Democrats have selected their candidate for the special election for the 59th state House District, while a Republican joins the Philadelphia District Attorney’s race. Here is the Playbook. 

HD59: Mariah Fisher Selected As Dem Candidate for Special Election: Fisher, a member of the Ligonier Borough Council, has experience advocating for residents and managing a balanced budget on the council’s financial committee, according to a release from the Westmoreland County Democratic Party.

Peruto Announces Bid for Philly DA: The defense attorney said that public safety is his number one concern in his bid for Philadelphia District Attorney.

State Rep. Seth Grove Quarantining Due to COVID-19 Symptoms: State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) announced on Thursday that he is quarantining at home after he developed COVID-19-like-symptoms, the York Dispatch reports. 

Judge Street Receives A “Recommended” Rating from PA Bar Association: According to a release from Judge Sierra Thomas Street’s campaign, she has received a “recommended” rating from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation Commission. Street is seeking the Democratic Party nomination for a seat on the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court. 

Burgess and Lavelle Endorse Peduto for Mayor: Pittsburgh City Councilmen Ricky Burgess and Daniel Lavelle have endorsed Mayor Bill Peduto’s reelection bid, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. 

Zrinski Announces Reelection Bid for Northampton County Council: Tara Zrinski, a member Northampton County Council who was the Democratic nominee for the 138th state House District in 2020, announced that she is running for reelection, WFMZ reports. 

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: School groups to Gov. Wolf: Vaccinate teachers ASAP
AP: Man held for trial in pepper spraying of Capitol officers
Patriot News: Pa. education groups urge Gov. Tom Wolf to prioritize school staff for COVID-19 vaccinations
Patriot News: Pa. offering more help for seniors to get COVID-19 vaccines, Gov. Tom Wolf says
Patriot News: Pa. lawmaker from York County quarantining at home amid COVID-19 concern
Patriot News: COVID-19 and the courts: How innovations keep Pa.’s legal system running in a pandemic
Patriot News: COVID-19 intensive care cases continue to decline in Pa.
Patriot News: Philly, State College and Lancaster ZIP codes still lead Pa. in new COVID-19 cases this week
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: With one Supreme Court seat up for grabs, Pa.’s 2021 judicial elections start to take shape
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: That tidal wave of evictions hasn’t hit yet. State, local efforts are making the difference, report | Friday Morning Coffee
Inquirer: ‘They don’t deserve to die in prison’: Gov. Wolf grants clemency to 13 lifers
Inquirer: The nation’s oldest juvenile lifer, Joe Ligon, left a Pa. prison after 68 years 
WITF: Dozens of GOP state lawmakers wanted Pa.’s electoral votes overturned. Two reflect on their decision.
PLSReporter: While scant on details, Wolf says ‘we need to be better’ with vaccine rollout
PLSReporter: Education associations urge educator vaccine prioritization amidst return to in-person learning
Erie Times-News: Senator Casey is back in the majority. What he wants
Erie Times-News: State finds new way to help with unemployment 
Tribune Review: John Fetterman: ‘Race played no role’ in shotgun-wielding chase of Black jogger he mistook for criminal
Tribune Review: Pink hat lady from Mercer County to be released pending trial on Capitol riot charges
StateImpactPA: Groups oppose Pittsburgh-area fracking waste injection well
National Journal: Charlie Cook’s 2022 Look Ahead: Senate
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: With vaccine supply limited, Bucks County officials ask for patience
Beaver County Times: Senator Casey is back in the majority. What he wants 
Beaver County Times: PA’s ‘bullhorn lady’ appears before a judge
Post-Gazette: Accused Capitol rioter from Mercer County again ordered released
Post-Gazette: Kentucky felon living in Uniontown ordered held on Capitol riot charges
Morning Call: Pennsylvania official says surge in drug use killing nearly 13 people a day; 2020 could be worst year yet in opioid crisis
CNN: Former Republican officials float possibility of forming ‘center-right’ party 
CNN: Trump is already shaping the 2022 Senate battle
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Gov. Wolf Concedes Vaccine Rollout Isn’t Perfect But Says Supply Is The Problem
KDKA: Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro Submits Memo On State’s Elections To Senate For Impeachment Trial

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: The Philly election you haven’t heard of with a half-billion dollars at stake 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘How many lives?’: Survivors want to know why Philly won’t declare gun violence emergency
WHYY Newsworks: ‘This is unprecedented’: Study finds link between COVID lockdowns and shootings in Philly
WHYY Newsworks: As mediator decision looms, Philly school officials try to quell reopening fears
Philly Voice: A documentary detailing Four Seasons Total Landscaping’s rise to fame is in the works
Philadelphia Business Journal: Pennsylvania nursing home providers call on state to increase Covid-19 vaccine supply 
KYW Newsradio: Report on public hearings about police contract released as city begins negotiations with FOP
KYW Newsradio: Philly school buildings safe to reopen Feb. 22, Hite says
KYW Newsradio: Philly-area vaccine clinic for seniors shows what works, and what doesn’t, with Pa. vaccine rollout
Inquirer: Philly’s gun violence increased in 2020 as COVID-19 lockdown measures went into effect, study finds 
Inquirer: Outlaw says altered image of police motto used by NBC10 ‘insulting’ and that station has apologized 
Inquirer: Will Philly schools reopen? Depends on whom you ask. | Morning Newsletter

SEPA
Daily Local News: Killion joins Wanner Associates
Daily Local News: Mixed reaction locally on plan to hike minimum wage to $15 per hour
Daily Local News: Teachers union demands Chester, Delaware county schools maintain 6-feet of social distance
Daily Local News: State Sen. Kane calls for probe in Chester County vaccine shortage
Montgomery Media: Local officials remember late State Sen. Stewart Greenleaf
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County launches coronavirus hotline
Inquirer: A debate in the Philly suburbs on bringing more students back to classrooms is ‘as political as the presidential election’
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks County vaccine clinics to open Tuesday 
Bucks Local News: League of Women Voters of Bucks County launches ‘Get Out And Vote’ high school video contest 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: With vaccine supply limited, Bucks County officials ask for patience
WHYY Newsworks: ‘It’s been an overwhelming response’: Delco’s Board of Health search draws interest
Delaware Valley Journal: Bucks Commissioner Asks for Patience with Vaccine Wait, Announces Clinics

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council’s two Black members endorse Mayor Peduto for re-election
Post-Gazette: 12 years later, former county councilman McCullough’s appeals run out
Post-Gazette: Pa. education groups urge state to prioritize school staff vaccinations
Post-Gazette: Report: Shale gas boom counties saw little growth in local jobs, income
Post-Gazette: Councilwoman Megan Tunon to head Etna’s branch of Triboro Ecodistrict
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 update: Wolf administration praises southwestern Pa. agencies’ vaccination programs
WESA: Allegheny County Paid Sick Leave Bill Inches Closer To Council Vote
WESA: ‘We Work For The Community’: Marc Cherna Reflects On 25 Years Of Human Services In Allegheny County
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny County Reports First Case Of UK Coronavirus Variant
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports No New Deaths, 270 Additional Cases
Tribune Review: John Fetterman: ‘Race played no role’ in shotgun-wielding chase of Black jogger he mistook for criminal
Tribune Review: Beards for Pittsburgh residents would be protected in revised law
Tribune Review: Pa. Supreme Court won’t take former Allegheny County councilman’s appeal on theft conviction
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports no new deaths, reassigns 1 to another county
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Council considers amendments to paid sick days ordinance
City Paper: Report shows natural gas fracking didn’t produce promised jobs to Pa. and Appalachia

SWPA
Altoona Mirror: Patton man runs for lieutenant governor
Altoona Mirror: State Dems call out GOP
Altoona Mirror: Vaccine demand outstrips supply
Altoona Mirror: Prothonotary seeks re-election
Observer-Reporter: Officials in Washington, Greene counties rethinking regional health department concept 
Observer-Reporter: Gov. Wolf recognizes aging services in Washington County on COVID-19 vaccines
Observer-Reporter: Wolf: $145M in hospitality relief headed to all Pa. counties
Observer-Reporter: Frustrations mount as people try to register for COVID-19 vaccine
Beaver County Times: Beaver County reassessment won’t bring windfall
Beaver County Times: Find out if it’s your turn to get the vaccine in Pa.
KDKA: Nicole Ziccarelli Announces Run For Westmoreland County District Attorney
Tribune Review: Westmoreland commissioners plan for vaccine registry
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID pandemic is fueling resurgence of opioid crisis, experts warn
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Six COVID-19 deaths reported across region, among 115 across state
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset County DA’s summary trial postponed

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Cartwright calls for changes at USPS
Citizens Voice: Former deputy election director describes discarded ballots incident
Citizens Voice: 83 new COVID-19 cases recorded in county on Thursday
Times-Tribune: Cartwright calls for changes at USPS
Times-Tribune: COVID-19 case, death numbers continue gradual decline
The Times Leader: Luzerne County preparing list of open seats for primary
The Times Leader: 83 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in county on Thursday; 5 more deaths

South Central 
Patriot News: Candidates line up for GOP nomination for open Pa. Senate seat; Democrats still searching for one 
Patriot News: Pa. lawmaker from York County quarantining at home amid COVID-19 concern
Patriot News: Perry County DA announces that he’s running for district judge
York Dispatch: Seth Grove in quarantine after showing COVID-19 symptoms  
York Dispatch: York County had four new deaths attributed to COVID-19 on Thursday
York Daily Record: Lawyer for ‘Officer Jeff’ says he’s been cleared of wrongdoing, was not part of DC riots
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 73 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Thursday
LNP | LancasterOnline: What’s that letter from Voter Registration? Fill it out if you want to keep receiving mail-in ballots 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County prosecutor won’t appeal records ruling 
LNP | LancasterOnline: More Lancaster Countians lose jobs, as economy still struggles with COVID-19’s impact 
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County surpasses 900 deaths from COVID-19 as coronavirus pandemic grinds on

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Republicans view Susan Wild, Matt Cartwright as vulnerable in 2022 congressional races
Morning Call: Pennsylvania official says surge in drug use killing nearly 13 people a day; 2020 could be worst year yet in opioid crisis
Reading Eagle: Berks County treasurer launches campaign for a third term
Reading Eagle: Berks County commissioners approve refinancing $30.5 million in bonds
Reading Eagle: Leader of group representing long-term care facilities takes shots at Pa. COVID vaccine rollout
Reading Eagle: Pa. updates on COVID vaccinations progress as 1,000-plus Berks residents added to the inoculation rolls
WFMZ: Tara Zrinski to run for reelection to Northampton County Council
WFMZ: Allentown mayor announces nomination for city fire chief
WFMZ: Lehigh County OKs agreements, committee appointments
WFMZ: Reading residents gather to discuss gun violence in city
Express Times: Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry to benefit from $145M in state grant funding
Express Times: Pa. coronavirus update: Nearly 4K new cases, 115 new deaths as daily average cases tick upward; Lehigh and Northampton cases rising toward milestones; St. Luke’s addresses vaccine concerns | Pa. COVID county map (02/11/21)

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Erie restaurants, bars, hotels in line for $3M 
Erie Times-News: Clear seeks tax relief for volunteer firefighters
Erie Times-News: LECOM holds COVID-19 vaccine test run in Erie
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Zoning change ‘opens’ South Williamsport borough for business
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: State launches ‘Your Turn’ vaccine information app
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Old Lycoming supervisors OK committee assignments
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Lycoming County 60 new COVID-19 cases
Centre Daily Times: Feb. 11 update: Centre County adds 74 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 3,978 new positives

Opinion  
John Baer: As John Fetterman enters Pa.’s Senate race, could he be the future of U.S. politics? 
Morgan Cephas, Mary Jo Daley, Amanda Cappelleetti, and Judy Schwank: Let’s work for – not against – women’s health in 2021-22
Joyce M. Davis: Myths, misinformation and fabrications aside, Pennsylvanians are desperate to get the vaccine
Paul Muschick: Callers swamp new Allentown hotline: A sign of frustration with COVID vaccination efforts
Paul Muschick: What’s going on at the IRS? A Coplay woman has waited 11 months for her refund
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Vaccine task force a good idea
York Dispatch Editorial Board: 44 very special people in the Senate
Inquirer Editorial Board: With eviction avalanche looming, court documents fail to ensure due process for tenants
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: 3 matters of transparency: The good, the bad and the ugly
Patricia Fonzi: Relief within reach: providing food during a pandemic
Jonathan Butcher: How do we get kids back in schools? Stop teacher union bullying. 
Bruce Katz, Ben Preis and Collin Higgins: The Virus and the City: Biden’s Next Move 
John L. Micek: ‘Is this America?’ A Black Capitol police officer’s question is what the Trump trial is all about
Ernest Owens: Don’t Abuse Identity Politics to Defend Danielle Outlaw
Centre Daily Times: Gov. Wolf: Budget proposal looks to remove barriers facing Pennsylvania families  
Michael Faccinetto and Rebecca Bodnar: Why Allentown schools receive far less than they need to meet student needs
Will Bunch: ICE ‘Deep State’ is blocking Biden’s quest for justice for refugees 
Joseph Martin: What happened on Jan. 6 is a symptom of a deeper illness in our country
Qamara Edwards: Philly’s new indoor dining guidelines fail both restaurants and customers