Legislature
Major Pa. police executives, officer union leaders sign statement in support of ‘red flag’ reforms
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/major-pa-police-executives-officer-union-leaders-sign-statement-in-support-of-increased-reporting-and-sharing-of-information-in-police-discipline-cases.html
Rep. Knowles denies claim he insulted fellow state lawmaker
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/rep-knowles-denies-claim-he-insulted-fellow-state-lawmaker-1.2635268
Lawmakers should shut down illegal “skills” games and reject expanded gambling | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/06/lawmakers-should-shut-down-illegal-skills-games-and-reject-expanded-gambling-opinion.html
Reopening
With COVID-19 cases down, Philadelphia and suburbs move to ‘yellow’ reopening status Friday
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-coronavirus-philadelphia-yellow-phase-reopening-restrictions-20200604.html
Last in line for yellow, Lackawanna County moves toward full reopening
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/last-in-line-for-yellow-lackawanna-county-moves-toward-full-reopening-1.2635372
Berks County transition to yellow status for reopening requires continued caution
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-transition-to-yellow-status-for-reopening-requires-continued-caution/article_8659c5c2-a4cf-11ea-943d-1b5970d301b2.html
Going yellow: After months of lockdown, the Lehigh Valley sheds some coronavirus pandemic restrictions today
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-lehigh-valley-moves-to-yellow-20200605-j3p6qynh6rbw3fm5ifza474a24-story.html
Council urges residents to make it a mellow yellow
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/council-urges-residents-to-make-it-a-mellow-yellow/article_6ba6d256-a6af-11ea-8ab8-032169690208.html
Which Pa. counties will enter the green phase of Wolf’s reopening plan next? Here are the strongest candidates
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/06/which-pa-counties-will-enter-the-green-phase-of-wolfs-reopening-plan-next-here-are-the-strongest-candidates.html
Lackawanna County offices to reopen to public by appointment starting Wednesday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-offices-to-reopen-to-public-by-appointment-starting-wednesday-1.2635130
As county enters yellow phase, Scranton city government prepares for slow transition to normal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-county-enters-yellow-phase-scranton-city-government-prepares-for-slow-transition-to-normal-1.2635087
Bucks, Montgomery counties are moving to yellow. Could green be far behind?
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200604/bucks-montgomery-counties-are-moving-to-yellow-could-green-be-far-behind
Berks County officials urge cooperation as the county moves to yellow phase of reopening
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-urge-cooperation-as-the-county-moves-to-yellow-phase-of-reopening/article_dae4f49e-a674-11ea-8b5d-536a4b14e108.html
NWPA officials demand that Erie Co. go ‘green’ in COVID-19 reopening plan
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/nwpa-officials-demand-that-erie-co-go-green-in-covid-19-reopening-plan/
Going green: Salons, barbershops reopening with full books, long waits for appointments
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/fashion/2020/06/05/Pittsburgh-green-phase-salons-barbershops-COVID-19/stories/202006020140
Green plate special: Dining out permitted again in southwestern Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/06/05/restaurants-bars-open-to-customers-southwestern-Pennsylvania-green-phase/stories/202006050084
Breweries to customers: ‘Take it outside’
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/06/05/Quinn-Brewing-Co-North-Huntingdon-outdoors-open-craft-beer-Pittsburgh-brewery/stories/202006020107
As real estate operations reopen, surge of listings expected to hit a parched market
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/06/05/real-estate-operations-reopening-surge-listings-parched-market-COVID-19/stories/202006050035
Many business owners amped up for ‘going green’ Friday
https://triblive.com/local/regional/many-business-owners-amped-up-for-going-green-on-friday/
Teeth cleaning, routine dental care can resume in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/teeth-cleaning-routine-dental-care-can-resume-in-pennsylvania/
Excela Health lights up entrances to reflect covid-19 improvement to green phase
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-health-lights-up-entrances-to-reflect-covid-19-improvement-to-green-phase/
Latrobe opens rec facilities, sets start date for farmers market
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-opens-recr-facilities-sets-start-date-for-farmers-market/
Sylvan Park pool set to open this weekend in Harrison
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/sylvan-park-pool-set-to-open-this-weekend-in-harrison/
Outdoor bar, restaurant seating resumes today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/outdoor-bar-restaurant-seating-resumes-today-1.2635340
Some reopen, some wait, some gone
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/some-reopen-some-wait-some-gone-1.2635165
Outdoor dining fires up at central Pa. restaurants including Millworks, Dukes and Paxtang Grill
https://www.pennlive.com/reopeningpa/2020/06/outdoor-dining-fires-up-at-central-pa-restaurants-including-millworks-dukes-and-paxtang-grill.html
PennDOT license centers in yellow phase counties to start reopening Friday
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/penndot-license-centers-in-yellow-phase-counties-to-start-reopening-friday.html
Editorial: Don’t forget we’re still in a pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-dont-forget-were-still-in-a-pandemic/article_90a8da22-a67d-11ea-ae55-eff8f934d277.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
5 Western Pa. UPMC hospitals given covid-19 drug
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-gives-covid-19-drug-to-area-hospitals/
Doctors say covid-19 at UPMC is declining in virulence, infection levels
https://triblive.com/local/regional/upmc-doctors-say-covid-19-declining-in-virulence-and-infection-levels/
Pennsylvania reports 75 new coronavirus deaths, 537 new cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-75-new-coronavirus-deaths-537-new-cases/
Allegheny County says 13 reported COVID-19 deaths bring total to 165
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/04/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-21/stories/202006040131
Allegheny County reports 13 more coronavirus cases, 13 more deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-13-more-coronavirus-cases-13-more-deaths/
2 more coronavirus cases, no new deaths reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/2-more-coronavirus-cases-no-new-deaths-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
Three new coronavirus deaths, 40 new cases in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/three-new-coronavirus-deaths-40-new-cases-in-nepa-1.2635058
Luzerne County manager notes coronavirus death milestone
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786530/luzerne-county-manager-notes-coronavirus-death-milestone
County adds 7 new virus cases, 1 new death
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-adds-7-new-virus-cases-1-new-death-1.2635213
Counties’ contributions push nursing home aid program funds over $1 million
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786527/counties-contributions-push-nursing-home-aid-program-funds-over-1-million
Counties give $500K to nursing home program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/counties-give-500k-to-nursing-home-program-1.2635227
The coronavirus has been devastating for people over 80, but many are surviving
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-survivors-older-people-nursing-homes-most-elder-live-20200605.html
George Floyd Protests
Protests ripple across Philly suburbs, from the Main Line to Norristown. ‘It’s not a one-race problem. It’s a human problem.’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/george-floyd-protest-march-wayne-paoli-norristown-main-line-philadelphia-20200604.html
Vandergrift braced for unrest, but protest remained peaceful
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrift-braced-for-unrest-but-protest-remained-peaceful/
Protest rally planned Saturday in Jeannette
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/rally-planned-in-jeannette/
Struggle for human rights unites West Chester and Coatesville
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/struggle-for-human-rights-unites-west-chester-and-coatesville/article_7895fdba-a69c-11ea-abba-576cd684fb14.html
Protests kick off simultaneously in Allentown and Bethlehem, demanding justice for George Floyd
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-bethlehem-allentown-protests-20200604-hkh4ms7np5f6pcy573xwixsv5e-story.html
2 Buffalo, N.Y., police officers suspended after shoving 75-year-old protester
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/05/Buffalo-police-video-officers-suspended-shoving-75-year-old-man-ground-bleeding/stories/202006040212
ACLU sues over police force on protesters near White House
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/aclu-protest-trump-20200604.html
Administration
Wolf will appoint misconduct watchdog, establish commission to oversee Pa. state troopers, correctional officers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/06/04/Gov-Tom-Wolf-will-appoint-misconduct-watchdog-establish-commission-to-oversee-Pa-State-Police/stories/202006040173
Wolf calls for police oversight, troopers association calls it an attack on law enforcement
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/wolf-calls-for-police-oversight-troopers-association-calls-it-an-attack-on-law-enforcement/
Gov. Tom Wolf announces law enforcement reforms in wake of George Floyd protests
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/gov-tom-wolf-announces-reforms-in-wake-of-george-floyd-protests.html
Wolf, Shapiro announce first steps of police reform after days of unrest
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/wolf-shapiro-announce-first-steps-of-police-reform-after-days-of-unrest/
Gov. Wolf announces watchdog to investigate police misconduct, other reforms
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-wolf-police-thursday-20200604-c5owputvsncx5ds54eehhjjvv4-story.html
‘Too many people have lost faith’; Gov. Tom Wolf talks about police reforms driven by George Floyd protests
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/gov-tom-wolf-talks-about-reforms-stemming-from-george-floyd-protests-live-updates.html
Pa. state troopers’ union slams Gov. Wolf’s law enforcement reforms
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/06/pa-state-troopers-union-slams-gov-wolfs-law-enforcement-reforms.html
Business
J.C. Penney stores closing at Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer, Monroeville, near Butler and in the Beaver Valley
https://triblive.com/local/regional/jcpenney-stores-closing-at-pittsburgh-mills-in-frazer-monroeville-near-butler-and-in-the-beaver-valley/
A Chester County restaurant owner had a plan to safely reopen. Then he told Facebook.
https://www.inquirer.com/food/philadelphia-suburbs-restaurants-reopening-reservations-30-main-berwyn-20200604.html
Citations pile up for defiant Harveys Lake restaurants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/citations-pile-up-for-defiant-harveys-lake-restaurants-1.2635211
Met-Ed customers in Berks can get free ice, water at Redner’s stores
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/met-ed-customers-in-berks-can-get-free-ice-water-at-redners-stores/article_84784ee8-a693-11ea-9a58-cbc80fba3dd6.html
Central Pa. restaurant has license suspended after offering indoor dining against state’s order but said it will remain open
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/06/central-pa-restaurant-has-license-suspended-after-offering-indoor-dining-against-states-order-but-said-it-will-remain-open.html
Owners of York County diners fined again for operating under suspended licenses: report
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/owners-of-york-county-diners-fined-again-for-operating-under-suspended-licenses-report.html
Beaver County sees region’s second-highest jobless rate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200604/beaver-county-sees-regions-second-highest-jobless-rate
Education
Hempfield schools hoping to reopen in fall, officials discussing classroom changes
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-schools-hoping-to-reopen-in-fall-officials-discussing-classroom-changes/
Robert Morris furloughs staff, cuts budget by $3M
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/robert-morris-joins-universities-looking-to-fill-covid-19-budget-holes/
Colleges in the Philly area and elsewhere are pledging to address national unrest and criminal justice inequalities
https://www.inquirer.com/news/community-college-ccp-rowan-teach-in-inequalities-george-floyd-colleges-campuses-20200604.html
Penn State football will kick off athletes’ return to campus
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2020/06/04/penn-state-return-to-campus-football-players/stories/202006040199
Elections/Politics
Candidates across Pa. have no idea if they won or lost their primary elections: ‘It sucks’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pa-2020-primary-election-results-waiting-20200604.html
Primary was practice game for Pittsburgh-area counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/06/04/Pennsylvania-primary-Allegheny-County-November-general-election-ballots/stories/202006040184
Who represents Allentown next year? Lehigh County plans to keep counting ballots three days after election while one winner is still unknown
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-lehigh-election-count-drags-on-20200605-dsg755k7xvhebhviqolmqhrdu4-story.html
Luzerne County’s mail-in ballots processed, but more work remains
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786525/luzerne-countys-mail-in-ballots-processed-but-more-work-remains
County completes count of mail-in ballots
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-completes-count-of-mail-in-ballots-1.2635209
Manny Guzman wins Democratic race to replace Tom Caltagirone in state House
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/manny-guzman-wins-democratic-race-to-replace-tom-caltagirone-in-state-house/article_b4e791e4-a68c-11ea-84ff-2be1bd166e39.html
Twardzik wins Republican nomination for 123rd district
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/twardzik-wins-republican-nomination-for-123rd-district-1.2635203
Bognet wins GOP nod in 8th district
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bognet-wins-gop-nod-in-8th-district-1.2635350
Eyes already on November in 8th District race
https://www.timesleader.com/news/786536/eyes-already-on-november-in-8th-district-race
Winner of Democratic primary in 9th Congressional District still unclear
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/winner-of-democratic-primary-in-9th-congressional-district-still-unclear/article_7c7a01d4-a6aa-11ea-aa0f-7b3d558eb4ee.html
Updated results for Pa.’s 10th Congressional District primary show Eugene DePasquale still leading
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/06/updated-results-for-10th-congressional-district-primary-show-eugene-depasquale-holding-his-lead-but-with-lots-of-votes-left-to-count.html
Delco GOP chief criticizes chaotic election process
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delco-gop-chief-criticizes-chaotic-election-process/article_be26790e-a6bf-11ea-b74e-837aa3b65b58.html
Local News
24-hour charity campaign this weekend stretches foundation’s reach with regional giving
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/24-hour-charity-campaign-this-weekend-stretches-foundation-s-reach-with-regional-giving-1.2635364
Scranton expediting outdoor commerce permits, making COVID-19 relief grants and loans available to businesses
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-expediting-outdoor-commerce-permits-making-covid-19-relief-grants-and-loans-available-to-businesses-1.2635269
A judge blocked an attempt by Delaware County to take over the regional sewer system
https://www.inquirer.com/business/delcora-delaware-county-takeover-blocked-20200604.html
Reading Police Department awarded $500,000 grant for additional school resource officers
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-police-department-awarded-500-000-grant-for-additional-school-resource-officers/article_be2d8ece-a5bb-11ea-99ce-fbb155047ead.html
Residents seek ouster of Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Gale at Norristown rally
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/residents-seek-ouster-of-montgomery-county-commissioner-joe-gale-at-norristown-rally/article_f22fe953-54d6-597c-8d66-6db76157c447.html
New Kensington officials cancel Fourth of July fireworks display due to coronavirus concerns
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-officials-cancel-fourth-of-july-fireworks-display-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/
White House designates Westmoreland County as a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/white-house-designates-westmoreland-county-as-a-high-intensity-drug-trafficking-area/
National News
Outrage over police injustice is older than the nation
https://www.inquirer.com/news/george-floyd-police-killing-slave-laws-american-history-mary-frances-berry-20200605.html
Philly
In Philadelphia on Thursday, protesters demand police reforms as elected officials say they’re listening
https://www.inquirer.com/news/george-floyd-protests-police-reform-philadelphia-mayor-kenney-city-council-wolf-march-20200604.html
Hite: ‘No justice, no peace,’ as Philly educators march against racism
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hite-george-floyd-racism-philadelphia-school-district-protest-20200604.html
Mayor Jim Kenney gave cops raises and shielded them from coronavirus layoffs. Protesters aren’t happy.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-budget-kenney-protest-george-floyd-20200604.html
Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw to cops: Don’t block your badge numbers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadlphia-police-badge-numbers-mourning-crepe-danielle-outlaw-20200604.html
The police that Philadelphia deserves | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-department-budget-reform-george-floyd-protest-20200605.html
Italian Market says it’s getting rid of the Frank Rizzo mural
https://www.inquirer.com/news/frank-rizzo-mural-philadelphia-italian-market-statue-20200604.html
A news photographer was punched and knocked to the ground. Commissioner Outlaw was one of the officers who responded.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/police-danielle-outlaw-commissioner-protests-reporter-punched-north-philadelphia-mayor-kenney-20200604.html
‘Police just went nuts’: Charges dropped after video surfaces of police beating student, other protesters with batons
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-beating-temple-student-evan-gorski-protest-20200604.html
Philly police union president: Cops will boycott Di Bruno Bros. after shop revokes free lunch offer
https://www.inquirer.com/food/dibruno-bros-philadelphia-police-free-love-revoked-black-lives-matter-20200604.html
3 black Philadelphians whose statues should replace Frank Rizzo | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/frank-rizzo-statue-removed-philadelphia-replacement-memorial-20200604.html
Rizzo statue is gone, but not yet forgotten | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/rizzo-statue-mayor-kenney-protests-george-floyd-editorial-20200604.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh mayor outlines push for police overhauls
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/04/Pittsburgh-mayor-police-use-of-force-reforms-policy-george-floyd/stories/202006040132
Pittsburgh leaders call for police reform after East Liberty protest melee
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-leaders-call-for-police-reforms-in-response-to-east-liberty-protest-melee/
Protesters march from Downtown through South Side; stage lay-in at county jail
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/04/Demonstration-protest-George-Floyd-Downtown-PIttsburgh-Wood-Street-Liberty-Avenue/stories/202006040155
Protesters take to Pittsburgh streets for 6th straight day in 4-hourlong peaceful march
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/protesters-take-to-pittsburgh-streets-for-6th-straight-day/
More than 50 black women ask PPS board to let Superintendent Hamlet’s contract expire
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/04/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Superintendent-Anthony-Hamlet-board-letter-black-women/stories/202006040167
Duquesne Heights man arrested for allegedly placing explosives in Downtown
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/04/Pittsburgh-man-arrested-explosives-PNC-Plaza-Downtown-Matthew-Michanowicz/stories/202006040200
Report cites issues with suicide prevention in Allegheny County Jail
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/04/Allegheny-County-Jail-suicide-prevention-issues-report-oversight-board-committee/stories/202006040123
Obituary: Ginny Frizzi was a ‘giant’ of the Pittsburgh journalism community
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2020/06/04/ginny-frizzi-obituary-faces-of-COVID-19-pittsburgh/stories/202006050063
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette pulls black reporter from protest coverage over ‘objectivity concerns’
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/05/pittsburgh-post-gazette-pulls-black-reporter-from-protest-coverage-over-objectivity-concerns/
Lawyer for ex county councilman McCullough tries to block order to report to prison
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/04/Former-county-councilman-Charles-McCullough-ordered-report-prison-appeal/stories/202006030129
Man, woman die of injuries from Wilkinsburg shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/04/Wilkinsburg-shooting-two-people-critical-condition-Princeton-Blvd/stories/202006040202
State News
A 168-year-old lifeline for many families is staggering under financial strain
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/elwyn-media-mclister-financial-challenges-group-home-operator-20200605.html
Western Pennsylvania veterans organization gets $1M for support program
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pennsylvania-veterans-organization-gets-1m-for-support-program/
Pocono gets green flag to host NASCAR races
https://www.poconorecord.com/sports/20200604/pocono-gets-green-flag-to-host-nascar-races
Washington
Democrats in Congress preparing police reform bills after George Floyd death
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/police-reform-congress-democrats-cory-booker-kamala-harris-20200604.html
Retired generals voice grave concerns over Trump’s wielding of military
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/retired-generals-speak-out-against-trump-military-use-threats-protesters-americans-20200605.html
Murkowski calls Mattis’ rebuke of Trump true, but many in GOP distance selves from former defense secretary
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/jim-mattis-lisa-murkowski-donald-trump-20200604.html
Trump seeks to scale back environmental reviews for projects
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-environment-20200604.html