Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa Police Department’s K-9 Stella  received a  bulletproof and stab protective vest , according to her handler Officer Nicco D’Arrigo  The vest was provided   thanks to a charitable donation from  non-profit Vested Interest in k-9’s, Inc.   The vest is embroidered with the sentiment “honoring those who served and sacrificed.” The charity was established in 2009 and is a 501(c) (3) and their mission is to  provide the bulletproof and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement agencies  throughout the United States, according to a press release. The vests weigh an  average 4-5 pounds, and come with a 5 year warranty .The group accepts tax deductible donations.

2 Oklahoma police officers shot, in critical condition
TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, say two officers are in critical condition after being shot and police are searching for a suspect described as armed and dangerous. Police say on their Facebook and Twitter pages that the officers encountered a man identified as David Ware about 3:30 a.m. Monday on the city’s east side and were shot by Ware while scuffling with him. The names of the officers and the reason why the officers encountered Ware have not been released.

Couple draw guns at crowd heading to St. Louis mayor’s home
ST. LOUIS (AP) — A white couple pointed guns at protesters in St. Louis, Missouri, as the group marched toward the mayor’s home, demanding her resignation after she publicly read the names and addresses of several residents who supported defunding the police department. A social media video showed the armed couple standing outside their home Sunday evening, shouting at protesters, while people in the march urged the crowd to ignore them. Protesters were heading toward Mayor Lyda Krewson’s home, chanting, “Resign Lyda, take the cops with you.” Resignation demands come after a Facebook Live briefing, where Krewson read the names and addresses of several residents who wrote letters to the mayor suggesting she defund the police. Krewson apologized, stating she didn’t “intend to cause distress.”

Mississippi surrenders Confederate symbol from state flag
By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS Associated Press
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi will retire the last state flag in the U.S. that includes the Confederate battle emblem. Spectators cheered in the state Capitol on Sunday after legislators passed a bill. It requires that a new flag be designed without the emblem that many condemn as racist. The change comes amid widespread protests over racial injustice. Mississippi has a 38% Black population. Republican Gov. Tate Reeves is expected to sign the bill soon. It says the new flag must have the words, “In God We Trust.” Voters will be asked to approve the new flag in the Nov. 3 election.

Democrats want John Wayne’s name, statue taken off airport
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — In the latest move to change place names in light of U.S. racial history, leaders of Orange County’s Democratic Party are pushing to drop film legend John Wayne’s name, statue and other likenesses from the county’s airport because of his racist and bigoted comments. The Los Angeles Times reports that earlier this week, officials passed an emergency resolution condemning Wayne’s “racist and bigoted statements” made in a 1971 interview and are calling on the Orange County Board of Supervisors to drop his name, statue and other likenesses from the international airport. In the Playboy magazine interview, Wayne makes bigoted statements against Black people, Native Americans and the LGBTQ community.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 505 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 85,496

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 28, that there are 505 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 85,496. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

There are 6,606 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 3 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

Locally in Beaver County we are up ten cases since Friday at 648. 628 confirmed cases and 20 probables. 6060 people have tested negative and the county stands at 78.

“As nearly the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away. Each of us has a responsibility to continue to protect ourselves, our loved ones and others by wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and washing our hands frequently. Together we can protect our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians, our essential workers and our healthcare system.”

Mask wearing is required in all businesses in all phases of reopening. Consistent mask wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 633 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure, which are considered probable cases and not confirmed cases. There are 657,486 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Nearly 1% are ages 0-4;
• 1% are ages 5-12;
• 2% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 7% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 37% are ages 25-49;
• Nearly 25% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 28% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 17,677 resident cases of COVID-19, and 3,212 cases among employees, for a total of 20,889 at 687 distinct facilities in 51 counties. Out of our total deaths, 4,528 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 6,484 of our total cases are in health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the yellow or green phase of reopening.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials
• Map with the number of COVID-19 cases

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Governor Tom Wolf today commended the Allegheny County Executive and Health Department for the additional mitigations the county is putting in place in response to significant COVID-19 case increases over the past few days, emphasizing that the situation in Allegheny County is a reminder for the entire state to follow mask-wearing and other mitigation requirements. The majority of new cases in Allegheny County are in people age 19-49 with an average age of 27.

“I commend Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Health Department Director Dr. Debra Brogan for the decision to shut down bars and restaurants for on-premises alcohol sales in Allegheny County effective June 30. This was the right move to work to stop the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in its tracks and to remind all residents and businesses that the best defense we have in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping Pennsylvanians safe is to continue to follow the mask-wearing requirement, practice social distancing, and follow safety guidelines even and especially during the green phase of reopening. We cannot become complacent in practicing the measures we know can protect everyone from the spread of this very contagious virus.

“It is my hope that swift action on the part of the county results in swift containment and the return to an increased commitment to protect all residents, especially those most vulnerable to COVID-19, and that this action sets an example for the rest of the state to continue to follow mitigation efforts put in place to protect lives and livelihoods.

“Mitigation efforts statewide include the requirement to wear a mask when in businesses, following occupancy limits in all businesses and gatherings, practicing social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing surfaces – these simple practices can make a huge difference in protecting ourselves, our seniors, our neighbors and our communities. Even if you believe you will not get sick, you can, and you can spread the virus to someone who may not be able to recover as easily.”

Hamlin caps marathon day of racing at Pocono with 4th win
By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer
LONG POND, Pa. (AP) — Denny Hamlin held off Kevin Harvick on Sunday night to win the second Cup race of the weekend at Pocono Raceway and flip the result of the opener. Hamlin raced to his fourth victory of the season — and sixth at Pocono — to cap a wild, marathon day of racing at the track, with three NASCAR races and Cup finish in the dark. Pocono doesn’t have lights — but the pit road numbers were lit up and glowed as Hamlin took the checkered flag for Joe Gibbs Racing. Hamlin has 41 career victories to move to 19th on NASCAR’s career list.

Trump denies briefing about reported bounties on US troops
By ZEKE MILLER, JAMES LAPORTA and DEB RIECHMANN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House plans to brief select members of Congress after news reports citing U.S. intelligence that a Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to Taliban-linked militants for killing American troops in Afghanistan. The intelligence on bounties was reported initially by The New York Times and then was confirmed by The Associated Press. President Donald Trump denies being briefed and says he was told Sunday night the intelligence wasn’t considered credible. Intelligence officials tell the AP that Trump was briefed on the matter earlier this year. A top House Republican, Wyoming congresswoman Liz Cheney, has called for the White House to share more information with Congress.