Coronavirus
Gov. Wolf closes all K-12 schools in Pa. for two weeks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/13/Gov-Wolf-closes-all-K-12-schools-in-Pa-for-two-weeks/stories/202003130150
All Pennsylvania schools ordered to close as coronavirus impact spreads
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-tom-wolf-schools-closed-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200314.html
Wolf closes all Pa. public schools
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-closes-all-pa-public-schools-1.2607394
All Pennsylvania schools to close for two weeks over coronavirus, Gov. Wolf orders
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-schools-closed-20200313-ul7f23rzybes3oxe37lttpqvya-story.html
Coronavirus and closing schools: Why Gov. Tom Wolf took the remarkable step
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-and-closing-schools-why-gov-tom-wolf-took-the-remarkable-step.html
District leaders lament ‘very poor planning’ in Gov. Wolf’s decision to close schools
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/district-leaders-react-to-wolfs-decision-to-close-schools/
First presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Western Pa. in Washington County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2020/03/13/covid-19-washington-county-case-pa-coronavirus-pittsburgh/stories/202003130173
Washington County hit with 1st Western Pa. coronavirus case
https://triblive.com/local/regional/washington-county-hit-with-1st-western-pa-coronavirus-case/
Pennsylvania coronavirus cases escalate to 41; Wolf extends shutdowns to Delaware County effective Monday
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-state-government-20200313-ybjl5ucp4rcspgizne5p2e7dqu-story.html
‘Game changer’: LVHN opens seven coronavirus testing sites around the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-hea-lvhn-testing-centers-20200313-2aettu355vaq5jacjdvx6cfu3a-story.html
At Pa.’s coronavirus epicenter, Montgomery County’s Val Arkoosh offers facts and calms fears
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-montgomery-county-val-arkoosh-epicenter-public-health-20200314.html
PennDOT asks for extension of Oct. 1 deadline for REAL ID due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/13/PennDOT-REAL-ID-COVID-19-deadline-extension/stories/202003130175
Liquor stores will not close amid coronavirus outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/liquor-pennsylvania-wolf-stores-open-20200313.html
Money can buy some protection from coronavirus. But the poor can’t afford it, leaving them more vulnerable
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-poverty-food-homeless-food-stamps-20200314.html
Coronavirus testing: Shortages, delays, and drive-through improvising in Philly area and beyond
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-testing-drive-through-christiana-care-abington-jefferson-20200313.html
Pennsylvania courts continue as COVID-19 concerns grow; jurors age 60, or with health issues can receive deferment
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/13/Pennsylvania-courts-COVID-19-allegheny-county-jurors-age-60-or-health-issues-deferment/stories/202003130152
Coronavirus in Pa. will leave people struggling for money, child care: How to get help
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-in-pa-will-leave-people-struggling-for-money-child-care-how-to-get-help.html
COVID-19 offers real-world test for telemedicine
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/covid-19-offers-real-world-test-for-telemedicine-1.2607359
The playground? The library? The museum? With schools closed for COVID-19, where can kids go?
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/13/Schools-in-Pennsylvania-are-closed-Where-can-parents-take-their-kids/stories/202003130155
Expert: Prepping for quarantine should focus on basic nutrition
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/expert-prepping-for-quarantine-should-focus-on-basic-nutrition/
Post offices, banks, water: How the coronavirus is affecting essential services across the region
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/essential-services-water-utilities-banks-libraries-coronavirus-philadelphia-20200313.html
Nursing homes restricting visitors following federal mandate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/13/Nursing-homes-restricting-visitors-federal-mandate-Centers-Medicare-Medicaid-Services-CMS/stories/202003130190
House passes Trump-backed virus plan that provides free testing
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-economic-relief-bill-passed-congress-house-pelosi-trump-20200314.html
U.S. hospitals brace for ‘tremendous strain’ from new virus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/14/U-S-hospitals-brace-for-tremendous-strain-from-new-virus/stories/202003150095
‘We don’t have a plan’: Coronavirus adds pressure to caregivers sandwiched between seniors and kids
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-caregiver-parents-children-20200313.html
The government should pay Americans to take coronavirus tests. Here’s why. l Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-insurance-payroll-compensation-20200313.html
Coronavirus is a grave threat to restaurants, salons, and wage earners. We must help them fast | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-small-business-restaurants-lebus-maria-panaritis-20200313.html
Covid-19: The new coronavirus
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/coronavirus/
Louisiana postpones April 4 primary because of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-louisiana-primary-vote-postponed-request-20200313.html
Legislature
Local political offices will remain open during coronavirus outbreak
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-political-offices-will-remain-open-during-coronavirus-outbreak-1.2607339
Administration
Bad times raise the leadership bar; Gov. Wolf is meeting it | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/bad-times-raise-the-leadership-bar-gov-wolf-is-meeting-it-john-baer.html
Business
Specialty steel firm prepares to launch production in Canonsburg
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/03/13/Ameri-Precision-Metals-specialty-steel-launch-Canonsburg-jobs-tariffs/stories/202003130034
At the Wells Fargo Center, closed by coronavirus, Comcast workers will still get paid. Others may not.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/coronavirus-philadelphia-jobs-comcast-wells-fargo-center-aramark-unite-here-20200313.html
‘You’re in for it’: Western Pa. restaurants brace for coronavirus slowdown
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/youre-in-for-it-western-pa-restaurants-brace-for-coronavirus-slowdown/
Local restaurants will help feed kids while school’s out
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-restaurants-will-help-feed-kids-while-school-s-out-1.2607392
Shoppers are hitting local stores hard
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/shoppers-are-hitting-local-stores-hard-1.2607397
ATI pauses contract talks with steelworkers union, cites coronavirus impact
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ati-pauses-contract-talks-with-steelworkers-union-cites-coronavirus-impact/
Comcast, PAWC offer breaks for customers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/comcast-pawc-offer-breaks-for-customers-1.2607417
In response to coronavirus, Comcast offers 2 months of free Internet to low-income customers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/comcast-offers-2-months-of-free-internet-to-low-income-customers.html
How are central Pa. restaurants responding to coronavirus?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/how-are-central-pa-restaurants-responding-to-coronavirus.html
Crime/Punishment
New Kensington police say officer killed suspect after he aimed shotgun at officers
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-police-say-officer-killed-suspect-after-he-aimed-shotgun-at-officers/
Luzerne County prison suspends inmate visits due to coronavirus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776226/luzerne-county-prison-suspends-inmate-visits-due-to-coronavirus
Crowded conditions, close contact behind bars complicate public health challenge
https://papost.org/2020/03/13/crowded-conditions-close-contact-behind-bars-complicate-public-health-challenge/
Education
Eligible Berks schools allowed to serve meals during closure
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/eligible-berks-schools-allowed-to-serve-meals-during-closure/article_ccfc11c4-6569-11ea-b97a-77e4c9a76100.html
Drexel will conduct all final exams remotely because of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-drexel-university-students-final-exams-20200313.html
Elections/Politics
Bernie Sanders is staffing up in Pennsylvania as his 2020 hopes fade and coronavirus transforms the campaign
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/bernie-sanders-pa-field-offices-coronavirus-20200313.html
Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pa. considers ‘options’ for April 28 primary
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/amid-coronavirus-outbreak-pa-considers-options-for-april-28-primary.html
Gaming
Rivers Casino closes due to caution regarding coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rivers-casino-closes-due-to-caution-regarding-coronavirus/
Lack of sports a hit to sports wagering
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lack-of-sports-a-hit-to-sports-wagering-1.2607337
Health Care
New drug crisis: More doctors must be trained in substance abuse
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/14/New-drug-crisis-More-doctors-must-be-trained-in-substance-abuse/stories/202003040058
Local News
Scranton officials: Avoid large crowds this weekend, including bars, venues
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-officials-avoid-large-crowds-this-weekend-including-bars-venues-1.2607205
Lackawanna County municipalities developing coronavirus plans
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-municipalities-developing-coronavirus-plans-1.2607416
Nonprofit seeks state Supreme Court OK to side with Scranton tax lawsuit ruling appeal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nonprofit-seeks-state-supreme-court-ok-to-side-with-scranton-tax-lawsuit-ruling-appeal-1.2607352
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran calls for calm amid coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-mayor-eddie-moran-calls-for-calm-amid-coronavirus/article_72794f0a-654b-11ea-ad00-8fffd942d649.html
Cities restrict building access
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cities-restrict-building-access-1.2607340
Pedri issues coronavirus directive to Luzerne County workers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776199/pedri-issues-coronavirus-directive-to-luzerne-county-workers
County employees under work-related travel ban
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-employees-under-work-related-travel-ban-1.2607338
South Buffalo just starting plans for updated sewage treatment
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/south-buffalo-just-starting-plans-for-updated-sewage-treatment/
Opioid Crisis
Opioid crisis is still not just a ‘white’ problem | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/opioid-overdose-crisis-philadelphia-deaths-race-20200313.html
Philly
Philly SWAT officer, 46, is fatally shot while trying to serve a warrant in Frankford
https://www.inquirer.com/news/cop-shot-philadelphia-police-officer-20200313.html
Coronavirus could mean even hospital-rich Philly won’t have enough intensive-care beds, experts warn
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-ventilators-icu-surge-20200314.html
Amid stockpiling frenzy, Philly’s independent grocery stores are staying supplied
https://www.inquirer.com/food/coronavirus-grocery-stores-staying-open-philadelphia-area-20200313.html
Ticket taking, Key card scanning: Coronavirus prompts SEPTA to reinforce best practices on Regional Rail
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-septa-regional-rail-key-card-tickets-20200313.html
All of Philadelphia’s Parkway museums shut down to help stem the spread of COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-museum-of-art-barnes-foundation-franklin-institute-coronavirus-closing-philadelphia-20200314.html
For Philly schools, a day of chaos and worry amid coronavirus concerns, then a decision to close.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-school-closures-hite-kenney-wolf-20200313.html
Man, 36, fatally stabbed in Kensington
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fatal-stabbing-boudinot-kensington-philadelphia-20200314.html
Pitt
Mayor Peduto declares state of emergency for Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/13/mayor-bill-peduto-press-conference-covid-19-city-response-virus-residents/stories/202003130170
Mayor Peduto bans gatherings of 250 or more in city; Allegheny County encourages same
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mayor-peduto-declares-state-of-emergency-in-pittsburgh-bans-public-gatherings-of-250-or-more/
Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show canceled due to coronavirus concerns
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-home-garden-show-canceled-due-to-coronavirus-concerns/
Parks conservancy closing facilities and canceling programs
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/13/Pittsburgh-parks-conservancy-closing-facilities-and-canceling-programs-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003130171
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust shuts down performances, exhibitions through April 6
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2020/03/13/Pittsburgh-Cultural-Trust-shuts-down-Mandy-Moore-Band-Visit-April-6/stories/202003130151
Some utilities will stop shutoffs in response to COVID-19 risk
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/13/PWSA-shut-off-moratorium-COVID-19-water-income-sewer/stories/202003130133
Got an eviction case? The Housing Court Help Desk can help
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/03/13/Got-an-eviction-case-Housing-Court-Help-Desk-pittsburgh-foundation-dhs-allegheny-county-courts/stories/202003100003
Allegheny County common plea court jurors not required to report for duty next week
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/13/Allegheny-county-jurors-report-jury-duty-canceled-next-week/stories/202003130191
No new jury trials to be picked March 16-20, Allegheny County judge says
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/no-new-jury-trials-to-be-picked-march-16-20-allegheny-county-judge-says/
After years of maintaining, Port Authority is finding small ways to add service
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/14/Port-Authority-more-service-CCAC-North-Northland-Library-Cherrington-Parkway-Moon/stories/202003140002
State News
Beaver Valley nuclear plant will remain open past 2021, owner says
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/03/13/Beaver-Valley-nuclear-plant-remain-open-past-2021-Shippingport-Energy-Harbor-FirstEnergy/stories/202003130149
Transportation
New ride service in Clairton, McKees Rocks a more nimble solution to low-income transportation gap
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/13/RubyRide-McKees-Rocks-Jefferson-Clairton/stories/202003120012
PennDOT warns of month-long lane, shoulder restrictions on I-579 through Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penndot-warns-of-month-long-lane-shoulder-restrictions-on-i-579/