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Advocates say the ruling is a win for students and families, allowing them to better hold school districts accountable for discriminatory bullying that happens under their watch.
“I’m going to finish the daily briefings on Friday, and then we’ll do briefings as necessary, and I’m sure they will often be necessary.”
A pickup truck drove through the crowd and drove away, leaving an injured legal observer on with apparent broken bones.
“It is disturbing and hypocritical that Republican Senators would attempt to fill this vacancy now while Americans across the country have already begun casting their ballots.”
“I don’t even know what that’s like, having to actually go fill out an application to try to get another job, and fit in somewhere,” said Swain. “Starting over, like that’s just so crazy.”
“Suddenly I came to a town called Swastika, which is a symbol of the tyranny and hatred those soldiers fought and died to fight.”
The new standards — which are still subject to regulatory review and approval by the state legislature — were advanced by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education last week.
“This Administration has to understand that we won’t have a healthy economy until we have a healthy country and that starts with taking this virus seriously.”
The governor wants the deadline to send out vote-by-mail applications moved up, among other things.
“It was seemingly viewed by all concerned as an unfortunate set of circumstances, which we all know was not the case.”
Eight years ago, the state slashed $84 million targeted toward these programs and many services were eliminated. Now, advocates fear they could be on the chopping block again.
The Pa. Department Human Services had been planning to distribute $42 million to the parents of about 330,000 kids later this month, but learned recently that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had rejected their plan.
“I can’t think of anything more simple than slowing down and moving over if you can.”
“I think that technology has really helped us. It’s an inexpensive technology. It’s a student-friendly and a faculty-friendly technology.”
It’s the latest stress the industry has faced since COVID-19 turned the child care sector upside down in March.
Thursday night was a tale of two groups with contrasting ideas on how to make change, clashing, after the death of Daniel Prude.
“We know our hospitality industry is really taking a beating because of this pandemic, and they’re going to need to bounce back. Giving them an edge by having cannabis tourism is tremendously helpful.”
With just under a month to go until counting efforts are scheduled to end, some government leaders are concerned about the lower numbers.
For the next 90 days, public rules on masks and social distancing, as well as relaxed rules on unemployment insurance and professional certification will remain in place.
“I got boxes I’m staring at every day. My kids are staring at it. They’re like, ‘When are we gonna find a place to go?’”
“We’re all trying to figure out, ‘How can the counties have the responsibility for making sure the count is accurate and as timely as possible?”
New York State is expected to make additional announcements about high risk winter sports like basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading in the coming months.
“We want children to be in situations where they’re safe and supervised by trusted adults.”
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway announced she was stepping down from her position to look after her family. Working families across the country are figuring out how to provide care for their children with remote and hybrid schooling this year.
In a rush to find answers, lawmakers and election officials alike are proposing a number of changes.
Officials are routinely citing the law to deny public records requests, but legal experts say the state can be more transparent — if it wants.
“If the pandemic was over today, and our economy was back to where it was pre-pandemic, we would probably be in a pretty good place. I think the concern really comes in when we look at the future.”
“This pandemic is far from over, but we’ve determined that institutions can reopen if they adhere to strict state guidance and take every precaution to keep visitors safe.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the different coronavirus tests and what they can — and can’t — tell you.
“The president has appointed someone who really seems to be a political hack. His main claim to fame is that he contributed a lot of money to the president’s campaign. He has no postal experience.”
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board claims that revealing how many licenses are available in each county would hurt revenue. But others believe it might help small businesses compete.
“It’s technically doable, I guess.”
Months of protests urged prosecutors and police to support criminal justice reform. But court records show a different path.
Athletic Director Sandy Barbour left open the possibility that the football team won’t play at all.
“The common interest of these governors is not a partisan agenda. Cuomo as a smart person is not going to raise those issues because he knows they’ll fracture the coalition.”
“When we have people who don’t stay in touch with us, or we knock on the door and they refuse to answer, or they tell us to our face, ‘I’m not going to pay, do what you’re going to do,’ that’s when it gets frustrating.”
“Would they let me be the gender that I am or the gender that I was assigned at birth? Because I have very strong views on that.”
Pennsylvania’s finances received a welcome — but probably temporary — boost in July, with tax collections up 6.6% compared to the same time last year, according to figures released Monday by the state’s Independent Fiscal Office.
“For the first time in decades, we are free to create a local show for that Saturday evening time slot.”
“I think these are still historic and appropriate and protective drinking water standards that will protect New Yorkers for decades to come.”
Coronavirus testing, online instruction, and the ability to turn on a dime are central to reopening plans
“There is potentially no greater symbol of our image than our airport, which serves as the front door to our community.”
“I appreciate the work that the Congress has done to date with the CARES Act proposals. But this current debate must create resources that support state education and educational equity.”
State officials are trying again, this time with a grant program targeted at the smallest and most vulnerable operations.
As the face of the state’s COVID-19 response, Health Secretary Rachel Levine has been the subject of numerous personal attacks.
“If we did something as a business, the person would just up and leave and go somewhere else, because someone else is not going to enforce it.”
“The moment we left Canada, there was concern. We’ve got to follow the guidelines. It’s not gonna be easy.”
“There are men just like me in there. They should have been walking out with me. But instead they’ll probably die in prison.”
“I’ve been doing this since April 4th, and I have received zero money. The problem is you cannot get through on the phone.”
The bill would require upwards of three months of leave at 66 percent of a person’s salary.
Here’s something you may not know: People with disabilities are not guaranteed the right to live in the community.
8 percent of claims needed to be reviewed manually.
The lawsuit represents yet another test of Wolf’s emergency powers, which have been unsuccessfully challenged several times.
Virtually everybody has made sacrifices during the coronavirus pandemic. But, for some people who are deafblind, it meant almost entirely losing their connections to the outside world.
“Today we find that 59% of New Yorkers, that’s up from 54% two years ago, are touched by the opioid epidemic.”
“Instead of expanding access to care, this White House is, once again, putting up barriers and exacerbating the fear and anxiety that already exists for these communities,”
Bill sponsor, transparency advocates urge governor to reconsider
“I would never have applied if they hadn’t come and talked to me about it. They emphasized to me: Why don’t you take advantage of some of the things that are out there for you?”
Leaders from the city of Rochester and Monroe County were on hand for the installation of a Frederick Douglass statue in Maplewood park Thursday. The statue which stood there since 2018 was toppled on July 5th and thrown in the Genesee River Gorge.
“This whole process we’ve had an array of choices and they’ve all been bad.”
State legislators, local elected officials, and environmental advocates called for stringent standards on three toxic chemicals that have polluted drinking water across the state: PFOA, PFOS and 1,4-dioxane.
“An airport is the place to display ourselves to the world, and also to ourselves, we use it more than anyone else.”
The state Supreme Court earlier this month upheld the governor’s disaster emergency declaration, saying the legislature can’t terminate the declaration on its own.
“There are some strings. They have to use it for health and education, but we don’t say one size fits all.”
“There are many of us who represent diverse communities, … [who] understand that it is our duty to stand up, to protect the rights of Pennsylvanians to vote.”
“We find the data is suggesting children should be wearing masks any time they are outside of their family’s home and can’t maintain a distance of 6 or more feet.”
Pence itinerary included stops in Lancaster, Chester and Philly; Biden was in Scranton, his childhood hometown
The state supreme court sided with Wolf in a ruling last week.
For students, it’s a disorienting change during an already difficult time.
It’s not often when the top leadership position in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives opens up in the middle of legislative session. But when it did this year, there was broad agreement it was Lancaster County native Bryan Cutler’s job for the taking.
“We’re kind of stuck in a position where we kind of feel helpless. We feel like we should be doing something.”
GOP legislature argued that it had the power to end Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus emergency declaration
54% of Black respondents supported defunding police departments, compared to 24% of white respondents.
State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the coronavirus typically enters nursing homes through workers who don’t have symptoms.
Bid to limit governor’s emergency powers is attached to racial equality amendment
“We are more than happy to provide childcare. It’s complicated. It’s not easy. But it’s our mission.”
“We are preparing to open schools, we have plans to open schools, but (edit) I’ll be honest with you. It’s two months away. Anything can happen in two months.”
“I really don’t think there’s reason for the governor to have this power over guns. We are given the ability to keep and bear arms by the Constitution.”
“Fireworks are explosives that have the potential to set fire to nearby homes and other properties. The sound of fireworks can cause distress for individuals with PTSD or other medical conditions, pets and wildlife.”
“These ideas increase funds, but don’t increase public safety.”
The fate of the governor’s emergency declaration hangs in the balance
Stakeholders are being asked to share what they’ve experienced during the pandemic shutdowns and how can the state improve and take proper precautions in the fall.
“I don’t think I’d feel comfortable walking into a polling place that was in a sheriff’s department—as a black man and especially not during the current moment in American history.’
“I don’t have confidence in his numbers and some of his people.”
“We can’t stop right now. We have to continue fighting for our families, for our communities, for those who have lost their lives during COVID-19 without getting anything.”
For three years, he was among the most powerful figures in the state, negotiating the state budget and key pieces of legislation each year.
“This ruling may well shape the way that the federal courts interpret other federal statutes that outlaw discrimination based on sex.”
“There’s just not enough availability for every kid that wants to be in day care to be in day care in most states today.”
Action comes one week after Black Caucus members led protest on House floor
Responding to legislature’s lawsuit, Wolf asks high court to use “King’s Bench” jurisdiction
“Young people can engage in sports. Two spectators per child. So that’s another step towards return to normalcy.”
Counties vary in approach to tracking the virus’s impact on ethnic groups
“Nothing changes. Essentially, the resolution that was passed last evening is meaningless.”
Action sets up a likely court fight over whether governor can veto the move
Speaker Turzai says he supports calling a special session
Hearing points to structural inequity, unequal treatment as causes of COVID-19’s exacting toll
Lawmakers will reconvene in Albany Monday to consider that legislation, which includes a handful of bills that have been in the works for years, but failed to gain support until now.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in a tweet, called the incident “wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful.”
“If the police were arresting looters, and they were then being arrested and returned to the street the next day again, that would be nonsensical.”
Annual event was expected to draw as many as 2,000 2nd Amendment activists on Monday
Both officers, one a Buffalo Police officer and the other a New York State trooper, are currently in stable condition.
“We’re asking for access to child care for food chain workers, financial relief for undocumented workers and health and safety regulations for all workers on the job, especially farmworkers.”
Most of western Pa. moves to green phase of coronavirus reopening plan next week.
“None of us can fathom 20% cuts to education. Those are cuts that I don’t think we’ve ever imagined, we’ve ever seen, in recent times.”
Senate still needs to act, but resolution faces almost certain disapproval by governor
Click the headline above to see the guides for June 2020
Candidates suggest office has significant role in oversight of coronavirus response
Since the New York state PAUSE order went into effect in March, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other support groups have transitioned to virtual meetings.
“This is going to be our new normal when the government allows us to come back. So, I am giving it a go.”
Do you watch WSKG TV with an antenna? You may need to “rescan” your TV set August 2 to continue watching WSKG, Kids, Create and World.
Scientifically, there’s no clear consensus yet on the effectiveness of school closures in stopping the spread of COVID-19.
“This isn’t the first time a terrifying train derailment has happened in New York, and we need a full-scale investigation ASAP.”
After rejecting bill to reopen real estate industry, Wolf issues guidelines to accomplish the same goal
“When employers are having smaller staff, are they going to go out of their way to hire folks who already weren’t being hired before this, or are they going to overlook them?”
“The families claim “online learning is wholly inadequate to meet the needs of nonverbal and partially verbal children with autism who rely upon…in-person instruction.”
‘I wish everybody would have a clear mask, because as a person that needs to read lips, I’m afraid to go anywhere,’”
Pa. is only state in nation where real estate is on hold during coronavirus
PA business owners share stories of evolving, sometimes contradictory, guidance from state
The state’s unemployment benefits agency continues to deal with “an avalanche of claims.”
“Going out there and saying ‘support your local economy’ is going to make you look bad if at the same time you are saying ‘put your kids in danger.’”
Pennsylvania lawsuit highlights challenges faced by Muslim inmates during Islam’s holy month
Beaches will be monitored for density, and will be limited to half their usual capacity. Parking will be limited and entrances will be monitored to ensure that too many people aren’t coming in.
“There’s a lot of people who think nothing will happen to them, and keep getting together, keep having parties.”
“The challenge has been that school districts don’t have a list of all qualified voters within a school district, so identifying those individuals has been challenging.”
“The folks that are incarcerated in the prisons in our region are potentially a huge source of contagion.”
“The whole spring season is basically lost.”
We breakdown the issue in eight counties and the latest developments.
How this business qualified for a waiver is unclear from just the information DCED posted on its website.
The debate will be broadcast live on WSKG-TV and Radio. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the venue will be closed to the general public.
“It wasn’t about getting masks out to the public. It was about saving his company and making as much money as possible.”
The repercussions have been devastating. Nearly 1,000 out of 26,000 restaurants operating in the state have permanently closed due to coronavirus.
GasBuddy on Monday reported that the national average price for a gallon of gas has increased 1.5 cents in a week to $1.75.
The state issued 12,826 denials and 11,635 businesses were told that their request did not require an exemption.
“A good farmers market is like a weekly fair or festival. People are wanting that back, but it won’t be the same.”
Digital divide remains a major challenge in some parts of Pennsylvania
The governor says the state cannot widely enforce its worker safety order.
The Steelton-Highspire School District says it’s reaching between 73 and 79 percent of its high-schoolers with online instruction.
The stores will be limited to no more than 25 people, including employees, in a store at any one time.
“Is this the new normal in terms of what we’re going to do in terms of shutting down the economy?”
Kevin Boyle, the ranking Democrat on the committee, immediately interrupted him, calling on committee Chairman Garth Everett to cut Rep. Chris Dush off.
The state in mid-April ordered all essential employers to provide protections, but some workers say they’ve seen little change.
The entire state is in the red status until Friday.
“I think in the aftermath of COVID-19, and hopefully it happens sooner than we think, virtual job fairs are going to become the rule and not the exception.”
Students who failed Regents tests during the school year normally would have the opportunity to take them again in August.
Supporters say the public health emergency from COVID-19 has exposed a “pre-existing scarcity” of medical treatment, and available resources for those with disabilities.
Move comes as a Senate committee approves a motion to issues subpoenas to obtain more information on how Wolf administration responded to businesses seeking to remain open during coronavirus closure
“You rely on your state to bail you out and you can’t get any answers.”
Republicans in legislature want details on how state handled business requests to remain open during coronavirus closures
“We’re deemed essential on the backside, but not on the revenue side.”
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf is sending a message about the food supply: there’s plenty of food and the state is adjusting to get it to people.
“We lost hundreds of thousands of operational dollars – every course did. Not profit dollars.””
The COVID-19 Maternity Task Force has issued its recommendations to support pregnant mothers and their newborns during the pandemic.
“I believe that they are scared. If you listen to a lot of what’s going on [on the news], it’s a lot of overkill, on the fear factor.”
Repairing the locks, which allow boats to travel from one neck of the waterway to another, was deemed nonessential work.
“It’s another Monday, and it’s another end-the-shutdown bill.”
“I’m one to look at the half-full glass … but now I’m looking at which customers of ours are going to survive.”
“Nobody has communicated with us. They just do what they want to do and we have to live with it.”
State Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-Franklin), the sponsor of a longshot measure to revoke the governor’s emergency powers, said the waiver decisions seem random.
“Ultimately, the virus is going to set the timeline, not us.”
The bill would ban doctors from using telemedicine for any drug on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy list.
“If a situation is radically different in one part of the state than another part of the state, take that into consideration.”
“They have a constitutional obligation to fulfill the needs of students, and they have not done that.”
As essential workers, migrant farm laborers are continuing operations. However, they are also one of the most vulnerable populations if exposed to the virus.
Main rally marked by Trump flags, open-carry firearms, anti-vaxxers and plenty of anger at Gov. Tom Wolf
Infusing plasma from the recovered into the ill is an old treatment, shown by Dr. Emil von Behring’s 1901 Nobel Prize for infusing plasma into those sick with diphtheria, leading to a cure.
“It’s an important support to make sure we have a viable food system and that farmers can still farm.”
PA POST – Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf says it’s time to start talking about reopening the state’s economy, but during a Friday afternoon news conference, he avoided providing dates for when he will lift restrictions on Pennsylvania residents and businesses. “Unfortunately, we cannot flip a switch and reopen the commonwealth,” Wolf said. “There isn’t going to be one big day. We need to make smart, data-driven decisions, and we can’t be impulsive. We can’t be emotional.”
Starting next week, Wolf said he plans to describe specific steps for lifting restrictions in Pennsylvania. Those steps will follow guidelines released by the Wolf administration on Friday that emphasize a data-driven approach to create quantifiable criteria and take into account conditions in different regions of the state.
These days, Maegen Wagner is serving as her daughter’s therapist, aide, and teacher — while balancing her own responsibilities as an educator in a nearby school district.
To meet the demand, the plant has delayed upgrades and maintenance on its equipment, reduced the number of products it makes, and reassigned non-manufacturing employees to positions on the production line.
“A lot of people say, ‘When are these Special Olympics?’ But Special Olympics is every day.”
“Still a majority, 57%, say right now the government of the state of New York should concentrate on public health and not on trying to reopen the economy.”
“I noticed as soon as I backed out of my driveway. The brakes were squealing and sounded like they were grinding.”
The U.S. census, that constitutionally mandated once-a-decade count of every resident, is still being conducted this year, but it’s not going according to plan.
“Reopening businesses too early will only extend the length of the economic hardships created by the pandemic.”
The recent flattening of the state’s coronavirus case count must stay on course.
For almost every tactile experience in the pre-COVID-19 world, there is now an online analog.
The state Department of Health is not making hospital preparedness plans available or overseeing whether hospitals are following those plans.
For weeks, local government associations and municipal officials have urged the legislature to provide explicit confirmation that they can hold remote meetings.
“There’s no way I personally want to be responsible for one of our members dying from this or one of their family members.”
The action comes nearly one month after Wolf ordered more than 100 types of “non-life-sustaining” businesses to close or face fines and other penalties.
In April, poetry reigns. For some, it’s a month to flood social media feeds with poems or commit to a new writing practice.
The flawed system starts with patients, who may not provide full information, and continues through doctors, who may not pass patient information to laboratories.
New Pennsylvania unemployment data shows the coronavirus shutdown has been felt most acutely on a per-capita basis in some of the most rural counties.
The process would apply to all patients brought to the hospital during the health emergency, not just those sick with COVID-19.
American Legion officials last week announced the cancellation of all national tournaments, including the World Series.
“The state is giving us the choice: ‘you decide.’ So it’s a really uncomfortable position to be in.”
A bill aimed at curbing youth e-cigarette use in New York that was passed as part of the state budget last week will mean stark changes for vape retailers.”
“Think about the backyard, think about the neighborhood, think about the local park, think about a local trail, think about the closest state park or forest area and how to recreate safely there.”
“This was not an easy decision but closing schools until the end of the academic year is in the best interest of our students, school employees and families.”
Pennsylvania DA says he’s withdrawing citation against woman who allegedly violated stay-at-home order
“For making protective masks and hospital gowns … you can’t make that out of wishful thinking, you have to have actual fabric.”
Approximately 850 Pennsylvania Guard members are supporting operations throughout the state to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Democratic leaders said the proposals place too much of a burden on Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration as a time when it is focused on slowing the pandemic.
“We need everyone to listen to the orders in place and to stay calm, stay home and stay safe.”
“It’s going to be a whole new world on how we’re going to man a job here…until this virus is completely behind us.”
“Tell them I am doing well, taking it day by day. Spending most of the days sleeping. Symptoms seem to come and go in waves.”
The question of which businesses must close and which can stay open during the statewide coronavirus shutdown has been an ongoing point of confusion and anger.
“We were made for a community with God and with others as well. So this gives that kind of an opportunity, while at the same time being as safe as we possibly can.”
On both sides of the Niagara Gorge, tourism promoters are expecting a drop in overseas tourists because of COVID-19 and more domestic tourists arriving by car.
“It is wrong for New York State to have prisoners do those types of labor, because they’re getting paid slave wages.”
WSKG and NPR News will provide live, anchored Special Coverage of the early major contests of the presidential nominating process.
WSKG is airing four additional hours of national call-in to set aside this year’s horserace, and continue the dialogue on important issues.
“As a 25-year law enforcement professional, it is unfathomable that information which could be used to prevent crime or a potential terrorist attack, is purposely being withheld.”
The state is looking at cancer deaths among firefighters – higher than across the general population – and looking to lower that risk.
