Wolf to lift most COVID restrictions May 31; mask mandate to continue until 70% get 1st vaccine
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
The battle against COVID-19 has been a long — and difficult — one, but it appears rising vaccination rates and dropping infection and death rates will allow the commonwealth to end most of its pandemic-related restrictions at the end of this month, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday, while also setting a vaccination goal to end the state’s mask...
Wolf, DOH rightly under fire for botched, unfair vaccine rollout
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Depending on who you talk to, Pennsylvania’s vaccine program is either going swimmingly, or it is a bungled mess, with lower than the national average per capita of vaccine in arms, while the state Department of Health (DOH) is intentionally shortchanging the collar counties — the same counties that did the best job in containing the COVID-19 virus...
Wolf moves to reduce COVID restrictions as of April 4
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
April showers may well bring May flowers, but April 4 will bring — potentially — a half full Citizens Bank Park for the Phillies just a couple of days into the Major League Baseball season — as well as the reopening of bars across the commonwealth, under new orders released by Gov. Tom Wolf, Monday.
Wolf, citing both declining COVID-19 rates and...
Bartos announces bid for U.S. Senate
Jeff Bartos
Jeff Bartos, small business owner and co-founder of the Pennsylvania 30 Day Fund, today announced his candidacy for the United States Senate. In a statement and announcement video, both included below, Bartos pledges to be a fighter for all Pennsylvanians and do what it takes to help keep our nation moving forward.
“During the Trump Administration, millions of Pennsylvanians who had felt...
Fetterman formally announces run for U.S. Senate
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman
BRADDOCK — Literally the biggest thing in Pennsylvania politics — 6-foot-8 Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, made it official Monday, formally announcing his run for U.S. Senate in 2022. The seat will be open with the retirement of U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey (R).
Fetterman, gifted in his use of social media, had started an exploratory committee before filing formal campaign paperwork late...
Oh jeez, not again: groundhog sees his shadow, six more weeks of winter predicted
Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow Tuesday morning. According to tradition, that means six more weeks of winter. Image courtesy, VisitPa.com
PUNXSUTAWNEY – This morning, Pennsylvania’s own world-famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. For the first-ever virtual Groundhog Day celebration, visitors from all over the world tuned in to see Phil make his...
Op/Ed: Candles and balloons
By Donna Bullock, State Representative, 195th District
State Rep. Donna Bullock
My older son celebrated his 13th birthday in January. We shared this moment virtually with family and friends. As I decorated his backdrop with balloons and he blew out candles on a cake, it hit me.
Something so innocent and joyful has been redefined by the growing number of gun deaths. A week before, a 9-year-old girl...
COVID-19 Update, Dec. 10: Gov. Wolf orders 3 week closure of indoor dining, gyms, school activities to slow virus surge
By Mike McGann, Editor, the Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf announced a series of new restrictions Thursday afternoon for the three weeks starting at midnight Friday, including a band on indoor dining at restaurants, closure of gyms, music venues, museums, halting of extra-curricular activities and sports in schools and limiting indoor gatherings through Jan. 4, 2021, with the hope of stopping a...
COVID-19 Update, Dec. 9: Gov. Wolf tests positive for COVID
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa
Gov. Tom Wolf
Ahead of expected tightened restrictions in Pennsylvania, as COVID-19 cases continue to spike, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that he has tested positive for the virus.
Wolf released the following statement, Wednesday afternoon:
“During a routine test yesterday, I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms and am feeling well....
A tale of two countries tells us the vaccine works; get your shot if you haven’t yet