Jeff Bartos formally announced his candidacy for the 2022 U.S. Senate race. Here is the Playbook. 

March 5th Ups and Downs: Several national ratings outlets project the Governor and Senate race as Toss Ups, the PAGOP “strongly rebukes” Sen. Pat Toomey, plus a Democratic hopeful for Pittsburgh Mayor’s old tweets praising Trump resurface. All of that and more are in this week’s Ups and Downs.

Allegheny County Democratic Committee Endorses Gainey for Mayor: On Sunday, the Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorsed state Rep. Ed Gainey’s (D-Allegheny) bid for mayor of Pittsburgh. WESA reports that Gainey received 326 votes, while Tony Moreno garnered 224 votes. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who is seeking a third term, did not seek the endorsement. 

Grasinger and Bishop Announce Bid for Erie County Executive: The Erie Times-News reports that Dylanna Grasinger and Rita Bishop have joined the Democratic race for Erie County Executive. Grasinger has led the International Institute of Erie for nearly a decade, while Bishop has worked in information technology at the Erie County Courthouse for more than a decade. Erie County Councilman Carl Anderson and Erie School Board President Tyler Titus have also previously announced their entrance into the race for the Democratic Party nomination.  

Costa, Doyle, and Fitzgerald Endorse Peduto for Mayor: According to a press release from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s campaign, state Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, Rep. Mike Doyle, and Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald have endorsed his reelection bid.  

Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council Endorses Peduto: The Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor Council endorsed Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s reelection bid, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. 

Electrical Workers and Ironworkers Endorse Peduto for Mayor: According to a press release from Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto’s campaign, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 5 and Ironworkers Local 3 have endorsed his reelection bid. 

Bucks County GOP Announces Recommended Candidates for Primary: The Bucks Local News reports that the Bucks County Republican Committee has announced their team of recommended candidates for the 2021 Primary Election. 

Emerge Pennsylvania Announces 2021 Cohort on International Women’s Day: On Monday morning, Emerge Pennsylvania announced its sixth cohort of women to participate in the organization’s candidate training program, according to a press release. The 25 women slated to participate in the Emerge PA 2021 cohort are: Adrienne King (Bucks Co), Antonetta Stancu (Bucks Co), Audrey Ware (Montgomery Co), Bernadette Hannah-Barone (Bucks Co), Carol Taylor (Blair Co), Darlene Yanakos (Allegheny Co), Elizabeth Throesch (Allegheny Co), Hope E Christman (Monroe Co), Jacqueline Santos-Rocco (Montgomery Co), Janee Taft (Philadelphia Co), Jannie Lau (Delaware Co), Jill Linta (Dauphin Co), Karen Mallah (Cumberland Co), Kathryn DiVittorio (Erie Co), Kearni Warren (Delaware Co), Kenyada Posey (Philadelphia Co), Kimberly Koch (Montgomery Co), Kimberly McGlonn (Montgomery Co), Lillian DeBaptise (Chester Co), Millicent Bond (Philadelphia Co), Monet Reilly (Delaware Co), Patti Bruno (Northampton Co.), Sarah Tarlow (Montgomery Co), Taiba Sultana (Northampton Co), and Tiffany Haley (Delaware Co)

Harrisburg & DC   
AP: Bartos declares candidacy for US Senate in Pennsylvania 
AP: Philly state lawmaker considering running for U.S. Senate 
AP: Governor: ‘Light at the end of the tunnel’ in virus fight 
AP: Jill Biden sees teachable moment in the depths of a pandemic
Spotlight PA: A Pennsylvania county went from bust to boom times with natural gas. Now, it’s nearly broke.
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf ordered Pa. schools to close. Why can’t he order them to reopen?
Patriot News: Pa. seniors complain they lost their place in the COVID-19 vaccine pecking order
Patriot News: GOP chooses Lebanon County businessman to run for open Senate seat
Patriot News: Pa. “Biden Barn” painted prior to presidential election has burned down
Inquirer: Real estate developer Jeff Bartos launches a Republican Senate campaign in Pennsylvania
Inquirer: Trump is gone, so Pennsylvania progressives are thinking local: ‘That’s where all the real stuff happens’
Inquirer: Pa. health secretary says suburbs weren’t under-supplied with COVID-19 vaccine, but lawmakers still ‘frustrated’
Inquirer: Breezewood, Pa., famed interstate traffic choke point | A photo essay
MSNBC: Sen. Casey on filibuster: ‘The Senate does not work like it used to’ 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: MontCo Republican Jeff Bartos announces 2022 U.S. Senate run 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: 50 states, 50 tax burdens: Here’s how Pa. ranked | The Numbers Racket 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: ‘When they don’t count us, we don’t count.’ LGBTQ leaders ask state health officials for more data on COVID-19 vaccinations 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: U.S. Senate passes coronavirus relief aid; bill now returns to the House; Pa.’s Casey, Toomey split 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: Waxing optimistic and looking forward to spring | Five for the Weekend 
Pennsylvania Capital-Star: There’s a reason individual stimulus checks are popular. They work | Monday Morning Coffee
KDKA: U.S. Senator Pat Toomey Responds To Republican Party’s Decision To Rebuke Him
KDKA: Pa. Senators Stand On Opposite Sides Of The Aisle Over Senate Narrowly Passing $1.9 Trillion Stimulus Bill
KDKA: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf Thanks U.S. Senate, Lawmakers Following Passing Of COVID-19 Relief Package 
KDKA: Gov. Wolf Says Rite Aid Pharmacies In State Will Receive Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine For School Employees And Students
PLSReporter: WATCH: Gov. Tom Wolf reflects on 1 year of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania
PLSReporter: Gov. Tom Wolf on vaccinations, 1 year of COVID and mitigation measures
PLSReporter: Right 2 Know Episode 83: COVID-19, One Year Later
Fox News: NHL team under fire for photoshopping masks on to fans in social media photo
WESA: Toomey Rails Against $1.9 Trillion Pandemic Relief Package
StateImpactPA: Groups want fracking waste included in Pa. health study
StateImpactPA: Life along the Delaware: Giving city communities a chance to know the waterways all around us
StateImpactPA: Life along the Delaware: Valuing wetlands as places to keep intact, not build over
StateImpactPA: Talen Energy agrees to protect Montour Preserve as part of coal phase-out plan
USA Today: U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey blasts COVID-relief bill as unnecessary and a ‘liberal wish list’
The Hill: Pennsylvania man faces federal charges for shooting local Democratic office
Pittsburgh Business Times: Wolf sees more easing of Covid restrictions, but no definitive timetable
Morning Call: Pennsylvania’s longest year: How the COVID-19 crisis changed our way of life  

Philadelphia 
Philly Voice: Local elected officials react to Senate passing $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package
Philly Voice: Philly Council to create anti-violence hotline as homicides continue to surge 
KYW Newsradio: Officials say ‘ghost gun’ busts highlight growing problem
KYW Newsradio: Philadelphia’s new vaccine plan already out of date with news supply will increase even more
Inquirer: Philly Proud Boys president Zach Rehl marched alongside leaders charged in Capitol riot 
Inquirer: PhilaPort breaks ground on new $42 million distribution center
Inquirer: Trump is gone. What now for Pa.? | Morning Newsletter
Billy Penn: ‘Up the Block’: A new resource hub for Philadelphians affected by gun violence 
Billy Penn: Philly will send confirmation emails to everyone in the city vaccine registry
WHYY Newsworks: In the confusion and complication of vaccine rollout, these people are stepping up to fill the gap
Philadelphia Gay News: Philly LGBTQ police officers call out D.A.’s office for covering remembrance wall
Philadelphia Tribune: City Council panel examines how to fund cleaning up environmental hazards in Philadelphia’s public schools 
Philadelphia Citizen: “We Only Have One Mayor” 
Philadelphia Citizen: Philadelphia Women’s History Month All-Stars

SEPA
Daily Local News: Many voters fleeing Republican Party in Chester County
Daily Local News: Chester County officials, lawmakers pitch in to help on vaccine front
Daily Local News: Valerie Arkoosh became face and voice of Montgomery County public health guidance 
Daily Local News: New Deana’s Law bills to deal with repeat DUI offenders introduced
Daily Local News: Frustrated Chester County officials: ‘We don’t have enough vaccine’
Daily Local News: Southeast Pa. officials unsure why region lags behind in COVID vaccinations 
Daily Local News: Sappey to host talk on stormwater management
Daily Local News: Chester County officials announce rollout of $5.9M in recovery funds
Inquirer: Pa. health secretary says suburbs weren’t under-supplied with COVID-19 vaccine, but lawmakers still ‘frustrated’
Bucks County Courier Times: Bucks looks to aid special needs voters
Bucks Local News: Bucks County GOP announces recommended candidates for 2021 Primary Election
KYW Newsradio: State lawmakers reintroduce ‘Deana’s Law’ to stiffen DUI penalties
KYW Newsradio: State lawmaker introduces bill to train teachers to recognize signs of epilepsy
KYW Newsradio: Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 case decline slows down
Pottstown Mercury: Key indicators: Montgomery County’s COVID-19 outbreak, a year of ups and downs

Pittsburgh 
Post-Gazette: Bill Peduto early favorite in mayor’s race, but Ed Gainey provides a strong challenge
Post-Gazette: Allegheny County Democratic Committee endorses Gainey for Pittsburgh mayor
Post-Gazette: Toomey angered by Democrats’ COVID-19 bill as divided Senate holds lengthy session
Post-Gazette: Allegheny-Fayette labor council endorses Bill Peduto and others who will ‘protect the union way of life’
Post-Gazette: Landlord organization takes Pittsburgh to court over eviction moratorium 
Post-Gazette: In call for environmental justice, Biden’s climate agenda reaches into neighborhoods 
Post-Gazette: Pricey decision: Port Authority pondering when to replace light rail vehicles for $400-500 million 
Post-Gazette: COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County adds 276 cases, three deaths
WESA: Gainey Wins Democratic Committee Endorsement
WESA: Feb. 27-March 5 Explained: Vaccinating Educators, Port Authority’s Future & Fossil Fuels In PA 
KDKA: State Rep. Ed Gainey Introduces Bill To Ban Semi-Automatic Rifles 
KDKA: Allegheny County Council Set To Vote On Requiring Businesses To Pay Employees Sick Paid Leave 
KDKA: Pittsburgh-Area Caregivers Asking Lawmakers To Increase Minimum Wage End 48-Hour Fast 
KDKA: City Of Pittsburgh Creates Opioid Overdose Dashboard 
KDKA: COVID-19 In Pittsburgh: Allegheny Co. Health Dept. Reports 276 Additional Coronavirus Cases
Tribune Review: Landlord group sues Pittsburgh, city council over eviction moratorium 
Tribune Review: Pittsburgh launches Opioid Overdose Dashboard 
Tribune Review: Allegheny County reports 276 new covid cases, 3 deaths

SWPA 
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Ending cash bail plan emerging as new front in Pa. criminal justice reform
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Gov. Wolf reflects on one-year mark of first COVID-19 cases in Pennsylvania
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: COVID-19 case levels, death rates continue to fall as vaccinations increase
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Experts answer your COVID-19 questions: ‘“Are there limitations to how much I can care for my husband even if I had both my vaccine shots?’?’
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Positivity rate drops, new COVID-19 cases remain stable
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Wolf says state won’t relax mitigation measures until it’s safe to do so
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Toomey calls Dems $1.9T relief bill ‘unnecessary,’ says U.S. is emerging from pandemic
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Casey to headline next COVID-19 forum; state, local officials will also speak
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Fyock to run for Somerset County coroner, setting up GOP primary contest
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County Democratic Committee endorses Owens for sheriff
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County Republican Committee endorses Robertson for sheriff
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Voter registration deadline getting further scrutiny
Observer-Reporter: COVID-19 crime trends vary by area
Observer-Reporter: Carmichaels Borough council members suspend police department services
Observer-Reporter: City to distribute application for police oversight committee
Observer-Reporter: New COVID-19 deaths reported in Fayette, Washington counties
Observer-Reporter: Grand jury indicts man accused of pepper spraying police during Jan. 6 insurrection
Observer-Reporter: Commissioners approve $1.6 million contract for Washington Co. jail medical care
Observer-Reporter: Washington maintains BBB+ credit rating
Observer-Reporter: Catholic dioceses urge parishioners to sidestep Johnson & Johnson vaccine if possible
KDKA: Westmoreland County Leaders Say They’re Getting Less Vaccine Than Smaller Counties
Post-Gazette: Traveling welder living in Uniontown indicted in Capitol riot case
Tribune Review: Westmoreland County posts 61 more coronavirus cases
Beaver County Times: Toomey says more COVID relief is unnecessary
Beaver County Times: PA Catholics: Get the vaccine available to you
Altoona Mirror: Region’s virus numbers heading the wrong way
Altoona Mirror: Voting rights bill forces partisan split
Altoona Mirror: Vaccines for school workers on horizon
Altoona Mirror: Judge urges county raises
Altoona Mirror: Unemployment programs expiring soon

NEPA
Times-Tribune: GOP view Cartwright’s resilience as mirage
Times-Tribune: Cartwright touts legislation to fund opening schools
Times-Tribune: Lackawanna County reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since November
Times-Tribune: COVID-19, a year later: 12 months of staggering losses
The Times Leader: Boback meets with stakeholders to discuss legislative priorities
The Times Leader: $3.5M in grant funding to be available to county hospitality businesses
The Times Leader: Urban questions Exeter meeting plan
The Times Leader: State highlights impacts of ‘Back to Work PA’ on economy, communities
The Times Leader: 39 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County Sunday; 2 more deaths
Citizens Voice: Cartwright touts legislation to fund opening schools
Citizens Voice: Luzerne County ranks high in state for vaccine distribution
Citizens Voice: Municipalities see state funding cuts for road repairs
Citizens Voice: 39 more cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
Citizens Voice: COVID deaths an emotional toll on all 

South Central 
Patriot News: GOP chooses Lebanon County businessman to run for open Senate seat
Patriot News: Ausha Green to run for 2nd term on Harrisburg City Council
Patriot News: Harrisburg police detective to run for Perry County magisterial district judge
York Dispatch: GOP nominates Lebanon County’s Gebhard in race for 48th Senate district
York Dispatch: ACLU: Surveillance network would target York City’s minorities
York Dispatch: Three more die due to COVID-19 in York County
Carlisle Sentinel: Nearly 2,000 COVID-19 vaccinations administered at Cumberland County clinic Saturday
Carlisle Sentinel: DOH: 63 new cases of COVID-19, 1 death for Cumberland County Saturday
LNP | LancasterOnline: Taxpayers, environment to benefit from move to hybrid police vehicles in Lancaster County [Lancaster Watchdog]

Lehigh Valley      
WFMZ: 2 lawmakers who represent Berks weigh in on PennDOT’s proposal to charge toll to drivers who use bridge on I-78
WFMZ: Allentown gives update on COVID-19 as city continues to vaccinate residents
WFMZ: Diocese of Allentown provides clarity on J&J vaccine stance
WFMZ: Paperwork: Video shows Lehigh County man was at U.S. Capitol during riot
Morning Call: ‘We are in the 6th or 7th inning’: As vaccine rollout progresses, Allentown officials urge residents to keep following health guidelines
Morning Call: ‘This whole lottery business, it’s really difficult:’ This is what it’s like to get the COVID-19 vaccine in the Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Allentown appoints LCCC president to fill final vacancy on tumultuous ANIZDA board
Morning Call: Allentown Diocese clarifies stance, says Catholics can accept any COVID-19 vaccine if no choice is available
Morning Call: Your COVID-19 vaccine questions answered: When can 55+ communities get back to having activities? If I had the vaccine, can I still spread the virus?
Express Times: 1 year of COVID in Pa.: A timeline of the pandemic’s trials and tolls in the Lehigh Valley
Express Times: Get the shot: Allentown bishop clarifies advice on J&J vaccine
Reading Eagle: Berks County plans to pilot electronic poll books this fall
Reading Eagle: Berks County, Pa. vaccinations picking up steam
Reading Eagle: Berks County COVID cases flatten out after weeks of decline, according to weekly Pa. report

North by Northwest
Erie Times-News: Two more Democrats enter county executive race
Erie Times-News: How area legislators voted, week ending March 5
Erie Times-News: Female inmates accused Shank of misconduct at former job
Erie Times-News: State reports 27 new COVID cases for Erie County
Erie Times-News: Weekly COVID-19 cases rise in Erie County
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Williamsport City Council approves Crimewatch purchase
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: UPMC expands COVID-19 vaccine capabilities
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: Muncy Borough hires part-time manager
Williamsport Sun-Gazette: 2 seasoned authority members recommended for reappointment
Patriot News: Pa. “Biden Barn” painted prior to presidential election has burned down
Centre Daily Times: How has your life changed during the pandemic? Share your reflections with us
Centre Daily Times: Local activist announces candidacy for a seat on State College Borough Council
Centre Daily Times: 3/20 Coalition demands justice with ‘die in’ outside of Centre County building
Centre Daily Times: March 6 update: 1 year after first COVID-19 cases, Pa. has seen 946,985 cases, 24,317 deaths

Opinion  
Mark S. Singel: Election reform or voter suppression?
Paul Muschick: Finally, a Pennsylvania vaccine plan that makes sense. It’s about more than just teachers.
Marc Stier: The minimum wage was created during the Great Depression. We need to raise it during the Pandemic Recession
Megan Horst: PA severely underfunds dog law enforcement
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Pennsylvania elections officials need help from lawmakers for precanvassing
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: To get Lancaster County residents vaccinated against COVID-19, we need more doses from the state — and more effective messaging
PennLive Editorial Board: What if your 16-year-old kid got thrown into prison?
York Dispatch Editorial Board: Pa.’s friends and family appointments
Inquirer Editorial Board: Fracking ban in Delaware River Basin is a historic win, but it’s time to look downstream 
Inquirer: A year of changed minds. Four writers reshape their beliefs on work, activism, and race.
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Job qualification: It’s who you know 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Invest in infrastructure 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Catholics: Have a clear conscience with vaccine 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Vaccine registry needed 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Texas jumps the gun 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Burning books — digitally 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Honor Roberto Clemente 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Offer incentives to vaccinate
Lowman S. Henry: It’s Time to End Draconian COVID-19 Restrictions
Maria Panaritis: Messy suburban vaccine rollout: Does the Pa. Health Department have control of this situation or not?
Colin McNickle: The evergreen case against prevailing wage laws 
Bradley C. Jacobs: Municipal cooperation is happening in York County
Chris Dolan: Normalizing our relations in the Middle East is reflective of broader geopolitical and geo-economic concerns
Mike Miorelli: From the editor: How we marked the one-year anniversary of COVID-19
Deanna Byrne, Kelley Hodge, Debbie Epstein Henry: Philadelphia businesses must do more to increase representation of women 
Keith C. Burris: Two cults
David M. Shribman: Trump assures that there will be no post-Trump era
Jeff Nobers: In counting jobs, real numbers matter
Will Bunch: 50 years later, an historic act of civil disobedience in Delco is finally getting its due 
Jim Conway: For decades, I’ve struggled without paid leave
Ruth Ann Dailey: Devouring our comrades
Erin Hoopes and Judith Everitt: Free Library is understaffed, undervalued and budget cuts won’t help
Tracie Johnson: To truly reform criminal justice, women need more access to diversion programs 
John Cole: Pa. Republicans eat their own | Editorial Cartoon
Tran Huynh: An immigrant daughter’s call to help Philadelphia’s nail salons 
Helen Ubiñas: Add tweeting while female to the ever-growing double standards applied to women 
Will Bunch: How the GOP blew its chance at a 2022 working-class coalition in just 10 hours, 43 minutes 
Dick Polman: We’re functionally illiterate about our own democracy 
Tony Norman: Starbellied Grinches (and other diversions)
Clark Nicholson: David Newhouse was a journalist, an artist and a friend
Donna Ancypa Holmes: We need to think differently about public service
Richard T. Hughes: How slavery still shapes the world of white evangelical Christians
Judy Young: Speaking up for rule of law
Chris Kelly: COVID nurse’s secret weapon: Gratitude