A psychologist announces a primary challenge to Rep. Scott Perry for PA’s 10th Congressional District, while CNN rates PA’s Senate seat as most likely to flip in 2022. Here is the Playbook. 

PA10: Psychologist Launches Primary Challenge to Perry: Brian Allen, a psychologist and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Penn State College of Medicine, says that he is a conservative candidate who can unite people – but that he wouldn’t join the Freedom Caucus.

CNN Rates PA Senate Seat As Most Likely to Flip in 2022: Pennsylvania’s Senate race in 2022 is listed as the most likely to flip partisan control in CNN’s inaugural ranking released on Wednesday morning.

Jill Biden Visits School in Erie County: The Erie Times-News reports that First Lady Jill Biden and Education Secretary Miguel Cardona visited a school in Erie County on Wednesday. 

Johnny Doc Charged with Extortion: John J. Dougherty, Business Manager of IBEW Local 98, was federally indicted on extortion charges on Wednesday, NBC10 reports. 

Solomon Responds to Johnny Doc’s New Indictment Charges: State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) sent out a press release on Wednesday afternoon in response to IBEW Local 98 Leader John Dougherty’s new 19-count indictment. Solomon says that he “denounces” the behavior from Dougherty and “any lawmakers who do his bidding.” Solomon says that he was “the only elected official to speak out against the corruption and fraud John Dougherty ushers into Philadelphia politics” in Spring 2019, and also re-upped his call for Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon to resign.

PFT Endorses Peduto for Mayor: According to a press release from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s campaign, the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers (PFT) have endorsed his reelection bid. 

Steel City Stonewall Democrats Endorse Gainey for Mayor: State Rep. Ed Gainey (D-Allegheny) announced that the Steel City Stonewall Democrats have endorsed his bid for mayor of Pittsburgh. 

IUPAT and IUOE Endorse Gainey for Mayor: According to a press release from state Rep. Ed Gainey’s campaign, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 57 and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 66 have endorsed his bid for mayor of Pittsburgh. 

Harrisburg & DC   
Patriot News: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf signs bill enabling National Guard to help with COVID-19 vaccine effort
Patriot News: Pa.’s teacher, school staff vaccination program to launch on March 10
Patriot News: Pork or economic boost? Here’s what’s in the $1.9T stimulus plan
Patriot News: COVID-19 update: Pa. nears 10% of adults fully vaccinated 
AP: Pennsylvania teachers, school staff to get 1-dose vaccine
AP: Pennsylvania hauled to court over blocking plastic bag bans
Post-Gazette: Activists get behind legislation to open legislative redistricting process in Pennsylvania 
Post-Gazette: U.S. infrastructure improves slightly but still receives C- grade, civil engineers say
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Wolf, legislative leaders tap the well-connected for big salaries as oversight board members
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Pa.’s Toomey votes against Biden’s pick to run HHS — California AG Xavier Becerra
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: National Guard gets OK to join Pa. vaccine efforts under new law
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Educators first in line for one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine under new statewide plan
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘We are all in the crossfire’: With gun violence on the rise during the pandemic, one Philadelphia mom is fighting back | Thursday Morning Coffee
ABC27: Women in Politics: How Pa. politicians continue to break the glass ceiling
KDKA Newsradio: PA Senator Toomey chastises $1.9T COVID relief bill
Morning Call: Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf announces new Johnson & Johnson vaccine will go solely to teachers, other education workers; National Guard deeply involved 
USA Today: Thousands of Pa. Republicans are switching parties. Why Democrats shouldn’t get excited
USA Today: Pa. senators want probe into Wolf administration’s handling of pandemic in nursing homes
PLSReporter: Wolf signs bill preparing National Guard for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
PLSReporter: Philadelphia sues state over prohibition on local plastic bag bans 
PLSReporter: With more than 120,000 vaccine doses dedicated to educators, Wolf says education community should be covered by end of March 
PLSReporter: GOP senators call for auditor general investigation into nursing home COVID-19 policies
Inquirer: Pa. teachers to begin getting vaccines next week, Gov. Wolf announces 
StateImpactPA: Philadelphia, suburban towns sue state over moratorium on plastic bag bans
StateImpactPA: Pa.’s waterways are full of microplastics, a citizen science study says 
StateImpactPA: Life along the Delaware: Better access to Philly’s two rivers could open spaces on hidden shorelines
KYW Newsradio: Wolf announces vaccination plan for Pa. teachers
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania’s infrastructure gets a ‘C-‘ grade from civil engineers
The Hill: Fetterman: Lawmakers backing reduced stimulus check eligibility ‘out of touch’
Bucks County Courier Times: Not so surprisingly, PA Turnpike comes in as most expensive toll road in the world, study finds 
WPSU: Elk, Montour Counties Lead In Pennsylvania Vaccinations  

Philadelphia 
NBC10: ‘You Think Yous Are Untouchable?’ Johnny Doc, Nephew Charged With Extortion
KYW Newsradio: Rep. Evans, Sen. Casey introduce federal legislation to help gun violence survivors
KYW Newsradio: Union leader John Dougherty facing new federal extortion charges
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia to COVID-19 vaccine seekers: Don’t jump the line
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia sues Pennsylvania to preserve right to ban single-use plastic bags
Inquirer: Philly labor leader Johnny Doc was indicted again, this time for threatening a contractor
Inquirer: Philly and suburban towns are suing Pa. over a law stopping them from banning plastic bags
Inquirer: Philadelphia needs ‘sanctuary schools,’ immigrant rights group demands
Inquirer: COVID-19 vaccine allocation creates ‘vaccine deserts’ in parts of Philly
Inquirer: Philly’s biggest employers spend billions outside the city. Inside a new effort to bring that money home.
Inquirer: Philly’s FEMA mass COVID-19 vaccination site draws thousands to its official opening
Inquirer: Where are Philly’s ‘vaccine deserts’? | Morning Newsletter
Billy Penn: Feds arrest labor leader John Dougherty on extortion charges
Billy Penn: ‘Fresh Air’ archives have the ~content~ you crave for Women’s History Month
WHYY Newsworks: Philadelphia, suburban towns sue state over moratorium on plastic bag bans
WHYY Newsworks: Mumia Abu-Jamal supporters say he has COVID, call on Pa. to release all vulnerable incarcerated people
Philadelphia Tribune: Virtual town hall looks at contributions of Black Muslims
Philadelphia Weekly: ‘Protect Our Police’ PAC Prez Nick Gerace On Why Our Progressive DA Should Go  
Philadelphia Business Journal: Philadelphia suing state over provision blocking city’s plastic bag ban 
Philadelphia Magazine: Didn’t Get an Email After Submitting a Vaccine Interest Form? The City Promises You’re on the List

SEPA
Montgomery Media: Feds take case of man accused of firing shots into Montgomery County Democratic Party office
Daily Local News: Herrin looks back on three years as mayor
Daily Local News: Despite pandemic, visits to state parks increase by 28%
Inquirer: Man accused of firing at Montgomery County Democratic headquarters is now in federal custody
KYW Newsradio: Federal authorities take over case of man who allegedly shot into Montco Democratic Committee office
WHYY Newsworks: Pa. coronavirus update: State to vaccinate teachers by mid-April; Montco plans third mass site
Pottstown Mercury: Conroy appointed to fill Moskal’s vacant seat on Royersford Borough council 
Bucks County Courier Times: Not so surprisingly, PA Turnpike comes in as most expensive toll road in the world, study finds 

Pittsburgh 
Tribune Review: Ed Gainey announces $130K in fundraising as incumbent Peduto gains support from teachers union 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County officials: ‘We’re not there yet’ on reopening 
Tribune Review: McKeesport Council meeting postponed amid complaints that it locked out public 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 186 covid cases, 17 deaths
WESA: Council Modifies, Passes Coronavirus Eviction Ban 
WESA: County Officials Urge Residents To Keep Up COVID-19 Precautions As Cases Plateau 
WESA: Pittsburgh-Area Commercial Bankruptcies Hit A Low In 2020, Despite Pandemic
Post-Gazette: Gov. Wolf says Pa. will vaccinate teachers, staff with J&J shot 
Post-Gazette: Catholic bishops tell faithful to avoid Johnson & Johnson vaccine if possible 
Post-Gazette: Study finds microplastics in each of state’s waterways
Post-Gazette: McKeesport City Council meeting postponed due to alleged Sunshine Act issues
Post-Gazette: Fallout over shot glass giveaway in Pitt dorms ends in student election surprise
City Paper: Pittsburgh politicians quarrel over who pushed eviction moratorium past the finish line 
City Paper: The recent deaths of trans people of color in Western Pennsylvania signal an alarming trend of violence 
KDKA: Southwestern Pa. Veterans Pose Questions To New Veterans Affairs Secretary Who Promises Action 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Allegheny County: Leaders Remind Everyone To Remain Vigilant As Virus Numbers Tick Up 
KDKA: Diocese Of Pittsburgh Discourages Catholics From Using Johnson & Johnson Vaccine 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 17 New Deaths, 186 Additional Cases
Pittsburgh Business Times: Cover story: RGGI advocates, opponents line up for battle in Pennsylvania 
Pittsburgh Business Times: Allegheny County Covid rates tick upward after steep drop recently 

SWPA 
Observer-Reporter: Pa. National Guard to assist in vaccinating educators
Observer-Reporter: No new COVID-19 deaths in Washington, Greene and Fayette counties
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown’s ‘direction’ motivates David Vitovich to run for council again 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Johnstown’s environment plays role in councilwoman’s decision to seek reelection
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County hospitality providers can get parts of $1.5M grant
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pennsylvania: Gov. Tom Wolf Signs Bill To Deploy National Guard For Vaccine Distribution
Tribune Review: Westmoreland commissioners demand increase in covid vaccine deliveries
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County covid hospitalizations rise, sit at 5th highest in state
Altoona Mirror: Burke firm on wage stance
Altoona Mirror: Lawmakers question Labor Secretary over virus
Altoona Mirror: Aid offered to hospitality industry
Altoona Mirror: County director of public works fired
Beaver County Times: UPMC vaccine clinics open in Lawrence, Mercer counties
Beaver County Times: The fight for nurse to patient ratios in PA

NEPA
The Times Leader: Luzerne County Council ousts trio from election board 
The Times Leader: 60 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Wednesday; 5 more deaths
Citizens Voice: Freeland councilwoman gets probation for theft 
Citizens Voice: 5 new COVID-19 deaths reported in county
Times-Tribune: State treasurer names former PennDOT spokesman as new public affairs manager 
Times-Tribune: State plans for teachers to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine 
Times-Tribune: Microplastic pollution identified in Lackawanna River, 52 other Pennsylvania waterways 
Times-Tribune: Northeast Pennsylvania adds another 221 COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths

South Central 
LNP | LancasterOnline: 4 takeaways from COVID-19 mass vaccination site town hall, from how to sign up to who can get vaccine
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County officially hires new director of elections
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster County lawmakers move to extend substitute teacher program to prevent further learning loss
LNP | LancasterOnline: Lancaster Chamber to host virtual ‘State of the County’ March 22
Patriot News: I-83 South Bridge toll plan: Most don’t want to pay to cross, but some ‘are still trying to take it in’
Patriot News: Teacher Jocelyn Rawls to run for Harrisburg City Council
Patriot News: York attorney announces candidacy for court of common pleas
Patriot News: Black Harrisburg residents say they want the COVID-19 vaccine but can’t get it
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 55 new COVID cases, 1 new death reported in Cumberland County Wednesday
York Dispatch: York County school officials praise Wolf’s vaccine rollout for teachers
York Dispatch: Two more die due to COVID-19 in York County
York Daily Record: What we know about PA’s plan to prioritize teachers for one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine
York Daily Record: Hear the voices of a $15 minimum wage protest movement in Harrisburg at the Capitol

Lehigh Valley      
Morning Call: Pennsylvania teachers move up in the COVID-19 vaccine queue, but others on front lines feel left behind: ‘Public safety should be a priority’
Morning Call: Diocese of Allentown opposes Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for using abortion-derived cell lines
Morning Call: Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 193,000 vaccine doses delivered Tuesday
Reading Eagle: Berks County launches new rent relief program for tenants struggling during COVID pandemic
Reading Eagle: Pa. teachers now eligible for COVID vaccine, Gov. Wolf announces
Reading Eagle: 97 more COVID cases for Berks County
Express Times: Pa. National Guard will use Easton-area facility to give teachers COVID vaccines
Express Times: Study finds harmful microplastics in Pa. waterways, from Delaware River to Lake Erie
Express Times: COVID in Pa.: Nearly 900K fully vaccinated; state rolling out teacher Johnson & Johnson COVD vaccine campaign; Lehigh Valley crosses 58K total cases | Coronavirus cases and vaccine updates for Pa. and Lehigh Valley (3/3/21)
WFMZ: Berks leaders ‘incredibly dissatisfied’ with vaccine process
WFMZ: Houlahan thanks National Guard members assigned to DC
WFMZ: Some leaders within Catholic Church urging Catholics to steer clear of Johnson & Johnson vaccine 

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Jill Biden touts ‘hope’ for schools in Erie County stop
Erie Times-News: First lady, education secretary talk to Fort LeBoeuf Middle School students  
Erie Times-News: First Lady Jill Biden visits Waterford school 
Erie Times-News: Harkins: Outdated School Code language is offensive
Erie Times-News: Erie Parking Authority suggests changes to city
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Toomey called out for not helping airport
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Former police chief announces bid for county sheriff
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Contracts for city economic consultants get positive nods
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Shared bus rides offered to get to vaccination sites
Centre Daily Times: Top Pa. senator appoints colleague’s wife to lucrative Gaming Control Board seat
Centre Daily Times: March 3 update: Centre County reaches 13,000 COVID-19 cases; teachers to get 1-dose vaccine

Opinion  
Gary Velasquez: One way Pa. can help solve growing vaccine disparities between counties
Inquirer Editorial Board: If D.C. won’t increase minimum wage for Pa., Harrisburg should 
USA Today Editorial Board: As drug deaths surge, Pennsylvania must renew its heroin, opioid overdose fight
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: We ought to rethink how juvenile homicide cases are handled in Pennsylvania
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: UPMC pushing the ethical envelope
Joyce M. Davis: How to help artists coping with COVID catastrophe | Social Views
Gene Therapy: Closing in on American Idiocracy
Allison Siegelman: The plot against America must not succeed
Stephen Silver: Dr. Seuss did not get canceled. But if you think he did, you have a bigger problem. 
The Angry Grammarian: Biden administration is undoing Trump’s legacy of hate, one word at a time