April 25, 2020 9:28 am
NEW YORK (AP) – Nearly two months after ending his presidential campaign, Mike Bloomberg is again deploying his massive personal fortune – this time to combat the coronavirus. The billionaire businessman is spending tens of millions on a variety of local and international initiatives aimed at halting the spread of the virus and supporting first responders. Bloomberg allies say his efforts are a reflection of Bloomberg’s unique strengths as a business leader with a vast political network. But they’re also helping the former New York City mayor rehabilitate his image after an embarrassing finish in the Democratic presidential primary.
April 25, 2020 9:26 am
MOSCOW (AP) – An unmanned Russian cargo capsule has docked with the International Space Station, bringing more than two tons of supplies to the three-person crew. The Progress spacecraft docked at 0512 GMT Saturday, about 3 1/2 hours after blasting off from Russia’s Baikonur launch complex in Kazakhstan. The ship carried fuel, water, food, medicine and other supplies. There are three astronauts aboard the space station: Russia’s Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner and Chris Cassidy of the United States.
April 25, 2020 9:22 am
MEXICO CITY (AP) – The Mexican government says it plans to reopen automotive factories in conjunction with the United States and Canada. The Foreign Relations Department said Friday the details of the plan will be released in the coming days. The department says health safeguards will be in place to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, which caused Mexico to order the closure of non-essential plants several weeks ago. The announcement comes three days after the U.S. government launched a campaign to get Mexico to reopen plants, suggesting the supply chain of the North America free trade zone could be permanently affected if they didn’t.
April 25, 2020 9:20 am
BANGKOK (AP) – Sri Lanka has reimposed a countrywide 24-hour curfew after a surge in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases, most of them navy sailors who were hunting those evading quarantine. The 46 new infections on Friday were the highest in a day. They brought to 420 the number of COVID-19 patients in the Indian Ocean island, including seven deaths. Sri Lanka partially lifted a month long curfew on Monday during daytime hours in more than two thirds of the country. For the 10th straight day, China reported no new deaths from the coronavirus. Twelve new cases were reported on Saturday, 11 of them brought from overseas and one local transmission in a province bordering Russia. South Korea has reported 10 fresh cases.
April 25, 2020 9:18 am
(AP)-Italy will start distributing free protective masks to nursing homes, many of which have been devastated by coronavirus infections and deaths. Domenico Arcuri, the government’s commissioner for the pandemic, says free masks will be distributed to public officials, transport workers and police. Millions of Italians will be allowed to return to workplaces starting on May 4. Italy, with some 26,000 reported deaths, most of them of elderly persons, has Europe’s highest toll from COVID-19.
April 25, 2020 9:16 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – The top Navy officer has recommended that Capt. Brett Crozier be returned to his ship. Officials say Adm. Mike Gilday has recommended the reinstatement of the aircraft carrier captain fired for sending a fraught email to commanders pleading for faster action to protect his crew from a coronavirus outbreak. That’s according to officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the results of an investigation that have not yet been made public. Gilday met with Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Tuesday and with Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Friday morning to lay out his recommendations.
April 25, 2020 4:36 am
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is expanding its curbside delivery service. On Monday, 389 more Fine Wine and Good Spirits Stores will be added to serve customers seeking wine and spirits. A total of 565 stores across Pennsylvania will be accepting phone orders for curbside pickup. Most stores will support curbside service Monday through Saturday. They will take a limited number of calls on a first-call, first-served basis. Hours will be from 9:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Some stores will have more limited hours. Orders are limited to six bottles and credit card is the only method of payment. Pennsylvania is not considering reopening stores to the public at this time.
April 25, 2020 4:19 am
State Representative Pam Snyder (D-50) announced new funding assistance under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities Act. The funding was announced by the Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin. Snyder indicates that the following municipalities and counties will get funding. Cumberland Twp., $67,206; Franklin Twp., $68,912; Waynesburg, $60,849; Fayette County, $159,506 and Greene County, $159,506. Snyder says that the funding will go to provide immediate and direct relief to individuals struggling as a result of the Coronavirus.
April 25, 2020 3:58 am
Governor Tom Wolf reminded Pennsylvania residents that mental health is important and support is available during the Covid-19 Pandemic. Wolf directed residents to the “Reach Out PA: Your Mental Health Matters” program introduced in January. The initiative is to remove barriers to mental health care and remove stigma. The Wolf Administration conveyed its concern about mental health during the daily Coronavirus Updates. The administration states that it is not unusual for people to feel anxious, alone and frightened, and for some those feelings may be surfacing for the first time during this pandemic. They want residents to know where to turn for mental health needs.
April 24, 2020 12:42 pm
The annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival scheduled for July 9-12, 2020, in downtown Washington has been canceled. “Out of an abundance of caution due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, the organizing committee decided, after much discussion, that it must, regrettably, cancel this year’s festival,” said festival co-chair Joseph Piszczor. The multi-day festival was created 10 years ago to celebrate the region’s unique place in the history of the Whiskey Rebellion. It is organized completely by volunteers and activities are free to the public. “We would like to thank the dozens of committee members who work diligently for months to make this festival the success it has been over years,” remarked Joe DeThomas, one of the festival co-chairs. Although the 2020 festival has been canceled, the committee hopes to celebrate the spirit of the Whiskey Rebellion with online “virtual” events this summer. Details will be announced at www.whiskeyrebellionfestival.com and on social media. “Hopefully, we will get the ‘all’s clear’ in 2021 to hold the festival during its usual second weekend in July next year,” he added. “We would also like to thank the community for its unwavering financial support for the festival,” noted Tracie Liberatore, Executive Director of the Bradford House Historical Association. “When funds are tight, sponsors and individuals step up and make sure the event, which is so vital for tourism and the area’s economy, becomes a reality.” Net proceeds from the festival benefit the organization, headquartered in the former home of attorney David Bradford, a key figure in the Whiskey Rebellion during the late 1700s.
