May 21st Playbook

The RNC and Trump campaign announce that they’ve reached 2 million voters in the state since switching to digital campaigning, a poll shows 64% of Pennsylvanians approve of Gov. Tom Wolf’s handling of COVID-19, and Eugene DePasquale releases his 1st TV ad of the PA10 campaign. Here is the Playbook. 

RNC, Trump Campaign Reach 2 Million Voters in PA Since Switching to Digital Campaign: The RNC and Trump campaign announced that they have reached over 2.1 million voters in the Keystone State since transitioning to a 100% virtual campaign in March and connected with nearly 775,000 voters in the state last week along during their “National Week of Action.”

Poll: 64% Approve of Wolf COVID Response: 64% approve of Gov. Tom Wolf’s handling of the coronavirus in the state, while Trump’s national approval rating on the matter is 43%. Wolf finds himself in the middle of the pack of governor approval rating with him tied for 33rd place with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt.

PA10: DePasquale Talks COVID Response in 1st TV Ad: The Democratic Congressional hopeful’s first television ad offers a few solutions of how to address the coronavirus pandemic, while pointing to his record in elected office as proof he can help address the needs of the district.

Harrisburg & DC   
Patriot News: Pa. House fails to override Gov. Wolf’s veto of bill that would’ve allowed more businesses to operate 
Patriot News: Pa. coronavirus cases surpass 64,000; more than 4,700 have died 
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s 64,412 coronavirus cases? May 20 map, county-by-county breakdown 
Patriot News: Pa. state grant amounts for college students were likely to rise up to $4,700 until the pandemic hit 
Patriot News: ‘Murder by proxy’: Bill imposing stiffer penalty on those convicted of guiding suicide passes Pa. House
AP: The Latest: Pennsylvania working on sports virus guidelines
AP: Pennsylvania working to pave the return of sporting events
AP: State Supreme Court to decide on suit over clinic shooting
Washington Examiner: Coronavirus patient Rep. Mike Kelly says he took hydroxychloroquine
WHYY Newsworks: Lobbyists become essential as Pa. debates who gets to reopen
WHYY Newsworks: Playbook for reopening schools: CHOP calls for face shields, staggered schedules, temp checks 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘Desperate’ Pa. child care industry to receive $51 million lifeline 
Inquirer: Pa. finally released data on coronavirus in long-term-care facilities. But it’s full of errors.  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The latest on COVID-19 in Pa.: 64,412 confirmed cases in 67 counties 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. House fails to override Wolf’s reopening veto 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf announces $51 million in assistance to child care providers 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. EPA boss slams Chesapeake Bay lawsuit as ‘frivolous’ 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus reopening: Lawmakers from big swaths of state push Gov. Wolf to let all retailers do ‘curbside pickup’ sales 
Fox News: Pennsylvania counties have 800,000 ineligible voters on voter registration lists, lawsuit claims
Fox News: Trump hits the swing states, even with campaign battle in coronavirus limbo
Philadelphia Business Journal: Privately backed forgivable loans program takes flight, being met with staggering demand 
KDKA: Gov. Tom Wolf Has Higher Approval Rating Than Pres. Donald Trump For His Response To The Coronavirus Pandemic  
Post-Gazette: Pa. allocates $51M in federal funds to help reopen child care centers 
Post-Gazette: SNAP recipients can order groceries online by June, as Pennsylvania joins USDA program
StateImpactPA: As states plan to sue EPA over Chesapeake Bay cleanup, agency promises modest funds to help efforts
Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf says he’s talking to professional leagues about return to sports 
CNN: Governor calls out NFL star’s haircut
PLSReporter: Dems, GOP ask Wolf to allow for curbside pickup at retail stores 
PLSReporter: Corrections officials, lawmakers urge more permanent prisoner release solution with COVID-19 expected to rebound in fall 
PLSReporter: Consolidation of Allegheny County polling places prompts concerns among lawmakers, election advocates  

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Council president can’t promise a smooth ride for Philly school funding
Billy Penn: The inside story of how Philly’s health department reinvented itself to beat back the coronavirus 
Billy Penn: Procrastinator’s Guide to the 2020 primary election in Philly 
Billy Penn: Leading Philly’s coronavirus response: Meet 15 key people in the city health department
Inquirer: Philly voters have requested more mail ballots than all of Pennsylvania did in 2016 
Inquirer: Some Philly-area Democrats are starting to lose patience with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on restrictions
Inquirer: Amid coronavirus progress, ‘still very real risk’; get used to wearing a mask, Philly health leader says
Inquirer: State nursing home data minimizes the COVID-19 devastation in Philadelphia senior centers
Inquirer: Philly has the lowest minimum wage of any major U.S. city, new study says
Inquirer: Philly schools chief says internet providers refuse to open their networks so students can access education
Inquirer: Homeless advocates consider lawsuit if city breaks up airport encampment without COVID testing
Inquirer: In the Philly area, gyms have led the way in defying coronavirus shutdown orders
Inquirer: Movie industry workers worried by city budget’s proposed cuts to Greater Philadelphia Film Office 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philly looks to Gov. Wolf’s office for possible expansion of outdoor seating for restaurants 
Philadelphia Citizen: A Green Stimulus For Philly 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly software snafus could affect your property tax bill 
WHYY Newsworks: Fewer people being released from Philly jails as pool of eligible cases shrinks 
Philadelphia Tribune: Urban League of Philadelphia offers funds to families at risk of foreclosure or eviction

SEPA
Bucks Local News: Senator Santarsiero asks Governor to allow curbside pick-up for all retail establishments during pandemic 
Bucks Local News: Bucks County lawmakers send letter to governor supporting curbside retail pickup 
Bucks Local News: MAY 19 COVID-19 UPDATE: Delayed death notifications push Bucks County fatality total higher 
Bucks Local News: Bucks County announces proposed settlement of Taha lawsuit in U.S. District Court
Inquirer: A ‘slice of America’ Bucks County district should be a battleground. But Democrats need ‘a perfect storm’ to win.
Inquirer: Some Philly-area Democrats are starting to lose patience with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on restrictions
Inquirer: Media barbershop opens in defiance of Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus shutdown orders, even though cases in Delaware County show no sign of flattening
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. lawmakers ask Gov. Tom Wolf for curbside retail pickup 
Daily Local News: Southeast PA nursing homes among hardest hit by coronavirus 
Daily Local News: Pennsylvania doles out $51 million of federal CARES Act funding to child care providers 
Daily Local News: Real estate sales, activities resume in Pennsylvania
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County official: ‘Still very real risk of virus transmission in our community’ 
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County nursing homes with coronavirus to get help from ‘strike teams’
Delco Daily Times: Some Delaware County hair salons reopen in defiance of state mandate 

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: House Republicans raise concerns about Allegheny County’s consolidated polling plan
Post-Gazette: Kass files suit against county and state Dems, alleging they won’t help her campaign
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County officials to provide update on primary day preparations 
Post-Gazette: As vote nears, mayor urges URA board to back plans for FNB headquarters at former Civic Arena site 
Post-Gazette: Steelworkers endorse Biden for president  
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County reports 0 new COVID-19 deaths, ‘technical issue’ prevents release of all data 
KDKA: Sen. Jay Costa Facing Rare Challenge In Democratic Primary From Businessman Bill Brittain, Who Is ‘Pushing For The Future’ Of The Party
KDKA: United Steelworkers Throw Endorsement Behind Former VP Joe Biden 
KDKA: ‘What Took So Long?’: Legislator Calls For Action After State Releases Coronavirus Cases And Deaths In Individual Long-Term Care Facilities 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports No New Coronavirus-Related Deaths And 29 Additional Cases, Bringing Countywide Case Total To 1,687 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Official Says Forming Small Groups Or ‘Pods’ As A Way To See People And Limit Coronavirus Exposure Is A ‘Wonderful Idea’ 
KDKA: Hair Salon And Barbershop Owners Petitioning To Reopen In Yellow Phase
PLSReporter: Consolidation of Allegheny County polling places prompts concerns among lawmakers, election advocates
Pittsburgh Business Times: Peduto weighs in on vote for $200 million FNB Financial Center proposal in advance of special URA board meeting 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s when county hopes salons, barber shops can get approval to reopen
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto urges URA to approve plans for Civic Arena site development
Tribune Review: Officials: Too soon to tell if reopening will lead to spike in coronavirus cases 
Tribune Review: Peduto wants to block off streets for outdoor dining in Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports no new coronavirus deaths, 29 new cases
City Paper: Mayor Bill Peduto signs letter in support of including arts funding in new federal relief bill 
City Paper: Gov. Wolf plans to sign bill allowing cocktails-to-go 
City Paper: ELECTION 2020 VIDEO TRAINING: Understanding The Basics and New Pennsylvania Voting Laws

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Counties file brief with U.S. Supreme Court case against governor 
Observer-Reporter: County buys billboards to promote health, safety during pandemic 
Observer-Reporter: State releases early rent and property tax rebates during COVID-19 pandemic
Beaver County Times: Wolf announces $450,000 in federal funding to local child care providers 
Beaver County Times: Beaver County Courthouse to reopen Friday 
Beaver County Times: Beaver County parks reopen Friday
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset, Blair counties add COVID-19 cases; 746 new positives and 143 deaths across state 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Bill would help state identify needed changes after June primary 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Record number of voters seek ballots by mail
Altoona Mirror: SCI Huntingdon releases 90 inmates
Altoona Mirror: Huntingdon County records first COVID-19 death

NEPA
Times-Tribune: As Luzerne County’s COVID-19 cases dip, Lackawanna’s remain stubborn 
Times-Tribune: Changes in Lackawanna County polling places ahead of June 2 election 
Times-Tribune: Nursing home group may try to force state to retract COVID-19 report 
Times-Tribune: ‘Office’ character touts census with Scranton mayor 
Times-Tribune: Wayne sheriff announces yellow phase process to get a firearm permit 
Times-Tribune: Old Forge meeting recording picks up anti-semitic comment, disparaging remarks by school director
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 – Complete Coverage
Citizens Voice: As Luzerne County’s COVID-19 cases dip, Lackawanna’s remain stubborn 
Citizens Voice: County council to vote on letter asking Wolf for yellow status 
Citizens Voice: Plans to close SCI-Retreat move forward; facility will remain an emergency option 
Citizens Voice: Auditor general commends W-B Area’s ‘tough decisions’ 
Citizens Voice: Wolf plans to sign bill allowing sales of mixed drinks to go 
Citizens Voice: Nursing facility group criticizes state report
The Times Leader: Cartwright calls on OSHA to do more to protect NEPA workers
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council meeting Friday night to vote on coronavirus restriction-loosening request
The Times Leader: Wetzel: SCI Retreat will close, but kept ready to be used if necessary
The Times Leader: 4 new COVID-19 deaths in Luzerne County; 18 new confirmed cases
The Times Leader: State Auditor General completes W-B area review, praises district effort
The Times Leader: Businesses interested in no-interest loans offered by Wilkes-Barre
The Times Leader: Undocumented immigrant files suit against W-B Twp., claiming discriminatory investigation

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Democratic challengers seeking to unseat Smucker debate in virtual forum
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County moves closer to contact tracing, economic recovery plan 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Thursday’s COVID-19 updates: Lancaster County has 2,599 cases, 273 virus-related deaths 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Watch: County commissioners, Congressman Smucker, State Sen. Aument to offer update on COVID-19 
York Dispatch: VIDEO: State Rep. Mike Jones, area restaurant owners plan for safe dine-in service 
York Dispatch: State health department reports one new virus-related death in York County
York Dispatch: What to expect when York County enters the yellow phase on Friday 
York Dispatch: York City to furlough 103 as revenues plunge
York Dispatch: York City to resume parking enforcement Tuesday
Patriot News: 12 Pa. counties, including Cumberland, move to yellow phase of Wolf’s reopening plan Friday; what changes? 
Patriot News: Cumberland County changes some polling places for June primary 
York Daily Record: Photos: Local lawmakers and business owners push to reopen York and Adams counties 
York Daily Record: Coronavirus in Pa.: Gov. Wolf vetoes bill allowing counties to decide when to reopen
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH reports five new cases in Cumberland County

Lehigh Valley      
Reading Eagle: Surging Berks Heim coronavirus numbers cause county to call in state and federal agencies, National Guard
Reading Eagle: Health professionals say Berks County should take slow approach when it comes to reopening 
Reading Eagle: Berks County launches $2.3 million coronavirus small-business loan program
Reading Eagle: Pennsylvania doles out $51 million of federal CARES Act funding to child care providers
Morning Call: Ad Watch: Lisa Scheller targets primary opponent Dean Browning over Lehigh County tax hike 
Morning Call: Allentown expects coronavirus pandemic will cause nearly $8 million revenue shortfall – and it could get worse 
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley polling places are changing during the pandemic. Do you know where to vote? 
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley nursing homes with most coronavirus cases 
Morning Call: Despite state shutdown, Lehigh Valley drive-in theaters decide to open in a socially distanced way 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus reopening: Lawmakers from big swaths of state push Gov. Wolf to let all retailers do ‘curbside pickup’ sales
Patriot News: Pa. National Guard called in to assist with testing at Berks County nursing home
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 64K cases, 4,767 deaths. LVHN says rate of patients declining faster than expected. | COVID-19 case map (5/20/20) 
Express Times: COVID-19 decimation of air travel continues as LVIA sees 97% less passengers in April

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: DA will not take action against businesses that reopen against state orders 
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City stores reopening as yellow phase continues
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Another ManorCare-Jersey Shore resident dies to COVID-19 complications
Patriot News: Pa. school director resigns after threatening to shoot anyone without a mask approaching her family 
Centre Daily Times: Centre County reports 1 new case of COVID-19, as Pennsylvania tops 64,000 overall cases
Erie Times-News: Harborcreek supervisors to seek Erie County reopening

Opinion  
Dan Meuser: Wolf needs to give shuttered Pa. businesses a fair hearing
Vincent J. Hughes: Republican reopening scam is the worst kind of politics
John Baer: Pennsylvania’s leaders fail at making coronavirus crisis fair and manageable
John L. Micek:  Pa. Rep. Mike Kelly says he took unproven anti-malaria drug while fighting COVID-19 | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Maria Panaritis: Pa. and Washington must rescue Delaware County from a COVID mess made by the GOP 
Karen C. Buck and Renee Chenault Fattah: 7 reforms that would make it easier for everyone to vote in Pennsylvania 
York Dispatch Editorial Board: This heat Gov. Wolf earned
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Voting test run: Officials will learn a lot from primary vote by mail 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: An independent voice: Voice of America exemplifies nation’s free press
Inquirer Staff: Should Philly students be graded during the pandemic? | Pro/Con
Shira Goodman: We shouldn’t have to say this: Stop comparing pandemic shutdown to Nazi Germany 
Brian O’Neill: Can Allegheny County keep bucking the COVID-19 odds?
Ernest Owens: Now Is the Time for Penn and Philly’s Other Big-Money Nonprofits to Pay PILOTs 
Jordan Draper: New Title IX regulations could encourage restorative justice for sexual assault 
Thomas Koenig: Test. Open. Recover
Bruce Ledewitz: Dropping the Flynn prosecution was the right call. Here’s why 
Jenice Armstrong: Families are holding their own graduations because of coronavirus. That can be a beautiful thing 
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Shelter for fired inspectors general

One Response

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  • Will tonight's U.S. Senate debate affect your decision?


    • No. I've already decided on how to cast my vote. (81%)
    • Yes. Anxious to hear from both candidates (19%)

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