Wolf promises reform as protests surge across Pa.

Will this time be any different?

The police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has renewed calls by Democrats in the legislature to change the state’s deadly force law and ramp up police oversight. But similar measures introduced after an East Pittsburgh police officer shot and killed Antwon Rose II, an unarmed black teenager, in 2018 have languished in the GOP-controlled General Assembly. 

Lawmakers are now looking to Gov. Tom Wolf to take executive actions, including directing the State Police to create a database of disciplinary actions for all police officers in the state. The governor, who marched with demonstrators in Harrisburg yesterday, is expected to make an announcement at 4:15 p.m. today, and we're digging for details in advance.

Speaking of marches, even though those in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia have received the most attention, people in communities throughout the state have taken to the streets to demand more police accountability. We've rounded up a sampling of stories from our friends in newsrooms in all corners.

Also this week, for various reasons — ranging from misunderstandings to threats — a growing number of seniors in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities aren't receiving their coronavirus stimulus checks.

Finally, we're excited to introduce our new community engagement fellow, Yaasmeen Piper. Yaasmeen just graduated from East Stroudsburg University, where she served for two years as editor-in-chief of the Stroud Courier, the student newspaper. Over the past four years, she has worked as an intern and freelance writer with a focus on arts, culture, news, and social issues.

You can reach Yaasmeen at ypiper@spotlightpa.org.

— Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA

Black Lives Matter protests

» PUBLIC SOURCE: Seeing racism unfold hurts the mental health of this Black teen

» CAPITAL-STAR: Towns and boroughs across Pa. join the march against police brutality

» PENNLIVE: Harrisburg Police commissioner sees biggest test yet with current protests 

» GO ERIE: George Floyd killing brings out racial tension and pain in Erie

» MORNING CALL: Photos: Protesters march peacefully in Allentown

» INQUIRER: Inquirer journalist arrested after covering Black Lives Matter protest in Philly

» WNEP: Hundreds plus county sheriff show up for Black Lives Matter rally in Poconos

» SAUCON SOURCE: Photos, video: Peaceful protesters rally in Bethlehem