Legislatura
Pa. Dems call for ‘recovery and healing,’ as state emerges from COVID-19 pandemic https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-dems-call-for-recovery-and-healing-as-state-emerges-from-covid-19-pandemic/
State lawmakers take on coronavirus recovery’s racial implications https://www.delcotimes.com/news/state-lawmakers-take-on-coronavirus-recoverys-racial-implications/article_8471a9f2-b189-11ea-8013-93c86bbc5d85.html
Pa. Senate panels continue their look at policing, criminal justice reforms in wake of Floyd’s death https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-senate-panels-continue-their-look-at-policing-criminal-justice-reforms-in-wake-of-floyds-death.html
Food industry representatives urge state to help independent restaurants after the coronavirus pandemic https://www.readingeagle.com/news/food-industry-representatives-urge-state-to-help-independent-restaurants-after-the-coronavirus-pandemic/article_99934616-b192-11ea-b038-53a8e46bc4b0.html
Community leaders talk race, Columbus statue in South Philly https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/community-leaders-talk-race-columbus-statue-in-south-philly/
Pa. Republicans in no hurry to extend LGBTQ protections under state law, even after historic Supreme Court ruling https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-republicans-in-no-hurry-to-extend-lgbtq-protections-under-state-law-even-after-historic-supreme-court-ruling.html
We can’t address racial injustice in Pa. without fixing our unfair public school funding system | Opinion https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-cant-address-racial-injustice-in-pa-without-fixing-our-unfair-public-school-funding-system-opinion/
A Pa. board is sidelining officers with mental health histories. But advocates say it’s proof of a problematic law. https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/a-pa-board-is-sidelining-officers-with-mental-health-histories-but-advocates-say-its-proof-of-a-problematic-law/
Don’t trivialize impeachment https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/06/19/Impeachment-Tom-Wolf-Daryl-Metcalfe-poltics/stories/202006180079
Turzai dives through revolving door https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/turzai-dives-through-revolving-door/article_e6a9bcdf-ea2e-550f-bcc3-329ce88e0d63.html
Juneteenth
On this Juneteenth, black leaders in Western Pa. feel tangible change stirring https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/on-this-juneteenth-black-leaders-in-western-pa-feel-tangible-change-stirring/
Big business has begun to recognize Juneteenth. What’s the next step? https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/06/19/Juneteenth-corporations-recognize-business-federal-holiday/stories/202006170157
Ways to observe Juneteenth in Pittsburgh https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/18/2020-Juneteenth-observances-Pittsburgh/stories/202006180106
What you need to know about Juneteenth and why we should all celebrate | Elizabeth Wellington https://www.inquirer.com/news/juneteenth-meaning-celebrations-history-20200619.html
On Juneteenth, a time to reflect on how America got equality so wrong | Editorial https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/juneteenth-federal-holiday-national-day-of-service-slavery-20200619.html
Juneteenth Celebration scheduled in Scranton https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/juneteenth-celebration-scheduled-in-scranton/article_5693e929-429e-5844-ae12-6e0be495ca25.html
Learn more about Juneteenth, which celebrates the end of slavery in the U.S. https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/learn-more-about-juneteenth-which-celebrates-the-end-of-slavery-in-the-u-s/article_f632c18c-af15-11ea-a1a3-df075aac8d7c.html
Editorial: Reflections on Juneteenth https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-reflections-on-juneteenth/article_070fe2ac-b180-11ea-b1c2-a78cb42a9ca9.html
Gov. Wolf honors Juneteenth; Pa. workers under governor’s jurisdiction get a special holiday https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/gov-wolf-honors-juneteenth-pa-workers-under-governors-jurisdiction-get-a-special-holiday.html
Juneteenth is a time for all Americans to acknowledge the struggles of black people | Opinion https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/06/juneteeth-is-a-time-for-all-americans-to-acknowledge-the-struggles-of-black-people-opinion.html
Celebrating Juneteenth? Here are some events to mark the holiday in central Pa. https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/here-are-juneteenth-events-taking-place-in-central-pa-today.html
Juneteenth to be celebrated in Chester County, but not with full holiday https://www.dailylocal.com/news/juneteenth-to-be-celebrated-in-chester-county-but-not-with-full-holiday/article_4791d368-b198-11ea-b119-3f35a621ebe7.html
Coronavirus - COVID-19
Why were nursing homes devastated by the coronavirus? Low pay and staff shortages are among the reaons. https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-nursing-homes-coronavirus-deaths-20200619-ypsyovi56jfsdnwmqn6clhkq3a-story.html
Pennsylvania reports 42 new covid-19 deaths, 418 new cases https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-42-new-covid-19-deaths-418-new-cases/
No new COVID-19 deaths in Western Pa.; Allegheny County reports 9 new cases https://www.post-gazette.com/news/2020/06/18/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-29/stories/202006180122
County adds four new virus cases, one death https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-adds-four-new-virus-cases-one-death-1.2639305
Lackawanna hits 200 dead from COVID-19 https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-hits-200-dead-from-covid-19/article_7990198f-5cce-5757-a5cd-35f24aa10a88.html
If COVID-19 is an earthquake, the mental health aftershocks have only just begun | Expert Opinion https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/covid-coronavirus-mental-health-ptsd-trauma-20200618.html
Reapertura
When is the Lehigh Valley going green? Lawmaker reveals anticipated date. https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/coronavirus/2020/06/when-is-the-lehigh-valley-going-green-lawmaker-reveals-anticipated-date.html
S.E. Pa. is approaching green phase of COVID-19 reopening next week, but Philly is taking it slower https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-reopening-green-philadelphia-pennsyslvania-new-jersey-20200618.html
‘Green Day’ pep talk: Commerce Secretary predicts strong recovery in Wilkes-Barre visit https://www.timesleader.com/news/788545/green-day-pep-talk-commerce-secretary-predicts-strong-recovery-in-wilkes-barre-visit
Rules, restrictions remain in green phase https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rules-restrictions-remain-in-green-phase-1.2639322
Green day: Business owners excited as county enters ‘green’ phase https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/green-day-business-owners-excited-as-county-enters-green-phase-1.2639226
Dauphin, Perry, and 6 other Pa. counties enter the green phase of Wolf’s reopening plan today; what changes? https://papost.org/2020/06/19/dauphin-perry-and-6-other-pa-counties-enter-the-green-phase-of-wolfs-reopening-plan-today-what-changes/
Which Pa. counties will go green next? Our picks for who Wolf could announce in the next round Friday: Analysis https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/06/which-pa-counties-will-go-green-next-our-picks-for-who-wolf-could-announce-in-the-next-round-friday-analysis.html
Administración
Wolf Administration reinforces orders for Pennsylvanians to mask up at businesses, workplaces, public indoor settings https://www.pennlive.com/business/2020/06/wolf-administration-reinforces-orders-for-pennsylvanians-to-mask-up-at-businesses-workplaces-public-indoor-settings.html
Empresas
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate At 13.1 percent in May https://www.timesleader.com/news/788567/pennsylvanias-inemployment-rate-at-13-1-percent-in-may
Pa. unemployment rate in May was 13.1%, which actually represents an improvement https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-unemployment-rate-in-may-was-131-which-actually-is-a-drop.html
Giant Eagle now facing more than 30 federal lawsuits over mask policy https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/18/Giant-Eagle-facing-federal-lawsuits-mask-policy-Americans-Disabilities-Act-ADA-courts/stories/202006180153
PNC to commit $1 billion to programs to end racism and support black communities https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/06/18/PNC-1-billion-racism-black-empowerment-communities/stories/202006180172
PNC commits $1 billion to programs, efforts to stem systemic racism https://triblive.com/local/regional/pnc-commits-1-billion-to-programs-efforts-to-stem-systemic-racism/
Scranton businesses encouraged to pledge safe practices https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/scranton-businesses-encouraged-to-pledge-safe-practices/article_aab8a65a-bfba-5bc4-b471-47e8f3d4b270.html
Blakely convenience store closes after employee tests positive for COVID-19 https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/blakely-convenience-store-closes-after-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/article_36a6ab29-e182-502d-bb0b-42a0c98f7bea.html
Delito/Castigo
Three people killed in early morning shootings in Wilkinsburg https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2020/06/19/Three-killed-in-early-morning-shootings-in-Wilkinsburg-Allegheny-County-police/stories/202006190083
Suspected hacker accused of stealing data from 65,000 UPMC employees arrested in Detroit https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/18/justin-sean-johnson-suspected-UMPC-hacker-accused-of-stealing-65-000-employee-data-arrested-in-Detroit/stories/202006180124
Police probing separate incidents in Easton after man found dead, another with a gunshot wound https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-pol-man-found-dead-another-with-gunshot-wound-easton-20200619-ti424wxtynet3lar7qtsh4x7ti-story.html
Amid calls for police reform, Bethlehem police went beyond call of duty https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-police-use-of-force-policy-bethlehem-muschick-20200619-nwndjxinvja4bbrynu6i5z7bbe-story.html
Former Allentown cop who stole thousands from firefighters’ nonprofit will fight to keep pension https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-corey-cole-sentencing-20200618-ccc5ywgferftlesslpihesgb5i-story.html
Educación
Luzerne County School Districts get $1.9 million for pandemic safety needs https://www.timesleader.com/news/788541/luzerne-county-school-districts-get-1-9-million-for-pandemic-safety-needs
New rankings give mostly high rankings to local universities for adaptability https://www.timesleader.com/news/788537/new-rankings-give-mostly-high-rankings-to-local-universities-for-adaptability
Elecciones/Política
Pa. NAACP sues state for changes to election law before November’s election https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-naacp-lawsuit-2020-election-coronavirus-20200618.html
Amy Klobuchar withdraws from vice president consideration, urges Joe Biden to pick nonwhite woman as running mate https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/amy-klobuchar-withdrwas-vp-joe-biden-20200618.html
Juegos
More than 200 employees expected to be permanently furloughed at the Meadows, off-track facility https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/06/18/More-than-200-employees-furloughed-Meadows-Racetrack-Casino-off-track-facility/stories/202006180149
Mount Airy casino to open Monday with some changes https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/mount-airy-casino-to-open-monday-with-some-changes/article_adcc7a8b-64f5-5ada-9e9e-e36a57c62aae.html
Sanidad
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
City, nonprofit partnering to distribute relief grants https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/city-nonprofit-partnering-to-distribute-relief-grants/article_eb9d5e52-b6db-5818-9688-1e14e5391ad2.html
A Montco Republican commissioner called Black Lives Matter a ‘hate group.’ Now he’s more isolated than ever. https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/montgomgery-county-commissioner-joe-gale-black-lives-matter-20200618.html
Rallies for and against Joe Gale converge at Montgomery County courthouse https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/rallies-for-and-against-joe-gale-converge-at-montgomery-county-courthouse/article_a1905843-be29-5bf5-b0b5-845a4836ebd7.html
Delaware County council, DELCORA make a splash in court fight https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-council-delcora-make-a-splash-in-court-fight/article_1e6c678c-b1b1-11ea-b507-7f25fcbbe7c4.html
Bucks County transition team recommends “sweeping” reforms https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200618/bucks-county-transition-team-recommends–ldquosweepingrdquo-reforms
Allegheny Township open to idea of merger with West Leechburg https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-township-open-to-idea-of-merger-with-west-leechburg/
Westmoreland to provide additional $4M for homeless services, housing aid https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-to-provide-additional-4m-for-homeless-services-housing-aid/
Public meeting will outline Delmont, Salem plan to address sewage, stormwater issues https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/public-meeting-will-outline-delmont-salem-plan-to-address-sewage-stormwater-issues/
Council meetings to return to Wilkes-Barre City Hall in July, coronavirus precautions to be in place https://www.timesleader.com/news/788560/council-meetings-to-return-to-wilkes-barre-city-hall-in-july-coronavirus-precautions-to-be-in-place
Mental health group to receive $4M in federal funding https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mental-health-group-to-receive-4m-in-federal-funding-1.2639303
Search for police board members on hold https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/search-for-police-board-members-on-hold-1.2639321
‘My neighborhood used to be quiet and relaxing:’ Fireworks set off Lehigh Valley residents https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-fireworks-reform-push-20200619-ocrpltm3gzazpcpzfafnbexkqy-story.html
Noticias nacionales
Supreme Court says young immigrants can stay, rejecting Trump order https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/18/Supreme-Court-ruling-DACA-trump-protections-young-immigrants/stories/202006180112
Supreme Court rules that Trump could not end DACA, delivering victory to young immigrants who know America as home https://www.inquirer.com/news/daca-supreme-court-ruling-trump-obama-philadelphia-20200618.html
Lawsuit: Oregon boy, 12, pinned to ground by deputies with knee to his neck https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/19/Lawsuit-Oregon-boy-12-pinned-to-ground-by-deputies-with-knee-to-his-neck/stories/202006190079
A Wharton analysis predicts Trump’s infrastructure plan could create 1 million new jobs https://www.inquirer.com/business/wharton-budget-analysis-infrastructure-jobs-trump-roads-bridges-20200618.html
Southeastern Conference pushing Mississippi to change Confederate-based flag https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2020/06/19/Southeastern-Conference-pushing-Mississippi-to-change-Confederate-based-flag/stories/202006190081
Hundreds gather as Confederate monument Lost Cause removed in Georgia https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/19/Hundreds-gather-as-Confederate-Lost-Cause-monument-removed-in-Georgia-Decatur/stories/202006190078
Twitter labels Trump video tweet as manipulated media, continuing crackdown on misinformation https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-twitter-manipulated-media-warning-label-tweet-cnn-20200619.html
Filadelfia
Philly’s police union spent decades amassing power. Reforms could cut its clout. https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia-police-union-reform-george-floyd-fop-john-mcnesby-20200619.html
‘They don’t look at us like students’: At board hearing, Philly students, advocates call for police-free schools https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-school-police-black-lives-matter-george-floyd-20200618.html
Philadelphia’s ‘out of touch’ leadership failed at critical time | Editorial https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-black-lives-matter-protests-police-mayor-jim-kenney-20200619.html
Philly budget deal cancels $19 million increase in police funding, moves another $14 million elsewhere https://www.inquirer.com/news/budget-police-philadelphia-kenney-covid-20200618.html
Infrastructure group with Aussie roots to team with South Philly casino’s contractor for 30th St. Station revamp https://www.inquirer.com/news/amtrak-30th-street-station-redevelopment-plenary-gilbane-20200618.html
Parkway encampment leaders reject advocacy group’s offer to handle negotiations with city https://www.inquirer.com/news/homeless-encampment-benjamin-franklin-parkway-20200618.html
Philadelphia settles with Columbus statue supporters, promises ‘public process’ before any removal https://www.inquirer.com/news/columbus-statue-marconi-settle-pratt-bochetto-20200618.html
City Council passes housing bills to help Philly renters during the pandemic https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/rent-relief-emergency-housing-philadelphia-city-council-20200618.html
Philly Democratic Party chair Bob Brady should resign over lack of diversity, ward leader says https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/philadelphia-democrats-bob-brady-diversity-john-dougherty-nina-ahmad-20200618.html
ShopRite returns after the looting, but this is not enough. Jeff Brown is not enough. | Maria Panaritis https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-protest-looting-shoprite-parkside-fox-reopening-jeff-brown-maria-panaritis-20200606.html
Pitt
Mayor Peduto to create permanent LGBT Commission https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/18/pittsburgh-peduto-gay-lesbian-community-LGBTQIA-Commission/stories/202006180118
Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto plans to create LGBTQ commission https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-mayor-plans-to-create-lgbtq-commission/
Pittsburgh police review board stands behind bill that would hire outside firm https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/18/Pittsburgh-Citizen-Police-Review-Board-bill-Densus-Group-protests-use-of-force/stories/202006180148
Jewish Community Center facilities, camps open up — but EKC remains shuttered for summer https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2020/06/18/Jewish-Community-Center-facilities-camps-open-squirrel-hill-south-hills-EKC-closed-summer/stories/202006180151
Port Authority ridership remains low despite easing of COVID-19 restrictions https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/06/18/Port-Authority-low-ridership-bus-light-rail-slow-recovery-COVID-19-coronavirus-green-phase/stories/202006180135
412 Food Rescue, URA hosting food box giveaway in Hill District https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/412-food-rescue-ura-hosting-food-box-giveaway-in-hill-district/
Charges dropped for 22 protesters arrested in East Liberty melee https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/charged-dropped-for-22-protesters-arrested-in-east-liberty-melee/
Noticias del Estado
Pa. Supreme Court: Medical marijuana use by probationers is allowed https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/18/Supreme-Court-medical-marijuana-use-by-probationers-is-allowed/stories/202006180115
Pa. utility shutoff moratorium upheld https://www.timesleader.com/news/788535/pa-utility-shutoff-moratorium-upheld
Consumer Advocate: Columbia Gas 18% rate hike request seeks ‘large profit margin’ https://triblive.com/local/regional/columbia-gas-seeks-18-rate-hike/
Flipping a cop the bird and dropping the F-bomb on him isn’t illegal, Pa. court says https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/flipping-a-cop-the-bird-and-dropping-the-f-bomb-on-him-isnt-illegal-pa-court-says.html
Transporte
Amtrak reducing service on several Northeast and long-distance routes https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/06/18/Amtrak-rail-service-reduce-Northeast-long-distance-routes-Pennsylvanian-Pittsburgh-travel/stories/202006180155