Coronavirus – COVID-19
State to expand testing for COVID-19 at nursing homes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/12/State-to-expand-testing-for-COVID-19-at-nursing-homes/stories/202005120118
Testing planned for all nursing facilities
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/testing-planned-for-all-nursing-facilities-1.2627750
Levine unveils ‘robust’ COVID-19 testing effort for PA nursing homes
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200512/levine-unveils-robust-covid-19-testing-effort-for-pa-nursing-homes
New requirement for Pennsylvania nursing homes: weekly coronavirus tests for all residents and staff
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-wolf-update-tuesday-20200512-4ws3jtdycne5najxggiod4j2ii-story.html
State AG launches criminal investigation of nursing homes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-ag-launches-criminal-investigation-of-nursing-homes-1.2627641
Attorney general’s office investigating nursing homes for criminal neglect
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200512/attorney-generals-office-investigating-nursing-homes-for-criminal-neglect
New death toll data for coronavirus outbreak in Berks County show toll in nursing homes
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/new-death-toll-data-for-coronavirus-outbreak-in-berks-county-show-toll-in-nursing-homes/article_b4b030e8-947e-11ea-9210-3f44c1c7aec2.html
Black Doctors Consortium test hundreds for coronavirus in Chester
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/black-doctors-consortium-test-hundreds-for-coronavirus-in-chester/article_3337c782-947f-11ea-8e79-87b5b1a948ba.html
Levine wants more tested at arena site
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/levine-wants-more-tested-at-arena-site-1.2627748
More swabs needed for testing
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/more-swabs-needed-for-testing-1.2627638
LVHN, St. Luke’s among hospitals receiving coronavirus treatment drug remdesivir
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-lehigh-valley-st-lukes-remdesivir-20200513-tnddqhmhsbbhnc3gy2rom7ayvi-story.html
Quest continues to ramp up COVID-19 testing capabilities
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/quest-continues-to-ramp-up-covid-19-testing-capabilities/article_4e8bb328-948d-11ea-a705-fbcab9841932.html
Wayne Memorial Hospital to open COVID-19 testing site in Pike County
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/wayne-memorial-hospital-to-open-covid-19-testing-site-in-pike-county-1.2627624
Western Pa. reports 4 new deaths, all in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/12/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-5/stories/202005120082
8 more COVID-19 deaths reported in Luzerne County; 23 new cases
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783451/8-more-covid-19-deaths-reported-in-luzerne-county-23-new-cases-3
Eight more deaths reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/eight-more-deaths-reported-in-county-1.2627749
Montco officials report 12 more coronavirus deaths and look to restart contact tracing
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montco-officials-report-12-more-coronavirus-deaths-and-look-to-restart-contact-tracing/article_3bdb8de8-55cc-5af7-b590-c707b22f05c4.html
Montgomery County child abuse reports down during pandemic; D.A. seeks public’s help identifying abuse
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-child-abuse-reports-down-during-pandemic-d-a-seeks-publics-help-identifying-abuse/article_5f2102f6-0303-51fc-afd7-cae50283dbd7.html
Rare inflammatory condition could be another COVID-19 symptom for kids
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/12/Pediatric-multi-system-inflammatory-syndrom-Inflammation-children-COVID-19-impact/stories/202005110081
How National Black Muslim COVID Coalition serves communities during the pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-national-black-muslim-covid-coalition-ramadan-faith-resources-20200513.html
Here’s how to support abuse survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/heres-how-to-support-abuse-survivors-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-opinion/
Pelosi unveils $3T virus bill, warns inaction costs more
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/pelosi-unveils-3t-virus-bill-warns-inaction-costs-more.html
Wuhan to test all residents after handful of new COVID-19 infections
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/05/13/Wuhan-to-test-all-residents-after-handful-of-new-infections-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202005130065
Legislature
State Senate approves $507M funding measure for nursing homes and care facilities
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/state-senate-approves-507m-funding-measure-for-nursing-homes-and-care-facilities/
School property tax freeze is more than a nice thought. Some Pa. districts are doing it
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/school-property-tax-freeze-is-more-than-a-nice-thought-some-pa-districts-are-doing-it.html
Turzai pushes for HB-2510 to safeguard seniors in nursing homes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783436/gop-leaders-push-for-hb-2510-to-safeguard-seniors-in-nursing-homes
Closing tax loophole: Westinghouse sale shows flaw in deed transfer tax
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/13/Closing-tax-loophole-Westinghouse-sale-shows-flaw-in-deed-transfer-tax/stories/202005060045
State Sen. Bob Mensch: Gov. Wolf’s lack of transparency a disturbing trend
https://www.phoenixvillenews.com/state-sen-bob-mensch-gov-wolfs-lack-of-transparency-a-disturbing-trend/article_b9b42aa8-1a64-5fcb-9356-53aa35a5d4c6.html
Administration
Pa. officials revoked coronavirus shutdown business waivers the night before publishing list of recipients
https://www.inquirer.com/business/spl/pennsylvania-business-waivers-revoked-coronavirus-shutdown-20200513.html
Luzerne County Council eyes plan urging Wolf to speed up move to yellow
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783497/luzerne-county-council-eyes-plan-urging-wolf-to-speed-up-move-to-yellow
Officials will submit plan to state seeking OK to reopen county before June 4
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/officials-will-submit-plan-to-state-seeking-ok-to-reopen-county-before-june-4-1.2627743
What’s the difference between Pa.’s coronavirus red and yellow phases, and why are some counties racing to switch?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/whats-the-difference-between-pas-coronavirus-red-and-yellow-phases-and-why-are-some-counties-racing-to-switch.html
Editorial: Bring halt to bitter dispute over shutdown
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-bring-halt-to-bitter-dispute-over-shutdown/article_544527ce-9463-11ea-bc27-6308de48ebd6.html
Counties in poor position to make call
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/counties-in-poor-position-to-make-call-1.2627596
‘Please don’t misgender me:’ Reporter calls Pa. health secretary ‘sir’ multiple times during interview
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/reporter-calls-pa-health-secretary-sir-multiple-times-in-phone-interview.html
Bill Peduto cancels interview with KDKA Radio over Marty Griffin misgendering Pa. Health Secretary
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/bill-peduto-cancels-interview-with-kdka-radio-over-marty-griffin-misgendering-pa-health-secretary/Content?oid=17285861
Scavello, Madden react to Wolf’s reopening strategy
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200512/scavello-madden-react-to-wolfs-reopening-strategy
Wolf, the transparency governor, needs to get serious about his commitment to openness | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/wolf-the-transparency-governor-needs-to-get-serious-about-his-commitment-to-openness-mark-okeefe/
Business
Even as restrictions ease, malls and some retailers to remain shuttered
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/05/12/malls-small-business-restrictions-covid-19-wolf-reopen-yellow-phase-retail-shopping/stories/202005120099
April saw the sharpest increase in grocery store prices in nearly 50 years
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-grocery-prices-20200512.html
Diversified is picking up more shale wells in Pennsylvania, this time from EQT
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/05/12/Diversified-Gas-Oil-adds-shale-wells-Pennsylvania-EQT-deals/stories/202005120133
Musk becomes champion for businesses defying shutdown orders
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/05/12/Tesla-Elon-Musk-California-factory-reopening-defies-orders-coronavirus/stories/202005120176
Salavantis: Business violation enforcement largely up to local police
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783481/salavantis-business-violation-enforcement-largely-up-to-local-police
Taylor gym fined four times in two days, closes again
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/taylor-gym-fined-four-times-in-two-days-closes-again-1.2627752
Pa. is the most restrictive state when it comes to selling real estate: The reality of coronavirus red phase
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-is-currently-the-most-restrictive-state-in-the-country-when-its-comes-to-selling-real-estate-the-reality-of-red-phase-real-estate.html
What we know about Owens & Minor, the medical equipment distributor that Trump will visit in Upper Macungie
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-owens-minor-profile-president-trump-visit-20200513-io5n4uscubd5xao7yksgyd7ube-story.html
Lehigh Valley DAs say no to prosecuting businesses that reopen during pandemic; police should cite, after repeat warnings
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-district-attorneys-shutdown-enforcement-20200512-6p6ihdnegzeothwyl7zro5lkvm-story.html
Here’s what patrons can expect when Dorney Park and other amusement parks open
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-amusement-parks-dorney-park-coronavirus-plans-20200512-o3dk6garpjfk7ezogrdrbroatm-story.html
Food services company to lay off 708 people as contract ends with Pa. university
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/food-services-company-to-lay-off-708-people-as-contract-ends-with-pa-university.html
First medical marijuana dispensary to open in Beaver County on Monday
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200512/first-medical-marijuana-dispensary-to-open-in-beaver-county-on-monday
Crime/Punishment
Nearly half of inmates tested in Delaware County’s jail have had the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-delaware-county-jail-george-hill-covid-mass-testing-results-serology-20200512.html
Prison-wide testing helps contain outbreak
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/prison-wide-testing-helps-contain-outbreak/article_6c2aa8d4-9475-11ea-b85a-eb8d44c91d84.html
Rape suspect released from prison due to COVID-19 meets fiery death after standoff with Pa. SWAT
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2020/05/accused-rapist-released-from-prison-due-to-covid-19-meets-fiery-end-after-standoff-with-pa-swat.html
Containing COVID-19 outbreak at SCI Huntingdon, preventing spread outside the prison is a “battle”
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/13/containing-covid-19-outbreak-at-sci-huntingdon-preventing-spread-outside-the-prison-is-a-battle/
State police arrest man accused of threatening Gov. Wolf over business closures
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/crime/2020/05/12/police-man-threatened-have-bullet-waiting-gov-wolf-over-covid-19-plan/3120853001/
Education
Three Western Pennsylvania educators nominated for 2021 Pa. Teacher of the Year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/05/13/Three-Western-Pennsylvania-educators-nominated-for-Pa-Teacher-of-the-Year-2021/stories/202005130064
As student deposits for fall lag, colleges extend deadlines; New Jersey universities look to keep students in state
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/rowan-stockton-drexel-temple-penn-state-deposits-enrollment-coronavirus-20200513.html
Robert Morris intends to resume on-campus instruction this fall, with modifications
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/05/12/Robert-Morris-University-RMU-fall-classes-in-person-online-colleges-COVID-19/stories/202005120085
Majority of Kutztown University students to get help offsetting financial impact of coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/majority-of-kutztown-university-students-to-get-help-offsetting-financial-impact-of-coronavirus-pandemic/article_d4ac1bac-946d-11ea-a36b-b3a85564f684.html
Elections/Politics
Democrats now outnumber Republicans in all suburban Philly counties as GOP loses the edge in Chester County
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/chester-county-pa-voter-registration-democrats-20200512.html
Jill Biden ‘visits’ Pennsylvania virtually, celebrating her hometown Philly roots
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/jill-biden-pennsyvlania-campaign-2020-virtual-event-philadelphia-20200512.html
Trump-backed Tom Tiffany wins Wisconsin congressional race
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/05/13/Wisconsin-special-election-Tom-Tiffany-wins-7th-congressional-district-Trump-GOP/stories/202005130062
Ocasio-Cortez commits re-election gaffe, losing a progressive ballot line
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/05/13/Ocasio-Cortez-Commits-Re-election-Gaffe-Losing-a-Progressive-Ballot-Line/stories/202005140030
Health Care
Unemployed? Time may be running out for the best deals on health insurance
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/13/unemployed-Obamacare-health-insurance-marketplace-Antoinette-Kraus/stories/202005120130
I lost my health insurance when I got laid off during the pandemic. How can I get coverage?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/health-insurance-laid-off-coronavirus-20200512.html
Penn State Health plans to resume medical and surgical operations; safety protocols continue due to coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/penn-state-health-plans-to-resume-medical-and-surgical-operations-safety-protocols-continue-due-to/article_e13c4ca6-9397-11ea-90dc-9fe4e42920ec.html
Local News
Scranton mayor shakes up cabinet posts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-shakes-up-cabinet-posts-1.2627589
Scranton working to expand outdoor commerce options when businesses reopen
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-working-to-expand-outdoor-commerce-options-when-businesses-reopen-1.2627550
Bucks salary board approves new homeless program manager
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200512/bucks-salary-board-approves-new-homeless-program-manager
Philly
N.J. and Philadelphia are moving toward reopening, though officials still don’t know exactly when it will happen
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-philadelphia-testing-contact-tracing-plan-reopening-delaware-murphy-20200512.html
Philly investigating 1,742 percent more respiratory deaths, and many at-home deaths
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/13/philly-investigating-1742-percent-more-respiratory-deaths-and-many-at-home-deaths/
Philly will have way fewer polling places for next month’s primary because of coronavirus. Find yours here.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadelphia-new-polling-places-2020-primary-20200512.html
‘Troubling’ number of anti-Semitic incidents recorded in Philadelphia region
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/13/troubling-number-of-anti-semitic-incidents-recorded-in-philadelphia-region/
Philadelphia-area businesses say federal ‘Payroll Protection’ loans put them ‘at risk’
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/13/philadelphia-area-businesses-say-federal-payroll-protection-loans-put-them-at-risk/
PGW is under pressure to restore services to Philly residents who got disconnected before coronavirus hit
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/pgw-gas-utility-service-restoration-philadelphia-coronavirus-20200513.html
African American Museum funds slashed in revised city budget
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-budget-cuts-coronavirus-african-american-museum-funding-20200512.html
Aide to District Attorney Larry Krasner is charged with child endangerment
https://www.inquirer.com/news/dana-bazelon-larry-krasner-district-attorney-office-endangering-welfare-child-fairmount-park-arrest-20200512.html
He gets no sleep collecting the bodies of coronavirus victims: ‘It’s not a job for everyone’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pandemic-bodies-preston-griffin-20200513.html
SEPTA plans to move forward on free transfer, reduced child fare in July, postpone increases amid coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-fare-free-transfer-discounted-child-increase-coronavirus-20200512.html
Temple hospital workers say Chinese masks meant to protect against COVID-19 are falling apart
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-chinese-masks-temple-university-hospital-20200512.html
35 years ago, Philly dropped a bomb on MOVE. It’s time to apologize. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-bombing-move-compound-africa-osage-ave-racism-20200512.html
Philly leaders should step up and apologize for MOVE bombing, 35 years later | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/move-bombing-anniversary-osage-avenue-apologize-20200512.html
Pitt
Local leaders offer guidance as Allegheny County moves to yellow phase
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/12/Pittsburgh-Allegheny-County-guidance-reopening-yellow-phase-Peduto-Fitzgerald/stories/202005120104
Pandemic may cause serious financial blow to Pittsburgh Public Schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/05/12/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-district-budget-revenue-projections-coronavirus/stories/202005120151
Pittsburgh health providers receive $139 million in federal aid, as Medicaid services wait
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/12/health-providers-federal-aid-funding-Medicaid-home-care-COVID-19-Pittsburgh/stories/202005130017
City Council unanimously passes housing protections for immigration status, language
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/12/pittsburgh-city-council-unanimous-housing-discrimination-protections-immigration-language/stories/202005120126
Transportation
PennDOT, turnpike to cut road projects because of revenue shortfalls related to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/12/PennDOT-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-COVID-19-push-bacck-projects-roads-bridges/stories/202005120111
Pa. Turnpike traffic drops 50% during coronavirus pandemic; toll revenue falls $150 million
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-turnpike-traffic-drops-50-during-coronavirus-pandemic-toll-revenue-falls-150-million/article_d33ce234-947b-11ea-ba7b-87e6fb4c6264.html
County to turn over roads to municipalities after repairs completed
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-to-turn-over-roads-to-municipalities-after-repairs-completed-1.2627767
PennDOT to use photos on file for driver’s licenses, ID cards
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/penndot-to-use-photos-on-file-for-driver-s-licenses-id-cards-1.2627591
PennDOT extends vehicle registration, inspection expiration deadlines amid coronavirus closures
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-penndot-deadlines-extended-20200512-ctzfagiml5bgzp7kwezl3zttim-story.html
COLTS ridership way down during pandemic
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/colts-ridership-way-down-during-pandemic-1.2627579