Week in review: Wolf's ordered deemed unconstitutional, Westmoreland sheriff switches parties

A federal judge in Pittsburgh on Monday found that orders issued by Gov. Tom Wolf restricting the size of gatherings and closing non-essential businesses to protect against the spread of covid-19 were unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge William S. Stickman IV wrote in his 66-page opinion that, even though the actions taken in the spring by Wolf and Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine were laudable, they violated the First Amendment right to freedom of assembly, and the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the 14th Amendment.

Wolf in a statement said his office will seek an immediate stay to halt the order and file an appeal.

Westmoreland County sheriff switches parties

Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert declared that he feels disenfranchised by the Democratic Party, and changed his affiliation to Republican.

Albert said it was a difficult decision, but he feels he stands for the ideals of the Republican Party platform more than the Democrats today. A lifelong conservative Democrat, Albert said he is pro-life, a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

He was elected county sheriff in 2019. Albert, 70, of New Alexandria, said he has not decided whether he will run for reelection in 2023.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Alejandro Villanueva did not adhere to the Steelers’ decision to universally honor Antwon Rose Jr. during the home opener game this week.

While the Steelers players agreed to support Rose, who died after being shot by an East Pittsburgh police officer in June 2018, Villanueva honored Alwyn Cashe, a former Army sergeant who was killed while on active duty in Iraq.

Later in the week, Maurkice Pouncey, a co-captain and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-longest tenured player, indicated he will remove Antwon Rose Jr.’s name from the back of his helmet, saying he did not comprehend the entire background of the case.

Norwin board members ask fellow member to resign

Four Norwin School Board members asked a fellow member to resign over his Facebook postings several people have condemned as being racist and offensive.

Brian Carlton, board president, initiated the call for Robert Wayman, a retired teacher, to resign for his statements on the private conservative Facebook group “Silent Majority 15642,” a reference to the Irwin and North Huntingdon ZIP code.

Among the statements Wayman, a former Irwin mayor, wrote on the Facebook page were, “No Christian can be a Democrat,” a suggestion that there be “armed combat” if President Trump does not get third term in office, even though the Constitution prohibits it, and referring to Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine, a transgender woman, as “it.”

Carlton asked for an ethics complaint to be filed against Wayman. The school board introduced an ethics policy covering school board members and is expected to vote on adopting the policy at the Sept. 21 meeting. Wayman, a Republican from Irwin, was elected to a four-year term in November.

Breakthrough covid drug

Pittsburgh scientists as soon as next year could begin testing in humans a breakthrough drug they say has the potential to stop the pandemic by treating — and even preventing — the virus that causes covid-19. The drug’s foundation is a tiny but potent antibody that can block the virus from infecting cells.

The drug, called Ab8, has been effective in preventing and treating covid-19 in mice and hamsters.

Human clinical trials could begin in early 2021. At a news conference Tuesday, UPMC officials said the drug will be especially helpful to vulnerable patients who wouldn’t respond as well to a vaccine, such as the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.

Library Wi-Fi

Westmoreland libraries will provide around the clock free Wi-Fi as part of a program that county officials said will help to ensure residents have expanded access to the internet.

A $145,000 grant will be made to the Westmoreland County Federated Library System to install equipment that will broadcast hotspots for internet access up to about 300 feet from most the system’s 25 buildings. The money comes from $31.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds the county received from the state.

County officials initially set aside some money to pay for expansion of broadband services. But with a federal requirement the money be spent by year’s end, commissioners said the libraries will be efficient use of infrastructure already in place.