Category: News

US layoffs climb to 41 million, despite business reopenings

US layoffs climb to 41 million, despite business reopenings
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER and DAN SEWELL Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Roughly 2.1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week despite the gradual reopening of businesses around the country, bringing the running total since the coronavirus shutdowns took hold in mid-March to about 41 million. The government figures underscore the continuing damage to businesses and livelihoods from the outbreak that has now killed at least 100,000 people in the U.S.

Wolf Administration Distributes Testing Supplies to Hospitals, More Than 67,000 Patients Tested Since March

Wolf Administration Distributes Testing Supplies to Hospitals, More Than 67,000 Patients Tested Since March

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today that additional shipments of testing supplies have been sent to hospitals across Pennsylvania this week. Since March 9, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has distributed supplies to more than 60 hospitals, health care facilities, and county and municipal health departments to help test more than 67,000 patients.

“We know we need to ramp up testing capabilities as a means to further mitigate COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “These supplies are critical to that goal. We will continue to distribute these supplies as quickly and efficiently as they become available.”

Testing supplies include nasopharyngeal swabs and viral transport media tubes depending on what is requested by facilities. The department sent testing supplies to the following types of entities:

  • 42,000 to county and municipal health departments
  • 9,640 to laboratories, testing teams, state agencies and medical practices
  • 8,542 to hospital and health systems
  • 7,070 to long-term care facilities

“Pennsylvania recognizes that increased testing capacity is a critical aspect to successfully reopening the state; especially as certain regions move from aggressive mitigation to containment strategies,” Dr. Levine said. “Even though testing capacity has increased significantly, we will continue to provide necessary testing supplies to our partners across the state so even more Pennsylvanians can be tested and treated for COVID-19.”

As of 12:00 a.m., May 28, there are 625 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 70,042. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19. There are 5,373 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 108 new deaths. County-specific information and a statewide map are available here.

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.

Pa. State Rep. Josh Kail Introduces Bill to Test All Long-Term Care Residents and Employees for COVID-19

Kail Introduces Bill to Test All Long-Term Care Residents and Employees for COVID-19

 

CENTER – Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), in a partnership with a colleague from southeastern Pennsylvania, drafted legislation that would ensure all employees and residents in the Commonwealth’s long-term care facilities are tested for COVID-19.

While Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration announced a “robust universal testing strategy” this month, it relies only on voluntary compliance and recommends testing just 20% of staff and residents weekly. The guidance applies only to nursing homes and not personal care homes or assisted living facilities – leaving two-thirds of all long-term care facilities without any motivation to test.

Long-term care facilities serve approximately 123,000 residents with 143,000 employees. The coronavirus has severely impacted Pennsylvania’s senior population as demonstrated by the data surrounding positive cases and deaths associated with long-term care facilities. As of May 10, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reported that approximately 68% of all COVID-19-related deaths occurred in the state’s long-term care facilities.

“If there is one thing that we have learned through this pandemic, it is that we must do better protecting those who are most vulnerable, particularly our seniors in long-term care facilities,” Kail said. “It’s a real shame that universal testing wasn’t used sooner, but now that we know what we know, our seniors must be protected moving forward.”
Recent testing in a congregate care setting in Montgomery County showed 96% of those testing positive for COVID-19 were asymptomatic. Allowing untested, asymptomatic health care workers and long-term care facility residents to continue having contact with one another allows the disease to be passed unknowingly between them.

Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin have committed to testing all long-term care residents.

“This administration has made strides in implementing universal testing at prisons and protecting vulnerable inmates while failing to protect the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians with the same intensity in nursing homes,” Kail said. “The men and women living in long-term care facilities have been harmed the most by this pandemic, and they need our help also.”

Aliquippa City Council held its monthly work session via ZOOM

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Aliquippa City Council held its monthly work session via ZOOM last night  They not only approved their opportunity zone resolution  they are are sending a letter of support for Scenic Pittsburgh  in their pursuit of funding . The funding would create the Aliquippa/Franklin Avenue Revitalization Plan        The  representative the city worked  with  was very  knowledgeable .Councilman Donald Walker said  the rep was energized following what Debbie Grass , Act 47 coordinator  outlined in the city’s plan. for the Opportunity Zone.   , Mayor Walker said .  Mayor  Dwan Walker and Code and Zoning officer Jim Bologna met with the representative to help Herb Bailey get things moving for a park to be constructed next to Uncommon Grounds.  Plans have been in the works since 2015 and a $65,000 DCED grant would move the project forward.  Bologna said, “If they want to help us make downtown pretty again, “I don’t see a problem.”  The motion was adopted.

City manager Sam Gill  reported that there have been inquiries on the  property where 3 buildings were razed. Cook Bros. performed the demolition and grass is growing on the site.   Mayor Walker said a grocery store or another business would be ideal at the site.  “We need to maintain  Franklin Avenue as a downtown.” Gill said the new zoning should reflect for the downtown.”
Council meets in regular session via  ZOOM  on Wednesday  at 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh diocese to consolidate 61 parishes into 15

Pittsburgh diocese to consolidate 61 parishes into 15
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Roman Catholic diocese of Pittsburgh has announced plans to consolidate 61 parishes into 15 new parishes. The mergers, to be completed July 1, will reduce the number of parishes in the diocese of Pittsburgh from 152 to 106. Bishop David Zubik told parishioners in a letter that “This has not been a simple task” but spoke of the need for sacrifice and said “You are positioning your new parish for more effective ministry by addressing financial needs, sharing resources and allowing your clergy to focus on the spiritual work for which they were ordained.”

Pro sports can resume in Pennsylvania, without spectators

Pro sports can resume in Pennsylvania, without spectators
By MARC LEVY, WILL GRAVES and MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Professional sports can resume in Pennsylvania where the governor’s stay-at-home order to stem the spread of the coronavirus is no longer in force, but without spectators. Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration said Wednesday that teams and competitors will be allowed to practice or play in counties where Wolf’s yellow or green designation applies in his stoplight-colored three-phase reopening plan. To resume, a team or a league must develop a coronavirus safety plan that has been approved by Wolf’s state Department of Health and it must include testing or screening and monitoring of all “on-venue” players and personnel. Organized youth sports can begin or resume in areas in the green phase.

Mail-in voting could turn Election Day into Election Week

Mail-in voting could turn Election Day into Election Week
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI Associated Press
Delays caused by an increase in voting by mail may contribute to public doubts about the results. The public may not know the winner of the presidential race on election day because of a massive shift to voting by mail during the coronavirus pandemic. That’s because mail ballots take longer to count due to security procedures and laws in some states that limit when they can be processed. Democrats are worried that President Donald Trump’s escalating rhetoric against mail voting is designed to take advantage of this delay in the instance of a close race or even his defeat.

SpaceX launch scrubbed because of bad weather

SpaceX launch scrubbed because of bad weather
By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The launch of a SpaceX rocket ship with two NASA astronauts on a history-making flight into orbit has been called off with less than 17 minutes to go in the countdown because of the danger of lightning. Liftoff is rescheduled for Saturday. The spacecraft was set to blast off Wednesday afternoon for the International Space Station, ushering in a new era in commercial spaceflight and putting NASA back in the business of launching astronauts from U.S. for the first time in nearly a decade. Ever since the space shuttle was retired in 2011, NASA has relied on Russian rockets to carry astronauts to and from the space station.

Many more likely sought US jobless aid even as layoffs slow

Many more likely sought US jobless aid even as layoffs slow
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government is set to sketch its latest picture of the layoffs that have left tens of millions of people unemployed but have slowed as states increasingly allow businesses to reopen. Even with companies calling some laid-off employees back to work, millions more likely filed for unemployment benefits last week after nearly 39 million sought aid in the previous nine weeks as the coronavirus paralyzed the economy. The pace of layoffs has declined for seven straight weeks, a sign that the cratering of the job market may have bottomed out. By historical standards, though, the number of weekly applications remains enormous.

PUC Reminds Consumers of June 1 Changes for Utility Electric Energy Prices; Notes PAPowerSwitch Enhancements for Online Shoppers

PUC Reminds Consumers of June 1 Changes for Utility Electric Energy Prices;
Notes PAPowerSwitch Enhancements for Online Shoppers

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today reminded consumers that most electric distribution companies (EDCs) across the state will be adjusting electric generation prices on June 1 for non-shopping customers.

Depending on your service territory, energy prices could be increasing or decreasing for the summer months, and the PUC encourages consumers to be aware of the pending changes and to evaluate their options.

“During these difficult times, consumers may be looking for ways to lower monthly bills by reducing energy usage and supply costs,” said PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille.  “We encourage consumers to carefully review their electric bills, understand the rates they will be paying and explore the PUC’s official electric shopping website, PAPowerSwitch.com, for details on competitive offers, along with tips for energy conservation and savings.”

Additionally, the PUC announced a series of enhancements to www.PAPowerSwitch.com (PAPowerSwitch) – the agency’s consumer-education and energy shopping website – to make it easier and quicker for consumers to access information about shopping for electric suppliers, along with other ways to conserve energy and save money.

“Price to Compare” Changes on June 1

In most areas of Pennsylvania, consumers can choose who supplies their electricity, based on price or other factors, such as renewable energy.

Customers not choosing a supplier continue to receive “default service” from the utility, with the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) set quarterly or semiannually based on PUC approved electric generation procurement plans. The PUC, however, does not control the price of the generation portion of the electric bill.

Beginning on June 1, EDCs that have projected changes in their Prices to Compare (PTCs) for residential default service customers include:

  • Citizens’ Electric, with an estimated decrease from 7.5845 to 7.4795 cents per kWh;
  • Duquesne Light, with a slight increase from 7.1 to 7.11 cents per kWh;
  • Met-Ed, with a decrease from 5.39 to 5.361 cents per kWh;
  • PECO, with a decrease from 6.595 cents to 6.405 cents per kWh;
  • Penelec, with an increase from 5.404 to 5.532 cents per kWh;
  • Penn Power, with an increase from 6.257 to 6.684 cents per kWh;
  • PPL, with a decrease from 7.632 to 7.284 cents per kWh;
  • UGI Electric, with an estimated increase from 6.041 to 6.811 cents per kWh;
  • Wellsboro Electric, with an estimated increase from 6.8896 to 6.9 cents per kWh; and,
  • West Penn Power, with a decrease from 5.637 to 5.125 cents per kWh.

For default service customers not participating in the competitive electricity market, Pennsylvania’s regulated utilities offer a voluntary Standard Offer Program (Standard Offer) – providing those customers with the option of receiving service from a competitive supplier at a fixed-price that is 7% below the utility’s PTC at the time of enrollment. The Standard Offer price is fixed for one year and can be canceled by the customer at any time with no early cancellation or termination fees.

PAPowerSwitch Updates

PAPowerSwitch provides consumers with valuable information on how to shop for electric supply services.  The website enables consumers to quickly compare offers from competitive suppliers against the default service rate from their local utility.

The PUC continually upgrades PAPowerSwitch to educate consumers and help them successfully navigate Pennsylvania’s competitive market for electricity. Recent updates to the website include:

  • A new comparison feature where consumers can view and evaluate up to eight different offers at the same time;
  • Faster page-loading;
  • Enhanced security measures;
  • More filtering options relating to offers from competitive electric generation suppliers (EGSs); and
  • Additional view options, with horizontal or vertical views of EGS offers.

All the recent upgrades are reflected in the mobile version of PAPowerSwitch, allowing easy access from even more devices.

PUC Continues Encouraging Energy Efficiency & Conservation

The PUC also reminds families to explore energy conservation to help manage bills and reduce energy usage – especially as more people are home, with many working remotely, and the summer cooling season approaches. PAPowerSwitch, as well as the PUC’s website for natural gas shopping, PAGasSwitch.com, have interactive information and tips for saving energy.

Other PUC Actions During Current Pandemic

Under the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission’s moratorium on EGS door-to-door sales and marketing for all customer classes remains in effect – helping minimize non-essential personal social contact.

In this time of heightened stress, the PUC also reminds consumers to remain vigilant when discussing energy supply service with telemarketers, particularly if the contact was unsolicited.  Additionally, consumers are encouraged to be on the lookout for unscrupulous activity and potential scam artists who may pose as utility representatives.

Consumers are advised not to sign a contract without knowing the length of the contract, the price, whether it is fixed or variable and if there are any fees, such as membership fees or early termination fees. Customers on a variable rate are subject to fluctuations in the price for their electricity. Information on fixed and variable electric rates is available here.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.