Legislature
Pa. is making a rare show of unity on police reform. It’s unclear how far it’ll go.
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/26/pa-is-making-a-rare-show-of-unity-on-police-reform-its-unclear-how-far-itll-go/
Good start in Harrisburg on police reform, but final results will matter most [editorial] https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/good-start-in-harrisburg-on-police-reform-but-final-results-will-matter-most-editorial/article_276b1686-b74b-11ea-9c64-679dee9e9648.html
Probation reform moves forward in Pa. Senate, but some say bill won’t change a flawed system
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/probation-reform-moves-forward-in-pa-senate-but-some-say-bill-wont-change-a-flawed-system.html
Bill requiring insurers to pay for supplemental breast cancer screenings about to become law in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/bill-requiring-insurers-to-pay-for-supplemental-breast-cancer-screenings-about-to-become-law-in-pa.html
The latest push to expand gambling in Pennsylvania, explained
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/the-latest-push-to-expand-gambling-in-pennsylvania-explained/
Bill to provide mail-in ballots to all Pennsylvania voters introduced to House committee
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/06/25/Pennsylvania-voters-mail-in-ballot-bill-primary-election-Allegheny-County-polls/stories/202006220069
Coronavirus – COVID-19
COVID-19 update: State reports 579 new cases, Western Pa. sees 96-case jump
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/25/COVID-19-western-pennsylvania-pittsburgh-allegheny-data-cases-deaths-pandemic/stories/202006250118
Pennsylvania reports 39 new coronavirus deaths, 579 new cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-has-39-new-coronavirus-deaths-579-new-cases/
Westmoreland County has 15 new coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-has-15-new-coronavirus-cases/
Berks County has 8 new cases of coronavirus as 1-week average remains steady
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-has-8-new-cases-of-coronavirus-as-1-week-average-remains-steady/article_7a171920-b700-11ea-8927-7b7d5ac9fef0.html
Four new COVID-19 deaths in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/four-new-covid-19-deaths-in-nepa/article_bff7d6eb-c9ce-5fdb-93c9-2313e00f6a6d.html
Montgomery County records 48 new positive cases of coronavirus
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-48-new-positive-cases-of-coronavirus/article_56c8bc56-1395-535a-89e2-f5443cfee7a1.html
Pittsburgh doctors document onset of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in covid-19 patient
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-doctors-document-onset-of-guillain-barre-syndrome-in-covid-19-patient/
3 police officers, Mad Mex employee test positive for covid-19 in Monroeville
https://triblive.com/local/monroeville/3-monroeville-police-officers-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19/
Coronavirus could be the turning point for genetic vaccines, a 30-year-old technology that has not fulfilled its promise
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-inovio-dna-rna-genetic-vaccines-frontrunners-development-race-20200626.html
US virus cases near an all-time high as governors backtrack
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/us-virus-cases-near-an-all-time-high-as-governors-backtrack/article_7d4c604e-9847-561b-9ad5-bf613e93e4ef.html
Reopening
Lackawanna County goes green
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-goes-green/article_2b5a04d9-1d0b-5633-b6c2-a44e10598503.html
As Bucks goes green, officials worry about July 10 eviction ban end
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200625/as-bucks-goes-green-officials-worry-about-july-10-eviction-ban-end
Chester County businesses prepare to go ‘green’ Friday
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-businesses-prepare-to-go-green-friday/article_996ba756-b655-11ea-8a9a-1b134497e881.html
Businesses eager to reopen as Berks County enters least restrictive coronavirus green phase
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/businesses-eager-to-reopen-as-berks-county-enters-least-restrictive-coronavirus-green-phase/article_915b1dd2-b554-11ea-bb1c-abc7971b6c78.html
Green phase guide: What to expect at Lehigh Valley gyms, restaurants and salons as restrictions lift Friday
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-green-phase-preview-20200625-qfkiyzjbe5dtjkf53gfvrdmatu-story.html
Muted shade of green
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/muted-shade-of-green/article_c862eb7b-f1e6-5837-8022-aae5d263c46a.html
Editorial: Cautious optimism as we go ‘green’
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorial-cautious-optimism-as-we-go-green/article_acd2e730-b70b-11ea-91a9-5777c49929be.html
Business
Face masks ‘touchy subject’ for local restaurants, but still required for employees under pandemic rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/06/26/face-masks-restaurants-COVID-19-Allegheny-County-Health-Department/stories/202006250144
Comcast offering free Wi-Fi for rest of year as nation works to reopen amid coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/comcast-offering-free-wi-fi-for-rest-of-year-as-nation-works-to-reopen-amid-coronavirus/
Longtime Scranton shoe store for sale
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/longtime-scranton-shoe-store-for-sale/article_c72b1fcb-c13f-5efd-b885-48fc2450a827.html
Quest Diagnostics recalling many furloughed employees as routine testing rebounds
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/quest-diagnostics-recalling-many-furloughed-employees-as-routine-testing-rebounds/article_8e9a93d6-b6f6-11ea-8e78-77f8de93e9e6.html
Dorney Park to open July 8 but just to season pass-holders to start
https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/mc-ent-dorney-park-announces-opening-20200626-moieixvknrd43mjy3oo3x7yrsi-story.html
Hourly Walmart employees in Pa. receive another COVID-19 bonus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/hourly-walmart-employees-in-pa-receive-another-covid-19-bonus.html
Crime/Punishment
SCI Retreat to close by Saturday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/789294/sci-retreat-to-close-by-saturday
District judge sends ‘spitter’ case to court
https://www.timesleader.com/news/789310/district-judge-sends-spitter-case-to-court
Prosecutors believe Cirko case could set legal precedent
https://www.timesleader.com/news/789312/prosecutors-believe-cirko-case-could-set-legal-precedent
York City publicizes police use of force policy; includes chokehold ban
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/politics/2020/06/25/york-city-publicizes-police-use-force-policy-includes-chokehold-ban/3252272001/
Education
Reading School District takes a stand against racism and inequality
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-school-district-takes-a-stand-against-racism-and-inequality/article_3fd441f2-b683-11ea-ae33-4f5218a61839.html
Dunmore School Board condemns racism, begins committee
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/dunmore-school-board-condemns-racism-begins-committee/article_b5db55a8-0c02-5259-be97-42780e124242.html
Allentown Board names new school after first female Army general, who some in community say doesn’t reflect district’s diversity
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-new-elementary-school-name-20200626-l53wtf6hovfbfpezillrnrben4-story.html
South Fayette School District offers counseling services to students in wake of teen’s death
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/06/25/South-Fayette-schools-counseling-services-students-death-Julianna-Gennaro/stories/202006250098
Pa.’s public schools are bleeding money because of the pandemic. It’s time to fix charter funding | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-s-public-schools-are-bleeding-money-because-of-the-pandemic-its-time-to-fix-charter-funding-opinion/
Schools need to reopen: Continued closures will only widen the divide in learning
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/06/26/Schools-reopen-education-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202006170035
Do police belong in schools? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/police-reforms-school-resource-officers-20200626.html
Confederate flag displays on cars criticized during LCCC roundtable discussion on diversity issues
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/confederate-flag-displays-on-cars-criticized-during-lccc-roundtable-discussion-on-diversity-issues/article_8be56bde-6216-5869-a64e-e28b2b1726f3.html
Kutztown University plans to return to on-campus classes in August
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/kutztown-university-plans-to-return-to-on-campus-classes-in-august/article_42ec9df4-b718-11ea-9d82-03c6b6192d5f.html
Elections/Politics
‘How dare you sit here and steal an election,’ Enid Santiago says to Lehigh County election officials, after missing opportunity to contest results
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-allentown-lehigh-election-santiago-schweyer-20200625-llny5thtancs5ahfaumba3geri-story.html
Joe Biden makes campaign stop in Lancaster, Pa., promising to provide health care for all
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/joe-biden-makes-campaign-stop-in-lancaster-pa-watch-live.html
Biden talks about Trump’s ‘twin legacies’ as supporters yell ‘Black Lives Matter’ outside
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/06/25/presidential-candidate-joe-biden-visited-lancaster-talk-healthcare-pa-families/3256360001/
Dueling Trump-Biden events offer contrasting virus responses as the Democrat visits Lancaster
https://www.witf.org/2020/06/26/dueling-trump-biden-events-offer-contrasting-virus-responses-as-the-democrat-visits-lancaster/
Democrats used to fear being called soft on crime. After George Floyd, ‘that dynamic has changed entirely.’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/george-floyd-protests-democrats-police-unions-20200626.html
Trump’s slumping numbers pump up Joe Biden in Pennsylvania, new poll says
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/president-donald-trump-joe-biden-poll-pennsylvania-20200625.html
Health Care
Trump administration urges Supreme Court to end Obamacare
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/06/26/Obamacare-Trump-administration-asks-Supreme-Court-end/stories/202006260085
Penn State Health has no short-term plans to downsize Holy Spirit, calling it ‘perfect fit’ for West Shore expansion
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/penn-state-health-voicing-no-plans-to-downsize-holy-spirit-says-it-can-help-jumpstart-new-hospital-in-cumberland.html
Local News
Scranton City Hall, other facilities to reopen Monday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/scranton-city-hall-other-facilities-to-reopen-monday/article_647b559b-90d3-5635-b8aa-b9a8f62d6b07.html
City to crack down on fireworks “war zone”
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-to-crack-down-on-fireworks-war-zone/article_700d1058-ebee-5655-bad3-5d1ad26d75e4.html
Historical society gets CARES Act grant
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/historical-society-gets-cares-act-grant/article_756cbaec-2396-55e7-a909-2f8edea107c7.html
City council OKs first reading of noise ordinance
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-council-oks-first-reading-of-noise-ordinance-1.2640347
Berks County commissioners extend disaster emergency over coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-commissioners-extend-disaster-emergency-over-coronavirus/article_510d3316-b6ec-11ea-8c3d-0f47836b601e.html
Westmoreland County moving its tax delinquent property sale to WCCC campus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-moving-its-tax-delinquent-property-sale-to-wccc-campus/
Grace out as Delaware County executive director
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/grace-out-as-delaware-county-executive-director/article_c0c07412-b727-11ea-bc56-838cafa62799.html
National News
Disney to replace Splash Mountain ‘Song of the South’ theme with ‘Princess and the Frog’
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/travel/2020/06/25/Splash-Mountain-Disney-ride-Princess-and-the-Frog-theme-Song-of-the-South/stories/202006250168
NHL not planning to quarantine players for training camps
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2020/06/26/NHL-not-planning-to-quarantine-players-for-training-camps/stories/202006260087
With Climate Pledge Arena, Amazon puts promise in lights
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2020/06/25/Climate-Pledge-Arena-Seattle-Amazon-naming-rights-NHL-new-name/stories/202006250172
U.S. Catholic bishops: Clergy sex abuse claims tripled in 2019
https://triblive.com/news/world/us-catholic-bishops-clergy-sex-abuse-claims-tripled-in-2019/
Natural Gas
Pennsylvania’s attorney general releases scathing grand jury report on fracking industry, state regulators
https://www.inquirer.com/science/pennsylvania-fracking-hydraulic-fracturing-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-20200625.html
‘We started getting sores all over us’: Grand jury report blasts DEP, health department over fracking failures in Pa.
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/grand-jury-report-blasts-dep-health-department-over-fracking-failures-in-pa/
Grand jury: State failed to protect public from fracking
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/grand-jury-state-failed-to-protect-public-from-fracking/article_8bb9eea0-ebe4-5949-879c-e1cf57e8685d.html
Philly
Police under fire for ‘coddling’ violent groups of white people in Fishtown, South Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-protests-marconi-plaza-fishtown-south-philadelphia-protests-20200626.html
Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, Mayor Jim Kenney apologize for teargassing of protesters on 676
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-protests-676-teargas-mayor-jim-kenney-danielle-outlaw-20200625.html
Kenney, Outlaw admit they were wrong about 676 protest tear-gassing, officers involved to be fired
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/kenney-outlaw-admit-they-were-wrong-about-676-protest-tear-gassing-officers-involved-to-be/article_fb6cf73e-98af-5d23-bb1a-1e2cb032a758.html
Philadelphia set to be first U.S. city to protect workers against retaliation for calling out coronavirus conditions
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-safety-whistleblower-anti-retaliation-law-20200625.html
Philadelphia school district officials eye pushing back start of school year
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-school-district-officials-eye-pushing-back-start-of-school-year/article_0c437c54-ae0d-532f-812f-2d7583e36fab.html
PHL COVID-19 Fund announces $2.1 million in latest grants
https://www.inquirer.com/news/phl-covid-19-fund-awarded-seventh-set-of-grants-for-21-million-20200626.html
Some Philadelphia businesses reopen Friday. This is what they expect to happen.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/reopen-philadelphia-coronavirus-business-20200626.html
Philly-area renters are staying put, opting for shorter leases, and seeking more affordable units amid coronavirus uncertainty
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/coronavirus-apartment-rent-philadelphia-main-line-suburbs-20200626.html
Philly City Council approves budget with coronavirus cuts, tax hikes, flat-funded Police Department
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/city-council-budget-vote-police-tax-increase-20200625.html
No more ‘police’ in Philly schools; ‘safety officers’ in new uniforms coming this fall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/school-police-philadelphia-safety-officers-district-kevin-bethel-hite-20200625.html
Can good design protect us from the coronavirus? Philly designers pivoting to public health think so.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-design-aid-community-design-collaborative-20200626.html
SEPTA board approves fare changes; $2.2 billion for operating, capital budget
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-board-fare-proposal-children-free-transfers-budget-20200625.html
Philly Council moves to diversify police, strengthen oversight, curtail stop-and-frisk
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-city-council-police-reform-stop-and-frisk-george-floyd-20200625.html
Philadelphia City Council votes to cap third-party delivery fees and expand outdoor dining
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-restaurants-delivery-fees-cap-grubhub-doordash-outdoor-dining-streeteries-20200625.html
The company buying the bankrupt Philly refinery will get a cheaper price
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hilco-20200625.html
Man is arrested in Fishtown ‘vigilante’ group’s assault on WHYY producer
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-fishtown-white-vigilante-assault-arrest-whyy-jon-ehrens-20200625.html
Philadelphia’s progressive priorities imperil the city’s future | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/george-floyd-protests-jim-kenney-larry-krasner-columbus-statue-20200626.html
Unconstitutional policing — including stop-and-frisk — should have no place in Philadelphia | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-stop-frisk-narcotics-illegal-unconstitutional-20200625.html
Amnesty International won a Nobel Prize for fighting torture. Next up: Philly police. | Will Bunch
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/attytood/violent-police-response-george-floyd-protests-tear-gas-20200625.html
Pitt
About $23M in contracts were approved for Pittsburgh minority- and women-owned businesses in 2019
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/06/25/Equal-Opportunity-Commission-pittsburgh-contracts-women-owned-business-minority/stories/202006250127
PPS board adjusts student codes of conduct, but disorderly conduct remains
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/25/PPS-Pittsburgh-school-board-student-codes-conduct-disorderly-discipline-behavior/stories/202006250137
Udin recognizes recent movement for racial justice at PPS board meeting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/25/Sala-Udin-recognizes-recent-movement-racial-justice-Pittsburgh-PPS-meeting-George-Floyd-silence/stories/202006250125
For some Pitt students this fall, hotels will serve as dorm halls
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/06/25/University-Pitttsburgh-hotels-COVID-19-students-dorms-residence-trustees-Pitt/stories/202006250105
It’s a reopening weekend for many museums
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2020/06/25/Museums-reopening-green-phase-exhibitions-art-Carnegie/stories/202006180111
Up to 1,000 families receiving free diapers, wipes during drive-up event
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/25/diaper-distribution-PPG-Paints-Arena-pittsburgh-pandemic/stories/202006250090
Seven sworn in Thursday as City of Pittsburgh paramedics
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/06/25/Seven-sworn-in-Thursday-as-City-of-Pittsburgh-paramedics/stories/202006250136
Groups plan $1.1M historical restoration of path in Pittsburgh North Side park
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/groups-plan-1-1-million-historical-restoration-of-path-in-pittsburgh-north-side-park/
15th Port Authority employee tests positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/another-employee-at-port-authoritys-west-mifflin-garage-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/
Pittsburgh airport launches 2nd phase of reopening plan as travel increases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-airport-launches-second-phase-of-reopening-plan-as-travel-increases/
State News
Health department investigates Mon Valley pollution
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/06/25/allegheny-county-Health-department-pittsburgh-investigation-Mon-Valley-pollution/stories/202006250130
Gettysburg, home to America’s most hallowed battlefield, reckons with symbols of the Confederacy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/confederate-flag-monuments-gettysburg-civil-war-battlefield-rebel-south-20200626.html
Transportation
Airport numbers continue to be down; turnaround anticipated
https://www.timesleader.com/news/789303/airport-numbers-continue-to-be-down-turnaround-anticipated
PennDOT extends deadlines for driver licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/06/penndot-extends-deadlines-for-driver-licenses-id-cards-and-learners-permits.html
Washington
House passes sweeping police overhaul after Floyd’s death
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/06/25/House-Democrats-to-approve-police-overhaul-as-Senate-stalls/stories/202006250141
Authorize, fund heritage areas
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/authorize-fund-heritage-areas/article_91514c9c-f71d-5dfa-a5a8-6d94cab4cd01.html