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March 16th Playbook

Gov. Tom Wolf orders all schools across the state to close for two weeks in response to the coronavirus. Here is the Playbook. 

March 13th Ups & Downs: A pair of Democrats running in the Philadelphia suburbs received big endorsements this week, a schism has formed between House Democrats over HB 1100, and a bipartisan piece of legislation co-sponsored by three Pennsylvania Congressmen passes the House. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Three Pa. special elections will go on as planned Tuesday despite the coronavirus
Spotlight PA: Gov. Tom Wolf claims expansive powers as coronavirus crisis deepens 
The Caucus: Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court justices are dining on your dime, but they won’t tell you where, or why
Inquirer: Coronavirus could wreak havoc on Pennsylvania’s primary election
Inquirer: Wolf orders restaurants, bars to close dine-in facilities in 5 Pa. counties; CDC recommends canceling gatherings of 50 people or more; Four new cases in Philly
Inquirer: At Pa.’s coronavirus epicenter, Montgomery County’s Val Arkoosh offers facts and calms fears
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf: Close bars, eat-in restaurants, sports, and entertainment venues in Bucks, Montco, Chester, and Delco
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf to shut down Bucks and Chester Counties; King of Prussia Mall closes its doors
Inquirer: Bernie Sanders is staffing up in Pennsylvania as his 2020 hopes fade and coronavirus transforms the campaign
Morning Call: Paid sick leave, free coronavirus testing: Pennsylvanians in Congress support economic assistance bill 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Exclusive: As Legislature returns, non-essential House Dem employees are told to stay home 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf admin: State employees in COVID-19 ‘mitigation’ counties should work from home
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Unanimous: All 18 of Pa’s U.S. House members vote for COVID-19 relief package
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Here’s how Pa. food banks are dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak – and what you can do to help
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 Outbreak: Pa. Aging Dept. issues guidance for seniors
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. up to 63 COVID-19 cases, health officials say, as virus spreads to NePa and Lehigh Valley
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. up to 47 COVID-19 cases, officials say, announcing two new cases in Allegheny County
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf orders Pa. public schools closed for two weeks in response to coronavirus
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With 41 cases, COVID-19 spreads to western, central Pa., Wolf says
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania up to 33; commercial labs open
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: PUC orders halt to utility shutoffs over coronavirus emergency
PLSReporter: Proxy voting under consideration as lawmakers return to Harrisburg amid COVID-19 unease
PLSReporter: UPDATED: Wolf orders schools closed due to virus concerns
PLSReporter: MAP: A statewide look at which Pa. counties have coronavirus cases
PLSReporter: Levine stresses coronavirus testing capabilities as number of cases grow  
PLSReporter: Legislators, union leaders discuss apprenticeships
AP: Governor orders Pennsylvania schools closed for 2 weeks
AP: Wolf urges nonessential businesses to close in some counties
AP: Governor closes schools in Philly suburb hit by virus 
AP: 4 new presumptive positive coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania
AP: Pittsburgh to ban public gatherings of 50 or more amid virus
AP: Large King of Prussia mall closes amid coronavirus concerns
AP: In Philly suburbs, learning to co-exist with the coronavirus 
WESA: Industry, Labor Launch Effort To Tout ‘Traditional Industries’
WITF: Pa. lawmaker wants expanded vote-by-mail to protect primary voters from coronavirus 
PA Post: Voting In The Time Of Coronavirus 
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania and New Jersey attorneys general take on price gouging amid coronavirus outbreak
Patriot News: New ad campaign aims to boost support for reforming Pa. probation system
Patriot News: Coronavirus and price gouging: Pa. attorney general says reports reach hundreds
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s coronavirus cases? Map, details on known cases as of March 15, 2020
Patriot News: Coronavirus and closing schools: Why Gov. Tom Wolf took the remarkable step
Patriot News: Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pa. considers ‘options’ for April 28 primary
Post-Gazette: Casey, Brown call on Medicaid expansion to address coronavirus health emergency
Post-Gazette: Pa. officials urging voters to apply for mail-in ballots ahead of April primary
StateImpactPA: Owners of Pa.’s Beaver Valley nuclear power station will keep it open because of state’s climate plan
StateImpactPA: Analyst: Oil price war might actually be good for Pennsylvania shale industry
Politico: Two senators take extreme measures to show allegiance to Trump
CNN: Philadelphia didn’t cancel a parade during a 1918 pandemic. The results were devastating
The Hill: Former Pennsylvania governor: Biden nomination will be ‘virtually clinched’ after next Tuesday
The Hill: Coronavirus hits colleges, universities hard  

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Pa. officials are backing aggressive coronavirus containment measures. Philly Mayor Jim Kenney isn’t. 
Inquirer: Bernie Sanders is staffing up in Pennsylvania as his 2020 hopes fade and coronavirus transforms the campaign
Inquirer: Coronavirus could mean even hospital-rich Philly won’t have enough intensive-care beds, experts warn
Inquirer: Coronavirus testing: Shortages, delays, and drive-through improvising in Philly area and beyond    
Inquirer: Philadelphia public schools’ breakfast, lunch pickup locations during coronavirus closure announced 
Inquirer: As coronavirus fears bear down on Philly courts and jails, DA Krasner rethinks bail, charging
Inquirer: Philly-area hospitals watching for staffing gaps as coronavirus closes schools
Billy Penn: Bernie Sanders is opening five campaign offices in Joe Biden’s native PA
Billy Penn: Reading Terminal Market offers free delivery during COVID outbreak — but the store will remain open 
Billy Penn: Updated guide to coronavirus in Philly: Where to get tested, what schools are closed and more
Philadelphia Tribune: Bill to ban hairstyle discrimination proposed in Philly City Council
Philadelphia Tribune: COVID-19 in Philadelphia: How many people are sick, what officials are doing
Philadelphia Citizen: Protect The Vote During the Coronavirus Pandemic
KYW Newsradio: Federal civil and jury trials in Pennsylvania’s Eastern District suspended as Wolf administration expands coronavirus guidelines
KYW Newsradio: Governor orders closure of all Pa. schools for 2 weeks amid coronavirus as cases rise to 41
Philly Voice: Philadelphia announces student meal sites, rec center openings, Free Library closures 
Philadelphia Magazine: Can Philly Hospitals Handle Coronavirus?
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Coronavirus News: School Chaos, Forced Quarantine Now Legal, But Hey, Free Internet

SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Houlahan passes Families First coronavirus response to protect residents
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf: Close bars, eat-in restaurants, sports, and entertainment venues in Bucks, Montco, Chester, and Delco
Inquirer: At Pa.’s coronavirus epicenter, Montgomery County’s Val Arkoosh offers facts and calms fears
Inquirer: With coronavirus closing schools, a Bucks County health club owner planned to open a day camp for kids. That’s scrapped and he’s closing his gym.
Delco Daily Times: No Delaware County health department? No federal emergency funds 
Delco Daily Times: The latest on the coronavirus outbreak 
Daily Local News: Houlahan supports Families First coronavirus response to protect residents 
Daily Local News: Chester County adjusts to life with coronavirus 
Daily Local News: In West Chester, businesses urged to close 
Daily Local News: Governor closes all schools for two weeks, Chester County reacts
Daily Local News: State of emergency declared in West Chester 
Daily Local News: West Chester Borough Hall closed
Bucks Courier Times: Wolf orders bars, restaurants shut down sit-down service in Bucks, Montgomery counties 
Bucks Courier Times: Coronavirus: Governor extends “aggressive social distancing” to Bucks County 
Bucks Courier Times: Bucks officials urge calm as coronavirus closures mount
Montgomery Media: Montco coronavirus cases increase as outbreak enters second week 
Montgomery Media: Montco courthouse shut down for two days as coronavirus precaution
Bucks Local News: Governor orders restaurants and bars to close dine-in service in Bucks and four other mitigation counties 
Bucks Local News: Governor Wolf expands restrictions for Bucks; county officials urge calm, common sense 
Bucks Local News: Newtown Supervisors reverse course, pass ‘Love is Love’ resolution supporting the young LGBTQ+ community 
Bucks Local News: Bipartisan Bucks County House delegation working together to address coronavirus

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Gov. Wolf Orders Bars, Restaurants To Close In Allegheny County 
WESA: Mayor Bill Peduto Declares State Of Emergency In Pittsburgh
WESA: Local Professors Sign On To Right To Repair Movement, As Rep. Davis Prepares To Introduce Bill 
WESA: Allegheny County Announces First Cases Of COVID-19 
WESA: Industry, Labor Launch Effort To Tout ‘Traditional Industries’
Post-Gazette: Wolf orders restaurants, bars to end dine-in service in Allegheny, 4 other counties 
Post-Gazette: Peduto bans public gatherings of more than 50 people in Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County asks all nonessential businesses to close voluntarily 
Post-Gazette: Commonwealth Court rules against city of Pittsburgh in housing voucher case
Post-Gazette: Mayor Peduto declares state of emergency for Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Political parties missing their chance with new immigrants
Post-Gazette: Can algorithms be fair? Pitt group discusses potential bias in local government
KDKA: Coronavirus Closures: Allegheny County Businesses Urged To Close 
KDKA: Area Students Offered Alternative Meal Options Amid School Closures 
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf Orders All Bars And Restaurants To Stop Dine-In Service For Two Weeks In Allegheny County 
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Bans All Gatherings Of 50 Or More People 
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Congressman Conor Lamb Closes Offices 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Offering Grab & Go Meals For Students During Closures 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County calls upon all nonessential businesses to close voluntarily for 14 days
Pittsburgh Business Times: Peduto declares state of emergency in City of Pittsburgh 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Beaver Valley nuclear plant to stay open 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Peduto on why he’s taking sharp measures to protect Pittsburgh 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Peduto lowering occupancy of public gatherings from 250 to 50 to stem COVID-19
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania relaxes some limits on coronavirus testing 
Pittsburgh Current: UPDATE: Allegheny County Says Two More Cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
Pittsburgh Current: UPDATE: Allegheny County Says Two More Cases Of Covid-19 Confirmed
AP: Pittsburgh to ban public gatherings of 50 or more amid virus 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave requirement goes into effect
Tribune Review: Allegheny County ordered to stop dine-in service at restaurants and bars
Tribune Review: Don Bailey: Football great, decorated soldier, state official, congressman, but also fun-loving dad
Tribune Review: Here’s how Western Pa. schools plan to feed students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches
City Paper: Gov. Wolf says bars and restaurants in Allegheny County to close after midnight Sunday due to coronavirus 
City Paper: A comprehensive list of Pittsburgh events canceled due to response to coronavirus 
City Paper: Pittsburgh Councilor Deb Gross calls for moratorium on evictions and utility shut-offs during coronavirus outbreak

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Drive-thru coronavirus testing available in Beaver County
Beaver County Times: Lamb closes district offices to limit spread of coronavirus 
Beaver County Times: Matzie closes offices; other lawmakers limit public access or stay open
Beaver County Times: Beaver, Beaver Falls buildings closed to public 
Observer-Reporter: Commissioner: No state of emergency in Washington County
Observer-Reporter: Greene County officials take measures to help impede spread of COVID-19 
Observer-Reporter: Drive-by coronavirus testing available in Washington, Allegheny, Beaver counties 
Observer-Reporter: State grants awarded for job training programs serving local communities 
Tribune Review: Don Bailey: Football great, decorated soldier, state official, congressman, but also fun-loving dad
Altoona Mirror: Blair declares emergency 
Altoona Mirror: Group offers schoolkids free breakfasts, lunches 
Altoona Mirror: Coronavirus-related closures

NEPA
Times-Tribune: Scranton wants campaigns to reimburse city for hosting future rallies
Times-Tribune: First COVID-19 case in Luzerne County; State total up to 63
Times-Tribune: Carbondale celebrates its historic City Hall
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County under state of emergency after first case reported
Citizens Voice: Steps being taken to help protect homeless during pandemic
Citizens Voice: Schools offering free lunches through closure
The Times Leader: UPDATED: Luzerne County declares state of emergency; location of first virus case not known
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council chair exploring meeting options amid coronavirus concerns
The Times Leader: Think you have coronavirus symptoms? See your doctor first
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Community College closing all campuses 

South Central 
Patriot News: Harrisburg city facilities remain open as public health officials monitor coronavirus
Patriot News: Growing list of central Pa. municipal buildings closing to public over coronavirus concerns
Patriot News: Coronavirus spurs Pa. hospitals to restrict and screen visitors
Patriot News: New ad campaign aims to boost support for reforming Pa. probation system
Patriot News: Despite coronavirus concerns, Pa. lawmakers plan to meet in the Capitol next week
Patriot News: Pundit Jeffrey Lord comes out of self-imposed isolation in central Pa. after possible coronavirus exposure
York Dispatch: UPDATED: The latest closings and cancellations in York County 
Carlisle Sentinel: Pennsylvania lawmakers pushing at opposing ends as coronavirus relief package takes shape
Carlisle Sentinel: Department of Health: Two new positive COVID-19 cases announced Sunday in Cumberland County, 16 new for state
Carlisle Sentinel: Wolf announces closure of all Pa. schools; Cumberland County districts release instruction details 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 update: Pa. up to 63 cases, no positive cases in Lancaster
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County, nearby hospitals apply new visitation rules amid COVID-19 outbreak
York Daily Record: York County schools, businesses cover free lunches

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Paid sick leave, free coronavirus testing: Pennsylvanians in Congress support economic assistance bill
Morning Call: Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley: What you need to know, how to get tested and other FAQs
Morning Call: Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: Statewide case count jumps by 16 to 63 cases — including first one in Lehigh County
Morning Call: Coronavirus school closures raise many questions such as what happens with the PSSAs
Morning Call: THE LATEST Lehigh Valley area coronavirus cancellations, postponements: NCC Monroe Campus Open House, Lehigh Valley Active Life and more
Morning Call: Judge reaffirms appointment to Lower Saucon Township Council
Morning Call: ‘Game changer’: LVHN opens seven coronavirus testing sites around the Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: ‘Easton is a different place — a different city.’ Mayor Panto praises his hometown in State of the City address. 
Reading Eagle: Reading a ‘little bit ahead of schedule’ working toward exiting Act 47
Reading Eagle: Reading Hospital, other Tower facilities limit visitors due to coronavirus; similar restrictions in force at Penn State Health
Express Times: Pennsylvania state universities shut down in-person instruction following governor’s lead
Express Times: Here are the Lehigh Valley coronavirus hotlines to call 1st, with testing locations

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Here’s how Erie area legislators voted, week ending March 13
Erie Times-News: Erie mayor asks public to stay away from City Hall
Erie Times-News: Winarski urges citizens to stay away from Erie City Council meeting
Erie Times-News: What Erie County’s schools, districts are saying about two-week closure
Erie Times-News: What Millcreek school district is saying about coronavirus, closed schools
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City mayor bans large gatherings
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Downtown sees small decline in business; owners suspect worst is yet to come
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Scheduled events waylaid
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Inmate numbers down for county prison
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: More cancellations, closures announced
Centre Daily Times: Centre County commissioners, COG issue declarations of disaster emergency for coronavirus
Centre Daily Times: ‘There’s so many unknowns.’ Coronavirus could wreak havoc on State College economy
Centre Daily Times: Centre County residents voice concerns with proposed solar array development 

Opinion  
Inquirer Editorial Board: Keystone tax break program needs more attention — and a fix to make sure it’s working
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Internet access: Too many rural areas have limited or no service 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: ACA uncertainty: Congress must act to protect American people 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Pedestrian danger: A little awareness can reverse troubling trend
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Transparent justice: Release the names of jurors 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Honoring Nellie Bly: A worthy addition to the city’s welcoming committee 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: New drug crisis: More doctors must be trained in substance abuse 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Gross overreach: Ancestry.com was right to block access to DNA database 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Keep public informed: State withholding some coronavirus case details
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat Editorial: Smart decisions, emotional control will get us through this crisis 
Scott Perry: Facts and goodness must win over fear and panic
Dave Arnold: Support this bill upping the penalty for child porn offenders
John Baer: Bad times raise the leadership bar; Gov. Wolf is meeting it 
William Browning: Want to stop the turnover among child welfare workers? The Pa. House can pass this important bill
Isaac Brown: Methane reduction rules make environmental, economic sense. This is why
Shira Goodman and Jeremy Bannett: COVID-19’s hidden symptom: Among some, it’s an excuse to give into bigotry
Paul Muschick: Afraid of the coronavirus? Then vote by mail. 
Chris Kelly: Trump’s handling of coronavirus outbreak fails test
John L. Micek: How does the coronavirus test work? 5 questions answered | Friday Morning Coffee
John L. Micek: COVID-19 Outbreak: We’re in a crisis. Let’s not waste it. 
John N. Mitchell: Racializing Philly’s overdose prevention site is the wrong thing to do 
Tim Hartman: Slow down, lead foot. You’re on camera | Editorial Cartoon
Abdul-Aliy Muhammad: Opioid crisis is still not just a ‘white’ problem 
Mark Kelly Tyler: Philly schools must close now to contain coronavirus 
Maria Panaritis: Coronavirus is a grave threat to restaurants, salons, and wage earners. We must help them fast 
Matthew Lau: Raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage will cause maximum damage 
David J. Goldberg: Cardiologist’s coronavirus call to action: Stay home, boost testing and flatten the curve
Mark V. Pauly: The government should pay Americans to take coronavirus tests. Here’s why. 
Eugenia C. South and M. Kit Delgado: Coronavirus and spirituality: Preserving the faith at a safe distance 
Ray Suarez: The 1950s produced the most baby boomers. How come none of us get to be president? 
Nancy Ironside: ‘My mom is a doctor. I really don’t want her to get it.’ Philly kids draw coronavirus fears 
Rob Tornoe: Despite coronavirus panic, there’s plenty of toilet paper: cartoon
Abraham Gutman: 10 cartoons that capture America’s response to coronavirus 
Helen Ubiñas: In times of tragedy and disaster, we need comfort. Welcome, coronavirus acts of kindness 
Will Bunch: GOP, Fox News have waged war on science. With coronavirus, will their aging fans pay the price? 
Phil Gianficaro: Coronavirus lets teens know what they’re missing
Keith C. Burris: Bad choices; bad faith
Brian O’Neill: The enigma of this pandemic
David M. Shribman: Stand together or fall together
Gene Therapy: Biden 2020: Sane and normal
Ruth Ann Dailey: The global freakout

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