Coronavirus - COVID-19
Gov. Wolf will allow some outdoor businesses — like golf courses and fishing tours — to reopen
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/27/Pennsylvania-reopening-outdoor-businesses-golf-courses-guided-fishing-campgrounds-mental-health/stories/202004270122
Pennsylvania golfers and owners rejoice as courses get set to reopen statewide
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/golf/2020/04/27/Pennsylvania-golf-course-reopen-statewide-course-owners-PGA-COVID-19/stories/202004270137
Pennsylvania golf courses, marinas, private campgrounds can reopen this week
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-golf-courses-marinas-private-campgrounds-permitted-to-reopen-this-week/
Gov. Wolf to open golf courses, marinas, private campgrounds May 1
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781613/gov-wolf-to-open-golf-courses-marinas-private-campgrounds-may-1
Tee time: Golf to resume Friday in Pa.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/tee-time-golf-to-resume-friday-in-pa-1.2622777
Golfers, boaters, camping enthusiasts, take note: Gov. Wolf will let you — carefully — get back outdoors soon
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/golfers-boaters-camping-enthusiasts-take-note-gov-wolf-is-lifting-restrictions-on-limited-outdoor-recreational-activities-including-yours.html
Gov. Wolf gives green light (of sorts) for golf courses
https://www.dailylocal.com/sports/gov-wolf-gives-green-light-of-sorts-for-golf-courses/article_60790c1e-4eda-5b39-b7bb-00f959126376.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Golf courses, other recreational centers to reopen Friday with safe procedures
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-monday-roundup-20200427-vm5xab3oozeqtauhza76pgnswe-story.html
Coronavirus closures to be lifted for some outdoor recreational activities Friday
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-closures-to-be-lifted-for-some-outdoor-recreational-activities-friday/article_e6113a56-88c1-11ea-b9c5-7b6e3c57a1f1.html
Gov. Wolf: More than half of mandatory race, ethnicity data still unreported across Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/27/Gov-tom-Wolf-pennsylvania-mandatory-reporting-race-ethnicity-data-COVID-19-tests/stories/202004270096
Wolf urges health care professionals to report race data related to coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/wolf-urges-health-care-professionals-to-report-race-data-related-to-coronavirus/
State to collect more COVID-19 data on vulnerable populations
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200427/state-to-collect-more-covid-19-data-on-vulnerable-populations
Pennsylvania officials issue guidance on resuming elective surgeries
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-officials-issue-guidance-on-resuming-elective-surgeries/
State releases guidelines on resuming elective surgeries
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/27/Pennsylvania-releases-guidelines-resuming-elective-surgeries-Rachel-Levine-covid-19-pandemic/stories/202004270101
Elective surgeries to resume under state guidelines; Allegheny reports six new nursing home deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/27/covid-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data/stories/202004270073
Elective surgeries may resume under new Department of Health orde
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/elective-surgeries-may-resume-under-new-department-of-health-order/
Allegheny County reports 6 new coronavirus deaths, 14% of cases in health care workers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-six-new-deaths-14-of-coronavirus-cases-in-health-care-workers/
Virus claims 4 more lives in county; 27 cases added
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/virus-claims-4-more-lives-in-county-27-cases-added-1.2622754
No new coronavirus deaths in Lackawanna County, state reports
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/no-new-coronavirus-deaths-in-lackawanna-county-state-reports-1.2622573
Tenth resident at Kane Glen Hazel has died due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/04/28/Tenth-resident-at-Kane-Glen-Hazel-has-died-due-to-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202004280055
Lehigh County: Cedarbrook coronavirus death toll is officially 8 but may be almost three times higher
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-cedarbrook-coronavirus-toll-update-20200428-eiohcte7gva6hnnhrbohl2cebu-story.html
Berks County officials worried coronavirus crisis may be hitting minority communities harder
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-worried-coronavirus-crisis-may-be-hitting-minority-communities-harder/article_16812cdc-88bd-11ea-84f3-5f2c0d70b6bf.html
Montgomery County coronavirus death toll reaches 220; 169 inmates at jail test positive
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-coronavirus-death-toll-reaches-220-169-inmates-at-jail-test-positive/article_5aa4f89c-13cc-5279-a30c-e5af931217a3.html
State data indicates 20 new cases at Brighton Rehab, total surpasses 260
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200427/state-data-indicates-20-new-cases-at-brighton-rehab-total-surpasses-260
‘You were exposed’: How an appointment at CHOP led to 20 new cases of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-chop-cardiologist-spread-disease-international-travel-infection-20200428.html
State wants more to seek coronavirus testing at Mohegan Sun Arena
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781632/state-wants-more-to-seek-coronavirus-testing-at-mohegan-sun-arena
Penn State Health St. Joseph doctor and nurses speak from the front line of the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/penn-state-health-st-joseph-doctor-and-nurses-speak-from-the-front-line-of-the/article_2161e6e2-88b2-11ea-a609-2bfd47529724.html
What we still don’t know: Here are some of the big coronavirus questions scientists are racing to answer
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-questions-research-immunity-treatment-vaccines-20200427.html
Contact-tracing challenge: New project from Apple, Google needs public trust
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/28/Contact-tracing-challenge-New-project-from-Apple-Google-needs-public-trust/stories/202004230023
I helped write Maryland’s ventilator guidelines in 2017. Pa.’s rules are too vague. | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-ventilator-guidelines-pennsylvania-20200427.html
System needs latent capacity
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/system-needs-latent-capacity-1.2622618
New York hospitals study a common heartburn drug famotidine as treatment for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/28/famotidine-COVID-19-coronavirus-treatment-New-York-hospitals-heartburn-drug/stories/202004270158
DeWine outlines cautious approach to reopening Ohio’s economy
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/04/27/Ohio-reopening-plan-Governor-DeWine-coronavirus/stories/202004270151
As people choose between food and other basic necessities, Congress should expand SNAP benefits | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-food-insecurity-snap-hunger-20200427.html
Trump’s intelligence briefing book repeatedly cited coronavirus threat, but it didn’t register with him
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/coronavirus-intelligence-reports-trump-ignored-20200428.html
Trump says coronavirus testing ‘not a problem,’ but doubts persist
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/trump-says-coronavirus-testing-not-a-problem-but-doubts-persist/
Legislatura
Zoos, pet groomers and garden centers: House Republicans push for more businesses to reopen
https://papost.org/2020/04/27/zoos-pet-groomers-and-garden-centers-house-republicans-push-for-more-businesses-to-reopen/
Lawmakers push to get Pa.’s garden centers, zoos, animal groomers, realtors and lawyers back to work
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/lawmakers-push-to-get-pas-garden-centers-zoos-animal-groomers-realtors-and-lawyers-back-to-work.html
Pa. senators threaten subpoena if Wolf administration refuses to turn over list of coronavirus business waivers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-business-waivers-subpoena-legislature-20200427.html
Housing bills: Getting people into homes is aim of legislation
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/28/Housing-bills-Getting-people-into-homes-is-aim-of-legislation/stories/202003100021
COVID-19 exposed the cracks in our system. We have to fill them, not just paper them over | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-exposed-the-cracks-in-our-system-we-have-to-fill-them-not-just-paper-them-over-opinion/
Empresas
Independent contractors: Unemployment check is in the mail — next month
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200428/independent-contractors-unemployment-check-is-in-mail—next-month
Pennsylvania has received more than 1.65 million claims for unemployment benefits, including 107,000 from the self-employed and gig workers
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-pennsylvania-unemployment-compensation-benefits-20200427-wvukrp4khfcurg2nj3e3yheyc4-story.html
SBA program reopens with new glitches, new scrutiny after NBA franchise returns loan funds
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/27/SBA-program-reopens-with-new-glitches-new-scrutiny-after-NBA-franchise-returns-loan-funds/stories/202004270106
More dividends at risk as companies see pandemic rip up their profit projections
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/28/dividends-coronavirus-Cedar-Point-Dick-s-Sporting-liquidity-investors-debt/stories/202004280003
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
Workers repair corrosion problem at Beaver Valley nuclear reactor
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/04/27/Energy-Harbor-Beaver-Valley-Power-Station-nuclear-plant-reactor-repair/stories/202004270114
Los Angeles Lakers return $4.6 million from stimulus loan program
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/04/28/Los-Angeles-Lakers-return-4-6-million-from-stimulus-loan-program-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202004280056
Comcast is still charging late fees, but you don’t have to pay them
https://www.inquirer.com/business/comcast/comcast-xfinity-late-fees-coronavirus-covid19-20200423.html
By restricting PPP based on criminal record, many non-profits will suffer | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-small-business-ppp-loans-non-profits-20200427.html
Restaurant owners apply for emergency loans offered by Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781678/restaurant-owners-apply-for-emergency-loans-offered-by-wilkes-barre
Levin makes good on promise to help former employees
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/levin-makes-good-on-promise-to-help-former-employees/
Pa. resort laid off more than 700 employees this month due to coronavirus but is planning for summer opening
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-resort-lays-off-more-than-700-employees-but-is-planning-for-summer-opening.html
Farming is essential during the pandemic, but a far cry from business as usual
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/farming-is-essential-during-the-pandemic-but-a-far-cry-from-business-as-usual.html
Sell 30,000 eggs or euthanize your chickens: Lehigh Valley farmers look for public’s support during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-egg-sales-20200427-pe4o5ltxh5dmvimk6uhtnkz4qm-story.html
Demand for delivery services skyrockets as people opt to avoid shopping in stores amid pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/demand-for-delivery-services-skyrockets-as-people-opt-to-avoid-shopping-in-stores-amid-pandemic.html
Delito/Castigo
Westmoreland prison population cut by almost 30%
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-prison-population-cut-by-almost-30/
Judge rules former Leechburg police chief Diebold must remain in jail during pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/judge-rules-former-leechburg-police-chief-diebold-must-remain-in-jail-during-pandemic/
ICE detainee was sick with COVID-19 for days before being removed from York Co. jail, witnesses claim
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/ice-detainee-was-sick-with-covid-19-for-days-before-being-removed-from-york-co-jail-witnesses-claim/
Police investigating after several people shot in Chester Monday evening
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/crime/police-investigating-after-several-people-shot-in-chester-monday-evening/article_06d5e40a-88f2-11ea-859e-07f86f30f76b.html
Educación
Scranton School District discusses graduation, capital improvements during work session
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-discusses-graduation-capital-improvements-during-work-session-1.2622751
SHINE program plans to distribute free school supplies for children
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/shine-program-plans-to-distribute-free-school-supplies-for-children-1.2622663
Homeless and hungry college students will face greater challenges because of the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/hungry-homeless-college-students-temple-ccp-coronavirus-20200429.html
Contingency plans in the works for college sports to come back for next school year
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/college-sports-atlantic-10-coronavirus-covid-19-20200427.html
Community colleges expect an enrollment spike because of pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/regional/community-colleges-expect-an-enrollment-spike-because-of-pandemic/
Elecciones/Política
The legal team that overturned Pa. gerrymandering is suing to relax the state’s absentee ballot deadlines amid the coronavirus outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pa-absentee-ballot-deadlines-lawsuit-20200427.html
As counties look to consolidate polling places, advocates worry about voter disenfranchisement
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/as-counties-look-to-consolidate-polling-places-advocates-worry-about-voter-disenfranchisement.html
Sanidad
Supreme Court rules in favor of health insurers — and Highmark could benefit
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/04/27/Supreme-Court-rules-favor-health-insurers-ACA-risk-corridor-payments-Highmark-UPMC/stories/202004270089
Thousands of NEPA patients’ medical records potentially exposed in Tennessee twister
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/thousands-of-nepa-patients-medical-records-potentially-exposed-in-tennessee-twister-1.2622621
Wright Center gets grant from Moses Taylor Foundation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wright-center-gets-grant-from-moses-taylor-foundation-1.2622790
Noticias locales
Auditor: No oversight, accountability plagued Scranton gas card system
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/auditor-no-oversight-accountability-plagued-scranton-gas-card-system-1.2622617
Scranton Municipal Golf Course shuts its doors, likely for good
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-municipal-golf-course-shuts-its-doors-likely-for-good-1.2622763
Deadline nears for class-action lawsuit involving missing sewer easements in Scranton, Dunmore
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/deadline-nears-for-class-action-lawsuit-involving-missing-sewer-easements-in-scranton-dunmore-1.2622828
Montgomery County officials seek help for homeless during coronavirus outbreak
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-seek-help-for-homeless-during-coronavirus-outbreak/article_a1fa3ddd-7263-5ee5-81e3-d3000d871373.html
Delaware County sets up overflow morgue at Emergency Operations Center
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delaware-county-sets-up-overflow-morgue-at-emergency-operations-center/article_d6fdf0d6-88d5-11ea-8f90-93c01775c738.html
Westmoreland Community Action survey to gauge coronavirus-related needs
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-community-action-seeking-input-for-coronavirus-related-needs/
Latrobe eyes short-term loan while extending deadlines for tax, garbage payments
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-eyes-short-term-loan-while-extending-deadlines-for-tax-garbage-payments/
W-B adds ambulance to deal with increased calls, cleaning
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-adds-ambulance-to-deal-with-increased-calls-cleaning-1.2622780
County courtroom closures extended
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-courtroom-closures-extended-1.2622662
Pedri to update county council on primary election preparations
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-to-update-county-council-on-primary-election-preparations-1.2622653
Hazleton mayor wants to extend city’s curfew
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hazleton-mayor-wants-to-extend-city-s-curfew-1.2622761
Noticias nacionales
U.S. running out of places to store abundance of oil
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-oil-20200427.html
Filadelfia
Philly’s tourism economy has already lost $1 billion because of coronavirus — and faces a long road back
https://www.inquirer.com/business/tourism/philadelphia-tourism-coronavirus-20200428.html
Philly small businesses are chasing the next $310 billion in coronavirus PPP loans
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/philadelphia-small-businesses-coronavirus-ppp-loans-20200427.html
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Black churches in Philadelphia aid free testing
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/27/amid-the-covid-19-pandemic-black-churches-aid-free-testing/
Pa. Rep. Dwight Evans calls for targeted coronavirus testing efforts in African American communities
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/pa-rep-dwight-evans-calls-for-targeted-coronavirus-testing-efforts-in-african-american-communities/
Some tenants are calling for a Philly-wide rent strike on May 1. Landlords are holding their breath
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/philadelphia-rent-strike-tenants-landlords-may-coronavirus-20200428.html
Blue Angels-Thunderbirds flyover: Start time, flight path over Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York
https://www.inquirer.com/news/blue-angels-thunderbirds-philadelphia-new-york-city-trenton-flyover-start-time-flight-path-maps-coronavirus-20200428.html
Philadelphia passes its coronavirus peak; N.J. may reopen in ‘weeks’ as governor releases plan
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-past-peak-new-jersey-reopening-plan-pa-pennsylvania-20200427.html
Someone wrote mean stuff about John Dougherty in a letter. His lawyer calls it a ‘smear document.’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/john-johnny-doc-dougherty-local-98-democratic-ward-election-dispute-lawsuit-20200424.html
Here’s a list of local Philly stores that deliver groceries, meat, dairy, coffee beans and more
https://www.inquirer.com/food/philadelphia-grocery-food-delivery-coronavirus-covid-19-20200421.html
Philly unions are calling for a citywide essential worker bill of rights during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-coronavirus-essential-worker-bill-of-rights-20200427.html
He ran 76 miles around the perimeter of Philadelphia in one day — and used Wawas as pit stops
https://www.inquirer.com/life/ultra-runner-runs-philadelphia-perimeter-wawa-4-corners-20200428.html
Paul A. Dandridge, Philadelphia judge who advocated for troubled youth and people in addiction, dies at 93
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/paul-a-dandridge-municipal-court-judge-common-pleas-court-judge-drug-addicts-censure-died-20200427.html
Pitt
Councilwoman, mayor to introduce bill to fight housing discrimination in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/04/27/Pittsburgh-City-Council-Housing-Discrimination-racism-COVID-19-Erika-Strassburger/stories/202004270110
Pittsburgh councilwoman says coronavirus has led to more discrimination complaints
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-councilwoman-says-coronavirus-has-led-to-more-discrimination-complaints/
Grading policy for city students during remote instruction still up for debate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/27/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-students-grading-policy-remote-instruction/stories/202004270144
Does the Pittsburgh VA have a protective equipment supply shortage?
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/27/VA-Pittsburgh-supply-chain-shortage-officials-staff-Oakland-rationing/stories/202004270133
Food distribution set for Pittsburgh-area veterans in need
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/food-distribution-set-for-pittsburgh-area-veterans-in-need/
FNB donates $50K to Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/fnb-donates-50k-to-greater-pittsburgh-area-food-bank/
9th employee at Port Authority’s West Mifflin garage tests positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/9th-employee-at-port-authoritys-west-mifflin-garage-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/
Koppers withdraws 2020 financial guidance because of COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/27/Koppers-COVID-19-financial-guidance-Pittsburgh-chemicals/stories/202004270090
Anthrocon 2020, Pittsburgh’s Furry convention, canceled due to COVID-19 concerns
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/lifestyle/2020/04/27/Anthrocon-2020-Pittsburgh-Furry-convention-canceled-coronavirus-COVID-19-concern/stories/202004270132
2 injured in crash involving Pittsburgh police vehicle
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/28/2-injured-crash-involving-Pittsburgh-police-vehicle/stories/202004280060
Noticias del Estado
Residents hospitalized after roof collapse at nursing home in Washington County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2020/04/27/The-Grove-at-Washington-nursing-home-collapse-Canton-Township-PA/stories/202004270149
Western Pennsylvanians venture out as curbside liquor pickup expands
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pennsylvanians-venture-out-as-curbside-liquor-pickup-expands/
Good booze news: Pa. liquor stores are ramping up curbside pickup
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/28/good-booze-news-pa-liquor-stores-are-ramping-up-curbside-pickup/
You’ve got time to renew, apply for driver’s license
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/you-ve-got-time-to-renew-apply-for-driver-s-license-1.2622758
Pa. Commonwealth Court to hold 1st video stream hearing Tuesday
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-commonwealth-court-to-hold-1st-video-stream-hearing-tuesday/
Grandview golf discrimination case is closed, Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission says
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/04/28/grandview-golf-discrimination-case-closed-pa-commission-says/3037053001/
Transporte
PennDOT resumes a few area road projects, expects a big push beginning May 1
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/27/PennDOT-COVID-19-restarting-road-projects-May-1-Allegheny-Beaver-Lawrence-County/stories/202004270130
Construction projects can begin in Pittsburgh on Friday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/construction-projects-can-begin-in-pittsburgh-on-friday/
Another landslide closes Route 837 between West Mifflin and Dravosburg
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/27/Route-837-landslide-PennDOT-West-Mifflin-Dravosburg/stories/202004270082
South Main St. paving project in Wilkes-Barre to begin
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781627/south-main-st-paving-project-in-wilkes-barre-to-begin