Legislature
Baker, Yudichak offer differing opinions on recreational pot bill
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/baker-yudichak-offer-differing-opinions-on-recreational-pot-bill-1.2459565
PA Senate bill seeks to legalize marijuana use
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190320/pa-senate-bill-seeks-to-legalize-marijuana-use
Anti-pipeline rally: ‘How will we know when to run for our lives?’
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/anti-pipeline-rally-how-will-we-know-when-to-run/article_c94cc862-4a8e-11e9-a7ce-cf2f463fdfb8.html
Rally held over Mariner East II pipeline concerns
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/rally-held-over-mariner-east-ii-pipeline-concerns.html
State lawmakers call for expanded natural gas pipeline network
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190319/state-lawmakers-call-for-expanded-natural-gas-pipeline-network
Pa. House votes for tougher public pension forfeiture rules
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-house-votes-for-tougher-public-pension-forfeiture-rules/
House bill would offer $500 tax credit for foster, adoptive families
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/house-bill-would-offer-500-tax-credit-for-foster-adoptive-families-1.2459488
Rep. Bernstine co-introduces bill creating job experience program for students
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190319/rep-bernstine-co-introduces-bill-creating-job-experience-program-for-students
Kosierowski swearing in set for April
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/kosierowski-swearing-in-set-for-april-1.2459329
The Poor People’s Campaign is back in Harrisburg with a long list of demands
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/03/the-poor-peoples-campaign-is-back-in-harrisburg-with-a-long-list-of-demands.php
Former state lawmaker under investigation for sexual assault poised to collect pension, health benefits
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/former-state-lawmaker-under-investigation-for-sexual-assault-poised-to-collect-pension-health-benefits.html
Change dates for absentees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/change-dates-for-absentees-1.2459496
Business
Who’s afraid of FirstEnergy Solutions’ restructuring plan? Every government agency that has seen it
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/03/19/Who-s-afraid-of-FirstEnergy-Solutions-restructuring-plan-Every-government-agency-that-has-seen-it/stories/201903180113
Rita’s Italian Ice and Dairy Queen welcome spring with freebies
https://triblive.com/lifestyles/food-drink/ritas-italian-ice-and-dairy-queen-welcome-spring-with-freebies/
Bell Alley Pretzels in Reading closes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bell-alley-pretzels-in-reading-closes
Hyperloops ‘up and running by 2028’? Becahi grad is promoting one of the largest companies behind the tech
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-hyperloop-pa-future-20190319-story.html
Catholic Church
Authorities: Pa. native and W.Va. bishop Michael Bransfield knowingly employed pedophiles
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/03/19/West-Virginia-attorney-general-sues-Catholic-diocese-child-sex-abuse-background-checks/stories/201903190099
Crime/Punishment
ACLU: Pennsylvania must slash wait time for mentally incompetent criminal defendants to 7 days
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/aclu-pennsylvania-wait-time-mentally-incompetent-defendants-20190320.html
New technology could help solve decades-old murder of child
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-technology-could-help-solve-decades-old-murder-of-child-1.2459579
Education
Pennsylvania inspector general launches investigation on oversight of Glen Mills
https://www.philly.com/news/glen-mills-schools-abuse-investigation-inspector-general-pennsylvania-dhs-20190319.html
Old Forge School District solicitor resigns over issues including ‘pornography, racism’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-school-district-solicitor-resigns-over-issues-including-pornography-racism-1.2459265
Transgender student’s facility use in question
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/transgender-student-s-facility-use-in-question-1.2459489
Scranton schools dealing with mouse problem
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-schools-dealing-with-mouse-problem-1.2459328
Fran Dunphy’s era at Temple comes to an end on Big 5′s ‘Black Tuesday’ | Mike Jensen
https://www.philly.com/college-sports/temple/fran-dunphy-temple-dayton-march-madness-career-fired-20190320.html
Elections/Politics
Beaver County GOP committee skips endorsements in contested primaries
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190319/beaver-county-gop-committee-skips-endorsements-in-contested-primaries
Health Care
The ticking clock: There is still time for UPMC to change course
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/20/UPMC-Highmark-community-betrayal-Jeffrey-Romoff-David-Roger-Henry-Elsie-Hillman-Family-Foundations/stories/201903200021
Second child death of the flu season reported in Pennsylvania
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-flu-update-20190319-story.html
Local News
Report: Wilkes-Barre Fire Department did more with less in 2018
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737177/report-wilkes-barre-fire-department-did-more-with-less-in-2018
Stormwater fee headaches persist
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stormwater-fee-headaches-persist-1.2459583
You didn’t pay your stormwater fee. What now?
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737196/you-didnt-pay-your-stormwater-fee-what-now
Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority fills spots in downtown garages
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737179/wilkes-barre-parking-authority-fills-spots-in-downtown-garages
Flood authority hires solicitor, debates ties to Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flood-authority-hires-solicitor-debates-ties-to-luzerne-county-1.2459562
W-B mayor to attend crime watch meetings
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-mayor-to-attend-crime-watch-meetings-1.2459486
Planning commission green-lights huge Hazleton project billed as ‘savior’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737199/planning-commission-green-lights-huge-hazleton-project-billed-as-savior
Son of Dunmore firefighter sued for collecting improper benefits requests disability pension
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/son-of-dunmore-firefighter-sued-for-collecting-improper-benefits-requests-disability-pension-1.2459665
Amended lawsuit challenging Scranton sewer sale gets hearing
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/amended-lawsuit-challenging-scranton-sewer-sale-gets-hearing-1.2459621
Alle-Kiski fire, ambulance companies get grants from state gaming proceeds
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/alle-kiski-fire-ambulance-companies-get-grants-from-state-gaming-proceeds/
Residents of Vandergrift high-rise report ‘sewage-cicles,’ other plumbing problems
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/residents-of-vandergrift-high-rise-report-sewage-sickles-other-plumbing-problems/
Construction of Odin View Apartments in Hempfield expected to begin this spring
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/construction-of-odin-view-apartments-in-hempfield-expected-to-begin-this-spring/
In Berks, more than 600 elderly residents get a free meal each weekday from Meals on Wheels
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/in-berks-more-than-600-elderly-residents-get-a-free-meal-each-weekday-from-meals-on-wheels
County auditors ask for more time
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/03/county-auditors-ask-for-more-time/
Marijuana
Daily use of high-potency marijuana linked to higher incidence of psychosis, new study claims
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/marijuana-daily-use-high-potency-physchosis-20190319.html
Steelton announces decriminalization of small amounts of marijuana
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/steelton-announces-decriminalization-of-small-amounts-of-marijuana.html
New Jersey
Federal appeals court issues stay halting PennEast pipeline project
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-penneast-pipeline-halted-appeals-court-ruling-20190319-story.html
Opioid Crisis
Town hall on opioid crisis May 23
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/town-hall-on-opioid-crisis-may-23-1.2459473
Philly
Urban farming in Philadelphia to get growing with a plan that includes hundreds of vacant lots
https://www.philly.com/science/climate/urban-farm-agriculture-philadelphia-plan-garden-plots-20190320.html
More moms and kids withdrawing from nutrition program because of deportation fears, administrators say
https://www.philly.com/news/wic-trump-immigration-deportation-pregnant-women-infants-20190320.html
PPA passes new budget amid protests over School District funding
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-parking-authority-budget-ashdale-schools-revenue-protest-20190319.html
How a Philly millennial couple paid off $150K in student loans, ahead of schedule
https://www.philly.com/news/student-loans-debt-how-to-pay-college-budget-emoney-advisor-20190319.html
Council President Darrell Clarke among 44 Democrats facing legal challenges to get on primary ballot
https://www.philly.com/news/primary-petition-challenges-philly-darrell-clarke-ballot-20190319.html
Judicial candidates panic over ‘atrocious’ petitions as ballot challenge season begins
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-primary-nomination-petitions-legal-challenges-judicial-election-20190319.html
‘Not your normal church’: Kensington ‘temple’ is Philly’s first safe space for cannabis consumption
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/cbd-medical-marijuana-weed-patrick-duff-philly-thc-kensington-20190316.html
Amid layoffs, members of Congress and Mayor Kenney try to buoy Philly Shipyard
https://www.philly.com/business/philly-shipyard-kenney-mayor-layoffs-shipbuilding-20190319.html
Repairing the city, one house at a time | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-housing-repair-program-low-interest-loan-editorial-20190320.html
Pitt
Strip District produce terminal, 1600 Smallman construction finally ready to start
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/03/19/Produce-terminal-Strip-District-McCaffery-Interests-1600-Smallman/stories/201903190069
Judge to grant Tree of Life shooting defendant more time to review evidence
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/19/robert-bowers-tree-of-life-pittsburgh-squirrel-hill-mass-shooting-status-conference/stories/201903190133
Beechview may get incubator backed by city, Hispanic development group
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/03/19/Pittsburgh-Beechview-building-broadway-avenue-hispanic-business-incubator/stories/201903190136
Two more flu deaths are reported in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/19/Two-flu-deaths-reported-county-Allegheny-man-woman-complications/stories/201903190124
Pittsburgh City Council votes down historic designation for Venturi house
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2019/03/19/Pittsburgh-Venturi-house-city-council-votes-against-historic-designation-architecture/stories/201903190101
Memorial event for Christchurch victims planned in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/memorial-sunday-at-soldiers-sailors-to-remember-christchurch-victims/
It’s not either or: Philly needs more jobs and better schools. | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-schools-jobs-kenney-budget-20190320.html
Rosfeld Trial
As Michael Rosfeld trial begins, mood calm, respectful outside courthouse
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/19/michael-rosfeld-antwon-rose-trial-pittsburgh-courthouse-Atmosphere-calm-respectful/stories/201903190121
Day One of Rosfeld trial: Eyewitnesses describe moment that Antwon Rose II was shot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/19/antwon-rose-michael-rosfeld-trial-patrick-thomassey-dan-fitzsimmons-allegheny-county/stories/201903190120
Day 1 of Rosfeld trial concludes with testimony from witnesses to Rose shooting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/day-1-of-rosfeld-trial-concludes-with-testimony-from-witnesses-to-rose-shooting/
Six witnesses testified on the first day of the Michael Rosfeld trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/19/witness-list-michael-rosfeld-antwon-rose-trial-day-one/stories/201903190147
What to expect on Day 2 of Michael Rosfeld homicide trial
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/what-to-expect-on-day-2-of-michael-rosfeld-homicide-trial/
Online fundraiser collecting money for Rosfeld defense as trial starts
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/online-fundraiser-collecting-money-for-rosfeld-defense-as-trial-starts/
Penn Hills mayor silences resident during public meeting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-mayor-silences-resident-during-public-meeting/
Mt. Washington Carnegie Library branch scheduled for renovations, expansion
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mt-washington-carnegie-library-branch-scheduled-for-renovations-expansion/
State News
Former Gov. Dick Thornburgh officially retires from K&L Gates
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/dick-thornburgh-retires-from-k-also-served-as-pa-gov-u-s-attorney-general/
County ranks near bottom in statewide health report
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-ranks-near-bottom-in-statewide-health-report-1.2459582
Report: Cambria ranks 65th out of 67 Pennsylvania counties for health outcomes
https://www.tribdem.com/news/report-cambria-ranks-th-out-of-pennsylvania-counties-for-health/article_a8af00ec-4ab7-11e9-9149-3745faee379f.html
Pa. National Guard members deploying to Poland
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-national-guard-members-deploying-to-poland/
State trooper found not guilty of careless driving in fatal crash in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-trooper-found-not-guilty-of-careless-driving-in-fatal-crash-in-berks
Pennsylvania seeks volunteers for spring cleanup
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/pennsylvania-seeks-volunteers-for-spring-cleanup/article_945e3076-9a64-5415-a250-37d9dab96983.html
TMI
Along the Susquehanna, Three Mile Island’s towers remain a constant reminder of the 1979 disaster
https://www.philly.com/news/three-mile-island-nuclear-anniversary-energy–20190320.html
Could a Three Mile Island-related mass evacuation happen today? It would be a ‘crawl’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/a-three-mile-island-evacuation-today-it-would-be-a-crawl.html
Three Mile Island in living color: A look back at the accident and its aftermath
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/three-mile-island-in-living-color-a-look-back-at-the-accident-and-its-aftermath.html
How Three Mile Island and the nuclear industry influenced pop culture
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/how-three-mile-island-and-the-nuclear-industry-influenced-popular-culture.php
Transportation
Route 28 lane restrictions in O’Hara, Sharpsburg, Aspinwall begin Wednesday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/route-28-lane-restrictions-begin-wednesday/
New turn restrictions in effect near Riverview High School, Oakmont Bakery
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-turn-restrictions-in-effect-at-hulton-road-and-third-street-in-oakmont/
Kingston gets an ‘A’ in driving
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737182/kingston-gets-an-a-in-driving
18 Harrison roads on list for township’s 2019 road program
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/18-harrison-roads-on-list-for-townships-2019-road-program/
How much does car insurance cost? Central Pa. rates have gone up 41% in 8 years: study
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/how-much-does-car-insurance-cost-central-pa-rates-have-gone-up-41-in-8-years-study.html
Washington
Trump nominates former airline executive to lead the FAA
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/03/19/Trump-nominate-former-Delta-executive-Dickson-FAA-airlines-regulator-Boeing/stories/201903190173
Coal tax cut endangers federal black lung fund
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/20/Coal-tax-cut-endangers-federal-black-lung-fund-miners-trump/stories/201903200076
Beto O’Rourke, at State College, says U.S. democracy ‘as broken as it has been in our lifetimes’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/03/19/Beto-O-Rourke-at-State-College-pennsylvania-visit-penn-state-president-candidates/stories/201903190109
Dem presidential hopefuls renew discussions about scrapping the Electoral College
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/03/19/elimination-Electoral-College-Elizabeth-Warren-Beto-ORourke-Pete-Buttigieg/stories/201903190138
Mueller team asks for delay until April 1 over request to open Manafort records
https://www.philly.com/politics/mueller-team-delay-paul-manafort-records-20190320.html
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey promotes child care funding bills during Berks County visit
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/us-sen-bob-casey-promotes-child-care-funding-bills-during-berks-county-visit