Editor's Picks category, Page 410
At a glance: Distance learning in your school district; when classes could resume
Many school districts are conducting or have plans to begin distance learning for students while schools are closed. Below is information released by districts about when distance learning will begin and when, eventually, students might return to classrooms. This list will be updated and school districts added as information becomes...
Shut out by the Pittsburgh Marathon, three friends plan after-hours run near North Park
Jeff Gleason anticipated the first question — “How stupid are you guys?” — before it could be asked. Perhaps that’s a bit harsh, until you’re made aware that Gleason and his buddies, Wayne Kurtz and Bill Thompson, are planning to run a self-styled Pittsburgh Marathon, starting out at 1 a.m....
Signs of the time: Business marquees, windows offer message of hope, unity during coronavirus pandemic
Call them signs of the time. A wide range of businesses are closed under Gov. Tom Wolf’s order in reaction to the coronavirus pandemic. Many are advertising something different these days on their marquees and windows: messages of hope and unity. TribLIVE photographers captured images from across the region. Some...
Here’s how not to fall for coronavirus-related scams, bogus ‘facts’
Local and federal agencies are setting up websites dedicated to combating the spread of misinformation, rumors and scams related to the coronavirus. They include advertisements and sales pitches for products promising a cure for covid-19, phone and email campaigns asking people to provide personal information in exchange for supplies like...
Mayor Bill Peduto predicts Pittsburgh heading for deficit in 2020
Pittsburgh will end 2020 with a deficit for the first time in years, and Mayor Bill Peduto said there’s no way to predict when the economic situation might improve. Peduto, who left self-quarantine Wednesday, spent the day conducting media interviews. He told the Tribune-Review that he expects a significant decline...
Sheetz gives workers $3-per-hour raise during virus outbreak
Sheetz announced Wednesday that it is giving its workers an extra $3 per hour during the coronavirus outbreak. In a release, the company said the pay raise will run through April 23. “Our employees are the heart and soul of Sheetz and their commitment to serve our customers and communities...
‘Greg and Donny’ take on ‘Dat Virus’ in Western Pa. styleVideo
“Greg and Donny” are back – and they’re dealing with “Dat Virus.” The web comedy sketch series, created by Johnstown natives Jeff Skowron and Matt Yeager in 2009, has been on a break since about 2016. The gang – including Kim Cea and Tamera Gindlesperger-Fisher – has gotten back together...
Pandemic financial pressures build for Pittsburgh region’s nonprofit sector
A brewing economic storm, fueled by a pandemic whipping up gale-force financial headwinds, is threatening to batter more than 1 million nonprofit organizations across the nation already struggling with increased demands for services. A plummeting stock market — down some 10,000 points, or about a third, in a month —...
In pandemic, rumors of martial law fly despite reassurances
NEW YORK — Millions of Americans have been ordered to stay home. Businesses and schools are shuttered. And National Guard units have been activated in more than half the states. Yet despite what you may have read in a text message or on social media, there are currently no plans...
Pennsylvanians stock up on medical marijuana as state lifts regulations during pandemic
Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana patients have been stocking up during the coronavirus pandemic, and the state temporarily has loosened regulations to make it easier for them to get product. “The influx of patients is at an all-time high this week. We’re seeing so many new patients,” said Chris Kohan, co-founder of...
Coronavirus restrictions set back plans for Ligonier Beach reopening
Ligonier Township’s wish to reopen at least a portion of the shuttered Ligonier Beach likely won’t come true before next year , as coronavirus precautions have curtailed township operations. Township Manager Terry Carcella previously expressed hope that pavilions could be offered for rent this summer while supervisors consider additional options...
Amid coronavirus pandemic, Pitt opens its dorms for doctors and nurses
The University of Pittsburgh is opening a student dormitory on campus to house health care workers from adjoining UPMC facilities during the coronavirus pandemic. Students are being moved out of Lothrop Hall, which is connected via skywalk to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital and the university’s School of Nursing, to accommodate doctors...
Today is ‘Great American Takeout’ to support restaurants
As restaurants and local businesses struggle under recent closures, some national chains took to social media in an attempt to encourage dine-out options. Tuesday has been dubbed “The Great American Takeout” by more than 100 restaurant companies in the United States. Consumers are being asked to order at least one...
Veterinarians, pet owners forced to adjust during coronavirus outbreak
Medical professionals treating humans aren’t the only ones having to adjust the way they practice in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Veterinarians have made similar changes in asking pet owners to postpone routine appointments and elective surgeries. They’re also reassuring pet owners that, though animals are the likely original source...
Animal care challenges mount for National Aviary, Pittsburgh Zoo as revenue sags during covid-19 shutdown
Most of the National Aviary’s nearly 500 birds wake as the sun comes up. So veterinarians and other animal care staffers arrived at the North Side facility around 7 a.m. Monday, about 15 minutes before sunrise, to begin making their daily rounds. Some checked up on specific birds, paying close...
Giant Eagle installing Plexiglas dividers to limit spread of covid-19, suspending use of reusable bags
Giant Eagle is installing clear Plexigas dividers at all of its checkout and customer service areas in an attempt to protect employees and customers from the spread of covid-19. The dividers will be installed at Giant Eagle groceries, pharmacies and GetGo stores. The company began installing the dividers over the...
Dr. Paul Carson: Why coronavirus pandemic is worse than the film ‘Contagion’
Paul Carson, M.D., is a Pittsburgh physician. I rewatched Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 film “Contagion” last night starring Gwyneth Paltrow. The film goes like this: When Paltrow returns to Minnesota from a Hong Kong business trip, she attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. However, two days later, she is...
PLCB: Wine, liquor sales set record day before state stores closed
Pennsylvania’s decision to close its Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores on March 17 because of the coronavirus pandemic triggered the highest single-day sales in at least a decade, according to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The PLCB reported about $29.9 million in sales on March 16, the day the...
Second eaglet hatches in Hays bald eagle nestVideo
Two days after Pittsburgh received its first eaglet of the season, another one hatched, according to the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. The eaglet, which is the 11th for the Hays bald eagle couple, hatched around 6:40 a.m. Monday, officials confirmed. The first eaglet hatched at 7:40 a.m. Saturday. The...
AHN Neighborhood Hospital opening in Brentwood
At a time when emergency rooms are strained and hospital beds could become scarce, the Allegheny Health Network Brentwood Neighborhood Hospital is a welcome addition to the South Hills. The hospital, which is a partnership between AHN and Emerus (a nationwide developer and operator of neighborhood hospitals), opens 9 a.m....
Dormont residents break into song while keeping their distanceVideo
Residents of Dormont on Sunday evening joined together in song while maintaining a healthy distance from each other. Scattered voices burst forth at the prescribed hour of 7 p.m. with a rendition of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” from the 1987 Broadway musical “Les Miserables.” Organized by Amy Kline,...
Popularity of Greensburg Diocese’s streaming Mass crashes computer servers
So many people tried to stream Sunday morning Mass in the Diocese of Greensburg that it overloaded the church’s computer system, diocesan officials said. About 45,000 people were able to tune-in online to view the service Sunday morning, according to a release. It was presided over by Bishop Edward C....
Why you should never store canned goods in the garage
Stockpiling food and water is like a little insurance policy: Hopefully you never have to rely on it, but if you do, if could prove to be priceless. Whether it’s the threat of natural disaster or a pandemic, having a safety stash of food and water can give you a...
Giant Eagle will pay $10 million in bonus pay to workers during outbreak
Giant Eagle said Saturday it will be giving $10 million in bonus pay to employees during the coronavirus outbreak. In a press release, the company said the bonus pay will be offered to all those working at Giant Eagle, Market District, Giant Eagle Pharmacy and GetGo locations. In addition, those...
Worry and anxiety while planning for birth of baby during coronavirus outbreak
The world can change a lot in nine months. Last fall, everything seemed normal. Summer was drawing to a close. Work was good. My family took a short trip to Lake Erie. Football season was starting. Relatives visited. And my wife and I found out there was an addition to...
