Category: News

President Trump tweets that Russia bounty allegations are ‘Fake News’

Trump tweets that Russia bounty allegations are ‘Fake News’
By MARY CLARE JALONICK, ZEKE MILLER and JAMES LaPORTA Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is dismissing as “Fake News” allegations that Russia offered bounties for killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan. Trump tweeted Wednesday that the allegations were made up to damage him and the Republican Party. Democrats have accused Trump of bowing to Russian President Vladimir Putin. House Democrats returning from their own briefing at the White House said they learned nothing new about assessments that suggested Russia was making overtures to militants as the U.S. and the Taliban held talks to end the war in Afghanistan. Republicans largely defended the president, arguing along with the White House that the intelligence was unverified.

Seattle Police clearing ‘occupied’ area amid protester resistance

Seattle clearing ‘occupied’ area amid protester resistance
By MARTHA BELLISLE and LISA BAUMANN Associated Press
SEATTLE (AP) — Police in Seattle are tearing down demonstrators’ tents in the city’s so-called occupied protest zone. Officers are using their bicycles to herd the protesters so the officers could carry out an executive order from the mayor for the area to be vacated. Television images have shown no immediate signs of clashes between the police and dozens of protesters at the Capitol Hill Occupied Protest zone that was set up near downtown following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Police moved in to the zone known at about 5 a.m. KUOW radio reported police had made at least 10 arrests by 5:30 a.m.

More Than 310,000 Pennsylvanians Receive Rebates Early to Provide Support During COVID-19 Pandemic

More Than 310,000 Pennsylvanians Receive Rebates Early to Provide Support During COVID-19 Pandemic

Harrisburg, PA — Governor Tom Wolf and Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced more than 310,000 Pennsylvanians have received their rebates early through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which provides support to older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities.

Governor Wolf called on the Department of Revenue, the agency that administers the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, to work with the Treasury Department to issue rebates before July 1. Today is typically the earliest day that rebates can be issued under Pennsylvania law. However, the signing in May of Act 20 of 2020 allowed rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2019 to be issued earlier than normal to provide financial support to eligible Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These rebates on property taxes and rent have added importance this year, because they have provided support to our older and vulnerable residents at a time when they may need it most,” said Gov. Wolf. “I thank Treasurer Torsella and the department for distributing the rebates earlier than normal. We will keep that hard work going in the coming weeks so that we continue delivering rebates to older Pennsylvanians and others who benefit from this program.”

“Treasury has worked tirelessly knowing how important each rebate is to so many Pennsylvanians during what is an already difficult time,” said Treasurer Torsella. “Nearly $162 million in payments have been distributed a month and a half ahead of the usual July 1 start date. Treasury is grateful to the General Assembly for the swift action to help this coordinated effort and will continue to work closely with the governor’s administration to process rebate payments making sure those that benefit from the PTRR program receive them quickly.”

Revenue and Treasury officials are also reminding claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program that the process for distributing rebates is different than in prior years. Although 311,785 rebates have been issued, there are still claims that are being processed.

The claims will be processed on a first-in-first-out basis, meaning some claimants will receive their rebates earlier than others. This process is different than in prior years, when there was a large distribution of rebates on July 1 that accounted for the vast majority of rebates that were issued in a given claim year.

It’s free to apply for a rebate, and claimants who need help with their application forms should know that free assistance is available at locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. Claimants are encouraged to call ahead to make sure that the location they plan to visit has resumed operations. Additionally, the Department of Revenue is asking claimants who plan to visit the department’s district offices to call ahead to make an appointment. Check the department’s COVID-19 information page for updates and contact information.

“We recognize that many people who benefit from this program have been staying at home while the locations where they typically go for assistance with their applications have been closed,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “We want claimants to know that we are here to help them file their application forms, whether that is over the phone or at one of our district offices.”

Steps to Follow if You Haven’t Submitted Your Application 

For eligible applicants who have yet to file their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application, the Department of Revenue is offering help for those who need it. Eligible claimants are encouraged to call 717-772-9236 for guidance. Please keep in mind that department staff will work as quickly as possible to help claimants with their applications.

The Department of Revenue website has the Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim form (PA-1000) and related information.

Tips for Checking the Status of Your Rebate

Applicants who included their bank account information on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form (PA-1000) will receive their rebates through direct deposit. Applicants who requested a paper check to be mailed to them should expect to receive their payment in the mail.

The Department of Revenue is encouraging claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to use online tools and other automated resources to check the status of their rebates or ask a question.

  • Claimants who already applied for rebates may use the Where’s My PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate? tool to check the status of their rebate. You will need your Social Security number, claim year and date of birth to use this tool.
  • Call 1-888-PATAXES to check the status of your rebate. This automated toll-free service is available 24 hours a day. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth and the anticipated amount of your rebate to use this service.
  • Claimants who included their phone number on their Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application form (PA-1000) will receive automated calls from the Department of Revenue updating them on the status of their claim. Claimants should know that these automated phone calls require no further action. They will not be asked to key in any numbers or to provide any additional information.
  • Claimants can visit the department’s Online Customer Service Center to find helpful tips and answers to commonly asked questions about the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Online Customer Service Center also allows you to submit a question to a Department of Revenue representative through a secure process that is similar to sending an email.

About the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. It is free to apply for a rebate.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners.

Since the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program’s 1971 inception, older and disabled adults have received more than $6.9 billion in property tax and rent relief. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

Baseball’s minor leagues cancel 2020 seasons

Baseball’s minor leagues cancel 2020 seasons
By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball’s minor leagues canceled their seasons because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the head of their governing body said more than half the 160 teams were in danger of failing without government assistance or private equity injections. The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues made the long-expected announcement. Pat O’Conner, the president of the governing body, O’Conner estimated 85-90% of revenue was related to ticket money, concessions, parking and ballpark advertising. The minors drew 41.5 million fans last year for 176 teams in 15 leagues.

Carl Reiner, comedy’s rare untortured genius, dies at 98

Carl Reiner, comedy’s rare untortured genius, dies at 98
By HILLEL ITALIE AP National Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Carl Reiner,  who died Monday at 98, was the rare untortured genius of comedy, his career a story of laughter and camaraderie, of innovation and triumph and affection. Reiner’s persona was so warm and approachable that you could forget that he was an architect of modern comedy, a “North Star,” in the words of Billy Crystal. Reiner was everyone’s friend or favorite uncle. He is remembered best for “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” a master class of wit, ensemble playing and physical comedy. Van Dyke calls Reiner “kind, gentle, compassionate, empathetic and wise.” Reiner died at his Beverly Hills, California, home of natural causes.

First police-reform Bills in PA Head to Gov. Wolf for Signature

First police-reform bills after protests go to governor
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf will sign the first bills passed by Pennsylvania’s Legislature in response to widespread protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd. Wolf’s office said Tuesday that he’ll sign two bills that passed the Senate unanimously. One of the bills is designed to prevent bad officers from continuing to find employment in police departments. Under the bill, a department must check a job applicant’s history of disciplinary actions, complaints and reasons for separation. The other bill requires officers to receive cultural sensitivity training, instruction on de-escalation and harm-reduction techniques and a mental health evaluation after an incident in which the officer used lethal force.

Pilot killed in fighter jet crash at Shaw Air Force Base

Pilot killed in fighter jet crash at Shaw Air Force Base
SUMTER, S.C. (AP) — A military pilot has died in the crash of a fighter jet at during a training mission at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. 20th Fighter Wing Commander Larry Sullivan confirmed the pilot’s death early Wednesday. The crash happened on the military base around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. Base officials said the pilot was the only person on board the F-16CM Fighting Falcon. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The name of the pilot wasn’t immediately released.

PA Attorney General’s Office Has Saved $1.65 Million For Consumers During COVID-19 Pandemic

HARRISBURG―Attorney General Josh Shapiro today announced that his office’s Bureau of Consumer Protection has saved nearly $1.65 million for Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 crisis. The Bureau of Consumer Protections focuses on mediating complaints from Pennsylvanians who, among other things, have been cheated out of services or products they never received, and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also tasked with assisting consumers who had paid for events, vacations, and camps that were cancelled due to the pandemic.

“With 1 in 3 Pennsylvanians out of work — this is a critical time to step up and protect people’s pocketbooks. Every dollar counts, and our office is making sure consumers are treated fairly  by bad actor companies, scams, and from cancellations,” said Attorney General Shapiro.

The Office of Attorney General has returned funds to consumers for a wide range of scams and fraudulent practices, including refunding full payment or deposits for a cancelled summer camp and travel cancellations, scams, and services not rendered by promised. More than four thousand consumers had cases mediated during the pandemic.

“This was a great process,” said Jesille Perez, a consumer who was refunded $2,267 for a cancelled summer camp. “It was seamless, and I was satisfied with the very quick response I received. The Attorney General’s agents keep in touch with me regularly to follow up.”

“So surprised and thankful to get the refund so quickly during this crisis,” said two seniors from the Pittsburgh area who were refunded $6,856 for a cancelled trip. “The agent was great to work with.”

“The Attorney General’s Office saved me time, trouble, and aggravation,” said Peter Hatton, one consumer who was refunded $4,000 for payment on a car.  “With their assistance, I got full satisfaction.”

“I think that once the Office got involved in my case, the store was more willing to work with me,” said Donald Heiges, a consumer who was refunded $1,009 for gift cards that were never received.

“Millions of Pennsylvanians have lost income during the health emergency, and we are stepping up, working non-stop, to make sure consumers are treated fairly.” said Attorney General Shapiro. “We have helped thousands of Pennsylvanians recover their hard earned money. Every dollar counts, if you need help with a cancellation or a refund, I want to know.”

Pennsylvanians can file a complaint online at https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/consumer-complaint or by emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov or calling 800-441-2555.

PA. Department of Health Launches COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard 

Department of Health Launches COVID-19 Early Warning Monitoring Dashboard 

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Health today launched an online early warning monitoring dashboard that provides information statewide and county COVID-19 prevalence to track increases in disease in the community on a weekly basis.

“This dashboard provides the entire community with early warning to changes in COVID-19 infection so that we can take action to prevent spread,” Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Recent increases in COVID-19 cases in parts of the state have shown the need for Pennsylvanians to continue to take simple steps to prevent the spread of this virus. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing and stay home if you are sick.”

The dashboard shows data points being used to assess the spread of the virus in the state and in each county, including:

  • Difference in confirmed cases (last 7 days vs. previous 7 days);
  • Incidence rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days) per 100,000 residents;
  • PCR positivity rate (last 7 days and previous 7 days);
  • Difference in the average daily number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the last 7 days and the previous 7 days;
  • Difference in the average daily number of COVID-19 patients on ventilators in the last 7 days and previous 7 days; and
  • Percent of hospital emergency department visits in the last 7 days and previous 7 days due to COVID-like-illness (CLI).

The dashboard will be updated on a weekly basis to assist in providing information regarding the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Repeating shaking with chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell

Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
  • Clean surfaces frequently.
  • Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
  • If you must go out for a life-sustaining reason, please wear a mask.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts

West Penn Hospital Again Named One of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals

West Penn Again Named One of the Nation’s 100 Top Hospitals

PITTSBURGH, PA (June 30, 2020) – West Penn Hospital, part of Allegheny Heath Network (AHN), has been named one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by IBM Watson Health™ for the second consecutive year.

The new report, published this week in Fortune magazine, spotlights the top-performing hospitals in the United States, based on a scorecard of publicly available clinical, operational, safety, financial, and patient satisfaction data.

IBM Watson Health™ recognizes hospitals of all sizes, in five different categories – major teaching hospitals, teaching hospitals, large community hospitals, medium community hospitals, and small community hospitals.

West Penn is among 25 facilities recognized in the “teaching hospitals” category. It is one of just two hospitals in the Pittsburgh area, and one of four in Pennsylvania, to be named to the 100 Top Hospitals® list.

“We are extremely proud to be named one of the nation’s top hospitals by one of the country’s most respected health care industry analysts,” said Ron Andro, president of West Penn Hospital. “This honor again is reflective of the extraordinary talent and dedication of our physicians, nurses, volunteers, and employees at every level.”

This year marks the sixth time that West Penn Hospital has been named to the prestigious Top 100 Hospitals list, which has been published annually since 1993. To create its 2020 list, IBM Watson Health™ researchers evaluated more than 3,100 short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals.

“West Penn Hospital has always held a special place in the hearts of those who are cared for within its walls, and this recognition by IBM Watson Health is a wonderful validation of the clinical excellence and compassion that the hospital’s caregivers provide every day to those in need,” said Cindy Hundorfean, AHN President and CEO.

“We can’t express enough how grateful we are to Ron Andro and everyone at West Penn for consistently raising those standards.”

The Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals® study uses independent and objective research to analyze hospital performance in areas such as clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, patient experience and financial health. IBM Watson Health established the list to help identify best practices that may help other health care organizations achieve consistent, balanced, and sustainable high performance.

A cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood, West Penn is a 333-bed teaching hospital and tertiary care facility. Among the many leading clinical programs based at the hospital are AHN’s Women’s Institute, Autoimmunity Institute, Esophageal Institute, blood and marrow transplant program, and the West Penn Burn Center.

The hospital continues to evolve and expand its clinical programs. In 2019, the hospital cut the ribbon on its expanded Level III neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and in the same year opened three new cancer care facilities for patients with breast, gynecologic and hematologic cancers.

In 2018, the hospital opened a first-in-the-region Healthy Food Center, which provides fresh, healthful foods to patients with diabetes who are screened by their doctor as being food insecure.  West Penn is also home to the Alexis Joy D’Achille Center for Perinatal Mental Health, a one-of-a-kind program and facility dedicated to caring for women with post-partum depression and other anxiety disorders.

West Penn also was the first hospital in Pittsburgh to earn the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet Recognition, the nation’s most prestigious honor for nursing excellence.

According to IBM Watson Health, compared to similar hospitals, the hospitals included on the Fortune and IBM Watson list had better results on key clinical and operational performance indicators. These include survival rates, patient complications, healthcare associated infections, 30-day mortality and 30-day hospital-wide readmission rates, length of stay, throughput in emergency rooms, inpatient expenses, profitability, and ratings from patients.

“Hospitals, health systems, and the dedicated clinicians and staff who work at these organizations have emerged as true heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic and we are grateful to be able to recognize these extraordinary leaders at this time,” said Kyu Rhee, M.D., M.P.P., Vice President and Chief Health Officer, IBM Watson Health.

“From small community hospitals to major teaching hospitals, organizations on this list demonstrate a relentless commitment to high value, patient-centered care and innovation. It is clear that the COVID-19 crisis will be a catalyst for reinvention, and we believe these top performing hospitals are positioned to emerge stronger and smarter out of this crisis.”

For more information, visit www.100tophospitals.com.