>>Wolf, Levine Sign Targeted COVID-19 Mitigation Order
(Harrisburg, PA) -- Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Doctor Rachel Levine are signing new orders for what they call targeted mitigation efforts to combat the recent rise in COVID-19 cases. The move prohibits bars from being open unless they offer sit-down, dine-in meals. Indoor dining is capped at 25% of the fire code maximum occupancy or 25 people including staff. All nightclubs are to be closed, according to the order. Wolf warned that a new surge is in the offing and could eclipse what happened this past spring.
>>State Lawmakers Work To Limit Governor’s Disaster Powers
(Harrisburg, PA) -- State lawmakers are trying to limit Governor Tom Wolf’s disaster powers. Both the state House and Senate passed the bill to amend the state constitution, limiting a disaster declaration to 21 days without an extension being approved by lawmakers with a majority vote. The measure has to be approved by both chambers again during the next legislative session, which starts in January, before it can go to a statewide referendum vote.
>>Woman To Be Sentenced This Fall For Perjury Connected To Tracy Kroh Disappearance
(Harrisburg, PA) -- A woman is expected to be sentenced this September after admitting to perjury charges last week connected to the disappearance of Tracy Kroh. Holly Mallett admitted to lying to a grand jury about what Matthew Webster told her about his involvement in her rape and murder in 1989 in Upper Dauphin County. Webster entered a no contest plea to perjury charges as well.
>>Delaware Removed From PA Quarantine List
(Harrisburg, PA) -- Delaware is now off the quarantine list for Pennsylvania residents. The state Department of Health removed the First State after being added to the list on Sunday. There are 18 states identified by the health department as areas with high amounts of COVID-19 cases, requiring anyone who visits those states to self-quarantine for 14 days afterward.
>>Vigil Held For Missing Amish Teen
(Bird-In-Hand, PA) -- Organizers say hundreds of people took part in a vigil last night for a missing Amish woman who hasn’t been seen in more than three weeks. Officials believe 18-year-old Linda Stoltzfoos was kidnapped June 21st on her way home from church along Stumptown Road. It is reported that organizers invited the suspect’s family to the vigil, though it’s unclear if they were in attendance. Justo Smoker was arrested last week and charged with felony kidnapping and misdemeanor false imprisonment.
>>Governor Ready To Halt School Reopening If Need Be
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf is ready to halt schools from reopening if COVID-19 cases continue to surge. Health officials say they want schools to reopen in the fall, but the infection rate must be under control to ensure safety and bring confidence to students and teachers. Wolf says the new spread of the virus is due to interstate travel and states not doing what they should have done to limit the spread as well as a "lack of national coordination," in the pandemic response. About six-weeks remain until the school year starts.
>>Fall High School Sports To Officially 'Stay The course'
The Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association is officially moving forward with the fall sports season after holding a meeting yesterday. The executive director says they are trying to hold serve and stay the course based on any information they receive. Another meeting to discuss fall sports considerations and more possible guidelines is slated for July 29th. Fall sports are set to begin on August 17th.
>>Pennsylvania Senate Passes Bill To Revamp Probation System
The Pennsylvania State Senate is passing a bill to revamp the state's probation system. Officials say this legislation will immediately improve the lives of many trapped in an inequitable probation system. The bill aims to reduce probation sentences by implementing hearings after a certain amount of time depending on the offense, a move that probation officers have advocated for. It also calls for credits to be offered to reduce sentences through incentives such as holding a job or completing a degree.