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Economic Policy

House Democrats near passage of $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill despite Trump’s veto threat

Speaker Pelosi brings bill to vote despite divisions in her own caucus; no sign of bipartisan negotiations

By

Erica Werner 

House Democrats moved toward passage Friday of a $3 trillion tax cut and spending bill that they have said would aim to address economic fallout from the novel coronavirus outbreak, directing huge sums of money into all corners of the economy.

But the White House and Senate Republicans have said they will immediately cast the bill aside, leaving uncertain what steps policymakers might take as the economy continues to face severe strains.

The sweeping legislation, dubbed the “Heroes Act,” also faces opposition within the House Democratic caucus, with some moderate lawmakers objecting to voting on a bill that they all know will not become law. Some liberals, meanwhile, have complained that the package does not go far enough to aid the public in the midst of an unprecedented economic meltdown.

Source: House Democrats near passage of $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill despite Trump’s veto threat – The Washington Post

Pennsylvanians need to know the underlying criteria for when they can start partaking in aspects of life and commerce that have been shut down.

Source: More transparency needed from Gov. Wolf as some Pennsylvanians protest pandemic shutdown | Editorial

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PITTSBURGH, PA (May 15, 2020) As the City of Pittsburgh enters a phased reopening today under the guidance of Governor Tom Wolf, the City is announcing how summertime activities will be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

While many activities will be allowed, others will be canceled or postponed. All decisions follow federal and state guidelines.

“Pittsburgh residents have done a great job during these trying times staying safe and looking out for each other. The data shows the battle against this pandemic is far from over, however, and we must keep social distancing and other measures in place to win this fight, even when we’re enjoying the outdoors,” Mayor William Peduto said.

The following is a list of permitted and non-permitted activities, with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines attached when relevant.

Activities that can comply safely with social distancing guidelines will be allowed. They include:

• Drive-in movies (by the Special Events office)
• Farmers Markets
• Pickup of bulk trash
• Road closures in City parks (more information below)
• Tennis courts (singles matches encouraged)
• Pickle ball courts (singles matches encouraged)
• Skate parks
• Fields (but not for organized group sports)
• Frisbee Golf
• Lawn Bowling
• Expanded summer food program (likely to begin June 15)

Source: Welcome to the City of Pittsburgh – City Press Releases

Will begin authorizing smaller gatherings for weddings, funerals, baptisms on Friday

Source: Pittsburgh Diocese aims to resume public Mass on June 1

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake was reported Friday morning in Nevada, near Tonopah, with some reporting they felt shaking in California.

Source: 6.4 magnitude earthquake hits western Nevada; shaking reportedly felt in California

ELLWOOD CITY — The closed Ellwood City Medical Center is officially on the bidding block.The U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern Kentucky District this week granted a petition from trustee Carol Fox to sell all the assets of Americore Holdings LLC in Ellwood City this summer to repay debtors.Fox will begin receiving competitive bids for the former Ellwood City Hospital after filing the official sales motion with the court around June 1.

Source: Ellwood City hospital set to be sold

Source: Police: 3 Teenagers Apprehended After Trying To Rob East Liberty Walgreens

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Three teenagers were apprehended after a Walgreens employee was assaulted, police say.

Just before 9 p.m. on Thursday, police responded to an attempted robbery call at the Walgreens at 5956 Centre Avenue.

Police say two others are wanted for questioning in the robbery attempt.

Source: Mayor Bill Peduto Says Big Changes Coming Slowly To Pittsburgh As Allegheny County Enters ‘Yellow’ Phase

Peduto says that the city is still putting together guidelines on what Code Yellow means for us.

He predicts a lot more people on the streets and in parks — and in the not too distant future, we’ll see outdoor dining and shopping.

Most people have had enough of staying home. As of tomorrow, things are finally going too loosen up.

“You’ll see more people out. You’ll see more people in parks, public spaces. You’ll see more people as business become open,” said Peduto

The White House would likely support a new round of stimulus checks, sources told CNBC on Thursday.

Source: White House would likely support a new round of stimulus checks, sources say

Beaver County will move into the yellow phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan next Friday, according to a state lawmaker whose district includes Beaver County.

Source: Beaver County moving into ‘yellow’ phase of reopening May 22, state rep says

The 37-year-old research assistant professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Dr. Bing Liu was shot dead on May 2

The mysterious murder-suicide of Chinese coronavirus researcher, who according to the University of Pittsburgh, was on the “verge of a breakthrough” has fueled several bizarre conspiracy theories but one particular conspiracy theory is now blaming Bill Gates to be responsible for the killing of Dr Bing Liu.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, conspiracy theories have been speculating that the Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates created the coronavirus to control the world population. Now many on the Internet once again are pointing blame on Bill Gates for the mysterious death of Dr Bing Liu.

Source: Bing Liu murder: Conspiracy theory blames Bill Gates for Chinese coronavirus researcher killing

The list of names includes former Vice President Joe Biden.

Source: Intel chief releases info on ‘unmasking’ of Flynn to Capitol Hill

Kiski Township police said divers found a body in the water after officers responded to a call Wednesday evening.

Source: Divers recover body in Kiski Township

In a letter sent to the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, a group of 25 Republican state lawmakers, including local state Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Aleppo), called on the 67 district attorneys in Pennsylvania to ensure that any enforcement against violators of Gov. Tom Wolf’s coronavirus closure orders is stopped.

“We write you today regarding Gov. Tom Wolf’s unconstitutional and illegitimate attempts to close businesses and shut down our Commonwealth,” reads the letter. “We are calling on every district attorney throughout the Commonwealth to publicly commit to actively intervening to ensure that any citations issued under the governor’s emergency declarations are withdrawn, including citations based on the governor’s mandated business closures and stay-at-home order.”

This Friday, 13 Southwestern Pennsylvania counties will be moved to the yellow phase of the governor’s reopen plan, but some exceptions, like Beaver County, drew criticism from some elected officials. District attorneys in both red and yellow districts said they won’t prosecute businesses that reopen. In Beaver County, the DA said he will not prosecute in the red phase; in Armstrong County, the DA announced she won’t prosecute, even if they’re ordered to stay closed when they move to the yellow phase on Friday.

Source: State Rep. Valerie Gaydos wants district attorneys to ignore governor’s business closure enforcement | News | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper

HARRISBURG, Pa. —

A bill that would allow bars and licensed restaurants to sell mixed drinks to go has passed the state Senate and now waits for Gov. Tom Wolf’s signature.

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association said House Bill 327 would be a step toward helping restaurants and taverns recoup lost income amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“This gives establishments one more small revenue stream to help them survive,” executive director Chuck Moran said. “Every little bit counts. HB 327 in combination with other business saving opportunities can make a difference.”

Wolf’s office has not indicated whether the governor intends to sign the bill.

Taverns and restaurants are not allowed to sell alcohol or food for on-site consumption during Wolf’s statewide shutdown order. Those restrictions will remain in place under the yellow phase of the governor’s reopening plan for the state.

Source: Pennsylvania Senate passes bill allowing mixed drinks to go, sends it to Gov. Tom Wolf

There are now 58,698 positive cases of coronavirus in Pennsylvania. Officials announced 707 new positive cases Wednesday.

Source: Pennsylvania has 58,698 confirmed coronavirus cases