Legislature
Top Pa. GOP lawmaker fast-tracking a lucrative gambling expansion that would benefit a major campaign donor https://whyy.org/articles/top-pa-gop-lawmaker-fast-tracking-a-lucrative-gambling-expansion-that-would-benefit-a-major-campaign-donor/
Mother of Antwon Rose II applauds confidential police hiring database, but does it go far enough? https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/antwon-rose-pennsylvania-police-misconduct-database-20200620.html
Lawmakers Urged To Make Police Discipline Records Public https://www.wesa.fm/post/lawmakers-urged-make-police-discipline-records-public
Panelists: Young black people not treated fairly – Committee hearing centers on criminal justice system https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/06/panelists-young-black-people-not-treated-fairly/
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. bill could 21-day start on processing mail-in ballots https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200619/pa-bill-could-21-day-start-on-processing-mail-in-ballots
State Senate Hearing Focuses on COVID-19’s Impact on the Food Supply Chain https://www.bctv.org/2020/06/19/state-senate-hearing-focuses-on-covid-19s-impact-on-the-food-supply-chain/
Lawmakers condemn Governor Wolf for singling out Lebanon County https://www.witf.org/2020/06/20/lawmakers-condemn-governor-wolf-for-singling-out-lebanon-county/
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/
Pa. lawmakers review legislation to allow counting of mail-in ballots before Election Day https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-lawmakers-review-legislation-to-allow-counting-of-mail-in-ballots-before-election-day.html
Centre County joins coalition to help prevent police brutality https://www.collegian.psu.edu/news/borough/article_dff6373e-b189-11ea-8bc8-8b5a6b1d17ec.html
Juneteenth
Dinniman Recognizes 155th Anniversary of Juneteenth https://www.mychesco.com/a/news/society/african-american-interests/dinniman-recognizes-155th-anniversary-of-juneteenth/
Juneteenth celebrations fill the city and region, alongside protests against police brutality and racism https://www.inquirer.com/news/juneteenth-philadelphia-philly-black-history-protests-police-brutality-george-floyd-20200619.html
Community Members Remember Antwon Rose On Juneteenth https://www.wesa.fm/post/community-members-remember-antwon-rose-juneteenth
Pittsburgh region marks Juneteenth with celebrations of history, calls for action https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/19/Pittsburgh-region-marks-Juneteenth-with-celebrations-of-history-calls-for-action-today-Antwon-Rose/stories/202006190134
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
Amid protests for racial justice, Juneteenth gets new renown across the U.S. https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/19/Amid-protests-for-racial-justice-Juneteenth-gets-new-renown/stories/202006190122
Across the U.S., a Juneteenth ‘tinted with sorrow’ and buoyed by hope https://www.witf.org/2020/06/19/across-the-u-s-a-juneteenth-tinted-with-sorrow-and-buoyed-by-hope/
In NEPA, a joyous celebration of Juneteenth — and a call to action https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/in-nepa-a-joyous-celebration-of-juneteenth-and-a-call-to-action/
Juneteenth Jubilee celebrates Black freedom at Nay Aug https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/juneteenth-jubilee-celebrates-black-freedom-at-nay-aug/article_9cce944c-6be7-5558-9c2c-c170f6b5538a.html
Juneteenth observers in Allentown, Bethlehem say recent uprising against structural racism is just the beginning https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-juneteenth-flag-raising-ceremony-20200619-idhn3eflxfhrli2g773psztu3a-story.html
‘We are still trying to get free’: Black Americans continue fight for equality on Juneteenth https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200619/we-are-still-trying-to-get-free-black-americans-continue-fight-for-equality-on-juneteenth/1
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Younger adults are increasingly testing positive for coronavirus https://whyy.org/npr_story_post/younger-adults-are-increasingly-testing-positive-for-coronavirus/
Coronavirus spread hits 1-day high, World Health Organization says https://whyy.org/npr_story_post/coronavirus-spread-hits-1-day-high-world-health-organization-says/
Some people think masks are bad for their health. Here’s why scientists say that’s wrong. https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-masks-safety-carbon-dioxide-immune-system-n95-20200619.html
Contact tracing IDs more than 4,000 exposed to covid-19 in Pennsylvania https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/contact-tracing-ids-more-than-4000-exposed-to-covid-19-in-pennsylvania/
Federal lawmakers call for transparency about coronavirus risk at Berks County Residential Center https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/federal-lawmakers-call-for-transparency-about-coronavirus-risk-at-berks-county-residential-center/article_ef25d50a-b230-11ea-a0a6-4325480c0a9e.html
Reopening
Pa. coronavirus recovery: Unemployment rate dips; Gov. Wolf says Philly-area can go ‘green’ on June 26 https://whyy.org/articles/pa-coronavirus-recovery-unemployment-rate-dips-remains-high/
While Europe, Asia reopen from COVID-19, America sets global example of doing it wrong | Trudy Rubin https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-spike-trump-reopening-europe-asia-20200618.html
Wolf Loosens Restrictions In Last Of Counties Except Lebanon https://www.wesa.fm/post/wolf-loosens-restrictions-last-counties-except-lebanon
Greensburg YMCA closes after report of covid-19 exposure https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-ymca-closes-after-report-of-covid-exposure/
Hiring rose in 46 states in May yet jobless rates still high https://www.witf.org/2020/06/19/hiring-rose-in-46-states-in-may-yet-jobless-rates-still-high/
Feeding the beasts: How a Pa. aquarium and an aviary weathered the COVID-19 crisis https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/feeding-the-beasts-how-a-pa-aquarium-and-an-aviary-weathered-the-covid-19-crisis/
Editorial: Court ruling can be celebrated with pride https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorial-court-ruling-can-be-celebrated-with-pride/article_00df6d16-1a08-5b9f-9d72-feccbb5a6cc2.html#tncms-source=article-nav-next
Summer vacationers weigh testing, quarantine or staying home https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/national/summer-vacationers-weigh-testing-quarantine-or-staying-home/article_59ba2367-e5d2-5ace-8a85-451cc391f58b.html
Administration
Pa. Dept. of Health officials agree to work with Carlisle Events to protect patrons of the coronavirus at Spring Carlisle https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-dept-of-health-officials-agree-to-work-with-carlisle-events-to-protect-patrons-of-spring-carlisle.html
Business
AMC Theaters reverses course on masks after backlash https://whyy.org/articles/amc-theaters-reverses-course-on-masks-after-backlash/
Restaurants are reinventing in real time. Their future will emerge from what remains. https://www.inquirer.com/food/craig-laban/future-restaurants-philadelphia-chefs-outdoor-dining-takeout-safety-20200619.html
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
Apple re-closes some stores, raising economic concerns https://triblive.com/news/wire-stories/apple-re-closes-some-stores-raising-economic-concerns/
Crime/Punishment
Their sons died behind bars. They hope the public outcry for police reform reaches prisons | Helen Ubiñas https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/george-floyd-mike-brady-michael-davis-philadelphia-prisons-helen-ubinas-20200619.html
Man accused of sending racist threats to Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw will be jailed until trial https://www.inquirer.com/news/peter-fratus-jail-racist-threats-philly-police-commissiner-danielle-outlaw-20200619.html
Bond denied for Atlanta officer who killed Rayshard Brooks https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/19/Bond-denied-for-Atlanta-officer-who-killed-Rayshard-Brooks/stories/202006190131
Five days after inmates speak out, woman with severe mental illness gets moved from Bucks County jail https://www.witf.org/2020/06/19/five-days-after-inmates-speak-out-woman-with-severe-mental-illness-gets-moved-from-bucks-county-jail/
Zoom call eviction hearings: ‘They’ll throw everything I have out on the street’ https://www.witf.org/2020/06/19/zoom-call-eviction-hearings-theyll-throw-everything-i-have-out-on-the-street/
Education
The leaders of Pa.’s giant school pension plan are stumped by how to invest in this economy https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/psers-coronavirus-chinese-bonds-20200620.html
WVU vows to combat racism from changes to its all-white board to the curriculum and student code https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/19/West-Virginia-University-Black-Lives-Matter-WVU-race-Gordon-Gee-board-racism/stories/202006190095
Local schools survey families about reopening options https://www.tribdem.com/news/local-schools-survey-families-about-reopening-options/article_c1e6c1d8-b28c-11ea-b9c8-c3b4f550f0e7.html
Elections/Politics
Oklahoma Supreme Court rejects bid to stop Trump’s Tulsa rally over coronavirus concerns https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/coronavirus-covid-19-trump-tulsa-rally-oklahoma-supreme-court-20200619.html
Tulsa mayor lifts curfew around Trump rally; attendees in arena won’t have to wear masks https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/tulsa-oklahoma-curfew-trump-campaign-rally-protests-2020-presidential-election-20200619.html
Trump says he will renew effort to end DACA protections for young immigrants https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-administration-daca-supreme-court-ruling-immigrants-20200619.html
Trump set to rally supporters in Tulsa as coronavirus cases spike, protests continue https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/06/20/Trump-rally-Tulsa-coronavirus-cases-protests-pandemic-election/stories/202006200027
Consensus to select Black woman grows around Biden’s VP search https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/06/19/Consensus-to-select-Black-woman-grows-around-Biden-s-VP-search/stories/202006190137
Trump administration backs Idaho transgender sports ban https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/06/19/Trump-administration-backs-Idaho-transgender-sports-ban/stories/202006190135
Trump crowd grows, clashes with protesters ahead of rally https://triblive.com/news/world/trump-crowd-grows-clashes-with-protesters-ahead-of-rally/
Tom Ridge, ex-DHS sec, laments ‘sad’ Trump fears about voting by mail https://www.witf.org/2020/06/19/tom-ridge-ex-dhs-sec-laments-sad-trump-fears-about-voting-by-mail/
DOJ moves to oust US attorney in New York prosecuting Trump’s allies; attorney won’t resign https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/06/us-attorney-who-oversaw-cases-of-trump-allies-steps-down.html
Gary Wegman wins Democrat primary in Pa. 9th Congressional District https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/gary-wegman-wins-democrat-primary-in-pa-9th-congressional-district.html
Health Care
What Supreme Court? Trump’s HHS pushes LGBT health rollback https://whyy.org/articles/what-supreme-court-trumps-hhs-pushes-lgbt-health-rollback/
The loss of Hahnemann resonates a year later as COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests roil Philadelphia https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/hahnemann-closure-resonates-black-lives-matter-covid-19-pandemic-20200620.html
Philly’s tough hospital market – not greed – did in Hahnemann https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/hahnemann-university-hospital-closed-private-equity-freedman-philadelphia-20200620.html
Anesthesia teams quitting at W-B General amid dispute https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/anesthesia-teams-quitting-at-w-b-general-amid-dispute-1.2639463\
Local News
Flooding possible in central Pa. after heavy rain, storms on Saturday: forecasters https://www.pennlive.com/weather/2020/06/flooding-possible-in-central-pa-after-heavy-rain-storms-on-saturday-forecasters.html
Amid racial reckoning, Harrisburg remembers neighborhood razed to make room for Capitol https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/amid-racial-reckoning-harrisburg-remembers-neighborhood-razed-to-make-room-for-capitol.html
Restaurants, bars welcome customers back inside https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/restaurants-bars-welcome-customers-back-inside-1.2639524
Barber shop reopens with an emphasis on safety https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/barber-shop-reopens-with-an-emphasis-on-safety-1.2639510
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
National News
AP changes writing style to capitalize ‘b’ in Black https://whyy.org/articles/ap-changes-writing-style-to-capitalize-b-in-black/
Officer involved in Breonna Taylor shooting to be fired https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/officer-involved-in-breonna-taylor-shooting-to-be-fired.html
Philly
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
Portraits of Black fathers to light up Barnes Foundation this weekend https://whyy.org/articles/portraits-of-black-fathers-to-light-up-barnes-foundation-this-weekend/
Meet Nicole Jordan, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s first full-time Black woman musician and new music librarian https://whyy.org/articles/meet-nicole-jordan-the-philadelphia-orchestras-first-black-woman-musician-and-new-music-librarian/
Philly suburbs to move to green next Friday; city to enter a modified green phase https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-green-phase-date-suburbs-modified-city-guidelines-20200619.html
With summer forecasts calling for dangerous heat, pandemic is clouding Philly’s response plans https://www.inquirer.com/weather/summer-solstice-2020-philadelphia-forecast-heat-wave-deaths-20200620.html
Philly-area museums, public gardens, and other cultural attractions start to plan for a summer return https://www.inquirer.com/arts/museums-gardens-plan-reopening-covid-pandemic-philadelphia-20200619.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
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
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/
Pitt
Pittsburgh United Methodist bishop helps launch anti-racism effort https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/06/19/Pittsburgh-United-Methodist-bishop-helps-launch-anti-racism-effort/stories/202006190097
Pittsburgh International Airport traffic plunges 89.4%, but some travel is coming back https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/06/19/Pittsburgh-International-Airport-traffic-1-1-billion-modernization-passengers-pandemic/stories/202006190107
DA drops charges against East Liberty protesters https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/19/DA-drops-charges-against-East-Liberty-protesters/stories/202006190103
Peduto says cities should be permitted to release police camera footage https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-says-cities-should-be-permitted-to-release-police-camera-footage/
Paving to continue across Pittsburgh streets next week https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/paving-to-continue-across-pittsburgh-streets-next-week/
State News
Pa. says 2 gas drilling companies committed environmental crimes. Here’s why corporations, not people, are usually charged https://whyy.org/articles/pa-says-2-gas-drilling-companies-committed-environmental-crimes-heres-why-corporations-not-people-are-usually-charged/
Pa. National Guard squad helped with aerial surveillance of Washington protests https://www.inquirer.com/news/aerial-surveillance-protests-pennsylvania-air-national-guard-20200619.html
Unemployment rate in Pa. slides back from pandemic peak https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/pennsylvania-unemployment-rate-may-figures-coronavirus-update-20200619.html
A Pa. board is sidelining officers with mental health histories. But advocates say it’s proof of a problematic law.