Coronavirus – COVID-19

Pa. GOP lawmaker says he tested positive for COVID-19; Democrats demand more information
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/05/27/pa-state-rep-andrew-lewis-r-dauphin-gop-lawmaker-tests-positive-covid-19/stories/202005270138

Pa. House Democrats say keeping GOP colleague’s exposure to COVID-19 private is ‘unacceptable’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-house-democrats-say-keeping-gop-colleagues-exposure-to-covid-19-private-is-unacceptable.html

COVID-19 in the Capitol: One lawmaker positive for COVID, two more in quarantine
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-the-capitol-one-lawmaker-positive-for-covid-another-in-quarantine/

Pa. Dems accuse GOP of keeping Rep. Lewis’ coronavirus diagnosis a ‘secret’
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-rep-andrew-lewis-shares-his-positive-diagnosis-for-covid-19/

2 new deaths in Western Pa.; state reports 780 new cases of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/27/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-15/stories/202005270098

Allegheny county adds 12 new coronavirus cases, 1 death
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-adds-12-new-coronavirus-cases-1-death/

15 new cases, 3 new deaths confirmed in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/15-new-cases-3-new-deaths-confirmed-in-county-1.2632493

Mass testing at Berks Heim to start Thursday, county commissioners say
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/mass-testing-at-berks-heim-to-start-thursday-county-commissioners-say/article_62129cb4-a026-11ea-8b86-2707541b3e7a.html

Pennsylvania latest target for COVID-19 unemployment scammers
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200527/pennsylvania-latest-target-for-covid-19-unemployment-scammers

More funds needed to help Pennsylvania renters, landlords during COVID-19
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200527/more-funds-needed-to-help-pennsylvania-renters-landlords-during-covid-19

COVID-19 has created a financial crisis. Pa. legal aid programs help stabilize families | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/covid-19-has-created-a-financial-crisis-pa-legal-aid-programs-help-stabilize-families-opinion/

COVID-19 vaccines in the works, though likely still months away
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200528/covid-19-vaccines-in-works-though-likely-still-months-away

The People We’ve Lost
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/inq/coronavirus-deaths-philadelphia-south-jersey-covid-19-obituaries-20200422.html

Reopening

Outdoor dining and drinking in Pennsylvania’s yellow counties can begin June 5
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/05/27/Outdoor-dining-and-drinking-in-Pennsylvania-yellow-counties-can-begin-June-5-Pittsburgh-coved-19/stories/202005270156

Gov. Wolf: Restaurants in yellow counties can begin outdoor dining services June 5
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-gives-guidelines-for-outdoor-dining-in-the-yellow-phase/

Yellow phase now allows outdoor restaurant dining
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/yellow-phase-now-allows-outdoor-restaurant-dining-1.2632266

Pennsylvania restaurants in yellow phase counties can start outdoor dining on June 5; Lehigh Valley included
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-state-restaurants-wolf-20200527-5avtrw3hungefnwdnlsevm44hm-story.html

Reopening Pa. bars and restaurants FAQ: Capacity limits, rules for yellow and green counties, masks, and more
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/05/reopening-pa-bars-and-restaurants-faq-capacity-limits-rules-for-yellow-and-green-counties-masks-and-more.html

Local child care centers prepare to reopen in state’s yellow phase
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-child-care-centers-prepare-to-reopen-in-state-s-yellow-phase-1.2632505

Unemployment relief continues in yellow phase
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/unemployment-relief-continues-in-yellow-phase-1.2632471

Swimming pools diving into opening days after Gov. Wolf’s clearance
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/05/27/pools-open-PA-Gov-Wolf-phases-Greene-Butler-Allegheny-Dormont-Scott-Cranberry/stories/202005270124

Red, yellow, green: What to expect in each of Pa.’s tiers for reopening
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-reopening-tiers-phases-red-yellow-green-20200501.html

Legislature

Pennsylvania is sitting on billions in coronavirus relief money. What’s the holdup?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-cares-act-coronavirus-federal-funding-20200528.html

Pa. lawmakers plan to steer federal stimulus funds to nursing homes, small businesses and counties
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/plan-calls-for-nursing-homes-small-businesses-to-be-among-largest-recipients-of-federal-stimulus-funds.html

Protecting our seniors: House proposal would direct funds to nursing homes
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/28/Senior-citizen-protection-funding-nursing-homes-Pennsylvania/stories/202005270037

Incidents of calling police on black people lead states to consider new laws
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/states-legislation-racist-calls-new-york-new-jersey-oregon-washington-20200528.html

O’Neal introduces legislation to privatize state liquor stores
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/oneal-introduces-legislation-to-privatize-state-liquor-stores/article_34dbe1d4-a043-11ea-93fb-a7fa2dc8da63.html

Administration

Wolf urges employers to minimize risks for senior citizens
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-urges-employers-to-minimize-risks-for-senior-citizens-1.2632470

Biden: Wolf doing ‘one hell of a job’ during coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/biden-wolf-doing-one-hell-of-a-job-during-coronavirus-pandemic/

Budget

Pass budget before election
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/pass-budget-before-election-1.2632307

Business

Gym patrons ‘not worried,’ flock to open Penn Hills gym
https://pennhills.triblive.com/gym-patrons-not-worried-flock-to-open-penn-hills-gym/

Businesses at local industrial parks operating well below full capacity
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/businesses-at-local-industrial-parks-operating-well-below-full-capacity-1.2632367

Coronavirus-testing program will help Berks businesses bring workers back safely
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing-program-will-help-berks-businesses-bring-workers-back-safely/article_d031f018-a045-11ea-9247-134505deb98d.html

Chester County launches tool to help businesses prepare to open on June 5
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-launches-tool-to-help-businesses-prepare-to-open-on-june-5/article_38999436-a068-11ea-a0e1-f70116e4f919.html

Crime/Punishment

College student wanted in 2 Connecticut slayings is captured
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/peter-mansfredonia-search-connecticut-duryea-northeast-pennsylvania-20200527.html

Police: Boy, 3, died from fentanyl toxicity; parents, 2 others charged
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/police-boy-3-died-from-fentanyl-toxicity-parents-2-others-charged-1.2632370

More Montgomery County jail inmates test positive for coronavirus
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/more-montgomery-county-jail-inmates-test-positive-for-coronavirus/article_3a6194e9-badc-569b-8409-d28d48b3abb9.html

Education

Will students have to wear masks to school? Pa. superintendents face tough choices for fall
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/will-students-have-to-wear-masks-to-school-pa-superintendents-face-tough-choices-for-fall.html

Pandemic creates funding crisis for Scranton schools, as leaders look at scenarios for fall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/pandemic-creates-funding-crisis-for-scranton-schools-as-leaders-look-at-scenarios-for-fall-1.2632317

Referees say PIAA used ‘bullying tactic,’ decided on ‘half-measure’ in handling fees associated with canceled spring season
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/05/referees-say-piaa-used-bullying-tactic-decided-on-half-measure-in-handling-fees-associated-with-canceled-spring-season.html

Cal U student from Greensburg sues over online learning
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/cal-u-student-from-greensburg-sues-over-online-learning/

Two Pennsylvania college presidents face tough choices in dealing with COVID-19 | Social Views
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/05/two-pennsylvania-college-presidents-face-tough-choices-in-dealing-with-covid-19-social-views.html

Princeton’s first black valedictorian draws praise from high places
https://www.inquirer.com/news/princeton-valedictorian-first-black-history-20200528.html

Elections/Politics

Dealing with mail-in ballots emerges as major challenge for Pa. primary election
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/dealing-with-mail-in-ballots-emerges-as-major-challenge-for-pa-primary-election.html

Tom Brier, Eugene DePasquale vie for Democrats’ big shot in 10th Congressional District in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/tom-brier-eugene-depasquale-vie-for-democrats-big-shot-in-pennsylvanias-10th-congressional-district-winner-gets-us-rep-scott-perry-in-the-fall.html

Joe Biden says he’ll pick running mate by Aug. 1
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/05/28/Joe-Biden-pick-choose-running-mate-by-Aug-1-vice-president/stories/202005280101

In 44th Pa. House district, first-term legislator faces repeat challenger
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/27/Pennsylvania-44th-district-state-House-Valeri-Gaydos-Bob-Doddato/stories/202005220103

Mail-in ballots expected to drive high turnout in Allegheny, Westmoreland
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/high-turnout-expected-from-vote-by-mail-ballots/

County offers options to return ballots
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-offers-options-to-return-ballots-1.2632475

Sue Helm faces challenger in GOP primary for Pa. House’s 104th district
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/05/sue-helm-faces-challenger-in-gop-primary-for-pa-houses-104th-district.html

Pa. House member in Dauphin County faces challenger in June 2 primary
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/05/pa-house-member-in-dauphin-county-faces-challenger-in-june-2-primary.html

Dems ahead in ChesCo as Lawrence goes red at primary deadline | Voter Registration Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/dems-ahead-in-chesco-as-lawrence-goes-red-at-primary-deadline-voter-registration-analysis/

Gargantuan effort fuels race to push out mail-in ballots
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/gargantuan-effort-fuels-race-to-push-out-mail-in-ballots/article_392b46e4-a066-11ea-9143-17cde033faa9.html

Health Care

Even with private insurance, black overdose patients are half as likely as whites to get addiction treatment, Penn study finds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/racial-disparities-addiction-treatment-private-insurance-opioid-crisis-20200527.html

Tower Health virtual ICU puts more eyes on patients at Reading Hospital and elsewhere
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/tower-health-virtual-icu-puts-more-eyes-on-patients-at-reading-hospital-and-elsewhere/article_f00e188a-992e-11ea-8afd-ef2d4782fac8.html

Local News

Reading secures nearly $200K in federal funding to boost coronavirus response
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-secures-nearly-200k-in-federal-funding-to-boost-coronavirus-response/article_1532cda2-a02a-11ea-9162-bfbcc1b66773.html

Humane Pennsylvania gives away 2,500 pounds of pet food in 30 minu
https://www.readingeagle.com/living/berks-pets/humane-pennsylvania-gives-away-2-500-pounds-of-pet-food-in-30-minutes/article_232f4992-a04a-11ea-aba7-8b98045d2469.html

Berks County Community Foundation awards $8,200 to Albany Township organizations
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/berks-county-community-foundation-awards-8-200-to-albany-township-organizations/article_e7b90344-a02b-11ea-bffe-7fa50067b66c.html

Cheswick goes back to in-person council meetings
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-goes-back-to-in-person-council-meetings/

Westmoreland County recalling furloughed workers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-recalling-furloughed-workers/

Eleven Westmoreland locations will provide free meals through summer food program
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/eleven-westmoreland-locations-will-provide-free-meals-through-summer-food-program/

‘Americans helping Americans’: U.S. Ag Sec. says at Westmoreland Farmers to Families food distribution
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/inaugural-westmoreland-farmers-to-families-food-distribution-serves-1000-households/

Vough: mask, temperature reading required to enter courthouse after June 1 reopening
https://www.timesleader.com/news/785321/vough-mask-temperature-reading-required-to-enter-courthouse-after-june-1-reopening

Conceal carry permit processing to resume in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/conceal-carry-permit-processing-to-resume-in-county-1.2632491

Loss of gaming revenue threatens Erie taxpayers
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200528/loss-of-gaming-revenue-threatens-erie-taxpayers

National News

Violence again rocks Minneapolis after man’s death; 1 killed
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/28/Violence-again-rocks-Minneapolis-after-man-s-death-1-killed/stories/202005280097

Philly

COVID-19 in Philly: Pandemic fails to slow homicide pace as city count rises 12 percent
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-philly-pandemic-fails-to-slow-homicide-pace-as-city-count-rises-12-percent/

Voting is different in Philly this year. Here’s what you need to know for Tuesday’s coronavirus primary.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/coronavirus-philadelphia-pa-2020-primary-election-20200528.html

Restaurants could serve outside, the Phillies could practice in Philadelphia under Wolf decree; Cape May to reopen ocean
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-restaurants-dining-phillies-sports-philadelphia-20200527.html

Council implores Kenney administration to support Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium
https://www.inquirer.com/news/funding-black-doctors-covid-19-consortium-mayor-jim-kenney-cherelle-parker-20200527.html

By not closing streets, Philly misses chance to be a leader in safe social distancing | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-open-streets-coronavirus-pandemic-social-distancing-20200528.html

A 9-year-old Germantown boy shot himself in the face and died. Then someone got rid of the gun.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/violence-east-germantown-boy-shot-tic-toc-philadelphia-gun-20200527.html

A congressman caught in the 1970s Abscam sting is now at the heart of a Philly election fraud probe, sources say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/voter-fraud-philadelphia-election-domenick-demuro-ozzie-myers-consultant-1-20200527.html

Philly voters are about to decide whether the city will have a Department of Labor
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/philadelphia-department-of-labor-ballot-question-20200527.html

City workers facing layoffs say Philadelphia should tax the rich. Is that possible?
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/coronavirus-philadelphia-budget-cuts-layoffs-taxes-workers-20200527.html

Unlike COVID, there is a cure for homelessness: housing | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-homeless-services-testing-20200527.html

Pitt

Fitzgerald has no ‘intel’ but thinks Allegheny County will move to green next week
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/27/Rich-Fitzgerald-thinks-Allegheny-County-will-move-green-phase-next-week-COVID-19-Wolf/stories/202005270153

City council extends Pittsburgh’s emergency declaration for another 7 days
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/27/Pittsburgh-City-Council-coronavirus-state-of-emergency-7-days-EMS-costs-COVID-19/stories/202005270155

No cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome reported in Allegheny County
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/no-cases-of-multisystem-inflammatory-syndrome-reported-in-allegheny-county/

‘A very difficult decision’: Twentieth Century Club sells its Oakland building to Pitt
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/28/University-of-Pittsburgh-Twentieth-Century-Club-Oakland-Bigelow-Boulevard/stories/202005280085

Pittsburgh police officer memorial vandalized on the North Shore
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/27/Pittsburgh-police-officer-memorial-vandalized-North-Shore/stories/202005270167

North Shore police memorial vandalized for the second time this spring
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/north-shore-police-memorial-vandalized-for-the-second-time-this-spring/

Pittsburgh police union says city overcharged members ‘millions’ for medical benefits
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-union-says-city-overcharged-members-millions-for-medical-benefits/

Primary 2020 update: Allegheny County voters can expect mail-in ballots by Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/27/Primary-2020-Allegheny-County-voters-mail-in-ballots/stories/202005270092

Pittsburgh Diocese announces parish mergers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/05/27/Catholic-Diocese-of-Pittsburgh-parish-mergers/stories/202005270150

Bishop Zubik: 61 Catholic parishes to merge into 15 in Allegheny, Washington counties
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/bishop-zubik-61-catholic-parishes-to-merge-into-15-in-allegheny-washington-counties/

Poise grants totaling $320,000 will help black-led churches, other groups provide COVID-19 aid
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/05/27/Poise-Foundation-grants-COVID-19-black-community-churches-aid-funds-impact/stories/202005270127

Allegheny County to participate in national program to reform court fees and fines
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/27/Allegheny-County-national-program-reform-court-fees-fines-criminal-justice/stories/202005270115

PWSA repairing Pittsburgh’s infamous Downtown sinkhole
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pwsa-repairing-pittsburghs-infamous-downtown-sinkhole/

Kayak Pittsburgh to open in June
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/kayak-pittsburgh-to-open-in-june/

State News

One of Pennsylvania’s largest fish, a probable state record, caught in Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/flathead-catfish-fishing-pennsylvania-record-schuylkill-20200528.html

Should other states join Pennsylvania and ratify the Equal Rights Amendment? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/equal-rights-amendment-trump-administration-lawsuit-mrs-america-20200527.html

No way to meet Chesapeake goals without federal help
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/no-way-to-meet-chesapeake-goals-without-federal-help-1.2632291

Transportation

PennDOT again extends expiration for driver’s licenses, permits, ID cards to June 30
https://triblive.com/local/regional/penndot-again-extends-expiration-for-drivers-licenses-permits-id-cards-to-june-30/