Legislature
Senate Democrats roll out college debt relief plan
https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/senate-democrats-roll-out-college-debt-relief-plan/article_af1a5fd9-bb24-563a-b669-8277236cf48b.html
As school librarians disappear, Blake wants to require their employment
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-school-librarians-disappear-blake-wants-to-require-their-employment-1.2460061
DiGirolamo: With too few nurses, hospitals risk lives
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190321/digirolamo-with-too-few-nurses-hospitals-risk-lives
Pennsylvania lawmakers attempt to head off transportation funding problems
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-lawmakers-attempt-to-head-off-transportation-funding-problems/
Pa. faces transportation headaches and the cures are likely to cost us more
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/transportation-headaches-facing-pa-are-many-with-the-cure-likely-to-cost-us-more.html
Bill going to governor that takes away pensions sooner from elected officials convicted of serious crimes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/bill-going-to-governor-that-takes-away-pensions-sooner-from-elected-officials-convicted-of-serious-crimes.html
Here’s why Pa. Republican medical marijuana maverick Folmer won’t back recreational pot
https://www.ldnews.com/story/news/local/2019/03/20/pa-sen-mike-folmer-wont-back-new-recreational-marijuana-bill/3222908002/
Barrar bill to provide emergency services gets committee support
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/barrar-bill-to-provide-emergency-services-gets-committee-support/article_0fc93f9a-4b49-11e9-9456-bbf8f1145ffa.html
Could Pennsylvania be next state to ban foam takeout containers?
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/03/20/could-pennsylvania-next-state-ban-foam-takeout-containers/3225606002/
Toohil receives spot on committee
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/toohil-receives-spot-on-committee-1.2459913
State serious about school district plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-serious-about-school-district-plan-1.2459907
Traction for justice reform
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/traction-for-justice-reform-1.2459909
County-led mental health, drug & alcohol services for 2.9 million Pennsylvanians are in jeopardy | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/03/county-led-mental-health-drug-alcohol-services-for-29-million-pennsylvanians-are-in-jeopardy-opinion.html
Support all children — pass the Down syndrome Protection Act | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/03/support-all-children-pass-the-down-syndrome-protection-act.html
Administration
Gov. Wolf is confident he has the votes for gas tax, but Republicans beg to differ
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2019/03/20/gov-wolf-confident-he-has-votes-gas-tax-but-republicans-beg-differ/3224314002/
Business
Comcast, AT&T take steps to combat scam calls
https://www.philly.com/business/robocall-scam-comcast-att-tmobile-stir-shaken-20190320.html
The Pennsylvania newspaper where novelist John Updike interned files for bankruptcy
https://www.philly.com/business/reading-eagle-bankruptcy-pennsylvania-employees-20190320.html
Reading Eagle Company files for bankruptcy protection
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-eagle-company-files-for-bankruptcy-protection
Job cuts feared at Boeing’s Philly-area plant as U.S. Army calls stop on helicopter upgrades
https://www.philly.com/news/osprey-chinook-ridley-helicopter-boeing-delaware-county-20190320.html
New Dollar General store proposed for Pittston
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-dollar-general-store-proposed-for-pittston-1.2459953
WNEP among stations bought by TEGNA for $740 million
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wnep-among-stations-bought-by-tegna-for-740-million-1.2459894
FirstEnergy: Cost to close plants tops $900M
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190320/firstenergy-cost-to-close-plants-tops-900m
Crime/Punishment
Marathon trial in Bucks double homicide ends as jurors prepare to deliberate
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/gary-goddard-joseph-williams-bristol-township-murder-pro-20190320.html
Troopers work with DNA lab to create images of suspect in ‘64 murder of Hazleton girl
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/737234/troopers-work-with-dna-lab-to-create-images-of-suspect-in-64-murder-of-hazleton-girl
Education
Northwest to stop transporting students to schools outside 10-mile limit
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737247/northwest-to-stop-transporting-students-to-schools-outside-10-mile-limit
Old Forge parents raise lockdown concerns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-parents-raise-lockdown-concerns-1.2460074
Panel talks social media at diocesan schools event
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/panel-talks-social-media-at-diocesan-schools-event-1.2460075
’Potentially credible threat’ results in closure of central Pa. middle, high schools
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/potentially-credible-threat-results-in-closure-of-central-pa-middle-high-schools.html
Penn State reaches financial settlement with Jerry Sandusky’s defunct charity, Second Mile
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/03/20/Penn-State-financial-settlement-Jerry-Sandusky-Second-Mile/stories/201903200122
Villanova’s Jay Wright: Exits of Phil Martelli, Fran Dunphy a ‘sad day’ for Big 5
https://www.philly.com/college-sports/villanova/villanova-wildcats-jay-wright-ncaa-tournament-big–20190320.html
Officials: Temple U. mumps outbreak swells to 67 likely cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/20/Temple-University-mumps-outbreak-swells-to-67-likely-cases/stories/201903200085
Robert Morris University announces restructuring plans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/03/20/Robert-Morris-University-restructuring-reorganization-Pittsburgh-Chris-Howard/stories/201903200050
Elections/Politics
Raja, Iovino square off in only debate in special election campaign
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/03/20/Raja-Iovino-debate-in-special-election-campaign-37th-District-state-Senate-race/stories/201903200164
Josh Maxwell gets Dem nod for Chesco commissioner; Cozzone fails to get endorsement
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/josh-maxwell-gets-dem-nod-for-chesco-commissioner-cozzone-fails/article_94d9bf82-4b28-11e9-94e9-df027e95e9fe.html
Special election set for May 21 to replace State Rep. Brian Ellis
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/03/20/Special-election-set-to-replace-State-Rep-Brian-Ellis/stories/201903200116
Gaming
More sports-betting sites come online, revenue increases, and more Pa. gambling notes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/more-sports-betting-sites-come-online-revenue-increases-and-more-pa-gambling-notes.html
Guns
‘My firearm would’ve saved me’: Raped as a Temple student, she now fights for gun rights
https://www.philly.com/news/gun-rights-self-defense-campus-firearm-laws-temple-rape-victim-savannah-lindquist-20190321.html
Local News
W-B set to target nuisance properties
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-set-to-target-nuisance-properties-1.2459955
County committee narrows proposed natural-gas rec funding awards
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737242/county-committee-narrows-proposed-natural-gas-rec-funding-awards
Luzerne Foundation hears funding pitches from nonprofits
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737245/luzerne-foundation-hears-funding-pitches-from-nonprofits
Forum offers nonprofits a platform to request grants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/forum-offers-nonprofits-a-platform-to-request-grants-1.2459960
Local start-ups try to lure investors at Pitch event
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737254/local-startups-try-to-lure-investors-at-pitch-event
W-B Golf Club to make improvements to clubhouse
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-golf-club-to-make-improvements-to-clubhouse-1.2459893
Lackawanna County commissioners award contract for first phase of Stauffer Industrial Park paving
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-commissioners-award-contract-for-first-phase-of-stauffer-industrial-park-paving-1.2459881
City revenue boost vs. quality of life
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-revenue-boost-vs-quality-of-life-1.2459966
Police enforcing speed limits in Shenandoah
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/police-enforcing-speed-limits-in-shenandoah-1.2459932
Jeannette police cars to have ‘In God We Trust’ decals
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/jeannette-police-cars-to-have-in-god-we-trust-decals/
Harrison loses chairmen of planning, recreation boards
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-loses-chairmen-of-planning-recreation-boards/
It’s official: Jason Schaeffer is Leechburg’s new police chief
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/its-official-jason-schaeffer-is-leechburgs-new-police-chief/
Union representing some Berks Heim workers approves new contract that includes concessions
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/union-representing-some-berks-heim-workers-approves-new-contract-that-includes-concessions
Editorial: Scott’s bigoted comments detrimental to city
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-scotts-bigoted-comments-detrimental-to-city
Miccarelli foes to Delco: Cancel transit contract
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/miccarelli-foes-to-delco-cancel-transit-contract/article_2b1d10d6-4b4f-11e9-862e-4bd13e33ca0a.html
Effort aims to raise money for family of girl who died after fall from 4th-floor window
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/03/effort-underway-to-raise-money-for-family-of-girl-who-died-after-fall-from-4th-floor-window.html
Local fire, medical units receive grants
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/03/local-fire-medical-units-receive-grants/
On tour of the Slate Belt, officials describe the need to combat blight
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-slate-belt-blight-fight-20190320-story.html
Marijuana
Lt. Gov. Fetterman bringing marijuana listening tour to Beaver County
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190320/lt-gov-fetterman-bringing-marijuana-listening-tour-to-beaver-county
Should Pennsylvania legalize marijuana? Here’s what people said about legal weed in York
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/03/20/pa-recreational-marijuana-listening-tour-packs-york-college/3218777002/
National News
Army bill for public records on contaminant: About $300,000
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/pfas-chemicals-army-bases-contaminated-water-20190320.html
Opioid Crisis
Fentanyl-related overdose deaths up sharply among black Americans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/21/Fentanyl-related-overdose-deaths-up-sharply-among-black-Americans/stories/201903210079
Rite Aid and Harrisburg schools team to save young lives in opioid epidemic
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/03/rite-aid-and-harrisburg-schools-team-to-save-young-lives-in-opioid-epidemic.html
Philly
Study: Philly among leaders in gentrification, which has pushed out people of color
https://www.philly.com/news/gentrification-philadelphia-african-american-latino-investment-neighborhood-20190320.html
Philly DA Larry Krasner: We took on mass incarceration, now we’re addressing mass supervision
https://www.philly.com/news/da-larry-krasner-philly-probation-criminal-justice-reform-parole-20190321.html
Italian Market apartments are scaled back amid complaints, but parking plan still opposed
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/midwood-italian-market-ninth-washington-apartments-20190321.html
Swoon over this adorable rescued kitten, and then step up to help thousands of Philly’s other stray cats | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.philly.com/news/columnists/helen-ubinas-project-meow-catadelphia-stray-cat-rescue-tnr-philadelphia-20190320.html
From a Horn & Hardart can, democratic socialist and transgender candidate draw top Council ballot spots
https://www.philly.com/news/ballot-position-philadelphia-primary-municipal-at-large-politics-20190320.html
Struggling South Philadelphia refinery suffers exodus of senior executives
https://www.philly.com/business/energy/philadelphia-energy-solutions-executives-depart-troubled-refinery-20190320.html
Encampment closure was a success. It still wasn’t enough. | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/encampments-kensington-clearing-study-opioid-epidemic-homelessness-20190321.html
Authorities uncover massive drug shipment at Philadelphia port
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/authorities-uncover-massive-drug-shipment-at-city-port.php
Pitt
Council members seek ‘legal path’ for Pittsburgh’s proposed gun laws
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/03/20/Amendments-Pittsburgh-proposed-gun-control-laws-council-o-connor-strassburger-pennsylvania-preemption/stories/201903200118
Growing up through the cracks: Policing change brings cops up close with kids in poverty
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/03/17/Police-Wilmerding-Allegheny-County-Growing-up-through-the-Cracks-poverty/stories/201903120120
Detroit-area authorities charge Chelsa Wagner and husband over hotel incident
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/20/Chelsa-Wagner-Khari-Mosley-criminal-charges-detroit-police-wayne-county-police/stories/201903200127
Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner charged with felonies in Detroit incident
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-controller-wagner-charged-with-resisting-obstructing-police-in-detroit-incident/
Pitt social media study gives doctors new tools to fight vaccine opponents
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/21/Social-media-study-doctors-vaccine-opponents-Pitt-Facebook-Wolynn-Primack/stories/201903200145
Officials: NCAA wrestling and Rosfeld trial won’t clash
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/03/20/Officials-NCAA-wrestling-championships-Rosfeld-trial-won-t-clash-Antwon-Rose/stories/201903200117
Officials: Convergence of Rosfeld trial, NCAA wrestling tourney shouldn’t create problems
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/officials-convergence-of-rosfeld-trial-ncaa-wrestling-tourney-shouldnt-create-problems/
Pittsburgh to use $3.5M PennDOT grant for Downtown pedestrian traffic signals
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/03/20/pittsburgh-3-5-million-PennDOT-grant-Downtown-audible-pedestrian-traffic-signals/stories/201903190143
Traffic signal changes on Grant Street in Pittsburgh designed for pedestrian safety
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/traffic-signal-changes-on-grant-street-in-pittsburgh-designed-for-pedestrian-safety/
Family Hospice closing its Mt. Lebanon residential care unit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/20/Family-Hospice-UPMC-closing-Mt-Lebanon-residence-Canterbury/stories/201903190145
Rosfeld Trial
Day 2 of Rosfeld trial: Witnesses describe Rosfeld’s demeanor after Antwon Rose II was shot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/20/antwon-rose-michael-rosfeld-trial-day-two-allegheny-county-mayor-police-shooting/stories/201903200115
Witnesses: Rosfeld was crying, shaking, panicking, distraught after shooting Rose
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/witnesses-rosfeld-was-crying-shaking-panicking-distraught-after-shooting-rose/
Handle with care: Police must avoid G-20 errors with Rose protests
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/21/Michael-Rosfeld-trial-Antwon-Rose-protests-Pittsburgh-G20-errors/stories/201903210027
What to expect on Day 3 of the Rosfeld trial
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/what-to-expect-on-day-3-of-the-rosfeld-trial/
Legal opinions vary on significance of testimony about Rosfeld’s emotions
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/legal-opinions-vary-on-significance-of-testimony-about-rosfelds-emotions/
State News
State College man shot as police try to serve mental health warrant
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/20/State-College-man-shot-as-police-try-to-serve-mental-health-warrant/stories/201903200163
Pennsylvania hunters set 14-year record for deer harvest
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-hunters-set-14-year-record-for-deer-harvest/
Democratic ad maker stakes out Biden’s childhood home
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/democratic-ad-maker-stakes-out-biden-s-childhood-home-1.2460007
DEP checking quarry’s asbestos fears
http://buckscountyherald.com/dep-checking-quarryxs-asbestos-fears-p1232-175.htm
Delaware Canal State Park in focus for state initiative
http://buckscountyherald.com/delaware-canal-state-park-in-focus-for-state-initiative-p1233-175.htm
Transportation
Arnold Palmer airport eyes 2 millionth passenger, gets extra South Carolina flights
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/arnold-palmer-airport-eyes-2-millionth-passenger-gets-extra-south-carolina-flights/
Cross Valley exit ramp in Plains Twp. will close April 1
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cross-valley-exit-ramp-in-plains-twp-will-close-april-1-1.2460010
Harrisburg seeks to shrink PennDOT’s massive 12-lane proposal for I-83
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/harrisburg-officials-hate-penndots-12-lane-i-83-so-theyre-coming-up-with-their-own-plan.html
Washington
Trump attacks McCain again. President didn’t get a ‘thank-you’ for approving funeral
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/03/20/Donald-Trump-attacks-John-McCain-no-thank-you-for-approving-funeral-Lima-Lordstown/stories/201903200148
White House ignores dozens of House Democrats’ requests for documents
https://www.philly.com/politics/white-house-ignores-dozens-house-democrats-requests-documents-20190320.html
World News
After mosque attacks, New Zealand bans ‘military-style’ semi-automatic guns
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-semi-automatic-gun-ban-20190321.html