Coronavirus
Wolf allows gun shops to reopen on limited basis, decides to add Erie to stay-at-home order
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/24/Wolf-reopens-gun-shops-orders-more-residents-to-stay-home/stories/202003240155
Pennsylvania child care centers at ‘breaking point’ due to mandated COVID-19 closures
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/03/24/Pennsylvania-child-care-centers-aid-needed-COVID-19-closures-coronavirus/stories/202003240095
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Cases jump 207 to 851 statewide and officials make plans to convert hotels if needed
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-tuesday-spread-20200324-rcdn6x7d2vdwhjfnm72auc7yxu-story.html
Allegheny County’s second COVID-19 death a surprise; victim ID’d as Greenfield woman, 78
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/24/Second-county-COVID-19-death-is-a-surprise/stories/202003240078
Allegheny County identifies 2nd covid-19 fatality; active cases up to 58
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-2nd-covid-19-death/
COVID-19 cases doubled in Lackawanna, Luzerne counties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/covid-19-cases-doubled-in-lackawanna-luzerne-counties-1.2610737
Westmoreland coronavirus cases increase to 11
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/westmoreland-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-11/
Government transparency is also falling victim to the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-public-records-foia-transparency-open-government-20200325.html
For abused women, pandemic lockdown holds dangers of its own
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/25/domestic-violence-coronavirus-abuse-stay-at-home/stories/202003240170
Fact-checking coronavirus claims by Pennsylvania politicians
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-fact-check-20200325.html
Chloroquine, home remedies are not the answer to treat coronavirus, experts say
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-poison-center-warns-against-use-of-chloroquine-home-remedies-to-treat-coronavirus/
Most parks remain open, but many facilities are closed
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/03/24/parks-COVID-19-Pittsburgh-Allegheny-County-Pennsylvania/stories/202003240142
Federal officials reach deal on $2 trillion aid package
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/25/coronavirus-stimulus-package-2-trillion-aid-bill-White-House-Senate-deal/stories/202003250067
Teenager’s death in LA County is linked to coronavirus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/24/Los-Angeles-County-first-coronavirus-death-child-under-18-COVID-19-cases-LA/stories/202003240168
Why social distancing works, as demonstrated with Skittles
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/why-social-distancing-works-as-demonstrated-with-skittles.html
Britain’s Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/prince-charles-coronavirus-covid-19-positive-britain-20200325.html
Legislatura
Pa. lawmakers gather at Capitol despite remote voting and calls for ‘social distancing’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/24/Pa-lawmakers-gather-at-Capitol-despite-remote-voting-and-calls-for-social-distancing/stories/202003240137
Pennsylvania House unanimously backs proposal to delay the 2020 primary due to the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pennsylvania-2020-primary-delayed-june-2-coronavirus-20200324.html
Pa. on the verge of pushing back its primary to June 2
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-on-the-verge-of-pushing-back-its-primary-to-june-2.html
Pa. House advances bill changing state’s primary date; half of votes cast from outside Harrisburg
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/pa-house-advances-bill-changing-states-primary-date-half-of-votes-cast-from-outside-harrisburg/
Pennsylvania House votes to delay primary election for 5 weeks
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-house-votes-to-delay-primary-election-for-5-weeks/
Vogel’s bill amended to move primary to June 2
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200324/vogels-bill-amended-to-move-primary-to-june-2
Wolf, legislature set to delay Pennsylvania’s primary to early June
https://papost.org/2020/03/24/wolf-legislature-set-to-delay-primary-to-early-june/
Legislature moves to adapt open meetings rules to coronavirus situation
https://papost.org/2020/03/24/legislature-moves-to-adapt-open-meetings-rules-to-coronavirus-situation/
Pa. teachers to be paid in full despite school closure
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-teachers-to-be-paid-in-full-despite-school-closure.html
Coronavirus sign of the times: Video conferencing on the Pa. House floor
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-sign-of-the-times-video-conferencing-on-the-pa-house-floor.html
Delay the primary: Lawmakers should move election to June 2
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/25/Primary-election-delay-June-2/stories/202003240015
Say what you mean, mean what you say, Mr. Governor | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/say-what-you-mean-mean-what-you-say-mr-governor-opinion.html
Coronavirus is punishment from God, Pa. lawmaker suggests; calls for statewide day of atonement
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-is-punishment-from-god-pa-lawmaker-suggests-calls-for-statewide-day-of-atonement.html
Administración
Editorial: Governor ups ante in coronavirus fight
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-governor-ups-ante-in-coronavirus-fight/article_c1feee44-6ddf-11ea-81be-1748642579fa.html
Empresas
Pa. unemployment claims skyrocket to 540,000 since statewide coronavirus shutdown, shattering records
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-pa-coronavirus-unemployment-claims-business-shutdown-20200325.html
27 businesses that stayed open get state police warnings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/24/27-businesses-that-stayed-open-get-state-police-warnings/stories/202003240098
Gun dealers considered ‘life-sustaining,’ but on limited terms
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/gun-dealers-considered-life-sustaining-but-on-limited-terms.html
Hampton business adds medical masks to its manufacturing list
https://hampton.triblive.com/hampton-business-adds-medical-masks-to-its-manufacturing-list/
Retailers boost benefits, bonuses for workers during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/03/24/Retailers-benefits-bonuses-COVID-19-coronavirus-pandemic-Giant-Eagle/stories/202003230109
Lowe’s: Arena Hub employee contracted COVID-19
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777612/lowes-arena-hub-employee-contracted-covid-19
Employee at Pepsi warehouse in Pittston tests positive with COVID-19
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777596/employee-at-pepsi-warehouse-in-pittston-tests-positive-with-covid-19
Tobyhanna Army Depot worker tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/tobyhanna-army-depot-worker-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-1.2610723
Local company donates toilet paper to pharmacy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-company-donates-toilet-paper-to-pharmacy-1.2610824
Here’s an easier way to see which Pa. businesses can remain open or must close: Search our database
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/heres-an-easier-way-to-see-which-pa-businesses-can-remain-open-or-must-close-search-our-database.html
Confusion mounts among Lehigh Valley businesses, as state police issue 27 warnings of coronavirus policy violations
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-coronavirus-state-issues-warnings-to-businesses-20200324-olaa7hcu35fojlcu66xk6xggey-story.html
Allegheny Technologies Inc., steelworkers union agree to 1-year contract extension
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-technologies-inc-steelworkers-union-agree-to-1-year-contract-extension/
Pipeline basic maintenance ongoing
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/pipeline-basic-maintenance-ongoing/article_a37d3f8a-6e10-11ea-9165-f3c84e519f87.html
Delito/Castigo
Union, Mullery blast SCI Retreat quarantine plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777625/union-mullery-blast-sci-retreat-quarantine-plan
Mullery criticizes SCI-Retreat plan
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mullery-criticizes-sci-retreat-plan-1.2611002
Luzerne County not ‘opening up the floodgates’ releasing prisoners, president judge says
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777640/luzerne-county-not-opening-up-the-floodgates-releasing-prisoners-president-judge-says
DA’s Office investigating allegations of sexual abuse against local priest
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/da-s-office-investigating-allegations-of-sexual-abuse-against-local-priest-1.2610811
Prison working to lower numbers
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/03/prison-working-to-lower-numbers/
Educación
Coronavirus highlights inequity among Lehigh Valley schools, as students with least stand to lose most during closure, advocates say
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-school-districts-closures-online-learning-20200325-vkkkehs2wngurnugbhga5wqety-story.html
School districts prepare continuity plans
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/school-districts-prepare-continuity-plans-1.2610996
Pa. school districts prepare for possibility of students not returning to classrooms
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-school-districts-prepare-for-possibility-of-not-returning-to-classrooms.html
Some York County school districts extend closures until April 14
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/education/2020/03/23/coronavirus-school-closures-extended-pennsylvania/2901276001/
NEIU districts to offer ‘enrichment and review’ for students
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/neiu-districts-to-offer-enrichment-and-review-for-students-1.2610789
Free meals — and smiles — in Rochester during ‘teacher parade’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/24/COVID-19-coronavirus-outbreak-Rochester-Area-teachers-free-meals-parade/stories/202003240125
Education Department to halt collection of defaulted student loans as coronavirus rocks economy
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-student-loans-20200325.html
Drexel University working to fill critical need for COVID-19 masks and ventilators
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/covid-19-masks-n95-respirators-drexel-university-20200325.html
King’s cancels in-person classes for the semester
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/king-s-cancels-in-person-classes-for-the-semester-1.2610999
As coronavirus forces colleges to move online, some give students option of ‘pass/fail’ grades
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-penn-lehigh-temple-online-pass-fail-20200324.html
Penn State confirms first COVID-19 case at University Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/24/Penn-State-first-coronavirus-case-confirmed-campus-University-Park-COVID-19/stories/202003240130
Liberty University welcomes students back to campus amid coronavirus outbreak
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-liberty-university-20200325.html
Elecciones/Política
Joe Biden’s current challenge: Breaking through with coronavirus response
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-joe-biden-cnn-msnbc-donald-trump-20200324.html
‘I really believe that this is a big year for women,’ says veteran staffer running for Erie Senate seat | 2020 Women Speak Up
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/i-really-believe-that-this-is-a-big-year-for-women-says-veteran-staffer-running-for-erie-senate-seat-2020-women-speak-up/
Armas
Firearms, ammo sales booming in Berks County in coronavirus era before shutdown
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/firearms-ammo-sales-booming-in-berks-county-in-coronavirus-era/article_5d17e790-6a3a-11ea-afd2-175393ce2a3f.html
Sanidad
Armstrong County’s ACMH Hospital reports first case of covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/armstrong-countys-acmh-hospital-reports-first-case-of-covid-19/
Western Pa. dentists upset about state order to stop emergency surgeries
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pa-dentists-upset-about-state-order-to-stop-emergency-surgeries/
Reading Hospital opens coronavirus assessment site in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-hospital-opens-coronavirus-assessment-site-in-reading/article_a0827146-6ddf-11ea-8635-63c8a4f2b457.html
Local hospitals appeal for health care supplies
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/local-hospitals-appeal-for-health-care-supplies/article_1d3bf052-6de7-11ea-95af-67e042d112b4.html
Chester County hospitals ramping up safety measures for health care workers
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-hospitals-ramping-up-safety-measures-for-health-care/article_697fba5c-6dfb-11ea-9e97-f790634fad65.html
Noticias locales
Hackers interrupt Scranton City Council virtual meeting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/hackers-interrupt-scranton-city-council-virtual-meeting-1.2610893
Woman found dead in West Scranton will be tested for COVID-19
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/woman-found-dead-in-west-scranton-will-be-tested-for-covid-19-1.2610740
Lackawanna County Recycling Center to stop collecting commingled bottles, jars, cans
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-recycling-center-to-stop-collecting-commingled-bottles-jars-cans-1.2610725
Coronavirus emergency impacts Waste Management, County Hauling garbage services
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/coronavirus-emergency-impacts-waste-management-county-hauling-garbage-services/
Westmoreland County controller’s office bustles to open contract bids, pay bills
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-controllers-office-bustles-to-open-contract-bids-pay-bills/
Aspinwall, Blawnox close ballfields, playgrounds to enforce social distancing
https://foxchapel.triblive.com/aspinwall-blawnox-close-ballfields-playgrounds-to-enforce-social-distancing/
Officials unlikely to ID patients who test positive
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/officials-unlikely-to-id-patients-who-test-positive-1.2610998
Brown OKs 2 new job positions in W-B
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/brown-oks-2-new-job-positions-in-w-b-1.2610906
County health department very unlikely
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-health-department-very-unlikely-1.2610925
Erie Mayor Joe Schember declares state of emergency over covid-19
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/erie-mayor-joe-schember-declares-state-of-emergency-over-covid-19/
What stay-at-home means for Erie County residents
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200325/what-stay-at-home-means-for-erie-county-residents
Filadelfia
Philly’s food community rallies from home with curbside specials and livestreams
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-food-community-support-restaurants-businesses-events-shutdown-coronavirus-20200324.html
Philly schools to distribute computers to students as coronavirus could force closure for the rest of the school year
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-schools-coronavirus-technology-year-computer-chromebook-20200324.html
School District of Philadelphia superintendent: School year could be over
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/school-district-of-philadelphia-superintendent-school-year-could-be-over/article_17d8bfb5-fd7b-5854-98b7-956a9c4143c6.html
Philly officials, Hahnemann owners in ‘challenging’ negotiations over using hospital during COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/philly-officials-hahnemann-owners-in-challenging-negotiations-over-using-hospital-during-covid-19-pandemic/
Philadelphia attack in video that prompted Mayor Jim Kenney’s tweet occurred months before the coronavirus hit the region, officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-video-attack-not-coronavirus-mayor-jim-kenney-20200324.html
Once, every Philly neighborhood had a hospital. Just one independent survives.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/kensington-hospital-history-architecture-howard-kelly-watson-huckel-addiction-treatment-20200325.html
The coronavirus crisis is an education crisis | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/hite-chromebooks-education-philadelphia-school-district-distance-learning-coronavirus-editorial-20200325.html
People experiencing homelessness have a place to wash their hands while the city shuts down
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/25/people-experiencing-homelessness-have-a-place-to-wash-their-hands-while-the-city-shuts-down/
Snowless Philly winter evidently good for Arctic ice
https://www.inquirer.com/weather/snow-ice-philadelphia-record-arctic-climate-change-20200325.html
What Philadelphia-area athletes and coaches are saying about Olympic postponement
https://www.inquirer.com/sports/olympics-carli-lloyd-postponement-coronavirus-dawn-staley-jay-wright-20200324.html
Pitt
County council shows little urgency in taking stand on Allegheny County Jail population
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/24/Allegheny-County-Jail-inmates-coronavirus-council-rejects-ordinance-fast-track/stories/202003240138
Allegheny County Council passes 2 emergency bills, places additional jail releases on hold
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-passes-2-emergency-bills-places-additional-jail-releases-on-hold/
Covid-19 testing at zoo produces 10 additional cases, group says
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/covid-19-testing-at-zoo-produces-10-additional-cases-group-says/
No-doctor-needed COVID-19 testing finds 22 new cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/24/No-doctor-needed-COVID-19-testing-finds-22-new-cases/stories/202003240134
Shuman Center stops visitation, county poll worker training suspended until April 6
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/24/allegheny-county-shuman-stops-visitation-poll-worker-elections-training-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003240120
Port Authority implements boarding changes, service reductions Wednesday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/24/Port-Authority-bus-rear-doors-COVID-19-ConnectCard-Pittsburgh-coronavirus/stories/202003240158
Pitt opens dormitory to UPMC health workers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/24/University-of-Pittsburgh-dorm-Lothrop-Hall-UPMC-health-assistance-coronavirus/stories/202003240126
Safe haven: Airplanes flock to Pittsburgh International to park
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/03/24/Pittsburgh-International-Airport-American-Airlines-Airbus-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202003240123
One wounded in Marshall Shadeland shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/25/shotspotter-shooting-marshall-shadeland-brighton-road-lecky-avenue-pittsburgh-police/stories/202003250073
Noticias del Estado
For people with special needs and their families, coronavirus restrictions add challenges
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/health-coronavirus-special-needs-disabilities-20200325.html
Pennsylvanians can apply for help with home heating bill through state LIHEAP program
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pennsylvanians-can-apply-for-help-with-home-heating-bill-through-state-liheap-program/
Officials: Stop hoarding food during the coronavirus outbreak
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200324/officials-stop-hoarding-food-during-coronavirus-outbreak
Transporte
PennDOT reopens 23 of 30 rest areas on state highways
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/24/PennDOT-23-rest-stops-reopened-state-highways/stories/202003240082