Legislature
Auditor General calls for change to state’s charter school law after review of PA Cyber, Lincoln Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/22/Lincoln-Learning-Solutions-Pennsylvania-Cyber-Charter-school-Lincoln-Park-Performing-Arts-audit-law-DePasquale/stories/202007220118
Lincoln Learning review reveals need for charter school reform, state says
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200722/lincoln-learning-review-reveals-need-for-charter-school-reform-state-says
With e-bikes becoming more popular, Pa. lawmakers want to regulate where you can ride them
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/with-e-bikes-becoming-more-popular-pa-lawmakers-want-to-regulate-where-you-can-ride-them.html
Government cannot be allowed to operate in secrecy during such times
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/23/Transparency-is-paramount/stories/202007210054
Keep Beltzville for Pennsylvanians, lawmaker says after crowds descend on lake
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/keep-beltzville-for-pennsylvanians-lawmaker-says-after-crowds-descend-on-lake/article_b86b5903-9046-5f18-a899-cfa8085cdb85.html
Yudichak, Kaufer hail ‘landmark’ petrochemical tax credit legislation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792940/yudichak-kaufer-hail-landmark-petrochemical-tax-credit-legislation
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania building up resources for coronavirus contact tracing
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/pennsylvania-building-up-resources-for-coronavirus-contact-tracing/article_41351849-e91d-5b2e-8d22-dd98b57ee837.html
Allegheny’s daily COVID-19 cases fall below 100; county to monitor businesses with compliance team
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/22/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-42/stories/202007220091
Allegheny County reports 96 new coronavirus cases, 8 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-96-new-coronavirus-cases-8-deaths/
2 new COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County; 631 statewide
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/2-new-covid-19-cases-in-luzerne-county-631-statewide/article_44372c54-4b3e-5f9b-b77c-4c6c9f7748f8.html
NEPA sees only 16 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/nepa-sees-only-16-new-covid-19-cases-two-deaths/article_b6b9c282-f01f-52bf-903e-69b480bc3175.html
Berks County has 24 new coronavirus cases
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-has-24-new-coronavirus-cases/article_58168ab6-cc1a-11ea-989a-bb46004c1d3e.html
Coronavirus positivity rate declining in Montgomery County, according to latest data
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/coronavirus-positivity-rate-declining-in-montgomery-county-according-to-latest-data/article_fcc2ae55-d6bf-5c7e-955d-e86e41bc0833.html
Report: White House warns Pittsburgh, other cities to get ‘aggressive’ against coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/report-white-house-warns-pittsburgh-other-cities-to-get-aggressive-against-coronavirus/
N.J. governor warns of ‘slap in the face’ from Washington as coronavirus cases rise in Philly and the suburbs
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-philadelphia-pa-nj-wolf-murphy-20200722.html
Berks County’s coronavirus contact tracing program has reached 330 people since June 5
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-countys-coronavirus-contact-tracing-program-has-reached-330-people-since-june-5-ask-the/article_d17dd4a8-caa9-11ea-ad6e-eb616a988bd9.html
Sen. Mitch McConnell is set to unveil new coronavirus aid, despite a GOP revolt
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/coronavirus-stimulus-aid-congress-senate-mitch-mcconnell-gop-20200723.html
Ohio joins Pennsylvania in statewide mask mandate
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ohio-joins-pennsylvania-in-statewide-mask-mandate/
Administration
Gov. Wolf speaks out in support of health secretary after Bloomsburg dunk tank incident
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-speaks-out-in-support-of-health-secretary-after-dunk-tank-incident/
Gov. Tom Wolf responds to mocking of Dr. Rachel Levine in Bloomsburg Fair social media post
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/gov-tom-wolf-responds-to-mocking-of-dr-rachel-levine-in-bloomsburg-fair-fundraiser.html
LGBTQ groups demand apology from Bloomsburg Fair
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792934/lgbtq-groups-demand-apology-from-bloomsburg-fair
LGBTQ groups slap Bloomsburg Fair with “demand letter” over controversial Facebook post
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lgbtq-groups-slap-bloomsburg-fair-with-demand-letter-over-controversial-facebook-post/article_41f54242-1817-556f-aa33-e8c2f05084c6.html
Wolf administration provides $66M in funding for Pennsylvania water infrastructure projects
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/07/23/Tom-Wolf-administration-provides-66M-in-funding-for-Pennsylvania-water-infrastructure-projects/stories/202007230112
Gov. Tom Wolf cited his emergency powers to withhold millions from a Pa. county. Now it’s suing.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/lebanon-county-tom-wolf-coronavirus-funds-lawsuit-emergency-powers-20200722.html
Wolf admin offers $50M in hazard pay grants for front-line workers in pandemic
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200722/wolf-admin-offers-50m-in-hazard-pay-grants-for-front-line-workers-in-pandemic
Governor Wolf has a choice to make about climate change | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-natural-gas-petrochemical-tax-credit-tom-wolf-20200722.html
Gov. Wolf played politics by holding Lebanon’s coronavirus money | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/gov-wolf-played-politics-by-holding-lebanons-coronavirus-money-john-baer.html
Business
Four months after the shutdown, thousands wait on unemployment compensation facing dire situations
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/four-months-after-the-shutdown-thousands-wait-on-unemployment-compensation-facing-dire-situations.html
Targeted bar and restaurant restrictions in Pa.: What early data says, Wolf’s logic behind them, more: Analysis
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/07/targeted-bar-and-restaurant-restrictions-in-pa-what-early-data-says-wolfs-logic-behind-them-more-analysis.html
Why the U.S. mushroom business is migrating to Canada
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/mushrooms-chester-county-kennett-square-south-mill-purchase-loveday-20200723.html
Forgivable loan program helps Pa. businesses through coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/forgivable-loan-program-helps-pa-businesses-through-coronavirus-pandemic.html
Pa. AG: Two gas pipeline companies charged with polluting Washington County waterway
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/22/Gas-pipeline-companies-charged-National-Fuel-Gas-Supply-Southeast-Directional-Drilling-Shapiro-Washington/stories/202007220113
Why helping Black businesses benefits our entire community | Social Views
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/07/why-helping-black-businesses-benefits-our-entire-community-social-views.html
Pennsylvania clarifies new guidelines for bars and restaurants: Food trucks can serve meals, and no drinks after the meal is finished
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-nws-coronavirus-new-guidelines-clarified-20200723-lpae7a53gbhcdgsw3tchz4jb24-story.html
Storied Scranton diner closed for now, could reopen
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/storied-scranton-diner-closed-for-now-could-reopen/article_face5839-9b24-5c09-8601-6d3ee51bf08c.html
Schuylkill County businesses adjust to new guidelines, see success during reopening
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/south-schuylkill-news/schuylkill-county-businesses-adjust-to-new-guidelines-see-success-during-reopening/article_9932faf4-c83f-11ea-b88f-b3a253490ceb.html
With traveling shows off the table, Barnyard Petting Zoo welcoming visitors to farm
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/07/22/Barnyard-Petting-Zoo-open-visits-farm-Eighty-Four-events-COVID-19/stories/202007190038
Crime/Punishment
Man killed in McKeesport shooting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/man-killed-in-mckeesport-shooting/
Education
Parents, health experts weigh pros and cons of reopening schools on kids’ mental health
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/school-reopening-social-isolation-20200722.html
Very few Americans back full school reopening, according to poll results
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-american-poll-schools-reopen-20200722.html
South Fayette pushes back start, end of school year because of coronavirus concerns
https://triblive.com/local/carlynton/south-fayette-pushes-back-start-end-of-school-year-because-of-coronavirus-concerns/
Mid Valley could start hybrid learning
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/mid-valley-could-start-hybrid-learning/article_d0183fb1-070c-5f09-9681-41ec2bc1145b.html
Old Forge School District considering delayed start, hybrid learning
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/old-forge-school-district-considering-delayed-start-hybrid-learning/article_2619f443-d08b-5cf1-b00a-c19d322a1bb9.html
Allentown School District wants to reopen schools virtually
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-allentown-school-district-virtual-learning-reopenin-20200722-af4nqdxh5vhudkn34xll37au2y-story.html
Mt. Lebanon, Greater Latrobe ranked top school districts in Pittsburgh area, Westmoreland
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/niche-rankings-place-greater-latrobe-at-top-in-county-among-best-in-state/
In an about-face, Edinboro U. now plans mainly online instruction this fall
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/22/Edinboro-University-State-System-Pennsylvania-fall-online-COVID-19-faculty-APSCUF-PASSHE/stories/202007220112
Attorney Cynthia Baldwin was formally reprimanded for her handling of the Jerry Sandusky scandal at Penn State
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/cynthia-baldwin-reprimanded-jerry-sandusky-penn-state-20200722.html
La Roche University
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/la-roche-university-appoints-executive-director-of-diversity-equity-and-inclusion/
Elections/Politics
Joe Biden adds more Pennsylvania staffers, including Western Pa. operatives
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/joe-biden-pennsylvania-2020-campaign-aides-hired-20200723.html
Coronavirus has made Trump’s Republican convention complicated. We asked Pa. and N.J. members of Congress if they’re going.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/trump-republican-convention-pa-nj-congress-20200723.html
Luzerne County Election Board suggesting mail-in voting improvements
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792938/luzerne-county-election-board-suggesting-mail-in-voting-improvements
Gaming
Mount Airy to reopen its sportsbook
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/mount-airy-to-reopen-its-sportsbook/article_924a5337-bfa2-5721-a73f-874ec43ee7fc.html
Health Care
Editorial: Don’t forget to vaccinate your children
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-dont-forget-to-vaccinate-your-children/article_304f49d8-cc37-11ea-92e8-53467de80459.html
Local News
Help available in applying for rent and mortgage assistance program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/help-available-in-applying-for-rent-and-mortgage-assistance-program/article_a12c8dce-d486-5f10-a4db-96606c40ab86.html
Stats about NEPA dominate forum on future
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stats-about-nepa-dominate-forum-on-future/article_4588b1b2-92ff-5e07-8aaa-1c95807c3e15.html
Federal officials tout opportunity zone potential, discuss blight during Scranton visit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/federal-officials-tout-opportunity-zone-potential-discuss-blight-during-scranton-visit/article_093648bc-201a-5c5a-b598-f0e0c7daca34.html
County should form health department
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/county-should-form-health-department/article_05f09129-1187-5ca2-a9f8-044afb42a920.html
Another sexual abuse lawsuit filed against Diocese of Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/another-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-filed-against-diocese-of-scranton/article_8c99dd1d-9097-554a-8339-b7516d3da90e.html
Group stages protest at Wyomissing police office over arrest of Black man at Walmart
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/group-stages-protest-at-wyomissing-police-office-over-arrest-of-black-man-at-walmart-video/article_8c0497c0-cc6d-11ea-a567-836d1a861431.html
Westmoreland water officials hope goats are solution to invasive weeds
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/westmoreland-water-officials-hope-goats-are-the-solution-to-invasive-weeds/
$12.25M in state loans paying for wastewater, stormwater projects in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/12-25m-in-state-loans-paying-for-wastewater-stormwater-projects-in-westmoreland-county/
Officials: Pending closure of Penn Township district judge’s office is unwarranted
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/officals-pending-closure-of-penn-township-district-judges-office-is-unwarranted/
Route for Rockin’ The County in Pittston released
https://www.timesleader.com/features/life/792867/route-for-rockin-the-county-in-pittston-released
County buildings closed until Aug. 3 amid virus concerns
https://www.timesleader.com/news/792946/county-buildings-closed-until-aug-3-amid-virus-concerns
County buildings will close until Aug. 3 over coronavirus concerns
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/county-buildings-will-close-until-aug-3-over-coronavirus-concerns/article_3673fe2f-668b-5cd1-8e5d-b881c11f664d.html
County shutdown: What’s closed?
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-shutdown-whats-closed/article_0ee64739-b4c1-53a9-ad8b-94659df7b8ec.html
Our opinion: Amesbury and Pedri could have done more to keep COVID out of the courthouse
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/editorial/our-opinion-amesbury-and-pedri-could-have-done-more-to-keep-covid-out-of-the/article_7f7de99b-325a-589c-a775-4c8861917ab1.html
Manning tests negative to COVID; remains skeptical of results
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200722/manning-tests-negative-to-covid-remains-skeptical-of-results
Some employees, citizens flouting mask order inside York County Judicial Center
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/07/22/some-employees-citizens-flouting-mask-order-inside-york-county-judicial-center/5490037002/
York County Prothonotary’s Office employee tests positive for COVID-19, but public not told
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/watchdog/2020/07/22/public-not-told-york-county-prothonotarys-office-tests-positive-covid-19/5486628002/
Folcroft decriminalizes small amounts of marijuana
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/folcroft-decriminalizes-small-amounts-of-marijuana/article_a1e88ea6-cc64-11ea-9406-3f3457dd9508.html
Johnstown to receive $10.9M for sewer project
https://www.tribdem.com/news/johnstown-to-receive-10-9m-for-sewer-project/article_9fb206e4-cc8c-11ea-baef-d3205f229f4a.html
National News
Nearly 1 in 4 VA employees report sexual harassment, audit says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/07/22/Nearly-1-in-4-VA-employees-report-sexual-harassment-audit-says/stories/202007220169
Mayor of Portland, Ore., tear gassed by federal agents
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/07/23/Mayor-of-Portland-Oregon-tear-gassed-by-federal-agents/stories/202007230114
Philly
Plans reveal Hilco’s intent to reshape Philadelphia refinery landscape
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-refinery-hilco-redevelopment-plan-soil-contamination-20200723.html
Her car was ‘courtesy’ towed to an illegal spot then ticketed by PPA. The city wants $300 in fines and penalties.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ppa-courtesy-tow-philadelphia-parking-authority-ticket-20200723.html
Coronavirus intensifies the city vs. suburbs debate in Philly | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/news/columnists/coronavirus-city-suburbs-move-pandemic-relocate-housing-choice-20200723.html
Philly NAACP condemns Trump’s threat to deploy federal agents, say they would target Blacks
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/philly-naacp-condemns-trumps-threat-to-deploy-federal-agents-says-they-would-targets-blacks/
Keeping Columbus statue at Marconi Plaza would be ‘completely unsafe,’ Philly says in removal proposal
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-columbus-statue-marconi-plaza-removal-art-commission-20200722.html
Philly’s Misfits raises $85 million, plans South Jersey center
https://www.inquirer.com/news/misfits-market-abhi-ramesh-ugly-produce-20200722.html
16 former and current Philly cops disciplined for offensive Facebook posts sue, saying they were victims of discrimination
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-police-plainview-project-racism-facebook-firing-klayman-krasner-ross-outlaw-20200722.html
Canceling big parades but allowing protests is ‘unconstitutional,’ U.S. Attorney McSwain tells Kenney
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/bill-mcswain-jim-kenney-philadelphia-parades-protests-20200722.html
Philly Free Library director Siobhan Reardon is under growing pressure to quit amid racial discrimination complaints
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-free-library-director-siobhan-reardon-resign-20200722.html
How many preventable deaths will it take for Philly to care about bicycle safety? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-bike-lanes-safety-20200722.html
Pitt
Gov. Wolf denies Blue Jays’ pitch to play at PNC Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2020/07/22/Pirates-Blue-Jays-PNC-Park-official-summer-Buffalo-home-games-Canada/stories/202007220078
State health officials won’t allow Blue Jays to use PNC Park
https://triblive.com/sports/state-health-officials-wont-allow-blue-jays-to-use-pnc-park/
PPS to consider starting school year virtually amid rising COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/22/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-virtual-learning-students-2020-2021-school-year/stories/202007220136
Allegheny County launching team to monitor businesses for coronavirus safety guidelines
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-launching-team-to-monitor-businesses-for-coronavirus-safety-guidelines/
Pittsburgh City Council votes to recommend four police reform bills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/07/22/Pittsburgh-City-Council-chokehold-ban-George-Floyd-protests-police-reform-bills/stories/202007220086
Pittsburgh council set to enact police reforms before summer recess
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-set-to-enact-police-reforms-before-summer-recess/
PWSA: Lead levels are greatly reduced in Pittsburgh’s water supply
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2020/07/22/Lead-levels-greatly-reduced-Pittsburgh-water-supply-PWSA-testing/stories/202007220102
Pittsburgh builder and sustainability pioneer Jack Mascaro dies after long illness
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-builder-and-sustainability-pioneer-jack-mascaro-dies-after-long-illness/
2 more Port Authority employees test positive for coronavirus, bringing total to 29
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/2-more-port-authority-employees-test-positive-for-coronavirus-bringing-total-to-29/
State News
Dear non-black, POC friends, we don’t need your sympathy, we need your action | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/07/dear-non-black-poc-friends-we-dont-need-your-sympathy-we-need-your-action-pennlive-letters.html
These are the 10 most popular Pennsylvania state parks
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/the-10-most-popular-pennsylvania-state-parks/
Transportation
HIA passenger flights, up since the shutdown, drop again as officials hope this is just a ‘temporary blip’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/hia-passenger-flights-increasing-since-the-shutdown-drop-again-as-officials-hope-this-is-just-a-temporary-blip.html
Washington
Trump deploys more federal agents under ‘law-and-order’ push
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/07/22/Trump-deploys-feds-to-more-states-under-law-and-order-push/stories/202007220123
Pa. lawmakers join bipartisan vote on public lands bill; Trump to sign it
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/pa-lawmakers-join-bipartisan-vote-on-public-lands-bill-trump-to-sign-it/