Coronavirus – COVID-19
State reaches 62,234 positives, Levine says infection rate declining
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200517/state-reaches-62234-positives-levine-says-infection-rate-declining
No new COVID-19 deaths in Western Pa., according to state
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/17/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-8/stories/202005170119
Allegheny County reports no new coronavirus deaths or hospitalizations, just 8 new cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-no-new-coronavirus-deaths-or-hospitalizations-just-8-new-cases/
Four more covid-19 cases reported in Westmoreland County; no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-extends-streak-of-no-new-coronavirus-deaths/
13 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/13-new-covid-19-cases-confirmed-in-county-1.2629340
NEPA adds 36 new COVID-19 cases; two more die from disease
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/nepa-adds-36-new-covid-19-cases-two-more-die-from-disease-1.2629143
Berks coronavirus positives rise by 34; state’s positives increase by 623
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-coronavirus-positives-rise-by-34-states-positives-increase-by-623/article_bc875416-984f-11ea-b46f-53dbb17124c3.html
COVID-19 highlights Erie County race, class disparities
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200517/covid-19-highlights-erie-county-race-class-disparities
Coronavirus compounds hardships for homeless as shelter becomes scarce
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200517/coronavirus-compounds-hardships-for-homeless-as-shelter-becomes-scarce
How the coronavirus changed everything in Berks County, 2 months since the first case
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/how-the-coronavirus-changed-everything-in-berks-county-2-months-since-the-first-case/article_cc66a43c-93b2-11ea-ae27-f7e7e8ad985c.html
Coronavirus crisis expected to increase need for foster families
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-crisis-expected-to-increase-need-for-foster-families/article_9b95cd4a-9576-11ea-9944-3bd2054b8b09.html
Editorial: Mental health a major issue during pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-mental-health-a-major-issue-during-pandemic/article_b61a0d88-95d6-11ea-86f9-7bf079aaaa39.html
Our elected leaders can’t overlook the intellectually disabled during COVID-19 | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/congress-needs-to-include-the-intellectually-disabled-in-its-next-covid-19-relief-bill-opinion/
Fewer Americans concerned about contracting COVID-19 | The Numbers Racket
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/poll-fewer-americans-concerned-about-contracting-covid-19-the-numbers-racket/
Federal government to begin gathering data on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-nurshing-homes-death-infections-elderly-20200517.html
Rural Americans, minorities more vulnerable to virus
https://www.standardspeaker.com/coronavirus/rural-americans-minorities-more-vulnerable-to-virus-1.2629212
Patients who recover from coronavirus could face long-term health issues: report
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/patients-who-recover-from-coronavirus-could-face-long-term-health-issues-report.html
Reopening PA
Delaware County yearns to be free of coronavirus pandemic
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delaware-county-yearns-to-be-free-of-coronavirus-pandemic/article_64d044e0-979a-11ea-9a22-6fc2eebb4ba5.html
Legislature
End child marriage: Pa. is ahead of the curve on this issue
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/18/End-child-marriage-Pennsylvania-is-ahead-of-the-curve-on-this-issue/stories/202005150010
Administration
‘Caravan of solidarity’ presses Wolf administration, nursing homes to step up
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/caravan-of-solidarity-presses-wolf-administration-nursing-homes-to-step-up-1.2629369
No time for posturing: Wolf, Republicans need to find common ground
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/17/No-time-for-posturing-Tom-Wolf-Republicans-need-to-find-common-ground/stories/202005150071
Business
Pennsylvania launches program to extend unemployment pay for 13 weeks
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pennsylvania-launches-program-to-extend-unemployment-pay-for-13-weeks.html
When government was choosing who did ‘life-sustaining work,’ did the label fit? Or sting? Or both?
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/18/nonessential-life-sustaining-businesses-Pennsylvania-coronavirus-shutdown-waivers/stories/202005130120
This software company is OK with its nonessential designation — but says that could change someday
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/18/non-essential-businesses-pa-coronavirus-roadbotics-pittsburgh-startup/stories/202005170034
Monroeville salon owner says her industry is essential: ‘I don’t just touch hair, I touch lives’
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/18/non-essential-businesses-pa-coronavirus-sophisticated-hair-designs-nikki-nicole-thomas-monroeville-salon/stories/202005170015
Drive-ins could see renewed interest in coming weeks as some virus restrictions are lifted
https://triblive.com/local/regional/drive-ins-could-see-renewed-interest-in-coming-weeks-as-some-virus-restrictions-are-lifted/
Lower Burrell officials want Gov. Tom Wolf to re-open businesses closed because of pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-officials-want-gov-tom-wolf-to-re-open-businesses-closed-because-of-pandemic/
Schiff’s acquiring Maines Food & Party Warehouse in Forty Fort
https://www.timesleader.com/news/784031/schiffs-acquiring-maines-food-party-warehouse-in-forty-fort
Lehigh Valley cleaning services ready to provide coronavirus decontamination to businesses looking to reopen
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-impact-on-cleaning-services-20200518-fsv5lexszrg4fcqqdclyyfypny-story.html
Tiny Pennsburg flirts with revolt against Pennsylvania’s business closure order
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pennsburg-business-opening-20200518-osvd4t4qjnbmzfkx6y7ej27rkm-story.html
Will you need a reservation to go to Hersheypark or Knoebels? How Pa. amusement parks could handle coronavirus changes
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/05/will-you-need-a-reservation-to-go-to-hersheypark-or-knoebels-how-pa-amusement-parks-could-handle-coronavirus-changes.html
Making a go of it: Area restaurant owners staying open (carefully) during coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/food/2020/05/making-a-go-of-it-area-restaurant-owners-staying-open-carefully-during-coronavirus.html-3
Payroll Protection Program for small businesses continues after rocky start
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200517/payroll-protection-program-for-small-businesses-continues-after-rocky-start
Education
Faced with $15 million local revenue loss, area school districts eye hiking taxes, eliminating positions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/faced-with-15-million-local-revenue-loss-area-school-districts-eye-hiking-taxes-eliminating-positions-1.2629371
Jonah Goldberg: COVID-19 could shake the foundations of higher education
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/05/18/Jonah-Goldberg-COVID-19-could-shake-the-foundations-of-higher-education/stories/202005180011
Ted Danson, other notable Carnegie Mellon alumni offer congrats to new grads
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/ted-danson-other-notable-carnegie-mellon-alumni-offer-congrats-to-new-grads/
Elections/Politics
Pennsylvania: Here’s how to register to vote before tonight’s deadline
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/18/Pennsylvania-register-vote-election-democrat-republican-deadline-voter-registration-allegheny-county/stories/202005180049
From ‘Can I have your vote?’ to ‘How can I help?’ Coronavirus has transformed campaigning for the Pa. primary.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-primary-candidates-2020-coronavirus-covid-19-help-20200518.html
Clock ticking on Pa. voter registration deadline ahead of primaries
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/clock-ticking-on-pa-voter-registration-deadline-ahead-of-primaries.html
Primary voting impacted for Lower Valley residents by coronavirus
https://foxchapel.triblive.com/primary-voting-impacted-for-lower-valley-residents-by-coronavirus/
May 18 is the deadline to register to vote in June 2 primary
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783993/may-18-is-the-deadline-to-register-to-vote-in-june-2-primary
A pro-Trump super PAC is stepping up its advertising campaign against Joe Biden in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/president-trump-tv-ads-pennsylvania-election-joe-biden-china-20200518.html
Gaming
Casinos will have new safety plans when reopening
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/casinos-will-have-new-safety-plans-when-reopening-1.2629289
Local News
Volunteers step up to help after Friends of the Poor lost employees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/volunteers-step-up-to-help-after-friends-of-the-poor-lost-employees-1.2629360
Berks food pantry delivers groceries to nearly 900 families after date mix-up
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-food-pantry-delivers-groceries-to-nearly-900-families-after-date-mix-up/article_90b8565e-97c9-11ea-8781-a3ea17e4346c.html
Lack of haircuts comes up at Luzerne County Council meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/784049/lack-of-hair-cuts-comes-up-at-luzerne-county-council-meeting
Greater W-B Industrial Fund gets $1.5M PIPE grant for Dupont Borough
https://www.timesleader.com/news/783997/greater-w-b-industrial-fund-gets-1-5m-pipe-grant-for-dupont-borough
Community group gives meals to kids in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/community-group-gives-meals-to-kids-in-wilkes-barre-1.2629295
Hometown Heroes project pays tribute to local veterans
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hometown-heroes-project-pays-tribute-to-local-veterans-1.2629284
Cops: Littering masks, gloves could cost you
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cops-littering-masks-gloves-could-cost-you-1.2629339
National News
How bad can the economy get? Could this be another Great Depression?
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/17/How-bad-can-the-economy-get-Could-this-be-another-great-Depression/stories/202005170017
‘A lot to be hopeful for’: Crisis seen as historic, not another Great Depression
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/17/a-lot-to-be-hopeful-for-crisis-seen-as-historic-not-another-great-depression/
Natural Gas
Better gas data needed
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/better-gas-data-needed-1.2629066
Philly
Philadelphians are secretly picking ‘quaranteams’ to survive the shutdown
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-pandemic-socially-monogamous-quaranteam-double-bubble-20200517.html
Philly’s overdose crisis still needs attention amid coronavirus | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-drug-overdose-death-data-2019-opioid-stimulants-20200518.html
Philadelphia area stars headlining PHL COVID-19 Fund variety show fund-raiser
https://www.inquirer.com/news/phl-covid-19-fund-daryl-hall-questlove-patti-labelle-philadelphia-area-talent-20200518.html
These are the people we’ve lost to COVID-19 in Greater Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/inq/coronavirus-deaths-philadelphia-south-jersey-covid-19-obituaries-20200422.html
Protesters urge Philadelphia archdiocese to resume in-person Mass
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-archdiocese-protest-public-mass-20200517.html
Rebecca Rhynhart’s alternative plan to balance the city budget — without raising your taxes | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-city-budget-taxes-mayor-jim-kenney-20200518.html
Swastikas spray painted on Philadelphia Red Cross building
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/swastikas-spray-painted-on-philadelphia-red-cross-building.html
Pitt
Pitt-based study discovers a way to block transplanted organ rejection
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/18/Pitt-study-discovers-pathway-block-transplanted-organ-rejection-Oberbarnscheidt-Lakkis/stories/202005150117
North Side Exxon reopens with a familiar face after fight closes station
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/05/18/Exxon-Brighton-Road-reopens-owner-Abdo-Saad-Perry-Market-fight-brawl/stories/202005140096
His very clean dental office is going to get even cleaner to reopen
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/18/non-essential-businesses-pa-coronavirus-dr-john-waldman-pittsburgh-dentist/stories/202005170018
An ad agency negotiates different states’ rules but grades the labels ‘insulting’
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/18/non-essential-businesses-pa-coronavirus-bhivelab-pittsburgh-ad-agency/stories/202005130138
PennDOT begins pedestrian safety project on Pittsburgh’s busy East Carson Street
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/17/PennDOT-East-Carson-Street-Pittsburgh-South-Side-pedestrian-safety-construction/stories/202005170042
Police investigate shooting in Northview Heights
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-investigate-shooting-in-northview-heights/
Alcosan given OK for $2 billion plan to reduce sewage overflows into waterways
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/alcosan-given-ok-for-2-billion-plan-to-reduce-sewage-overflows-into-waterways/
State News
Social distancing costs mount for fire companies forced to cancel fundraisers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/social-distancing-costs-mount-for-fire-companies-forced-to-cancel-fundraisers/
Gypsy moth populations down, likely no need to spray
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/gypsy-moth-populations-down-likely-no-need-to-spray-1.2629363
You’ve been ‘dusted!’: How ‘booze fairies’ are spreading cheer in the tri-state area
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/18/youve-been-dusted-how-booze-fairies-are-spreading-cheer-in-the-tri-state-area/
Transportation
PennDOT expects at least $800 million in funding cuts due to coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/penndot-expects-at-least-800-million-in-funding-cuts-due-to-coronavirus/article_f3321590-961b-11ea-b3ef-3395dd627acf.html