Legislatura
Pa. senators explore policing, criminal justice reform issues in wake of George Floyd’s killing
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-senators-explore-policing-criminal-justice-reform-issues-in-wake-of-george-floyds-killing.html
Three takeaways from the first day of the Pa. Senate’s police reform hearings
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/three-takeaways-from-the-first-day-of-the-senates-law-enforcement-hearings/
Mother of Antwon Rose II sees hope in police reform movement
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mother-of-the-late-antwon-rose-ii-sees-hope-in-police-reform-movement/
Mother of Antwon Rose II says she was in D.C. to push for police reform but didn’t meet with Trump
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/17/antwon-rose-mother-michelle-kenney-says-she-didn-t-meet-trump-executive-order-police-reform/stories/202006170123
Half measure keeps public in dark
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/half-measure-keeps-public-in-dark/article_d4fb92e0-4437-57ba-922c-603c677b0b99.html
Pa. renters face looming evictions
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200617/pa-renters-face-looming-evictions
State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe’s push to impeach Gov. Wolf likely to fail, experts say
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-rep-daryl-metcalfes-push-to-impeach-gov-wolf-likely-to-fail-experts-say/
Coronavirus - COVID-19
Wolf lauds state response to COVID-19, but top Senate leader disagrees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/wolf-lauds-state-response-to-covid-19-but-top-senate-leader-disagrees/article_dd95bc51-f93b-5ad3-93b6-720fa092d062.html
Pa. will give health systems $175M to lead virus response inside state’s struggling nursing homes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/06/18/Pennsylvania-health-care-nursing-homes-facilities-staffing-COVID-19-testing-plan/stories/202006180089
Pa. drop in COVID-19 cases wins federal praise, and New Jersey works to reopen colleges
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-cases-new-jersey-pennsylvania-decrease-20200617.html
Study ties blood type to COVID-19 risk; O may help, A hurt
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2020/06/18/Study-ties-blood-type-to-COVID-19-risk-O-may-help-A-hurt/stories/202006180097
Nursing homes deserved better
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/06/18/Nursing-homes-mandatory-testing-failure/stories/202006120065
Effects of COVID-19 on region tops 2020 Indicators forum
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788350/effects-of-covid-19-on-region-tops-2020-indicators-forum
Businesses rethink work environments
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/businesses-rethink-work-environments-1.2639089
Allegheny County reports 0 new COVID-19 cases for first time since March
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/17/covid-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-28/stories/202006170110
Allegheny County reports no new cases of covid-19, 3 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-no-new-cases-of-covid-19-3-deaths/
County has 1 new virus case; no new deaths
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-has-1-new-virus-case-no-new-deaths-1.2639049
Allegheny County health officials report no new coronavirus cases, but warn pandemic is not over
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/18/allegheny-county-health-officials-report-no-new-coronavirus-cases-but-warn-pandemic-is-not-over/
Montgomery County reports 28 new positive cases of coronavirus, no deaths
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-reports-28-new-positive-cases-of-coronavirus-no-deaths/article_b21a4f2f-c85a-521f-982e-6c317516ee9c.html
China’s new outbreak wanes as U.S. calls for answers on COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/06/18/China-s-new-outbreak-wanes-as-US-calls-for-answers-on-virus-COVID-19/stories/202006180101
Juneteenth
In times of stunning change, Friday could be a Juneteenth for the history books
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/in-times-of-stunning-change-friday-could-be-a-juneteenth-for-the-history-books.html
Lehigh Valley opening up to Juneteenth (Friday), America’s observance of the end of slavery
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-juneteenth-commemoration-20200617-rygglpahfvgsfooxx5uezhdr7y-story.html
Juneteenth joins list of Philadelphia city holidays
https://www.inquirer.com/news/juneteenth-philadelphia-city-holidays-2020-20200617.html
Montgomery County officials make Juneteenth a paid county holiday
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-make-juneteenth-a-paid-county-holiday/article_98d38cb1-e71d-5677-b194-9f6fd520a723.html
Juneteenth events scheduled amid #BlackLivesMatter energy
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200618/juneteenth-events-scheduled-amid-blacklivesmatter-energy
Empresas
32 lawsuits filed against Giant Eagle over pandemic mask policy
https://triblive.com/local/regional/32-lawsuits-filed-against-giant-eagle-for-pandemic-mask-policy/
Many downtown W-B employees continue working remotely
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/many-downtown-w-b-employees-continue-working-remotely-1.2639092
Millcreek Mall sues Gov. Wolf over extended closure
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200617/millcreek-mall-sues-gov-wolf-over-extended-closure
Delito/Castigo
Bethlehem Police Department becomes first in Lehigh Valley to release its full use-of-force policy
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-city-council-20200617-ahueawvfwff3pnkbsa4vegxgza-story.html
Woman, 29, found fatally shot in SUV in McKeesport
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/18/Woman-fatal-shooting-McKeesport/stories/202006180102
Qualified immunity, explained. And why police reformers want to end it
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/qualified-immunity-explained-and-why-police-reformers-want-to-end-it/
Educación
Scranton schools to purchase laptops for all students
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-schools-to-purchase-laptops-for-all-students/article_c143dbf2-526a-569e-8c61-b77be14d4d42.html
What will Reading School District classes look like in the fall? Depends on the phase
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/what-will-reading-school-district-classes-look-like-in-the-fall-depends-on-the-phase/article_aa55827e-b107-11ea-8abe-ff9ee8028c46.html
At Black Lives Matter rally, attendees call on North Allegheny school board to implement anti-racist policies
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/at-black-lives-matter-rally-attendees-call-on-north-allegheny-school-board-to-implement-anti-racist-policies/Content?oid=17478410
Butler County Community College freezes tuition, plans for a flexible fall semester
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/18/Butler-County-Community-College-freezes-tuition-plans-for-a-flexible-fall-semester/stories/202006180099
University of Scranton to alter fall semester because of pandemic
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/university-of-scranton-to-alter-fall-semester-because-of-pandemic/article_73693fbd-0ec0-55f8-9830-816a475ab217.html
Penn State Schuylkill opens seed bank to help community become more sustainable and alleviate food insecurity
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/south-schuylkill-news/penn-state-schuylkill-opens-seed-bank-to-help-community-become-more-sustainable-and-alleviate-food/article_e57e0be6-aac2-11ea-821f-5f9862d49b88.html
Penn State might review football players’ location during national anthem after Big Ten says it will allow kneeling
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/penn-state/big-ten-protest-knee-penn-state-black-lives-matter-george-floyd-20200618.html
Elecciones/Política
Pennsylvania’s primary election results are finally in. Here’s what they mean for November.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pa-primary-election-results-biden-trump-20200618.html
Pa. Auditor General’s race poses historic first for candidates of color
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/06/17/Pennsylvania-auditor-general-race-historic-first-candidates-of-color-Nina-Ahmad-Tim-DeFoor/stories/202006170134
Joe Biden, in latest visit to Pa., says Trump is ‘surrendering’ to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-biden-yeadon-darby-pa-visit-20200617.html
Biden talks to small group during visit to Delaware County
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/biden-talks-to-small-group-during-visit-to-delaware-county/article_efe0d428-b0e0-11ea-952c-3b9a1b54db57.html
Westmoreland County extends primary election certification deadline another week
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-extends-primary-election-certification-deadline-another-week/
McNulty to step down as Democratic National Committee member
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/mcnulty-to-step-down-as-democratic-national-committee-member/article_e445d2cc-8dbe-58c2-afb8-7ab2acd2cfb3.html
Bucks forms election task force to address voting issues
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200617/bucks-forms-election-task-force-to-address-voting-issues
Juegos
Rivers Casino employee tests positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rivers-casino-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County plans to reopen Monday
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-mount-airy-casino-reopening-20200618-cf6mv6tnfvhu3kdlmr6xe4kvou-story.html
Hollywood Casino reopens: How many people are allowed in? Mask rules, slot and table restrictions, more FAQs
https://www.pennlive.com/reopeningpa/2020/06/hollywood-casino-reopens-how-many-people-are-allowed-in-mask-rules-slot-and-table-restrictions-more-faqs.html
Sanidad
Created particle could cure chronic pain
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/18/Created-particle-could-cure-chronic-pain/stories/202006110130
Easton Hospital unions stage protest after St. Luke’s decides to cut staff, disband bargaining units
https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-stlukes-replaces-easton-nurses-20200618-rd5ogbcigvcbjmeikmlknlqdzq-story.html
Noticias locales
Lackawanna County Commissioners approve low-interest loan program, virtual market advertising plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-commissioners-approve-low-interest-loan-program-virtual-market-advertising-plan/article_188665c4-a59f-5716-a457-7635c42f6b29.html
Scranton Fire Chief Al Lucas resigns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/scranton-fire-chief-al-lucas-resigns/article_6f6ee7a0-ea7c-552d-a5a0-72663ecbfffa.html
Scott official who made comment about Dr. Levine resigns
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/06/17/Scott-official-who-made-comment-about-Dr-Levine-resigns/stories/202006170130
Embattled Scott commissioner steps down in wake of health secretary comments
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/embattled-scott-commissioner-steps-down-in-wake-of-health-secretary-comments/
Suspended Courtdale chief, a corrections officer, faces scrutiny over post
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788348/suspended-courtdale-chief-a-corrections-officer-faces-scrutiny-over-post
NAACP calls for Courtdale police chief’s firing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/naacp-calls-for-courtdale-police-chief-s-firing-1.2639087
County state of emergency ends today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-state-of-emergency-ends-today-1.2639060
Conyngham council seeks grant for stream bank improvement
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/conyngham-council-seeks-grant-for-stream-bank-improvement-1.2638981
York County commissioners discussed CARES Act in private meeting
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2020/06/17/york-county-commissioners-discussed-cares-act-funding-private-meeting/3207669001/
Noticias nacionales
Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation establishes $12M grant fund
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/06/18/Black-Lives-Matter-Global-Network-Foundation-establishes-12M-grant-fund/stories/202006180096
Atlanta police call out sick to protest murder charge against officer who shot Rayshard Brooks
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/atlanta-police-sick-out-rayshard-brooks-charges-keisha-lance-bottoms-20200618.html
Why do big Democratic cities fail so often at police reform? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/police-reform-george-floyd-minneapolis-chicago-new-york-democrats-20200617.html
Gas natural
Gas well impact fees drop in 2019; Westmoreland County gets $1.16 million, Allegheny County $1.8 million
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/gas-well-impact-fees-drop-in-2019-washington-greene-among-top-recipients/
Natural gas impact fee disbursements down about $50 million compared to last year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/natural-gas-impact-fee-disbursements-down-about-50-million-compared-to-last-year/article_304e6c91-b6fa-58ae-885c-46c2b5d5445a.html
Filadelfia
Philly budget deal cuts police funding by $33 million
https://www.inquirer.com/news/budget-police-philadelphia-kenney-covid-20200618.html
Preliminary Philly budget cuts $33M in police spending, implements reform
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/preliminary-philly-budget-cuts-33m-in-police-spending-implements-reform/
Between feces and bodily fluids, the coronavirus makes SEPTA’s dirtiest jobs even tougher
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/coronavirus-septa-shortages-dirty-jobs-workers-cleaners-20200618.html
Homeless in new Parkway encampment in danger of coronavirus, and being used like ‘pawns’ by activists, advocate charges
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-homeless-encampment-benjamin-franklin-parkway-protest-20200617.html
13,000 Philadelphians applied for pandemic rental assistance. Funds ran out after 4,000.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/rental-assistance-philadelphia-coronavirus-landlord-20200618.html
Philly’s business districts are at a turning point: If there’s no support, the city ‘will be no place to invest’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/looters-protest-merchants-papi-store-20200618.html
Philly School District needs better data to achieve equity | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-school-district-data-reading-proficiency-superintendent-hite-20200618.html
Philly Pride is normally marked by a parade. This year, the queer community will march for Black Lives.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-pride-2020-queer-march-for-black-lives-lgbtq-20200618.html
Crews cover base of Columbus monument at Penn’s Landing as nonprofit considers removal
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/columbus-statue-monument-philadelphia-penns-landing-delaware-riverfront-corporation-20200617.html
Philly prosecutor lobbying for statue: Columbus was a ‘civil-rights activist’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-columbus-robert-petrone-statue-civil-rights-da-larry-krasner-20200617.html
One tweet from Philly Startup Leaders prompted over $550K in donations for underrepresented founders
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/philadelphia-philly-startup-leaders-gopuff-ben-franklin-venture-capital-20200617.html
Pitt
Mayor Peduto names 17-member task force on police reform in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/17/Pittsburgh-mayor-Bill-Peduto-names-police-reform-task-force-police-social-justice/stories/202006170107
Peduto announces formation of Pittsburgh Community Task Force on Police Reform
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-announces-formation-of-pittsburgh-community-task-force-on-police-reform/
Port Authority driver charged with involuntary manslaughter in bus crash that killed Pitt student
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/06/17/Port-Authority-bus-driver-Pitt-student-Barbara-Como-pedestrian-death/stories/202006170161
Shifting gears: Old Strip warehouse to become haven for bicyclists, fitness and community
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/06/18/Strip-District-Pro-Bike-Run-Pitt-Ohio-Smallman-Pittsburgh-development-businesses/stories/202006180083
Allegheny County Council panel gives negative recommendation to universal jail, Kane testing
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/06/17/Allegheny-County-Council-committee-jail-Kane-COVID-19-testing-Bethany-Hallam/stories/202006170169
Allegheny County’s preliminary primary-vote count shows 42% turnout
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/06/17/Allegheny-County-primary-election-2020-ballots-turnout/stories/202006170159
Former Pittsburgh officer sees difference in police killings of Rayshard Brooks, George Floyd
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/former-pittsburgh-officer-sees-difference-in-police-killings-of-rayshard-brooks-and-george-floyd/
Noticias del Estado
Inside Pa.’s Latino communities, a frank discussion of race and prejudice
https://papost.org/2020/06/18/inside-pa-s-latino-communities-a-frank-discussion-of-race-and-prejudice/
The Poor People’s Campaign: Worthy of Quaker support then and now
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-poor-peoples-campaign-worthy-of-quaker-support-then-and-now/
Back on the trail again: Group hikes restart in the region
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/back-on-the-trail-again-group-hikes-re-start-in-the-region/
Idiocy is on the rise in Pa., and everywhere else | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/idiocy-is-on-the-rise-in-pa-and-everywhere-else-john-baer.html
Pa. Capitol to reopen to the public on June 22
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-capitol-to-reopen-to-the-public-on-june-22.html
Central Pa. man critically injured in ATV crash: police
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/central-pa-man-critically-injured-in-atv-crash-police.html
Advocacy groups to celebrate World Sickle Cell Awareness day Friday with 24-hour campaign
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/advocacy-groups-to-celebrate-world-sickle-cell-awareness-day-friday-with-24-hour-campaign.html
$2.5 million available to farmers in Lancaster, York counties for soil retention
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/2-5-million-available-to-farmers-in-lancaster-york-counties-for-soil-retention/article_498c9cba-b00e-11ea-8967-9b0bec0fc1cf.html
Transporte
PennDOT’s $125.4 million upgrades on Interstate 78 and Route 61 started this week after coronavirus delay
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/penndot-s-125-4-million-upgrades-on-interstate-78-and-route-61-started-this-week/article_1d160ee2-b0a8-11ea-8c0a-cb665c86d8ca.html