Legislature
Testing delays scrutinized as Wolf announces state aid for Lehigh Valley firm
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/testing-delays-scrutinized-as-wolf-announces-state-aid-for-lehigh-valley-firm/
Police can have sex with people they’re investigating. A bill would make it a crime in Pa.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/watchdog/2020/08/12/pennsylvania-bill-crime-police-officers-sex-with-those-under-investigation/5551931002/
Local legislators offer comments on state’s school reopening plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/796313/local-legislators-offer-comments-on-states-school-reopening-plan
State legislators push for fall sports; Wolf still recommends waiting until 2021
https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/08/11/piaa-sports-legislators-push-fall-sports-wolf-recommends-waiting/3345713001/
When will Sen. John DiSanto’s actions on redistricting reform match his rhetoric? | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/when-will-sen-john-disantos-actions-on-redistricting-reform-match-his-rhetoric-opinion/
Wolf is the ‘extremist’ — not me | Doug Mastriano
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/wolf-is-the-extremist-not-me-doug-mastriano/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Educating kids is ‘first priority’ for Pa., Wolf says, and restrictions on eateries won’t be relaxed soon
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-philly-nj-cases-school-education-rapid-test-20200811.html
COVID-19 Update: Pa. reports 828 new cases, Pittsburgh region has 202 with 10 more deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/08/11/COVID-19-allegheny-county-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-coronavirus-deaths-cases/stories/202008110099
Allegheny County continues to post lower new covid-19 case counts
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-continues-to-post-lower-new-covid-19-case-counts/
Westmoreland sees lowest new covid-19 case count in 56 days
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-sees-lowest-new-covid-19-case-count-in-56-days/
Montgomery County records 275 coronavirus cases, 3 more deaths, over 7-day period
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-275-coronavirus-cases-3-more-deaths-over-7-day-period/article_00ec28f0-02fc-5543-b805-5ea6ff434d67.html
15 new COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/15-new-covid-19-cases-in-luzerne-county/article_be75a5b9-2d2d-514c-9e95-0486a94ac109.html
One new COVID-19 death, 26 new cases in NEPA counties, state reports Tuesday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/one-new-covid-19-death-26-new-cases-in-nepa-counties-state-reports-tuesday/article_79708b6a-a20b-5d0e-930e-6e848eb1e841.html
State reports 24 new coronavirus cases for Berks County and averages hold steady
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/state-reports-24-new-coronavirus-cases-for-berks-county-and-averages-hold-steady/article_2a8442de-dbd1-11ea-8743-dfe47b38665a.html
Monroeville nursing home reports 47 covid-19 cases, after reporting zero last week
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/monroeville-nursing-home-reports-47-covid-19-cases-after-reporting-zero-last-week/
Pennsylvania is the second most restrictive state when it comes to coronavirus rules, report shows
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/pennsylvania-is-the-second-most-restrictive-state-when-it-comes-to-coronavirus-rules-report-shows/article_a0482ba0-dbf6-11ea-b70a-f35ab6ff6360.html
Costly COVID-19 mistakes: Economic crisis in wake of virus has Pa. in a state of uncertainty
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200812/costly-covid-19-mistakes-economic-crisis-in-wake-of-virus-has-pa-in-state-of-uncertainty
In race for coronavirus test, OraSure to expand, create 177 jobs in Bethlehem as it works to bring ‘lab on a swab’ to market
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-orasure-covid-expansion-tom-wolf-announcement-20200811-vrlm3yvkzngargijdvomorc34y-story.html
Sesame Place arrests are coming, but so are more bratty mask tantrums by grown-ups | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-sesame-place-punched-mask-tantrums-storybook-land-maria-panaritis-20200812.html
What Pittsburgh experts are saying about Russia’s covid-19 vaccine
https://triblive.com/local/regional/what-pittsburgh-experts-are-saying-about-russias-covid-19-vaccine/
Administration
‘Making a souffle on a BBQ grill’: Pa. scrambles after Trump goes solo on unemployment relief
https://www.witf.org/2020/08/12/making-a-souffle-on-a-bbq-grill-pa-scrambles-after-trump-goes-solo-on-unemployment-relief/
Business
Amazon plans to open second fulfillment center in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/amazon-plans-to-open-second-fulfillment-center-in-berks-county/article_9f373e10-dc12-11ea-8664-1beef69ddb25.html
Officials mull future of Pocono restaurant industry
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200812/officials-mull-future-of-pocono-restaurant-industry
Pipeline drilling fluid leaks into Marsh Creek Lake
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/pipeline-drilling-fluid-leaks-into-marsh-creek-lake/article_ef2e59ea-dc1b-11ea-b3de-fbd81fd0b884.html
Crime/Punishment
Bill Cosby’s lawyers file an appeal, arguing that a deposition shouldn’t have been allowed in his sex assault trial
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/bill-cosby-appeal-filed-montgomery-county-sex-assault-20200811.html
The secret world of young adult dating abuse
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200812/secret-world-of-young-adult-dating-abuse/1
Education
Interest in homeschooling has ‘exploded’ amid COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/08/12/Interest-in-homeschooling-has-exploded-amid-pandemic-COVID-19/stories/202008120094
Mt. Lebanon school board to meet after superintendent urges starting school year fully remote
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/08/11/Mt-Lebanon-School-Board-reopening-plan-discussion/stories/202008110109
Leechburg Area to discuss changes to back-to-school plan
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/leechburg-area-to-discuss-changes-to-back-to-school-plan/
Crestwood reports COVID-19 case at secondary campus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/crestwood-reports-covid-19-case-at-secondary-campus/article_f9a7359c-06f2-539e-988c-45f6ab3d4d04.html
PIAA sent letter on Tuesday to Gov. Wolf’s office to begin discussions on fall sports
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/08/piaa-sent-letter-on-tuesday-to-gov-wolfs-office-to-begin-discussions-on-fall-sports.html
New guidance on schools educational
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/new-guidance-on-schools-educational/article_bcf54b58-4f61-511c-b63d-f33443916eec.html
Ohio enters the unknown with schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/08/11/Ohio-schools-coronavirus-Governor-DeWine/stories/202008110143
Colleges begin the coronavirus test with in-person classes
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/colleges-begin-the-coronavirus-test-with-in-person-classes/article_cad4b73c-dc1c-11ea-96cb-478b0956c873.html
To help college grads find jobs, some colleges are using an alumni gig economy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/08/12/students-alumni-grads-colleges-job-career-Bridges-Pitt-Chatham-CMU-Duquesne/stories/202008060042
Community college leaders tout cost advantages as 4-year schools go online
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/community-college-leaders-tout-cost-advantages-as-four-year-schools-go-online/
Penn is shutting its dorms to most students and moving classes online for the fall
https://www.inquirer.com/education/penn-coronavirus-virtual-learning-online-classes-university-of-philadelphia-20200811.html
Ron Cook: Big Ten and Pac-12 did the right thing, but the wait will continue
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/ron-cook/2020/08/12/big-ten-pac-12-college-football-postponed-ron-cook/stories/202008120049
Elections/Politics
Biden selects California Sen. Harris as running mate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/08/11/Biden-selects-California-Sen-Kamala-Harris-as-running-mate/stories/202008110130
Kamala Harris VP pick excites Democrats hoping Pa. goes blue: ‘She’s going to be able to make the case’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/08/kamala-harris-vp-pick-excites-pa-democrats-as-they-aim-to-win-the-keystone-state.html
Black Democrats in Pa. are ‘beaming with pride’ after Biden picks Kamala Harris for vice president
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/joe-biden-kamala-harris-vice-president-pennsylvania-20200811.html
How Pa. Dems reacted to Joe Biden picking Kamala Harris for vice president
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/how-pa-dems-reacted-to-joe-biden-picking-kamala-harris-for-vice-president/
Local NAACP official “thrilled and excited” over Harris VP pick
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-naacp-official-thrilled-and-excited-over-harris-vp-pick/article_d87429ea-962c-5175-b67e-0b46a246c24e.html
Local Dems praise Biden’s vice presidential pick
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/local-dems-praise-bidens-vice-presidential-pick/article_ebf68fa5-04a5-5288-8a7e-41f0c3d99d4d.html
Women say they will fight sexism, ‘ugly’ attacks on Harris
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/08/12/Women-fight-sexism-ugly-attacks-Biden-vice-president-nominee-Kamala-Harris/stories/202008120105
Ridge says voters should be patient for results in 2020 presidential race
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/08/11/Tom-Ridge-presidential-election-results-voters-patient/stories/202008110128
Don’t ignore low-income voters, Poor People’s Campaign report says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/08/07/low-income-voters-reports-Poor-Peoples-Campaign-US-elections/stories/202008070131
Controversial businesswoman wins GOP nod in Georgia
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/08/controversial-businesswoman-wins-gop-nod-in-georgia.html
Health Care
Don’t delay immunizations
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/08/12/Don-t-delay-immunizations/stories/202008080021
Despite two-month suspension, parents urged not to wait to get children immunized for school
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/despite-two-month-suspension-parents-urged-not-to-wait-to-get-children-immunized-for-school/article_fb402e34-dbd5-11ea-a6d3-1fca0bcc8d8e.html
Temple Health is paying COVID-19 bonuses to front-line clinical workers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-temple-hospital-workers-covid-19-pandemic-bonuses-20200812.html
Coronavirus is changing childbirth in the Philadelphia region, including boosting scheduled inductions
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-childbirth-scheduled-inductions-philadelphia-hospitals-pregnancy-pandemic-20200812.html
Luzerne County has high rate of ventilator hospitalizations
Local News
Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano to retire, take position at Lackawanna College
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-police-chief-carl-graziano-to-retire-take-position-at-lackawanna-college/article_4e2ff945-672f-55fb-89ce-5df1800ffbf7.html
Empowering women the theme of fifth Peaceful Stand in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/empowering-women-the-theme-of-fifth-peaceful-stand-in-berks-county/article_5e4c5646-dc2c-11ea-9a2f-7f276312ddf5.html
Most of Allentown City Council supports latest resolution on police reforms. Here’s what it says
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-police-reform-new-resolution-city-council-20200811-4ddvnkecpzdbznmpz3yhluysia-story.html
Bethlehem Council says it’s not thinking about defunding the police. Still, 100 people joined Back the Blue rally outside City Hall
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-bethlehem-back-the-blue-rally-20200812-ptecoqu7nvazdkepzcxxg6733u-story.html
Lehigh Valley minorities, particularly Hispanics, plagued by inequity, study finds
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-inequity-report-hispanics-20200812-6iweq42ou5em3jccifx35tagau-story.html
Sorace joins other Pennsylvania mayors to plead to Congress for direct COVID-19 aid
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/sorace-joins-other-pennsylvania-mayors-to-plead-to-congress-for-direct-covid-19-aid/article_b1b796d0-dc66-11ea-b079-c3a091162fa5.html
$5M digital innovation lab to be built on site of New Kensington community garden
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/5m-digital-innovation-lab-to-be-built-on-site-of-new-kensington-community-garden/
Citizens plead for outside investigation into Mackey death
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/citizens-plead-for-outside-investigation-into-mackey-death/article_ea609960-69f2-5903-8f46-2caa3658b1d7.html
Council split over reprimands for Griffith, Pedri
https://www.timesleader.com/news/796295/council-split-over-reprimands-for-griffith-pedri
Township makes truck payment on behalf of East Huntingdon’s cash-strapped fire department
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/township-makes-truck-payment-on-behalf-of-east-huntingdons-cash-strapped-fire-department/
Wilkes-Barre mayor wants police substations in city
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-mayor-wants-police-substations-in-city/article_dced67e3-458f-5168-bce5-d920108a514c.html
National News
At the nation’s leading behavioral health nonprofit for youth, Devereux staff abused children in their care for years — while red flags were dismissed.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq/devereux-advanced-behavioral-health-abuse-children-pennsylvania-20200811.html
Philly
‘I’m sick of teddy bear memorials’: Philly officials search for reasons, solutions to the spike in shootings
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-homicides-emergency-hearing-city-council-20200811.html
As gun violence rages in Philadelphia, special council hearing reveals no quick solutions
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/as-gun-violence-rages-in-philadelphia-special-council-hearing-reveals-no-quick-solutions/article_6937fcad-7ca2-5290-b8ee-452b02d49e16.html
Philly has spent less than half of its federal coronavirus relief money, but pandemic costs are growing
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-coronavirus-economic-relief-cares-act-20200812.html
A longtime Philadelphia judge won’t wear a mask in court, prompting complaints from lawyers and witnesses
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-judge-jimmy-lynn-mask-coronavirus-20200811.html
Sorry, Mayor, but residents shouldn’t have to cut back on DIY projects to help with trash pickup | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/mayor-jim-kenney-backyard-oasis-trash-diy-jenice-armstrong-20200811.html
SEPTA attacked by malware, says Key card information not compromised
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-malware-virus-real-time-data-app-key-card-20200811.html
As gun violence increases, Philly’s latest strategy could stop the bleeding — but only if done carefully | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-shooting-gun-violence-increase-homicide-group-intervention-focused-deterrence-20200811.html
Pitt
Allegheny County pledges to ramp up spending on social services, health care, protective gear
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/08/11/Allegheny-County-relief-funding-CARES-Act-package-COVID-19/stories/202008110132
Peduto warns job losses could become reality if federal COVID-19 assistance doesn’t happen
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/08/11/Peduto-warns-job-losses-could-become-reality-if-federal-COVID-19-assistance-doesn-t-happen/stories/202008110106
Assistant district attorney who filed OSHA complaint after getting COVID-19 has died
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/08/11/Russ-Broman-Allegheny-County-assistant-district-attorney-COVID-19-death/stories/202008110138
Another business in Allegheny County closed by health department for flouting pandemic rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/08/11/Business-Allegheny-County-closed-health-department-pandemic-rules-Seven/stories/202008110119
Port Authority cancels suspensions for supervisors, but mask issue likely isn’t over
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/08/11/Port-Authority-face-masks-Black-Lives-Matter-dress-code-suspensions/stories/202008110145
Regional planners conducting survey on transit needs in 10-county area
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/08/11/Southwestern-Pennsylvania-Commission-transit-survey-multimodal-connections/stories/202008110123
As Post-Gazette employee representatives consider a strike, analysts say strategy can be dicey
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/as-post-gazette-employee-representatives-consider-a-strike-analysts-say-strategy-can-be-dicey/
Inquiry on Allegheny County judge’s alleged racist remarks coming to close
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/inquiry-on-allegheny-county-judges-alleged-racist-remarks-coming-to-close/
Pittsburgh’s North Shore restaurants endure summer without sports fans
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburghs-north-shore-restaurants-endure-summer-without-sports-fans/
State News
State parks put efforts in place to mitigate overcrowding, but it’s difficult
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/08/11/Pennsylvania-state-parks-crowds-park-officials-overcrowding-Ohiopyle/stories/202008110117
Pennsylvania considers allowing utilities to resume shutting off nonpaying customers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-utility-commission-reconsiders-coronavirus-shutoff-moratorium-20200811.html
Three Mile Island owner agrees to public decommissioning panel but no financial settlement
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/08/three-mile-island-owner-agrees-to-public-decommissioning-panel-but-no-financial-settlement.html