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April 13th Playbook

Gov. Tom Wolf says that COVID-19 cases could surge this week in Pennsylvania. Here is the Playbook. 

April 10th Ups & Downs: A GOP frontrunner for a Trump friendly district receives backlash for an old social media post, a former pro-life Democrat receives a share of an endorsement from Planned Parenthood PAC, plus a Pittsburgh talk show host makes controversial comments about COVID-19. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Wolf suggests Pennsylvania virus cases could surge next week
AP: New unemployment benefits being implemented in Pennsylvania
AP: Pennsylvania reports 13 new deaths among COVID-19 patients
Spotlight PA: Pa. legislature making few cuts, no promises to tap hefty reserves as state faces massive budget shortfall 
Spotlight PA: Scarcity of coronavirus testing, lack of demographic data could hamper Pa.’s efforts to reopen parts of the state
Spotlight PA: Gov. Tom Wolf to temporarily release Pa. state inmates amid coronavirus crisis as legislative effort falls apart
Spotlight PA: Pa. coroners, health department at odds over how to handle suspected coronavirus cases, potentially affecting death count
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The latest on COVID-19 in Pa.: 22,833 confirmed cases in all 67 counties
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Toomey: Pa. hospitals will receive $1.25B in first wave of CARES Act assistance
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 in Pa.: Levine outlines factors in reopening state, but ‘We’re not there yet’
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Our COVID-19 data FAQ: Why we present data the way we do
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 in Pa.: Wolf rolls out $450M emergency loan program for hospitals
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf issues executive order to thin state prison populations amid COVID-19 outbreak
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Tensions high in Philadelphia jails as court hearings face delays and case numbers mount
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We are boots on the ground:’ Here’s how county governments across Pa. are dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Spillover Effect’: How the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded Erie’s industrial decline
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘You feel so hopeless:’ The impossible choice one Pa. family made to send to send an Italian exchange student home to an epicenter of COVID-19
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: How you can help in this time of need | Five for Your Weekend 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Voting by mail gains traction, but advocates warn it’s not ‘a panacea’
Inquirer: Pa. is still seeking 1,000 ventilators; $450 million loan package will help hospitals struggling in the coronavirus pandemic
Inquirer: In an ICE detention center in Pa., one migrant’s case of COVID-19 — and fear for others who might have been exposed
Inquirer: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other states struggle to avoid repeat of Wisconsin election fiasco
Inquirer: Officials in three Southeastern Pa. counties cast doubt on primary voting methods
Inquirer: Thousands of state prison inmates in Pa. and N.J. are now eligible for temporary release as governors act to avert coronavirus spread
Inquirer: Can Pennsylvania, New Jersey avoid repeating Wisconsin’s election fiasco? | Coronavirus Newsletter 
WESA: Why The Poorest People On Food Stamps Were Left Out Of Coronavirus Aid Package 
PLSReporter: Wolf announces order to temporarily remove inmates from state correctional institutions
PLSReporter: Activist calls for legislature to use its own appropriations for COVID-19 response
KYW Newsradio: Attorney General Shapiro releases guide of rights, resources for Pennsylvanians impacted by COVID-19 emergency
KYW Newsradio: Petition created out of frustration calls for reform of Pennsylvania’s unemployment system
Post-Gazette: Depression-era unemployment program confronts a different crisis with a different workforce 
Post-Gazette: Erie County executive said concerns about her daughter, grandchildren caused her to go to New York 
Post-Gazette: Construction curveball: Pandemic causes PennDOT, contractors to change road work protocols 
Fox News: Philadelphia man not wearing face mask seen being dragged off bus
Fox News: RNC spending over $1M for ads touting Trump’s coronavirus performance
Fox News: Trump campaign demands PAC halt ‘misleading fundraising efforts’ off president’s name
StateImpactPA: EPA rolls back air regulations for waste coal plants in western Pa., W.Va.
Patriot News: Pa. adjusts work times to protect state government workers from COVID-19 in county assistance offices
Patriot News: East Stroudsburg University vice president selected as interim president
Patriot News: Coronavirus pandemic threatens Pa.’s already vulnerable dairy farms 
National Journal: Just the 2 of Us
The Hill: Philadelphia transit authority changes mask policy after viral video of man being dragged off bus
The Hill: Man not wearing a mask forcibly removed from bus by police in Philadelphia

Philadelphia 
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Coronavirus News: Jim Gardner Interviews Mike Pence About Philly Concerns
Billy Penn: City closes South Philly test site despite FEMA reversal, looks for rapid testing instead
Billy Penn: Philly installing public restrooms and sinks at City Hall and Love Park, plus hundreds more free meals 
Billy Penn: Updated guide to coronavirus in Philly: Testing, schools, shopping, transit, unemployment and more
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia School District expects to have to make tough budget choices because of pandemic
KYW Newsradio: Philly officials say coronavirus response unfazed by closure of ballpark test site
KYW Newsradio: Man without mask forced off SEPTA bus amid confusion over whether riders are required to wear them
KYW Newsradio: Some Philly essential workers say they’re exposed to coronavirus because offices are unsanitary
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania officials say number of new cases still rising, but slowing
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia’s homicide rate reaches 100 victims — the highest in more than a decade
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania sees drop in new coronavirus cases and deaths
KYW Newsradio: Advocates working to ensure landlords don’t break COVID-19 eviction ban
Inquirer: Coronavirus ‘new normal’ will continue through summer in Philly, mayor says; Pa.’s case surge could come next week
Inquirer: Racing against a coronavirus clock, Philly courts release 200+ jail inmates in the first week of fast-track emergency hearings
Inquirer: After a viral video shows a man being dragged off a bus, SEPTA reverses its coronavirus face mask requirement
Inquirer: Anti-hunger advocates and USDA at odds over increasing food stamp benefits for America’s poorest during pandemic
Inquirer: Fact-checking Philly’s new distinction as a coronavirus hot spot | PolitiFact
Inquirer: Officials in three Southeastern Pa. counties cast doubt on primary voting methods
Inquirer: The coronavirus rescue package won’t stop unemployment from surpassing Great Recession levels, Wharton says
Inquirer: Can Pennsylvania, New Jersey avoid repeating Wisconsin’s election fiasco? | Coronavirus Newsletter
Inquirer: North Philly pastor nixes plans for in-person services, influenced by politicians, health officials and a journalist
Philadelphia Tribune: School district moves forward with remote learning program as gov. closes schools for remainder of school year
Philadelphia Tribune: Thursday coronavirus update: Survey shows Blacks less likely to practice social distancing, more Blacks dying from COVID-19
Philadelphia Tribune: Friday coronavirus update: City has highest death toll since outbreak, health commissioner says coronavirus spread appears to be slowing
Philly Voice: SEPTA, Philly officials address viral video of police removing unmasked man from bus
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia to stop accepting COVID-19 microenterprise grant applications 
Philadelphia Business Journal: 40 Under 40: Meet the final group of 2020 Philadelphia Business Journal honorees 
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Pa. death toll rises as Philly celebrates Easter ‘different than any other’

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County coronavirus cases top 1,800; six more deaths push toll to 68 
Montgomery Media: Google tracking shows region’s mobility dropped more than rest of Pennsylvania
Delco Daily Times: Sunday Update: Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 1,178 new positive coronavirus cases bringing state total to 22,833
Delco Daily Times: Elected officials urge more help for battered small biz 
Delco Daily Times: Guards: GEO stiffs employees infected with COVID-19
Daily Local News: Sunday Update: Pennsylvania Department of Health reports 1,178 new positive coronavirus cases bringing state total to 22,833
Daily Local News: Chester County Health Department: Peak coronavirus cases not yet reached 
Daily Local News: Dinniman introduces bill to combat robocalls during COVID-19 crisis 
Daily Local News: Houlahan pushes for national testing, public health workforce
Daily Local News: Coronavirus testing increases at Chester County Prison
Bucks Courier Times: Bucks County towns preparing for life after outbreak
Bucks Local News: Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund awards additional $32,500 to local nonprofits

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Mike Doyle To Face Progressive Challenger Jerry Dickinson In June Primary 
WESA: Why The Poorest People On Food Stamps Were Left Out Of Coronavirus Aid Package 
WESA: County Releases Racial Breakdown Of Corona Cases
WESA: Allegheny County COVID-19 Deaths Triple In Three Days, But Experts Say That Is Not Cause For Worry 
WESA: Some Worry Coronavirus Will Amplify Racial Disparities In Health Care 
WESA: April 6-10 Explained: Flattening The Curve, ACLU Sues The Jail & Rancor In Harrisburg
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Says Coronavirus-Related Death Total Stays At 19, Total Cases Increases To 857 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public School To Begin Remote Learning On April 16 
KDKA: Coronavirus In Allegheny County: County Officials To Report Data On Hospitalizations And Deaths By Race 
KDKA: Pa. House Of Representatives To Vote On Non-Essential Businesses Bill Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 cases in Allegheny County exceed 850; ACJ reports third positive case
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Public Schools to officially begin remote learning on April 22
Post-Gazette: More than 1,000 families wait in line for drive-through food pickup at PPG Paints Arena
Post-Gazette: Bernie backers have a decision to make, and it won’t be an easy one 
Tribune Review: No new deaths related to coronavirus reported in Allegheny County
City Paper: Wendy Bell is ‘on the fence’ about millions of Americans dying versus cost of slowing the economy

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Bartolotta: More statewide unemployment resources available 
Beaver County Times: Beaver County receives a C- in social distancing 
Beaver County Times: Stay-at-home order may delay Beaver County reassessment 
Observer-Reporter: Senator proposes bipartisan legislation to support school contract workers 
Observer-Reporter: State releases COVID-19 numbers for April 12 
Observer-Reporter: Health secretary: ‘We have been able to bend that curve’ 
Observer-Reporter: Monessen to meet behind closed doors during COVID-19 emergency 
Observer-Reporter: Gov. Wolf offers hospitals low-interest loans during COVID-19 pandemic
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County coroner reports another covid-19-related death, bringing total toll to 12
Altoona Mirror: Blair reduces inmate numbers 
Altoona Mirror: Bedford County reports virus death
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Statewide virus death toll tops 500, Somerset adds two cases 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown moves toward key deadlines despite coronavirus impact
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Wolf to Department of Corrections: Release some inmates to help manage COVID-19
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Senator demanding Wolf release business waiver list

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Several factors made the Hazleton area a COVID-19 hot spot
Times-Tribune: New cases of COVID-19 slow in NEPA
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 – Complete Coverage
Citizens Voice: County confirms 39 new cases 
The Times Leader: Number of new coronavirus cases in Luzerne County declines for fourth straight day 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County still awaiting federal guidance on spending of $2.4 million coronavirus recovery funds 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County starting to develop layoff plan

South Central 
Patriot News: Coronavirus deaths top 500 in Pa., nearly 23,000 patients tested positive 
York Dispatch: Sunday update: 14 new cases of COVID-19 in York County 
York Dispatch: ‘This is crazy’: Coroner Pam Gay left in the dark as virus-related deaths increase 
York Dispatch: York County DA, judges reviewing list of state inmates eligible for early release 
York Dispatch: Wolf approves $450M emergency loan for financially distressed hospitals 
York Dispatch: Judge declines to reconsider, orders immediate release 12 ICE detainees at York prison 
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: Third death from COVID-19 reported for Cumberland County 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. up to 22,833 positive cases, 507 deaths 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Charting the COVID-19 curve in Lancaster County: New reported cases and deaths per day 
LNP | LancasterOnline: 4 takeaways from Pennsylvania’s Saturday coronavirus update 
LNP | LancasterOnline: For some Lancaster County businesses, COVID-19 brings boom, not bust
York Daily Record: Coronavirus updates: Pennsylvania has more than 500 deaths, state total tops 22,833 

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: State has nearly 20,000 cases; Wolf announces $450 million loan program for hospitals
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: deaths top 500 as case count reaches 22,833
Morning Call: Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley: What you need to know 
Morning Call: MAP: Where people have died from coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley
Reading Eagle: Berks coronavirus cases rise 105, 1 additional county death reported
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 210 coronavirus cases, most in one day
Reading Eagle: Some of Pennsylvania’s congressional members call for bigger investment in SNAP benefits
Reading Eagle: Berks coronavirus cases rise 105; coroner reports 7 more deaths
Express Times: Death toll from coronavirus in Pennsylvania passes 500 as state nears 23K cases (4/12/20)
Express Times: More than 40 in the Lehigh Valley have died from coronavirus, counties say. Here are some details.
Express Times: When will coronavirus peak in Pa.? It’s anticipated next week (but not all at once).
Express Times: It just got harder to get a COVID-19 test in the Lehigh Valley. Here’s why.
Express Times: Inmates have now tested positive for coronavirus at Northampton County Prison

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Dahlkemper addresses stay-at-home violation charge 
Erie Times-News: Dahlkemper responds to letter charging stay-at-home violation 
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus: Erie-area updates, Friday, April 10 
Erie Times-News: Erie City Council to meet without public 
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus closes Pa. schools for remainder of academic year: What’s next? 
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus-related deaths pass 500 in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Spillover Effect’: How the COVID-19 pandemic has compounded Erie’s industrial decline
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Legislation looks at tax flexibility, remote meetings
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Wolf suggests virus cases could surge next week
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Clinton County preparing for ‘worst case scenario’
Centre Daily Times: Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on April 12
Centre Daily Times: Centre County adds 1 coronavirus case; Pennsylvania up to 22,833 total cases

Opinion  
Kevin Boyle: The COVID-19 pandemic is proof that we need to pay Pennsylvanians a living wage
Nick DeIuliis: Biden’s fracking ban will derail environmental and economic gains
Emily Skopov: This Turzai bill putting Pennsylvania back to work is bad for Pennsylvanians
Lisa Schaefer: COVID-19 in Pa.: Counties are conducting ‘business as unusual’
Jim Kenney: Philadelphia’s spirit will survive coronavirus 
Jenice Armstrong: Movita Johnson-Harrell is one of the lucky ones. Releasing more nonviolent inmates is the humane thing to do 
Christopher Baxter: From Spotlight PA’s editor in chief: Times of extraordinary government power require more transparency, not less
Inquirer Editorial Board: Holidays celebrate faith just as coronavirus tests it 
Inquirer Staff: As we grieve what’s been lost to coronavirus, 12 experts share ways we can cope together | Perspective
Inquirer Staff: Should medical students be allowed to work in hospitals during coronavirus? | Pro/Con 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Better oversight: Jail needs scrutiny now more than ever 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Upgrade infrastructure: Now is the time for Congress to approve a plan 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Improving access: FCC will provide better mapping of underserved areas 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Faith over fear: Trust in those who remain committed to us 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Be safe outdoors: Warmer weather won’t stop COVID-19 spread 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Beacon of truth: Dr. Fauci is America’s straight shooter 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Chaos in Wisconsin: Badger State prioritized partisanship over public health
Stuart Shapiro: Lessons learned from AIDS could improve COVID-19 response 
Archbishop Nelson Pérez: Easter’s spirit of hope can help heal the pain of coronavirus
John L. Micek: Text messaging and lots of it: How Steyer-founded PAC is reaching Pa. young voters in COVID-19 | Friday Morning Coffee
Colin McNickle: COVID-19 in W. Pa.: Pittsburgh’s office space vacancy problem complicated by pandemic
Tim Hartman: And the difference between golf and fishing is? | Editorial Cartoon
Vidya B. Viswanathan and Yoshi Rothman: Dear medical students, your residents miss you during the coronavirus crisis 
Lainey Moseley: ‘This virus is a death sentence for my daughter’: How coronavirus guidelines punish disability | Perspective
Larry Platt: The Leadership Chronicles 
Ray E. Landis: COVID-19 has exposed a crisis in our long-term care system 
Helen Ubiñas: One epidemic stole her children, another stole her final goodbye 
Rob Tornoe: Answers to all your coronavirus mask questions. Even for nudists | Cartoon
Laura Bernert: Coronavirus stole my senior year of high school, and my right to mourn it 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: 2020 Easter Covid-19 Basket
Will Bunch: Coronavirus shows Bernie Sanders was right. How can we change America to his vision? 
Diana Lind: The End of the Boom? 
Keith C. Burris: Seeking the spirit in strange times
David M. Shribman: 108 years later, Theodore Roosevelt’s Tree of Life remarks resonate

3 Responses

  1. The political world like every aspect of our society has been upended by the virus. Conventional political campaigning is not going to be effective in this political cycle. It’s hard to say what will happen but it seems likely to be a rocky landscape for former safe seats in the US Senate like Maine and North Carolina and Arizona for Republicans.

  2. Are Trump voters still waiting for “one day it (coronavirus) will just go away…like a miracle”????

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