Reopening
Republican reopening scam is the worst kind of politics | By Sen. Vincent J. Hughes
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/05/republican-reopening-scam-is-the-worst-kind-of-politics-opinion.html
Some Philly-area Democrats are starting to lose patience with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on restrictions
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/coronavirus-pa-tom-wolf-democrats-20200521.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus reopening: Lawmakers from big swaths of state push Gov. Wolf to let all retailers do ‘curbside pickup’ sales
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-state-wednesday-20200520-3damipa5cvdwfbowyqroi2o7um-story.html
12 Pa. counties, including Cumberland, move to yellow phase of Wolf’s reopening plan Friday; what changes?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/12-pa-counties-including-cumberland-move-to-yellow-phase-of-wolfs-reopening-plan-friday-what-changes.html
Wolf: Public confidence key to normalcy
https://www.timesleader.com/news/784489/wolf-public-confidence-key-to-normalcy
Gov. Tom Wolf talks about coronavirus and the gradual reopening of Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/gov-tom-wolf-talks-about-coronavirus-in-pa-live-updates.html
Pa. allocates $51M in federal funds to help reopen child care centers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/05/20/Pennsylvania-child-care-CARES-Act-federal-stimulus-COVID-19-reopening/stories/202005200119
Pennsylvania drafting guidelines to pave return of sports
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/05/20/Pennsylvania-drafting-guidelines-to-pave-return-of-sports/stories/202005200129
Gov. Wolf talking with sports leagues, says it could take until vaccine for Pennsylvania to reach ‘normal’
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-talking-with-sports-leagues-says-it-could-take-until-vaccine-for-pennsylvania-to-reach-normal/
Health professionals say Berks County should take slow approach when it comes to reopening
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/health-professionals-say-berks-county-should-take-slow-approach-when-it-comes-to-reopening/article_606cafa6-9a9c-11ea-b061-23dc9274cd7c.html
County council to vote on letter asking Wolf for yellow status
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-to-vote-on-letter-asking-wolf-for-yellow-status-1.2630248
Wayne sheriff announces yellow phase process to get a firearm permit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wayne-sheriff-announces-yellow-phase-process-to-get-a-firearm-permit-1.2630070
Lobbyists become essential as Pa. debates who gets to reopen
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/20/lobbyists-become-essential-as-pa-debates-who-gets-to-reopen/
We’ll never know the criteria for the business waiver decisions | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/05/well-never-know-the-criteria-for-the-business-waiver-decisions-opinion.html
Six countries cautiously reopening for summer travel
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-reopening-travel-tourism-spain-iceland-greece-mexico-australia-new-zealand-20200520.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pa. finally released data on coronavirus in long-term-care facilities. But it’s full of errors.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/pennsylvania-nursing-home-coronavirus-infection-data-errors-20200520.html
Nursing facility group criticizes state report
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nursing-facility-group-criticizes-state-report-1.2630254
Southeast PA nursing homes among hardest hit by coronavirus
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/southeast-pa-nursing-homes-among-hardest-hit-by-coronavirus/article_7b84f2c3-b132-56fa-89d5-f86ab3583760.html
Montgomery County nursing homes with coronavirus to get help from ‘strike teams’
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-nursing-homes-with-coronavirus-to-get-help-from-strike-teams/article_11d50e81-c063-5747-9adb-45423d6aef4c.html
$22 million is cost of testing Pennsylvania’s nursing home staffs and residents once for coronarvirus, study says
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/22-million-is-cost-of-testing-pennsylvanias-nursing-home-staffs-and-residents-once-for-coronarvirus/article_43c9f848-9aad-11ea-81c3-cb0856f461dc.html
Surging Berks Heim coronavirus numbers cause county to call in state and federal agencies, National Guard
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/surging-berks-heim-coronavirus-numbers-cause-county-to-call-in-state-and-federal-agencies-national/article_28f4d6b6-9aa6-11ea-99bc-a3c170748a1a.html
State reports 143 more coronavirus deaths, 746 additional cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/release-of-pennsylvania-coronavirus-data-delayed-over-tech-issues/
Allegheny County reports 0 new COVID-19 deaths, ‘technical issue’ prevents release of all data
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/20/COVID-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-Western-Pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-11/stories/202005200093
Allegheny County reports no new coronavirus deaths, 29 new cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-reports-no-new-coronavirus-deaths-29-new-cases/
1 more covid-19 case reported in Westmoreland County, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/1-more-covid-19-case-reported-in-westmoreland-county-no-new-deaths/
As Luzerne County’s COVID-19 cases dip, Lackawanna’s remain stubborn
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/as-luzerne-county-s-covid-19-cases-dip-lackawanna-s-remain-stubborn-1.2630253
UPMC to test malaria drug’s effectiveness in treating COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/20/UPMC-hydroxychloroquine-AHN-Walsh-McVerry-clinical-trials-arrythmia/stories/202005190134
CVS announces new drive thru COVID-19 testing sites
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/cvs-announces-new-drive-thru-covid-19-testing-sites.html
Pa. and Washington must rescue Delaware County from a COVID mess made by the GOP | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-covid-19-delaware-county-pennsylvania-health-department-nursing-homes-blame-republicans-maria-panaritis-20200520.html
Rift between White House and CDC delays guidance for reopening houses of worship
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/white-house-cdc-rift-coronavirus-reopening-churches-houses-of-worship-20200521.html
Legislature
Pa. House fails to override Gov. Wolf’s veto of bill that would’ve allowed more businesses to operate
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-house-fails-to-override-gov-wolfs-veto-of-bill-allowing-more-businesses-to-operate.html
Pa. House fails to override Wolf’s reopening veto
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/house-fails-to-override-wolfs-reopening-veto/
‘Murder by proxy’: Bill imposing stiffer penalty on those convicted of guiding suicide passes Pa. House
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/murder-by-proxy-bill-imposing-stiffer-penalty-on-those-convicted-of-guiding-suicide-passes-pa-house.html
Take notes on primary
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/take-notes-on-primary-1.2630169
House Republicans raise concerns about Allegheny County’s consolidated polling plan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/05/20/Allegheny-County-Pennsylvania-House-Republicans-concerns-consolidated-polling-plan/stories/202005200135
Pennsylvania’s leaders fail at making coronavirus crisis fair and manageable | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pennsylvanias-leaders-fail-at-making-coronavirus-crisis-fair-and-manageable-john-baer.html
Administration
Wolf plans to sign bill allowing sales of mixed drinks to go
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-plans-to-sign-bill-allowing-sales-of-mixed-drinks-to-go-1.2630222
Business
Retirement-age business owners are draining their nest eggs to stay in business
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/05/21/retirement-age-business-owners-COVID-19-shutdown/stories/202005240008
In the Philly area, gyms have led the way in defying coronavirus shutdown orders
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/gyms-coronavirus-defying-shutdown-orders-pa-nj-atillis-pwrbld-20200520.html
Media barbershop opens in defiance of Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus shutdown orders, even though cases in Delaware County show no sign of flattening
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-reopen-pa-barbershop-media-giovannis-20200520.html
Some Delaware County hair salons reopen in defiance of state mandate
https://www.delcotimes.com/business/some-delaware-county-hair-salons-reopen-in-defiance-of-state-mandate/article_4cf8b15a-9ac3-11ea-80e8-4b8b16123dc0.html
Western Pa. Gordmans stores could close after parent company files for bankruptcy
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/east-huntingdon-rostraver-gordmans-stores-could-close-unless-buyer-found/
Businesses interested in no-interest loans offered by Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/784461/businesses-interested-in-no-interest-loans-offered-by-wilkes-barre
Berks County launches $2.3 million coronavirus small-business loan program
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-launches-2-3-million-coronavirus-small-business-loan-program/article_c81c7582-9aab-11ea-958b-a33b0777f395.html
Editorial: Programs offer help to local businesses
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorial-programs-offer-help-to-local-businesses/article_cb483a8b-488e-5e62-99f9-551a8461c5ae.html
Despite state shutdown, Lehigh Valley drive-in theaters decide to open in a socially distanced way
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-drive-in-theaters-opening-amid-coronavirus-shutdown-20200520-5h2ovzto7nfvffqqgkduijv6hi-story.html
Real estate sales, activities resume in Pennsylvania
https://www.dailylocal.com/business/real-estate-sales-activities-resume-in-pennsylvania/article_6943d08a-73b5-5f6a-945e-bfcbc31002a1.html
Crime/Punishment
Plans to close SCI-Retreat move forward; facility will remain an emergency option
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/plans-to-close-sci-retreat-move-forward-facility-will-remain-an-emergency-option-1.2630225
Without comprehensive testing, detention facilities will become epicenters of the pandemic | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/without-comprehensive-testing-detention-facilities-will-become-epicenters-of-the-pandemic-opinion/
Education
Playbook for reopening schools: CHOP calls for face shields, staggered schedules, temp checks
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/20/playbook-for-reopening-schools-chop-calls-for-face-shields-staggered-schedules-temp-checks/
PIAA willing to possibly allow high school workouts before July 1
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/highschool/2020/05/20/PIAA-board-of-directors-COVID-19-workouts/stories/202005200153
PIAA Board of Control: Athletic activities should be able start for some, even if they can’t start for all
https://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-spt-piaa-board-meeting-20200521-rzxvz5d6ifbnreaq7cz36u6ura-story.html
Leechburg Area School Board meeting ends abruptly when ‘Zoom-bomber’ shares pornographic image
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/leechburg-area-school-board-meeting-ends-abruptly-when-zoom-bomber-shares-pornographic-image/
Old Forge meeting recording picks up anti-semitic comment, disparaging remarks by school director
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-meeting-recording-picks-up-anti-semitic-comment-disparaging-remarks-by-school-director-1.2630107
Tamaqua Area school board to allow armed security personnel
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/tamaqua-area-school-board-to-allow-armed-security-personnel-1.2630146
State Auditor General completes W-B area review, praises district effort
https://www.timesleader.com/news/784426/state-auditor-general-completes-w-b-area-review-praises-district-effort
Pa. state grant amounts for college students were likely to rise up to $4,700 until the pandemic hit
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/05/pa-state-grant-amounts-for-college-students-were-likely-to-rise-up-to-4700-until-the-pandemic-hit.html
Elections/Politics
A ‘slice of America’ Bucks County district should be a battleground. But Democrats need ‘a perfect storm’ to win.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/president-donald-trump-bucks-county-brian-fitzpatrick-christina-finello-congresss-20200521.html
Changes in Lackawanna County polling places ahead of June 2 election
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/changes-in-lackawanna-county-polling-places-ahead-of-june-2-election-1.2630125
Voting test run: Officials will learn a lot from primary vote by mail
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/05/21/Voting-test-run-Pennsylvania-primary-ballot-mail/stories/202005190044
7 reforms that would make it easier for everyone to vote in Pennsylvania | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-pennsylvania-primary-vote-ballot-mail-in-20200520.html
Joe Biden leads President Trump by 11 points in national poll
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/05/joe-biden-leads-president-trump-by-11-points-in-national-poll.html
Gaming
There will be no poker when Pennsylvania casinos reopen
https://www.inquirer.com/business/coronavirus-pa-casinos-reopening-poker-20200520.html
Casinos get rules to reopen
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/casinos-get-rules-to-reopen-1.2630103
Masks, spaced-out slot machines and no poker rooms among Pennsylvania casino reopening protocols
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-pa-gaming-board-releases-casino-reopening-guidelines-20200521-jiwo74no4ze5tjw24d7qceloqa-story.html
Health Care
In wake of coronavirus, Excela’s ink runs from black to red with nearly $36 million in losses
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/in-wake-of-coronavirus-excelas-ink-runs-from-black-to-red-with-nearly-36-million-in-losses/
Highmark extends cost-sharing waivers, telehealth coverage through Sept. 30
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200520/highmark-extends-cost-sharing-waivers-telehealth-coverage-through-sept-30
Local News
‘Office’ character touts census with Scranton mayor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/office-character-touts-census-with-scranton-mayor-1.2630113
Berks veterans get flags, remembrance for Memorial Day
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/berks-veterans-get-flags-remembrance-for-memorial-day/article_fa2dfb46-9ae6-11ea-ad94-3fc6ae57bf67.html
Reading groups hand out 400 face masks to the public
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-groups-hand-out-400-face-masks-to-the-public/article_73b3f158-9ac1-11ea-a7a2-8363f127bc0b.html
Somerset County will try again for hiking trail project
https://triblive.com/local/regional/somerset-county-will-try-again-for-hiking-trail-project/
Allentown expects coronavirus pandemic will cause nearly $8 million revenue shortfall – and it could get worse
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-city-council-coronavirus-impact-budget-deficit-20200521-4rixcqiqkfe2hapzzukpoeyqta-story.html
National News
Chinese purchases of farm and energy goods fall short as pandemic upends trade deal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/05/21/COVID-19-pandemic-US-China-trade-deal-agriculture-farming-energy-Trump/stories/202005210034
At least 3 injured after shooter opened fire on large Arizona shopping center
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/21/shooting-shopping-center-arizona/stories/202005210103
New poll finds Americans harbor strong fear of new infections
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/21/AP-NORC-poll-Americans-fear-new-coronavirus-infections/stories/202005200151
U.S. attorney asks citizens to report housing discrimination during pandemic
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/05/20/US-attorney-Scott-Brady-asks-citizens-report-housing-discrimination-during-COVID-19-pandemic/stories/202005200109
Philly
Philly has the lowest minimum wage of any major U.S. city, new study says
https://www.inquirer.com/business/minimum-wage-philadelphia-lowest-pew-poverty-20200520.html
State nursing home data minimizes the COVID-19 devastation in Philadelphia senior centers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-nursing-home-data-undercount-philadelphia-deaths-20200521.html
Philly schools chief says internet providers refuse to open their networks so students can access education
https://www.inquirer.com/education/internet-access-philadelphia-coronavirus-comcast-budget-council-hite-school-district-20200520.html
‘I usually cry in my car’: 3 Philly doctors talk about months of battling coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-doctors-coronavirus-how-to-cope-sad-20200521.html
Buyers and renters are moving into homes without seeing them first
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/coronavirus-covid-19-real-estate-market-renting-home-buying-20200521.html
Philly-area religious leaders adapt to reach their faithful as pandemic drags on
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-pandemic-covid-religion-online-worship-livestream-church-20200520.html
Homeless advocates consider lawsuit if city breaks up airport encampment without COVID testing
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-law-suit-philadelphia-airport-homeless-20200521.html
Amid coronavirus progress, ‘still very real risk’; get used to wearing a mask, Philly health leader says
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-philadelphia-new-jersey-masks-reopening-bucks-memorial-day-20200520.html
Movie industry workers worried by city budget’s proposed cuts to Greater Philadelphia Film Office
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/sharon-pinkenson-great-philadelphia-film-office-budget-cuts-20200520.html
Should Philly students be graded during the pandemic? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-schools-grades-coronavirus-digital-learning-20200521.html
Pitt
Officials: Too soon to tell if reopening will lead to spike in coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/officials-too-soon-to-tell-if-reopening-will-lead-to-spike-in-coronavirus-cases/
As vote nears, mayor urges URA board to back plans for FNB headquarters at former Civic Arena site
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/05/20/Bill-Peduto-URA-Pittsburgh-Penguins-First-National-Bank-Civic-Arena-development-housing/stories/202005200121
Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto urges URA to approve plans for Civic Arena site development
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-urges-ura-to-approve-plans-for-civic-arena-site-development/
Peduto wants to block off streets for outdoor dining in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-wants-to-block-off-streets-for-outdoor-dining-in-pittsburgh/
Pittsburgh-area volunteer health deputies are trained to share information in their communities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/05/21/Neighborhood-Resilience-Project-community-health-deputies-COVID-19-information-pittsburgh/stories/202005140100
Are you seeing more wildlife during the pandemic?
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/05/21/wildlife-animal-sightings-Pittsburgh-PA-COVID-19/stories/202005180021
Pittsburgh animal rescue group, food nonprofit to distribute pet and people food Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-kind/2020/05/21/Pittsburgh-animal-rescue-group-food-nonprofit-to-distribute-pet-and-people-food-Friday/stories/202005210098
Hyperloop study: Pittsburgh to Chicago in 56 minutes for $93 is feasible
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/20/hyperloop-Pittsburgh-Columbus-Chicago-feasibility-study-Ohio-planning-commission/stories/202005200125
Pittsburgh parks ranked 15th in nation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/05/20/Pittsburgh-parks-ranked-15th-US-Trust-for-Public-Land-tax-city-council/stories/202005200139
Brian O’Neill: Can Allegheny County keep bucking the COVID-19 odds?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/brian-oneill/2020/05/21/Pittsburgh-Allegheny-County-COVID-19-Shaler-Philadelphia-Berks-Bucks-Delaware-Montgomery-Beaver-counties/stories/202005210024
State News
Keystone Games and Pennsylvania Senior Games canceled
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2020/05/20/Keystone-Games-Pennsylvania-Senior-Games-2020-canceled-Luzerne-County-sports/stories/202005200141
Pennsylvania joins pilot program allowing SNAP users to buy groceries online
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-joins-pilot-program-allowing-snap-users-to-buy-groceries-online/
ACLU of Pa. and Farmworker Legal Aid Clinic file lawsuit against ICE agents’ arrest tactics in Pennsylvania
https://www.witf.org/2020/05/21/aclu-of-pa-and-farmworker-legal-aid-clinic-file-lawsuit-against-ice-agents-arrest-tactics-in-pennsylvania/
Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair canceled for 2020 because of coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/05/centre-county-grange-encampment-and-fair-canceled-for-2020-because-of-coronavirus.html
Transportation
PA Turnpike employees receive new four-year contract
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/05/20/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-Teamsters-new-contract-pay-health-care/stories/202005200118