Legislature
Ripple effects of raising Pa.’s minimum teacher salary concern House GOP lawmakers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/ripple-effects-of-raising-pas-minimum-teacher-salary-concern-house-gop-lawmakers.html
Wolf’s plan to boost teacher salaries faces skepticism in state House
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/wolfs-plan-to-boost-teacher-salaries-faces-skepticism-in-state-house.php
Pa. House Dem panel hears ways to improve harassment policies
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/pa-house-dem-panel-hears-ways-to-improve-harassment-policies/article_490fdbf6-3ece-11e9-90a5-7725b7ffd8ff.html
Can a new gun violence bill help prevent suicides in Pennsylvania?
https://www.philly.com/news/extreme-risk-protection-orders-guns-pennsylvania-stephens-killion-20190305.html
Rep. Shusterman to hold public forum on ‘common sense’ gun reform
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/rep-shusterman-to-hold-public-forum-on-common-sense-gun/article_e99cd1c0-3ea4-11e9-8dbf-a7481ddb3619.html
Who gets a second chance after prison? Not your average Joe in Pa. | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/parole-probation-supervision-second-chances-judges-20190305.html
Life after prison in Pa. remains perpetual punishment | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/03/life-after-prison-in-pa-remains-perpetual-punishment-opinion.html
Editorial: Curing children a goal worthy of tax credits from state
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/curing-children-a-goal-worthy-of-tax-credits-from-state
Pa. lawmakers should use handling of ‘Kids for Cash’ scandal as a model for Glen Mills | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/glen-mills-abuse-kids-for-cash-luzerne-county-20190304.html
Wolf wage plan is too aggressive
http://www.altoonamirror.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/wolf-wage-plan-is-too-aggressive/
Business
Pennsylvania ranks in the middle of the pack in jobs growth
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-ranks-in-the-middle-of-the-pack-in-jobs-growth/
Women in tech — and beyond — struggle to find jobs. This former Google recruiter has a solution
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2019/03/04/tracy-saunders-womens-job-search-network-pittsburgh-google-recruiting-tech-alphalab/stories/201903030002
Truck driver shortage could soon impact prices of consumer goods
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/truck-driver-shortage-could-soon-impact-prices-of-consumer-goods/
Allegheny Angler reopens in Tarentum following October fire
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-angler-reopens-in-tarentum-following-october-fire/
CAN BE services help Candelles organize, grow
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/can-be-services-help-candelles-organize-grow-1.2453190
Some Berks businesses respond to working moms’ worries about discrimination
https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/mothers-load
Union at Erie locomotive plant wants temporary agreement
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190305/union-at-erie-locomotive-plant-wants-temporary-agreement
Catholic Church
Zubik letter responds to abuse crisis
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/03/04/Zubik-letter-responds-to-abuse-crisis/stories/201903040099
Bishop releases action plan to address clergy child sex abuse
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/bishops-action-plan-outlines-steps-to-address-clergy-child-sex-abuse-other-issues-of-concern-to-catholics/
Education
Report: More Allegheny County schools serving breakfast to more students
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/03/04/Free-school-breakfast-Allegheny-County-Pittsburgh-Allies-for-Children-food-bank-reduced-meals/stories/201903040080
As Scranton School Board announces financial committee members, public demands openness
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-scranton-school-board-announces-financial-committee-members-public-demands-openness-1.2453266
Wilson parents, students pack board meeting to support math teacher
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wilson-parents-students-pack-board-meeting-to-support-math-teacher
A new tool for Berks-area schools battling bad weather
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/a-new-tool-for-schools-battling-bad-weather
Snow obstacle: Saucon Valley superintendent keeps schools open
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-snow-days-saucon-20190304-story.html
Central Bucks superintendent has new five-year contract
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190304/central-bucks-superintendent-has-new-five-year-contract
More verified mumps cases reported at Temple University
https://www.philly.com/news/mumps-temple-university-philadelphia-20190305.html
Misericordia University introduces accelerated nursing program in Pittsburgh
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735354/misericordia-university-introduces-accelerated-nursing-program-in-pittsburgh
Elections/Politics
Chief of staff to seek GOP nomination for former state Sen. Don White’s seat
https://triblive.com/news/regional/chief-of-staff-to-seek-gop-nomination-for-former-state-sen-don-whites-seat/
Kosierowski pushes for health care expansion
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kosierowski-pushes-for-health-care-expansion-1.2453233
Scavo says tax relief must arrive gradually
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scavo-says-tax-relief-must-arrive-gradually-1.2453236
Gaming
Residents vocally oppose proposed Penn National casino in Caernarvon Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/residents-vocally-oppose-caernarvon-casino-at-meeting
Neighbors view planned casino as a risky bet
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/neighbors-view-planned-casino-as-a-risky-bet.html
Health Care
My mother doesn’t have many memories left, and most of them are wrong. What’s going on?
https://www.philly.com/health/dementia-alzheimers-false-memory-penn-state-harvard-20190305.html
Highmark CEO predicts local growth as report details economic impact
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735390/highmark-ceo-predicts-local-growth-as-report-details-economic-impact
Commonwealth Health to end helicopter service
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735346/commonwealth-health-ending-helicopter-service
Grounded: Commonwealth Health ending air transport
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/grounded-commonwealth-health-ending-air-transport-1.2453249
Local News
Susquehanna Warrior Trail faces more delays
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/susquehanna-warrior-trail-faces-more-delays-1.2453184
Alleged hate group event canceled after chamber post
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/alleged-hate-group-event-canceled-after-chamber-post-1.2453258
Scranton council hears concerns from neighbors about Keystone Mission
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-hears-concerns-from-neighbors-about-keystone-mission-1.2453265
Jessup council OKs tax relief for new warehouse project
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-council-oks-tax-relief-for-new-warehouse-project-1.2453339
Parade association announces dignitaries
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/parade-association-announces-dignitaries-1.2453287
Unicorns for ethics panel
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/unicorns-for-ethics-panel-1.2453174
Lungs at Work hosting black lung screening
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/lungs-at-work-hosting-black-lung-screening/
Effort to fix vandalized Brackenridge veterans memorial continues
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/efforts-to-repair-vandalized-brackenridge-veterans-memorial-ongoing-as-investigation-stymied/
Mother of road rage victim Bianca Roberson speaks out
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/mother-of-road-rage-victim-bianca-roberson-speaks-out/article_0adbba21-830b-5904-a7b4-baa3e98a19b5.html
Marijuana
Fetterman’s marijuana tour stop in Greensburg draws large, divided crowd
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/fettermans-marijuana-tour-stop-in-greensburg-draws-large-divided-crowd/
National News
When U.S. ‘defunds Planned Parenthood,’ abortions go up worldwide, research shows
https://www.philly.com/health/abortion-planned-parenthood-global-gag-rule-20190305.html
Luke Perry, heartthrob star of ‘Beverly Hills 90210,’ dies at 52
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2019/03/04/Luke-Perry-TV-movie-star-Beverly-Hills-90210-dies-52-massive-stroke/stories/201903040082
New Mexico moves to expand background checks on gun sales
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/new-mexico-moves-expand-background-checks-gun-sales-20190305.html
Natural Gas
Greene County gas line transferred from Rice to Equitrans garners $1.5 million fine
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/03/04/Greene-County-gas-line-transferred-from-Rice-to-Equitrans-garners-1-5-million-fine/stories/201903040115
DEP levies $1.5 million fine for pipeline issues in Greene County
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/dep-levies-million-fine-for-pipeline-issues-in-greene-county/article_650d084e-3eb3-11e9-8326-7332f023c84b.html
Operator of natural gas gathering pipeline in Greene County fined
https://triblive.com/news/regional/operator-of-natural-gas-gathering-pipeline-in-greene-county-fined/
Philly
Is Starbucks redesign a ‘keep out’ sign for Philly’s homeless people?
https://www.philly.com/news/starbucks-philadelphia-homeless-store-design-tables-chairs-bathrooms-20190305.html
Judge denies Krasner office’s request to vacate death penalty in 1984 double murder
https://www.philly.com/news/district-attorney-larry-krasner-death-penalty-judge-mitchell-goldberg-robert-wharton-bradley-hart-sam-hart-20190304.html
U.S. Rep Dean’s husband leaves Advanced Sports; its Chinese creditors help save Philly jobs
https://www.philly.com/business/phillydeals/us-rep-deans-husband-leaves-advanced-sports-its-chinese-creditors-help-save-philly-jobs-20190305.html
These women of color tackle lactation disparities one belly bump at a time
https://www.philly.com/life/breastfeeding-latinas-health-african-american-philly-amamantar-bebe-leche-20190305.html
Philly could establish new protections for domestic workers like nannies and house cleaners
https://www.philly.com/news/domestic-workers-bill-of-rights-philadelphia-city-council-national-alliance-nannies-caretakers-house-cleaners-20190304.html
New way to help pets in low-income homes and create a ‘no-kill’ city
https://www.philly.com/news/pets-dogs-cats-spay-neuter-poverty-veterinarian-20190304.html
What happened to the lights on the South Street Bridge?
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/south-street-bridge-lights-off-philadelphia-20190304.html
Philly needs a bill of rights for domestic workers | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/domestic-worker-bill-of-rights-20190304.html
Pitt
Mayor Peduto, self-driving car companies announce ‘Pittsburgh Principles’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/03/04/Mayor-Peduto-self-driving-car-companies-announce-Pittsburgh-Principles/stories/201903040058
The cost of living: Here’s how Pittsburgh region stacks up with other cities
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/business-of-pittsburgh-monthly-report/2019/
Legal experts analyze lack of charges in bar brawl between Pittsburgh police, Pagans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/04/kopys-bar-fight-pagans-pittsburgh-police-no-charges-frank-deluca-civil-rights/stories/201903040093
Pitt snares $4.2 million during 24-hour Annual Day of Giving
https://triblive.com/news/regional/pitt-snares-4-2-million-during-24-hour-annual-day-of-giving/
Pitt’s colors are probably going throwback. Here’s what you need to know
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/sean-gentille/2019/03/04/new-pitt-retro-colors-2019-script-logo/stories/201903040097
Regional planners look for solutions to traffic congestion on Hazelwood’s Second Avenue
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/04/Hazelwood-Green-Second-Avenue-traffic-congestion-Southwestern-Pennsylvania-Commission-regional-study/stories/201903040110
Peduto reports on trip: Israelis “extremely proud of the people of Pittsburgh”
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/03/04/Mayor-Bill-Peduto-Tree-of-Life-shooting-victims-security-experts-Israel-Jerusalem-Tel-Aviv-smart-city-technology/stories/201903040102
Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto honored Tree of Life victims in Israel
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-mayor-peduto-honored-tree-of-life-victims-during-trip-to-israel/
Allegheny County council to consider conversion therapy ban
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/allegheny-county-council-to-consider-conversion-therapy-ban.php
District 15 building in Pittsburgh’s Strip District to house Facebook division
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/district-15-building-in-pittsburghs-strip-district-will-house-facebook-oculus-division/
Petition to save John Bosco Academy garners 1,000 signatures
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/petition-to-save-john-bosco-academy-garners-1000-signatures/
State News
Calif. is suing to block Trump’s abortion rule, with Pennsylvania and others to follow
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/03/04/Trump-administration-gag-rule-California-lawsuit-women-seeking-abortion/stories/201903040101
State getting tougher with nursing home fines, which doubled last year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/04/Pennsylvania-nursing-homes-fines-Health-Department-penalties-provisional-license/stories/201903040005
State waterfowl meeting to be held in Dallas Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-waterfowl-meeting-to-be-held-in-dallas-twp-1.2453208
Cocaine, meth on rise in Pennsylvania’s early warning areas
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/cocaine-meth-on-rise-in-pennsylvanias-early-warning-areas/
State auctioning off 2 bottles of rare Scotch whisky
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-auctioning-off-2-bottles-of-rare-scotch-whisky/
PLCB’s latest move to draw consumers? Auctioning really old scotch.
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/03/plcbs-latest-move-to-draw-consumers-auctioning-really-old-scotch.php
Winner of record-breaking Mega Millions jackpot comes forward, dashing Pa.’s chance of winning big for senior citizen programs
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/winner-of-record-breaking-mega-millions-jackpot-comes-forward-dashing-pas-chance-of-winning-big-for-senior-citizen-programs.html
Industrial Hemp is creating a buzz in PA
http://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/03/the-legalization-of-industrial-hemp.php
Transportation
PennDOT officials approve a new turning restriction at Oakmont Bakery
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/penndot-officials-approve-a-new-turning-restriction-along-hulton-road-by-the-new-oakmont-bakery/
Landslide shuts down Bunola River Road in Forward Township, PennDOT says
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/landslide-shuts-down-bunola-river-road-in-forward-township-penndot-says/
Rock face work along Route 209 to begin in April
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/rock-face-work-along-route-209-to-begin-in-april-1.2453207
Washington
McConnell confirms the Senate has the votes to disapprove of Trump’s emergency declaration
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/03/04/Trump-national-emergency-declaration-McConnell-Senate-vote-Republican-Rand-Paul/stories/201903040109
House panel seeks documents on 81 people linked to Trump
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/house-panel-seeks-documents-people-linked-trump-20190305.html
Ex-Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, Main Line native, runs for president as moderate Dem
https://www.philly.com/news/john-hickenlooper-president-main-line-philadelphia-governor-colorado-20190304.html
Hillary Clinton says she won’t run for president in 2020
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/hillary-clinton-not-running-for-president-donald-trump-democrat-20190305.html
Reasonable gun bills: U.S. Senate should follow the House’s lead
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/05/Reasonable-gun-bills-commonsense-reform-Second-Amendment-US-Senate/stories/201903050044
Trump’s proposed executive order on campus speech follows wave of complaints
https://www.philly.com/education/donald-trump-proposed-executive-order-campus-free-speech-20190304.html
Indiana Township woman to testify at Senate hearing about lowering prescription drug prices
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/indiana-township-woman-to-testify-at-senate-hearing-about-lowering-prescription-drug-prices/
Pass Toomey fentanyl bill
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/pass-toomey-fentanyl-bill-1.2453176
Grades on environmental, business scorecards differ for Congressional Democrats, Republicans
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190304/grades-on-environmental-business-scorecards-differ-for-congressional-democrats-republicans/1