April 9, 2020 9:20 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – With a startling 6.6 million people seeking jobless benefits last week, the United States has reached a grim landmark: Roughly one in 10 workers have lost their jobs in just the past three weeks. The figures collectively constitute the largest and fastest string of job losses in records dating to 1948. They paint a picture of a job market that is quickly unraveling as businesses have shut down across the country because of the coronavirus outbreak. More than 20 million American may lose jobs this month.
April 9, 2020 4:02 am
NEW YORK (AP) – The S&P 500 index closed out its best week since 1974 with another gain Thursday after the Federal Reserve launched its latest unprecedented effort to support the economy through the coronavirus outbreak. The central bank’s announcement of programs to provide up to $2.3 trillion in loans to households, local governments and businesses overshadowed a report that another 6.6 million people applied for unemployment benefits last week. The Fed’s actions, as well as efforts by Congress, are aimed at alleviating the tremendous strains on the economy caused by the widespread business shutdowns and travel restrictions put in place to stem the spread of the virus.
April 9, 2020 4:01 am
NEW YORK (AP) – New York state reported a record increase in coronavirus deaths for a third consecutive day with 799, raising the total above 7,000. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that despite the worsening death toll, New York City hospitals have so far stood up under the strain. State health officials now say they support people wearing cloth face coverings when they go out in public, especially in areas of “significant community transmission.” Mayor Bill de Blasio says the city needs continued social distancing plus more testing capacity to reach a point where the loosening of restrictions could be considered. (Photo: CNN)
April 9, 2020 4:00 am
LONDON (AP) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been moved out of intensive care where he was being treated for the new coronavirus, as his government told Britons to prepare for several more weeks in lockdown. In a statement Thursday, his office 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.” It said he was in extremely good spirits. Johnson had been in intensive care for three days after his symptoms worsened. News of Johnson’s improving condition was welcomed across the British political spectrum – and by U.S. President Donald Trump, who tweeted: “Great News: Prime Minister Boris Johnson has just been moved out of Intensive Care. Get well Boris!!!” (Photo: CNN)
April 9, 2020 3:59 am
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.
April 9, 2020 3:58 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – In a first, small step toward reopening the country, the Trump administration has issued new guidelines to make it easier for essential workers who have been exposed to COVID-19 get back to work – if they have no symptoms. The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says essential employees, such as health care and food supply workers, who had been within 6 feet of a confirmed or suspected case of the coronavirus can return to work under certain circumstances. The CDC recommends taking their temperature before shifts, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.
April 9, 2020 3:57 am
SAN DIEGO (AP) – The Trump administration has quietly shut down the nation’s asylum system for the first time in decades amid the coronavirus. The U.S. has used an obscure public health law to justify one of its most aggressive border enforcement tactics ever. People seeking refuge in the U.S. are whisked to the nearest border crossing and returned to Mexico without a chance to seek asylum. The government has temporarily swept aside decades-old national and international laws, saying holding people in custody is considered too dangerous. A congressional aide tells The Associated Press that the U.S. has expelled more than 7,000 people in less than two weeks.
April 9, 2020 3:56 am
SYDNEY (AP) – Australian police wearing protective gear have boarded a cruise ship to seize evidence and question crew members after the vessel was linked to hundreds of COVID-19 cases and more than a dozen deaths. About 2,700 passengers disembarked from the ship on March 19 in Sydney and it has since become the largest source of coronavirus infections in Australia. More than 600 cases of COVID-19 and 15 deaths are linked the to the ship, the Ruby Princess. About 200 crew have shown symptoms of COVID-19, while 18 have tested positive for the virus that causes it. The workers remaining on the ship are from 50 countries.
April 9, 2020 3:54 am
MORGANTOWN, WV. – (WPXI) – West Virginia University says more than a dozen students in Morgantown have tested positive for coronavirus. The school has been closed since March 20, and according to officials the 14 students who tested positive were at private, off-campus housing and never went on campus. Health officials at WVU and from Monongalia County are working to trace the students’ movements so they can notify anyone who may have been exposed.
April 9, 2020 3:45 am
As in other municipalities, Covid-19 caused a different look to Charleroi Borough’s Council Meeting on Wednesday night. Only 10 people were allowed to gather, and to leave room for an audience, 3 council members called in to participate and give council a full slate of members. The agenda was brief but a spirited debate arose over the effectiveness of police in battling illegal drugs. Councilman Frank Paterra was disappointed in the police report that indicated only two arrests were made last month involving illegal drugs. He questioned whether a concentrated effort was being made to fight this battle. Councilman Jerry Jericho brought out statistics of arrests made during Paterra’s term as mayor and compared them to arrests made in the last two years. The figures showed that there were about 10% more arrests made for illegal drugs in the last two years compared to Paterra’s term as mayor. Councilman Mark Alterici also pointed out that with fewer people in the borough now as opposed to the mid 2000’s, those arrests are an even greater per capita arrest record. Paterra is going to work with code enforcement, and the new chief of police in hopes that they will be able to work closely with the FBI and District Attorney in an effort to “rid Charleroi of these parasites.”
