Legislature
Dinniman backs repeal of fireworks legalization
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/dinniman-backs-repeal-of-fireworks-legalization/article_4fbd6292-c07e-11ea-8ca3-4f2d1dc20ffd.html
Lawmakers will rule again over redrawing of Pa. political boundaries, but critics aren’t giving up
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/redistricting-gerrymandering-pennsylvania-maps-fair-districts-20200708.html
General Assembly sends Wolf a bill adding protections against sexual assault in police custody
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/general-assembly-passes-protections-against-sexual-assault-in-police-custody/
Legislators join Gov. Wolf in call for mask wearing
https://www.timesleader.com/news/790856/legislators-join-gov-wolf-in-call-for-mask-wearing
Offering a second chance
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/08/Second-chance-Pennsylvania-practical-compassionate/stories/202007030063
Force policy should not be moving target
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/editorial/force-policy-should-not-be-moving-target/article_2ed9d58a-1bab-5371-890a-10118fdc6801.html
How a new Pennsylvania law is a step toward reducing institutional racism
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-pennsylvania-occupational-licensing-reform-muschick-20200708-gnne6oc7dreftj3bvunivizvfe-story.html
Proposals to expand gambling put PA lottery and older Pennsylvanians in double jeopardy | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/07/proposals-to-expand-gambling-put-pa-lottery-and-older-pennsylvanians-in-double-jeopardy-opinion.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
State may impose ‘targeted mitigation’ in southwestern counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/07/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-36/stories/202007070076
State expected to prohibit indoor dining in Westmoreland, Allegheny as covid-19 cases rise
https://triblive.cm/local/westmoreland/state-expected-to-prohibit-indoor-dining-in-westmoreland-allegheny-as-covid-19-cases-rise/
Beaver County COVID case count spikes; state considers restrictions on five local counties
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200707/beaver-county-covid-case-count-spikes-state-considers-restrictions-on-five-local-counties
Troubling wave of COVID infections among 20-somethings hits Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/troubling-wave-of-covid-infections-among-20-somethings-arrives-in-pa.html
Pa. reports nearly 1,000 new covid-19 cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-reports-nearly-1000-new-covid-19-cases/
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 995 new cases is largest one-day increase in nearly 2 months as infections shift to younger people
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-data-virus-tuesday-20200707-vegfpjp35beh3n5aqkepeiw7xi-story.html
Allegheny County reports 6 new covid-19 deaths, 204 new cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/6-deaths-204-new-cases-of-covid-19-in-allegheny-county/
Six new COVID-19 cases, one new death in Luzerne County reported Tuesday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/six-new-covid-19-cases-one-new-death-in-luzerne-county-reported-tuesday/article_d2247f9b-c947-5d66-9f8d-8a84eefae5d4.html
1st new covid-19 death since May reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/first-new-covid-19-death-since-may-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
25 more coronavirus positives for Berks County; state overall most in nearly 2 months
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/25-more-coronavirus-positives-for-berks-county-state-overall-most-in-nearly-2-months/article_50cb39ae-c045-11ea-9cde-33737fb37a9d.html
Coronavirus cases spiking among Pa. young people; N.J. says anyone coming from Delaware should quarantine
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-pa-nj-delaware-quarantine-school-district-reopening-young-allegheny-20200707.html
Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again as virus escalates
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/07/07/Protective-gear-for-medical-workers-begins-to-run-low-again-as-virus-escalates/stories/202007070092
Rather than bicker and fight, making COVID-19 a political issue, we should practice humility and sympathy
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/07/08/Notice-thy-neighbor-pandemic-poverty-Pope-Francis/stories/202007040007
Business
A Chester County pharmacy was fined for coronavirus ‘price gouging’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/price-gouging-coronavirus-paoli-pharmacy-pennsylvania-attorney-general-20200707.html
$600 weekly unemployment federal check runs out at end of July
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/jobless-belle-vernon-man-600-weekly-check-makes-unemployed-whole/
Larger local stores non-compliant with face mask order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/larger-local-stores-non-compliant-with-face-mask-order/article_d1743aab-cb6b-556d-be8e-10c50ef89df7.html
Rebuild Berks campaign aims to connect, support local businesses
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/rebuild-berks-campaign-aims-to-connect-support-local-businesses/article_c6326404-c07e-11ea-b23c-17d238c78908.html
Cracker plant workers concerned amid COVID rise
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200707/cracker-plant-workers-concerned-amid-covid-rise
PPP Loans
Philly-area law firms received at least $228 million, the most of any industry for coronavirus cash
https://www.inquirer.com/business/law/ppp-sba-law-firms-restaurants-loan-millions-philadelphia-20200707.html
Philly-area charter, private schools receive millions in federal PPP loans
https://www.inquirer.com/education/private-schools-charters-ppp-loans-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20200707.html
Data shows thousands of NEPA companies received Paycheck Protection Program loans
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/data-shows-thousands-of-nepa-companies-received-paycheck-protection-program-loans/article_e79690f1-7c83-5c98-8478-322bf8ff5fbe.html
Which Lehigh Valley businesses received federal PPP loans to help weather the coronavirus crisis?
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-ppp-loans-lehigh-valley-businesses-20200707-vpzuxuzrfvgrnoftrs4heh43ua-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Man, 29, found shot to death at North Versailles apartment complex
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/08/shooting-North-Versailles-apartment/stories/202007080078
Police brutality allegations rock Bradford after chief is caught on video macing handcuffed suspect
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/08/police-brutality-allegations-rock-bradford-after-chief-is-caught-on-video-macing-handcuffed-suspect/
Education
Masks will be mandatory in Pennsylvania schools. Here’s a Q&A on what the rule means for students and teachers
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-pennsylvania-school-face-masks-20200707-a5pgrlcodfempeicgquizrrw7q-story.html
Working parents can’t become pretend public-school teachers again this fall | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-covid-schools-reopening-working-parents-pennsylvania-maria-panaritis-20200708.html
Federal rule change for international students criticized by higher-ed groups
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/07/international-ICE-students-Pitt-immigration-online-college-classes-COVID-19/stories/202007070100
‘I thought it was a hoax’: Pa. students, universities respond to Trump restrictions for international visas
https://www.witf.org/2020/07/08/i-thought-it-was-a-hoax-pa-students-universities-respond-to-trump-restrictions-for-international-visas/
Temple University launches search for new president: Englert to leave after 45 years in 17 roles
https://www.inquirer.com/education/temple-university-president-richard-englert-leaving-search-for-replacement-20200707.html
Wilkes U. sets up Racial Justice and Inclusion Fund
https://www.timesleader.com/news/790878/wilkes-u-sets-up-racial-justice-and-inclusion-fund
Pennsylvania lowers minimum contributions for college savings plans
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-lowers-minimum-contributions-for-college-savings-plans/
Trump pushes state, local leaders to reopen schools in fall
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-trump-schools-opening-20200707.html
Division III Centennial Conference suspends sports for fall semester
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/college/division-iii-centennial-conference-suspends-sports-for-fall-semester/article_5cee4c62-0118-5426-9058-1498c008a5d8.html
Elections/Politics
Pence, Biden to hit Pennsylvania campaign trail on same day
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/07/07/Mike-Pence-Joe-Biden-Pennsylvania-campaign-trail-elections/stories/202007070107
Biden campaign names two Philadelphia-based operatives to top positions
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/07/07/Biden-campaign-names-two-Philadelphia-operatives-to-top-positions-Pennsylvania/stories/202007070090
Tell us what matters most to Pennsylvania voters ahead of the 2020 election
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/inq/pennsylvania-voters-inquirer-election-roundtable-2020-20200708.html
Health Care
Systemic racism is a public health issue. Community health workers are proven to help.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/community-health-workers-racism-public-health-20200708.html
Local News
Recycling center operator to charge municipalities for bottles, cans and jars
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/recycling-center-operator-to-charge-municipalities-for-bottles-cans-and-jars/article_b3a9c2eb-3a1c-5244-8492-083343ac6d51.html
Rent/mortgage assistance applications available
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/rent-mortgage-assistance-applications-available/article_a726d73d-ffc6-5364-9277-1ecdddf27987.html
Mural selected for West Side business
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/mural-selected-for-west-side-business/article_6376dfc4-24ee-599b-b574-9cf2834fdb4f.html
Adaptive bikes, strollers, devices unlock new potential for Westmoreland County children
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/adaptive-bikes-strollers-devices-unlock-new-potential-for-westmoreland-county-children/
Berks residents asked to oppose systemic racism, police brutality during Peaceful Stand on Penn Street Bridge
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-residents-asked-to-oppose-systemic-racism-police-brutality-during-peaceful-stand-on-penn-street/article_62c6b856-c075-11ea-a084-cf9172d16883.html
Berks officials investigating constable over ‘absolutely racist’ Facebook posts
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-officials-investigating-constable-over-absolutely-racist-facebook-posts/article_0facd2ec-c091-11ea-8f74-d35444a81778.html
Ross police officer under review after reports of questionable social media posts
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/ross-police-officer-under-review-after-reports-of-questionable-social-media-posts/
Levittown’s original ‘Rosie the Riveter’ makes masks to promote, honor WWII work
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200707/levittownrsquos-original-rosie-riveter-makes-masks-to-promote-honor-wwii-work
Chester County farmers rise to the COVID-19 challenge
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-farmers-rise-to-the-covid-19-challenge/article_e2b09382-c07c-11ea-9df7-275fc44358f8.html
Pittston Tomato Festival canceled as virus rebounds
https://www.timesleader.com/news/790891/pittston-tomato-festival-canceled-as-virus-rebounds
County audit shows $3.1 million surplus for 2019
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-audit-shows-3-1-million-surplus-for-2019/article_a8c092b0-d0f7-59b0-b909-32acd55fe22f.html
New county 911 system likely to encrypt police calls
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-county-911-system-likely-to-encrypt-police-calls/article_752e70de-7167-5539-b6a0-fe88feb549d6.html
National News
Mary Kay Letourneau, teacher jailed for raping student, dies of cancer
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2020/07/08/Mary-Kay-Letourneau-teacher-jailed-for-raping-student-dies/stories/202007080076
Natural Gas
Pa. grand jury ‘indicts’ fracking. Now what? | Will Bunch Newsletter
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/attytood/fracking-pennsylvania-grand-jury-report-josh-shapiro-20200707.html
New Jersey
A Kennedy toppled a South Jersey political machine and will now take on party-switching Rep. Jeff Van Drew
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/new-jersey/amy-kennedy-congress-new-jersey-20200708.html
Philly
Antifa rumors and hoaxes have stoked real fear in Philadelphia neighborhoods
https://www.inquirer.com/news/antifa-philadelphia-rumors-hoaxes-fear-neighborhoods-20200708.html
More authors have canceled Philly Free Library events in solidarity with Black workers
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/free-library-philadelphia-black-authors-cancel-20200707.html
Philly landlords sue to overturn new coronavirus pandemic renter protections
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-evictions-pandemic-moritorium-lawsuit-renter-protections-coronavirus-city-council-bills-20200707.html
How the Phillies are preparing for baseball during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/phillies/philadelphia-phillies-coronavirus-pandemic-summer-camp-bryce-harper-20200707.html
7 men wounded in 5 city shootings
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-shooting-mantua-olney-20200707.html
For new police oversight commission to work, Philly must learn from its past | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-advisory-board-citizen-oversight-commission-20200708.html
Philadelphia needs more contact tracers | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/contact-tracing-pennsylvania-coronavirus-philadelphia-20200707.html
Pa. boy, 12, seriously injured when explosive device blows up in his hand
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/07/pa-boy-12-seriously-injured-when-explosive-device-blows-up-in-his-hand.html
After anti-Semitic posts, DeSean Jackson offers multiple apologies
https://www.delcotimes.com/sports/after-anti-semitic-posts-desean-jackson-offers-multiple-apologies/article_1f5473d6-c09f-11ea-a433-2735b3cfcbe5.html
Pitt
Complaints about Allegheny County bars, restaurants flouting face-mask rules skyrocket
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/07/07/Complaints-bars-restaurants-masks-Allegheny-County-Health-Department/stories/202007070113
Allegheny County considering modifying bar, restaurant order
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/07/07/allegheny-county-considering-modifying-bar-restaurant-order-closures-covid-19-bogan-fitzgerald/stories/202007070122
Allegheny County may amend restaurant restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-may-amend-restaurant-restrictions/
Pittsburgh Council creates LGBTQ commission, passes bill to address racial inequities
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-creates-lgbtq-commission-passes-bill-to-address-racial-inequities/
Grand promenade is next step of restoration in Allegheny Commons Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/07/08/Restoration-Allegheny-Commons-Park-North-Side-Hartzell-fountain-pittsburgh/stories/202006300022
Pittsburgh Diocese announces job cuts, move of administrative office
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/07/07/Pittsburgh-roman-catholic-diocese-job-cuts-move-administrative-office-covid-19/stories/202007070093
Pittsburgh Diocese eliminating positions, moving offices as it struggles with financial impact of covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-diocese-eliminating-positions-moving-offices-as-it-struggles-with-financial-impact-of-covid-19/
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh readies for reopening of schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/07/07/Catholic-Diocese-of-Pittsburgh-readies-for-reopening-of-schools-covid-19-social-distancing/stories/202007070081
Pittsburgh Catholic schools plan temperature checks, masks for students
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-catholic-schools-plan-temperature-checks-masks-for-students/
Residential power usage up as employees continue to work from home
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/07/07/Residential-power-usage-up-as-employees-continue-to-work-from-home/stories/202007070096
FISA grants address systemic racism, women, people with disabilities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/07/07/FISA-Foundation-grants-COVID-19-racism-disabilities-women/stories/202007070087
Allegheny County’s criminal court division turns to videoconferencing amid positive virus tests
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/07/07/Allegheny-County-court-system-criminal-division-videoconferencing-COVID-19-tests/stories/202007070124
More Allegheny County court staffers test positive for covid-19; judge orders more video hearings
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/more-allegheny-county-court-staffers-test-positive-for-covid-19-judge-orders-more-video-hearings/
Pittsburgh City Council extends COVID-19 emergency declaration until Aug. 25
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/07/07/Pittsburgh-City-Council-extends-COVID-19-emergency-declaration-until-Aug-25/stories/202007070078
Strip District Meats closes after employee tests positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/strip-district-meats-closes-after-employee-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
Duolingo co-founder threatens to move jobs from Pittsburgh to Toronto over immigration policies
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/duolingo-co-founder-threatens-to-move-jobs-from-pittsburgh-to-toronto-over-immigration-policies/
Pittsburgh Housing fund providing new roofs for 24 city homeowners
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-housing-fund-providing-new-roofs-for-24-city-homeowners/
State News
2 youths found dead in Susquehanna River
https://www.timesleader.com/top-stories/790846/2-youths-found-dead-in-susquehanna-river
PennFuture lawsuit says EPA must update federal regulations for coke ovens
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pennfuture-lawsuit-says-epa-must-update-federal-regulations-for-coke-ovens/
State police investigation into latest officer-involved shooting continues in Poconos
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200707/state-police-investigation-into-latest-officer-involved-shooting-continues-in-poconos