Legislature
State lawmaker: Minimum wage raise would save money
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-lawmaker-minimum-wage-raise-would-save-money-1.2451495
Pashinski hosts House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on health care
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734944/pashinski-hosts-house-democratic-policy-committee-hearing-on-health-care
Health care affordability a key concern
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/health-care-affordability-a-key-concern-1.2451458
Pennsylvania still hopes to eradicate the spotted lanternfly
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-still-hopes-to-eradicate-the-spotted-lanternfly
PLCB looking to grow online wine and spirit sales through improvements to its e-commerce system
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/plcb-looking-to-grow-online-wine-and-spirit-sales-through-improvements-to-its-e-commerce-system.html
Police issue cost, not crime
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/police-issue-cost-not-crime-1.2451428
PSP funding needs lasting fix
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20190301/our-view-psp-funding-needs-lasting-fix
Administration
Gov. Wolf wants Pa. to lead the country in organic. What would that take?
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/02/gov-wolf-wants-pa-to-lead-the-country-in-organic-what-would-that-take.php
Business
Health department orders U.S. Steel to stop pollution at Mon Valley plants
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/02/28/Allegheny-County-Health-department-US-Steel-Clairton-Coke-Works-air-pollution-order-standards/stories/201902280133
Allegheny County Health Department issues enforcement order against U.S. Steel
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-health-department-issues-enforcement-order-against-u-s-steel/
Drug dealers’ mom gets federal probation in deadly fentanyl ring
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/28/dorothy-wayne-sam-mccracken-drug-dealer-mom-fentanyl-federal-probation-beaver-county/stories/201902280124
J.C. Penney closing 27 more stores as sales deteriorate
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/02/28/Penney-closes-more-stores-as-sales-deteriorate/stories/201902280107
Worker-owned DVL in Bristol Township, Pa. goes national with Western data center acquisitions
https://www.philly.com/business/phillydeals/dvl–20190301.html
The Woodlands at 50: Kornfeld toasts family, staff at celebratory reception
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734950/the-woodlands-at-50-kornfeld-toasts-family-staff-at-celebratory-reception
Meuser to Bezos: Bring Amazon’s new headquarters to Pa.’s 9th District
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734898/meuser-to-bezos-bring-amazons-hq2-to-pas-9th-congressional-district
Crime/Punishment
Heroin dealer in largest-ever ring back in court in U.S. prison drug case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/28/omari-patton-wilkinsburg-pittsburgh-heroin-dealer-largest-drug-ring-prison/stories/201902280202
Education
Everything, including bankruptcy filing, a possibility in bailing out Penn Hills schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/28/Everything-including-bankruptcy-filing-a-possibility-in-bailing-out-Penn-Hills-schools/stories/201902280226
Penn Hills School District is in ‘the worst financial shape’ in Pennsylvania, auditor general says
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-school-district-is-in-the-worst-financial-shape-in-pennsylvania-auditor-general-says/
Glen Mills leader Randy Ireson steps aside after Inquirer investigation into abuse
https://www.philly.com/news/glen-mills-schools-pa-abuse-resign-randy-ireson-joe-hand-investigation-20190228.html
Mt. Lebanon school board member takes stance against guns
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/02/28/Mt-Lebanon-School-Board-gun-policy-William-Cooper/stories/201902280018
NEPA schools reach out via social media
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-schools-reach-out-via-social-media-1.2451615
‘This is not going away’: Residents press Hazleton Area School Board to improve safety
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/this-is-not-going-away-residents-press-hazleton-area-school-board-to-improve-safety-1.2451479
Amazon awards grant of curriculum and class materials to Apollo-Ridge
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/amazon-awards-grant-of-curriculum-and-class-materials-to-apollo-ridge/
Science and social studies shouldn’t take a backseat in elementary schools | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/philadelphia-schools-teach-the-test-stem-reading-20190301.html
State yanks federal money from Harrisburg School District after ‘concerns’ raised about program
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/state-yanks-federal-money-from-harrisburg-school-district-after-concerns-raised.html
The bridge between jobs and the labor skills gap is education | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/worker-shortage-pennsylvania-education-20190228.html
Editorial: Growth of STEM programs essential for our future
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/growth-of-stem-programs-essential-for-our-future
Mumps cases reported at Temple University
https://www.philly.com/news/mumps-temple-university-philadelphia-20190301.html
Costs to attend Penn will approach $74,000 in 2019-20
https://www.philly.com/education/university-of-pennsylvania-fees-increase-tuition-20190228.html
Politicians aren’t asking the real question of the student loan crisis | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/student-loan-debt–20190301.html
Wilkes University names Paul Adams as interim president beginning Aug. 1
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734889/wilkes-university-names-paul-adams-as-interim-president-beginning-aug-1
Elections/Politics
Why some Pa. counties are struggling with state order to upgrade voting machines
https://www.philly.com/politics/election/voting-machines-elections-wolf-security-paper-trail-20190301.html
Mercer County among first in state to implement new post-election audits
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/mercer-county-among-first-in-state-to-implement-new-post-election-audits/
County makes switch to paper ballots
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190301/county-makes-switch-to-paper-ballots
Scavo apologizes for ‘stupid’ social media posts
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scavo-apologizes-for-stupid-social-media-posts-1.2451558
Health Care
Commonwealth Health CMO stepping down
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/commonwealth-health-cmo-stepping-down-1.2451493
Local News
County celebrates graduates of reentry program
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734927/county-celebrates-graduates-of-reentry-program
Seniors celebrate Kingston center’s 45th anniversary
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734934/seniors-celebrate-kingston-centers-45th-anniversary
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority asks Meuser for help with stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734893/wyoming-valley-sanitary-authority-asks-meuser-for-help-with-stormwater-fee
Employees air grievances with Reading Parking Authority board
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/employees-air-grievances-with-reading-parking-authority-board
Marijuana
Lt. Gov. Fetterman to hear residents attitudes on recreational marijuana legalization Saturday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lt-gov-fetterman-to-hear-residents-attitudes-on-recreational-marijuana-legalization-saturday-1.2451305
Berks County commissioners say legalizing marijuana is a public health risk
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-commissioners-say-legalizing-marijuana-is-a-public-health-risk
Colorado, Rocky Mountain highs bring in billions through recreation pot sales
http://triblive.com/news/world/colorado-rocky-mountain-highs-bring-in-billions-through-recreation-pot-sales/
National News
Report offers plan to cut child poverty in U.S. in half in 10 years
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/02/28/Report-to-cut-child-poverty-in-U-S-in-half-in-10-years-National-Academies/stories/201902280073
Draft women, too: Women are up to the task of full citizenship
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/01/Draft-women-selective-service-US-military-full-citizenship/stories/201903010043
W.Va. governor signs bill mandating high school computer science
https://triblive.com/news/regional/w-va-governor-signs-bill-mandating-high-school-computer-science/
Natural Gas
Groups call for end to deep well activity near Beaver Run Reservoir
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/groups-call-for-end-to-deep-well-activity-near-beaver-run-reservoir/
Opioid Crisis
Nuns, Teamsters, city government and Vanguard all pressure AmerisourceBergen on opioids
https://www.philly.com/business/opioids-nuns-teamsters-amerisourcebergen-annual-meeting-philadelphia-20190228.html
Philly
In shift from SRC, Philly school board unanimously denies applications for three new charters
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-charter-school-board-application-denied-20190301.html
Philly Council President Darrell Clarke gets first challenger since 2011
https://www.philly.com/news/city-council-primary-darrell-clarke-omar-woodard-district-politics-20190301.html
Local United Methodists grapple with denomination decision on gay clergy and same-gender weddings
https://www.philly.com/news/united-methodist-church-gay-clergy-ordination-same-sex-weddings-general-conference-20190301.html
New digital board brings 30th Street Station into the modern world — and makes it more like everywhere else | Inga Saffron
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/philadelphia-th-street-station-amtrak-flip-flap-board-sign-schedule-20190301.html
The Philadelphia Foundation is having a birthday — and it’s giving the gifts
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-foundation-keys-to-community-grant-program-pedro-ramos-20190301.html
Etsy for gaming tools? Meet the Philly startup that wants to help you ace that video game
https://www.philly.com/business/technology/red-queen-gaming-philadelphia-startup-university-city-20190301.html
Federal prosecutors charge AK-47 shooter who got plea deal from DA Krasner’s office
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-district-attorney-larry-krasner-us-attorney-william-mcswain-feds-charge-ak-gunman-20190228.html
Racial tensions at a Northeast Philly high school spur threats, police presence
https://www.philly.com/news/rush-arts-threats-racial-tensions-student-protests-northeast-20190228.html
Philadelphia plans to install 100 surveillance cameras to nab illegal dumpers
https://www.philly.com/news/illegal-dumping-cameras-philadelphia-litter-police-streets-20190228.html
It’s official. Philadelphia bans cashless stores with carve-outs for some businesses
https://www.philly.com/business/philadelphia-cashless-store-ban-jim-kenney-amazon-20190228.html
Social workers, overdose reversers, counselors: Why are Philly police tasked with so much more than law enforcement? | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/news/police-law-enforcement-social-work-opioids-20190228.html
Are we asking police to do too much? 7 experts debate the role cops should play in today’s society | Perspective
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/role-of-police-law-enforcement-expert-opinion-20190228.html
Darrell Clarke: Land use policy at heart of Bullard sale | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/darrell-clarke-shawn-bullard-philadelphia-land-sale-property-20190228.html
Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh: Which Pa. city is hardest working?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/philadelphia-vs-pittsburgh-which-pa-city-is-hardest-working.html
Pitt
‘How is that not aggravated assault?’ DA won’t charge Pittsburgh cops; Pagans’ lawyers stunned
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/28/pagans-kopys-bar-pittsburgh-police-district-attorney-allegheny-county-charges/stories/201902280158
Allegheny County DA will not will charge Pittsburgh police officers in Kopy’s brawl
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-da-will-not-will-charge-pittsburgh-police-officers-in-kopys-brawl/
Bridge to prosperity: Peduto says link between hilltop neighborhoods, Hazelwood would spur development
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/02/28/Peduto-Hazelwood-Green-Carrick-Allentown-Hilltop-Oakland-universities/stories/201902280021
Developer assembles land for McKees Rocks transportation center
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/02/28/Trinity-Commercial-Development-McKees-Rocks-brownfield-Pittsburgh-Lake-Erie-Railroad-shipping/stories/201902280117
Pittsburgh recognizes remarkable women through video series
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-recognizes-remarkable-women-through-video-series/
State News
Pa.’s REAL ID cards finally become available Friday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/02/28/REAL-ID-Pennsylvania-new-cards-now-available-12-special-centers/stories/201902280206
Auditor general report says drug rebates may cost consumers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/02/28/Drug-costs-Pennsylvania-auditor-general-DePasquale-pharmacy-benefit-manager-rebates/stories/201902280162
AG DePasquale: Rebates actually drive up prescription drug costs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734952/ag-depasquale-rebates-actually-drive-up-prescription-drug-costs
Auditor General DePasquale urges lawmakers to act on drug rebates
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190228/auditor-general-depasquale-urges-lawmakers-to-act-on-drug-rebates
Peach Bottom, other U.S. nuclear power plants could be running until 2054. Is it safe?
https://www.philly.com/business/energy/aging-nuclear-power-plants-safe-three-mile-island-peach-bottom-us-future-20190228.html
Stop using poverty as an excuse — and take real action | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/beverage-tax-plastic-bag-ban-poverty-wolf-editorial-20190301.html
Several hundred power customers remain without electricity in wake of Sunday’s winds
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/several-hundred-power-customers-remain-without-electricity-in-wake-of-sundays-winds/
Redd-up season arrives: Great American Cleanup of PA begins 2019 campaign on Friday
https://triblive.com/news/regional/redd-up-season-arrives-great-american-cleanup-of-pa-begins-2019-campaign-on-friday/
Union wants Pennsylvania school pension fund to divest private prison stocks
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/union-wants-pennsylvania-school-pension-fund-to-divest-private-prison-stocks/
UGI natural-gas customers to pay more starting Friday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/734942/ugi-natural-gas-customers-to-pay-more-starting-friday
Study looks at ailing bass in Susquehanna
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/study-looks-at-ailing-bass-in-susquehanna-1.2451509
Transportation
Airport board reports increase in passengers last month
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/airport-board-reports-increase-in-passengers-last-month-1.2451496
Commitment to Route 322 project is welcome, and long overdue | Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/02/commitment-to-route-322-project-is-welcome-and-long-overdue-editorial.html
Washington
Democrats eye new inquiries, witnesses after Cohen testimony
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/03/01/Democrats-eye-new-inquiries-witnesses-after-Cohen-testimony-trump-lawyer/stories/201903010095
A long way from ‘I didn’t inhale’ – Cory Booker pushes marijuana legalization amid presidential run
https://www.philly.com/news/cory-booker-marijuana-legalization-presidential-campaign-20190228.html
Report says Trump demanded top-secret clearance for Kushner
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-insisted-jared-kushner-get-top-secret-clearance-20190301.html
Fitzpatrick, Kim bill would fund state health care sites
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190228/fitzpatrick-kim-bill-would-fund-state-health-care-sites