Legislature
Pa. Senate committee approves police reform bills banning chokeholds, requiring use of force policies
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-senate-committee-approves-police-reform-bills-banning-chokeholds-requiring-use-of-force-policies.html
Senate panel unanimously passes ban on police chokeholds
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/senate-panel-unanimously-passes-ban-on-police-chokeholds/
Pa. state senator wants chokehold banned
https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/pennsylvania/pa-state-senator-wants-chokehold-banned/article_d7318404-b4f5-11ea-bbfe-47eea59d19dd.html
Pa. Senate shaping plan to allow bars, clubs to have slots-like video gaming terminals
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2020/06/gamblings-next-wave-pa-senate-starts-closed-door-discussions-on-plan-to-permit-bars-other-liquor-licensees-to-host-slots-style-video-gaming-terminals.html
A ruling could come as soon as this week in legal standoff between Wolf and Pa. legislature
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/a-ruling-could-come-as-soon-as-this-week-in-legal-standoff-between-wolf-and-pa-legislature.html
Lawmakers hope House leadership change will let Lehigh Valley issues like property tax reform get more discussion
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-issues-cutler-house-20200622-vcrt7v6evrfgnghhihpawr3hlq-story.html
With Cutler at the helm, Pa. House GOP promises new ideas, hands-off style
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/with-cutler-at-the-helm-pa-house-gop-promises-new-ideas-hands-off-style/
After sudden Turzai resignation, GOP elevates new leadership in Pa. House
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/bryan-cutler-pennsylvania-house-speaker-mike-turzai-20200622.html
Lancaster County Rep. Bryan Cutler elected speaker of Pa. House of Representatives
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/pa-house-of-representatives-elects-rep-bryan-cutler-as-speaker.html
Centre County Republican Kerry Benninghoff elected as Pa. House majority leader
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/centre-county-republican-kerry-benninghoff-elected-as-pa-house-majority-leader.html
Despite ruling, equal rights still elusive
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/despite-ruling-equal-rights-still-elusive/article_51b86986-6a07-547f-973b-c7a6274dec10.html
Here’s the next step in the fight to end LGBTQ discrimination in Pa. | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/heres-the-next-step-in-the-fight-to-end-lgbtq-discrimination-in-pa-opinion/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania reports 3 new coronavirus deaths, 456 new cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-3-new-coronavirus-deaths-456-new-cases/
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: State reports 456 new positive tests to make overall total 82,186
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-numbers-monday-20200622-v3cp2yajzncebhf5iiyd2iibiq-story.html
Allegheny County reports biggest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases since early May
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/22/covid-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-31/stories/202006220064
Allegheny County concerned with jump in coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-concerned-with-surge-in-coronavirus-cases/
New coronavirus cases in Allegheny County more than double over 24-hour period
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/new-coronavirus-cases-in-allegheny-county-more-than-double-over-24-hour-period/
Increase in Westmoreland coronavirus cases not a worry — yet
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/increase-in-westmoreland-coronavirus-cases-not-a-worry-yet/
Officials report 16 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/officials-resport-16-new-coronavirus-cases-no-new-deaths-in-westmoreland-county/
6 new COVID-19 cases, 1 new death reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/6-new-covid-19-cases-1-new-death-reported-in-county/article_fa016416-af7f-51d7-a3e9-4a4b1b0bc50f.html
No new deaths, 13 new COVID-19 cases in local counties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/no-new-deaths-13-new-covid-19-cases-in-local-counties/article_32707f84-f54f-5c28-8632-95c97fa8080f.html
Sudden jump in positive COVID-19 cases won’t move York back to yellow
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/06/22/sudden-jump-positive-covid-19-cases-wont-move-york-back-yellow/3237049001/
York County breaks record with 55 new COVID-19 cases; testing blamed
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/06/22/york-county-breaks-record-55-new-covid-19-cases-testing-blamed/3235296001/
Hospitalizations due to coronavirus continue to decline in Montgomery County
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/hospitalizations-due-to-coronavirus-continue-to-decline-in-montgomery-county/article_6bd9b99b-fed6-5516-883b-2c94181a0f76.html
Casinos and indoor dining can open soon in N.J., and Philadelphia passes 25,000 confirmed coronavirus cases
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-pa-new-jersey-casinos-reopening-hair-salons-dining-20200622.html
Lack of child abuse reports amid coronavirus crisis worries experts
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/lack-of-child-abuse-reports-amid-coronavirus-crisis-worries-experts/article_ab467718-b0c8-11ea-8f88-1319714ff510.html
AHN neurologist finds COVID-19 can trigger paralytic disease
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/23/COVID-19-Guillain-Barre-syndrome-Sandeep-Rana-Allegheny-Health-Network/stories/202006220073
How Lehigh Valley child care centers are getting through a challenging summer of lower enrollment, increased safety measures
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-childcare-reopening-challenges-20200622-cadjsze2qngabmpfyex2zohdsq-story.html
Nursing homes serving black and Latino residents need more support | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/nursing-home-deaths-coronavirus-pennsylvania-black-latino-residents-20200622.html
Dr. Fauci to testify at a fraught time for U.S. pandemic response
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/23/Fauci-testify-US-pandemic-response-Congress/stories/202006230051
Trump: U.S. doing ‘too good a job’ on testing
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/trump-coronavirus-20200622.html
Bye $600 jobless benefit, eviction reprieve, cash for small firms. COVID-19 relief ending.
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/zz/business/20200622/bye-600-jobless-benefit-eviction-reprieve-cash-for-small-firms-covid-19-relief-ending
Reopening
Visiting restrictions loosen for many senior independent living facilities
https://www.pennlive.com/reopeningpa/2020/06/visiting-restrictions-loosen-for-many-senior-independent-living-facilities.html
Sports and entertainment venues struggle with COVID-19 reopening guidelines: ’Green does not mean go’
https://www.pennlive.com/entertainment/2020/06/sports-and-entertainment-venues-struggle-with-covid-19-reopening-guidelines-green-does-not-mean-go.html
Administration
Gov. Wolf pushes back deadline for DEP to ‘develop a strong plan’ on greenhouse gases
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/gov-wolf-pushes-back-deadline-for-dep-to-develop-a-strong-plan-for-rggi-participation.html
Why Gov. Wolf’s medical liability order creates more stress for physicians | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/06/why-gov-wolfs-medical-liability-order-creates-more-stress-for-physicians-opinion.html
Business
Pennsylvania’s new medical marijuana player aims to ramp up production and drive down prices
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/marijuana-medical-jushi-vireo-pennsylvania-grower-mauff-beyond-hello-20200622.html
Beyond/Hello parent to buy Scranton cannabis grower
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/beyond-hello-parent-to-buy-scranton-cannabis-grower/article_e5a96c23-fb47-52aa-b56b-e3ca25fd5e79.html
Official: Multiple employees at Hempfield Buffalo Wild Wings test positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/officials-multiple-employees-at-hempfield-buffalo-wild-wings-test-positive-for-coronavirus/
Boden moving shop from Pittston to Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/boden-moving-shop-from-pittston-to-scranton/article_eadcd729-d58e-58e9-8d00-8a3e95e10b0a.html
Salons in Lackawanna County prepare to reopen Friday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/salons-in-lackawanna-county-prepare-to-reopen-friday/article_987e639f-42ed-58db-913d-db3be9cfd208.html
Pennsylvania jobless rate falls to 13% in May
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200623/pennsylvania-jobless-rate-falls-to-13-in-may
Crime/Punishment
Wilkes-Barre mayor: Body cam initiative will ‘come to fruition’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-mayor-body-cam-initiative-will-come-to-fruition/article_2f3b958d-92a6-59bf-92af-2d26060e5354.html
More mayors considering body cams for police
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/more-mayors-considering-body-cams-for-police/article_975a1579-4b61-5d32-aca3-d39cb94e95b8.html
Pedestrian, moving vehicle, firehouse struck by bullets as gunfire erupts in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/pedestrian-moving-vehicle-firehouse-struck-by-bullets-as-gunfire-erupts-in-reading/article_e80f3cd4-b4a6-11ea-9521-6bc132acf708.html
Education
Dieruff student joins national call to remove police officers from schools
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-get-cops-out-of-schools-rally-20200622-j6eeccu675hvpjljk7i3a4twcy-story.html
Kiski Area tax bills will go up slightly in Westmoreland, but down in Armstrong
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/kiski-area-taxpayers-will-pay-about-2-more-in-school-property-taxes-next-school-year/
Dunmore taking fight against PIAA to state court
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/high-school/dunmore-taking-fight-against-piaa-to-state-court/article_bd86748a-beb1-5e58-93cf-9bd60a49c2e7.html#tncms-source=block-behavioral
Letter from 200 faculty, staff urge CMU to withdraw Richard Grenell’s appointment
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/23/Carnegie-Mellon-University-Richard-Grenell-academic-freedom-race-diplomacy-Trump/stories/202006220059
Of 130 major-college football programs, how can none have a black play-by-play announcer?
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2020/06/of-130-major-college-football-programs-how-can-none-have-a-black-play-by-play-announcer.html
Reopening college campuses
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/06/23/Reopening-college-campuses/stories/202006120072
Penn State leaders on fall plans: Nittany Lion Inn as isolation facility, not packing Beaver Stadium
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/23/penn-state-leaders-on-fall-plans-nittany-lion-inn-as-isolation-facility-not-packing-beaver-stadium/
Elections/Politics
Democrats hope Joe Biden’s VP choice can help him win Pa. But who can do that?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/joe-biden-vp-pick-pa-20200623.html
3 takeaways from this year’s primary election in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/3-takeaways-from-this-years-primary-election-in-berks-county/article_14a0af1c-b48e-11ea-a3db-df8ca17acf8f.html
Gaming
Mohegan Sun Pocono reopens
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mohegan-sun-pocono-reopens/article_4a90e4f7-6e64-5b02-aedd-c4222644e470.html
Wind Creek Bethlehem to reopen next Monday
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-wind-creek-bethlehem-reopening-coronavirus-pandemic-20200622-bixagucnb5ejnbin63wawfby2u-story.html
All bets are on: Mount Airy Casino open for business
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200623/all-bets-are-on-mount-airy-casino-open-for-business
Harrah’s casino in Chester to reopen Friday
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/harrahs-casino-in-chester-to-reopen-friday/article_366c0e7a-b4cf-11ea-8c2c-57c831c86cde.html
Health Care
Pandemic brought $38 million loss for Excela Health, which hopes for more federal aid
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pandemic-brought-38-million-loss-for-excela-health-which-hopes-for-more-federal-aid/
Cartwright announces over $6M for The Wright Center
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788990/cartwright-announces-over-6m-for-the-wright-center
Local News
Supreme Court declines to take over Scranton tax dispute
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/supreme-court-declines-to-take-over-scranton-tax-dispute/article_4c6241ef-79ec-5c91-a3d4-857ecfa9cbf2.html
Some Lackawanna County libraries to reopen Wednesday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/some-lackawanna-county-libraries-to-reopen-wednesday/article_bd34a408-a359-591a-93d1-e9a4b6e3d40f.html
Reading rejects bid for Fifth and Penn properties, plans to rebid project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-rejects-bid-for-fifth-and-penn-properties-plans-to-rebid-project/article_4a11bb8a-b4d1-11ea-b21d-bb4718bd6fd7.html
Source: Ex-Luzerne County judge Conahan no longer in prison
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788963/source-ex-luzerne-county-judge-conahan-no-longer-in-prison
Zoning hearing set for new hotel project on former Hotel Sterling site in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/788994/zoning-hearing-set-for-new-hotel-project-on-former-hotel-sterling-site-in-wilkes-barre
Luzerne County fair canceled
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-fair-canceled/article_39f58a49-98c9-54a9-a1d0-e25db4352315.html
Hazleton officials seek to increase noise penalties
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-officials-seek-to-increase-noise-penalties-1.2639908
As Columbus statues fall across the country, Easton has no plans to remove its sculpture
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-nws-easton-columbus-statue-debate-20200622-jve44sszinfm3psj2nx3wladjq-story.html
Fayette County man wronged in past by police saves officer from burning car
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/23/fayette-county-man-wronged-in-past-by-police-saves-officer-from-burning-car/
Warminster Dems, GOP raise $6,400 for local VFW
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200623/warminster-dems-gop-raise-6400-for-local-vfw
Chester County judicial vacancy to be filled
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/chester-county-judicial-vacancy-to-be-filled/article_a4dcbbd4-b4ca-11ea-8f45-3bb187ddf1ae.html
National News
California raceway president says noose found in tree at Sonoma Raceway
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/06/23/California-raceway-president-says-noose-found-in-tree-Sonoma-Raceway/stories/202006230047
Natural Gas
Former technician admits to falsifying weld records on Mariner East pipeline in Westmoreland County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/06/22/joshua-springer-former-technician-admits-falsifying-weld-records-mariner-east-pipeline-pa-energy-transfer/stories/202006220094
Philly
‘Good jobs’ in exchange for lower taxes is Philly City Council’s plan to soothe parking industry
https://www.inquirer.com/news/parking-tax-philadelphia-good-jobs-32bj-seiu-20200623.html
City Council puts money for the arts back into budget, but the Philadelphia Cultural Fund remains cut drastically
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-cultural-fund-restoring-arts-philadelphia-20200623.html
Philly Council committee advances paid leave bill for public health emergencies
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/philly-council-committee-advances-paid-leave-bill-for-public-health-emergencies/
How to shop safely now that stores are open
https://www.inquirer.com/news/green-phase-retail-stores-open-shopping-20200623.html
A surge in explosions at night stirs Mount Airy woman’s bid to bar consumer fireworks in the city
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fireworks-task-force-philadelphia-cheltenham-police-calls-20200622.html
2 teens shot in North Philly, one of them 17 times
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/north-philadelphia-shooting-teen-boys-20200622.html
Philly proposes $43 million Schuylkill trail extension to include bridge with scenic overlook
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/philadelphia-schuylkill-trail-bridge-bartrams-garden-20200622.html
The company buying the bankrupt Philly refinery wants a cheaper price
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hilco-philadelphia-energy-solutions-refinery-purchase-price-20200622.html
Penn will offer public high school seniors in Philly a free four-week college and career prep program
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-penn-philadelphia-school-district-free-students-academy-20200622.html
Husband killed and wife wounded in Kingsessing shooting, part of Friday-to-Monday gun violence
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-husband-killed-wife-injured-kingsessing-20200622.html
The Fashion District mall will reopen next week as Philly coronavirus restrictions are lifted
https://www.inquirer.com/business/coronavirus-philadelphia-fashion-district-gallery-reopen-20200622.html
For the anniversary of Philly refinery explosion, a call to end environmental racism | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/south-philly-refinery-sale-2020-environmental-racism-justice-20200622.html
Why Octavius V. Catto remains a civil rights icon in Philly | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/statues-philadelphia-octavius-catto-george-floyd-protests-20200622.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh holds 1st meeting for Community Task Force on Police Reform
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/22/Pittsburgh-Community-Task-Force-on-Police-Reform-first-meeting/stories/202006220107
Pittsburgh community voices strong emotions on school police
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/22/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-hearing-Oakland-removal-police-officers-district/stories/202006220112
Protesters demand end to police in Pittsburgh Public Schools
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/protesters-demand-end-to-police-in-pittsburgh-public-schools/
VA Pittsburgh cautious and ‘calculated’ as it slowly reopens to veterans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/22/COVID-19-coronavirus-cases-VA-Pittsburgh-veterans-affairs-exams-benefits-health/stories/202006220062
New Port Authority tool will give riders even more information about full buses, crowded routes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/06/22/Port-Authority-transit-room2ride-new-tool-crowded-buses-trip-planning-ridership-efficiency/stories/202006220096
Port Authority tool allows riders to gauge social-distance capacity on buses
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/port-authority-tool-allows-riders-to-gauge-social-distance-capacity-on-buses/
R.K. Mellon Foundation invests $5 million in economic recovery from COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/06/22/R-K-Mellon-Foundation-COVID-19-grants-economic-recovery-Pittsburgh/stories/202006220086
Tree of Life oral history project unfolds at New York museum
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/06/22/New-York-museum-holds-webinar-on-Tree-of-Life-oral-history-project/stories/202006220072
City, union reach 5-year agreement for Citiparks employees, park rangers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/22/City-union-reach-5-year-agreement-for-Citiparks-employees-park-rangers/stories/202006220079
Petition seeks to prevent district court on Highland Park’s Bryant Street
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/22/Bryant-Street-Highland-Park-district-magistrate-judge-court-petition/stories/202006220078
Covid-19 surcharges not catching on so far with Pittsburgh area restaurants
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/covid-19-surcharges-not-catching-on-so-far-with-pittsburgh-area-restaurants/
Downtown Pittsburgh expanding outdoor dining to reconfigured streets
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/downtown-pittsburgh-expanding-outdoor-dining-to-reconfigured-streets/
Allegheny County election officials assess primary, and propose changes ahead of November
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/23/allegheny-county-election-officials-assess-primary-and-propose-changes-ahead-of-november/
Transportation
State pulls funding from 2 Montgomery County road projects due to coronavirus losses
https://www.timesherald.com/news/state-pulls-funding-from-2-montgomery-county-road-projects-due-to-coronavirus-losses/article_a689a9fb-0ce9-5abe-a4d4-3a608b303c9d.html
Washington
Trump tweets videos of Black men attacking white people, asks, ‘Where are the protesters?’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-twitter-tweets-black-white-protests-20200623.html
Trump administration extends visa ban to non-immigrants
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-immigration-gree-cards-20200622.html