Republicans select their candidate for HD59, state Rep. Tarah Toohil announces her candidacy for the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, plus the PAGOP has a special meeting scheduled for tonight. Here is the Playbook. 

HD59: Leslie Rossi Selected as GOP Candidate for Special Election: Rossi, a small business owner best known for creating the “Trump House,” bested four other candidates to earn the GOP nod for the special election on May 18.

Toohil Announces Bid for Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas: The GOP state Representative said that she is “committed to being a fair, tough and compassionate judge” if elected.

Toomey Censure? PAGOP Calls Special Meeting for Weds: The Pennsylvania Republican Party will hold a meeting on Wednesday evening to “consider the issues arising out of the impeachment and the path for our party going forward.”

Municipal Workers’ Union Endorses Peduto for Mayor: According to a release from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s campaign, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees’ Western PA Public Employees Council 84 has endorsed Peduto’s reelection bid. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Voters may never again get to choose Pa.’s lieutenant governor candidates
AP: Lawmakers unhappy about tolls reminded of law they passed
USA Today: Rep. Madeleine Dean talks impeachment, possible Senate run and helping son through recovery
Patriot News: Wolf touts ‘milestone’ in COVID-19 vaccinations at nursing homes, but acknowledges gaps in reaching some group facilities
Patriot News: Amid policing backlash, Pa. State Police struggles to evolve: ‘This is a crisis’
Patriot News: Pa. State Police program to improve minority relations results in better policing of police protests
Patriot News: Milton Hershey School students playing key role to improve policing across Pa.
Patriot News: Pa. schools could delay state exams to the fall; extending school year eyed to close learning gaps
National Journal: Wednesday Q+A with Rep. Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane
National Journal: RNC Commits $2M to Black Community Centers
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf: Centralized registration for vaccines could come when supply grows 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: MAP: These are the GOP lawmakers who want to impeach Gov. Tom Wolf  
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Can Pa. Dems use the house that Trump built to flip a deep red seat in W.Pa? | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Morning Call: As Pennsylvania drug overdose deaths surge, lawmaker renews push for more oversight of treatment centers
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s Moderna COVID-19 vaccine supply problems being fixed, but next phase of rollout remains a mystery
PLSReporter: State Republican Party to discuss Sen. Pat Toomey censure 
PLSReporter: State hits 2M vaccine doses administered, long-term care facilities should be complete by March 
PLSReporter: Under new federal guidance, PDE plans to push standardized testing to fall
KDKA: Pa. Nurses Push To Pass Bill To Prevent Burnout, Improve Working Conditions
KDKA: Trucks Push Back Against PennDOT’s Plan To Toll 9 Bridges Statewide  
Post-Gazette: Vaccine company executives tell lawmakers they can deliver 140M doses over next five weeks
Post-Gazette: State lawmakers unhappy about PennDOT’s plan for bridge tolls 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. says it will allow public schools to postpone standardized tests until fall 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘They spread nurses dangerously thin’: Pa. nurses unions unite to back bills on staffing levels
WHYY Newsworks: Here’s how to sign up to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania
NBC10: Races for U.S. Senate and Governor in 2022 Are Already Heating Up in Pa.
Law.com: Sources: Former Phila. City Solicitor Sozi Tulante Leading Candidate for Eastern Pa. US Attorney  
KYW Newsradio: Bipartisan support grows for law that would limit patient to nurse ratio in Pa. 
Tribune Review: Officials: More than 500 Pa. nursing homes have received 2nd covid vaccine doses
CNN: Inside a ‘Patriot Party’ rally where Trump loyalists search for a path forward  

Philadelphia 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Councilmembers Thomas and Richardson propose $1M for the arts 
WHYY Newsworks: Philly Fighting COVID CEO lashes out at ‘competitors’ in apology email to donors 
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Philadelphians with HIV/AIDS now eligible for vaccine 
WHYY Newsworks: ‘The people live here’: First Philly-run mass vaccination clinics target underserved neighborhoods
Inquirer: Three top staffers accuse Sheriff Rochelle Bilal of abuse and retaliation in recent lawsuits
Inquirer: Advocates rally as Philly-area immigrant faces deportation despite new Biden enforcement guidelines
Inquirer: Philadelphia Inquirer gets $10M in federal Paycheck Protection Program coronavirus relief
Inquirer: SEPTA intends to spend $40M in federal COVID-19 relief on proposed King of Prussia line
Inquirer: Phillies fans may return to Citizens Bank Park as city relaxes some COVID-19 restrictions
Billy Penn: Inside Philly’s 40-year war on homeless encampments
Billy Penn: In three new ‘First 100 Days’ posters, Philly artists lay out policies for Biden and Harris
Philadelphia Gay News: City resident with AIDS turned away for COVID-19 vaccine 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Proposed legislation allocating $1 million to small arts and culture groups heads to City Council 
Philadelphia Business Journal: Phillies ‘likely’ to have fans in the stands for home opener, city health chief says 
Philly Voice: Philly on track to ease more COVID-19 restrictions as cases fall
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia takes COVID-19 vaccination to neighborhoods with first of three clinics
KYW Newsradio: Fans may be allowed at Phillies home opener, city health officials say

SEPA
Daily Local News: Vote on Toomey censure by Chester County GOP on hold
Daily Local News: Rep. Howard to discuss education at upcoming virtual event
Daily Local News: Shusterman hosting COVID-19 vaccine Town Hall March 2
KYW Newsradio: Bipartisan support grows for law that would limit patient to nurse ratio in Pa.
Pottstown Mercury: Rep. Ciresi to have special education funding oversight, a huge cost for area schools 
Montgomery Media: Report evaluating Montgomery County’s Public Defender Office released
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 3 coronavirus deaths, 110 new positive cases
Montgomery Media: More comments heard on board member Joan Cullen’s participation in Jan. 6 Washington DC rally
Bucks Local News: BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROFILE: First African American supervisor is serving Newtown with pride, honor
Delco Daily Times: Chester County Health Department changes guideline for expanded in-person education

Pittsburgh 
City Paper: Pittsburgh Democratic mayoral candidate has Twitter feed filled with Trump praise
City Paper: Lamb, Pa. Democrats push for $15 minimum wage bill as part of COVID stimulus
KDKA: Local Republicans Call For Investigation Of Nursing Home Death Count While Gov. Tom Wolf Disputes ‘Baseless’ Allegations
KDKA: Lawmakers Renew Push For Legislation Allowing College Athletes To Get Paid
KDKA: Public Meeting To Be Held To Discuss Plans For New Bike Lanes In Two Pittsburgh Neighborhoods
KDKA: Pittsburgh City Controller: Snow Plow Tracker Technology To Blame For Untouched Roads
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 274 More Coronavirus Cases, 1 Additional Death
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh City Council introduces local eviction moratorium
Post-Gazette: Teachers union surprised by Pittsburgh schools reopening plans
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Council urges centralized approach to COVID-19 vaccinations 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh school district releases details, timetable for students’ return to the classroom 
Post-Gazette: Senate confirms Pittsburgh native Tom Vilsack for 2nd stint as USDA secretary 
Post-Gazette: Pittsburgh’s city controller says new technology to blame for snow removal woes 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County reports 1 new death, Pa. reports 97
WESA: Lamb, Casey Push For $15 Minimum Wage Provision In COVID-19 Relief Package
WESA: Allegheny County Councilors Try Again With Scaled-Back Police Review Board Proposal 
WESA: Pittsburgh Public Schools To Survey Families On April Shift To Hybrid Learning 
Tribune Review: Ed Gainey floats plan to resume battle with UPMC as mayoral candidates tout endorsements 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh officials change language of hairstyle law to remove protection for beards 
Tribune Review: Officials moving forward with ban on evictions in Pittsburgh during covid pandemic 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh maintains strong credit rating, though agencies offer split outlooks 
Tribune Review: Bellevue council president, borough’s 1st Black member, to run for mayor 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 10th straight day with covid cases below 300

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County GOP takes steps to reprimand Toomey 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID help guide for struggling residents available in Somerset County
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Somerset lands $831K in ‘hospitality’ support funds; area counties sorting out details
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Residency requirement impedes city’s efforts to hire a manager, officials say
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Ebensburg Borough lauded by sustainability program
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Five COVID-19 deaths reported across region, state tops 2 million vaccine doses
The Daily American: Trump House owner gets GOP nod to run for Pa. 59th district seat
KDKA: Frustrated With Handling Of Pandemic, 7 Counties Explore Forming Regional Health Department
KDKA: COVID-19 In Westmoreland County: Plans For Countywide Vaccine Registry On Hold
Observer-Reporter: Dulaney announces candidacy for magisterial district judge seat
Observer-Reporter: Greene Dems host petition signing 
Observer-Reporter: Commissioners teaming with Blueprints for grants to renters impacted by COVID-19
Observer-Reporter: One new coronavirus death reported in Washington County
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County covid averages continue decline, lowest since October
Altoona Mirror: City eyes ‘recovery house’ zoning
Beaver County Times: BCTA offers free rides to vaccination sites
Beaver County Times: Beaver County Partnership nets $175K in grants

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Lombardo, Velez announce campaigns for county council
Citizens Voice: 50 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
Times-Tribune: New bridge tolls coming to NEPA as PennDOT seeks upgrades money
Times-Tribune: Regional COVID-19 deaths spike, but trends remain better
The Times Leader: Proposed Luzerne County detective contract before county council
The Times Leader: 50 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Tuesday; 6 more deaths

South Central 
Chambersburg Public Opinion: More Pennsylvanians across the region are carrying concealed firearms, officials say
LNP | LancasterOnline: Judges say Wolf administration can’t hide judicial vacancy applications, rule in favor of LNP
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster City Council splits with MAW following vote Tuesday
Patriot News: Prosecutor Michelle Sibert announces bid for Cumberland County judge
Patriot News: Attorney Greg Mills seeking district judge seat
Patriot News: Central Pa. cop charged in U.S. Capitol riot ordered to trial but freed from jail as he awaits prosecution
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 68 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths for Cumberland County Tuesday
York Dispatch: COVID-19 kills three more in York County Tuesday
York Daily Record: I-83 bridge tolling: How soon it could start, the cost and more
York Daily Record: Election 2021: Steve Stambaugh to run for York County judge

Lehigh Valley      
Express Times: After months of activism, Lehigh Valley Black leaders say they haven’t seen enough change
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: More than 2M vaccine doses distributed; 3rd vaccine could be on the way; cases, deaths, hospitalizations all down | Pa. COVID vaccine map (02/23/21)
Reading Eagle: Reading mayor fires city solicitor
Reading Eagle: PennDOT’s plan to toll bridges, including 1 in Berks, questioned by lawmakers
Reading Eagle: Berks County Gang Task Force gets a new focus in response to increase in violence
Reading Eagle: Reading looks to reauthorize economic opportunity zones 
Reading Eagle: COVID made it harder for Reading to help renters facing eviction
Reading Eagle: 75 new COVID cases for Berks County
WFMZ: Reading tables application for renewal of opportunity zones 
Morning Call: As Pennsylvania drug overdose deaths surge, lawmaker renews push for more oversight of treatment centers
Morning Call: Lehigh Valley Chamber event reports 25-44 are largest age group collecting unemployment, but forecasts a healthy turnaround  

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Laughlin: PA legislation would make marijuana possession, use legal for adults 21 and older
Erie Times-News: Schember to seek re-election as Erie mayor 
Erie Times-News: Erie County department got COVID vaccine early
Erie Times-News: Ex-Erie Supt. Barker’s case set for ‘quick disposition’
Centre Daily Times: Free COVID-19 testing in Centre County will continue through March. Here’s what to know
Centre Daily Times: Walmart plans 3-day vaccination clinic in Centre County. Here’s how to schedule an appointment
Centre Daily Times: Gov. Wolf continues to encourage coronavirus vaccine
Centre Daily Times: Feb. 23 update: Centre County adds 68 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 2,830 new positives
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local health officials react to death toll

Opinion  
Joanna McClinton, Jordan Harris, and Matt Bradford: Raise the minimum wage and rebuild a state that works for all Pennsylvanians
Will Bunch Newsletter: It’s Fetterman v. Kenyatta, for future of Pa. Dems  
Paul Muschick: Pennsylvania judicial gerrymandering: We have more time to fight GOP scheme
Tony Norman: Voters to Pa. GOP: Stop trying to steal our votes!
Rebecca L. Watts, Ph.D.: We must provide a path to success for Pennsylvanians re-entering society
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Work to reform vote-by-mail
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Plan for the next pandemic
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Using Pa. bridge tolls to pay for upgrades is best option among bad choices
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: More than 500,000 Americans have died of COVID-19, and we need to mourn in Lancaster County
Jenice Armstrong: Philly hosted the pope and a Super Bowl parade. Why can’t we figure out the vaccinations? 
Bruce Ledewitz: We have to defeat the myth of the stolen election. We risk destroying our democracy if we don’t 
Adrianne D. Jones-Alston: Penn should do more to atone for Kligman’s unethical research on incarcerated Black men 
Mercedes Reyes: I’m an 80-year-old essential worker. Why is it so hard for me to get vaccinated? 
Trudy Rubin: Why Americans should care about the trial of democracy activist Martin Lee in Hong Kong 
Derek H. Alderman and Joshua F.J. Inwood: How Black cartographers put racism on the map of America