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Keystone Crossroads Archive
COVID-19’s economic blow to rural Pa. far outstrips the pandemic. But reopening won’t be easy
Dependence on one industry, powdered metal, is part of the reason why this part of Pennsylvania has seen such a large drop in employment.
5 years ago
Listen 4:51‘A race for capital’: Philadelphia small businesses get another shot at payroll loans
A stimulus bill was passed Friday that includes $310 billion of new funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. The funding means newfound hope for Philly small businesses.
5 years ago
Philly students will not be penalized for absences or missed work during virtual school
Any grades students receive can only improve their overall grades. Students will effectively not be penalized if they don’t complete assignments.
5 years ago
Confusion, frustration for freelancers and gig workers seeking unemployment in Pa.
A federal program expanded unemployment benefits to workers who are usually ineligible, such as temps, freelancers and the self-employed, including gig workers.
5 years ago
Special education during coronavirus: What should parents tolerate, demand?
Advocates worry that school districts will begin offering limited support to special education students. They’re especially worried about families waiving their rights.
5 years ago
Listen 3:19‘Flow to the work’: Toilet paper manufacturers in Pa. flush with demand
Toilet paper manufacturers in Pa. say they’re rushing to keep supply from wiping out — and are still surprised by their turn in the spotlight.
5 years ago
Tech to the rescue: As business moves online, IT jobs more essential than ever — for now
Technology workers have been largely spared from coronavirus layoffs so far, stepping up as essential workers to make remote work possible.
5 years ago
Listen 4:59From making rent to ‘found money’: Philly residents share their stimulus cash stories
The money — most adults will get $1,200, with an additional $500 per qualifying child — is meant to help Americans weather the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus.
5 years ago
Listen 5:17Frontline health care workers seek immunity from malpractice during COVID-19
The Pennsylvania Medical Society is asking Governor Tom Wolf to grant temporary immunity from malpractice claims to healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
5 years ago
‘Life beaming through uncertainty and fear’: Pa. poets create community amid pandemic
With the coronavirus pandemic in full swing and a state shutdown in place, poets are turning to the internet to stay connected.
5 years ago
Listen 4:20Here’s where coronavirus is causing unemployment to spike in Pa.
The coronavirus shutdown has caused a massive spike in claims in population centers but has been felt most acutely on a per-capita basis in some of the most rural counties.
5 years ago
Gimme structure: Why some Philly parents are eager for online learning to begin
Philadelphia is slowly moving school online. We spoke with families to hear about their hopes for this massive educational experiment.
5 years ago
Listen 4:31The residential child care’s dilemma: lose income or potentially expose families to coronavirus?
State officials ordered most child care providers to close, but those based in a provider’s residence are exempt from the regulations.
5 years ago
Listen 4:13Pa. closes schools for the rest of academic year, urges online learning
After closing down “indefinitely,” Pennsylvania has made it official: K-12 schools are closed for the rest of the academic year. Here’s what’s next.
5 years ago
Grocery workers in Philadelphia are getting coronavirus. Will your store let you know?
One of the few public spaces open during business shutdowns, grocery stores are at an epicenter of disease anxiety.
5 years ago
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