Coronavirus – COVID-19
Gov. Wolf pushes back hard on counties threatening to step out of line, with some early signs of success
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/power-save-pa-gov-tom-wolf-pushes-back-hard-on-counties-threatening-to-step-out-of-line-in-pandemic-reopening-plan-with-some-early-signs-of-success.html
Gov. Tom Wolf denounces Pa. counties reopening without his approval as ‘cowardly,’ ‘selfish’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/11/Governor-Wolf-pennsylvania-response-counties-reopening-pandemic/stories/202005110070
Gov. Tom Wolf warns he will withhold funds from Pa. counties that violate coronavirus stay-at-home order
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-pennsylvania-coronavirus-reopen-wolf-order-shutdown-20200511.html
Gov. Wolf threatens action against Pennsylvania counties, businesses that ignore restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/regional/gov-wolf-threatens-action-against-pennsylvania-counties-businesses-that-ignore-restrictions/
Wolf: Counties that reopen in defiance of stay home orders are ‘surrendering’ to COVID-19
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/wolf-counties-that-reopen-in-defiance-of-stay-home-orders-are-surrendering-to-covid-19/
Wolf to red counties: ‘Follow the law or face consequences’
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200511/wolf-to-red-counties-follow-law-or-face-consequences
Pa. counties rebel against closures and Gov. Wolf threatens funding
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/12/pa-counties-rebel-against-closures-and-gov-wolf-threatens-funding/
Pennsylvania coronavirus reopening: Wolf threatens to pull federal aid from counties that reopen outside of his schedule, calls it ‘cowardly act’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-wolf-reopening-monday-20200511-pg7elwzhfnhatf4xotmnwelgae-story.html
How Pennsylvania decides when counties can reopen
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/yellow-phase-green-phase-pennsylvania-philadelphia-decide-wolf-coronavirus-covid19-20200511.html
Can Gov. Wolf withhold coronavirus recovery money from counties that defy shutdown orders? Yes, experts say, but expect pushback.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/reopen-pennsylvania-cares-act-recovery-funds-coronavirus-gov-tom-wolf-20200511.html
Gov. Wolf: No timeline on Pennsylvania counties transitioning from yellow to green phase
https://triblive.com/local/regional/wolf-no-timeline-on-transition-from-yellow-to-green-phase/
Schuylkill officials respond to Wolf’s comments
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/schuylkill-officials-respond-to-wolf-s-comments-1.2627340
Carbon Co. planning to adhere to Wolf’s orders
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/carbon-co-planning-to-adhere-to-wolf-s-orders-1.2627218
Berks County officials weighing the risks and rewards of reopening without state approval
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-weighing-the-risks-and-rewards-of-reopening-without-state-approval/article_5c298a1a-93bf-11ea-9b03-ef34edb9138e.html
Lebanon, Berks county DAs issue new guidance on risks of defying governor’s orders
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/lebanon-berks-county-das-issue-new-guidance-on-risks-of-defying-govenors-orders.html
Lehigh Valley leaders look to work within the system as some counties go rogue against Gov. Wolf’s stay-at-home orders
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-lehigh-valley–20200511-nqd37mrpijhclgtveulv6kt6ki-story.html
Chamber of Commerce urges reopening Delco
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/chamber-of-commerce-urges-reopening-delco/article_2ca983ce-93da-11ea-bc52-e376c7908272.html
State reports 2 new deaths in W. Pa.; Allegheny County says 3 more dead at Glen Hazel site
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/11/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-4/stories/202005110064
Pennsylvania reports 543 new coronavirus cases, 24 more deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-543-new-coronavirus-cases-24-more-deaths/
Allegheny County reports 8 new coronavirus cases, 1 death
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-8-new-coronavirus-cases-1-death/
May 11 coronavirus update: ‘Clear signs of progress’ in fight against coronavirus
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/may-11-coronavirus-update-clear-signs-of-progress-in-fight-against-coronavirus/article_22f9f055-79b5-5d24-b0d4-3a3ac605c463.html
1 more coronavirus case, no new deaths reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/1-more-coronavirus-case-no-new-deaths-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
County seeking review of COVID-19 death toll
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-seeking-review-of-covid-19-death-toll-1.2627331
Coronavirus cases rise by 46 in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-rise-by-46-in-berks-county/article_0ff7fec6-93a4-11ea-90b3-cb679a461bcd.html
Montgomery County coronavirus death toll climbs to 417 as county reports 101 new cases
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-coronavirus-death-toll-climbs-to-417-as-county-reports-101-new-cases/article_b532ebfc-9265-5f89-bcfe-4304175abb37.html
Montgomery County commissioner tests positive for coronavirus, calls for more widespread testing
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-commissioner-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-calls-for-more-widespread-testing/article_f4108b4d-1e75-5eb9-851c-1ef8ae3ffbe4.html
National Guard, temporary manager move in to troubled nursing home
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/05/11/Brighton-Rehabilitation-and-Wellness-Center-Beaver-PA-National-Guard-temporary-manager/stories/202005110109
Pennsylvania will identify long-term care centers with coronavirus infections
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200512/pennsylvania-will-identify-long-term-care-centers-with-coronavirus-infections
Doctors worry COVID-19 school closures could worsen childhood obesity. Here’s how to combat weight gain in teens.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-child-obesity-exercise-20200511.html
Increased testing could lead to NFL season, Fauci says
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/05/11/Dr-Fauci-NFL-season-coronavirus-spreading-testing-football/stories/202005110123
Fauci to warn Senate of ‘needless suffering and death’ if U.S. reopens too soon
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/11/Dr-Anthony-Fauci-Senate-testimony-coronavirus-covid-hearing-livestream-Donald-Trump/stories/202005110125
Trump visit to Pennsylvania factory that produces PPE materials was scuttled after plant officials expressed concerns about health risks
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-trump-pennsylvania-ppe-factory-20200511.html
Trump plans to visit medical equipment distributor in Lehigh Valley on Thursday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/11/Trump-Pennsylvania-visit-Thursday-this-week-PPE-Wolf-coronavirus-freedom-now/stories/202005110122
President Trump will make first visit to Lehigh Valley on Thursday, when he visits an Upper Macungie medical equipment distributor
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-coronavirus-president-trump-to-visit-lehigh-valley-pennsylvania-20200512-lgopxmj75fhtjdg775rhtw7pwy-story.html
Legislature
Bill would grant waivers to barbers, hair stylists, realtors and others in Pennsylvania
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/bill-would-grant-waivers-to-barbers-hair-stylists-realtors-and-others-in-pennsylvania/article_54f537b0-93c1-11ea-954a-fff43dafb017.html
Pa. GOP takes Gov. Tom Wolf to court for records on controversial business waiver process
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/05/11/Pa-GOP-takes-Gov-Tom-Wolf-to-court-as-it-seeks-records-on-controversial-business-waiver-process/stories/202005110102
Senate panel asks Commonwealth Court to force Wolf to release waivers
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/senate-panel-asks-commonwealth-court-to-force-wolf-to-release-waivers/
Guest commentary: If Legislature wants to freeze property taxes, it must fund mandates
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/guest-commentary-if-legislature-wants-to-freeze-property-taxes-it-must-fund-mandates/article_597842b6-91e9-11ea-a931-3b47bfd63705.html
Pennsylvania state senator calls for resignation of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-state-senator-calls-for-resignation-of-health-secretary-dr-rachel-levine/
Administration
Coronavirus reopening rebellion: Pennsylvania has only itself to blame
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-pennsylvania-counties-reopening-coronavirus-muschick-20200512-2cd7xasa7nfrtphpxuca5brroy-story.html
Business
Who’s exempt? Gov. Wolf’s employer list leaves more questions than answers.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/coronavirus-exemptions-wolf-20200511.html
State says workers don’t have to report if business reopens illegally
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-says-workers-dont-have-to-report-if-business-reopens-illegally/
Why are Pa. and N.J. receiving fewer PPP coronavirus loans? The New York Fed investigates
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/betterbox-tiny-tech-daycare-ny-fed-ppp-sba-community-lenders-coronavirus-20200511.html
Lawmakers demand Bridgeville company return $10M small business loan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/05/11/Lawmakers-demand-Universal-Stainless-other-public-companies-return-small-business-loans/stories/202005110058
Local companies awarded Farmers to Families Food Box Program grants
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/05/11/Farm-to-Table-Marburger-Monteverde-Paragon-Schneider-Turner-USDA-grant/stories/202005080086
Pa.-based grocery chain gives emergency grants to food producers across the state
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/05/11/Giant-Co-emergency-grants-Pennsylvania-food-producers-supply-chain-PA-Preferred/stories/202005110063
Cinemark at Pittsburgh Mills mall closing
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cinemark-at-pittsburgh-mills-mall-closing/
Restaurant relief loan program in Wilkes-Barre ends Friday; other businesses might get help
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783383/restaurant-relief-loan-program-in-wilkes-barre-ends-friday-other-businesses-might-get-help
Independent movie theaters struggle to stay afloat during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/independent-movie-theaters-face-challenges-of-staying-afloat-in-age-of-coronavirus/
Local gym owner plans to reopen facilities in defiance of state order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-gym-owner-plans-to-reopen-facilities-in-defiance-of-state-order-1.2627350
Gym in Taylor opens in defiance of state ban
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/gym-in-taylor-opens-in-defiance-of-state-ban-1.2627123
Chermak: Many Lackawanna County businesses are ready, should be allowed to safely reopen
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chermak-many-lackawanna-county-businesses-are-ready-should-be-allowed-to-safely-reopen-1.2627159
Buying limit placed on meat in Berks County supermarkets
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/buying-limit-placed-on-meat-in-berks-county-supermarkets/article_e72cd1aa-916f-11ea-bc00-1716d3c95150.html
Berks County’s weekly coronavirus unemployment claims continue to drop
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-countys-weekly-coronavirus-unemployment-claims-continue-to-drop/article_a47cc5a4-93c7-11ea-b1a7-6b1b923f21fd.html
Berks retailers using technology to bring their stores to customers
https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/berks-retailers-using-technology-to-bring-their-stores-to-customers/article_828f801e-93ac-11ea-b2a6-ff973f940813.html
A Pa. company switched from sewing football jerseys to face masks. Workers walked off, saying the plan was unsafe
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/a-pa-company-switched-from-sewing-football-jerseys-to-face-masks-workers-walked-off-saying-the-plan-was-unsafe.html
Transportation company to lay off 90 people as contract ends with central Pa. school district
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/transportation-company-to-lay-off-90-people-as-contract-ends-with-central-pa-school-district.html
Cumberland County barber is back at work, but says there is still a risk: ‘You choose not to come, that’s fine’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/cumberland-county-barber-is-back-at-work-but-says-there-is-still-a-risk-you-choose-not-to-come-thats-fine.html
Revolution owners facing hundreds of new violations
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200511/revolution-owners-facing-hundreds-of-new-violations
Wolf: 81 Beaver County businesses exempt from shutdown
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200511/wolf-81-beaver-county-businesses-exempt-from-shutdown
State tavern association to Wolf: Expand services for yellow restaurants
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200511/state-tavern-association-to-wolf-expand-services-for-yellow-restaurants
Crime/Punishment
Execution notice signed for convicted cop killer Eric Frein
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/execution-notice-signed-for-convicted-cop-killer-eric-frein/
Education
Pa. schools expected to reopen in fall in some form, state education secretary says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/05/11/Pennsylvania-schools-reopening-fall-school-year-PA-Secretary-of-Education-Rivera/stories/202005110088
Pennsylvania schools planning to reopen in fall, says education secretary
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-schools-planning-to-reopen-in-fall-says-education-secretary/
Will your property taxes increase? Pa. schools face potential $1 billion in lost revenue because of coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/will-your-property-taxes-increase-pa-schools-face-potential-1-billion-in-lost-revenue-from-coronavirus-financial-fallout.html
Pa. teachers are still teaching, and our students are still learning | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-teachers-are-still-teaching-and-our-students-are-still-learning-opinion/
Pa. schools could face devastating budget cuts due to COVID | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-schools-budget-education-pennsylvania-philadelphia-20200512.html
The coronavirus has highlighted the value of Pennsylvania’s public charter schools | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/05/the-coronavirus-has-highlighted-the-value-of-pennsylvanias-public-charter-schools-opinion.html
Elections/Politics
Civil rights groups seek to block Judicial Watch lawsuit and avoid a purge of Pennsylvania voter rolls
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-judicial-watch-voter-roll-civil-rights-groups-20200511.html
County seeks poll workers for June primary election
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-seeks-poll-workers-for-june-primary-election-1.2627254
With re-election on his mind, Trump is visiting the one part of Pennsylvania that could hold the key to his chances: The what, where and why
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-heres-why-donald-trump-will-visit-lehigh-valley-pa-20200512-kqozosntxvcm3laj4v7bhglejy-story.html
Health Care
Should health insurers offer rebates? And other health insurance questions in the age of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/11/COVID-19-health-insurance-rebate-auto-insurance-elective-procedure-premiums-rate/stories/202005070137
How much Philadelphia-area hospitals are getting in federal money for treating coronavirus patients
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/philadelphia-hospitals-coronavirus-grant-cares-act-jefferson-temple-20200511.html
Union representing health care workers rebukes early push for re-opening
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783402/union-representing-health-care-workers-rebukes-early-push-for-re-opening
NEPA health centers receive federal funds to expand virus testing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nepa-health-centers-receive-federal-funds-to-expand-virus-testing-1.2627255
Chester County health care organization receives coronavirus funding
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-health-care-organization-receives-coronavirus-funding/article_d56e0eb2-93a8-11ea-8f30-1b5bba79a94c.html
Local News
Scranton swimming pools to remain closed this year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-swimming-pools-to-remain-closed-this-year-1.2627126
Reading City Council appoints a solicitor, allows Mayor Eddie Moran to have a chief of staff
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-city-council-appoints-a-solicitor-allows-mayor-eddie-moran-to-have-a-chief-of/article_04df281a-93e6-11ea-8330-27af8b855c3a.html
Reading City Council questions residency rule for department heads
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-city-council-questions-residency-rule-for-department-heads/article_87938842-93e5-11ea-a334-7f2ab3463b13.html
Pedri to discuss Luzerne County reopening with council
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783395/pedri-to-discuss-luzerne-county-reopening-with-council
Luzerne County manager hopes to reopen before June 4
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-manager-hopes-to-reopen-before-june-4-1.2627333
Erie Zoo revenue losses top $1 million during COVID-19 andemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/12/Erie-Zoo-revenue-losses-top-1-million-during-pandemic/stories/202005120057
West Manchester Township offices, including police, now open to the public
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/crime/2020/05/11/west-manchester-township-offices-including-police-now-open-public/3109665001/
National News
Report: Anti-Semitic incidents in U.S. hit record high in 2019
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/12/Report-Anti-Semitic-incidents-attacks-US-hit-record-high-2019/stories/202005120063
Philly
Who is cutting Mayor Kenney’s hair during the stay-at-home order?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-coronavirus-hair-cut-20200512.html
A yard and an extra bathroom: Dreams for small housing dwellers — at least until the pandemic passes
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/small-apartment-philadelphia-sanity-20200511.html
What happens when you start a nonprofit serving Latino businesses during a pandemic? ‘We work until 5 a.m. some days.’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-coronavirus-business-frankin-medrano-dominican-american-chamber-commerce-20200512.html
Police ID off-duty cop who shot a man in South Philly after he allegedly charged with scissors
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-police-shooting-scissors-south-philadelphia-jason-santiago-20200511.html
Philadelphia needs an elected school board | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-school-board-election-district-education-20200511.html
Pitt
Once a glamorous hotel, Pittsburgher office building Downtown set to be sold at June auction
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/12/Pittsburgher-King-Penguin-The-Lawyers-Building-Downtown-Pittsburgh-Forbes-Avenue/stories/202005110103
Manager at Allegheny County Controller’s Office charged with firing gun into neighbor’s home in Munhall
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/12/Human-resources-director-allegheny-county-controller-s-office-charged/stories/202005120059
Peduto, public safety officials will read bedtime stories on Facebook Live
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/11/Pittsburgh-Bill-Peduto-public-safety-read-bedtime-stories-Facebook-Live-Dolly-Parton-Imagination/stories/202005110072
Fitness studios providing members with sense of community amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2020/05/12/fitness-gyms-yoga-studios-community-COVID-19-pandemic-Inhale-Pittsburgh-Mecka/stories/202004270001
Port Authority to return full neighborhood service beginning Sunday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/11/Port-Authority-neighborhood-service-returns-Sunday-COVID-19/stories/202005110086
Allegheny County treasurer’s office to reopen May 18
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/05/11/Allegheny-County-treasurer-John-Weinstein-office-reopen-May-18/stories/202005110066
Allegheny Health Network announces mobile COVID-19 testing van in Homewood Tuesday and Thursday
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/11/Allegheny-Health-Network-COVID-19-testing-homewood-mobile-appointment-symptoms/stories/202005110082
Billion-dollar overhaul of Pittsburgh International airport on pause amid pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/billion-dollar-overhaul-of-pittsburgh-international-on-pause-amid-pandemic/
Jefferson Hills officials continue debate over funding Gill Hall VFC
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/jefferson-hills-officials-continue-debate-over-funding-gill-hall-vfc/
State News
With liquor stores closed, April online booze sales spike in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/food/plcb-online-sales-wine-spirits-curbside-pickup-pennsylvania-20200511.html
Air quality in Western Pa. showed slight improvement in pandemic shutdown
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/air-quality-in-region-showed-slight-improvement-in-pandemic-shutdown/
Six Pennsylvania dog breeders make Humane Society’s Horrible Hundred puppy mills
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/05/12/six-pennsylvania-breeders-named-humane-societys-horrible-hundred/3109302001/
Transportation
Passenger trains suspended on Pittsburgh-to-Philadelphia route until June 1
https://triblive.com/local/regional/passenger-trains-suspended-on-pittsburgh-philadelphia-route-until-june-1/
Washington
More than 1,900 former Justice Dept. employees again call for Barr’s resignation
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/attorney-general-barr-20200511.html