Coronavirus – COVID-19
Gov. Wolf to move more counties into ‘yellow’ reopening phase; extends stay-at-home order for ‘red’ counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/07/Pennsylvania-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-extended-June-4-Governor-Wolf/stories/202005070185
Pa. extends coronavirus stay-at-home order to early June, as 24 counties move into yellow reopening stage
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-extends-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-until-june-4-24-counties-will-still-move-into-yellow-reopening-stage-friday.html
Which Pennsylvania counties are poised to enter the ‘yellow’ stage of pandemic emergency next?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/on-deck-with-24-pennsylvania-counties-in-yellow-stage-today-which-ones-are-poised-to-begin-reopening-next.html
Pennsylvania extends stay-at-home orders until June 4
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/pennsylvania-extends-stay-at-home-orders-until-june-4-1.2625692
Pennsylvania extends coronavirus stay-at-home order for Lehigh Valley, other ‘red’ areas to June 4; loosens restrictions for first time on ‘yellow’ areas
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-extended-to-june-4-20200508-2hnszxm67jebralzgzjp6jb5mm-story.html
Wolf extends stay-at-home order for red zones to June 4, will reveal next yellow-phase areas Friday
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-to-announce-next-areas-of-pennsylvania-moving-to-yellow-phase/
Wolf extends ban on evictions, foreclosures as PA nears 53K COVID-19 cases
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200507/wolf-extends-ban-on-evictions-foreclosures-as-pa-nears-53k-covid-19-cases
Gov. Tom Wolf gave Pennsylvania 60 days to prevent an eviction and foreclosure crisis | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-eviction-foreclosure-moratorium-rent-governor-tom-wolf-20200508.html
Wolf signs order shielding health-care workers on coronavirus front lines from certain civil lawsuits
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/07/Pennsylvania-health-care-workers-COVID-19-Gov-Wolf-order-protections-lawsuits/stories/202005070176
Hospitals, Pa. boost release of coronavirus data to keep public informed
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/hospitals-pa-boost-release-of-coronavirus-data-to-keep-public-informed/article_891ef178-8ee6-11ea-a891-33f31170b081.html
Pennsylvania reports jump of 310 coronavirus deaths as it continues to catch up with data
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-reports-jump-of-310-coronavirus-deaths-as-it-continues-to-catch-up-with-data/
Region has 11 new COVID-19 deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/07/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-3/stories/202005070108
Allegheny County reports 6 more coronavirus deaths, 45 new cases after delays in reporting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-adds-45-coronavirus-cases-six-deaths/
Westmoreland coronavirus death toll rises by 1 to 32
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-coronavirus-death-toll-rises-by-1-to-32/
Montco reports 105 new cases of coronavirus; death toll at 393
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montco-reports-105-new-cases-of-coronavirus-death-toll-at-393/article_d56cd8b0-87c0-5840-84f6-9b29559b0e88.html
7 more COVID-19 related deaths reported in Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782726/7-more-covid-19-related-deaths-reported-in-luzerne-county
7 more deaths in Luzerne County; Wolf extends stay-at-home order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/7-more-deaths-in-luzerne-county-wolf-extends-stay-at-home-order-1.2626102
Erie County sees record number of COVID-19 cases
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200507/erie-county-sees-record-number-of-covid-19-cases
Rep. Lamb demands federal probe of Brighton nursing home, cites poor practices by managers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/05/07/Nursing-home-COVID-19-Brighton-Rehabilitation-Wellness-Center-Conor-Lamb-pittsburgh/stories/202005170005
Experts worry CDC is sidelined in coronavirus response
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-cdc-health-experts-20200507.html
Trump tightens grip on coronavirus information as he pushes to restart the economy
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-information-trump-20200507.html
Legislature
Task force formed to prepare Lackawanna County for eventual reopening
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/task-force-formed-to-prepare-lackawanna-county-for-eventual-reopening-1.2625696
Information usually best medicine
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/information-usually-best-medicine-1.2625992
With 80 % of new coronavirus deaths in Pennsylvania at nursing and personal care homes, lawmakers demand answers
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-homes-tragedy-virus-20200507-yw2cck3cnvfvnc5bx6jm6ayjga-story.html
Fitzpatrick, state legislators to attend online teen forum
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200507/fitzpatrick-state-legislators-to-attend-online-teen-forum
State senator: Greene, Washington counties to reopen next Friday
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-senator-greene-washington-counties-to-reopen-next-friday/
Counting the ballots: Election officials need time to count mail-in votes
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/08/Counting-the-ballots-Election-officials-need-time-to-count-mail-in-votes/stories/202005060060
Bad timing for Harrisburg’s anti-environment efforts | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-legislature-new-environmental-spending-regulation-freeze-20200508.html
We need the legislature to pass the Family Care Act | Pennlive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/05/we-need-the-legislature-to-pass-the-family-care-act-pennlive-letters.html
Pennsylvania keeps us in dark about coronavirus actions. That’s reprehensible
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-gov-wolf-transparency-coronavirus-public-records-muschick-20200508-gg25dinpezdppeiif6tlrh7pqe-story.html
Pa. senator to health secretary: ‘I beg of you’ to do more to stop deaths at nursing homes
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/pa-senator-to-health-secretary-i-beg-of-you-to-do-more-to-stop-deaths/article_de7b9abc-9095-11ea-80ea-bf1d2c786df5.html
Killion advocates opening up some business
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/killion-advocates-opening-up-some-businesses/article_7a19976e-90b2-11ea-81ed-a3a201b603cb.html
Yudichak critical of state’s nursing home response plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782800/yudichak-critical-of-states-nursing-home-response-plan
Administration
Wolf criticizes Martz decision to resume NYC, Philly routes
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-criticizes-martz-decision-to-resume-nyc-philly-routes-1.2625935
Protesters call for Wolf to reopen businesses in Wyoming County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/protesters-call-for-wolf-to-reopen-businesses-in-wyoming-county-1.2625944
Commissioners prepare to take Wolf to court over shutdowns, lack of input
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localgovernment/commissioners-prepare-to-take-wolf-to-court-over-shutdowns-lack-of-input/article_f931cfc8-8fa7-11ea-8ca3-0747640f2958.html
Elected officials and businesses in 4 counties sue to end coronavirus shutdown
https://triblive.com/local/regional/elected-officials-and-businesses-in-four-counties-sue-to-end-coronavirus-shutdown/
Business
Millions more Americans filed jobless claims and Pa. is burning through unemployment cash. That could mean higher taxes later.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-unemployment-benefit-coronavirus-higher-taxes-20200507.html
Unemployment benefits now available for self-employed Pennsylvanians
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/unemployment-benefits-now-available-for-self-employed-pennsylvanians/
Self-employed can file for backdated unemployment benefits
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/self-employed-can-file-for-backdated-unemployment-benefits-1.2625867
SBA slashes disaster-loan limit from $2 million to $150,000, shuts out nearly all new applicants
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-small-business-loans-20200507.html
Which businesses can reopen in Pa.’s yellow coronavirus phase, and which can’t?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/which-businesses-can-reopen-in-pas-yellow-coronavirus-phase-and-which-cant.html
Businesses in Northwest Pa. ‘proceed with caution’ as they begin to reopen
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/08/businesses-in-northwest-pa-proceed-with-caution-as-they-begin-to-reopen/
Some businesses take a cautious approach as 24 Pa. counties partially reopen Friday
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/08/some-businesses-take-a-cautious-approach-as-24-pa-counties-partially-reopen-friday/
Restaurants sue the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board over wine handling fees
https://www.inquirer.com/business/plcb-wine-restaurants-class-action-commonwealth-court-20200507.html
Mired in the pandemic, construction pros consider the future of their business
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/construction-philadelphia-coronavirus-future-changes-20200507.html
As doors reopen in some counties, shopping is going to look a lot different
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/05/07/Shopping-malls-retail-covid-19-pennsylvania-restrictions-yellow-grove-city-outlet-simon-cranberry-cbl/stories/202005070055
Mon Valley dog groomer reopens in defiance of COVID-19 business closing order
https://observer-reporter.com/news/ongoing_coverage/mon-valley-dog-groomer-reopens-in-defiance-of-covid-19-business-closing-order/article_df858088-8fd9-11ea-95e8-fbf77ab5acb7.html
Emergency loans to WB restaurants pay for rent, supplies at critical time
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782803/emergency-loans-to-wb-restaurants-pay-for-rent-supplies-at-critical-time
W-B assists small businesses trying to stay afloat
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-assists-small-businesses-trying-to-stay-afloat-1.2626105
Luzerne County companies join #LightItBlue movement to honor front-line workers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782720/luzerne-county-companies-join-lightitblue-movement-to-honor-front-line-workers
Monroeville company cleans Westmoreland emergency vehicles for free
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/monroeville-company-cleans-westmoreland-emergency-vehicles-for-free/
Self-employed can now file for backdated pandemic unemployment benefits
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782711/self-employed-can-now-file-for-backdated-pandemic-unemployment-benefits
Giant Eagle teams with domestic violence groups to raise help awareness during pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/giant-eagle-teams-with-domestic-violence-groups-to-raise-help-awareness-during-pandemic/
What businesses, activities can restart Friday in Erie County?
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200507/what-businesses-activities-can-restart-friday-in-erie-county
Ambler Savings Bank awards $14.5M in forgivable loans in first round of Payroll Protection Program
https://www.delcotimes.com/business/ambler-savings-bank-awards-14-5m-in-forgivable-loans-in-first-round-of-payroll-protection/article_7f75e9c0-3679-5ef9-9794-488dde98dad2.html
Kimberly-Clark ramps up production of toilet paper at Chester plant
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/kimberly-clark-ramps-up-production-of-toilet-paper-at-chester-plant/article_15494292-9087-11ea-976f-db62bf29a5cd.html
Crime/Punishment
Pandemic opportunism: Prison call-monitoring system exploits virus panic
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/08/Pandemic-opportunism-Prison-call-monitoring-system-exploits-virus-panic/stories/202004290006
Education
Students eligible for free lunch to receive $370 in SNAP benefits to cover rest of school year
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/students-eligible-for-free-lunch-to-receive-snap-benefits/
Students urged not to return to Penn State on what would have been graduation weekend
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/students-urged-not-to-return-to-penn-state-on-what-would-have-been-graduation-weekend.html
Elections/Politics
Pennsylvania allows big reduction in poll workers for 2020 primary election to help counties during pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-2020-primary-poll-worker-reduction-20200507.html
Primary voting Q&A: Mail-in voting process explained
https://www.timesleader.com/news/782802/primary-voting-qa-mail-in-voting-process-explained
Berks County election board votes to increase poll worker pay
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-election-board-votes-to-increase-poll-worker-pay/article_21411552-9087-11ea-ac16-6f4677552072.html
Pandemic forces dramatic changes in Delco election procedures
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/pandemic-forces-dramatic-changes-in-delco-election-procedures/article_389603b4-90a2-11ea-a4c4-1b7d54d5ea21.html
Bucks voters will be ordered to wear masks
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200507/bucks-voters-will-be-ordered-to-wear-masks
Health Care
UPMC officials say small Mother’s Day visits OK as they push Pennsylvania to reopen
https://triblive.com/local/regional/upmc-officials-say-small-mothers-day-visits-ok-as-they-push-pennsylvania-to-reopen/
Excela offers support for teens feeling overwhelmed by pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-offers-support-for-teens-feeling-overwhelmed-by-pandemic/
Local News
Scranton receives $64K in federal coronavirus response funding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-receives-64k-in-federal-coronavirus-response-funding-1.2626109
Gritty parades through Delco in his first public appearance since quarantine
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gritty-flyers-parade-delaware-county-coronavirus-quarantine-20200507.html
Berks County commissioners adjust to taking business online
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-commissioners-adjust-to-taking-business-online/article_df61c6d2-9076-11ea-9cac-6727c796c6c5.html
Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival canceled due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2020/05/08/Westmoreland-Arts-Heritage-Festival-canceled-due-to-COVID-19/stories/202005080066
Hempfield fire stations face ‘growing pains’ as township supervisors enforce service agreements
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-fire-stations-face-growing-pains-as-township-supervisors-enforce-service-agreements/
National News
Treasury sending stimulus payments to the dead
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/05/07/stimulus-check-for-deceased-Treasury-mail-payments-IRS-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202005060129
Dallas salon owner who was jailed for reopening is released
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/07/Shelley-Luther-salon-owner-Dallas-released-Texas-Supreme-Court-jailed-order/stories/202005070195
2 men arrested in killing of unarmed black jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia after outrage
https://triblive.com/news/world/arrests-made-in-shooting-death-of-ahmaud-arbery-after-outcry/
Philly
Officials urge residents to ‘stay the course’ as coronavirus statistics improve
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-cases-pa-new-jersey-philadelphia-reopening-nursing-homes-social-distance-infection-rate-20200507.html
Coming soon: Philly School District families will have access to grief counseling, coronavirus support
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-philadelphia-school-district-mental-health-supports-attendance-20200507.html
Supporters of reopening Philly businesses to rally around City Hall at noon
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/coronavirus-protest-rally-philadelphia-reopen-businesses-city-hall-20200508.html
A top SBA official on why Philly small businesses should apply now for $100 billion left in coronavirus PPP loans
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/sba-coronavirus-ppp-loans-steve-bulger-interview-20200508.html
Teacher Lea DiRusso knows she won’t survive mesothelioma, but hopes Philadelphia schools makes good on its promise to protect students and staff from asbestos.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/a/philadelphia-schools-asbestos-problems-lea-dirusso-lawsuit-20200508.html
Philadelphia Police Sgt. James O’Connor IV will finally be laid to rest Friday. His funeral had been delayed by the coronavirus.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadephia-police-sgt-james-oconnor-iv-funeral-private-coronavirus-20200508.html
2 more homicides in Philadelphia raise total to 132 this year
https://www.inquirer.com/news/triple-shooting-vargas-mini-market-philadelphia-police-acme-grocery-store–20200507.html
Philly meat worker’s family sues over COVID-19 death. Suit says JBS boosted production in early pandemic with ‘Saturday kill.’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/law/jbs-death-pandemic-meat-plant-covid-philly-20200507.html
Philadelphia-area health-care students are helping patients in isolation connect with loved ones
https://www.inquirer.com/life/pohps-connect-for-covid-stephanie-javier-fagbemi-20200507.html
SDP expands courses and other offerings to include mental health services
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/sdp-expands-courses-and-other-offerings-to-include-mental-health-services/article_3eef8dfb-5aa9-5c0c-a24d-f53bb41c2f86.html
ER doc: Stay home, Philly. COVID isn’t over yet | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-social-distancing-philadelphia-20200507.html
Philly pediatrician: Many young patients fear gun violence as much as COVID-19 | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-gun-violence-philadelphia-trauma-20200507.html
3 lessons these doctors learned in caring for COVID-19 patients | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/3-lessons-these-doctors-learned-caring-covid-19-patients-expert-opinion-20200507.html
Local barbers say the mandatory corona shutdowns have only created Prohibition 2.0 | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-barbershops-coronavirus-hair-cuts-reopen-20200507.html
Save Philly restaurants, and the economy, by allowing outdoor dining now | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-restaurants-avram-hornik-outdoor-dining-coronavirus-20200507.html
Pitt
Emergency food bank distribution scheduled today at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/05/08/Food-bank-distribution-PPG-Paints-Arena-Pittsburgh/stories/202005080071
Pittsburgh Parking Authority furloughs all enforcement officers, meter technicians
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/07/Pittsburgh-Parking-Authority-furloughs-enforcement-officers-meter-technicians/stories/202005070144
Vote to test all Allegheny County Jail inmates and staff for COVID-19 fails
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/07/Vote-fails-universal-testing-Allegheny-County-Jail-inmates-staff-COVID-19-oversight/stories/202005070171
Oversight board adds money to inmate accounts; universal covid-19 testing vote fails
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/oversight-board-adds-money-to-inmate-accounts-universal-covid-19-testing-vote-fails/
With unprecedented challenges, Pittsburgh florists prepare for Mother’s Day
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/05/08/florists-coronavirus-COVID-19-Pittsburgh-Mothers-Day-essential-Pennsylvania/stories/202005070141
Bloomfield landmark Alexander’s Italian restaurant says addio, closes after 42 years
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/05/08/Alexanders-Italian-Bistro-restaurant-Bloomfield-closes-Colaizzi/stories/202005070139
Pittsburgh’s Race for the Cure moves from Mother’s Day to Sept. 13
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/07/Komen-Pittsburgh-Race-for-the-Cure-2020-moves-Mothers-Day-September-13-COVID-19/stories/202005070163
One dead after East Liberty shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/07/East-Liberty-shooting-man-found-dead-Larimer-Avenue-Broad-St-Pittsburgh-police/stories/202005070166
State News
Missing 13-year-old Bucks boy drove away in family’s minivan, last spotted in Va.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bucks-13-year-old-missing-kadin-kent-willauer-milford-township-20200507.html
Covington Twp. receives court order to temporarily close Eagle Lake, property owners outraged
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/covington-twp-receives-court-order-to-temporarily-close-eagle-lake-property-owners-outraged-1.2626126
Water project planned for Archbald, Carbondale, Forest City
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/water-project-planned-for-archbald-carbondale-forest-city-1.2625746
From conference calls to Zoom, local governments employ range of approaches to public meetings during pandemic
https://papost.org/2020/05/07/from-conference-calls-to-zoom-local-governments-employ-range-of-approaches-to-public-meetings-during-pandemic/
As Pa. emerges from shutdown, climate activists see parallels and opportunities
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/as-pa-emerges-from-shutdown-climate-activists-see-parallels-and-opportunities/
Transportation
Advocates in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia pushing to keep Turnpike payments for transit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/07/Pittsburghers-for-Public-Transit-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-PennDOT-transit-payments-450-million-a-year-Philadelphia/stories/202005070157
Spirit Airlines resumes flights to Orlando from Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/08/Spirit-Airlines-Orlando-Arnold-Palmer-Regional-Airport-Latrobe-Unity-Township/stories/202005070066
Washington
Live from Peters: Reschenthaler, beamed into conservative networks, takes aim at China, WHO
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/05/07/Rep-Guy-Reschenthaler-Breitbart-NewsMax-WHO-Trump-China-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202005170004