Reopening PA
Open for business? Bill targeted at reopening car dealerships, barber shops get closer to Wolf’s desk
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/open-for-business-bill-targeted-at-reopening-car-dealerships-barber-shops-get-closer-to-wolfs-desk/
Counties abandon plans to buck Wolf as GOP lawmakers continue pushing doomed reopening bills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/14/Pennsylvania-Governor-Wolf-counties-businesses-plan-state-reopening-Senate-COVID/stories/202005130151
UPMC officials talk reopening strategies with Senate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200513/upmc-officials-talk-reopening-strategies-with-senate
How will life be different under Gov. Wolf’s yellow phase?
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/05/14/COVID-19-Pittsburgh-Allegheny-Yellow-Phase-reopening-businesses-close-reopen/stories/202005120115
Coronavirus testing still lags, creating a possible impediment for Pa. reopening efforts
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/coronavirus-testing-still-lags-creating-a-possible-impediment-for-pa-reopening-efforts.html
Three Pa. counties still vow to reopen Friday without state approval, but Wolf thwarts larger rebellion
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/three-pa-counties-still-vow-to-reopen-friday-with-or-without-state-approval-but-wolf-thwarts-larger-rebellion.html
Lehigh Valley infectious disease experts favor some reopening: ‘We should be in the yellow, headed toward green’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-experts-reopen-valley-20200513-iydhlh2lz5gancuaro6y2zynm4-story.html
Commissioners: Bucks “rapidly moving” toward reopening phase
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200513/commissioners-bucks-rapidly-moving-toward-reopening-phase
Dauphin County commissioners back off plan to jump ahead of state’s pandemic reopening schedule
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/dauphin-county-commissioners-blink-back-off-from-plan-to-jump-ahead-of-states-pandemic-reopening-schedule.html
State police don’t plan to crack down on Pennsylvania counties that defy shutdown
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/13/state-police-dont-plan-to-crack-down-on-counties-that-defy-shutdown/
Should Pennsylvania salons be allowed to reopen in yellow phase?
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/fashion/2020/05/13/Should-Pennsylvania-salons-be-allowed-to-open-in-yellow-phase-COVID-19/stories/202005130035
Wayne County officials urge Wolf to relax restrictions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wayne-county-officials-urge-wolf-to-relax-restrictions-1.2627818
Hazleton’s mayor objects to idea of splitting his city from reopening plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783589/hazletons-mayor-objects-to-idea-of-splitting-his-city-from-reopening-plan
Berks County officials highlight how coronavirus shutdown is causing frustration among small-business owners
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-highlight-how-coronavirus-shutdown-is-causing-frustration-among-small-business-owners/article_ec248c72-9541-11ea-92c3-7fc4a716a6ea.html
Online group plans Harrisburg protest over continued covid closures
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/online-group-plans-harrisburg-protest-over-continued-covid-closures/
We’ll soon see what Pa.’s coronavirus divide brings us | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/05/well-soon-see-what-pas-coronavirus-divide-brings-us.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Geisinger CMC, Regional hospitals among first in state to get remdesivir
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/geisinger-cmc-regional-hospitals-among-first-in-state-to-get-remdesivir-1.2627978
New coronavirus drug available in Pennsylvania
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783587/new-coronavirus-drug-available-in-pennsylvania
Bucks, Montgomery County hospitals receive doses of COVID-19 drug
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200513/bucks-montgomery-county–hospitals-receive-doses-of-covid-19-drug
Pennsylvania pulling together timeline to give coronavirus tests in more than 1,800 long-term care facilities
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-overview-wednesday-20200513-54ezirinbrai7jkhhdv4nst6om-story.html
State to include LGBTQ info in COVID-19 data collection
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200513/state-to-include-lgbtq-info-in-covid-19-data-collection
Pa. National Guard sends 13 more members to troubled Beaver County nursing home
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/13/Pennsylvania-National-Guard-sends-12-more-members-Beaver-County-nursing-home-Brighton-Wellness/stories/202005130117
Allegheny County has 12 new COVID-19 deaths; state gets supply of drug
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/13/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-6/stories/202005130090
Allegheny adds 12 more coronavirus deaths, 19 cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-adds-12-more-coronavirus-deaths-19-cases/
May 13 coronavirus update: City officials say they’re working with minority leaders
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/may-13-coronavirus-update-city-officials-say-theyre-working-with-minority-leaders/article_3453e728-7506-5a3b-a0d8-08452c9d7cac.html
Montgomery County reports 14 more coronavirus deaths, 106 new positive cases
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-reports-14-more-coronavirus-deaths-106-new-positive-cases/article_fcfebe7a-fbfc-57f6-9bb1-5cc3a6afa207.html
No new coronavirus cases, deaths reported in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/no-new-coronavirus-cases-deaths-reported-in-westmoreland-county/
3 new COVID-19 deaths in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/3-new-covid-19-deaths-in-county-1.2627875
COVID-19 cases still climbing in Northeast Pennsylvania, hospitals start treating with remdesivir
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/covid-19-cases-still-climbing-in-northeast-pennsylvania-hospitals-start-treating-with-remdesivir-1.2627812
Coroner releases COVID-19 death totals for Lackawanna County nursing homes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/coroner-releases-covid-19-death-totals-for-lackawanna-county-nursing-homes-1.2627862
Reading Hospital, St. Joseph getting drug for coronavirus patients
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-hospital-st-joseph-getting-drug-for-coronavirus-patients/article_4b0dbed6-9518-11ea-9d67-3fa1294ccb43.html
Severe illness tied to COVID-19 affects children
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/severe-illness-tied-to-covid-19-affects-children-1.2627967
Saving early childhood programs is essential — especially during a pandemic | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/saving-early-childhood-programs-is-essential-opinion/
Most people support coronavirus lockdowns. But Trump is fighting them as he comes to Pa.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/coronavirus-lockdowns-trump-pa-visit-20200513.html
Abbott coronavirus test missed a large number of positive results, preliminary study says
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/13/Abbott-coronavirus-test-used-White-House-misses-cases-study/stories/202005130173
The GROCER Act will support food supply workers | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-grocery-workers-safety-congress-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20200514.html
Legislature
Cocktails-to-go bill is approved by Senate, and is on way to Gov. Wolf
https://www.inquirer.com/business/cocktails-to-go-mixed-drinks-takeout-restaurants-bars-liquor-pennslyvania-coronavirus-20200513.html
Coronavirus cocktails: Pa. Senate says yes on to-go mixed drinks, bill moves to Gov. Wolf
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/05/13/coronavirus-pennsylvania-state-senate-approves-go-cocktail-bill/5185378002/
A top Pennsylvania Republican said coronavirus only threatens children in poor health. That’s not true. | PolitiFact
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/coronavirus-mike-turzai-children-fact-check-20200514.html
McKeesport woman remembered as an extraordinary teacher and friend of the community
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mckeesport-woman-remembered-as-an-extraordinary-teacher-and-friend-of-the-community/
Bartolotta’s ventilator bill passes Senate, heads to House
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200513/bartolottas-ventilator-bill-passes-senate-heads-to-house
State Rep. Valerie Gaydos wants district attorneys to ignore governor’s business closure enforcement
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/state-rep-valerie-gaydos-wants-district-attorneys-to-ignore-governors-business-closure-enforcement/Content?oid=17285992
Pennsylvania families need a freeze on property taxes during the coronavirus crisis | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/05/pennsylvania-families-need-a-freeze-on-property-taxes-during-the-coronavirus-crisis-opinion.html
It shouldn’t take a pandemic to address societal inequality | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/it-shouldnt-take-a-pandemic-to-address-societal-inequality-opinion/
Administration
‘A pressure cooker’: Gov. Wolf aims to contain GOP revolt in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/a-pressure-cooker-gov-wolf-aims-to-contain-gop-revolt-in-pennsylvania/
Nursing home failures: State had aggressive plan that wasn’t used
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/14/Nursing-home-failures-State-had-aggressive-plan-that-wasn-t-used/stories/202005130020
Business
No citations for violating restrictions issued by state police
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-citations-for-violating-restrictions-issued-by-state-police-1.2627974
State Police prize education, encouragement over enforcement actions for COVID-19 violations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/13/pennsylvania-state-police-enforcement-covid-19-scott-price-reopening-yellow-phase/stories/202005130079
COVID-19 pandemic spurs companies to donate and boost their brands
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/14/COVID-19-companies-donations-brand-reputation-Pittsburgh/stories/202005060064
From sanitizer to social distancing, contractors face challenges as they return to job sites
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/14/contractors-construction-sites-job-safety-challenges-COVID-19-Pittsburgh-area/stories/202005130140
To save their local small businesses, people are cutting out delivery apps like Uber, Grubhub, DoorDash and Lyft
https://www.inquirer.com/business/apps-doordash-grubhub-lyft-uber-cutting-out-middlemen-silicon-valley-20200513.html
Shell says it will reintroduce 300 construction workers a week in ramp up at cracker site
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/05/13/Shell-chemical-Appalachia-reintroduce-300-construction-workers-cracker-Beaver-County-COVID-19/stories/202005130130
Shell to call back 300 workers weekly, resume some busing
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200513/shell-to-call-back-300-workers-weekly-resume-some-busing
Wilkes-Barre to offer emergency loans to small businesses
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783573/wilkes-barre-to-offer-emergency-loans-to-small-businesses
9 Berks businesses receive loans in latest round of state’s coronavirus program
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/9-berks-businesses-receive-loans-in-latest-round-of-states-coronavirus-program/article_c5b0bdae-955f-11ea-99ee-d718a9b3b808.html
Radnor mulls options for outdoor dining once restaurants begin reopening
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinesuburbanlife/radnor-mulls-options-for-outdoor-dining-once-restaurants-begin-reopening/article_8f204ec2-9554-11ea-a596-cfb06822ac11.html
Crime/Punishment
New Kensington mom charged with manslaughter in death of 3-year-old son Mikel Fetterman
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/13/Mikel-Fetterman-New-Kensington-mother-Teresa-charged-manslaughter-abuse-case/stories/202005130157
Ten charged federally in connection with ’11 Hunnit’ gang in the Hill District
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/13/11-Hunnit-gang-Pittsburgh-Hill-District-federal-charges-10-connection/stories/202005130153
Education
Local schools to receive money after state’s emergency funding application approved
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-schools-to-receive-money-after-state-s-emergency-funding-application-approved-1.2627877
College students experience mental health decline from COVID-19 effects, survey finds. Here’s how to get help.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid19-coronavirus-college-students-mental-health-20200514.html
Tuition refunds: Schools did best to provide courses during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/14/Tuition-refunds-Schools-did-best-to-provide-courses-during-pandemic/stories/202005140032
Duquesne University to reopen on time this fall, 3 scenarios in works dependent on virus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/duquesne-university-to-reopen-this-fall-three-scenario-plan-in-works-dependent-on-virus/
Wilkes U. implements layoffs, salary cuts, other fiscal tightening
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783579/wilkes-u-implements-layoffs-salary-cuts-other-fiscal-tightening
Lackawanna College to offer full-tuition scholarships to region’s high-ranking seniors
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-college-to-offer-full-tuition-scholarships-to-region-s-high-ranking-seniors-1.2627835
Elections/Politics
Ahead of Trump’s Lehigh Valley visit, Joe Biden says Donald Trump ‘simply hasn’t done the work’ on coronavirus testing, other steps to reopen safely
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-joe-biden-donald-trump-lehigh-valley-visit-20200514-ijt3qxsdirbbdhnjdzrh7m6vom-story.html
Trump is coming today to a part of Pa. that he skipped in 2016 but could be key in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/trump-visit-lehigh-valley-northampton-county-election-2020-20200514.html
Pennsylvania Republicans are echoing Trump on coronavirus: It’s China’s fault
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/coronavirus-pa-republicans-trump-china-20200513.html
County urges patience with mail-in ballots
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-urges-patience-with-mail-in-ballots-1.2627876
Health Care
Organ transplants have plummeted during coronavirus pandemic, leaving patients anxiously waiting
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-organ-transplant-delays-20200514.html
Wright Center gets $629K for telehealth
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wright-center-gets-629k-for-telehealth-1.2627462
Neurosurgeon: Don’t let coronavirus fears delay needed treatment
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/neurosurgeon-dont-let-coronavirus-fears-delay-needed-treatment/article_b87bfcc0-955a-11ea-99d9-ff5b1650605b.html
Local News
Hand sanitizer giveaway planned for Allegheny Valley School District residents
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/hand-sanitizer-giveaway-planned-for-allegheny-valley-school-district-residents/
Boyertown, Colebrookdale Township set to launch regional police department
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/boyertown-colebrookdale-township-set-to-launch-regional-police-department/article_600ad804-946f-11ea-99fa-e749b71998af.html
Southwest Greensburg Council member resigns after allegedly using racial slur
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/southwest-greensburg-council-member-resigns-after-allegedly-using-racial-slur/
National News
Wisconsin Supreme Court blocks governor’s stay-home extension
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-wisconsin-20200513.html
Natural Gas
Methane leaks much worse than previously thought, study says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2020/05/13/Methane-leaks-much-worse-than-previously-thought/stories/202005120163
Philly
One big Philly hospital is seeing a lot more coronavirus patients than its rival
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/remdesivir-philadelphia-hospitals-covid19-jefferson-upenn-20200513.html
Philly’s overdose deaths rose again in 2019, especially in black and Latino communities
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/philadelphia-overdose-deaths-2019-rise-20200513.html
Thirty-five years after MOVE, feelings still raw as neighborhood rebuilds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/move-bombing-anniversary-philadelphia-wilson-goode-apology-20200513.html
In Philly, amid the coronavirus, a step forward for transgender students
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-transgender-student-coronavirus-remote-learning-20200513.html
Mayor Kenney’s pandemic budget proposal falls short | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-budget-coronavirus-tax-increase-layoffs-kenney-20200513.html
Since we can’t #FillTheSteps against gun violence, let’s #FillTheFeeds to mark the unrelenting toll | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-violence-guns-art-museum-fill-the-steps-homicide-helen-ubinas-20200513.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh mayor trying to avoid city layoffs as revenue dips
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-trying-to-avoid-city-layoffs-as-revenue-dips/
Port Authority surveys previous riders as it prepares to return some service Sunday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/13/Port-Authority-survey-increase-service-Campos-Allegheny-County-COVID-19/stories/202005130135
Authorities identify 16-year-old shot to death in Wilkinsburg
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/14/teenager-killed-Wilkinsburg-shooting-marcus-wells/stories/202005140082
19 Neighbors: Lifelong friends are feeding Hilltop neighborhoods
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/19-neighbors/2020/05/13/19-Neighbors-COVID-19-Beltzhoover-St-Paul-AME-Church-Pittsburgh-Hilltop/stories/202005120061
Lending a hand: URA to help small businesses get back on their feet as pandemic wanes
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/13/Pittsburgh-Urban-Redevelopment-Authority-small-businesses-loans-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202005130052
Coronavirus physical distancing also helped stop the flu in Allegheny County, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/coronavirus-physical-distancing-also-helped-stop-the-flu-in-allegheny-county/
Shooting victim walks into Pittsburgh hospital
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/shooting-victim-walks-into-pittsburgh-hospital/
Washington Boulevard flood gate test slated Thursday morning
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/washington-boulevard-flood-gate-test-slated-thursday-morning/
Peduto backs controversial sand dumping in Pittsburgh skateboard park
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-backs-controversial-sand-dumping-in-pittsburgh-skateboard-park/
State News
PLCB appeals lower court deecision on specialty wine sales
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/plcb-specialty-wine-order-court-case-appeal-20200513.html
U.S. Army Corps partially opening Crawford County lake facilities May 22
https://triblive.com/local/regional/u-s-army-corps-partially-opening-crawford-county-lake-facilities-may-22/
Judge sets deadline for abuse claims vs. Harrisburg diocese
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/judge-sets-deadline-for-abuse-claims-vs-harrisburg-diocese/
Water company updates proposed sewer rate hike for Scranton, Dunmore
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/water-company-updates-proposed-sewer-rate-hike-for-scranton-dunmore-1.2627848
Transportation
Regional railroad keeps on growing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/south-schuylkill-news/regional-railroad-keeps-on-growing/article_2eb42698-8e39-11ea-896c-0f66b98a9ea2.html