Republicans select their candidate for the special election in Senate District 48. Here is the Playbook. 

SD48: Chris Gebhard Nominated as GOP Candidate in Special Election: Gebhard, president and CEO of Hoaster Gebhard & Co., mentioned repealing Act 77, reopening Pennsylvania’s economy, and fighting against Gov. Tom Wolf’s agenda as his three legislative priorities.

SD22: Mullins Announces Bid for Dem Nomination: Mullins is the second state rep from Lackawanna County to announce his intentions for the Democratic Party nomination for the open state Senate seat.

Wolf Selects Dr. Denise Johnson As PA Physician General: Dr. Denise Johnson, who most recently served as the Chief Medical Officer at Meadville Medical Center in Crawford County, will be succeeding Dr. Wendy Braund.

3 Republicans, 1 Democrat Files for PA Supreme Court Opening: The Associated Press reports that Commonwealth Court judges Kevin Brobson and Patricia McCullough, plus Philadelphia Common Pleas Court Judge Paula Patrick are the three GOP candidates seeking the lone spot on the court, while Superior Court Judge Maria McLaughlin is the lone Democrat running. Brobson and McLaughlin were endorsed by their respective state party’s for the spot on the court. 

Peduto To Face Three Primary Challengers: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that state Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny), retired police officer Tony Moreno, and community organizer Mike Thompson have all filed to run in the Democratic primary for Pittsburgh Mayor against incumbent Mayor Bill Peduto, while no Republican filed to run.  

Lehigh County GOP Votes to Censure Toomey: WFMZ reports that the Lehigh County Republican Committee voted on Tuesday night to censure Sen. Pat Toomey over his vote to convict former President Donald Trump in his second impeachment trial.  

Rhynhart Is The Lone Candidate to File for Philly City Controller: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that incumbent Philadelphia City Controller Rebecca Rhynhart is the lone candidate to file for City Controller in 2021, while speculation grows about a potential candidacy for mayor in 2023. 

Six Candidates File for Erie County Executive Race: According to the Erie Times-News, Erie County Councilman Carl Anderson, Erie School Board President Tyler Titus, The International Institute of Erie’s Director Dylanna Grasinger, and Conneaut Township Auditor Rita Bishop are the four Democrats that have filed for the Erie County Executive race, while contractor Brenton Davis and Shawn Wroblewski, a public safety worker, have filed to run as Republicans in the race.  

Buttigieg Talks to KDKA About Need For An Infrastructure Bill: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talks to KDKA’s Jon Delano about his support for an infrastructure bill that would deal with many transportation issues. 

Norley To Run for West Chester Mayor: The Daily Local News reports that interim Mayor Jordan Norley announced that he will seek a full four-year term. Norley, Councilman Don Braceland, funeral director Lillian DeBaptiste, and marketer Kyle Hudson will be on the Democratic ballot during the primary, while businessman Eric Lorgus will run as an Independent. 

Biden Appoints PA Native To Serve in the Office of Administration and Office of Management and Administration: According to a press release on Tuesday morning, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced that Dana Rosenzweig, originally from Pennsylvania and graduate of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, will serve as the Deputy Director of Management and Administration for Operations. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Spotlight PA: Pa. audit confirms Biden got more votes than Trump, but can’t tell us much else
Spotlight PA: You’re invited! A reader Q&A on redistricting, gerrymandering, and what it means for Pa. communities
AP: Candidates file for Pennsylvania Supreme Court opening
AP: US aid to state draws GOP warning to use it for 1-time costs 
Inquirer: A rough vaccine rollout has even Democrats turning on Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers — and many others — are still fighting over daylight saving time
WESA: State Gaming Control Board Has A ‘Pattern’ Of Appointing Politically Connected People
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: What the federal stimulus package means for Pa.’s local governments 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Egged on by pandemic-closed offices, lawmakers and media mull changes to Pa.’s open records law
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: COVID cases are down. This isn’t the time to lift mask mandates or refuse the vaccine | Wednesday Morning Coffee
York Daily Record: COVID-19, one year later: Coronavirus exposed racial inequalities in Pa. What comes next? 
PLSReporter: Republicans select Chris Gebhard for 48th Senate District special election, Democrats to pick next week
PLSReporter: Pa. surpasses 3M shots as country eyes return to normal
Fox News: Report shows Pennsylvania school districts flush with cash despite slow reopening
Express Times: Variants and behavior could push new COVID deaths 20% higher in Pa., projection shows
The Hill: Biden administration backs pipeline in Supreme Court land dispute
Patriot News: 144 cities, including Lebanon and State College, could lose status as metro areas 
Patriot News: Pa. passes 3 million COVID-19 vaccine shots, nearly 1 million are fully vaccinated

Philadelphia 
Inquirer: Rebecca Rhynhart is cruising to reelection. Can she be Philly mayor next?  
Inquirer: Philadelphia COVID-19 vaccine registration can finally keep out line jumpers, officials say
Inquirer: Immigrant family to leave Philly church sanctuary as ICE says they’re ‘not a priority’
Inquirer: Philly students could attend school this summer and stay hybrid in the fall, the superintendent says
Inquirer: Philly’s FDR Park to get $4.5 million for new visitor center, event space, café, and playground
Inquirer: Philly could reach herd immunity by June as pace of vaccinations speeds up, health director says, but new case numbers are ‘going the wrong direction’
Inquirer: Democrats are losing patience with Gov. Wolf, too | Morning Newsletter
Billy Penn: What the new stimulus means for Philly
Billy Penn: Philly’s FEMA vaccine site has hundreds of leftover doses each day. Officials are still working on fair distribution.
WHYY Newsworks: FDR Park gets $4.5M funding boost for new Welcome Center and ‘destination’ playground
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: Philly’s weekly vaccinations nearly double with new FEMA site
Philadelphia Tribune: Report faults Kenney administration for not vetting Philly Fighting COVID, missing red flags
Philly Voice: Philly nearly doubles weekly COVID-19 vaccinations thanks to FEMA clinic 
Philly Voice: Philadelphia Water Department extends service shutoff ban until April 2022
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia, surrounding counties to open application process for millions in hospitality grants
KYW Newsradio: City working to curb appointment-sharing at FEMA vaccination site

SEPA
Daily Local News: Norley changes mind, decides to run for West Chester mayor
Daily Local News: Gun permits, firearm sales ‘skyrocket’ in Chester County
Daily Local News: Frustration over vaccine allocation mounts in SE Pennsylvania
Inquirer: More COVID-19 vaccine should go to counties that want it most, suburban Philly lawmakers tell state
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County leaders reflect on year of coronavirus pandemic
Montgomery Media: Montgomery County reports 98 daily new coronavirus cases, one more death
KYW Newsradio: At-risk patients who live in suburbs can’t get vaccine at Philly hospitals where they get treatment
KYW Newsradio: Environmental groups want EPA to rethink PFAS disposal guidelines
Bucks Local News: Kyle Davis, Andrea Ahern announce campaign for Newtown Township Board of Supervisors
Pottstown Mercury: Pottstown council to reconsider backyard chicken ban

Pittsburgh 
WESA: Allegheny County Council Passes Paid Sick Leave Mandate Despite Concerns It Could Invite Lawsuit 
WESA: One-Fifth Of Allegheny County Residents Have Been Vaccinated
City Paper: Rep. Guy Reschenthaler has dodged interview requests from WTAE for two months
City Paper: Low-income Pittsburghers are becoming increasingly reliant on public transit, bikes, walking, and alternative transportation
City Paper: Allegheny County Council passes paid sick leave bill for medium and large employers 
Post-Gazette: It’s official: Peduto will face three primary challengers 
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Council passes paid sick leave bill 
Post-Gazette: Funding will help Allegheny County prevent childhood traumas that lead to drug use 
Post-Gazette: Thousands of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County teachers to receive vaccinations this week
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Pa. surpasses 3 million vaccine doses administered 
KDKA: Allegheny County Council Votes To Pass Paid Sick Leave Bill 
KDKA: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Shares Thoughts On Bridge And I-80 Tolls In Exclusive One-On-One 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 348 More Coronavirus Cases, 2 Additional Deaths
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh officials add their support to national $15 minimum wage
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh Controller’s Office signs on to end use of racially derogatory acronym in annual reports
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh working to iron out how eviction ban will be enforced as lawsuit against it proceeds
Tribune Review: Allegheny, Westmoreland counties see largest increase in covid cases in month

SWPA 
Altoona Mirror: Virus relief bill gives Pa. $13B
Altoona Mirror: Long-term care sees virus cases fall
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: CLICK AND WATCH: Casey to headline COVID-19 forum; state, local officials will also speak
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Region marks second day with one new COVID-19 death
KDKA: COVID-19 In Westmoreland County: Officials Say State Is Not Communicating About Vaccine Distribution
KDKA: Fayette Co. Ranks 9th In COVID-19 Vaccination Rates In Pa.
Observer-Reporter: Doctors recommend taking whichever COVID vaccine is available
Observer-Reporter: CDC eases some masking rules for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Beaver County Times: Beaver County to consider new juvenile detention center
Beaver County Times: Pennsylvania COVID-19 cases holding steady

NEPA
The Times Leader: Cartwright, local lawmakers urge setting up of mass vaccination sites for region
The Times Leader: Yudichak and Hanover Area super question vaccination effort
The Times Leader: Pashinski co-introduces bill to help save money on medications
The Times Leader: Exeter Council votes to amend Radle’s duties
The Times Leader: Eighteen respond to Luzerne County’s plea for election board applicants
The Times Leader: 67 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County on Tuesday
Citizens Voice: Cartwright, state legislators ask for NEPA mass vaccination site
Citizens Voice: Nine Republicans, five Democrats running for county council
Citizens Voice: Exeter council removes treasurer’s duties from Radle to avoid potential conflict
Citizens Voice: 67 new COVID-19 cases reported in county on Tuesday
Times-Tribune: Local legislators call on state to open mass-vaccination sites

South Central 
Carlisle Sentinel: Cumberland County asks residents, businesses to complete survey on climate change mitigation measures
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 58 new cases of COVID-19 for Cumberland County Tuesday
Patriot News: Papenfuse sets goals for a third term in race for Harrisburg mayor 
Patriot News: Cumberland County asks residents, businesses for input on climate change
Patriot News: 144 cities, including Lebanon and State College, could lose status as metro areas 
York Dispatch: Watchdogs: COVID-19 made transparency worse in Pa.
York Dispatch: York County reports three new deaths linked to COVID-19

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: Lehigh County GOP votes to censure Toomey
WFMZ: State lawmaker frustrated over vaccine distribution in Pa.
WFMZ: Lehigh County GOP to hold censure vote on Sen. Pat Toomey
WFMZ: Reading City Council tables motion to confirm acting solicitor
WFMZ: Many residents breathe sigh of relief as Northern Berks Regional PD to remain intact
Morning Call: Lehigh County Republicans will hold censure vote on Sen. Pat Toomey
Morning Call: 2021 primary election: Who’s on the primary ballot in Allentown, Bethlehem and county races 
Morning Call: Pennsylvania lawmakers — and many others — are still fighting over daylight saving time
Morning Call: Former Lehigh County administrator enters Bethlehem race, hoping to be first Republican mayor in 24 years
Morning Call: ‘Transformative’ rezoning proposal near Allentown riverfront gets thumbs-up from city planning commission 
Reading Eagle: Reading’s City Council stops short of confirming the acting solicitor
Reading Eagle: Pa. health department agrees Berks County lagging in vaccinations
Reading Eagle: Hoping to attract businesses, Reading reauthorizes Pennsylvania’s economic enterprise zone
Reading Eagle: Pa. stats show another 400-plus Berks residents complete COVID vaccination
Express Times: 84% of Bethlehem parents of hybrid elementary students want kids back full-time
Express Times: Northampton County starts COVID vaccine phone line to help seniors schedule shot
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: 3M vaccine doses given; case rate level after weeks of decline; Lehigh Valley nearing 60K cases | Pa. COVID vaccine map (03/09/21)

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Here’s who has filed for Erie County’s primary
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City councilman seeks Republican nomination
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Muncy man runs for borough council
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Council approves Civil Service Commission members
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: City plans to make WiFi ‘Lift Zones’ to help distance learning
Centre Daily Times: Trying to get your COVID-19 vaccine in Centre County? Medical providers offer advice, tips
Centre Daily Times: Here’s every location in Centre County that is offering a COVID-19 vaccine

Opinion  
Margo Davidson: Why we must quickly redraw Pennsylvania’s legislative lines
Pat Harkins: Don’t tax our teamsters: Financial transaction tax wrong for working-class Americans
Jenice Armstrong: Movita Johnson-Harrell became an activist after gun violence took her son. Now she’s lost a second one.
Laura Chu Wiens, Caroline Slama, and Yasha Zarrinkelk: Pa. transit riders need a commitment to fare relief and full service with their funding
Ray E. Landis: Welcome to the 2021 Pa. budget hearings: New and big problems. The same tired conversation 
Elena Gooray, Erica Palan, Sandra Shea and Abraham Gutman: During a year apart, these workers were too essential to isolate. This is how they’re doing now.
Will Bunch Newsletter: Will Pa. shrug off new fracking horror stories?
Reading Eagle Editorial: State must stop shortchanging Berks County on COVID vaccine 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Another phony commission? 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: A broken promise on human rights
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard on women. Things shouldn’t be this tough. 
Anthony Hamlet: Some ‘straight talk’ from PPS superintendent
Kevin Mooney: Pennsylvania students try to get back on track as teachers unions fight to stop them 
Dwane Brock, Lawrence Persico, Sean Rowe: Three bishops, Black and white, unite to advance racial reckoning
Ernest Owens: The Black Doctors Consortium Is Totally Self-Funded. Imagine What It Could Do With City Support
Zachary Wright: If L.A. can defund its school police, so can Philadelphia 
Paul Muschick: COVID relief: 7 ways life could get back to normal for vaccinated people
Michael J. Deem: Catholics, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and an unnecessary moral problem
Bridget C.E. Dooling and Laura E. Stanley: The pandemic broke through opioid treatment red tape. Let’s keep it that way. 
John Sigle: Beware: Google is out to get you
Iresha Picot: Like Meghan Markle, too many Black women suffer in silence
Christine Flowers: Someone’s finally taking Cuomo seriously
Tony Norman: When a fairytale becomes a horror movie
Mark Mellman: Party brand vs personal brand