-offices-starting-to-reopen
State Rep. says you can’t be forced to wear a mask when voting. Here’s what you should know.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/05/29/masks-encouraged-when-voters-go-polling-places-pa-primary-election/5276329002/
Rep. Boback announces $50M in federal relief funds to local counties
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786047/rep-boback-announces-50m-in-federal-relief-funds-to-local-counties
Budget
Pa.’s revenues take another coronavirus blow in May, falling $440 million short of expectations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/06/01/Pennsylvania-revenues-fall-short-expectations-sales-tax-income-coronavirus-covid-19/stories/202006010096
Business
83% of Pennsylvania’s 2.4M unemployed have been paid; Greensburg cafeteria worker still waiting
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/83-of-pennsylvanias-2-4m-unemployed-have-been-paid-greensburg-cafeteria-worker-still-waiting/
Lehigh Valley unemployment rate skyrockets to 16.5% in April amid coronavirus crisis
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-april-unemployment-rate-coronavirus-pandemic-20200602-fs4kerursvbidmqmd556hamyva-story.html
Business brisk as stores reopen in yellow phase
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/business-brisk-as-stores-reopen-in-yellow-phase-1.2634144
Plains Township police cite Danko’s gym owner
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786104/plains-township-police-cite-dankos-gym-owner
Guest commentary: Governor must work with businesses
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/guest-commentary-governor-must-work-with-businesses/article_0c9064ec-a355-11ea-ac1d-53938c6da06b.html
Education
Union leaders warns more Scranton teachers could leave without new contract
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/union-leaders-warns-more-scranton-teachers-could-leave-without-new-contract-1.2634183
Should universities drop SAT and ACT requirements?
https://www.pennlive.com/tylt/2020/06/should-universities-drop-sat-and-act-requirements.html
Health Care
Dental offices trying to reopen show how hard back-to-work can get
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-dentists-hygienists-reopening-20200601.html
Federal funding helps area hospitals
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/federal-funding-helps-area-hospitals-1.2633993
Local News
Cognetti: Some furloughed Scranton city workers could be laid off if city finances don’t improve
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cognetti-some-furloughed-scranton-city-workers-could-be-laid-off-if-city-finances-don-t-improve-1.2633898
After Sunday’s drowning, police to step up enforcement around Nay Aug Gorge
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/after-sunday-s-drowning-police-to-step-up-enforcement-around-nay-aug-gorge-1.2633931
The Delaware County sewer authority moved to block a takeover by Democrats, calling it a ‘money grab’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/delco-water-authority-sale-aqua-america-20200601.html
Reading City Council taking public comments by phone, email
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-city-council-taking-public-comments-by-phone-email/article_408a67b8-a4c0-11ea-8ada-3f4f764964c3.html
Berks County Democrats will host event to benefit Helping Harvest
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-democrats-will-host-event-to-benefit-helping-harvest/article_38d445f4-a43c-11ea-9e6c-7f05b55d3d97.html
Vandergrift councilwoman sues fellow borough officials
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-council-woman-sues-fellow-borough-officials/
Westmoreland to get millions through the CARES Act, but it won’t be enough
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-to-get-millions-through-the-cares-act-but-it-wont-be-enough/
National News
Birmingham mayor orders removal of Confederate monument in public park
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/02/Birmingham-mayor-orders-removal-of-Confederate-monument-in-public-park/stories/202006020066
Military: 2 dead after shooting at North Dakota air base
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786066/military-2-dead-after-shooting-at-north-dakota-air-base
Philly
Philadelphia protesters are gassed on I-676, leading to ‘pandemonium’ as they tried to flee
https://www.inquirer.com/news/george-floyd-protests-philadelphia-gas-police-vine-street-expressway-20200601.html
National Guard troops deploy in Philly as confrontations continue between police and protesters
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-national-guard-protests-george-floyd-looting-fires-20200601.html
Some family-owned Philly businesses survived the Center City looting by standing guard
https://www.inquirer.com/business/center-city-looting-rittenhouse-dan-dan-joes-dibrunos–20200601.html
Philly leaders gather to address George Floyd murder and issues facing the community
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/philly-leaders-gather-to-address-george-floyd-murder-and-issues-facing-the-community/
On Philly’s edge, looters hit stores hour after hour while Lower Merion police watched from the suburban side of City Avenue
https://www.inquirer.com/news/west-philadephia-city-avenue-looting-protest-20200601.html
Amid the unrest and lootings, shootings persist in Philadelphia, including 8 people killed over 3 days
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-violence-shootings-homicides-george-floyd-protests-20200601.html
Looters drag a grand piano right onto Chestnut Street, tag it with an obscenity — and leave it
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-piano-riot-looting-damage-20200601.html
More than 16,000 Philadelphia households missed out on food Monday because of demonstrations
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-philadelphia-demonstrations-food-hunger-20200601.html
Philadelphia police officers take a knee with protesters at City Hall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/george-floyd-protests-philadelphia-city-hall-police-take-a-knee-20200601.html
Philly officials scramble to prepare for Tuesday’s primary election as unrest continues
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/george-floyd-protests-philadelphia-pa-primary-election-20200601.html
Philly will have mail ballot drop boxes for voters today. Find yours here.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadelphia-primary-mail-ballot-drop-box-locations-20200528.html
Shop Rite owner begs for National Guard after two Philly supermarkets are devastated by looting | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/george-flood-protests-philadelphia-looting-shop-rite-supermarkets-national-guard-maria-panaritis-20200601.html
Plans to move Philly to ‘yellow’ forge ahead, despite risk of virus spread through gatherings
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/plans-to-move-philly-to-yellow-forge-ahead-despite-risk-of-virus-spread-through-gatherings/article_5d7edafa-428b-5308-a691-b1902e35e5af.html
Pitt
Protesters, police clash in East Liberty; 20 arrested, 9 officers injured
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/01/Protesters-police-clash-East-Liberty-Pittsburgh-tear-gas-riots/stories/202006010115
20 arrested as protests turn violent in East Liberty, Shadyside
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/hundreds-of-george-floyd-protesters-march-through-east-liberty/
Pastors, hundreds gather in Hill District for peaceful George Floyd protest
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pastors-hundreds-gather-in-hill-district-for-peaceful-george-floyd-protest/
Shaler man, charged with inciting Downtown riot, turns self in after items seized from home
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/01/pittsburgh-riots-protests-Brian-bartels-police-car-SUV-fire-george-floyd/stories/202006010073
With empathy and sadness, businesses work to repair shattered glass and lost inventory
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/06/02/business-damage-protests-racism-police-brutality-Black-Lives-Matter-Pittsburgh/stories/202006010100
Downtown Pittsburgh business owners clean up, try to comprehend riot damage
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/downtown-pittsburgh-business-owners-clean-up-try-to-comprehend-riot-damage/
East Liberty protest’s violence spurred by small ‘splinter group’ of outsiders, Peduto says
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/02/East-Liberty-Pittsburgh-protest-violence-Mayor-Bill-Peduto/stories/202006020060
Mayor continues assertion that Saturday’s violence was fueled by anarchists
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/01/Pittsburgh-police-mayor-bill-peduto-protests-violence-riots-anarchists-antifa-arrests/stories/202006010114
Mayor Peduto, Public Safety chief defend how Pittsburgh police handled weekend protests
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mayor-peduto-public-safety-chief-defend-how-pittsburgh-police-handled-weekend-protests/
Port Authority moving ahead after ‘very productive’ meeting with federal officials on BRT project
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/06/01/Port-Authority-Federal-Transit-Administration-Bus-Rapid-Transxit-Downtown-Pittsburgh-Oakland-grant/stories/202006010070
Dormont’s council votes to keep pool closed
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/06/01/Dormont-pool-not-opening-summer-2020-borough-council-decision-keep-closed/stories/202006010125
Growth spurt: Walnut Capital acquires shopping center next to Bakery Square
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/06/01/Walnut-Capital-Bakery-Square-shopping-center-Village-at-Eastside-East-Liberty-Larimer-Shadyside/stories/202006010072
Allegheny County elections division: ‘We got this’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-elections-division-we-got-this/
Fountain, historical marker vandalized in Highland Park
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/fountain-historical-marker-vandalized-in-highland-park/
Diaper giveaway planned for Friday at PPG Paints Arena
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/diaper-giveaway-planned-for-friday-at-ppg-paints-arena/
State News
State freezes $1 million in arts funding to 53 Western Pa. groups
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2020/06/02/Pennsylvania-arts-council-grants-Pittsburgh-groups-revenue-new-funds-COVID-19/stories/202005280108
Washington
Washington’s Episcopal bishop: ‘I am outraged’ by Trump church visit
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/trump-church-visit-episcopal-diocese-washington-st-johns-criticized-20200602.html
U.S. presidents have leeway to use military for domestic purposes, legal experts say
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-united-states-military-deployment-rioting-looting-threat-20200602.html