Hours after the shutdown of schools for the remainder of the year in Pennsylvania, the state’s Secretary of Education spoke to the media about some of the new changes. Beaver County Radio news correspondent Sandy Giordano has details:
Though progress has been made by Duquesne Light, there’s still houses in Beaver County without power this morning. Beaver County Radio news correspondent Sandy Giordano has the latest numbers:
In a test of faith, Christians mark Good Friday in isolation
By JOSEPH KRAUSS Associated Press
JERUSALEM (AP) — Christians are commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion without the solemn church services or emotional processions of past years, marking Good Friday in a world locked down by the coronavirus pandemic. A small group of clerics held a closed-door service in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, built on the site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. The torch-lit Way of the Cross procession in Rome has been canceled, and Pope Francis will preside over a ceremony in St. Peter’s Square with only around a dozen people. Also, folk rituals featuring real-life crucifixions have been called off in the Philippines.
Joe Biden’s next big decision: Choosing a running mate
By BILL BARROW Associated Press
Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden expects to name a vice presidential vetting committee next week. That’s according to three Democrats with knowledge of the situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss internal plans. He has already committed to picking a woman as his running mate. Biden told donors during a virtual fundraiser that his team has discussed naming his choice well ahead of the Democratic convention in mid-August. Biden must consider the demands of a diverse party. And he’s stated his desire for a governing partner who is “simpatico” with his approach and “ready to be president on a moment’s notice.”
Economic devastation looms on a Good Friday like no other
By ARITZ PARRA and ELENA BECATOROS Associated Press
MADRID (AP) — Christians around the world observed a Good Friday like no other, at home watching livestreams instead of at church. Meanwhile, pressures are rapidly mounting on governments to restart some industries in order to fend off further economic devastation from the coronavirus. Politicians and health officials have warned that the hard-won gains against the pandemic must not be jeopardized by relaxing social distancing over the Easter holiday weekend. Worldwide, the death toll headed toward 100,000, with the confirmed number of infected people topping 1.6 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Biden woos skeptical Sanders supporters with new proposals
By WILL WEISSERT, ALEXANDRA JAFFE and BILL BARROW Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Joe Biden has unveiled plans to expand eligibility for Medicare and forgive college debt. The former vice president has begun courting progressives who lost their standard bearer when Bernie Sanders left the presidential race. Biden’s swift move to shore up his left flank underscores the difficult choice many progressives were left with following Sanders’ withdrawal: Side with the more centrist Biden or keep up the fight and potentially lose the White House again. Biden will likely need those voters to defeat President Donald Trump in November.
Mad magazine illustrator Mort Drucker dies at 91
NEW YORK (AP) — One of Mad Magazine’s most loved and enduring illustrators has died. Mort Drucker, the Mad Magazine cartoonist who for decades lovingly spoofed politicians, celebrities and popular culture, died Thursday at 91. Drucker joined Mad in its early days, the mid-1950s, and remained well into the 21st century. Few major events or public figures during that time escaped Drucker’s attention, from “Star Trek” to Jerry Seinfeld. In large strokes, Drucker took in every crease, crevice and bold feature. The big jaw of Jay Leno bulged even larger, while the ears of Barack Obama looked like wings about to take flight.
Senators block new virus aid, Pelosi decries ‘stunt’
By ANDREW TAYLOR and LISA MASCARO Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senators have torpedoed quick passage of a new coronavirus aid package. Democrats rejected a Trump administration request for $250 billion to boost a small business payroll fund and Republicans refused Democrats’ demand for another $250 billion for hospitals and states. The standoff doesn’t end the pursuit of more rescue funds. Democrats and Republicans agree the aid is urgently needed and talks continue. But it reinforces that Congress and the White House will need to find bipartisan agreement. Democrats are not opposed to boosting the payroll fund, but they want to ensure that the popular program delivers benefits to businesses in minority communities that are often under-served by traditional lenders.
UK’s Johnson out of intensive care as his condition improves
By JILL LAWLESS and DANICA KIRKA Associated Press
LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved out of intensive care, his office says. In a statement Thursday, a spokesman at 10, Downing Street said Johnson “has been moved this evening from intensive care back to the ward, where he will receive close monitoring during the early phase of his recovery.” Johnson has been in intensive care for three days after his symptoms for coronavirus worsened. He tested positive for the virus two weeks ago and at first had only “mild” symptoms. Dominic Raab, who has been deputizing for the prime minister during key meetings, said Johnson was “making positive steps forward.”
Department of Corrections Extends Visit Suspension, Enhanced Employee Screenings Indefinitely
Harrisburg, PA – Today Department of Corrections (DOC) Secretary John Wetzel announced that he is extending the inmate visitation suspension and the use of enhanced employee screenings indefinitely at all state-run correctional facilities, or at such time as the Disaster Emergency proclaimed by Governor Tom Wolf on March 6, 2020, is terminated.
To offset the lack of visits for inmates, DOC officials implemented video visitation and are providing inmates with additional free phone calls and emails. The DOC is under a systemwide quarantine to protect inmates and staff.
“We are closely monitoring our entire system and individual facilities daily,” Wetzel said. “While we now have seven cases confined to one state prison, we continue our efforts to mitigate the virus’ impact on our system and protect our employees and inmates across the state,” Wetzel said.
Wetzel also commended all corrections employees who report for work daily. “I almost tear up thinking about our staff coming to work every day and walking into these facilities when the easy path is to stay home. They truly are heroes,” he said.
Find the latest information on the DOC’s COVID-19 efforts here.
Find the latest information on the coronavirus here.