Coronavirus – COVID-19
Levine: University of Wash.’s projected COVID-19 death count for Pa. shows risk of reopening too fast
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/levine-university-of-wash-s-projected-covid-19-death-count-for-pa-shows-risk-of-reopening-too-fast/
After 554 new Pa. deaths and revised mortality model, Levine cautions against early re-opening
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/05/covid-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-deaths-cases-data-pandemic/stories/202005050081
Dire prediction shows big challenge lies ahead in Pa
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dire-prediction-shows-big-challenge-lies-ahead-in-pa-1.2625372
Pennsylvania’s coronavirus death toll is more than tripled in new projection
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pennsylvanias-coronavirus-death-toll-is-more-than-tripled-in-new-projection.html
Data reconciliation takes PA COVID-19 deaths above 3,000
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200505/data-reconciliation-takes-pa-covid-19-deaths-above-3000
Gov. Wolf offers little detail on when next areas of Pennsylvania could move to yellow phase
https://triblive.com/local/regional/gov-wolf-offers-little-detail-on-when-next-areas-of-pennsylvania-could-move-to-yellow-phase/
Counties in Pittsburgh region plead with Gov. Wolf to reopen — soon
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/counties-in-pittsburgh-region-plead-with-gov-wolf-to-reopen-soon/
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: State adds 554 to death toll from virus, brings overall total to 3,012; more than 67% linked to nursing or personal care homes
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-numbers-tuesday-20200505-u6zl34a66jb7dpx7omx66ukpi4-story.html
Gov. Tom Wolf: Nursing homes to be counted in reopening decision
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200505/gov-tom-wolf-nursing-homes-to-be-counted-in-reopening-decision
7 more deaths, 10 new cases of coronavirus reported in Allegheny County
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/7-deaths-10-new-cases-of-coronavirus-reported-in-allegheny-county/
Kane’s Glen Hazel facility up to 12 coronavirus deaths as state weighs releasing nursing home data
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/kanes-glen-hazel-facility-up-to-12-coronavirus-deaths-as-state-weighs-releasing-nursing-home-data/
Westmoreland County reports 2 new coronavirus cases, no additional deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-reports-2-new-coronavirus-cases-no-additional-deaths/
Advocate for nursing home residents slams state for refusal to identify facilities with virus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/advocate-for-nursing-home-residents-slams-state-for-refusal-to-identify-facilities-with-virus-1.2625274
Rural Health Corp. offering testing for coronavirus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rural-health-corp-offering-testing-for-coronavirus-1.2625362
Pa. Republicans and Democrats disagree on reopening the economy, but there is a lot they do agree on, survey says
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-survey-economy-shutdown-wolf-trump-20200505.html
Access to groceries challenging older Pennsylvanians during pandemic, study reveals
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/access-to-groceries-challenging-older-pennsylvanians-during-pandemic-study-reveals/article_2634ec8b-739a-5c5f-a46f-da89c120d13a.html
Americans deeply wary of reopening as White House weighs ending COVID-19 task force
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-restaurants-stores-normalcy-20200505.html
You should wear a mask in hallways and other common spaces of apartment buildings, experts say
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-wear-masks-in-apartment-building-20200506.html
Pennsylvania Sens. Casey, Toomey tackle coronavirus from different angles
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/senators-casey-and-toomey-tackle-coronavirus-from-different-angles/
Scanlon receives 20,000 calls for help during pandemic
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/scanlon-receives-20-000-calls-for-help-during-pandemic/article_a9688382-8f0d-11ea-98ed-b3a7eb3a919f.html
White House may close its coronavirus task force this month
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coroanvirus-task-force-20200505.html
Legislature
Coronavirus swamps Pennsylvania unemployment system and lawmakers hear the frustration: ‘How can they expect people to survive?’
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-unemployment-hearing-20200505-png5jgknqng5dcq2qu7o7cvi7q-story.html
Sponsor abandons ammo background checks after backlash
https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/sponsor-abandons-ammo-background-checks-after-backlash/article_d2f7758d-7721-5353-8ed5-b59ecfae56d4.html
Pa. Sen. John DiSanto calls for Labor & Industry secretary’s resignation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-sen-john-disanto-calls-for-labor-industry-secretarys-resignation.html
Affront should draw censure
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/affront-should-draw-censure-1.2625282
Yudichak questions L&I secretary on shutdown process
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782515/yudichak-questions-li-secretary-on-shutdown-process
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf ran as a champion of government transparency. The COVID-19 pandemic is putting that to the test.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/gov-tom-wolf-ran-as-a-champion-of-government-transparency-the-covid-19-pandemic-is-putting-that-to-the-test/
Doctors to Gov. Wolf: Don’t thank us, protect us
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/05/06/Lawrence-John-doctors-Tom-Wolf-protect-us/stories/202005060020
Chris Kelly: Show the good doctor respect
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-show-the-good-doctor-respect-1.2625379
Budget
Hit hard by COVID-19, Wolf, lawmakers can’t forget older residents in budget talks | Ray E. Landis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/hit-hard-by-covid-19-wolf-lawmakers-cant-forget-older-residents-in-budget-talks-ray-e-landis/
Business
After push from gas drillers, Fed to expand Main Street loans to bigger businesses
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/05/06/Federal-Reserve-loans-eligibility-PA-natural-gas-companies-SBA-loan-program/stories/202005050015
Six more employees at Smithfield Foods plant in Arnold test positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/05/06/Six-more-employees-at-Smithfield-Foods-plant-Arnold-test-positive-for-COVID-19/stories/202005060079
6 more workers test positive for covid-19 at Arnold Smithfield plant, union says
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/6-more-workers-positive-for-covid-19-at-arnold-smithfield-plant-union-says/
Does my boss have to tell me if a coworker has coronavirus? What to know about your rights.
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/coronavirus-workplace-test-positive-workers-right-employers-20200420.html
Garden Drive-In delays planned reopening
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782527/garden-drive-in-delays-planned-reopening
Scranton silver fiber maker has new lease on technology in COVID-19 fight
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-silver-fiber-maker-has-new-lease-on-technology-in-covid-19-fight-1.2625404
Camelback, other resorts start set up target dates to reopen, whether that happens is still in question
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/camelback-other-resorts-start-set-up-target-dates-to-reopen-whether-that-happens-is-still-in-question-1.2625187
Warehouse workers say their safety concerns are being ignored
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/warehouse-workers-say-their-safety-concerns-are-being-ignored-1.2625376
Crime/Punishment
Feds and police say they’ve dismantled Philly-to-Indiana County drug ring
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/05/Feds-police-dismantled-Philly-to-Indiana-County-drug-ring/stories/202005050133
SCI Huntingdon now has more inmates with COVID-19 than all other Pa. state prisons combined
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/05/sci-huntingdon-now-has-more-inmates-with-covid-19-than-all-other-pa-state-prisons-combined/
Education
School districts have moved their classes online. But not all students have joined them
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/school-districts-have-moved-their-classes-online-but-not-all-students-have-joined-them.html
Lackawanna County school districts to share $7M in federal emergency stimulus money
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-school-districts-to-share-7m-in-federal-emergency-stimulus-money-1.2625186
Exeter School District discusses staff cuts and will hold virtual town hall
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/exeter-school-district-discusses-staff-cuts-and-will-hold-virtual-town-hall/article_c4cba40a-8f13-11ea-a1dd-8762c09d80a7.html
A coronavirus high school graduation: Seniors to drive cars across Pocono Raceway finish line
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-north-pocono-school-district-graduation-pocono-raceway-muschick-20200506-v3ij2gjrkzcqjex7vhbby5jehq-story.html
Want to avoid a cruel summer for Pa. students? Start by closing the digital divide | Janel Myers and Fletcher McClellan
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/want-to-avoid-a-cruel-summer-for-pa-students-start-by-closing-the-digital-divide-janel-myers-and-fletcher-mcclellan/
Drexel co-ops face their greatest challenge: Finding work for students during coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/education/drexel-cooperative-education-anniversary-students-jobs-coronavirus-20200506.html
Paying college athletes: NCAA takes first step in allowing players to cash in
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/06/Paying-college-athletes-NCAA-takes-first-step-in-allowing-players-to-cash-in/stories/202005050014
Elections/Politics
Nearly a million Pa. voters have applied to vote by mail in June primary election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/05/05/Pennsylvania-primary-2020-election-vote-mail-in-ballot-applications-absentee-voters/stories/202005050148
Luzerne County releases proposed consolidated polling locations for June 2 primary
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782461/luzerne-county-releases-proposed-consolidated-polling-locations-for-june-2-primary
County turns to school buildings for polling sites
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-turns-to-school-buildings-for-polling-sites-1.2625361
As Pa. poll workers worry about safety, staffing for June primary will be a challenge
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/06/as-pa-poll-workers-worry-about-safety-staffing-for-june-primary-will-be-a-challenge/
Montgomery County official: ‘Clearly, this will not be a normal election’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-official-clearly-this-will-not-be-a-normal-election/article_2cdb1762-a492-51a8-b132-9e0b1279f133.html
Health Care
Top Pa. health official says state won’t supply protective equipment to hospitals that resume elective surgeries
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/05/Top-Pa-health-official-says-state-won-t-supply-masks-other-protective-equipment-to-hospitals-that-resume-elective-surgeries/stories/202005050112
Easton Hospital notifies state of 694 layoffs, possible closure by end of June if sale collapses
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-easton-hospital-could-close-if-st-lukes-deal-falls-through-20200505-gzp6bdhhf5d4razt3n7ptygtae-story.html
Local News
Scranton City Council opposes proposed landfill expansion, water company rate hikes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-opposes-proposed-landfill-expansion-water-company-rate-hikes-1.2625290
Virtual fundraiser raises more than $180,000 to address food security in county
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/virtual-fundraiser-raises-more-than-180-000-to-address-food-security-in-county-1.2625396
Berks and Reading have a long way to get out of coronavirus lockdown, official says
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-and-reading-have-a-long-way-to-get-out-of-coronavirus-lockdown-official-says/article_b0470538-8f27-11ea-82b7-3ff2fe561e21.html
Berks County slipping when it comes to social distancing, data show
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-slipping-when-it-comes-to-social-distancing-data-show/article_06d4c29c-8e0a-11ea-a0c0-e39cb83c0e24.html
No flags for veterans’ graves in Berks County for Memorial Day; factory closed under pandemic orders
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/no-flags-for-veterans-graves-in-berks-county-for-memorial-day-factory-closed-under-pandemic/article_58178ba8-8eeb-11ea-960e-ef86596bc6cb.html
Arnold to resume monthly recycling collection
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/arnold-to-resume-monthly-recycling-collection/
Cost of Allegheny Valley Joint Sewage Authority’s treatment plant expansion jumps 25%
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cost-of-allegheny-valley-joint-sewage-authoritys-treatment-plant-expansion-jumps-25/
South Huntingdon extends tax discount deadline
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/south-huntingdon-extends-tax-discount-deadline/
Adjusted schedule for payment of Wilkes-Barre property tax
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782520/adjusted-schedule-for-payment-of-wilkes-barre-property-tax
Salvation Army expands food distribution
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/salvation-army-expands-food-distribution-1.2625339
Survey of Lehigh Valley nonprofits projects financial impacts of coronavirus, including $17.6 million in lost revenue
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pano-financial-impact-lehigh-valley-nonprofits-20200506-bpa5vz36avel5e2ttm3b46n4ca-story.html
Lack of information clouds Erie County’s plan to reopen
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200506/lack-of-information-clouds-erie-countys-plan-to-reopen
National News
Justice Ginsburg in hospital with infection, court says
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/ruth-bader-ginsburg-gallstone-infection-supreme-court-20200505.html
Gov. DeWine announces $775 million in Ohio budget cuts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/06/Ohio-s-GOP-Gov-Mike-DeWine-calls-out-obnoxious-protesters-who-targeted-health-chief-news-media/stories/202005060074
Opioid Crisis
Opioid overdose hospitalizations drop, new PHC4 report finds
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/opioid-overdose-hospitalizations-drop-new-phc4-report-finds-1.2625116
Philly
When the rent is due, South Philly restaurant owners donate food to meet the cooking needs of Latino families
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-south-philadelphia-latino-families-food-distribution-despensas-20200506.html
Philly community group hosts socially distant cleanup of Kensington, Fishtown
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-new-kensington-fishtown-port-richmond-cleanup-environment-20200505.html
Sixers offer fans refunds for suspended games or option to roll over ticket packages to 2020-21 NBA season
https://www.inquirer.com/sports/philadelphia-sixers-tickets-nba-coronavirus-20200505.html
A Whole Foods in Philly confirmed employees have coronavirus, but workers worry ‘we have no idea what’s going on’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/philadelphia-whole-foods-workers-coronavirus-positive-20200505.html
Philly archdiocese expects to pay $126 million in priest sex-abuse reparations
https://www.inquirer.com/business/catholic-archdiocese-philadelphia-sex-abuse-payouts-reparations-fund-20200505.html
Pitt
City Council extends emergency declaration until May 12
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/05/Pittsburgh-council-extends-emergency-declaration-until-May-12/stories/202005050096
Allegheny County Council recognizes racism as ‘public health crisis’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/05/Allegheny-County-Council-racism-public-health-crisis-Rich-Fitzgerald-bond-bill/stories/202005050149
Pittsburgh Councilmen Burgess, Lavelle pursue task force on race and COVID-19 response
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/05/Pittsburgh-coronavirus-response-cases-race-equity-task-force-Burgess-Lavelle/stories/202005050146
Pittsburgh food bank plans drive-up distributions at airport, PPG Paints Arena
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-food-bank-plans-drive-up-distributions-at-airport-ppg-paints-arena/
Airport using robots, UV light to combat COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/05/Pittsburgh-International-Airport-COVID-19-Carnegie-Robotics/stories/202005050120
Pittsburgh Foundation’s Emergency Action Fund awards more than $8 million for COVID-19 relief
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/05/05/Emergency-Action-Fund-COVID-19-grants-Pittsburgh-Foundation-pandemic-relief/stories/202005050109
State News
Pa.’s birth-control war returns to U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday, but this time they’re phoning it in
https://www.inquirer.com/news/supreme-court-birth-control-pennsylvania-little-sisters-trump-contraception-affordable-care-act-20200506.html
Poison hemlock invades state’s yards, fields and roadsides
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2020/05/05/Poison-hemlock-plant-species-nvades-invasive-Pennsylvania-conium-maculatum/stories/202005050140
Renee Amoore, deputy chairperson of Pa. Republican Party, dies at 67
https://www.inquirer.com/news/renee-amoore-pennsylvania-republican-party-deputy-chair-montgomery-county-20200505.html
A Main Line nature preserve is thriving amid coronavirus. Could it be a model for others to open?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/coronavirus-trails-mckaig-upper-merion-social-distancing-salamanders-bullfrogs-20200506.html
Pennsylvania Game Commission will reopen shooting ranges in ‘yellow’ counties
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-game-commission-will-reopen-shooting-ranges-in-yellow-counties/
First medical marijuana research launches in Pa.; patients to be paid for participating in Jefferson U. studies
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/medical-marijuana-research-pennsylvania-jefferson-ethos-20200506.html
UGI plans restart of gas main projects
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ugi-plans-restart-of-gas-main-projects-1.2625351
Pennsylvania’s backlog of 3,000 untested rape kits now under 100, auditor general says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pennsylvanias-backlog-of-3000-untested-rape-kits-now-under-100-auditor-general-says.html
‘Salute to Nurses’ parade crashed by gun-waving SUV driver who leads Pa. cops on chase
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/salute-to-nurses-parade-crashed-by-gun-waving-suv-driver-who-leads-pa-cops-on-chase.html
Hunting-related shooting fatalities increase in Pennsylvania
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/05/hunting-related-shooting-fatalities-increase-in-pennsylvania/
Transportation
Pa. Turnpike receives extension on July transit payment of $112.5 million
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/05/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Transportation-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-delay-transit-payment-112-5-million/stories/202005050150
Traffic deaths declined for the third year in a row in 2019, NHTSA says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/05/NHTSA-traffic-deaths-third-straight-decline-2019/stories/202005050098
Our post-pandemic transit challenges will require regional solutions | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/septa-patco-new-jersey-transit-coronavirus-deficits-stimulus-future-ridership-20200506.html
PennDOT says $800M in federal aid needed to keep non-critical projects rolling
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/penndot-says-800m-in-federal-aid-needed-to-keep-non-critical-projects-rolling/
Less drivers mean safer roads in Poconos
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200506/less-drivers-mean-safer-roads-in-poconos