Coronavirus
Wolf urges nonessential businesses to close in some counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/14/Wolf-urges-nonessential-businesses-to-close-in-some-counties/stories/202003140074
Coronavirus and closing businesses: Gov. Tom Wolf is urging but not forcing it
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-and-closing-businesses-gov-tom-wolf-is-urging-but-not-forcing-it.html
Wolf: Bucks, Chester counties under new coronavirus restrictions; state liquor stores to close in four counties
https://papost.org/2020/03/14/wolf-bucks-chester-counties-under-new-coronavirus-restrictions/
Wolf urges shutdown as Chesco records 2nd coronavirus case
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/wolf-urges-shutdown-as-chesco-records-nd-coronavirus-case/article_66203f5c-6636-11ea-bc01-8f44a9ba08d5.html
Three Pa. special elections will go on as planned Tuesday despite the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-coronavirus-special-elections-20200314.html
Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: Wolf extends shutdown orders to Bucks and Chester counties
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-friday-coronavirus-pema-20200314-e3ep4qjzpfdp3nga2pl6jdkgr4-story.html
Allegheny County announces two COVID-19 cases, but won’t predict community spread
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/14/allegheny-county-covid-19-coronavirus-first-cases/stories/202003140048
Officials: 2 coronavirus cases reported in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-to-announce-1st-coronavirus-cases/
Montco coronavirus cases increase as outbreak enters second week
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/montco-coronavirus-cases-increase-as-outbreak-enters-second-week/article_22077dc5-bf62-5cd3-a412-83585b4765d4.html
St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital stops taking new ICU patients after doctor tests positive; Parx Casino closes; and more latest developments on the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-news-confirmed-case-updates-20200314.html
UPMC develops coronavirus test, will begin screenings next week
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-holding-coronavirus-preparedness-news-conference/
Feds delayed UPMC ‘s creation of its own COVID-19 test
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/14/covid-19-upmc-testing-coronavirus/stories/202003140044
Pa. up to 47 COVID-19 cases, officials say, announcing two new cases in Allegheny County
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/pa-up-to-47-covid-19-cases-officials-say-announcing-two-new-cases-in-allegheny-county/
Springfield Mall closes; liquor stores to close Tuesday; no new cases of Coronavirus in Delco
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/springfield-mall-closes-liquor-stores-to-close-tuesday-no-new/article_7bad42c6-663f-11ea-80ea-475c9cf70bc1.html
Round-up of latest coronavirus news in Pa.: 6 new presumptive positive cases
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/14/round-up-of-latest-coronavirus-news-in-pa-6-new-presumptive-positive-cases/
Days after playing Sixers in Philly, Detroit Pistons’ Christian Wood reportedly tests positive for coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/coronavirus-detroit-pistons-sixers-christian-wood-76ers-nba-20200315.html
Legislature
Pa. senator introduces bills to waive this year’s PSSA, Keystone, and streamline online learning over COVID-19
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/pa-senator-introduces-bills-to-waive-this-year-s-pssa/article_e3208baa-9cce-55b5-97d6-0b3cdf250cac.html
Redactions should have been removed
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2020/03/15/Redactions-should-have-been-removed/stories/202003120139
Business
Restaurateurs stunned by state’s request to close; medical marijuana dispensaries to remain open
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid19-coronavirus-pennsylvania-asks-restaurants-bars-liquor-stores-to-close-20200315.html
Pennsylvania closing some Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2020/03/14/Pennsylvania-closing-some-Fine-Wine-Good-Spirits-stores-Eastern-COVID-19/stories/202003140071
Virus-related shutdowns bringing U.S. economy to grinding halt
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/14/Virus-related-shutdowns-bringing-U-S-economy-to-grinding-halt/stories/202003140070
With coronavirus closing schools, a Bucks County health club owner planned to open a day camp for kids. That’s scrapped and he’s closing his gym.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-gov-tom-wolf-shutdown-bucks-county-newtown-athletic-club-jim-worthington-20200314.html
‘Ridiculous’ run on supermarkets leaves workers, shoppers shaking their heads
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/ridiculous-run-on-certain-goods-at-supermarkets-leaves-workers-shoppers-shaking-their-heads/
Spas and salons step up cleaning amid coronavirus stress
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/spas-and-salons-step-up-cleaning-amid-coronavirus-stress-1.2607667
Pa. attorney general reports hundreds of price-gouging complaints as coronavirus spreads
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-attorney-general-reports-hundreds-of-price-gouging-complaints-as-coronavirus-spreads/
Coronavirus and price gouging: Pa. attorney general says reports reach hundreds
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-and-price-gouging-pa-attorney-general-says-reports-reach-hundreds.html
Postponed St. Patrick’s Parade slows down business in Scranton bars
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/postponed-st-patrick-s-parade-slows-down-business-in-scranton-bars-1.2607756
King of Prussia Mall closes doors amid coronavirus concerns
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-king-of-prussia-mall-closed-20200314-pp4r6ll22jbjdbhffy6uso3nk4-story.html
Wegmans, Giant, Redner’s to close 24-hour stores overnight to allow for restocking
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-giant-stores-change-hours-20200314-6lom5a7pnnhqblrs7jyo2kiwb4-story.html
Businesses brace as customers hoard supplies, avoid public
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200315/businesses-brace-as-customers-hoard-supplies-avoid-public
Crime/Punishment
Some Berks County police departments won’t respond in person to nonemergency calls
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/some-berks-county-police-departments-won-t-respond-in-person/article_1eec49c0-662f-11ea-a2f1-db5913bfe49e.html
Duryea police limits contact with public
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/duryea-police-limits-contact-with-public-1.2607669
Education
Schools offering free lunches through closure
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/schools-offering-free-lunches-through-closure-1.2607670
Pizza shops join school districts to keep kids fed during Pennsylvania school shutdown
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/03/14/pizza-shops-join-school-districts-keep-kids-fed-during-pennsylvania-school-shutdown/5050164002/
Coronavirus closes schools in Pa., but local districts will decide which staff must show up
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-closes-schools-in-pa-but-local-districts-will-decide-which-staff-must-show-up.html
Coronavirus school closures raise many questions such as what happens with the PSSAs
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-schools-closing-20200315-uqgr7fs2xrhkjed2drntb2jk7y-story.html
Doubts raised about school active-shooter drills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/15/Doubts-raised-about-school-active-shooter-drills/stories/202002230031
For college seniors, coronavirus signals premature end of an era
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/seniors-college-coronavirus-close-graduation-20200315.html
Trump suspends interest on all federal student loans to ease financial impact of coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-education-department-suspends-federal-student-loans-20200314.html
Elections/Politics
Pa. officials urging voters to apply for mail-in ballots ahead of April primary
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/03/15/Pa-officials-urging-voters-to-apply-for-mail-in-ballots-ahead-of-April-primary/stories/202003150082
Consider mail-in voting due to coronavirus, Luzerne County officials say
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776350/consider-mail-in-voting-due-to-coronavirus-luzerne-county-officials-say
Scranton wants campaigns to reimburse city for hosting future rallies
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-wants-campaigns-to-reimburse-city-for-hosting-future-rallies-1.2607718
Biden wins the endorsement of the National Education Association
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/14/Biden-wins-the-endorsement-of-the-National-Education-Association/stories/202003140077
Democratic debate: Start time, how to watch and stream on CNN and Univision
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/democratic-debate-schedule-start-time-channel-stream-election-2020-cnn-bernie-sanders-joe-biden-20200315.html
Gaming
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino closing for two weeks amid coronavirus crisis
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-biz-wind-creek-bethlehem-casino-temporarily-closing-20200315-j4repashkfb2pkjc7oeh7crolu-story.html
Health Care
Reading Hospital, other Tower facilities limit visitors due to coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-hospital-other-tower-facilities-limit-visitors-due-to-coronavirus/article_b73dd616-6644-11ea-8ebd-67a80107c043.html
Doctors: Be concerned, don’t panic
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/03/doctors-be-concerned-dont-panic/
Local News
Anxiety evident as Northeast PA braces for coronavirus spread
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/anxiety-evident-as-northeast-pa-braces-for-coronavirus-spread-1.2607719
Carbondale celebrates its historic City Hall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/carbondale-celebrates-its-historic-city-hall-1.2607734
In a world beset by coronavirus, Berks County residents head outdoors
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/in-a-world-beset-by-coronavirus-berks-county-residents-head/article_17663990-662a-11ea-9d7f-8700697f4db3.html
Westmoreland County issues COVID-19 disaster proclamation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2020/03/14/westmoreland-county-coronavirus-covid-19-emergency-disaster-proclamation/stories/202003140045
Westmoreland County declares state of emergency to prepare for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-declares-state-of-emergency-to-prepare-for-coronavirus/
Commissioner: No state of emergency in Washington County
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/commissioner-no-state-of-emergency-in-washington-county/article_ac08ede6-6647-11ea-92ad-c7772afbdc95.html
Friendly Daughters welcomes all at annual dinner
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/776341/friendly-daughters-welcomes-all-at-annual-dinner
Help for vulnerable seniors in securing food
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/help-for-vulnerable-seniors-in-securing-food-1.2607649
Steps being taken to help protect homeless during pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/steps-being-taken-to-help-protect-homeless-during-pandemic-1.2607662
Coronavirus: Cancellations & postponements 3/15/20
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus-cancellations-postponements-3-15-20-1.2607647
Aliquippa Water Authority to waive shut-offs, late fees
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200315/aliquippa-water-authority-to-waive-shut-offs-late-fees
National News
In church abuse crisis, some call for ‘restorative justice’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/15/Pennsylvania-grand-jury-sexual-abuse-Catholic-Church-Pittsburgh-Wheeling-Charleston/stories/202003100107
Philly
COVID-19 in Philadelphia: How many people are sick, what officials are doing
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/covid-19-in-philadelphia-how-many-people-are-sick-what-officials-are-doing/
These Philly workers are effectively jobless as the coronavirus shuts down their industries
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-jobs-hourly-workers-hotels-layoffs-20200315.html
Philadelphia public schools’ breakfast, lunch pickup locations during coronavirus closure announced
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-breakfast-lunch-service-meal-pickup-schools-20200314.html
Pet-food delivery is a lifeline for homebound seniors and their animal companions
https://www.inquirer.com/life/pet-food-delivery-poor-meals-wheels-donations-sams-hope-20200315.html
Murder charges filed in fatal shooting of Philly SWAT officer — but not in that killing
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/philadelphia-swat-officer-james-oconnor-murder-20200314.html
Pitt
Giant Eagle cuts hours; Heinz History Center, Fort Pitt Museum close due to COVID-19 concerns
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/14/covid-19-coronavirus-closings-pittsburgh/stories/202003140041
Pittsburgh sports fans, bars already feeling fallout of COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/03/14/Pittsburgh-sports-fans-bars-COVID-19-outbreak-Rivers-Casino-Jerome-Bettis-Grille-36-August-Henry/stories/202003140058
Port Authority to disinfect vehicles every 24 hours
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/14/port-authority-cleaning-allegheny-county-covid-19-coronavirus/stories/202003140059
Port Authority to disinfect vehicles every 24 hours
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/port-authority-to-disinfect-vehicles-every-24-hours-to-prevent-covid-19/
Transparent justice: Release the names of jurors
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/15/Transparent-justice-Release-names-jurors-Mark-Tranquilli/stories/202003130061
Coronavirus didn’t stop St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/coronavirus-didnt-stop-the-st-patricks-day-celebrations-in-pittsburgh/
A message to Trib readers from the CEO: We are prepared to serve you
https://triblive.com/local/regional/a-message-to-trib-readers-from-the-ceo-we-are-prepared-to-serve-you/
A comprehensive list of Pittsburgh events canceled due to response to coronavirus
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/a-comprehensive-list-of-pittsburgh-events-canceled-due-to-response-to-coronavirus/Content?oid=16927660
State News
Libraries another casualty of coronavirus closures
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776303/libraries-another-casualty-of-coronavirus-closures
Allegheny, Westmoreland libraries closed amid coronavirus fears
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/allegheny-westmoreland-libraries-closed-amid-coronavirus-fears/
Philly Fed report exposes digital divide for minority, poor and rural communities
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/philly-fed-report-exposes-digital-divide-for-minority-poor-and-rural-communities-1.2607509
Sunshine Week partly cloudy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/sunshine-week-partly-cloudy-1.2607477
Coronavirus concern leads Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful to suspend annual statewide litter cleanup
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-concern-leads-keep-pennsylvania-beautiful-to-suspend-annual-statewide-litter-cleanup.html
Methane reduction rules make environmental, economic sense. This is why | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/methane-reduction-rules-make-environmental-economic-sense-this-is-why-opinion/
PUC orders halt to utility shutoffs over coronavirus emergency
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/puc-orders-halt-to-utility-shutoffs-over-coronavirus-emergency/
Washington
ACA uncertainty: Congress must act to protect American people
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/15/ACA-uncertainty-Congress-must-act-to-protect-American-people/stories/202003070010
Trump tests negative for coronavirus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/14/Trump-tests-negative-for-coronavirus/stories/202003140069