Legislature
Wolf, state system leaders agree to give embattled Cheyney University more time
https://www.philly.com/education/cheyney-university-accreditation-historically-black-budget-senate-20190228.html
Gov. Tom Wolf wants to offer first-of-its-kind college tuition benefit to Pa. National Guard member families
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/gov-tom-wolf-wants-to-offer-first-of-its-kind-college-tuition-benefit-to-pa-national-guard-member-families.html
State Sen. Bartolotta reintroduces bill expanding practice authority for nurse practitioners
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190227/state-sen-bartolotta-reintroduces-bill-expanding-practice-authority-for-nurse-practitioners
Bills target cyber costs
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/02/bills-target-cyber-costs/
Rep. Pashinski hosting hearing on health care Thursday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734742/rep-pashinski-hosting-hearing-on-health-care-thursday
Fairness Act long overdue
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/fairness-act-long-overdue-1.2451022
Sen. Regan: I’m proposing mandatory minimum sentences for fentanyl traffickers
https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/2019/02/27/sen-regan-mandatory-minimum-sentences-fentanyl-traffickers/3002103002/
Business
Walmart to allow more time for greeters with disabilities to adjust to new demands
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/walmart-to-allow-more-time-for-greeters-with-disabilities-to-adjust-to-new-demands/
Shell donates $225K to boost Beaver County recycling program
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190227/shell-donates-225k-to-boost-beaver-county-recycling-program
Catholic Church
Greensburg joins other Pa. Catholic dioceses in launching sexual abuse fund
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/greensburg-finally-joins-other-pa-catholic-dioceses-in-launching-sexual-abuse-compensation-fund/
Crime/Punishment
Family found dead in Morrisville grew isolated, spoke of ‘demons’ in weeks before grisly discovery
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/murder-bucks-county-morrisville-pa-shana-decree-dominique-decree-demons-20190228.html
AG: Non-prosecution agreement in Lackawanna County Prison sex abuse case unenforceable
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/ag-non-prosecution-agreement-in-lackawanna-county-prison-sex-abuse-case-unenforceable-1.2451214
Education
Former Plum teacher fired after ‘vague’ allegations sues district
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/27/Former-Plum-teacher-fired-after-vague-allegations-sues-district/stories/201902270190
More than 80 boys to leave Glen Mills Schools after Inquirer investigation of abuse
https://www.philly.com/news/glen-mills-schools-pa-abuse-philadelphia-michigan-texas-california-remove-students-investigation-20190227.html
Glen Mills abuse represents a broken system that should be doing more for Pa.’s vulnerable kids | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/glen-mills-pa-abuse-juvenile-20190227.html
West Mifflin Area students ask board to add transgender students to discrimination policy
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/28/West-Mifflin-Area-School-District-discrimination-policy-transgender-Gay-Straight-Alliance/stories/201902280005
Bucks County parents search for clues to drug use in mock teen bedroom at drug forum
https://www.philly.com/news/drugs-narcan-overdose-teens-centralbucks-20190228.html
Auditor General: Wilkinsburg schools have hope ‘for first time in generation’
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/auditor-general-wilkinsburg-schools-have-hope-for-first-time-in-generation/
West Jefferson Hills parents voice concerns over racist social media post
https://triblive.com/neighborhoods/west-jefferson-hills-parents-voice-concerns-over-racist-social-media-post/
Ciavarella steps down as Hanover Area president amid bus issue, but stays on board
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734780/ciavarella-steps-down-as-hanover-area-president-amid-bus-issue-stays-on-board
Hanover Area board president temporarily steps down
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hanover-area-board-president-temporarily-steps-down-1.2451135
Can Hazleton Area School District do more?
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/can-hazleton-area-school-district-do-more-1.2451101
Popcorn, peanut trees and actual green eggs: Read Across America at Kistler
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734763/popcorn-peanut-trees-and-actual-green-eggs-read-across-america-at-kistler
Reading School District settles lawsuit with former superintendent
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-school-district-settles-lawsuit-with-former-administrator
I-LEAD files lawsuit against Reading School District
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/i-lead-files-lawsuit-against-reading-school-district
State High Student Brought Bullet To School, Causing Brief Lockdown To Investigate Rumors Of Guns
https://radio.wpsu.org/post/state-high-student-brought-bullet-school-causing-brief-lockdown-investigate-rumors-guns-0
Conrad Weiser qualifies for Governor’s STEM Competition
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/conrad-weiser-qualifies-for-governors-stem-competition
Strikes come at a time when teachers are more undervalued than ever | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/teachers-strike-pensions-union-20190227.html
Students say some going hungry on well-to-do Muhlenberg College campus. What they’re doing about it.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/02/students-say-some-going-hungry-on-well-to-do-muhlenberg-college-campus-what-theyre-doing-about-it.html
Elections/Politics
Candidates for 114th seat talk tax relief during debate
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/candidates-for-114th-seat-talk-tax-relief-during-debate-1.2451139
Voters try out paper-trail election machine options at Luzerne County demo
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734770/voters-try-out-paper-trail-election-machine-options-at-luzerne-county-demo
Vendors show off new voting systems at expo
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/vendors-show-off-new-voting-systems-at-expo-1.2451099
Republicans convene Saturday to nominate potential successor to former U.S. Rep. Marino
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/republicans-convene-saturday-to-nominate-potential-successor-to-former-us-rep-marino.html
Gaming
They’re playing baseball in Florida, but don’t plan to bet on it
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2019/02/27/Pennsylvania-baseball-sports-betting-gambling-spring-training-MLB-Rivers-Casino-prohibit-sportsbook/stories/201902270110
Health Care
UPMC says it’s eclipsed Highmark in Medicare Advantage insurance market, Aetna gains
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-says-its-eclipsed-highmark-in-medicare-advantage-insurance-market-aetna-gains/
UPMC took in $3.1B more in operating revenue last year than 2017
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-took-in-3-1b-more-in-operating-revenue-last-year-than-2017/
Local News
$5M office planned for Tunkhannock Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/5m-office-planned-for-tunkhannock-twp-1.2451000
Luzerne council rejects zoning change for DG store
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/luzerne-council-rejects-zoning-change-for-dg-store-1.2450999
Scranton planners hear update on Laceworks Village project
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-planners-hear-update-on-laceworks-village-project-1.2451067
Clarks Summit borough officials set to open bids for Borough Building
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/clarks-summit-borough-officials-set-to-open-bids-for-borough-building-1.2451181
City will pay $75K to settle discrimination suit
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-will-pay-75k-to-settle-discrimination-suit-1.2451074
Traveling museum brings history here
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/traveling-museum-brings-history-here-1.2451111
Kiski Township’s Staff Sgt. Booker to receive second-highest military honor for 2003 battle
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/kiski-townships-staff-sgt-booker-to-receive-second-highest-military-honor-for-2003-battle/
Generators protect Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County from disruptions during power outages
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/generators-protect-municipal-authority-of-westmoreland-county-from-disruptions-during-power-outages/
Hempfield officials find $125,000 union settlement agreement not done in public eye
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/hempfield-officials-find-125000-union-settlement-agreement-not-done-in-public-eye/
Loyalhanna Watershed Association farm preserved by state agriculture board
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/loyalhanna-watershed-association-farm-preserved-by-state-agriculture-board/
Easton mayor gets 6 percent pay raise after heated exchange
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-nws-easton-city-council-20190222-story.html
Lower Merion police officer honored by Race for Peace Committee
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/news/lower-merion-police-officer-honored-by-race-for-peace-committee/article_6d4ba46e-39fb-11e9-835f-bb2756d58fc4.html
Alert firefighter honored for 60 years of service
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/alert-firefighter-honored-for-years-of-service/article_fdd1225a-3acf-11e9-b863-63513499c43b.html
National News
Virginia first lady criticized for handing cotton to black students on mansion tour
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/virginia-cotton-child-governor-pam-northam-enslaved-ralph-blackface-20190227.html
GOP political operative arrested in North Carolina scandal
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/north-carolina-congressional-race-republican-political-operative-arrested-20190228.html
New Hampshire gives initial approval to recreational pot
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/new-hampshire-house-marijuana-legalization-sale-possession-preliminary-approval-cannabis-20190227.html
Chicago will elect a black woman as its mayor for first time
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/chicago-elect-mayor-lori-lightfoot-toni-preckwinkle-20190227.html
Natural Gas
Mariner East 2 construction to restart in area of Chester County where water damage occurred
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/02/mariner-east-2-construction-to-restart-in-area-of-chester-county-where-water-damage-occured.php
Philly
How do Philly assessors assign a value to the land under your house? And do they get it right?
https://www.philly.com/news/land-value-opa-assessment-philadelphia-tax-abatement-property-20190228.html
How Philadelphia still feels the impacts of slavery
https://www.philly.com/news/saidiya-hartman-columbia-wayward-lives-slavery-indentured-servitude-pennsylvania-philadelphia-20190228.html
Philly History Museum closure deemed ‘a disgrace’ by public, but Drexel is praised for stepping in
https://www.philly.com/news/drexel-atwater-kent-takeover-philadelphia-history-20190228.html
Learning the language of survival: English lessons through civic engagement at the Free Library
https://www.philly.com/news/free-library-lillian-marrero-english-civic-engagement-20190227.html
Pizza deliveryman is ambushed in vacant home in Overbrook Park and killed by gunman
https://www.philly.com/news/pizza-deliveryman-bobby-jenkins-shot-west-philadelphia-overbrook-20190227.html
Philly school board to take its first votes on applications for new charter schools
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-charter-school-growth-applications-board-20190227.html
Relatives of Philly man killed by police sue for wrongful death
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-police-richard-nicoletti-jeffrey-dennis-shooting-lawsuit-20190227.html
How an obscure City Council rule leaves a trail of blight in Philadelphia | Inga Saffron
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/philadelphia-councilmatic-prerogative-corruption-land-sales-blight-home-rule-charter-20190227.html
After search for preservationist buyer, historic Point Breeze church with ties to architect Frank Furness moves toward demolition
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/th-st-baptist-church-philadelphia-frank-furness-demolition-permit-historic-preservation-20190227.html
This North Philly bar near Temple hosted legends like Coltrane and Patti LaBelle, but its owner refuses to sell
https://www.philly.com/business/new-barbers-hall-bar-restaurant-jazz-soul-music-temple-20190228.html
How to steal a house: Take advantage of holes in city’s and state’s security on property and death records | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-pennsylvania-stolen-houses-dead-heirs-will-deed-notary-public-20190228.html
The frustrating charade of recycling in Philadelphia | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/recycling-philadelphia-environment-climate-change-20190227.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh Public rejects charter application from Imani Christian Academy
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/27/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Imani-Christian-Academy-charter-board-application/stories/201902260162
Feds decline to prosecute Pittsburgh police officers in bar brawl with Pagans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/27/Third-man-in-South-Side-bar-brawl-sues-police-lawsuit-pittsburgh-pagans-Michael-Zokaites/stories/201902270093
Suicide prediction score developed by Pitt hopes to prevent teen deaths
https://www.philly.com/health/suicide-prevention-prediction-score-teen-deaths-pitt-research-20190228.html
Pitt falls into second longest losing streak in program history with loss to Clemson, 62-48
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2019/02/27/Pitt-falls-into-second-longest-losing-streak-in-program-history-with-loss-to-Clemson-62-48/stories/201902270180
Council sends Lawrenceville housing measure to Planning, but some doubt citywide ‘fit’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/02/27/Pittsburgh-Council-Lawrenceville-affordable-housing-measure-planning-commission/stories/201902270156
Pittsburgh Council shows support for $2M in one-time grants for child care centers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/02/27/Pittsburgh-approves-grants-early-childhood-learning-child-care-centers-rating-system/stories/201902270143
No urgency here: Prison board needs to ramp up suicide prevention
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/02/28/Allegheny-County-Pittsburgh-jail-board-suicide-prevention-Judge-David-Cashman/stories/201902280034
August Wilson Cultural Center searching for artists’ input for upcoming exhibition
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/august-wilson-cultural-center-searching-for-artists-input-for-upcoming-exhibition/
Former cop facing drug charges in connection to death of teen girl
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/former-cop-facing-drug-charges-in-connection-to-death-of-teen-girl/
Pittsburgh poised to spend nearly $1M on water safety training, new rescue boat
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-poised-to-spend-nearly-1-million-on-water-safety-training-and-new-rescue-boat/
Nearly 4,000 PWSA customers remain under boil water advisory
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/nearly-4000-pwsa-customers-remain-under-boil-water-advisory/
State News
Days after wind storm, some still waiting for power forced to seek shelter elsewhere
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/27/Residents-continue-to-cope-without-power-duquesne-light-windy-storm-pittsburgh/stories/201902270135
Power outages down to about 2,500 in wake of Sunday wind storm
https://triblive.com/news/regional/power-outages-down-to-about-2500-in-wake-of-sunday-wind-storm/
Feds blame Pa. home blast on faulty natural gas line connection
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/gas-connection-fatal-explosion-pennsylvania-millersville–20190227.html
Luzerne County man first to receive Pennsylvania Veterans Service Medal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734777/luzerne-county-man-first-to-receive-pennsylvania-veterans-service-medal
Egg watch is on for the Harmar bald eagles
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/egg-watch-is-on-for-the-harmar-bald-eagles/
New chronic wasting disease cases prompt steps to prevent spread of deer infections
https://triblive.com/news/regional/new-chronic-wasting-disease-cases-prompt-steps-to-prevent-spread-of-deer-infections/
Pennsylvania court collections, disbursements rise by nearly $30 million over last decade
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-court-collections-disbursements-are-on-the-rise/
Methodist clergy in Berks area react to church’s affirmation of LGBTQ bans
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/methodist-clergy-react-to-churchs-affirmation-of-lgbtq-bans
Protesters want Berks County Residential Center converted to opioid treatment facility
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/protesters-want-berks-county-residential-center-converted-to-opioid-treatment-facility
Transportation
Study author: Feds should examine reasons for sharp increase in pedestrian deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/02/28/Pedestrian-deaths-increased-35-percent-in-10-years-Governors-Highway-Safety-Association/stories/201902270159
Pedestrian deaths up 41 percent in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/regional/pedestrian-deaths-up-41-percent-in-pennsylvania/
Pedestrian deaths hit highest level in decades: ‘Crossing the street should not be a death sentence’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/pedestrian-deaths-hit-highest-level-in-nearly-3-decades-crossing-the-street-should-not-be-a-death-sentence.html
Peters Council advances plan to convert Mallard Lane into public road
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/02/28/Peters-Council-advances-plan-to-convert-Mallard-Lane-into-public-road/stories/201902280013
Bieber owner found guilty of operating without license
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bieber-owner-found-guilty-of-operating-without-license
PennDOT rejects speed signs at Smithtown Road
http://buckscountyherald.com/penndot-rejects-speed-signs-at-smithtown-road-p1064-175.htm
Contractor slapped with higher penalties on I-83/Mount Rose Avenue project
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/02/27/penalties-going-up-83-mount-rose-avenue-project-york-county/2989531002/
Washington
‘Racist,’ ‘con man’: Cohen assails Trump before Congress
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/02/27/Michael-Cohen-Trump-congressional-testimony-wikileaks/stories/201902270092
Trump and Kim abruptly cut short summit after failing to reach nuclear deal
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/trump-kim-summit-us-north-korea-hanoi-abruptly-cut-short-nuclear-deal-20190228.html
House approves first major new gun bill in a generation, signaling political shift
https://www.philly.com/news/house-background-check-bill-vote-20190227.html
AP FACT CHECK: McConnell’s misleading spin on voting fraud
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/senate-majority-leader-mitch-mcconnell-voting-fraud-north-carolina-20190227.html
How some Pa. lawmakers voted on effort to block National Emergency
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/02/heres-how-western-pa-lawmakers-voted-on-effort-to-block-national-emergency.php