Today in PA | A PennLive daily news briefing with Claudia Dimuro

Governor Tom Wolf announces plans to reopen Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, it turns out 82 ex employees were getting free health insurance from the Harrisburg School District, costing more than $800,000. Speaking of losing money, Pennsylvania hospitals are slated to lose upwards of $10 billion from the coronavirus pandemic. My nemesis the spotted lanternfly is back, and you know what that means -- it’s time to exterminate those bugs. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Autopsies reveal that the first deaths in the United States from COVID-19 were actually weeks earlier than previously thought. Meanwhile, two house cats have tested positive for the virus and a new plan will help those who are uninsured get treated for COVID-19 without having to worry about a medical bill. Finally, a Boston hospital jump starts the creation of hundreds of thousands of much-needed testing kit supplies, thanks to simply asking for help. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the midst of fighting COVID-19, a Pennsylvania nursing home tests positive for the bacteria that causes Legionnaires Disease. Meanwhile, UPMC announces plans to resume elective surgeries and to offer universal coronavirus testing to all patients. Pittsburgh earns a failing grade for air pollution. Over in Philadelphia, one teen football fan is getting the chance of a lifetime -- appearing on the NFL draft.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

President Trump’s plan to temporarily freeze immigration is still being worked out. Meanwhile, more than 1,500 people have died from COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and Oktoberfest has been cancelled over the pandemic, despite being five months away. The FDA gives emergency authorization to a take-home coronavirus test. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State police cite two people for violating the governor’s stay-at-home order by drinking at a friend’s house. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s restaurant industry could lose more than $1.8 billion because of the pandemic and more than 1.5 million have applied for unemployment in the state. The river of the year flows through Pennsylvania. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania’s stay-at-home orders extended to May 8 as thousands protest social distancing restrictions at the state capitol. Meanwhile, one neighboring state has struck a deal with South Korea to procure half a million COVID-19 tests and it turns out millions of dollars meant to help small businesses in the pandemic went, instead, to large corporate chains. We’ll do a quick recap of how the world is doing with fighting the virus. And we close with a warning about the rise of poisonings by disinfectants and cleaning chemicals during the pandemic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania's COVID-19 death toll rises by more than 300 over the weekend, but not all of the newly reported deaths happened recently -- we'll explain why. Meanwhile, protestors are expected to rally in Harrisburg to protest stay-at-home orders. Fine Wine and Good Spirit stores are now offering curbside pick up. We close with a story about a group of coronaviurs heroes who have been working around the clock to make protective gear for healthcare workers. Support the work we do by subscribe to PennLive.com https:www.pennlives.com/digitalsubscription/inline See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf releases criteria for reopening the state as the number of deaths from COVID-19 in the state continues to rise. China raises the death toll in Wuhan by 50 percent and we have a warning about a new text message scam exploiting people’s coronavirus fears See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A Pennsylvania city is implementing a curfew in an effort to fight the coronavirus. Meanwhile, Penn State Hershey is the site for clinical trials for a new drug being used to treat COVID-19 patients. It’s about to get easier to buy liquor in the commonwealth and Philadelphia nonprofits have teamed up together to run a new program that feeds the homeless and provides work for local caterers.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A decade of economic growth has vanished thanks to COVID-19. Governments around the world consider changing the deadlines for their stay-at-home orders. Facebook is gearing up to send users messages that will let them know if they've interacted with lies about the coronavirus and we’ll talk a little more about Pennsylvania’s new order to wear masks. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A bill aimed at reopening businesses in Pennsylvania is set to be vetoed by the governor. Meanwhile the state health department reports that half of the COVID-19 deaths in the commonwealth are from long term care facilities like nursing homes. State prisons begin temporarily releasing inmates and one school district could have its first school named after a woman -- and she’s pretty darn awesome.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Masks are now required for those going to the grocery store in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile the number of COVID-19 cases jumps to more than 2 million in the world, the SATs have been cancelled and China is launching a major research project to find out how many people got infected with the virus and never showed symptoms. Apple is also releasing a new iPhone which will, in part, help with COVID-19 relief. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania lawmakers come up with their own plan to reopen businesses. Meanwhile, 900 South Carolina inmates are being transferred to a Pennsylvania prison. The federal government is giving more than $239 million to Pennsylvania airports and we have a story about a groundhog eating pizza.Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than 80 percent of the global workforce has had their job hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, federal stimulus checks are beginning to arrive as coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania surpass the 25,000 mark. The Tour de France is canceled and insulin companies are offering their medication either for free or reduced prices. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Philadelphia’s murder rate so-far this year is the highest its been for more than a decade. Meanwhile, Ohio stores won’t sell liquor to Pennsylvanians and a new website aims to connect those looking for work with businesses that are hiring in the midst of the pandemic. Sue Paterno donates $100,000 to help PSU students. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania joins forces with New York and 4 other states to come up with a plan for reopening their economies. Meanwhile, the number of COVID-19 cases surpasses 24,000 in the Keystone State. Walmart reveals the next hot item during the pandemic and Bill Gates is spending billions to speed the process of getting a coronavirus vaccine. Support the work we do by subscribing to PennLive.com: https://www.pennlive.com/digitalsubscription/inline/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The death toll for the coronavirus in Pennsylvania continues to climb, reaching 507 over the weekend. Meanwhile, a video of Philadelphia police dragging a man off of a bus for not wearing a mask goes viral -- and now public transit is changing its policy. A bit of relief for the unemployed: that additional $600 from the federal government you’ve been expecting is beginning to be given out. And one 93-year-old tells the world what she wants most in the midst of the pandemic: beer. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania’s coronavirus death toll surpasses 400. Meanwhile, the state announces $450 million in loans for local hospitals and the governor is set to release up to 1,800 inmates from prison. Apple and Google have joined forces to work on new apps that could let you know if you’ve come into contact with someone infected with COVID-19. Pennsylvania’s Attorney General has released a list of rights that all Pennsylvanians have during the pandemic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Four meat plants in Pennsylvania have shut down over coronavirus concerns after workers test positive. Meanwhile researchers in Pittsburgh have developed a way to find out what drugs doctors should use to treat COVID-19. A corona party results with at least one party goer having symptoms of the disease. A Philadelphia high school could make history during the NFL Draft. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania schools are officially closed for the rest of the academic year. Meanwhile roughly 2,000 new cases of COVID-19 are reported in Pennsylvania and the death toll rises to 338. Unemployment continues to skyrocket, with 6.6 million more Americans claiming joblessness. And we conclude with two good news stories about people helping each other out during the pandemic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Two tornadoes strike in western Pennsylvania. Meanwhile the state secures the power to seize unused medical equipment during the coronavirus pandemic. Prisons continue to release inmates in a bid to lower the jail population and the Philadelphia Shipyard is ready to add 1,200 new jobs thanks to a new contract. Finally, police will be rocking masks that look like Philadelphia Phillies jerseys thanks to a new donation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is slated to lose billions in tax revenue over the coronavirus as the number of cases in the commonwealth goes beyond the 16,000 figure. Scientists warn that warm weather may not impact the spread of COVID-19 and in the UK an “army of volunteers” has formed to help deliver groceries and check-in on those self-isolating. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania banks are offering customers relief from their mortgages during the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, Dick’s Sporting Goods announces it’ll be furloughing an unspecified number of employees as trout fishing season begins in earnest. And for one Pennsylvania theater, the show must go on as it gears up for performances on Zoom.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

New York reports the largest single-day COVID-19 death toll in the world, while China reopens Wuhan after an 11 week quarantine. President Donald Trump shakes up a federal watchdog panel in charge of overseeing the implementation of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief plan and Lady Gaga plans a mega concert to benefit healthcare workers. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

More than a million people have filed for unemployment in Pennsylvania over the past few weeks. Meanwhile, nearly 100 first responders in Philadelphia have tested positive for the coronavirus. Centralia’s Graffiti Highway is being covered by its owner and Philadelphia sports teams and athletes donate to feed the hungry in their community.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The number of deaths because of COVID-19 is beginning to plateau in certain parts of the world, but that’s no excuse to stop social distancing. California, Oregon and Washington loan ventilators to New York to help them combat the virus. Meanwhile, police in several states are pulling over out-of-state drivers. And, in happier news, two Pa. companies are offering to disinfect the vehicles of first responders for free. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania reports nearly 1,500 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday. Meanwhile, police are citing people for violating stay-at-home orders and Pennsylvania manufacturers are doing what they can to help support the fight against COVID-19. And a family opens up their home to a Pennsylvania nurse who was living in his car in between shifts at a hospital in New York.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

New York’s governor uses an executive order to seize unused ventilators as the number of deaths in the state continue to grow. Pennsylvania’s governor advises everyone to wear masks, while freezing the paychecks of more than 10 percent of the commonwealth’s employees. In healthcare news, Independence Blue Cross says it won’t be charging co-pays for coronavirus treatment and the state creates a new toll-free hotline to help those under mental stress. The number is 1-855-284-2494. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania has received less than a quarter of the N95 masks its requested from FEMA. Meanwhile, a Pittsburgh health network is solving the problem of a shortage of COVID-19 test kits by making its own. Road work is beginning again and a Pennsylvania college is offering free online classes.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Unemployment records are shattered again in the U.S. Meanwhile, cases of the coronavirus continue to rise, while the FDA eases its restrictions on gay blood donors. The FDA approves a coronavirus antibody test and a team at UPMC may have developed a vaccine for COVID-19. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The liquor stores are back! Sort-of. Fine Wine and Good Spirits re-opens online sales. Meanwhile, license to carry permits that were slated to expire during the pandemic have been automatically extended. Major League Soccer announces its first player case of COVID-19 and Comcast executives pledge to donate their salaries to COVID-19 relief.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The government’s supply of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers is running dangerously low as the number of positive cases of the coronavirus continues to grow. Governor Tom Wolf expands stay-at-home orders to the entire state of Pennsylvania, while Wimbledon has been canceled. Before we go, we’ll chat about those stimulus checks so you know when to expect them, and how much you’ll be getting. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

An argument over coughing leads to gunshots at a Pennsylvania Sheetz. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, stay-at-home orders are going to be enforced with $100 fines. Over in Allegheny County, more than 600 inmates have been released from jail. Pennsylvania is going to receive more than $14 million to help pay for the 2020 election. And, for all the bird watchers out there, hummingbirds are on their way back to the Keystone State.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

America surpasses China in the number of coronavirus deaths as the country reports the first death of an armed services member from the disease. A U.S. Navy aircraft carrier is particularly hard hit by COVID-19 and seeks permission to isolate the majority of its crew. Meanwhile, a judge orders Pennsylvania prisons to release about a dozen ICE detainees. And we conclude with a story about some goats who are making the most of the pandemic. If you have a question about the virus you want answered, or have a good story you think we should alert the world about, hit me up at [email protected]. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

A birthday party becomes a crime scene in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s coronavirus situation is officially declared a major disaster by President Trump and Governor Tom Wolf orders all schools to remain closed indefinitely. In lighter news, a Pennsylvania artist’s work has attracted the attention of comedian John Oliver -- and he wants it. He wants it bad.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The FDA tells hospitals that anti-malaria drugs are worth a shot when it comes to fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, the number of cases and deaths in the United States grows as more and more states go under stay-at-home orders. In the latest blow to the economy, Macy’s says it’ll furlough the majority of its 125,000 employees. And we’ll chat face masks. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania prisons enter quarantine after an inmate tests positive for the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the commonwealth has laid off 2,500 workers as it looks for federal funding to help combat the pandemic. Social distancing looks like it’ll be the new trend for the rest of April, but one Pennsylvania woman isn’t letting it get her down -- inspiring thousands with her “porch musicals.”Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package has officially been passed. Meanwhile, Governor Tom Wolf extends stay-at-home orders to nine more counties as the number of coronavirus cases in the state goes above the 2,000 mark. Instacart workers are planning to go on strike Monday. And is spraying yourself with chlorine a good idea for protecting yourself from the virus? No. No it won’t. We’ll talk about why. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

State colleges expect to lose $100 million because of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Health reverses its decision on dental surgeries during the pandemic and the deadline to get a Real ID has been pushed back. Two Pennsylvania mayors are doing their best to ensure that couples can still get married -- even if social distancing means the weddings aren’t quite as planned.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

America faces record-shattering unemployment numbers, meanwhile the death toll from COVID-19 has grown to more than a thousand nationwide. The White House is working on guidelines to assess the risk each county in America faces when it comes to virus spread, while in Pennsylvania the public health department is crafting its own triage plan for the worst case scenario. And we’ll talk about why blowing air from a hair dryer up your nose won’t kill the coronavirus. Correction: An earlier version of this podcast episode had an error. More than 50 percent of those diagnosed with COVID-19 in Pennsylvania are under the age of 50. This has been fixed in the current audio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania is moving the date of its primary election, but one date that won’t move? The last possible day of the school year. Meanwhile, Drexel University’s fabric and design experts are crafting masks for hospital workers during the coronavirus pandemic. And a 6-year-old gets a great birthday gift --- despite having to cancel his birthday party.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Congress works to pass a coronavirus relief package, meanwhile more than half a million Pennsylvanians have filed for unemployment since March 16. The number of positive cases of the virus surpasses 1,000 in the state, while Spain surpasses China’s death toll. And we’re tackling another social media COVID-19 myth -- this one about how much time it takes to get infected with the virus. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Pennsylvania state legislature is set to vote on a bill that’ll pay public teachers their full salary despite the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, a nursing home in Pennsylvania announces a case of COVID-19 and a man has been hospitalized after ingesting chloroquine in an attempt to kill the virus. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid says he’ll donate $500,000 to help fight the pandemic.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The death toll increases in Pennsylvania and New York doubles its number of coronavirus cases. Meanwhile, scientists are at work developing new tests for COVID-19 and methods to treat it. Carmakers are transforming their factories to make equipment for hospitals. China relaxes its quarantine restrictions as India goes into lockdown. Also, don’t drink bleach. We’ll talk about why it won’t help you kill the coronavirus See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania sets aside $61 million in low interest loans for small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, state workers get new schedules in order to help with social distancing. In Philadelphia, construction on a new hospital is 15 months ahead of schedule and in Pittsburgh, sports teams are donating money (and pizza) to help combat COVID-19.Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

7 Pennsylvania counties have been issued stay-at-home orders by Governor Tom Wolf as the number of deaths from the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 reaches six. The U.S. senate fails to pass a $2 trillion bill to help the economy and it looks like the Summer Olympics will be postponed to 2021. And, could a flu or pneumonia vaccine help you against COVID-19? No, but we’ll explain why. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nearly 500 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Pennsylvania since the outbreak began. Meanwhile, state police will begin enforcing Governor Wolf’s order to close all non-life-sustaining businesses in the state. A Pittsburgh furniture store chain has its hopes dashed with a deal falls through and, in news that’s not in any way, shape or form related to COVID-19 -- a Pennsylvania singer is moving forward on “American Idol.” Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania reports 83 new coronavirus cases, and while the pandemic is causing people to panic purchase guns, several counties are no longer issuing license-to-carry permits. Nationally, borders are closing, tax deadlines are changing and several other states are in shutdown mode. Globally, several thousand US troops are in self-isolation in Europe and Italy reports a devastating death toll. We end by debunking a popular coronavirus myth you’ve probably seen on social media. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Governor Wolf orders all non-life-sustaining businesses to close physical locations in the state. Meanwhile, all state tests have been cancelled for students. A man is released from prison after 14 years when new evidence causes the DA to drop murder charges against him. And, need a dose of cute? Philly Zoo launches its new Philly Zoo at 2 Facebook Live series and it’s wonderful. Text "PennLive" to 717-745-7532 for the latest news on coronavirus in Pennsylvania. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Pennsylvania has its greatest single day jump in coronavirus cases with a record 52 reported. Meanwhile new data proves that younger adults can still get seriously sick from the virus. Help could be on the way for those in financial distress over the pandemic, with the Trump administration outlining its plans to deliver checks to Americans. Looking globally, Wuhan, China once the epicenter of the disease, is now reporting no new cases. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.