Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: State’s grand ‘experiment’ of reopening begins with Friday announcement
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-cases-covid-thursday-20200430-lgvycjry7jezlfqmdxsq5hau7m-story.html
Many Pennsylvania counties can look forward to starting to reopen come May 8. How close are you?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/many-pennsylvania-counties-can-look-forward-to-a-change-in-the-covid-19-rules-come-may-8-how-close-are-you.html
Pennsylvania reports 97 more coronavirus deaths as total cases top 45,000
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-97-more-coronavirus-deaths-as-total-cases-top-45000/
Allegheny County’s COVID-19 death toll at 94; state to announce more reopenings Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/30/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-1/stories/202004300127
Allegheny County reports 8 more coronavirus deaths, 16 new cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-16-more-coronavirus-cases-8-new-deaths/
Over 9 days, Bucks County saw 100 coronavirus deaths – most in nursing homes
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-bucks-county-deaths-nursing-home-20200430.html
State reports 6 deaths, 32 more cases in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-reports-6-deaths-32-more-cases-in-county-1.2623735
42-year-old Luzerne County’s youngest virus death to date
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782013/42-year-old-luzerne-countys-youngest-virus-death-to-date
Westmoreland coronavirus death tally holds steady; total cases up to 391
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-coronavirus-death-tally-holds-steady-total-cases-up-to-391/
Berks County coronavirus deaths rise by 9, cases by 61
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-coronavirus-deaths-rise-by-9-cases-by-61/article_6512183a-8ae7-11ea-8757-8f88d994bd02.html
Montco officials report 159 new cases, 31 deaths
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/montco-officials-report-159-new-cases-31-deaths/article_82bd5820-65a2-5137-a18f-50ebd0fadc2c.html
State appoints ‘temporary manager’ for covid-stricken Beaver nursing home
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-appoints-temporary-manager-for-covid-stricken-beaver-nursing-home/
State appoints manager for troubled Beaver County nursing home
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/04/30/Brighton-Rehabilitation-Wellness-Center-coronavirus-cases-Beaver-PA-manager/stories/202004300182
Reporting at residential facilities scaled back
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/reporting-at-residential-facilities-scaled-back-1.2623637
Mountain View moved dementia patients with COVID-19 after family objections
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mountain-view-moved-dementia-patients-with-covid-19-after-family-objections-1.2623608
Vincentian Home creates wing to treat COVID-19 patients
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/30/Vincentian-Home-McCandless-creates-wing-COVID-19-patients-Isolation-Unit/stories/202004300159
State aging organizations release survey findings
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200430/state-aging-organizations-release-survey-findings
Even if coronavirus restrictions ease, many Americans remain wary of resuming everyday activities
https://triblive.com/local/regional/even-if-coronavirus-restrictions-ease-many-americans-remain-wary-of-resuming-everyday-activities/
COVID-19 panel: It’s here to stay, and will change how we do things
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781971/covid-19-panel-its-here-to-stay-and-will-change-how-we-do-things
Tidal wave of evictions feared when coronavirus moratorium expires
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/tidal-wave-of-evictions-feared-when-coronavirus-moratorium-expires/article_0adaa190-8ae5-11ea-92d4-6324744fe1d1.html
Montco official: ‘We’re going to need to learn how to live with this virus’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montco-official-were-going-to-need-to-learn-how-to-live-with-this-virus/article_336539a0-9561-5125-a35c-27568900b94e.html
Food stamp assistance: Congress must look to increase funding level
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/01/Food-stamp-assistance-Congress-must-look-to-increase-funding-level/stories/202004290019
Protecting children during COVID-19 is paramount | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/04/protecting-children-during-covid-19-is-paramount-opinion.html
Nancy Pelosi: States, cities seek $1 trillion to avert layoffs because of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/nancy-pelosi-state-local-governments-layoffs-coronavirus-covid-19-20200430.html
Pat Toomey: How to restart the Pennsylvania economy
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/05/01/Pat-Toomey-How-to-restart-the-Pennsylvania-economy/stories/202005010042
Ohio extends stay-at-home order through May 30
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ohio-extends-stay-at-home-order-through-may-30/
Legislature
Businesses find insurance doesn’t cover virus-related losses
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/businesses-find-insurance-doesnt-cover-virus-related-losses/article_dbbb66e2-895e-11ea-81cc-93efe658537b.html
Bill to provide first responders with addresses of COVID-19 cases moves to state House of Representatives
https://www.latrobebulletinnews.com/covid19/bill-to-provide-first-responders-with-addresses-of-covid-19-cases-moves-to-state-house/article_baad28b1-7561-55b0-9943-a610f547fcba.html
School Districts Adapting To ‘New Normal,’ With Virtual Learning Challenges
http://almanac.tubecityonline.com/almanac/?e=1872
In a time of pandemic, hazardous work conditions call for fair pay | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/in-a-time-of-pandemic-hazardous-work-conditions-call-for-fair-pay-opinion/
County officials facing primary election uncertainties tell Senate panel they know one thing: It could take several days to tally results
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/county-officials-facing-primary-election-uncertainties-tell-senate-panel-they-know-one-thing-it-could-take-several-days-to-tally-results/
COVID-19 worker protection bill earns state House approval
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/covid-19-worker-protection-bill-earns-state-house-approval-1.2623774
Republicans subpoena Wolf administration for documents related to business waiver process
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/30/tom-wolf-conoravirus-business-waivers-pa-republican-senators-subpoena-eugene-depasquale/stories/202004300139
Republican lawmakers vote to subpoena Wolf documents on business closures, with audit looming
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-wolf-thursday-20200430-jgbozslf2feingeysboibcvej4-story.html
Pa. Senate committee votes to subpoena Wolf administration over business waivers
https://papost.org/2020/04/30/pa-senate-committee-votes-to-subpoena-wolf-administration-over-business-waivers/
Cumberland County state senators Regan, Mastriano lead effort to subpoena Wolf’s business waiver process
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/cumberland-county-state-senators-regan-mastriano-lead-effort-to-subpoena-wolfs-business-waiver-process/article_cab277be-266e-5482-b824-355c4b222c18.html
Yudichak criticizes state’s response to crisis in nursing homes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-criticizes-state-s-response-to-crisis-in-nursing-homes-1.2623742
Administration
Gov. Wolf and AG Secretary talk food supply, meat processing plants
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/30/gov-wolf-and-ag-secretary-talk-food-supply-meat-processing-plants/
U.S. Supreme Court tells Gov. Wolf to defend business closure orders
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/30/u-s-supreme-court-tells-gov-wolf-to-defend-business-closure-orders/
Pa. auditor general to audit business waiver process
https://papost.org/2020/04/30/pa-auditor-general-to-audit-business-waiver-process/
Business
The deluge of newly jobless workers is crashing the Pa. unemployment system as officials field 20,000 calls a week
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/unemployment-pennsylvania-coronavirus-jobsless-claims-20200430.html
Armed with face masks and sanitizers, workers prepare to return to high-profile job sites
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/01/COVID-19-Pittsburgh-Bakery-Square-produce-terminal-Strip-East-Liberty-Shadyside/stories/202005010078
Construction work can resume today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/construction-work-can-resume-today-1.2623724
Commercial, residential construction resumes under state guidelines, but concerns remain
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commercial-residential-construction-resumes-under-state-guidelines-but-concerns-remain-1.2623602
The 43-day wait is over: Construction on all projects in Pa. can resume
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/05/the-43-day-wait-is-over-construction-on-all-projects-in-pa-can-resume.html
Here are 13 central Pa. construction projects that are expected to resume
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/here-are-13-central-pa-construction-projects-that-are-expected-to-resume.html
I was denied unemployment. What can I do?
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/denied-unemployment-claim-coronavirus-pa-20200430.html
Pa. and N.J. golf courses are reopening this weekend: What you need to know before you play
https://www.inquirer.com/news/golf-courses-reopen-pa-nj-wolf-murphy-coronavirus-covid-19-20200430.html
Bucks garden center surprises customer by delivering groceries and hot food with her flowers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/coronavirus-kindness-bucks-county-flowers-groceries-delivery-castles-garden-center-20200430.html
Another $310 billion in loan money, yet small businesses struggle to access emergency loans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/04/30/Congress-replenishment-small-business-loans-Paycheck-Protection-Program/stories/202004290085
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes were the first to go. Here’s what else is being bought up
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/04/30/covid-19-quarantine-grocery-shopping-cant-find-sanitizer-wipes-rice-pasta-flour-stores/stories/202004300154
U.S. Steel expects to lay off 2,700 workers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/u-s-steel-posts-391-million-in-losses-during-1st-quarter/
Pandemic-fueled rush on meat keeps Western Pa. markets working harder to satisfy demand
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pandemic-fueled-rush-on-meat-keeps-local-markets-working-harder-to-satisfy-demand/
Union leader blasts Trump order keeping meat plants open
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/union-leader-blasts-trump-order-keeping-meat-plants-open-1.2623726
Walkouts planned at Amazon, other big-box warehouses across nation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/walkouts-planned-at-amazon-other-big-box-warehouses-across-nation-1.2623719
Fishing tours, marinas resume today with safety precautions in place
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fishing-tours-marinas-resume-today-with-safety-precautions-in-place-1.2623753
Crime/Punishment
N95 mask? Check. Nitrile gloves? Check. COVID-19 screening card? Check. Welcome to pandemic policing.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/01/policing-protocol-changes-covid-19-allegheny-county-pittsburgh/stories/202004280099
Education
Fall semester shrouded in uncertainty for Pennsylvania schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/30/Fall-semester-shrouded-uncertainty-classes-students-Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh-schools/stories/202004300157
West Mifflin Area School District, turnpike agree on easements close to campus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/30/West-Mifflin-Area-School-District-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-Commission-agree-on-easements-close-to-campus/stories/202005010025
Thomas Jefferson University says it will allow on-campus living, in-person classes this fall
https://www.inquirer.com/education/jefferson-fall-students-plan-campus-coronavirus-20200430.html
Lackawanna College to offer scholarships to high schoolers in dual enrollment program
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-college-to-offer-scholarships-to-high-schoolers-in-dual-enrollment-program-1.2623494
Elections/Politics
Pa.’s four congresswomen will campaign for Joe Biden as he faces pressure on sexual-assault accusation
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/joe-biden-assault-tara-reade-chrissy-houlahan-mary-jo-scanlon-madeleine-dean-20200430.html
Pitt report says Congress needs to step up funding to Pa. for election costs amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/04/30/Pennsylvania-election-primary-mail-ballot-Congress-funding-Allegheny-County/stories/202004300184
Gaming
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino files petition to offer sports betting later this year
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-wind-creek-bethlehem-sports-wagering-petition-20200430-p2ekzaj5dfaite7p7yxbmgq3qa-story.html
Health Care
UPMC ready to provide full medical services
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/30/UPMC-coronavirus-COVID-19-hospitals-provide-medical-services-resume-testing/stories/202004300161
New York doctors thank UPMC for helping during COVID-19 crisis
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/30/UPMC-receives-thank-you-for-helping-New-York-doctors-telemedicine-covid-19/stories/202004270058
UPMC to administer coronavirus antibody tests to all patients
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-to-administer-coronavirus-antibody-tests-to-all-patients/
Why has hospital volume reduced for non-COVID-19 patients? A cardiologist explains. | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/why-has-hospital-volume-reduced-non-covid-19-patients-cardiologist-explains-expert-opinion-20200501.html
Pa. hospitals get hundreds of millions in loans to deal with coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-hospitals-get-hundreds-of-millions-in-loans-to-deal-with-coronavirus.html
Hospitals receive aid to combat COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/30/Western-Pennsylvania-hospitals-receive-state-aid-combat-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202004300126
New funding awarded to assist hospitals across PA; $100M to Geisinger
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781990/new-funding-awarded-to-assist-hospitals-across-pa-100m-to-geisinger
To keep coronavirus patients off ventilators, Lehigh Valley hospitals turn to new treatments and drugs
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-proning-hydroxychloroquine-covid-treatments-20200501-lu3gjtiavbdpfklrz2wi7v7eha-story.html
Local News
Scranton’s Act 47 recovery coordinator reversed recommendation that city should exit distressed status
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-s-act-47-recovery-coordinator-reversed-recommendation-that-city-should-exit-distressed-status-1.2623769
DEP moves into final phase of reviews for landfill expansion
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep-moves-into-final-phase-of-reviews-for-landfill-expansion-1.2623495
PennDOT loans 23 workers to bustling Berks food bank Helping Harvest
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/penndot-loans-23-workers-to-bustling-berks-food-bank-helping-harvest/article_4f22a7d8-8afb-11ea-8516-3bdd555f56dc.html
Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks & Recreation cancels all events through June
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-bureau-of-parks-recreation-cancels-all-events-through-june/
West Pittston obtains discounts for flood insurance holders
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781998/west-pittston-obtains-discounts-for-flood-insurance-holders
Lower flood insurance rates for West Pittston start today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lower-flood-insurance-rates-for-west-pittston-start-today-1.2623609
Luzerne County resuming gun permit applications with new format
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781964/luzerne-county-resuming-gun-permit-applications-with-new-format
County to resume accepting gun permit applications
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-to-resume-accepting-gun-permit-applications-1.2623610
W-B budget earmarks funds for business assistance
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-budget-earmarks-funds-for-business-assistance-1.2623607
Philly
Tax hikes, layoffs, and no swimming pools: Mayor Jim Kenney’s coronavirus budget isn’t pretty
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kenney-parking-tax-hike-wage-tax-budget-coronavirus-20200430.html
Kenney administration proposes increasing some taxes to make up for coronavirus losses
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/kenney-administration-proposes-increasing-some-taxes-to-make-up-for-coronavirus-losses/article_457ce66a-bf90-5f4b-b0f0-d2413113e877.html
Classes in shifts? Philly schools planning for a fall of ‘challenging circumstances’ due to coronavirus.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/coronavirus-philadelphia-school-district-return-hite-mask-fall-20200430.html
Philly gig workers could get paid sick leave during coronavirus under a bill by Councilmember Kendra Brooks
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/philadelphia-paid-sick-leave-expansion-coronavirus-20200430.html
Law protecting Philadelphia domestic workers takes effect as they’re losing jobs in droves
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-domestic-worker-bill-of-rights-takes-effect-coronavirus-20200501.html
L&I fight: Labor says Philly has been too easy on ‘underground’ employers who build without permits
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/construction-ibew-landi-underground-economy-20200501.html
Anatomy of a billion-dollar deficit: A behind-the-scenes look at the economic tsunami facing Philly schools
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/01/anatomy-of-a-billion-dollar-deficit-a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-the-economic-tsunami-facing-philly-schools/
Republicans to Pa. voters: Mail-in ballots are good. And also very dangerous.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/trump-mail-in-ballot-fraud-pennsylvania-republicans-promote-20200501.html
Pitt
Controller Lamb: Pittsburgh’s financially positive 2019 will likely become a ‘fiscal crisis’ in 2020
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/30/pittsburgh-controller-michael-lamb-comprehensive-annual-financial-report-2019-2020-covid-19/stories/202004300138
Pittsburgh controller: City could face major layoffs in 2021 without federal aid
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-controller-city-could-face-major-layoffs-in-2020-without-federal-aid/
City will restart outdoor work — like pothole patching — for certain employees
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/30/Pittsburgh-outdoor-public-works-employees-workers-COVID-19-restart-safety/stories/202004300152
Pittsburgh employees to resume outside work, but shutdown continues amid pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-employees-to-resume-outside-work-but-shutdown-continues-amid-pandemic/
How a park bloomed Downtown
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2020/04/30/A-park-blooms-in-Pittsburgh-Firstside-Park-a-Downtown/stories/202004200068
Trib ups grant fund to $1 million
https://triblive.com/local/regional/trib-ups-grant-fund-to-1-million/
Postal Service hiring for temporary jobs at $17.95 per hour
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/postal-service-hiring-for-temporary-jobs-at-17-95-per-hour/
All Pittsburgh students will receive passing grades, as district struggles to meet tech needs
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/all-pittsburgh-students-will-receive-passing-grades-as-district-struggles-to-meet-tech-needs/
State News
Pennsylvania American Water grows by acquiring another public plant in Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/american-water-acquisition-upper-pottsgrove-pa-20200430.html
Renters face uncertainty amid COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/renters-face-uncertainty-amid-covid-19-outbreak-1.2623739
NEPA proves wisdom of Clean Air Act
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/nepa-proves-wisdom-of-clean-air-act-1.2623581
COVID-19 lockdown chokes revenue, jobs and tourism in the Poconos
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200501/covid-19-lockdown-chokes-revenue-jobs-and-tourism-in-poconos
Transportation
May brings broader return of PennDOT road work under eased covid-19 restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/regional/may-brings-broader-return-of-penndot-road-work-under-eased-covid-19-restrictions/