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March 18th Playbook

Republicans secure three special victories in the state House. Here is the Playbook. 

GOP Keeps All 3 State House Seats in Special Election Victories: The Pennsylvania Republican Party said in a statement on Tuesday evening that the three GOP holds is proof that momentum is in their favor, while the Pennsylvania Democratic Party slammed House GOP leadership for supporting the election to take place in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Reader Poll: Should PA Delay Its Primary?: Gov. Tom Wolf said in a press conference on Monday that Pennsylvania is “certainly taking into consideration” the idea of moving the April 28 primary date to another date. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Republicans sweep 3 special elections for Pennsylvania House
AP: State to open virus testing sites; job losses spike
Spotlight PA: Pa. Senate to consider changing remote voting rules in response to the coronavirus
Spotlight PA: Pennsylvania and New Jersey order businesses, schools to close as coronavirus cases mount
Spotlight PA: Everything you need to know about the Pennsylvania coronavirus shutdown | Latest updates
Inquirer: Pennsylvania elections officials are pleading with the state to move the primary: ‘We’re pulling fire alarms all over the place’ 
Inquirer: As the coronavirus spreads, Pa. and New Jersey race to add hospital beds, testing
Inquirer: A fight over fracking at a Pennsylvania steel mill is forcing a reckoning among Democrats
Inquirer: The 2020 campaign in the coronavirus pandemic: Virtual concerts, digital canvassing, and lots of text messages
Inquirer: Voters saw a special election in Bucks County as ‘just too important’ to stay home — even to avoid coronavirus  
Inquirer: Pa. lawmaker seeks $125 million in zero-interest loans for small businesses affected by shutdowns  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Republicans claim sweep of three House specials in midst of coronavirus outbreak
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 in Pa: U.S. Sens. Casey, Toomey push for faster testing to combat crisis
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Senate plans to return to Harrisburg to authorize remote voting
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 outbreak in Pa.: What’s open and what’s closed
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Health officials: Pa. up to 96 COVID-19 cases, drive-through testing sites planned in Philly area
WHYY Newsworks: Bucks special election: Results have not been certified, but GOP claims victory
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. state prison system turning to video chats to keep people connected during pandemic
Post-Gazette: Pa. Supreme Court Justice Wecht under self-quarantine after son presumptively tests positive 
Post-Gazette: Toomey blames bureaucratic ‘bottlenecks’ for testing delays in Pennsylvania; urges passage of stimulus deal
Post-Gazette: As Senate considers COVID-19 package, White House asks for $850 billion more
Patriot News: Coronavirus and unpaid workers: Pa. senators aim to help employees without hurting small businesses
Patriot News: Coronavirus outbreak drives Cheyney to join 13 other state universities in switching to online classes
Patriot News: Despite coronavirus, Pa. says state workers, retirees will get their checks on time 
Patriot News: How are Trump and the nation handling coronavirus? | BattlegroundPA podcast 
Patriot News: Coronavirus and elections: Pa. county officials fear they can’t pull off April 28 primary without changes 
Patriot News: ‘Tip’ about coronavirus victim’s visit shuts down Pa. county’s gun permit office; gun owners up in arms 
Patriot News: Police in central Pa. won’t respond to some calls to avoid coronavirus
PLSReporter: Tomlinson wins Bucks County special election
PLSReporter: Republicans sweep Western Pa. special elections for two House seats
PLSReporter: Drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites planned for Montgomery County, Philadelphia
PA Post: What Happens If Businesses Don’t Comply With PA Governor’s Coronavirus Shutdown Orders?
Fox News: PAC tied to ex-Obama aide set to hammer Trump over coronavirus response
Daily Local News: Sen. Pat Toomey says recession inevitable after coronavirus pandemic 
StateImpactPA: Electricity usage down across the region, which helps power grid staffing
StateImpactPA: Shell keeps massive construction site in Beaver County site open despite coronavirus worries
StateImpactPA: PUC: Companies can’t shut off your utilities during state’s coronavirus disaster declaration
Beaver County Times: Workers, residents: ‘Shell should halt cracker plant construction’  
York Dispatch: Pa. attorney general cracking down on price gouging during coronavirus crisis
Washington Post: Democratic groups to spend millions hitting Trump over coronavirus response
The Hill: Bloomberg donates $2 million to support grassroots organizing in swing states
CNN: Restaurant shutdowns are putting millions of jobs at risk, according to new report   

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Coronavirus testing sites draw worried crowds from around the Philadelphia region
Inquirer: With courts closed by pandemic, Philly police stop low-level arrests to manage jail crowding
Inquirer: Why the coronavirus has no cure; stadium complex in line to become testing site 
Inquirer: PPA: Meters, kiosks, residential time limits won’t be enforced amid coronavirus 
Inquirer: Philly DA’s Office to charge Hassan Elliott, 21, with murder in killing of Cpl. James O’Connor IV
KYW Newsradio: COVID-19 testing sites expand across Philly; Montco promises drive-thru testing soon
KYW Newsradio: Reform advocates want more protections for prisoners during coronavirus pandemic 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Officials: Coronavirus business impact ‘not an issue that the city can handle on its own’
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia not following Boston’s lead in shutting down construction work
Philadelphia Magazine: The Defiant Ones: Some Bars Remain Open During the Coronavirus “Shutdown” 
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Coronavirus News: Standstill Begins, PPA to “Relax,” Beer and Wine Still Available
PLSReporter: Drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites planned for Montgomery County, Philadelphia
Philly Voice: SEPTA expects to limit subway, bus service amid Philly’s coronavirus response 
Billy Penn: PPA coronavirus rules: You probably won’t get a parking ticket during quarantine 
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Philadelphia confirms community spread, anticipates surge in hospitals 
WHYY Newsworks: After mixed messages, Pa. and Philly agree to shutter day care centers for coronavirus 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly police to halt narcotics arrests, other charges during COVID outbreak 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Not us or them’: Landlord group asks members to follow court order to halt evictions

SEPA
Bucks Courier Times: K.C. Tomlinson heading to Harrisburg 
Bucks Courier Times: Coronavirus doesn’t keep voters from polls in Bensalem 
Bucks Courier Times: Coronavirus: What’s open in Bucks County
Pottstown Mercury: Chesco commissioners’ chairwoman calls for postponing Pa. primary election
Pottstown Mercury: Many districts providing food for students during closures 
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown declares local state of emergency
Inquirer: Voters saw a special election in Bucks County as ‘just too important’ to stay home — even to avoid coronavirus  
Inquirer: Pa. lawmaker seeks $125 million in zero-interest loans for small businesses affected by shutdowns
WHYY Newsworks: Bucks special election: Results have not been certified, but GOP claims victory
Delco Daily Times: Delco municipalities declare a state of emergency as positive cases rise 
Delco Daily Times: Delco businesses talk about virus fallout 
Daily Local News: Killion proposes zero-interest loan program to aid small businesses
Daily Local News: Chesco business owners get promise that help is on the way 
Daily Local News: Delco looks to team with Chesco Health Department for virus services 
Daily Local News: Delco updates virus news, advisories 
KYW Newsradio: Sanitizer in tow, voters show up for Bucks County special election amid coronavirus fears
PLSReporter: Drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites planned for Montgomery County, Philadelphia
Bucks Local News: Three new Bucks County coronavirus cases announced; total now at seven  
Montgomery Media: ‘Judicial emergency’ extended for Montco courts during COVID-19 outbreak

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Evictions In Allegheny County Are Halted Through April 14, Judge Says 
WESA: Some City Workers Impacted By COVID-19 Might Not Be Covered By New Sick-Leave
WESA: COVID-19 Prompts Calls For The Release Of Inmates From Allegheny County Jail
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County now has 10 COVID-19 cases 
Post-Gazette: Pa. Supreme Court Justice Wecht under self-quarantine after son presumptively tests positive 
Post-Gazette: Two Pittsburgh Public School administration buildings closing, lunches halted
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh Marathon canceled amid city’s ban on large gatherings
Post-Gazette: Push is on to reduce jail population because of virus threat
Post-Gazette: Regional gun sales at ‘panic’ level; guns shops out of some ammunition
Tribune Review: Health official: 40% to 60% of Allegheny County adults likely to get infected with covid-19
Tribune Review: Allegheny County confirms 1 new coronavirus case, 3 presumptive positives
Tribune Review: State Supreme Court Justice Wecht self-quarantines family after son has presumed coronavirus
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Public Schools closes 7 lunch sites after workers exposed to covid-19 outside of work
Tribune Review: Zappala: DA’s Office won’t oppose release of nonviolent inmates at high risk for coronavirus
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Health Department Says Majority Of People Will Be Infected 
KDKA: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh: Firefighters Say Not Enough Is Being Done To Protect Them And Public During Outbreak 
KDKA: Coronavirus Closures: Two Pittsburgh Public School Administration Buildings To Close 
KDKA: Inside Politics With Jon Delano: Coronavirus Leads Lawmakers To Seek Alternative Ways Of Legislating
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pittsburgh philanthropies commit $10M to coronavirus emergency 
PLSReporter: Pittsburgh City Council calls for equity in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic 
City Paper: Allegheny County halts evictions, other court matters, in wake of coronavirus 
City Paper: A Pittsburgh guide to coronavirus 
City Paper: No news is bad news

SWPA 
Tribune Review: Republican Eric Davanzo poised to claim House 58th District special election
Tribune Review: Some voters brave coronavirus warnings for special election in House 58th District
Observer-Reporter: Davanzo claims victory in state House 58th District special election
Observer-Reporter: Washington County declares emergency after 2nd coronavirus case announced 
Observer-Reporter: County treasurer’s office closes to general public; register of wills encourages paying by mail
Observer-Reporter: Canonsburg mayor declares public health emergency
Beaver County Times: Workers, residents: ‘Shell should halt cracker plant construction’ 
Beaver County Times: Lawrence County declares state of emergency
Beaver County Times: Beaver County puts restrictions on courthouse traffic 
Beaver County Times: Franklin Twp. closes municipal building to public
KDKA: Eric Davanzo Wins Special Election In Westmoreland County, Tim Bonner Wins In Mercer County
KDKA: Coronavirus In Westmoreland County: Extra Precautions Taken To Keep Voters And Workers Safe During Special Election
KDKA: Shell Says It’s Addressing Workers’ Concerns At Beaver Co. Cracker Plant Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
KDKA: Coronavirus In Washington County: Officials Sign Declaration Of Disaster Emergency Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Joyce, Toomey, Casey voice concerns about coronavirus
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Governor provides list of ‘essential’ businesses that can remain open
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: ‘No cause for alarm or panic’: Cambria County declares state of emergency
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Local governments struggling to adjust to coronavirus reality 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Area manufacturers ‘producing, delivering, shipping’ – but watching supply chain
Altoona Mirror: State touts mail-in ballot option for primary

NEPA
Citizens Voice: County council to declare emergency Thursday 
Citizens Voice: Impacted by coronavirus? You may be eligible for unemployment benefits 
Citizens Voice: Sunshine Act in a state of emergency 
Citizens Voice: County offers free marriage license extensions, pauses gun permits 
Citizens Voice: Municipalities restriction, postponement list
The Times Leader: County assistance offices closing, services continue
The Times Leader: Times Leader offices close to public
The Times Leader: School board meetings canceled, meal distribution expanded
The Times Leader: Luzerne County changes for marriage licenses, gun permits 
Times-Tribune: Scranton to furlough a few dozen noncritical workers 
Times-Tribune: Covid-19 – Complete Coverage 

South Central 
Patriot News: U.S. Rep Scott Perry to host town hall with medical professionals
Patriot News: Ex-Rep. Mike Veon’s $19K restitution in corruption case must stand because he appealed too late: Pa. court 
Patriot News: Despite coronavirus, Pa. says state workers, retirees will get their checks on time 
Patriot News: How are Trump and the nation handling coronavirus? | BattlegroundPA podcast 
Patriot News: Coronavirus and elections: Pa. county officials fear they can’t pull off April 28 primary without changes 
Patriot News: ‘Tip’ about coronavirus victim’s visit shuts down Pa. county’s gun permit office; gun owners up in arms 
Patriot News: Police in central Pa. won’t respond to some calls to avoid coronavirus
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County issues disaster declaration
Carlisle Sentinel: As service industry shutters, Pa.’s most vulnerable workers wonder what’s next 
Carlisle Sentinel: Carlisle businesses adapt to coronavirus restrictions   
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County police departments roll out changes as COVID-19 spreads in Pa. 
LNP | LancasterOnline: County’s 2nd outdoor COVID-19 swab site opens Wednesday for patients with doctor’s orders
Chambersburg Public Opinion: Cumberland County declares state of emergency as local coronavirus cases rise
York Dispatch: Confusion ensues after Wolf orders some businesses to close 
York Dispatch: The latest government closures in York County
York Dispatch: Pa. attorney general cracking down on price gouging during coronavirus crisis

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: ‘My son is a mail carrier, and I’d like to know his risk for contagion’: Lehigh Valley residents seek answers about coronavirus 
Morning Call: Bureaucracy held up coronavirus testing at a Lehigh Valley lab until Pat Toomey made call to top federal health official 
Morning Call: List: Latest coronavirus restrictions for Lehigh Valley local governments 
Morning Call: As coronavirus spreads, Lehigh Valley police and first responders on front lines limit interaction to prevent infection 
Morning Call: Allentown City Hall remains open for business, but city suspends street-cleaning amid coronavirus outbreak
Reading Eagle: Defining essential versus non-essential businesses under Gov. Tom Wolf’s shutdown order
Reading Eagle: Berks County appears untouched by coronavirus, but appearances might be deceiving; retired physician still can’t get tested 
Express Times: How Lehigh Valley school districts are making sure kids don’t go hungry
Express Times: Sen. Toomey blames feds for delaying Pa., Lehigh Valley production of COVID-19 tests 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus update: News from Erie region, Wednesday, March 18
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus affects Erie-area public meetings
Erie Times-News: Non-essential county workers placed on paid leave
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Impacts of virus on region announced
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lawmakers suspend visits to offices
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City Council delays meeting
Centre Daily Times: Pa. shutdown causes confusion for Centre County day care facilities, parents
Centre Daily Times: What are ‘nonessential’ businesses in Centre County? Here’s what’s open and closed during shutdown
Centre Daily Times: Centre County meal programs for kids are up and running. Here’s where you can find them

Opinion  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Vote by mail: Social distancing doesn’t have to affect election 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Insulin prices: Administration trying to control rising costs 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Getting through together: Life goes on, even with COVID-19 disruptions 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Back to society: Develop more support for released inmates
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: It is critical that COVID-19 testing be ramped up in Lancaster County and across the U.S.
Inquirer Editorial Board: Our new ‘new normal’ with coronavirus
Inquirer Staff: Should the size of the Supreme Court expand to change the ideological balance? | Pro/Con
Delco Daily Times Editorial: Time to start getting ready to fulfill civic duty – by voting 
Salena Zito: Joe Biden puts Pennsylvania native son status in question by pushing fracking ban
Ray E. Landis: To keep the golden years golden, Pa. needs to start state-sponsored retirement accounts for seniors
John L. Micek: This is what the spread of coronavirus looks like in Pa. In two charts | Tuesday Morning Coffee
Maria Panaritis: Restaurant and contract workers need coronavirus cash, cable bill breaks, mortgage help ASAP. 
Seema Verma: Electronic medical records could’ve helped my husband in an emergency 
Adam Erace: Coronavirus puts Philly’s beloved small businesses at risk. Here’s how you can help save them.
Hannah McDonald: I’m a Pa. restaurant worker. And thanks to COVID-19, I’m out of work 
Stacy Gallin: Social distancing and COVID-19: We’ll stay together by staying apart
Liz Spikol: Let’s all be deeply uncool and care for each other 
Rachel Ezekiel-Fishbein: How employers, business owners, other authorities should communicate about coronavirus 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Front line coronavirus troops
Carolyn C. Cannuscio: Prayer can bring comfort amid coronavirus crisis — but stay home to do it 
Claire Baker: Lyft driver: I stopped driving to stop the spread of coronavirus | Perspective
Will Bunch: Did coronavirus really expose America as ‘a sham,’ and will the crisis finally make us fix it? 
Helen Ubiñas: I finally believed something Trump said, and I’m terrified 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Online coronavirus babysitting
Ernest Owens: Coronavirus Outbreak Reveals Philly at Its Absolute Best — and Utter Worst
Chris Kelly: You can’t trust the air anywhere

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