Gov. Tom Wolf announces that coronavirus restrictions will be eased in 24 counties. Here is the Playbook. 

May 1st Ups & Downs: Two candidates for the 8th Congressional District are added to the NRCC’s Young Gun program, a former Philadelphia District Attorney will finish his prison sentence in the city, plus an annual summer tournament is cancelled due to coronavirus. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Human Rights Campaign Endorses Benham and Farnese: The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, endorsed state Sen. Larry Farnese for his reelection bid for the 1st state Senate District and Jessica Benham for her bid for the 36th state House District. 

Reader Poll: Who Should Republicans Nominate for Governor in 2022?: Sen. Pat Toomey’s Reopen PA plan sparked the conversation about the 2022 GOP gubernatorial race.

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Virus restrictions to be eased in 24 Pennsylvania counties
AP: Budget fallout from virus hitting Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
AP: PA Court: Special wine, liquor orders can be sent directly
AP: Virus death toll tops 2,440 in Pennsylvania 
Spotlight PA: Pa. will ease coronavirus restrictions in 24 northwest, north-central counties as reopening process begins
Spotlight PA: Pa. sets modest goal to conduct 8,500 coronavirus tests per day, far less than what some experts say is needed
Spotlight PA: Pa. tax revenues plummet $2.2 billion as top state official warns reopening won’t end economic pain
Spotlight PA: How Pa. plans to keep track of the coronavirus after reopening to prevent another outbreak 
Spotlight PA: Pa.’s death toll for Philadelphia lags behind city’s count, part of state’s ongoing struggle to compile timely data
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: The latest on COVID-19 in Pa.: 49,267 confirmed cases in 67 counties
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. faces $2B budget deficit as COVID-19 delays taxes, throttles business
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Alito orders Wolf to respond to business shutdown lawsuit
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Northern Pennsylvania first to start reopening from COVID-19 shutdowns
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Route to green light isn’t a one-way street, Wolf argues, as 24 counties begin to reopen
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Levine: I ‘don’t have a specific date’ on when Allegheny County, SWPA will reopen
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: May Already? | Five for Your Weekend
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Gisele Fetterman: Pa. está trabajando tan duro como puede ayudar a los residentes hispanos durante COVID-19
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID-19 outbreak in Pa.: What’s open and what’s closed
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: County officials facing primary election uncertainties tell Senate panel they know one thing: It could take several days to tally results
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Bracing for the impact of climate change, local governments look to state for help
Morning Call: 5 actions Pa. lawmakers took last week on coronavirus crisis: outdoor recreation, telemedicine, new funding for hospitals
Morning Call: 3 takeaways as first areas of Pennsylvania set to begin reopening
Morning Call: Pennsylvania reopening after coronavirus: These 24 counties will be the first to relax restrictions starting May 8
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s 3 phases for reopening (red, yellow, green) and what they mean
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus updates: State reports 62 more deaths Friday from virus, with 55 at nursing or personal care homes 
Morning Call: Rep. Susan Wild, other women lawmakers stump for Joe Biden on day he responds to sexual assault allegations by former Senate staffer 
WITF: Two PA Colleges Hit Carbon Neutrality Goals
PLSReporter: Wolf says 24 counties will see loosened COVID-19 restrictions starting May 8
PLSReporter: April tax revenues check in $2.2 billion below expectations, signaling state financial crunch to come
PLSReporter: State Police, Legislators Express Concerns for Potential Rise in Hate Crimes
StateImpactPA: Report finds poultry farming sends more pollution to Chesapeake Bay than previously thought
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania legislature passes bill to end child marriage
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware join NY, RI, CT and MA to form regional buying group
Billy Penn: ‘They got us panicking’: PA foster youth await any sign of help from Gov. Wolf
WHYY Newsworks: You may not have to wear a mask while golfing in Pa., N.J. But officials would like it if you did 
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Pa. details plans for reopening
Patriot News: Protesters not practicing social distancing is ‘devastatingly worrisome,’ says White House official
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s 49,267 coronavirus cases? May 3 map, county-by-county breakdown
Patriot News: Reaction to Gov. Wolf’s start to reopening Pa. ranges from disappointing and frustrating to relief
Patriot News: Could Pa. liquor stores in some counties start to reopen next week?
Patriot News: Pa. tax revenues plummet $2.2 billion as top state official warns reopening won’t end economic pain
Patriot News: Plan released for reopening Pa. state park, forest facilities closed over coronavirus 
The Hill: Poll: Biden leads Trump by 6 points in Pennsylvania
The Hill: Northeast states band together to buy protective gear 
The Hill: Trump campaign seeks to portray Biden as close to China
The Hill: Pro-Trump group releases another round of ‘Beijing Biden’ ads in battleground states
Post-Gazette: National groups not shy about using COVID-19 as a hammer in presidential campaign  
Politico: Future Forward books October airtime 
PA Post: PA Senate Committee Votes To Subpoena Wolf Administration Over Business Waivers
PA Post: Counties Could Be Overwhelmed By Mail-In Ballots, Election Directors Warn
CNN: Ex-Bush official says lockdown protesters aren’t heroes
Real Clear Politics: Don’t Expect Losers of Shutdown to Sit Idly by Forever

Philadelphia 
KYW Newsradio: Revised Philadelphia budget shows COVID-19’s impact with $650M in cuts, new taxes
KYW Newsradio: Philly census response rates are down thanks to COVID-19
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania officials stress social distancing despite warm weekend weather, say no timetable yet for Philly area to reopen
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia police commissioner changes policy on arrests during pandemic
Inquirer: Gov. Tom Wolf clears 24 counties to move into first reopening phase; case decline in Philly is still ‘very slow’ 
Inquirer: Mayor Kenney defends his call for layoffs and tax hikes: ‘Frankly, I’m angry and disappointed, too’
Inquirer: Pa. and N.J. join five northeast states to purchase billions in supplies; Pa. approaches 50,000 positive cases
Inquirer: L&I fight: Labor says Philly has been too easy on ‘underground’ employers who build without permits 
Inquirer: Law protecting Philadelphia domestic workers takes effect as they’re losing jobs in droves 
Inquirer: Mayor Kenney calls for end to city arts agency, cutting $4 million in cultural spending 
Inquirer: Coronavirus has exposed deep race inequity in health care. Can Philadelphia change the trend? 
Inquirer: Schools brace for budget cuts as the coronavirus wreaks havoc on the economy 
Inquirer: ‘Tinder boxes’: Secret data reveal how COVID-19 swept through Philadelphia nursing homes 
Inquirer: Philly police resume pre-coronavirus arrest procedures for some non-violent crimes 
Inquirer: Philly may delay hiring of traffic enforcement officers until next year
Billy Penn: Philly police roll back COVID freeze, resume arrests for burglaries, theft and other offenses 
Billy Penn: Philly restaurants see expanded outdoor dining as a chance for survival
PLSReporter: Kenney announces pared back budget replete with property tax increase, layoffs
WHYY Newsworks: Coronavirus update: Kenney budget calls for shuttering arts office; 53 N.J. hospitals get $1.7B from feds 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Council wants to stop an ‘avalanche’ of evictions with COVID-19 rent relief
Philadelphia Tribune: Council members to introduce emergency housing package
Philadelphia Tribune: Study shows low rate of recidivism among juvenile lifers in Philadelphia who were released
Philadelphia Citizen: Michael Rubin’s Challenge  
Philadelphia Citizen: The Virus and The City: Place Matters 
Philly Voice: Philadelphia pools won’t open this summer amid COVID-19 crisis 
Philly Voice: Philadelphia police to resume making arrests for nonviolent crimes following pause due to COVID-19 
Philly Voice: Government officials are turning to billboards to reinforce social distancing guidelines
Philadelphia Business Journal: Kenney addresses potential impact of proposed tax hikes on business attraction 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Economic development experts urge local businesses to ‘be a squeaky wheel’ during pandemic 
Philadelphia Magazine: Philly Coronavirus News: You Can Probably Forget About Public Pools in Philadelphia This Summer 
Philadelphia Magazine: Riders Union to SEPTA: Do More to Ease Crowding and Hellish Commutes on Lifeline Service 
Philadelphia Magazine: My Pandemic Story: Philly’s Managing Director on How Nothing Prepares You for a Crisis Like This One

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Coronavirus: A long wait to reopen in Southeastern Pa. 
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. closing in on 50K coronavirus cases 
Bucks County Courier Times: Lawmakers seek more state aid to keep Morrisville schools afloat 
Bucks County Courier Times: Pa. lawmakers work to redefine short-term rentals
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 76 new coronavirus cases, 13 more deaths
Delco Daily Times: CHART: Delaware County school districts could face $47 million punch after coronavirus pandemic 
Delco Daily Times: Electrical workers are anxious to get back on the job 
Delco Daily Times: WATCH LIVE: Delaware County Council to hold online press conference to update residents Monday morning 
Delco Daily Times: WATCH LIVE: Delaware County hosting an online business and workforce Monday afternoon
Daily Local News: Chester County taking steps for first election during coronavirus outbreak 
Daily Local News: Killion calls for COVID-19 testing in all nursing homes
Daily Local News: Chester County gives taxpayers extra time during coronavirus pandemic 
Daily Local News: Troopers’ suit against former Chester County District Attorney Hogan dismissed
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania legislature passes bill to end child marriage
Bucks Local News: Bucks County lawmakers call on Governor Wolf to increase funding for financially-challenged Morrisville School District 
Bucks Local News: APRIL 30 COVID-19 UPDATE: Deaths continue to climb in Bucks County; 19 new COVID fatalities reported
Pottstown Mercury: Toomey, Mensch help untangle red tape to get computers for Pottstown schools 
Pottstown Mercury: Montco closes 8th week of coronavirus outbreak with death toll at 293

Pittsburgh 
WESA: State Health Secretary Confirms ‘We’ll Be Looking At The Southwest’ 
WESA: Fitzgerald Says COVID-19 Restrictions In Allegheny County Could Ease By May 15 
WESA: LIVE BLOG: Coronavirus In Pittsburgh, May 4-10 
Post-Gazette: As virus upends Washington, a virtual Congress confronts work-from-home issues 
Post-Gazette: Sewickley council president photographed with militia retains office 
Post-Gazette: Greene County reports 1st COVID-19 death; Allegheny reports 12 cases, but no deaths
Post-Gazette: Post-Gazette series wins major award, is sweepstakes winner in state contest
Post-Gazette: Taxing problem: Less traffic will drive down road repair money next year for PennDOT, municipalities
Post-Gazette: No hard and fast rules for counties to go from red to yellow
Post-Gazette: Fitzgerald says Allegheny County could reopen next round
Post-Gazette: Southwest Pa. residents look to get internet boost from partnership
Post-Gazette: Mobility study paints picture of who uses Downtown Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Addiction recovery advocates argue for greater remote access between therapists, patients
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Levine: I ‘don’t have a specific date’ on when Allegheny County, SWPA will reopen
KDKA: Gov. Wolf Easing Coronavirus Restrictions In 24 Rural Northern Counties, None In Southwestern Pa. Among Them 
KDKA: Allegheny Co. Health Dept: 12 New Coronavirus Cases Brings Countywide Total To 1,345; No Additional Deaths
KDKA: Area Politicians And Business Owners React To Governor Tom Wolf’s Plan To Reopen Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Business Times: Why Allegheny County hasn’t made ‘yellow phase’ yet
Pittsburgh Business Times: Some western PA counties get go-ahead to partially reopen May 8
Pittsburgh Business Times: 2 Marcellus producers see optimism for 2021. Here’s why
Pittsburgh Current: Despite A Pandemic, Black Incarcerated People At Allegheny County Jail Still Face Inequity In Bookings And Releases
Pittsburgh Current: PHOTOS: Protest Calls For Rent/Mortgage Freeze Amid Pandemic
Pittsburgh Current: Difficult Recovery
 ‘We Need The Ability For Families To Say, This Is Really Hard Right Now’
Tribune Review: Fitzgerald ‘optimistic’ Allegheny County ‘close’ to having some restrictions lifted
Tribune Review: Allegheny County covid-19 cases rise by 12; no new deaths reported
City Paper: More than 50 protest in Pittsburgh calling for a nationwide rent and mortgage freeze during coronavirus pandemic

SWPA 
Beaver County Times: Sewickley Council votes to keep Neff as president
Beaver County Times: Vogel vows to keep pushing for telemedicine bill after Wolf veto 
Beaver County Times: Construction resumes as state plans to reopen; Shell to add 300 more workers
Beaver County Times: Nursing homes now account for 90 percent of Beaver County’s death toll
Beaver County Times: Kail hosting COVID-19 tele-town hall May 8
Beaver County Times: Lawrence County part of region set to reopen May 8 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: ‘Tough decisions’ loom after pandemic: City, state officials say bankruptcy bad choice despite budget challenges
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria adds 1 COVID-19 case; 962 new positives across state
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset County sees first death from coronavirus, adds 3 cases,
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Back on the job: Construction companies get go-ahead to return – with COVID-19 safety measures in place
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: City leaders: Too early to gauge economic impact 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Seeing red: Local merchants, officials rip Wolf’s regional reopen plan
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria-Somerset region not moving to yellow next week 
City Paper: Beaver County officials discuss the county’s need for more Personal Protective Gear
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County adds 5 new covid-19 cases
KDKA: Coronavirus Coverage: Armstrong Co. Leaders Say They Are Looking Into An Appeal After Gov. Tom Wolf Announces County Will Remain Closed
Pittsburgh Business Times: Shell plans to add more workers to Beaver County site
Observer-Reporter: Officials seeing red over remaining in the ‘red phase’ 
Observer-Reporter: Nonessential businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania to remain closed under Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 plan
Observer-Reporter:  Industry lobbyist talks energy sector for local Chamber
Observer-Reporter: Health secretary stresses precautions as some counties prepare to reopen
Observer-Reporter: Peters Township starts to prepare for loosening of COVID-19 restrictions
Altoona Mirror: Ralliers decry Wolf’s orders
Altoona Mirror: Blair to remain red and closed
Altoona Mirror: Ebensburg Borough cancels upcoming events 
Altoona Mirror: County to get grant funds
Altoona Mirror: Wolf relaxes orders for 24 counties; Blair on hold

NEPA
The Times Leader: 29 new cases reported in Luzerne County; no new deaths
The Times Leader: Hazleton remains COVID-19 hot spot
The Times Leader: Schwager to serve as president of PBA
The Times Leader: Brown: Not the time to shed masks, gather in large groups
Citizens Voice: 29 new COVID-19 cases in Luzerne County
Citizens Voice: Pandemic plays havoc with school budgets
Times-Tribune: State reports new coronavirus deaths, including three in Lackawanna County
Times-Tribune: Pennsylvania reports new virus cases, deaths in region
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County to reopen four parks Monday
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 – Complete Coverage
Times-Tribune: State Commonwealth Court to expedite Scranton’s appeal of tax lawsuit ruling

South Central 
York Daily Record: ‘Open Pa.’s doors’: Protesters voice opinion of Gov. Wolf’s handling of pandemic
York Daily Record: Coronavirus: Pa. cases nears 50k; ‘impossible to judge’ when stay-at-home orders will be lifted
York Dispatch: While others begin easing COVID-19 restrictions, York County still in ‘red phase’
York Dispatch: Sunday update: 15 new cases of COVID-19 in York County
York Dispatch:  York Dispatch staffers win statewide Keystone Awards
York Dispatch: Hanover updates its coronavirus response
Patriot News: Where are Pennsylvania’s 49,267 coronavirus cases? May 3 map, county-by-county breakdown
Patriot News: Reaction to Gov. Wolf’s start to reopening Pa. ranges from disappointing and frustrating to relief
Patriot News: From a distance, family, friends honor Harrisburg School Board member who died from COVID-19
LNP | LancasterOnline: Sunday’s COVID-19 updates: 49,267 positive cases in Pa., Lancaster County death toll reaches 190
LNP | LancasterOnline: State and federal COVID-19 relief does not reach some immigrant communities
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County landlords ‘pleasantly surprised’ by strong rental payments; ‘April was great’
LNP | LancasterOnline: This is how the Lancaster County coroner determines if COVID-19 is the primary cause of death
LNP | LancasterOnline: ‘Plan for his death:’ COVID-19 taking a deadly toll at 3 Lancaster Township nursing homes
LNP | LancasterOnline: South Coatesville gets new council president over internal spat  
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH Data: Cumberland County reports 16 new cases of COVID-19 Saturday
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County coroner’s office reports an uptick in overdose deaths during coronavirus pandemic
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH reports fifth nursing home in Cumberland County with COVID-19 cases
Carlisle Sentinel: Tracking COVID-19: Charts detail the course of coronavirus in Cumberland County
Carlisle Sentinel: County courts to partially re-open Monday; state leaders urge against resuming evictions
Carlisle Sentinel: Sentinel staffers win 17 state awards for journalism, named top paper in its circulation category 

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Total cases near 50K; with more than 5K in the Lehigh Valley | Pa. COVID-19 case map (5/3/20)
Express Times: 218 coronavirus deaths of Lehigh and Northampton county residents, counties say
Express Times: It’s May 1. Easton’s major construction projects have green light to restart. Who’s ready?
Express Times: Calls to uncover secret COVID-19 numbers at some Pa. nursing homes grow louder
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 1,334 new cases statewide, Lehigh Valley death toll passes 200 people | Pa. COVID-19 case map (5/2/20)
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: 24 counties to begin reopening from statewide shutdown; 1.2K new cases, 62 more deaths reported statewide | Pa. COVID-19 case map (5/1/20)
Morning Call: Rep. Susan Wild, other women lawmakers stump for Joe Biden on day he responds to sexual assault allegations by former Senate staffer
Morning Call: What you know about coronavirus victims in Pennsylvania depends on where you live
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: State reports 962 additional cases, 26 deaths
Reading Eagle: Berks coronavirus cases rise by 76
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners transition to online meetings, greater public access during coronavirus emergency
Reading Eagle: Golf returns to Berks with coronavirus restrictions, but few complaints
Reading Eagle: 4 Reading Eagle staffers win awards in statewide competition
Reading Eagle: Experts predict flood of bankruptcies in region in coming months
Reading Eagle: Coronavirus pandemic means financial pain for school districts’ budgets

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Pandemic changes approach to Erie politics, primary
Erie Times-News: It’s official: Erie County can start reopening May 8
Erie Times-News: Yellow status won’t mend Erie economy overnight
Erie Times-News: State board to discuss community college hearing
Erie Times-News: Coronavirus: Erie-area updates, Friday, May 1
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local economy to take hit from cancellation of Little League World Series
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: COVID-19 restrictions to be eased in 24 counties across Pennsylvania
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 4 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: It’s official: Centre County will partially reopen next week. Here’s what it means
Centre Daily Times: Centre County adds 6 COVID-19 cases as Pennsylvania total tops 49,000
Centre Daily Times: Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 3

Opinion  
Elizabeth Fiedler and Kyle Mullins: In a time of pandemic, hazardous work conditions call for fair pay
Inquirer Editorial Board: Juvenile justice during COVID-19 is closer to no justice at all 
Inquirer Editorial Board: Critical time for local business, including news business  
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Food stamp assistance: Congress must look to increase funding level 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: CBD regulation: Consumers, industry would benefit from standards 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Vigilance needed: Opportunists leverage crisis to erode civil liberties 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Battling projections: Bleak outlooks don’t have to be our reality
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Hubble’s great legacy: Thirty years of data, images from space telescope 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Creatures that glow: Biofluorescence research holds medical promise 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Protecting our pets: COVID-19 can be passed on to cats and dogs
John L. Micek: A doctor explains 5 things to know about asymptomatic COVID-19 | Friday Morning Coffee
Chris J. Dolan: How COVID-19 is going to reset the world order and the U.S.’s place in it
Tim Hartman: The Pa. Liquor Control Board gets dragged into the 20th Century | Editorial Cartoon
Curtis Milam: America needs a GI Bill for health-care workers 
Robert I. Field: If protesters really want to end lockdowns, they should protest the White House
David R. Hoffman: The U.S. is still failing older communities in nursing homes | Expert Opinion
Eve J. Higginbotham: Coronavirus is especially cruel to minorities. A doctor prescribes solutions. | Expert Opinion
Signe Wilkinson: Political Cartoon: Pennsylvanians getting back to work
David Chavern: As coronavirus hammers economy, news industry needs help to stay alive and serve communities 
Col. Charles D. Allen: In lockdown, we’ve seen a rebirth of kindness. We can’t go back
Dr. Pia Fenimore: Caring for kids during pandemic must be a community effort
Will Bunch: On Tara Reade, Biden will probably be OK. I’m more worried about #MeToo, feminism 
Keith C. Burris: Trump hate won’t cut it
Tony Norman: Wag the Dog Star
Gene Therapy: Is mental health the pandemic after the pandemic?
Amber DeGrace: Tips on homeschooling from a mom who’s been there 
Chris Kelly: A NEPA hero battles virus on NYC’s front lines
Tirsa Vazquez: Tech tools give minority-owned small businesses a chance at persisting through outbreak
Rob Tornoe: Political cartoon: In a coronavirus world, every commercial is the same
Helen Ubiñas: In the time of corona, don’t wait for permission to do good