Coronavirus - COVID-19
Pennsylvania, New Jersey need far more contact tracers to handle the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-new-jersey-contact-tracing-npr-hires-20200429.html
Pennsylvania reports 479 more coronavirus deaths as it catches up with data
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-479-more-coronavirus-deaths-as-it-catches-up-with-data/
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Case total across state increases by 1,102 on Wednesday to 44,366; state adjusts reporting of deaths to make total 2,195
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-roundup-wednesday-virus-20200429-kfnyhrpgqfg6xgy5fa4cx7mysy-story.html
Another spike in Pennsylvania coronavirus deaths attributed to reconciliation of reported deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/another-spike-in-pennsylvania-coronavirus-deaths-attributed-to-reconciliation-of-reported-deaths-1.2623253
Pennsylvania’s ‘yellow’ phase doesn’t mean a return to ‘normal,’ official warns
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvanias-yellow-phase-doesnt-mean-a-return-to-normal-official-warns/
State still plans regional approach to reopening, but backs off original definition of regional
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/state-still-plans-regional-approach-to-reopening-but-backs-off-original-definition-of-regional-1.2623283
Luzerne County reaches another grim coronavirus milestone, surpassing 80 deaths
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781854/luzerne-county-reaches-another-grim-coronavirus-milestone-surpassing-80-deaths
8 deaths, 33 new cases reported in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/8-deaths-33-new-cases-reported-in-luzerne-county-1.2623398
Coronavirus deaths rise across Pennsylvania and in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-deaths-rise-across-pennsylvania-and-in-berks-county-charts/article_51f1622c-8a2b-11ea-a71c-3be7cd7bf909.html
Westmoreland adds just 3 new coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-adds-just-3-new-coronavirus-cases/
Montgomery County records 11 more coronavirus deaths; toll climbs to 244
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-11-more-coronavirus-deaths-toll-climbs-to-244/article_b71bdd74-ab12-5942-be32-fdaf8d570ce6.html
COVID-19 cases spike in nursing homes in past two weeks
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/covid-19-cases-spike-in-nursing-homes-in-past-two-weeks-1.2623289
State officials call Brighton Rehab “extremely challenging”
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200429/state-officials-call-brighton-rehab-ldquoextremely-challengingrdquo
Nursing home deaths continue to rise in Western Pa.; state death toll eclipses 2,000
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/29/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic/stories/202004290091
Families of nursing home residents upset with owners’ statement on COVID-19 deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/04/29/Brighton-Rehabilitation-and-Wellness-Center-owners-COVID-19-Beaver-nursing-home/stories/202004290150
One in six nursing homes across nation report a COVID-19 outbreak, analysis finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/nursing-homes-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreaks-analysis-20200430.html
Nursing home coronavirus testing to be prioritized
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/nursing-home-coronavirus-testing-to-be-prioritized/article_d2e1ca5a-8a41-11ea-a899-4ba4fea0d8f1.html
Amid coronavirus, America’s nursing homes have become a national tragedy | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-covid-nursing-homes-long-term-care-20200429.html
State, feds should name nursing homes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-feds-should-name-nursing-homes-1.2623304
Auditor general calls for greater transparency, more testing for nursing home coronavirus cases
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-nursing-home-covid-transparency-20200429-jtiyrbxy2fh27d7hxpvgrially-story.html
Coronavirus testing counts at Wilkes-Barre Township picking up, state says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781856/coronavirus-testing-counts-at-wilkes-barre-township-picking-up-state-says
State receives $34 million to support older adults during pandemic
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200429/state-receives-34-million-to-support-older-adults-during-pandemic
Narberth Ambulance paramedics risk their own lives in a battle to save nursing home residents with slim odds.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/a/coronavirus-covid19-main-line-narberth-paramedics-20200430.html
An autumn overlap of COVID-19 and influenza could be deadly, experts warn
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/29/autumn-confluence-overlap-COVID-19-pandemic-influenza-flu-deadly-warnings-health/stories/202004290087
Pittsburgh doctors say coronavirus patients having strokes, blood clots
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-doctors-say-covid-19-patients-having-strokes-blood-clots/
Scent-detection dogs at Penn could help sniff out a breakthrough in COVID-19 testing
https://www.inquirer.com/news/covid-19-dog-sniffing-penn-study-20200429.html
Pandemic brings uncertainty for youths trying to join the military
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pandemic-brings-uncertainty-for-youths-trying-to-join-the-military-1.2623297
Legislatura
Senator: Bills introduced to ease coronavirus testing in Chester County delay progress
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/senator-bills-introduced-to-ease-coronavirus-testing-in-chester-county-delay-progress/article_3340a498-8a33-11ea-bd4c-674c2f741290.html
Pa. Senate Republicans to vote on subpoenas to Gov. Wolf’s administration over closing businesses
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-senate-republicans-to-vote-on-subpoenas-to-gov-wolf-administration-over-closing-businesses.html
In volley of votes, GOP House and Senate try to force Wolf to pull back the curtain on COVID-19 response
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/in-volley-of-votes-gop-house-and-senate-try-to-force-wolf-to-pull-back-the-curtain-on-covid-19-response/
Bill to release covid-19 addresses to first responders passes state Senate
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/bill-to-release-covid-19-addresses-to-first-responders-passes-state-senate/
Mixed drinks to-go may be offered soon
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781876/mixed-drinks-to-go-may-be-offered-soon
Explain the waivers: Gov. Wolf, officials need to provide details of their decisions
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/04/30/Explain-the-waivers-Gov-Wolf-officials-need-to-provide-details-of-their-decisions/stories/202004290039
Bill setting Pa.’s minimum marrying age at 18 heading to the governor
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/bill-setting-pas-minimum-marrying-age-at-18-heading-to-the-governor.html
Administración
Pa. Gov. Wolf vetoes telemedicine bill, voicing disapproval over its restriction to abortion drug
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-gov-wolf-vetoes-telemedicine-bill-voicing-disapproval-over-its-restriction-to-abortion-drug.html
Amid COVID-19, Wolf vetoes telemedicine bill over abortion concerns
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/amid-covid-19-wolf-vetoes-telemedicine-bill-over-abortion-concerns/
Arts groups upset over Gov. Tom Wolf’s sudden move to freeze Pa. grant money
https://www.inquirer.com/business/cultural-museums-arts-groups-wolf-grants-freeze-pennsylvania-20200430.html
Wolf Administration outlines steps to ensure food security during pandemic
https://www.witf.org/2020/04/29/wolf-administration-outlines-steps-to-ensure-food-security-during-pandemic/
Empresas
More than half of workers are forced to retire early
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/30/retirement-early-working-plans-pittsburgh/stories/202004270054
PNC joins ranks of banks accused of processing paycheck protection loan applications unfairly
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/04/29/PNC-paycheck-protection-loan-applications-small-business-administration-lawsuit/stories/202004290109
Don’t want to call PLCB? Try these online wine retailers.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/wine-online-retailers-shippping-delivery-plcb-20200429.html
Pa. has an online form to report social-distancing violators. Far-right trolls are spamming it.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-health-form-far-right-trolls-20200429.html
Construction workers, hit hard by the coronavirus, need support | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-construction-projects-workers-coronavirus-20200429.html
NEPA’s unemployment jumps to 7.1% in March as coronavirus disrupts economy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/nepa-s-unemployment-jumps-to-7-1-in-march-as-coronavirus-disrupts-economy-1.2623252
Pennsylvania knew its unemployment system was weak. It didn’t fix it, and the coronavirus crushed it
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-pennsylvania-unemployment-claims-muschick-20200430-uoboxdlvhbfopo3taxog3jhzuu-story.html
Pa. company will lay off 1,124 employees at its soon-to-be-closed distribution center
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-company-will-lay-off-1124-employees-at-its-soon-to-be-closed-distribution-center.html
Delito/Castigo
Warden: No active COVID-19 cases at Lackawanna County Prison
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/warden-no-active-covid-19-cases-at-lackawanna-county-prison-1.2623259
Educación
SHINE after school program gives out supplies, plans online lessons
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781893/shine-after-school-program-gives-out-supplies-plans-online-lessons
Tuition freeze approved across Pa.’s 14 state-owned universities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/29/Pennsylvania-State-System-Higher-Education-state-owned-universities-tuition-COVID19-fall/stories/202004290095
State system again freezes tuition for Kutztown University, other state system schools
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/state-system-again-freezes-tuition-for-kutztown-university-other-state-system-schools/article_08525290-8a47-11ea-8499-87d8c14dcfe7.html
Mansfield University given a loan of up to $6 million to cover operating shortfall
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/mansfield-university-given-a-loan-of-up-to-6-million-to-cover-operating-shortfall.html
Pa. state universities offer retirement incentive to non-faculty employees
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/04/pa-state-universities-offer-retirement-incentive-to-non-faculty-employees.html
Elecciones/Política
Westmoreland waiting on Gov. Wolf’s reopen orders before changing election precincts
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-waiting-on-gov-wolfs-reopen-orders-before-changing-election-precincts/
Pedri explains details of primary plans
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-explains-details-of-primary-plans-1.2623400
Juegos
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino working on reopening plan. But don’t expect a return to normal
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-wind-creek-bethlehem-casinos-reopen-plan-coronavirus-20200429-j3eze5ce5ja27banlcansc757u-story.html
Noticias locales
Lackawanna County, Scranton extended states of emergency
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-scranton-extended-states-of-emergency-1.2623271
Libraries pivot to online programming
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/libraries-pivot-to-online-programming-1.2623458
Berks County still waiting for protective equipment for front-line workers
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-still-waiting-for-protective-equipment-for-front-line-workers/article_9e9d6928-8a3e-11ea-a802-cbc2bfe308e2.html
Montgomery County municipalities offer property tax relief during coronavirus outbreak
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-municipalities-offer-property-tax-relief-during-coronavirus-outbreak/article_5c6e32b0-434d-51ee-87dd-14388ba2e3bc.html
Part of police memorial inspired by slain officer Shaw taken in New Kensington
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/part-of-police-memorial-inspired-by-slain-officer-shaw-taken-in-new-kensington/
Armstrong commissioners want county to be among first to gradually reopen for business
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/armstrong-commissioners-want-county-to-be-among-first-to-gradually-reopen-for-business/
Allegheny Township extends property tax deadlines amid covid-19 crisis
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-township-extends-property-tax-deadlines-amid-covid-19-crisis/
Westmoreland officials planning for when state eases restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-officials-planning-for-when-state-eases-restrictions/
Ambridge police chief died of a stroke and COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/04/30/Police-chief-s-death-from-COVID-19-being-studied/stories/202004290077
NEPA native cares for Luzerne County’s homeless during pandemic and beyond
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/nepa-native-cares-for-luzerne-countys-homeless-during-pandemic-and-beyond/
Program to help facilities fight pandemic
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/program-to-help-facilities-fight-pandemic-1.2623409
Yudichak announces program to help nursing homes combat COVID-19
https://www.timesleader.com/news/781872/yudichak-announces-program-to-help-nursing-homes-combat-covid-19
Temperature checks could become new normal as Lehigh Valley governments look at reopening during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-northampton-courthouse-temperatures-20200429-cxy7go4rrbb7phnjlksp4qyu7m-story.html
Noticias nacionales
Surf’s down in California: Governor will close beaches starting Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/04/30/Surf-s-down-in-California-Governor-will-close-beaches-coronoavirus-COVID-19/stories/202004300104
Filadelfia
Philadelphia will allow construction to resume Friday — with some limitations
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/construction-reopen-philadelphia-kenney-coronavirus-pennsylvania-20200429.html
Probation is closed in Philly. But probationers are being jailed through the pandemic.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-jail-population-probation-coronavirus-pandemic-detainers-20200429.html
Philly’s downtown is a ghost town. What will it look like when the virus subsides?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/center-city-downtown-philadelphia-future-retail-restaurants-economy-urban-planning-20200429.html
Black artists already had less access to resources. An emergency fund aims to get them through the pandemic.
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/emergency-gap-fund-philly-black-artists-grants-20200430.html
What you can flush, and what you can’t, right now
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/29/Pittsburgh-food-stamps-Mayor-Peduto-USDA-SNAP-grocery-delivery-curbside-pickup/stories/202004290122
Where to find free food right now if you need it
https://www.inquirer.com/food/community-food-bank-of-new-jersey-philabundance-food-bank-of-south-jersey-how-to-find-a-food-pantry-20200428.html
How to get stuff done in Philadelphia during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/things-to-do/coronavirus-covid19-pennsylvania-life-philadelphia-how-to-live-20200429.html
Double slaying in Feltonville pushes city’s homicide count higher
https://www.inquirer.com/news/double-homicide-philadelphia-police-feltonville-kalil-stafford-joseph-humphrey-20200429.html
Judge rejects push from Green Party’s Jill Stein to decertify Philly voting machines as ‘daft,’ ‘ill-considered,’ and ‘pointless’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-voting-machines-jill-stein-settlement-election-2020-20200429.html
Former DA Seth Williams returns to Philly after federal prison stint in West Virginia
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/seth-williams-federal-corruption-case-prison-term-philadelphia-district-attorney-20200429.html
Pitt
Peduto joins calls for USDA to open grocery delivery, curbside pickup to SNAP recipients
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/29/Pittsburgh-food-stamps-Mayor-Peduto-USDA-SNAP-grocery-delivery-curbside-pickup/stories/202004290122
County officials say Allegheny County on track for reopening
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/county-officials-say-allegheny-county-on-track-for-reopening/
No mass testing for Allegheny County Jail despite coronavirus uptick
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/no-mass-testing-for-allegheny-county-jail-despite-coronavirus-uptick/
Food bank distributing more boxes for those in need today, Saturday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/04/30/Food-bank-drive-up-distribution-pittsburgh-greene-county-beaver/stories/202004300106
Some 11,400 to share emergency student aid at Pitt
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/29/University-of-PIttsburgh-emergency-student-aid-CARES-Act-COVID-19-financial-aid-Pell/stories/202004290133
Strip District-based school search platform raises $35 million
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/04/29/Niche-startup-funding-college-school-search-Series-C-Radian-Capital-Salesforce-Ventures/stories/202004290119
Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership wants public input on proposed mobility principles for Golden Triangle
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/04/29/Pittsburgh-Downtown-Partnership-mobility-study-survey-guiding-principles-Golden-Triangle/stories/202004290099
Brookline urban farm idea on hold
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/29/Brookline-Memorial-Park-urban-farm-Pittsburgh-City-Council-Anthony-Coghill/stories/202004280100
Vote on remote grading guidelines prompts friction on PPS board
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/04/29/Vote-on-remote-grading-guidelines-prompts-friction-on-pittsburgh-public-schools-sala-udin-sylvia-wilson-covid-19/stories/202004290126
Pittsburgh Public School Board leaves grading guidelines up to the superintendent
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-school-board-leaves-grading-guidelines-up-to-the-superintendent/
Parks Conservancy CEO to take 6-month personal leave
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/04/29/Jayne-Miller-Pittsburgh-Parks-Conservancy-CEO-six-month-personal-leave/stories/202004290140
Staying local: VisitPittsburgh’s new president and CEO will feel right at home
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/04/29/VisitPittsburgh-Jerad-Bachar-CEO-President-Davis-interim-tourism-hotels/stories/202004290104
Trib Total Media bolsters local business recovery with $250,000 advertising grant program
https://triblive.com/local/regional/trib-total-media-bolsters-local-business-recovery-with-250000-advertising-grant-program/
Pittsburgh area March jobless rate rises, economist sees 16% in April
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-area-march-jobless-rate-rises-economist-sees-16-in-april/
Noticias del Estado
Can I go camping in Pennsylvania during the coronavirus?
https://www.inquirer.com/things-to-do/camping-coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200429.html
Pennsylvania postpones bar exam and introduces limited license due to COVID-19 safety concerns
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/legal/2020/04/29/Pennsylvania-postpones-bar-exam-and-introduces-limited-license-due-to-COVID-19-safety-concerns/stories/202004290116
Coronavirus is ruining a rite of summer in rural Pennsylvania — the county fair
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/county-fair-carnival-philly-canceled-race-derby-20200430.html
Pennsylvania American Water seeks 24% rate hike over 2 years to upgrade infrastructure
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-american-water-seeking-24-rate-hike-over-2-years-to-upgrade-infrastructure/
Pa. American Water seeks to hike rates over two years
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pa-american-water-seeks-to-hike-rates-over-two-years-1.2623415
Should Pennsylvania freeze rent and mortgages during the coronavirus crisis? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-rent-strike-mortgage-freeze-coronavirus-covid-20200429.html
What Pennsylvania golfers can expect when courses reopen for play Friday
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/04/what-pennsylvania-golfers-can-expect-when-courses-reopen-for-play-friday.html
Horse racing community asks Gov. Wolf to open starting gates before money for care runs out
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/04/horse-racing-community-asks-gov-wolf-to-open-starting-gates-before-money-for-care-runs-out.html
Inside the alleged abuse of at-risk youth in Pa. treatment centers
https://www.ydr.com/in-depth/news/local/2020/04/30/pennsylvania-youth-treatment-centers-have-been-accused-abusing-kids-south-mountain/4084874002/
Transporte
Brian O’Neill: Your flight to LaGuardia is iffy, but Altoona is a lock
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2020/04/30/Airplane-travel-flight-New-York-Denver-LaGuardia-Altoona/stories/202004300053
Coronavirus stay-at-home order cutting revenue for Berks highway and bridge repairs
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-stay-at-home-order-cutting-revenue-for-berks-highway-and-bridge-repairs/article_5c70943e-77f2-11ea-b69c-3f4cd73dd6a4.html
Washington
Union elections have been stalled during coronavirus. A Pa. congressman wants to change that.
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/coronavirus-union-elections-nlrb-postponed-electronic-ballots-20200429.html