Legislatura
State senators rip Pa. Turnpike Commission’s decision to eliminate 500 toll collection jobs
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/06/15/pa-Turnpike-Pennsylvania-Senate-hearing-toll-collectors-layoffs-COVID-19/stories/202006150071
Pa. Turnpike officials defend decision to make toll road cashless, lay off nearly 500 workers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-turnpike-officials-defend-decision-to-make-toll-road-cashless-lay-off-nearly-500-workers.html
Pa. advances reforms to create confidential police disciplinary database, as N.Y., N.J. take steps to make records public
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-police-reform-lawmakers-database-20200615.html
Police reform bill advances out of Pa. House committee, could see House action next week
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/police-reform-bill-advances-out-of-pa-house-committee-could-see-house-action-next-week.html
Shusterman votes to advance police accountability measures
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/shusterman-votes-to-advance-police-accountability-measures/article_9d8fb346-af42-11ea-8bc9-dfe8d0791224.html
Red tape, lack of funding limit public’s oversight of Pa. police through body cameras
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/06/15/Red-tape-lack-of-funding-limit-public-s-oversight-of-Pa-police-through-body-cameras-act-22/stories/202006150093
It’s time to start the vote discussion
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/it-s-time-to-start-the-vote-discussion-1.2638637
Cabot charges raise stakes for drillers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/cabot-charges-raise-stakes-for-drillers/article_59a641f2-d2f0-5c37-90b5-3d8187f06d5d.html
After 20 years it’s past time for the Legislature to act on cyber-charter school funding reform | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/after-20-years-its-past-time-for-the-legislature-to-act-on-cyber-charter-school-funding-reform-opinion/
Coronavirus - COVID-19
The COVID-19 rush never came to rural Pennsylvania, and empty hospitals are feeling the losses
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rural-covid-coronavirus-pennsylvania-virus-hospital-health-20200616.html
The challenges of child care in the age of COVID-19
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/hug-me-tight-child-care-center-infants-toddlers-hill-district-pittsburgh-challenges-covid-19/
Stung by COVID-19 costs, Butler Health System closes nursing unit, furloughs 67 workers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/06/16/COVID-19-costs-Butler-Health-System-furloughs-67-ken-defurio-andy-carter/stories/202006160074
American Red Cross to test for COVID-19
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/american-red-cross-to-test-for-covid-19-1.2638680
Pa. Health Dept opens 10 new COVID-19 testing sites in WalMart parking lots
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-health-dept-opens-10-new-covid-19-testing-sites-in-walmart-parking-lots/
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Rate of positive tests lowest in a month; 28 new deaths reported Monday
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pennsylvania-case-death-count-monday-updates-20200615-ocydxergwfh5hc2evhfcwi325q-story.html
2 deaths reported in Beaver County; 24 new COVID-19 cases in Western Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/15/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-26/stories/202006150056
State reports 2 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-reports-2-new-coronavirus-cases-no-new-deaths-in-westmoreland-county/
NEPA counties see seven more COVID-19 deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/urgent/nepa-counties-see-seven-more-covid-19-deaths/article_7a1eab20-ac8e-55e0-9e20-5a3fef2a952b.html
County has 5 new virus cases, 4 new deaths
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-has-5-new-virus-cases-4-new-deaths-1.2638743
Administración
Supreme Court ruling is a landmark for LGBTQ rights, but some legal protections are still needed: Gov. Wolf
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/supreme-court-ruling-is-a-landmark-for-lgbtq-rights-but-some-legal-protections-are-still-needed-gov-wolf.html
‘Say her name’: State commission comments on killing of black transwoman Dominique ‘Rem’mie’ Fells
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/say-her-name-state-commission-comments-on-killing-of-black-transwoman-dominique-remmie-fells.html
Empresas
Pennsylvania prepares to activate program to extend unemployment benefits again
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/06/15/Pennsylvania-extended-benefits-unemployment-Pandemic-Emergency-Unemployment-Compensation-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202006150077
A table for who? Diners still a bit leery of venturing out
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/06/16/Restaurants-bars-COVID-19-green-phase/stories/202006120114
Reopening businesses ask customers, workers to waive legal rights during COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/16/Reopen-Businesses-customers-workers-waive-legal-rights-sign-forms-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202006160070
A South Jersey Wawa employee was told to take off his Black Lives Matter mask. He quit, and Wawa is examining its uniform policies.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/wawa-black-lives-matter-mask-mount-laurel-new-jersey-george-floyd-philadelphia-20200615.html
Kevin Durant becomes an owner of the Philadelphia Union to make an impact in Chester, not just in soccer
https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/kevin-durant-philadelphia-union-owner-mls-major-league-soccer-20200615.html
ATI to lay off union, non-union workers, cites covid-19 pandemic as reason
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ati-cites-covid-19-pandemic-in-laying-off-union-non-union-workers/
No, coronavirus won’t kill the touchscreen
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/coronavirus-touchscreen-kiosks-20200615.html
What you can expect as gyms reopen in Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/regional/what-you-can-expect-as-gyms-reopen-in-western-pa/
More black-owned restaurants, bakeries and breweries you can support in central Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2020/06/more-black-owned-restaurants-bakeries-and-breweries-you-can-support-in-central-pa.html
Businesses ‘on the brink,’ but not ready to ‘throw in the towel’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788075/businesses-on-the-brink-but-not-ready-to-throw-in-the-towel
‘We love and respect all officers,’ Dunkin’ owner says after employee allegedly insults cop
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788042/we-love-and-respect-all-officers-dunkin-owner-says-after-employee-allegedly-insults-cop
Dunkin owner pledges support to cops after incident
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dunkin-owner-pledges-support-to-cops-after-incident-1.2638674
Children’s Place to close 300 stores by end of 2021
https://triblive.com/local/regional/childrens-place-to-close-300-stores-by-end-of-2021/
Allentown landmark restaurant Ritz Barbecue closes permanently due to coronavirus crisis
https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/food-drink/restaurants/mc-ent-landmark-allentown-restaurant-closes-20200615-jk3azoufhvajxn4wj6nc2rrmoa-story.html
Delito/Castigo
Police: Three men gun down man in McKeesport
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/16/Police-seek-suspect-in-McKeesport-fatal-shooting/stories/202006160068
Police: 3 assailants target, kill West Mifflin man in McKeesport
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/man-found-shot-to-death-in-mckeesport/
Reforming police requires action, not commissions | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/defund-police-reform-accountability-social-services-20200615.html
Regardless of its length, a prison term is a life sentence for too many Americans. Here’s why| Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/regardless-of-its-length-a-prison-term-is-a-life-sentence-for-too-many-americans-heres-why-opinion/
Educación
With schools closed, environmental work continues in Scranton schools
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/with-schools-closed-environmental-work-continues-in-scranton-schools/article_ba839807-8a0b-582b-94c8-add90b12d905.html
SHINE after-school program to offer virtual summer camps
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788082/shine-after-school-program-to-offer-virtual-summer-camps
Rosedale Tech reopens Kennedy Township campus to students
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rosedale-tech-reopens-kennedy-township-campus-to-students/
Wilkes University using furloughs, salary cuts to balance budget
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-university-using-furloughs-salary-cuts-to-balance-budget-1.2638676
COVID-19 pressures lead to cuts at Wilke
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-pressures-lead-to-cuts-at-wilkes/article_60aa92ec-b1e6-5472-9723-72cb57e9d082.html
When will Pennsylvania colleges start their fall semesters? Here’s what we know for some schools
https://www.pennlive.com/reopeningpa/2020/06/when-will-pennsylvania-colleges-start-their-fall-semesters-heres-what-we-know-for-some-schools.html
Penn State plans to reopening to in-person classes during fall semester
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/penn-state-plans-to-reopening-to-in-person-classes-during-fall-semester/
CMU responds to criticism of hiring former Trump cabinet member Richard Grenell
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/cmu-responds-to-criticism-of-hiring-former-trump-cabinet-member-richard-grenell/Content?oid=17466152
Elecciones/Política
What Black Lives Matter protests in Pennsylvania’s ‘Trump Country’ mean for 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/george-floyd-protests-pa-trump-20200616.html
Progressives notched some big wins in the Pennsylvania primary election
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nikil-saval-rick-krajewski-progressive-2020-pennsylvania-primary-harrisburg-20200616.html
Longtime Philly state lawmaker loses primary bid
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/16/challenger-to-longtime-philly-state-lawmaker-declares-victory/
Luzerne County election count still in progress two weeks after primary
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788083/luzerne-county-election-count-still-in-progress-two-weeks-after-primary
Juegos
Mohegan Sun casino to reopen June 22
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mohegan-sun-casino-to-reopen-june-22-1.2638678
Sanidad
Report: Area counties have higher preventable hospitalization rate than state
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/788062/report-area-counties-have-higher-preventable-hospitalization-rate-than-state
Noticias locales
Scranton’s new business administrator brings private-sector experience to post
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scrantons-new-business-administrator-brings-private-sector-experience-to-post/article_22fb33cc-1bbd-5389-9e40-66179850d27b.html
Recycling center unlikely to take bottles, cans and jars for foreseeable future
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/recycling-center-unlikely-to-take-bottles-cans-and-jars-for-foreseeable-future/article_a65f0e1b-064b-5bfe-bda5-ad8240a9f040.html
Steamtown Marathon canceled
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/steamtown-marathon-canceled/article_48e0501f-9def-5fbd-ba4b-13e039de2e18.html
Montgomery County officials optimistic move to ‘green phase’ is close
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-optimistic-move-to-green-phase-is-close/article_87093bd6-6637-5807-a248-8eba19a0fa56.html
Hundreds gather on Reading’s Penn Street Bridge in support of social justice
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/hundreds-gather-on-readings-penn-street-bridge-in-support-of-social-justice/article_edad2edc-af3b-11ea-a019-2b0d8934d17b.html
Oakmont agrees to 1-year contract extension for street, sewage plant workers
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/oakmont-agrees-to-1-year-contract-extension-for-street-sewage-plant-workers/
County responds to community speculation about the death of McKeesport woman
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/15/Allegheny-County-responds-community-speculation-rumors-death-Aaliyah-Johnson-mckeesport/stories/202006150107
Unity eyes playground upgrade, restarts rec programs supervised by Greensburg YMCA
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/unity-eyes-playground-upgrade-restarts-rec-programs-supervised-by-greensburg-ymca/
Fayette County Fair canceled
https://triblive.com/local/regional/fayette-county-fair-canceled/
W-B council weighs in on removal of Columbus statue after it was vandalized again
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-weighs-in-on-removal-of-columbus-statue-after-it-was-vandalized-again-1.2638741
Pittston adds extra security for Columbus statue amid W-B vandalism
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pittston-adds-extra-security-for-columbus-statue-amid-w-b-vandalism-1.2638745
Gas natural
Driller Cabot charged over contamination in ‘Gasland’ town
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788022/driller-cabot-charged-over-contamination-in-gasland-town
Cabot charged with environmental crimes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cabot-charged-with-environmental-crimes-1.2638771
Filadelfia
Philly’s coronavirus budget hole grows by $100 million, and could lead to service cuts or tax hikes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-budget-hole-coronavirus-100-million-20200615.html
Protests in Philly haven’t meant a spike in COVID-19 cases so far, health officials report
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-coronavirus-pennsylvania-new-jersey-protests-demonstrations-death-reopen-20200615.html
Why Philly parents are bringing their kids to protests against police brutality and racism
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-protests-black-lives-matter-george-floyd-kids-families-20200616.html
Philadelphia mayor initiates process to consider removal of Columbus statue as clash gets violent
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/16/philadelphia-mayor-initiates-process-to-consider-removal-of-columbus-statue-as-clash-gets-violent/
Two people slain, 9 more shot or stabbed, from Friday through Sunday in Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/homicide-philadelphia-police-shootings-stabbings-violence-20200615.html
COVID-19 has interrupted STD screenings in Philadelphia. Sexual health centers are concerned.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-std-testing-philadelphia-sexual-health-mazzoni-center-20200616.html
Philly eyes school reopening plan that would stagger when students and staff come to schools
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-schools-reopening-survey-coronavirus-online-learning-20200615.html
Philly EPA workers object to reopening office amid coronavirus fears
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/philadelphia-epa-office-region-3-coronavirus-20200615.html
A Philly court supervisor was fired after video showed him tearing down signs and saying he doesn’t care about black lives
https://www.inquirer.com/news/black-lives-matter-signs-columbus-square-park-michael-henkel-philadelphia-court-employee-20200615.html
It’s time for Philly business owners to stop boarding up their windows | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-businesses-george-floyd-looting-economy-20200615.html
In 1951, Philly’s police brutality was brought to the United Nations. In 2020, are we any better? | Perspective
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-police-brutality-stop-and-frisk-black-men-20200615.html
Pitt
Community activists outline demands for police reform in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/community-activists-outline-demands-for-police-reform-in-pittsburgh-allegheny-county/
Pittsburgh LGBTQ groups applaud Supreme Court ruling
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-lgbtq-groups-applaud-supreme-court-ruling/
Pittsburgh’s MSA Safety repurposing industrial masks to use against covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburghs-msa-safety-repurposing-industrial-masks-to-use-against-covid-19/
Highland Park road closure makes park inaccessible to people with disabilities, advocates say
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/16/Highland-Park-Road-Closure-makes-park-inaccessible-to-people-with-disabilities/stories/202006150088
Neighborhood Allies providing 1,000 Pittsburgh school students with free internet service
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/neighborhood-allies-providing-1000-pittsburgh-school-students-with-free-internet-service/
Noticias del Estado
LGBTQ groups in Western Pa. celebrate ‘historic’ U.S. Supreme Court ruling
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/15/LGBTQ-groups-Western-Pennsylvania-celebrate-US-Supreme-Court-ruling-civil-gay-rights-title-VII/stories/202006150081
Supreme Court delivers landmark victory to LGBTQ employees
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/supreme-court-delivers-landmark-victory-to-lgbtq-employees/article_7cdf9f9a-af14-11ea-81cc-ab39e15784b3.html
LGBTQ community still needs Equality Act after SCOTUS ruling, say advocates
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200615/lgbtq-community-still-needs-equality-act-after-scotus-ruling-say-advocates
Why Supreme Court ruling isn’t a bigger victory for LGBTQ people
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-lgbtq-supreme-court-ruling-muschick-20200616-3bo4d44vzbatpckxtc5jzwuure-story.html
Abuse hotlines light up after region’s move to green phase
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/16/abuse-domestic-violence-hotlines-support-centers-calls-volumes-increase-Pennsylvania-green-phase/stories/202006110138
Human remains found in Elk County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/06/15/Elk-County-PA-human-remains-found-near-Twin-Lakes-Jones-Township/stories/202006150094
We believe there’s a clear and present danger’: Three Mile Island decommissioning in question
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/we-believe-theres-a-clear-and-present-danger-three-mile-island-decommissioning-in-question.html
Washington
Trump administration launches online platform to build public trust in driverless vehicles
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/06/15/US-Department-of-Transportation-Uber-autonomous-vehicles-driverless-cars-technology/stories/202006150054
Trump’s effort to resist gay rights runs into his Supreme Court pick
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-supreme-court-lgbt-gay-transgender-workers-discrimination-ruling-election-20200616.html
Supreme Court for now stays out of police immunity debate
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/supreme-court-police-qualified-immunity-protests-racism-20200615.html