Coronavirus
Gov. Tom Wolf extends stay-at-home order to Lehigh Valley as coronavirus spreads
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-stay-at-home-lehigh-county-20200325-dkhvmywexrcfrj5h7wrzy2xzbu-story.html
Gov. Tom Wolf extends stay-at-home order to 2 more Pennsylvania counties, including Lehigh
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/gov-tom-wolf-extends-stay-at-home-order-to-more/article_e0d4012e-6f51-11ea-91d3-a7c2a45bf96d.html
Gov. Wolf opens $60 million coronavirus small-business loan fund
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-small-business-loans-pennsylvania-wolf–20200325.html
Gov. Wolf announces new loan program for small Pa. businesses
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/wolf-announces-new-loan-program-for-small-businesses/
Gov. Tom Wolf, after days of battles over business closures, touts new state aid program
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/gov-tom-wolf-after-days-of-battles-over-business-closures-touts-new-state-aid-program.html
State relaxes rules for unemployment benefits amid coronavirus pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-relaxes-rules-for-unemployment-benefits-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-1.2611319
Pa. coronavirus cases top 1,000; 4 more deaths reported
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-coronavirus-cases-top-1000-4-more-deaths-reported/
Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Lehigh Valley case count jumps 36%, community spread happening, 3rd death in Northampton County, 2nd in Monroe
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-statewide-wednesday-cases-20200325-6ecetijwzvd3bcpqhzj27uxy7e-story.html
Senate passes coronavirus rescue package on unanimous vote
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/25/div-class-libPageBodyLinebreak-Trump-implores-Congress-to-move-on-virus-rescue-package-br-div/stories/202003260088
Casey praises $2 trillion federal stimulus package
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/casey-praises-2-trillion-federal-stimulus-package-1.2611256
‘A monumental undertaking’: Pennsylvania’s U.S. senators discuss scope, details of the massive federal coronavirus relief bill
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-relief-bill-pennsylvania-toomey-casey-20200325-pfk7aos2xfbr5jkskwusakkshi-story.html
Coronavirus rescue package to bail out firms that avoided taxes, safety regulations, and spent billions boosting their stock
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-bailout-airlines-trump-20200325.html
U.S. coronavirus deaths top 1,000
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/26/coronavirus-US-deaths-over-1000-New-York-death-toll-Cuomo-city-cases-de-Blasio/stories/202003260100
No fantasies at state level
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/no-fantasies-at-state-level-1.2611334
Nearly 40% in Pa. can’t say coronavirus is a genuine threat, poll finds
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/nearly-40-in-pa-cant-say-coronavirus-is-a-genuine-threat-poll-finds.html
Is shipping safer than shopping? Here’s what we know about coronavirus on mail, parcels and packages
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/03/is-shipping-safer-than-shopping-heres-what-we-know-about-coronavirus-on-mail-parcels-and-packages.html
Legislature
Bill to postpone Pa. primary heads to governor’s desk
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/25/Pennsylvania-state-House-legislation-moves-primary-election-June-2-2020/stories/202003250114
Bill delaying Pa. primary to June 2 heads to Gov. Wolf’s desk
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/postponement-of-pa-primary-to-june-2-wins-legislative-approval.html
Pa. lawmakers approve $50M in emergency coronavirus funding for needed medical supplies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/25/Pennsylvania-coronavirus-legislature-50-million-emergency-medical-supplies/stories/202003250153
$50 million state aid package, future recovery help, ready for Gov. Wolf’s signature
https://triblive.com/local/regional/lets-just-get-it-done-pa-lawmakers-push-for-immediate-aid-future-recovery-help/
Pa. lawmakers approve $50 million in emergency coronavirus funding for needed medical supplies
https://papost.org/2020/03/25/pa-lawmakers-approve-50-million-in-emergency-coronavirus-funding-for-needed-medical-supplies/
State legislators pass bill to assist schools during COVID-19 shutdown
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/25/pennsylvania-legislators-pass-bill-assist-schools-sb-751-COVID-19-shutdown-coronavirus/stories/202003250138
Cyber charter schools shut out of tuition for new students during coronavirus shutdown
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/cyber-charter-schools-shut-out-of-tuition-for-new-students-during-coronavirus-shutdown.html
Kail joins call for Wolf to lift ban on construction work
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200325/kail-joins-call-for-wolf-to-lift-ban-on-construction-work
Business
Coronavirus is already having a ‘stunning’ impact on unemployment in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-pennsylvania-unemployment-20200326.html
With many out of work, Pennsylvania welfare agencies prepare for flood of people needing benefits
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-unemployment-welfare-how-to-apply-20200326-5pc4ndbrdvaudhe3othkxzptge-story.html
Pennsylvania allows some Mariner East pipeline construction to continue, despite coronavirus shutdown
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/coronavirus-covid-19-mariner-east-pipeline-pennsylvania-20200326.html
Urban Outfitters employees are being forced to work during coronavirus shutdowns: ‘There is nothing life-sustaining about it’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/urban-outfitters-coronavirus-20200326.html
Dick’s Sporting Goods executives to take pay cut during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/03/25/Dick-s-Sporting-Goods-executives-to-take-pay-cut-during-covid-19-pandemic/stories/202003250079
Pa. hotels volunteer to make room for patients as state braces for possible coronavirus surge
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-hotels-quarantine-hospital-beds-20200326.html
We can’t let the rich skate unscathed as coronavirus destroys our merchants | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-small-businesses-2-trillion-bailout-evolve-fitness-maria-panaritis-20200325.html
Wolf allows gun stores to reopen on limited basis during coronavirus shutdown
https://triblive.com/local/regional/wolf-allows-gun-stores-to-reopen-on-limited-basis-during-coronavirus-shutdown/
Gerrity’s: Woman coughed all over store, tainting $35k worth of food
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777744/gerritys-woman-coughed-all-over-store-tainting-35k-worth-of-food
Pet food retailer looks to hire 400 workers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pet-food-retailer-looks-to-hire-400-workers-1.2611250
State attorney general investigating price gouging, including several local cases
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/state-attorney-general-investigating-price-gouging-including-several-local-cases-1.2611196
Local firm working on need for face masks
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-firm-working-on-need-for-face-masks-1.2611251
Beer Deli in Forty Fort closes due to Wolf’s coronavirus orders
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/beer-deli-in-forty-fort-closes-due-to-wolf-s-coronavirus-orders-1.2611253
Amid coronavirus shutdown, who’s hiring in Berks County?
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/amid-coronavirus-shutdown-who-s-hiring-in-berks-county/article_c73126e0-6ddd-11ea-ba39-bf3ead19512a.html
Beer isn’t recession-proof in coronavirus era, Berks County brewers find
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/beer-isn-t-recession-proof-in-coronavirus-era-berks-county/article_dc00adf8-6ed1-11ea-baac-0ffd4fad2942.html
Pa. manufacturers say they’re hamstrung by Gov. Wolf’s business closure order, even if they produce essential goods
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-manufacturers-say-theyre-hamstrung-by-gov-wolfs-business-closure-order-even-if-they-produce-essential-goods.html
Crocs giving free shoes to healthcare workers during coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/crocs-giving-free-shoes-to-healthcare-workers-during-coronavirus-pandemic.html
What is ‘deep cleaning’? Here’s how a local business does it during the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/how-a-cleaning-company-deep-cleans-a-local-business-during-coronavirus-pandemic.html
Construction workers look to looming coronavirus shutdown and see a ‘sinking boat’
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/26/construction-workers-look-to-looming-coronavirus-shutdown-and-see-a-sinking-boat/
Sheetz boosts pay to $3 per hour for store employees during coronavirus crisis
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/03/26/sheetz-boosts-pay-3-per-hour-store-employees-during-coronavirus-crisis/2914382001/
Education
Pa. Department of Education preparing for learning continuity
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/25/Pa-Department-of-Education-preparing-for-learning-continuity-covid-19-pennsylvania-schools/stories/202003250105
Plans solidify for school ‘Enrichment’ offerings, districts get creative online
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777763/plans-solidify-for-school-enrichment-offerings-districts-get-creative-online
It’s a new process, but West Chester students adapt to remote learning
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/it-s-a-new-process-but-west-chester-students-adapt/article_f4a378b0-6ede-11ea-b058-2b81c6f503b5.html
At a glance: Distance learning in your school district; when classes could resume
https://triblive.com/local/regional/at-a-glance-distance-learning-in-your-school-district-when-classes-could-resume/
A member of the Freeport Area High School tested positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/26/A-member-of-the-Freeport-Area-High-School-has-tested-positive-for-COVID-19/stories/202003260107
King’s, Wilkes and Misericordia decide to do remote-learning through rest of semester
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777767/kings-wilkes-and-misericordia-decide-to-do-remote-learning-through-rest-of-semester
Elections/Politics
NEPA election officials praise election delay
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/nepa-election-officials-praise-election-delay-1.2611105
Murrysville political committees look to iron out new-precinct wrinkles
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/murrysville-political-committees-look-to-iron-out-new-precinct-wrinkles/
Davanzo victory pre-certified in 58th state House race
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/davanzo-victory-pre-certified-in-58th-state-house-race/
Health Care
Butler Health System has first COVID-19 death
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/25/Butler-Health-System-has-18-suspected-or-confirmed-patients/stories/202003250109
Butler County reports 1st death from covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/regional/butler-county-reports-1st-death-from-covid-19/
Nurses are using their own time off from work to be in isolation after coronavirus contact
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-nurse-medical-worker-quarantine-20200325.html
Physicians facing coronavirus: ‘This is a war. We are soldiers.’ l Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-ppe-front-line-physicians-hospitals-20200326.html
Elective danger: UPMC should postpone nonemergency surgeries
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/26/UPMC-nonemergency-surgeries-elective-danger/stories/202003240013
Local News
First Lackawanna County coronavirus victim identified, remembered
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/first-lackawanna-county-coronavirus-victim-identified-remembered-1.2611167
UNC food pantry open in Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/unc-food-pantry-open-in-scranton-1.2611183
Meals on Wheels of Northeastern Pennsylvania: ‘We are not going to shut down’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/meals-on-wheels-of-northeastern-pennsylvania-we-are-not-going-to-shut-down-1.2611447
As one Meals on Wheels reopens, another shuts down
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/as-one-meals-on-wheels-reopens-another-shuts-down-1.2611255
Scranton to continue collecting commingled recycling
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/scranton-to-continue-collecting-commingled-reycling-1.2611116
Bambera: No public Holy Week services
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777765/bambera-no-public-holy-week-services
Utility urges people to follow rules at popular walking path around Lake Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/utility-urges-people-to-follow-rules-at-popular-walking-path-around-lake-scranton-1.2611119
Coronavirus delays Reading Parking Authority’s $13.5 million project to improve garages
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/coronavirus-delays-reading-parking-authority-s-million-project-to-improve/article_fc60b5fc-6e27-11ea-836d-d30618dee9d1.html
Coronavirus pandemic closes Reading basketball courts and playgrounds
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-pandemic-closes-reading-basketball-courts-and-playgrounds/article_c60a5a92-6edd-11ea-8714-3bd8c3956248.html
First two deaths recorded in Delaware County due to coronavirus
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/first-two-deaths-recorded-in-delaware-county-due-to-coronavirus/article_562dce9a-6e9f-11ea-b282-47f82ce0c5f7.html
Harrison shuts down public works department after employee’s relative tests positive for covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-closes-departments-building-off-limits-after-employees-relative-tests-positive-for-covid-19/
5 more cases of coronavirus in Westmoreland County; total up to 16
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/5-more-cases-of-coronavirus-in-westmoreland-county-total-up-to-16/
Hempfield leaders offer tips to help businesses impacted by coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-leaders-offer-tips-to-help-businesses-impacted-by-coronavirus/
Guesto: County’s first virus death was from Hanover Township
https://www.timesleader.com/news/777735/guesto-countys-first-virus-death-was-from-hanover-township
First death in county reported
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/first-death-in-county-reported-1.2611385
Philly
Many of Philly’s coronavirus cases are in young people. Experts explain why those numbers may be skewed.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-millennials-young-people-philadelphia-20200326.html
As the coronavirus spreads, staving off hunger is a challenge in Kensington, Philadelphia’s poorest neighborhood
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kensington-food-soup-kitchen-coronavirus-volunteers-20200325.html
COVID-19 in Philly: Philadelphia sees its first COVID-19 death
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-philly-philadelphia-sees-its-first-covid-19-death/
Despite coronavirus closures, no school past June 30 for Pa. students; Philly may buy 50,000 Chromebooks
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-pennsylvania-schools-distance-learning-philadelphia-hite-chromebooks-20200325.html
As the first rent payments during the coronavirus pandemic come due, landlords hope for the best
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-landlord-rent-property-manager-20200326.html
As the coronavirus threat looms, Philadelphia will follow New Jersey and New York City in a push to cut the jail population
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-closed-courts-philadelphia-jail-population-da-larry-krasner-20200325.html
Can Philly use eminent domain to take over Hahnemann hospital for coronavirus patients?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/hahnemann-hospital-coronavirus-philadelphia-eminent-domain-20200325.html
Trump touted an anti-malaria drug for the coronavirus. Now Philly patients who need it can’t get it.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-malaria-drugs-treatment-trump-20200325.html
Is the grocery store even safe? In Philly region, it’s improving, but there are additional steps you can take
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-grocery-stores-shopping-social-distancing-is-it-safe-20200325.html
How Philly’s neighborhoods can help us understand pandemics
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/26/how-phillys-neighborhoods-can-help-us-understand-pandemics/
How Philly Catholics will celebrate Easter now that archdiocese has canceled in-person Masses
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/easter-holy-week-mass-archdiocese-philadelphia-livestream-no-public-20200325.html
Despite uncertainty, SEPTA moves forward with virtual fare proposal hearings
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/septa-fare-proposal-hearings-budget-coronavirus-20200325.html
Philly public school teacher: School District’s laptop plans are too little, too late | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-school-closures-coronavirus-superintendent-hite-20200325.html
Philly nurse: Pa. factories should start making desperately needed medical supplies | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-supply-shortage-masks-n95-gloves-20200325.html
Shelter pets in Philly are being fostered at ‘unprecedented’ rates amid the coronavirus, but the need is only expected to grow
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/shelter-pet-foster-adoption-rise-amid-coronavirus-in-philadelphia-20200325.html
Babies, immigrants enabled Philly to narrowly avoid population decline in 2019, Census estimates show
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-census-population-pennsylvania-newjersey-immigration-20200326.html
Pitt
Peduto says shared COVID-19 case info will help first responders
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/25/Peduto-pennsylvania-Pittsburgh-covid-19-coronavirus-case-information-shared-public-safety-first-responders/stories/202003250129
Pittsburgh seeks state coronavirus notification system for first responders
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-seeks-state-coronavirus-notification-system-for-first-responders/
Peduto defends travel to D.C. that caused him to self-isolate
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/25/Pittsburgh-Mayor-Peduto-defends-travel-Washington-D-C-self-isolate-quarantine-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003250099
Mayor Bill Peduto predicts Pittsburgh heading for deficit in 2020
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-predicts-pittsburgh-heading-for-deficit-in-2020/
Allegheny County reports 30 new coronavirus cases; total hits 88
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-30-new-coronavirus-cases-total-hits-88/
Allegheny County COVID-19 cases rise to 88; Kane Centers said staff member tested positive
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/25/Allegheny-County-Pittsburgh-COVID-19-coronavirus-cases-rise-Kane-Center-staff-positive-deaths/stories/202003250087
City sanitation workers demand better protective gear — union president says gathering was ‘not a strike’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/25/Pittsburgh-sanitation-workers-refusing-to-pick-up-trash-rally-protective-gear-coronavirus/stories/202003250077
‘It has come to a halt overnight’: Pittsburgh tourism crushed by COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/03/25/Tourism-conventions-VisitPittsburgh-Furries-Hotels/stories/202003250120
Woman who died of COVID-19 refused to go to hospital, worried about bills, her son says
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/25/Woman-who-died-of-COVID-19-refused-to-go-to-hospital-worried-about-bills/stories/202003250139
Port Authority reduces hours for downtown service center
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/25/Port-Authority-Pittsburgh-downtown-service-center-hours-coronavirus/stories/202003250159
State Supreme Court cancels April arguments in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/25/State-Supreme-Court-cancels-April-arguments-Piittsburgh-John-Shick-shooting-Kathryn-Leight/stories/202003250103
Komen Pittsburgh Race for a Cure postponed until September
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/komen-pittsburgh-race-for-a-cure-postponed-until-september/
State News
Pennsylvanians are doing well at social distancing, location data shows
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pennsylvanians-are-doing-well-at-social-distancing-location-data-shows/
In coronavirus age, cellphone data reveals which Pennsylvania counties are social distancing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/in-coronavirus-age-cellphone-data-reveals-which-pennsylvania-counties-are/article_7be710b4-6df6-11ea-b356-9b1897494aa3.html
New report card grades Pa., states on their social distancing efforts | The Numbers Racket
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/pennsylvania-gets-graded-on-social-distancing-the-numbers-racket/
New York quarantine exposes deep divide in Poconos
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/coronavirus/new-york-quarantine-exposes-deep-divide-in-poconos-1.2611464
Pa. can show leadership in the new energy era — Without joining RGGI | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/pa-can-show-leadership-in-the-new-energy-era-without-joining-rggi-opinion/
Transportation
Heritage’s Mon Valley van service reaches 20-year anniversary
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/25/Heritage-Community-Transportation-van-service-Mon-Valley-McKeesport-Monroeville-East-Pittsburgh/stories/202003250145
Martz suspends service to NYC, Philly
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/martz-suspends-service-to-nyc-philly-1.2611387
LCTA to suspend bus fares starting March 30
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-to-suspend-bus-fares-starting-march-30-1.2611289
Washington
President says he’s happy for ‘RINO’ Romney after senator’s negative test
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/25/Mitt-Romney-negative-test-coronavirus-Trump-RINO/stories/202003250169
Toomey joins 11 other GOP senators pressing Trump administration to roll back tariffs amid pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/25/COVID-19-coronavirus-Pat-Toomey-businesses-Trump-administration-roll-back-steel-import-tariffs/stories/202003260071
President Donald Trump signs bill from Lehigh Valley Rep. Susan Wild boosting funding for Meals on Wheels, other older adult services
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-president-trump-signs-susan-wild-bill-older-americans-act-20200326-csyx3g3cdrffrmyifbf4cpvh7q-story.html