During her comments Wednesday during the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, Pennsylvania Congresswoman and House impeachment manager Madeleine Dean portrayed the ex-President as a man who was willing to attack anybody who got in his way. "Donald Trump, the President of the United States, ordered the crowd to march on Congress and so the crowd marched," Dean said. She teared up when she gave a timeline of the former President's speech and the moment rioters overtook the U.S. Capitol. She said the attack never would have happened but for Donald Trump.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health Wednesday confirmed 3,378 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 880,291. There are 2,890 individuals hospitalized with COVID-19. Of that number, 574 patients are in the intensive care unit. There were 125 new deaths identified for a total of 22,745 deaths attributed to COVID-19.
Governor Tom Wolf says $145 million will be distributed to all 67 counties in Pennsylvania to support the state's hospitality industry, which was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be awarded in $5,000 increments with a $50,000 maximum. The money is expected to be allocated by February 28th.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is canceling public events after a family member tested positive for COVID-19. Wednesday, the governor tested negative for the virus during his regular test but still conducted his coronavirus briefing virtually out of an abundance of caution. It's not clear who tested positive for the virus, but contact tracers are working to notify anyone who may have been in contact with Murphy's family member during the infection window.
CVS and Rite Aid will start taking appointments to administer the coronavirus vaccine. The two pharmacy chains are set to receive vaccine doses directly from the federal pharmacy partnership today and tomorrow. Both companies say they'll start administering the vaccine Friday, but haven't disclosed what locations will be offering the shot. Gov. Phil Murphy says CVS is supposed to get just under 20,000 doses of the vaccine while Rite Aid is set to receive 7500 doses.
The New Jersey Department of Health's coronavirus call center won't be taking vaccine appointments for now. Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli says the pause started Tuesday night, adding this will allow operators to get better training. Eligible residents will have to return to the usual ways of signing up, by using www.covid19.nj.gov or by going through a designated vaccine site.
A local attorney has been suspended. Pennsylvania's Supreme Court suspended Elissa Griffith Waldron effective March 12 for allegedly misappropriating her clients' money. In a statement, the court said it found her continued practice of law is causing immediate and substantial public or private harm. The court directed a Lehigh County judge to move to protect her clients' rights and also suggested banks freeze related accounts until further notice. No criminal charges have been filed against Griffith Waldron.
A crash involving a sheriff's SUV caused traffic back-ups on the Pennsylvania Turnpike Wednesday morning. The wreck happened around 9:30am in the southbound lanes of the Northeast Extension between the Lehigh Valley and Quakertown interchanges. No injuries were reported.
The City of Allentown continues its snow removal efforts tonight. Beginning at 7 o'clock crews will be hauling away snow on Hanover Avenue between South Carlisle and Jerome streets as well as on East Hamilton Street from the bridge over the Lehigh to South Carlisle Street.
A $250,000 Cash 5 ticket was sold at Express FoodMart, 3250 Linden St. in Bethlehem, the Pennsylvania Lottery reports. The ticket matched all five balls drawn on Tuesday night. The winner has a year to claim the prize. The winning numbers were 3-30-32-39-43.
Legislation is being re-introduced in Harrisburg that asks for background checks on gun ammunition sales. St. Rep. Brian Sims brought the bill back up, which would only allow licensed firearms dealers to sell ammunition. There are currently only six states in the country that require background checks for ammunition sales. The bill is currently sitting in the House Judiciary Committee.
Sheetz plans to increase pay for most of the convenience store chain's nearly 20,000 workers. While not specifically outlining what the new wages would be, the Altoona-based company said that plan means a major investment in its workforce. Sheetz also revealed plans to extend 12 weeks of paid time off for new mothers and two weeks of paid time off for partners of women who have just given birth.
Atlantic City's mayor is planning for a big crowd when it comes time to implode Trump Plaza. The event is set for next Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock with city officials warning road closures will be in effect while buildings in the surrounding area go into lockdown. Anyone who wants to see the action live can head to Bader Field, but it's $10 a car. The lot can fit about 4500 vehicles.
Sunday's Flyers/Rangers game has been postponed because of COVID-19 issues on the Flyers. Three players have been placed on the NHL's COVID-19 protocol list.