Sen. Pat Toomey releases his own plan to reopen Pennsylvania’s economy, while the state’s health secretary says that people shouldn’t expect a quick return to normalcy even after certain pandemic restrictions are lifted in some counties. Here is the Playbook. 

April 24th Ups & Downs: Polling shows troubling numbers for President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, Sen. Pat Toomey gets the nod to serve on an economic oversight commission, plus Wawa and Sheetz team up for a good cause. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
Washington Examiner: Salena Zito interviews Gov. Tom Wolf: Our lives are now being governed by coronavirus
AP: State: Deaths associated with coronavirus now stand at 1,550
AP: Official: Quick return to ‘normal’ unlikely amid reopening
AP: Geography and population complicate Pennsylvania’s reopening
AP: Garden centers, growers struggle in planting-season shutdown
AP: Geography and population complicate Pennsylvania’s reopening
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Calling Wolf’s plan ‘progress,’ Toomey outlines his own plan to reopen Pa. 
Spotlight PA: States need coronavirus data to make timely decisions. What they share with the public varies widely.
Spotlight PA: Cut, now crucial: Long cast aside as expendable, Pa.’s public health nurses are now pivotal to easing coronavirus restrictions
PA Post: Pa. won’t say when it will release names of thousands of businesses that received waivers to operate 
Morning Call: 5 actions Pa. lawmakers took last week on coronavirus crisis: Construction, car sales and property taxes
Philadelphia Magazine: Tom Wolf’s Leadership Style Was Made for This Moment 
Inquirer: Pat Toomey for governor? As he weighs in on Pa. coronavirus plans, insiders see a marker for the future
Inquirer: Pennsylvania’s Health Secretary Rachel Levine fights hate, fear, and the coronavirus
Inquirer: Pa. construction sites can reopen May 1. What will that look like?
Inquirer: Pa. officials and advocates brace for a coronavirus spike in requests for food stamps, cash assistance
Inquirer: Pennsylvania surges past 40,000 coronavirus cases, and New Jersey isn’t close to opening 
Inquirer: More deaths in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey’s reopening plans move tentatively forward 
Inquirer: More deaths in Pennsylvania, and New Jersey’s reopening plans move tentatively forward
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The latest on COVID-19 in Pa.: 41,165 confirmed cases in 67 counties  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: House Rs, Ds trade social media ads over COVID-19 reopening vote
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The state Legislature received masks made by prisoners — but it’s unclear who used them
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Levine: ‘I don’t know’ when Pa. Health Dept. will respond to public records requests 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘Give your loved ones a call:’ Wolf offers tips to ‘stressed’ Pennsylvanians 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Erie’s Crime Victim Center faces technological challenges while providing community resources during pandemic 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: After the lockdown, a path forward | Five for Your Weekend 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 in NEPA: Domestic violence advocates worry about women’s safety in the pandemic 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Trump signs $484B relief bill as lawmakers pledge future aid for states
Patriot News: Pa. congressional candidate Tom Brier alleges campaign finance violation against primary rival, Eugene DePasquale 
Patriot News: Pa. coronavirus cases top 41,000; 1,550 have died due to COVID-19
Patriot News: $13.5 million state funds awarded to Pa. businesses affected by coronavirus
Patriot News: Mapping 6,813 resident cases in Pa. nursing and personal care homes: April 26 county-by-county details
Patriot News: Pa. House Republicans freeze staff pay; other cost-cutting measures in state government being considered
Patriot News: More Pa. liquor stores to begin offering curbside service, beginning on Monday
Patriot News: More than 1,100 new COVID-19 cases in Pa.; farmers are taking a big hit; more: Latest on coronavirus in Pa.
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s 41,165 coronavirus cases? April 26 map, county-by-county breakdown 
WHYY Newsworks: COVID-19’s economic blow to rural Pa. far outstrips the pandemic. But reopening won’t be easy 
WHYY Newsworks: Why so many COVID-19 deaths in Pa. will never be counted 
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Pa. expanding curbside pickup to more liquor store sites
PLSReporter: Direct federal aid trickles in for states, counties﹘but restrictions confound officials 
Fox News: Pa. removes 200 deaths from state coronavirus count as questions mount about reporting process, accuracy
Fox News: Biden holds edge over Trump in 2020 battlegrounds, but there’s a catch 
Fox News: Pennsylvania liquor stores sell $2.3 million worth of alcohol in first days of curbside pickup
Fox News: Harvard not alone: Other wealthy universities eligible for coronavirus relief, some now backing away  
Fox News: Pennsylvania store owner: If Target can sell clothes, why can’t I?
StateImpactPA: DEP approves injection well in Plum, but uncertain economy might put project on hold 
StateImpactPA: Why one writer says coronavirus is like climate change on steroids 
National Journal: This Is How I Win 
National Journal: Biden’s Strength With Seniors Threatens Trump’s Reelection Path
Billy Penn: The deal with PA’s ‘infection-protection’ kits and how to vote safely  
Philadelphia Business Journal: Pennsylvania construction industry will have special protocols as sites prep to reopen
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pennsylvania: Gov. Wolf Pushed To Allow Garden Centers To Open
Pittsburgh Business Times: Senator Casey lays out intentions for future stimulus funding  
The Hill: Biden builds early lead in battleground states 
The Hill: Republicans sharply divided over timeline for reopening economy
The Hill: Melania Trump sends care packages to hospitals in 10 states 
The Hill: China emerges as new flashpoint in 2020 campaign
Politico: Biotech lobby CEO: The conversation has changed
Politico: Trump’s poor poll numbers trigger GOP alarms over November
Huffington Post: Family Forests Are Key To Fighting Climate Change. But They Need Help.
LNP | LancasterOnline: PA Game Commission plan proposes statewide ban on feeding deer, using deer lures

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Wolf addresses mental health in COVID-19 fight; Philadelphia officials announce more measures to help city get through shutdown
KYW Newsradio: No riders, no revenue: SEPTA anticipates $7M deficit to continue to grow
KYW Newsradio: Philly teachers told online grade can only help — not hurt — student’s overall average
KYW Newsradio: Flashpoint: Continue COVID-19 lockdown or should Pa. let up? Black doctors step up, and #SeniorSerenades
KYW Newsradio: Center City weathering the effects of the coronavirus pandemic
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia School District competing for limited supply of wireless hotspots to get students online 
Inquirer: Coronavirus could cost Philly up to $647 million — but layoffs are avoidable, city controller says
Inquirer: Here’s how low Philly’s case count has to be for the state to consider reopening Southeastern Pa.
Inquirer: Philly city workers have been barred from working on political campaigns for 70 years. Should that change?
Inquirer: New Jersey and Delaware prepare to release plans for reopening; Philly region is still “in the thick” of the pandemic
Inquirer: Do I have to pay my rent? Renters rights in Philadelphia during the coronavirus pandemic. 
Inquirer: Pa. officials and advocates brace for a coronavirus spike in requests for food stamps, cash assistance  
Inquirer: At least 800 Philadelphia police officers may have been exposed to coronavirus, sparking fear and uncertainty  
Inquirer: Two killings in Philadelphia on Thursday raise city’s total to 120 for the year — 18% more than a year ago 
Inquirer: Hundreds in Philly could lose coronavirus relief money because stimulus checks aren’t safe from debt collectors 
Inquirer: Coronavirus could cost Philly up to $647 million; Pa. liquor stores face challenge as curbside pickup is expanded to most outlets 
Inquirer: Even a pandemic can’t slow Philly’s gun violence
Inquirer: Colleges holding on-campus classes in the fall? Maybe.
Inquirer: Workers at 180-bed South Philly nursing home ravaged by coronavirus have voted to strike
Billy Penn: The deal with PA’s ‘infection-protection’ kits and how to vote safely 
Billy Penn: Coronavirus test site for Philly’s addicted and homeless populations opens in Kensington 
Billy Penn: This West Philly biz owner is one of 550 who already got relief money from the city 
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Coronavirus News: Under Pressure, University of Pennsylvania Turns Down College Stimulus Money 
Philadelphia Magazine: How Philly Is Using the Shutdown As a “Natural Experiment” for Improving Air Quality
PLSReporter: 3 things to know about Philadelphia’s response to the coronavirus
Philadelphia Business Journal: Kenney: Decision looms on Wawa Welcome America celebration
Philadelphia Business Journal: State health secretary on Philadelphia: ‘I don’t know when it will reopen’  
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia, Goldman Sachs announce $10M PPP fund for small businesses
Philadelphia Tribune: City officials push for mail-in voting, concerned about getting the word out
Philadelphia Tribune: Virus pandemic affects sales of lottery tickets 
Philadelphia Tribune: Remote instruction begins for Philly public schools, meal distribution changes  

SEPA
Daily Local News: Montgomery County reports 13 more deaths, 129 new coronavirus cases 
Daily Local News: As Pa.’s economy worsens, local lawmakers hear of human toll 
Daily Local News: Local municipalities now permitted to vote virtually
Delco Daily Times: Delaware County pulls no punches battling the coronavirus pandemic 
Delco Daily Times: Upper Darby orders furloughs and pay cuts for workers 
Delco Daily Times: VIDEO REPLAY: Delaware County council talks about coronavirus 
Delco Daily Times: Delco Times veteran Joe Hart named as its next editor
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks sees highest weekly death toll; Pa. coronavirus deaths now at 1,550 
KYW Newsradio: New small business aid bill introduced for inclusion in next COVID-19 relief package
Inquirer: ‘It’s a sinking ship’: COVID-19 deaths triple at state-run vets nursing home in Chester County as families clamor for information
Bucks Local News: APRIL 25 UPDATE: Weekly COVID-19 death total in Bucks hits 61; number of county infections do not bode well for a reopening anytime soon 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: With $60 billion for smaller lenders, Doyle says mom-and-pop businesses will see better access to COVID-19 loans 
Post-Gazette: PODCAST: Mike Doyle walks through $484 billion funding bill for small businesses, hospitals 
Post-Gazette: No new COVID-19 deaths in Western Pa.; 13 new cases in Allegheny
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh councilman proposes building urban farm on ‘perfect’ Brookline plot 
Post-Gazette: Sewickley councilman rapped over photo with armed protesters 
Post-Gazette: Despite dearth of COVID-19 testing, lawmakers support reopening Pennsylvania economy in phases
Post-Gazette: Lawmakers turn to SNAP benefits and online delivery in next phase of COVID-19 legislation
Post-Gazette: ‘Mini-news outlets’ for businesses: chambers of commerce press for paycheck protections amid COVID-19 pandemic
Post-Gazette: Port Authority replaces chief of operations after 15 months
WESA: Lamb Worries ‘We Are On Our Own’ When It Comes To Protective Equipment 
WESA: State Website Sends Mixed Messages About When Counties May Be Eligible To Reopen 
WESA: Most Students Aren’t Being Instructed In Real Time, According To Plans Submitted To State 
WESA: LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh, April 27-May 3 
WESA: One Of Few Federal Inmates Released From County Jail Describes Tense Atmosphere Behind Bars 
WESA: April 20-24 Explained: Reopening PA, Testing Unknowns, Unemployment Fiasco & Restaurants Struggle
KDKA: ‘We Are On Our Own’; Congressman Conor Lamb Says That Pa. Not Expecting Any More PPE From National Stockpile
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept.: No New Deaths Related To Coronavirus, Total Cases Increase To 1,211 
KDKA: City Government Advises Citizens To Follow Social Distancing As Weather Improves 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Alert Families And Staff To Possible Coronavirus Exposure; Administrators Seeking Feedback On Grading Options
Pittsburgh Business Times: Big natural gas producer lays out plans through 2026
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports no new deaths from covid-19 on Sunday 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Public Schools alerts staff and families to potential case of covid-19 
City Paper: Pittsburgh-area GOP candidates respond to criticism of presence at anti-quarantine protest 
City Paper: Wendy Bell compares those against Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus orders to people killed in Benghazi attacks

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Neff facing special meeting, call to resign as president over controversial militia photo
Beaver County Times: Bartolotta’s ventilator bill passes one Senate committee, but heads to another 
Beaver County Times: Local nursing home cases jump by 17 percent, Beaver County only county in southwest not to meet state threshold for reopening 
Tribune Review: 3 new Westmoreland coronavirus deaths bring toll to 30
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State passes 41,000 COVID-19 cases, numbers steady in Cambria, Somerset
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: As COVID-19 cases rise statewide, Cambria-Somerset fortunes linked to Allegheny County in SW region 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Task force tackles Johnstown’s blight problem | Group creates recommendations to address rundown, neglected properties 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local nominees selected for military service academy
Observer-Reporter: Statewide positive cases pass 40,000 
Observer-Reporter: Greene commissioners warn against complacency as COVID-19 cases slow

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Scranton mayor’s first 100 days a rocky road 
Times-Tribune: NEPA counties see new virus cases, deaths 
Times-Tribune: Coronavirus adds to NEPA tax burdens 
Times-Tribune: Chart: Tax Burden for Lackawanna County Residents 2020
Times-Tribune: Officials welcome testing for food industry workers in NEPA
Times-Tribune: Gas tax revenue drying up
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 – Complete Coverage 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 in NEPA: Domestic violence advocates worry about women’s safety in the pandemic 
The Times Leader: 1 new death, 46 new COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County
The Times Leader: Registered Republicans have increased in Luzerne County since last presidential primary
The Times Leader: Sen. Toomey releases plan for gradually, safely reopening PA’s economy
The Times Leader: Luzerne County budget chief discusses coronavirus impact on finances
The Times Leader: Luzerne County has not ruled out additional coronavirus furloughs
The Times Leader: Medical professionals: some positive progression in the fight against COVID-19
The Times Leader: Hackett resigns from Pa. workforce board, blasts Wolf over recent comments
The Times Leader: City Hall repairs delay return of furloughed WB workers
The Times Leader: Councilman: West Wyoming officers back to work after virus-related issues
Citizens Voice: Another COVID-19 death reported in county 
Citizens Voice: Solicitor OKs county tax extension date 

South Central 
Patriot News: Pa. congressional candidate Tom Brier alleges campaign finance violation against primary rival, Eugene DePasquale 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: Pa. reaches 41,165 positive cases, Lancaster County hits 140 deaths
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster Chamber, EDC offer plan to revive and reorient county economy from COVID-19
LNP | LancasterOnline: Slanted playing field: Ephrata cabinetry firm, idled by Wolf’s shutdown, rues loss of customers to rivals
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘I literally felt cut in half’: Learning online not an easy adjustment for Lancaster County families
LNP | LancasterOnline: COVID-19 testing sites to close on Sundays, Penn Medicine says
York Dispatch: Sunday update: 15 new cases of COVID-19 in York County
York Dispatch: Phased reopening: It’s unclear if York County will be ready May 8
York Dispatch: York County DA: Crime rates down, but harassment and ODs spike
York Dispatch: York County has fewer coronavirus deaths than initially reported
York Dispatch: York DA: Reports of malware attacks at ‘unprecedented level’ during pandemic
York Dispatch: York City to resume yard waste collections next month
York Dispatch: Pa. Health Secretary: Quick return to ‘normal’ unlikely amid reopening
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County, southcentral region currently outside benchmark to consider easing coronavirus restrictions
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH Data: 17 new COVID-19 cases reported in Cumberland County
Carlisle Sentinel: Tracking COVID-19: Charts detail the course of coronavirus in Cumberland County
York Daily Record: Coronavirus in Pa.: More than 1,100 positive cases added in a day

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: New cases jump by 1K, 13 more deaths reported | Pa. county COVID-19 case map (04/26/20)
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus testing sites now open to food supply workers
Express Times: ’New sad total’ of Northampton County COVID-19 deaths includes more Gracedale cases
Patriot News: Working to slow the spread of the coronavirus in Berks County
Morning Call: 5 actions Pa. lawmakers took last week on coronavirus crisis: Construction, car sales and property taxes
Morning Call: Allentown students at disadvantage in starting remote learning Monday, weeks behind suburban peers
Morning Call: Homeless camps growing in the Lehigh Valley, creating ‘ticking time bomb’ for coronavirus outbreak
Morning Call: Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley: What you need to know
Morning Call: Coronavirus infection rate appears higher in Allentown than Philly and other cities. But why?
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: Statewide cases increase by 1,599 on Friday to 38,652; Gov. Wolf says second wave of cases during flu season is ‘a big concern’ 
Reading Eagle: As Pa.’s economy worsens, local lawmakers hear of human toll 
Reading Eagle: Berks adds 85 positive coronavirus cases; Pennsylvania adds 1,116
Reading Eagle: All Pa. liquor stores in Berks County to offer curbside pickup service
Reading Eagle: Six Berks companies among those to receive state funding

North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on April 26
Centre Daily Times: No new COVID-19 cases reported in Centre County as Pennsylvania tops 41,000 cases
Centre Daily Times: Pennsylvania tops 40,000 total cases of COVID-19, as Centre County adds 4 new cases
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Erie’s Crime Victim Center faces technological challenges while providing community resources during pandemic 
Erie Times-News: Erie County reports 3 more COVID-19 cases, including child
Erie Times-News: How prepared are Erie County nursing homes for COVID-19?
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County two new COVID-19 cases
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City transition was occurring before pandemic took hold
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mayor gets praise — and criticism
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Mayor reflects on beginning
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: What it means here: State offers funding to tech firms; Military task force assisting health care facilities
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Child care facilities remain in limbo
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Constitutional? Protesters, professors debate rights amid shutdowns
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: FCFP to distribute $301K in aid to area organizations

Opinion  
PennLive Editorial Board: 3 things Gov. Wolf should do in the next phase of the coronavirus fight
Jake Corman: ‘Narrow political ideology’ threatens important telemedicine bill
Helen Gym and Jamie Gauthier: Philadelphia needs a Housing Recovery Act 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Americans deserve the right to vote without endangering their lives
Inquirer Editorial Board: Lawmakers should anticipate avalanche of evictions after coronavirus   
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Implement USMCA 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Unnecessary dispute: Coroners, health officials should work together 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Keeping markets open: Farmers markets will return, but with changes 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Look out for abuse victims: Domestic violence is on the rise during COVID-19 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Title IX trouble: Penn State must enforce federal law 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Stop the EARN IT bill: Legislation would compromise digital privacy, security 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Don’t wag the dog: The U.S. does not need a war in Venezuela
John L. Micek: Reopening isn’t good enough. We need a reset on everything | Friday Morning Coffee
Lawrence George and Emma Hamme: COVID-19 means census matters more than ever 
Tim Hartman: Behind the scenes at the COVID-19 press conferences | Editorial Cartoon
Louise Hayes: As people choose between food and other basic necessities, Congress should expand SNAP benefits 
The Rev. Mitchell C. Hescox: COVID-19 effects show why our lawmakers must protect clean air in Pa.
Thomas Gremillion: Are liquor stores really essential?
Charles D. Ellison: Get The Kids Connected Already 
Eric Epstein: At a time of great need, it’s time for the Legislature to liquidate its slush funds
David M. Shribman: A storied friendship is on the rocks
Tony Norman: Keep your eyes on the prize, America
Josh Butler: Despite early COVID-19 failures, we can emerge stronger 
Lloyd E. Sheaffer: Character matters in our leaders. And that’s never been more true than now 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Walling in the problem: US
Will Bunch: Hey, teachers, cops, etc. — Mitch McConnell wants your job, pension. Will he kill the GOP instead?