State Sen. Sharif Street says that he will be launching an exploratory committee for the U.S. Senate in April, while Inside Elections labels PA’s 2022 Senate as a “battleground.” Here is the Playbook. 

Inside Election Labels PA’s 2022 Senate Race As a ‘Battleground’: Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race is one of eight states listed under the “battleground” category.

NBC10: Street To Launch U.S. Senate Exploratory Committee in April: State Sen. Sharif Street told NBC10’s Lauren Mayk that he’ll be launching a exploratory committee for U.S. Senate in April, which will come with a website, social media, events, followed by a final decision later in the year.

Conservative Group Urges Lamb to Oppose COVID Relief Bill: Rep. Conor Lamb is one of eleven Democrats, and the lone Pennsylvanian, that American Action Network is targeting in their latest ad campaign.

Murray to Run for Scranton Mayor: Scranton City Controller John Murray announced that he plans on seeking the Democratic Party nomination in the Scranton Mayoral race, according to the Scranton Times-Tribune. He will be challenging incumbent Mayor Paige Cognetti for the Democratic Party nomination.  

Kenyatta and Mt. Pocono Elected Officials To Make Special Announcement: According to a press release from state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta’s (D-Philadelphia) Senate campaign, he is slated to join state Rep. Maureen Madden (D-Monroe) and Mount Pocono Borough Council President Claudette Williams on Friday afternoon at the Women Veteran and Military Family Services Building in Mt. Pocono to make a special announcement.

Helfrich to Seek Reelection as York City Mayor: According to the York Dispatch, York City Mayor Michael Helfrich announced that he plans on running for reelection. 

Nixon To Not Seek Reelection: York City Council President Henry Nixon said that he will not seek reelection this year, according to the York Dispatch.  

DePasquale Calls For Congress To Pass $15 Federal Minimum Wage: Former PA Auditor General and 2020 congressional candidate Eugene DePasquale sent out an email sharing his support for raising the federal minimum wage to $15/hour.

Brown Appointed as Deputy Chairwoman of House Majority Policy Committee: According to a release from House Republicans, state Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe) has been appointed by state Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean) to serve as a deputy chairwoman for the committee. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Levine questioned on missing Pa. nursing home data in federal confirmation hearing 
Spotlight PA: Why Spotlight PA is spending a year investigating Pennsylvania’s redistricting process
AP: COVID-related nursing home deaths in Pennsylvania fuel blame 
AP: Agency permanently bans fracking near Delaware River 
AP: U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick one of three in GOP to vote to expand legal safeguards for LGBTQ people 
AP: Ex-nursing home administrator indicted on fraud charges
USA Today: Dr. Rachel Levine faces transphobia in historic U.S. Senate confirmation hearing
USA Today: Police: Former state legislator racked up nearly $1,000 on stolen credit cards
USA Today: Former Pa. rep arrested for using stolen credit card
Times Observer: Reporters try drawing Congressional District lines
Morning Call: Opponents of gerrymandering are recruiting a citizen army as Pennsylvania’s 2022 redistricting approaches
York Daily Record: More states have legalized recreational weed. Here’s why Pa. is unlikely to join them.
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Levine endures transphobic tirade from Rand Paul during Senate confirmation hearing 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Citing emergency powers, Wolf admin skirts public bidding requirements to award $11.5M consulting contract 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa. Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement ‘unable to fulfill its mission’ state officials say, citing lack of funding increases 
Inquirer: In questioning Rachel Levine, a trans woman, Rand Paul compares gender affirmation therapy to human rights violation 
Inquirer: Fact-checking Gov. Tom Wolf’s statement that Pa. is the only state without a natural gas severance tax
Inquirer: Gov. Wolf puts critic back on $60 billion pension board
Inquirer: Most kids and teens can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine. So why did Pa. send thousands of doses to pediatricians?
Patriot News: ‘Tom Wolf Toll Bridge’? Pa. lawmaker proposes to rename I-83 bridge after governor
Patriot News: Pa. at risk of regaining reputation as ‘puppy mill capital’
Post-Gazette: Levine defends record combating COVID-19, takes heat for vaccine rollout and nursing home deaths
WESA: Levine Fields Questions At Confirmation Hearing For HHS Job
WESA: PA Students Must Take Standardized Tests This School Year, Says Federal Government
WESA: Different Viruses, Same Results: Why Black Americans Are More Likely To Die From Both HIV & COVID-19
PLSReporter: ‘Elephant in the room’: Laughlin joins Street in sponsoring marijuana legalization bill 
KYW Newsradio: Pa. acting health secretary grilled by lawmakers on inconsistent vaccine rollout
StateImpactPA: Mariner East project penalized for dozens of violations in Lebanon County 
StateImpactPA: At DEP budget hearing, some legislators focus on Pa.’s effort to join RGGI 
StateImpactPA: Delaware River Basin Commission votes to ban fracking in the watershed
National Journal: For racial justice advocates, filibuster fight is far from over 
The Hill: Fracking banned in Delaware River Basin 
The Hill: Rand Paul criticized for questioning of transgender health nominee 
The Hill: Ex-girlfriend of Capitol rioter turned him in after he texted her pictures
City Paper: Sen. Rand Paul criticized for likening gender dysphoria to “mutilation” in hearing with Dr. Rachel Levine
CNN: Patty Murray rebukes Rand Paul for ‘harmful misrepresentations’ at historic confirmation hearing for Rachel Levine 
Fox News: Rachel Levine, HHS assistant secretary nominee, quizzed on missing Pa. nursing home data 
Fox News: US Capitol riot suspect called ex-girlfriend ‘a moron’ and she went to feds the next day, officials say
KDKA: Pa. Sen. Bob Casey Sponsors Bill To Protect Children From Falling Furniture  

Philadelphia 
Philly Clout: A Philly ShopRite magnate goes shopping — for the mayor’s race
Philadelphia Business Journal: ‘I would do it again in a heartbeat’: After defending Trump, van der Veen seeks more high-profile cases  
The Intercept: Police Want Larry Krasner Gone, So They’re Backing His Opponent
WHYY Newsworks: SEPTA to use COVID relief funds to move ahead with King of Prussia rail line
WHYY Newsworks: Return to in-person school in Philly delayed again, mediation results expected Monday
WHYY Newsworks: Philly’s vaccine supply flowing to some wealthy suburbs 4 times faster than many city neighborhoods 
WHYY Newsworks: Delaware River Basin Commission votes to ban fracking in the watershed
Inquirer: Amid lawsuits, Delaware River Basin Commission makes fracking ban permanent 
Inquirer: A staffer in the Philly DA’s Office shot a sex worker in self-defense but lied to investigators, state prosecutors say
Inquirer: Philly students won’t return Monday, but a reopening decision is days away
KYW Newsradio: Agency permanently bans fracking near Delaware River
KYW Newsradio: City Council deal to develop new housing in Point Breeze generates contention with community
KYW Newsradio: Philly School District nixes scheduled return to classrooms until further notice
KYW Newsradio: City renews strategy to get guns off streets with another gun buyback effort

SEPA
Bucks County Courier Times: Rep. Warren looks to help boroughs in new role 
Bucks County Courier Times: Feds: Bristol Township woman passed barriers during Capitol insurrection
Daily Local News: Houlahan: Two-week window opens for PPP small business applications
Daily Local News: Feds: Ridley Park man texted ex during Capitol riot 
Daily Local News: Chester County officials at ‘a 10’ in frustration over vaccine program
WHYY Newsworks: Chesco says it could inoculate 33,000 people a week. It just needs the vaccines
Montgomery Media: Town hall participants question fact-finding process in report on Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office
Bucks Local News: Bucks County candidate for judge announces endorsements 
Bucks Local News: Pennsbury celebrates Engineers Week as Boeing CEO, local officials honor Levittown’s ‘Rosie the Riveter’

Pittsburgh 
KDKA: Pa. State Senator Lindsey Williams Urges Biden Administration To Waive Standardized Tests In 2021 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Mayor Peduto Reaffirms Belief Teachers Should Be Prioritized In Vaccine Process 
KDKA: Amendment Made To Pittsburgh’s CROWN Act 
KDKA: Port Authority Putting Together 25-Year Plan For Mass Transit In Allegheny County 
KDKA: Pittsburgh Public Schools Parents Enraged After Photos Show Superintendent Anthony Hamlet Without Mask While With Friends In Florida 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 224 New Coronavirus Cases, 2 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Giant Eagle to hold mass vaccination clinic at Heinz Field 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County adds fewer than 300 covid cases for 12th day in a row
Pittsburgh Business Times: Giant Eagle, Pittsburgh Steelers team up for multi-day Covid-19 vaccine clinic at Heinz Field 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Here’s what’s next for NEXTransit, the Port Authority’s 25-year plan for the region’s transit needs
Post-Gazette: Pa. reports 2,356 new cases, 81 deaths
WESA: City Of Pittsburgh Gears Up For Implementation Of Its Bike(+) Plan

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Joyce talks meds at White House supply chain meeting
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: DeBartola, Taranto running as GOP team for city government
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: $1.47M awarded to Cambria County for hospitality industry recovery grants
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: State’s handling of pandemic sharply criticized in budget hearing
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Three COVID-19 deaths across eight-county region; Westmoreland adds 53 new cases
Altoona Mirror: Gregory says courts, hospitals failed him
Altoona Mirror: Snyder seeks seat as Bellwood mayor
Altoona Mirror: State tracking second vaccines
Altoona Mirror: UPMC to open vaccine clinic
Altoona Mirror: Cambria GOP to host soup, petition event
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County adds fewer than 100 daily covid cases for 3 weeks
Observer-Reporter: Greene County lawyer announces candidacy for common pleas judge
Observer-Reporter: Fitzgerald says there is light at the end of the COVID tunnel

NEPA
Citizens Voice: Cartwright advocates for $1.9T American Rescue Plan
Citizens Voice: 71 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Thursday
Times-Tribune: Murray plans run for Scranton mayor 
Times-Tribune: Local mass vaccination clinic postponed because of vaccine shortage
Pocono Record: Delaware River Basin Commission votes to ban fracking in the watershed 
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council schedules special meeting responding to Urban’s election board chair appointment
The Times Leader: GOP members name Urban Election Board chair despite charter prohibition
The Times Leader: Radle to step down from Luzerne County GOP post in wake of Urban appointment
The Times Leader: 71 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Thursday; 2 more deaths

South Central 
Patriot News: ‘Tom Wolf Toll Bridge’? Pa. lawmaker proposes to rename I-83 bridge after governor
Patriot News: Shamaine Daniels seeks re-election to Harrisburg City Council
Patriot News: Harrisburg District Judge Sonya McKnight announces re-election bid while facing criminal charges
Patriot News: Joe Bucher announces aim to retain Mechanicsburg Borough Council seat
York Dispatch: York City Council president to retire; Mayor Helfrich will seek second term
Carlisle Sentinel: County’s job count still off 5.6% in third quarter, federal data indicates
Carlisle Sentinel: DEP collects $497,000 in penalties from Sunoco for Mariner East 2 pipeline work
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 36 cases of COVID-19 and 3 new deaths for Cumberland County Thursday 
LNP | LancasterOnline: 146 people in Lancaster County fatally overdosed in 2020; health officials say pandemic impact played role

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Opponents of gerrymandering are recruiting a citizen army as Pennsylvania’s 2022 redistricting approaches
Morning Call: Lehigh County executive commits to COVID-19 recovery in state of the county address
Morning Call: Lehigh County Jail population decreased at height of pandemic, but advocate sees troubling year-end surge
Reading Eagle: Fired Reading solicitor claims mayor improperly removed her from office
Reading Eagle: Former Berks County deputy coroner launches campaign for coroner
Reading Eagle: Pa. distribution of COVID vaccine frustrates Berks officials
Reading Eagle: Biden immigration plan raises hopes for those in Berks seeking path to citizenship
Reading Eagle: DEP collects $497,000 in penalties from Sunoco for violations in Lebanon County along Mariner East 2 pipeline
Reading Eagle: 68 new COVID cases for Berks as long-term average goes below 100 for first time in months
WFMZ: Lehigh County executive reviews 2020 in State of County address
WFMZ: Senators question Rachel Levine about handling of COVID crisis at confirmation hearing
WFMZ: Berks commissioners emphasize need for mass vaccination
Express Times: COVID milestone: Lehigh County has more fully vaccinated people than cases
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: Pa.’s averaging lowest new case rates since Nov.; more than 700K fully vaccinated | Pa. coronavirus and vaccine updates (02/25/21)

North by Northwest
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Local leaders say no to toll proposal meant to fund bridge repairs
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Feds increase state’s first dose vaccine allocation
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Small business loan program waives some fees, payments
Centre Daily Times: What ‘core principles’ does Anthony Fauci live by? Here’s what he said at a PSU awards ceremony
Centre Daily Times: Feb. 25 update: Centre County adds 33 cases of COVID-19; Pa. reports 2,356 new positives
Erie Times-News: Allen in, Brennan out of Erie City Council race
Erie Times-News: Erie Clerk of Records Gamble not running, endorses aide
Erie Times-News: How do Biden’s immigration plans affect Erie immigrants?

Opinion  
John Baer: Pa.’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout is climbing to ‘meh’ 
Patricia Cowley: Proposed bridge tolls could be the end of the road for the Pa. bus industry
Paul Muschick: Charlie Dent on a new center-right party: ‘There’s clearly a demand out there’
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: What’s in a name? Transparency. Wolf administration: Take note.  
York Dispatch Editorial Board: That’s what you want to censure?
Kimberly Rooney 高小荣: Anti-Asian hate crimes don’t begin with physical violence
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Liability shields should not be free passes 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Blank masks for bus drivers
Keith C. Burris: Blessed are the listeners
Tony Norman: Driving a Jeep into a ditch on Thunder Road
Sharif El-Mekki: In fretting over schools, politicians are ignoring our biggest asset 
Will Bunch: Why Biden needs a prime-time, Oval Office speech to declare war on voter suppression 
Michael Days: Black Catholics deserved recognition in PBS doc on Black churches
Mark Zandi: Why Biden’s rescue plan makes sense and how it can be better targeted