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Pennsylvania Mail-In Ballot Applications Top 3 Million

A week ahead of the Nov. 3 election, applications in Pennsylvania for mail-in or absentee ballots have exceeded 3 million. Tuesday was the last day to request one. State data shows that, of those applications, more than 57% have been returned to counties. More than 9 million Pennsylvanians have registered to vote, a record high. If turnout is 70%, which was the rate in 2016's presidential election in Pennsylvania, that means 6.3 million people will vote. The majority of people, 1.9 million, applying for mail-in or absentee ballots are Democrats, according to state data. About 760,000 are Republicans and 350,000 are registered independents or third-party voters.

October 27, 2020

Area High School Football Games Canceled, One Season Ended Due to COVID-19 Concerns

One day after suspending in-person classes due to COVID-19 concerns, the Wyoming Valley West School District has announced the suspension of fall sports for the remainder of the season.The announcement was made by the district from the school's football twitter account.saying "In the best interests of the safety of our student athletes and their families, the WVW Administration team has decided to suspend fall sports indefinitely, ending our season. The scheduled high school football game between Old Forge and Notre Dame Green Pond has also canceled because of a COVID-19 situation on the Notre Dame team.

October 26, 2020

Special Edition 10 24 25 Domestic Violence Awareness Month and a local author shares her experience, World Polio Day, Edwardsville Warrior Tree Project

Special Edition October 24 and 25 Domestic and dating violence and all forms of intimate partner violence, do not stop because of the pandemic. Sarah Dawgert is the Education Manager at Women’s Resource Center. Amanda Jaworski author of “A Different Ending” based her new book on her experience in her teens. Karen DeMatteo Immediate Past District Governor for Rotary District 7410 gives us an update on World Polio Day and Karen Declet says the plans are in place for the 7th year for the Edwardsville Warrior Tree ProjectSpecial Edition October 24 and 25 Domestic and dating violence and all forms of intimate partner violence, do not stop because of the pandemic. Sarah Dawgert is the Education Manager at Women’s Resource Center. Amanda Jaworski author of “A Different Ending” based her new book on her experience in her teens. Karen DeMatteo Immediate Past District Governor for Rotary District 7410 gives us an update on World Polio Day and Karen Declet says the plans are in place for the 7th year for the Edwardsville Warrior Tree Project

October 25, 2020

Luzerne County adds hours and days to ballot drop box in Wilkes-Barre

Luzerne County Manager David Pedri announced the extension of hours for the Penn Place mail-in-ballot drop box until Election Day. Luzerne County Manager David Pedri

October 22, 2020

Pennsylvania COVID-19 Cases Continue to Rise

The Pennsylvania Department of Health released the latest statistics in the fight against COVID-19. As of 12:00 a.m., October 21, an additional 1425 positive cases were added. This brings the total statewide positive case count up to 186,297.29 new deaths were also reported. This brings the total number of deaths from COVID-19 up to 8562.As case numbers continue to rise, check out the Pennsylvania COVID-19 Dashboard, a user friendly, interactive platform full of the latest information in our fight against COVID-19.

October 21, 2020

Susan G. Komen affiliate in Scranton closing

The local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization has announced it is closing. Officials say that the Susan G. Komen Greater PA, which covers 53 counties in the state and includes offices in Scranton and Pittsburgh, will cease operations by the end of the year. The closure is part of a restructuring that will centralize operations at the organization's national headquarters and eventually lead to the shutdown of all local affiliates. The pandemic this year caused many Komen for the Cure events to go virtual, leading to a large loss in contributions.

October 21, 2020

Wolf, Levine Ask Pennsylvanians to Unite Against COVID-19 and Influenza

The fall months are upon us and COVID-19 numbers are up across the state. As a result, the Wolf Administration is speaking up, in an effort to get a message out to the people of the Commonwealth. “The fall resurgence is here,” Gov. Wolf said today in Harrisburg. “And while we must always take this deadly virus seriously, now is the time for all of us to double down on our efforts to keep ourselves and those around us safe. We’ve seen what happens when masks aren’t worn and social distancing isn’t practiced – people get sick, so we need to stay vigilant and work together to stop the spread of COVID-19.”Last week, Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced a team of public health experts who are working to protect Pennsylvanians on two fronts. Protect Pennsylvanians from influenza.Protect Pennsylvanians from COVID-19. Dr. Levine stated that her team is not only prepared to track the flu, but also for a resurgence of COVID-19. If necessary, the plans are ready and waiting to be put into action. “Our data, including case counts, hospitalizations and percent positivity reflect the fall resurgence occurring,” Secretary Levine said. “The department and the Wolf Administration are working continuously to ensure we are prepared for this resurgence and to protect Pennsylvanians. We all must unite to protect ourselves and loved ones from COVID-19 by washing our hands, wearing a mask, social distancing, avoiding large gatherings and downloading the COVID Alert PA app.”Data from October 9 – October 15 show that cases were up 1,325. across Pennsylvania from the week before.“COVID is tough, but together, Pennsylvanians are tougher,” Gov. Wolf said. “The last seven and a half months have shown us that when we unite, we can defeat this virus. Pennsylvanians came together to stop COVID in its tracks and we can do it again and stop this fall resurgence in its tracks if we stand united against COVID. Between the above dates, the statewide positive test percentage rose from 3.9% to 4.3%. With numbers on the rise, the Governor stressed the importance of doing the right things to remain healthy. “You matter, and so do your actions. When we make good choices and follow health and safety measures, we see results. Let’s work together to stop the spread.”

October 19, 2020

Pennsylvania confirms virus resurges; no plans for lockdown

Pennsylvania is “at the start of the fall resurgence” of COVID-19. That's according to the state health secretary, who says the state does not plan to reimpose a stay-at-home order or shut down businesses again in response. Wednesday marked the ninth consecutive day that Pennsylvania’s daily case count surpassed 1,000. Though some of the increase caseload is due to expanded testing, hospitalization and test positivity rates are also rising. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine says that indicates increased viral spread.

October 15, 2020

Virtual Town Hall Set to Discuss Unemployment Compensation, Job Search,

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvanians are encouraged to ask their job search and unemployment compensation questions during Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s twenty-first virtual town hall from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM Thursday, October 15. Director of L&I’s Bureau of Workforce Partnerships and Operations Ruben Pachay, who will provide an update on the virtual job search and reskilling services, will be joined by Director of the Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits Policy Susan Dickinson, who will answer questions about unemployment compensation. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to join the Town Hall and ask questions about finding a job, reskilling, or unemployment benefits.PA CareerLink® Website UpgradeVirtual services through PA CareerLink® are now easier to access than ever before on its newly redesigned website. PA CareerLink® offers a variety of career and workforce development services to jobseekers and employers, including searches for jobs, apprenticeships, internships, and reskilling opportunities. All services through PA CareerLink® are free of charge.How to participate in the Town HallA livestream will be online at https://access.live/PAlabor. Those without internet access can listen by calling 1-833-380-0719, however phone lines are limited so we ask that they be reserved for individuals who need them. Participants using the phone lines can ask questions directly of our UC expert. Individuals livestreaming the town hall can submit typed questions that will be read to the UC expert by a moderator. To protect participants’ personal confidential information, detailed answers about individual claim questions cannot be answered during the town hall.More information on career services, reskilling opportunities, and unemployment compensation is available on L&I’s website, Facebook or Twitter.

October 14, 2020

Special Edition 10 10 11 US Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey, Scott Seeborg "All Voting is Local", Friends of the Poor Thanksgiving

Special Edition October 10 and 11 US Senator (PA-D) Bob Casey explains why he is concerned about undelivered mail in one part of Lackawanna County. Scott Seeborg, the Pennsylvania state director of All Voting is Local talks about “naked ballots”. The Friends of the Poor annual Thanksgiving program will go on, it will just look a little different this year. US Senator PA-R) Pat Toomey announces he’s not running for another term. Kenzie Ferguson vice president for Foundation and CSR, Delta Dental of California tells us how to keep your smile bright and your mouth healthy. John Augustine of Penn’s Northeast has details on a grant program to aid Luzerne County small business.

October 12, 2020