Legislature
Democratic legislators blast Scavo
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/democratic-legislators-blast-scavo-1.2453404
Hemp bill aims to give Pennsylvania farmers a new, growing market
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/hemp-bill-aims-to-give-pennsylvania-farmers-a-new-growing-market
Proposal could expand community solar projects in Pa.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/proposal-could-expand-community-solar-projects-in-pa-1.2453739
Proposed state police fee concerns Berks municipalities that depend on service
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/proposed-state-police-fee-concerns-berks-municipalities-who-depend-on-service
Our view: Clean slate law opens new doors
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20190306/our-view-clean-slate-law-opens-new-doors
Business
Firm wants to build distribution center in city
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/firm-wants-to-build-distribution-center-in-city-1.2453686
Southwestern Pa. banks among Forbes’ ‘World’s Best’
https://triblive.com/business/southwestern-pa-banks-among-forbes-worlds-best/
Sheetz adds beer caves to 5 more stores in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/regional/sheetz-adds-beer-caves-to-five-more-stores-in-western-pennsylvania/
2 Sheetz stores in Berks to sell beer
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/sheetz-announces-new-beer-caves-in-berks
Schneider Electric to close Berks plant, lay off 231 workers
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/schneider-electric-to-close-ontelaunee-plant-lay-off-231-workers
One of nation’s largest strikes continues in Erie
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190305/one-of-nations-largest-strikes-continues-in-erie
Catholic Church
This Lent, don’t give Catholic bishops a dime | Marc Thiessen
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/catholic-bishops-lent-us-conference-20190305.html
Crime/Punishment
As judge presses about info, prosecution says it was unaware of report in Rosfeld case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/05/Michael-Rosfeld-Antwon-Rose-homicide-trial-East-Pittsburgh-police-shooting-Brady-colloquy-discovery/stories/201903050150
Hempfield doctor enters no contest plea in overdose death case
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/hempfield-doctor-enters-no-contest-plea-in-overdose-death-case/
Police say contraband-smuggling probe that led to charges against SCI-Somerset officer lasted more than a year
https://www.tribdem.com/news/police-say-contraband-smuggling-probe-that-led-to-charges-against/article_cc80b77e-3fc0-11e9-a0b4-e34e83ebe0fc.html
Education
Fourteen of 42 NEPA high schools exceed state SAT average
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fourteen-of-42-nepa-high-schools-exceed-state-sat-average-1.2453591
Hanover Area School District working to recover $250K van service overpayment
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hanover-area-school-district-working-to-recover-250k-van-service-overpayment-1.2453723
Board vested in status quo
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/board-vested-in-status-quo-1.2453611
STEM competition drives students
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/stem-competition-drives-students-1.2453644
Reading Southern Middle School takes top What’s So Cool About Manufacturing? Award
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-southern-middle-school-takes-top-whats-so-cool-about-manufacturing-award
Supporters of Harrisburg charter school aim to appeal denial to state board
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/supporters-of-harrisburg-charter-school-aim-to-appeal-denial-to-state-board.html
Cheyney University launches fund-raising campaign; president vows to end the year with a balanced budget
https://www.philly.com/education/cheyney-university-partners-plan-save-accreditation-20190305.html
Nation’s oldest historically black university unveils its plan to put the school on sounder financial footing
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/nations-oldest-historically-black-university-unveils-its-plan-to-put-the-school-on-sounder-financial-footing.html
Cheyney eyes new partners, balanced budget, growing enrollment
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/cheyney-eyes-new-partners-balanced-budget-growing-enrollment/article_e5f9c666-3f87-11e9-86a7-6b0dc0639226.html
Elections/Politics
As 2020 nears, pressure grows to replace voting machines
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/03/05/As-2020-nears-pressure-grows-to-replace-voting-machines-elections/stories/201903050110
Gaming
Residents vocally oppose proposed Penn National casino in Caernarvon Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/residents-vocally-oppose-caernarvon-casino-at-meeting
Health Care
Health costs are crushing Pennsylvanians; a new survey shows how much
https://www.philly.com/health/health-costs-pennsylvania-prescription-drugs-20190306.html
Mumps outbreak spreads from Temple University to Montgomery County
https://www.philly.com/health/mumps-temple-university-outbreak-montgomery-county-contagious-20190305.html
Rural hospitals testing new payment model
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/rural-hospitals-testing-new-payment-model-1.2453619
Local News
Drug recovery support center opening in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735588/drug-recovery-support-center-opening-in-wilkes-barre
State corrections officer from Wilkes-Barre awarded Medal of Valor
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735485/state-corrections-officer-from-wilkes-barre-awarded-medal-of-valor
Pedri: Luzerne County set to save on energy costs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-luzerne-county-set-to-save-on-energy-costs-1.2453714
Owner sues Wyoming Borough over land seizure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735490/owner-alleges-no-pay-due-to-politics-in-land-seizure-by-wyoming-borough
‘Hate group’ event listing draws scrutiny from Back Mountain Chamber
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735571/hate-group-event-listing-draws-scrutiny-from-back-mountain-chamber
Back Mountain Chamber celebrates members’ successes amid controversy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/back-mountain-chamber-celebrates-members-successes-amid-controversy-1.2453709
Scranton official: Homeless mission lacks zoning approval, building inspection
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-official-homeless-mission-lacks-zoning-approval-building-inspection-1.2453681
Clarks Summit woman settles wrongful arrest suit for $175,000
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/clarks-summit-woman-settles-wrongful-arrest-suit-for-175-000-1.2453801
Days of Irish revelry surround St. Patrick’s Parade
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/lifestyles/entertainment/days-of-irish-revelry-surround-st-patrick-s-parade-1.2453364
Irwin tables proposed amusement tax
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/irwin-tables-proposed-amusement-tax/
Officials from Westmoreland County townships to hold annual convention
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/officials-from-westmoreland-county-townships-to-hold-annual-convention/
Harrison eyes improvements to 9 township alleys, lanes
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-eyes-improvements-to-9-township-alleys-lanes/
FedEx developer, Allen Township forgot to include someone on bridge deal… the bridge’s owner
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/northampton-county/2019/03/fedex-developer-allen-township-forgot-to-include-someone-on-bridge-deal-the-bridges-owner.html
Marijuana
Scranton cannabis festival expected to attract 10,000. But Pa. bans dispensaries from being there.
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/marijuana-weed-pennsylvania-cannabis-festival-dispensaries-forbidden-20190306.html
Home growing is crucial to legal pot in Pa. | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/legal-weed-marijuana-homegrowing-pennsylvania-20190305.html
Pennsylvania added almost 4,000 marijuana jobs last year, study finds
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-added-almost-4000-marijuana-jobs-last-year-study-finds/
National News
Tension persists after Calif.’s AG declines to charge officers in the Stephon Clark slaying
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/05/California-Attorney-General-Won-t-Charge-Officers-in-Stephon-Clark-Shooting/stories/201903050184
Why are there fewer police officers in the U.S.?
http://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/03/the-struggle-to-recruit-police-officers-national-shortage.php
Natural Gas
Natural gas a winner for Pennsylvania | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/03/natural-gas-a-winner-for-pennsylvania-pennlive-letters.html
Editorial: Voices opposing pipeline are growing and getting louder
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/editorial-voices-opposing-pipeline-are-growing-and-getting-louder/article_2681bc08-3f50-11e9-b889-171515d78169.html
New Jersey
N.J. Gov Phil Murphy calls for ‘millionaire’s tax’ in budget address
https://www.philly.com/news/phil-murphy-budget-address-millionaires-tax-20190305.html
Opioid Crisis
Could fentanyl test strips prevent fatal drug overdoses in Pa?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/could-fentanyl-test-strips-prevent-fatal-drug-overdoses-in-pa.html
Cumberland Commissioners cite opioid improvements as possible showdown with state looms over medical assistance control
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/cumberland-commissioners-cite-opioid-improvements-as-possible-showdown-with-state/article_b0bac13e-7039-5441-a863-32ae289c27c6.html
Philly
From panhandling to a paycheck: How day labor can provide opportunity to Philly’s homeless
https://www.philly.com/news/philly-homeless-mural-arts-camden-panhandling-project-home-20190306.html
Hospitality venture Sonder expands in Philly, leasing whole apartment projects for short-term visitors
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/sonder-witherspoon-heid-apartment-hotel-philadelphia-visitor-accomodations-20190306.html
In praise of … Johnny Doc? | Stu Bykofsky
https://www.philly.com/opinion/stu-bykofsky-philadelphia-local-union-johnny-doc-dougherty-sister-scullion-alexs-lemonade-rock-ministries-20190305.html
Philadelphia priest charged with raping girl, recording their sex acts
https://www.philly.com/news/armand-garcia-charged-arrested-priest-sex-abuse-philadelphia-archdiocese-20190305.html
St. Laurentius in Fishtown deemed ‘precarious’ days before Council vote to expedite redevelopment
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/st-laurentius-church-fishtown-licenses-inspections-callaghan-scan-stone-archdiocese-safety-measures-20190305.html
Philly ad campaign promotes medication-assisted opioid treatment
https://www.philly.com/health/opioid-addiction-buprenorphine-treatment-philadelphia-20190305.html
Poll: Majority of Philly voters hate soda tax but may not base votes on it
https://www.philly.com/news/philly-soda-tax-democratic-mayor-kenney-council-primary-20190305.html
At least five properties associated with Ori Feibush’s development company vandalized, police say
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/ocf-realty-vandalism-south-philadelphia-developer-ori-feibush-police-investigating-20190305.html
A new divide between charters and traditional public schools? | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/charter-schools-school-district-philadelphia-equity-education-20190306.html
Pitt
Millions from Tree of Life donations to go to survivors, congregations, police
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/03/05/Tree-of-Life-Synagogue-Pittsburgh-shooting-massacre-compensation-victims-fund-Robert-Bowers/stories/201903050086
Congregations in Tree of Life massacre grateful for ‘outpouring of support’
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/congregations-targeted-in-tree-of-life-massacre-grateful-for-compassion-payments/
County Council bill would ban conversion therapy for minors
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/03/05/County-Council-introduces-conversion-therapy-ban-legislation/stories/201903050169
Pittsburgh rises to No. 8 on Livability.com 2019 list of Best Places to Live
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/neighborhood/2019/03/05/Pittsburgh-8-Livability-2019-list-Best-Places-to-Live-America-cities/stories/201903050138
Pitt suffers 13th consecutive loss to Miami, 76-63
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2019/03/05/Pitt-Panthers-Mens-Basketball-suffers-13th-consecutive-loss-to-Miami-Hurricanes/stories/201903050182
For St. Patrick’s Day festivities, city preparing for revelers seeking relief
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/03/05/St-Patricks-Day-parade-Pittsburgh-South-Side-public-toilets-free-shuttles-parking-enforcement-celebration/stories/201903050123
Pittsburgh offering free parking, shuttles to South Side on St. Patrick’s Day
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-offering-free-parking-shuttles-to-south-side-on-st-patricks-day/
Port Authority adding trips to four bus routes that serve Oakland
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/05/Port-Authority-Allegheny-County-Pittsburgh-adding-bus-trips-routes-Oakland/stories/201903050135
3 additional flu deaths reported in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/05/flu-Allegheny-County-Health-Department-Pittsburgh-deaths-virus-hospitalized-cases/stories/201903050126
Pharma manufacturing center opens in South Side; more jobs planned
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/03/05/good-manufacturing-practices-food-drug-administration-krystal-biotech-inc-rare-diseases/stories/201903050053
For millennials, Pittsburgh ranks 8th in nation among best places to live
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/millennials-ranked-pittsburgh-8-on-recent-100-best-places-to-live-list/
Second elderly Pittsburgh man pleads guilty to cocaine trafficking
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/second-elderly-pittsburgh-man-pleads-guilty-to-cocaine-trafficking/
Greensburg Community Development Corp. extends deadline for hotel proposals
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/greensburg-community-development-corp-extends-deadline-for-hotel-proposals/
State News
State AG Josh Shapiro joins lawsuit against Trump administration’s Title X abortion gag rule
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/03/05/Pa-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-lawsuit-Trump-administration-Title-X-abortion-gag-rule/stories/201903050157
Cocaine, meth use trending upward in key Pa. cities, including Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/05/Cocaine-meth-methamphetamine-rise-trends-drugs-Pennsylvania-Pittsburgh/stories/201903050118
Westmoreland County among areas where people stay, data shows
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-among-areas-where-people-stay-data-shows/
Live Bear cam debuts in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/live-bear-cam-debuts-in-pennsylvania/
Discoverer Blog bypasses Latrobe as Pennsylvania’s best small town
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/discoverer-blog-bypasses-latrobe-as-states-best-small-town/
Veterans Affairs Medical Center hosting meeting
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/veterans-affairs-medical-center-hosting-meeting-1.2453715
The REAL ID cards are rolling out in Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-real-id-cards-what-to-know-20190305-story.html
REAL IDs now available to Pa. residents
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/real-ids-now-available-to-pa-residents.html
Crowd speaks out against Elcon proposal
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190305/crowd-speaks-out-against-elcon-proposal
Coal waste at most power plants linked to groundwater pollution
https://www.tribdem.com/news/coal-waste-at-most-power-plants-linked-to-groundwater-pollution/article_54606484-3fbf-11e9-a6f5-175a431a32f8.html
Chrin Brothers’ landfill expansion plan passes the smell test, DEP says in latest review
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/03/benefit-of-chrin-brothers-290m-landfill-expansion-outweighs-harm-environmentalists-say.html
Transportation
If King of Prussia rail extension happens, its hometown won’t help pay for it
https://www.philly.com/transportation/king-of-prussia-rail-upper-merion-funding-septa-train-20190306.html
Turnpike reveals plans for last section of Southern Beltway
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/03/05/Turnpike-reveals-plans-for-last-section-of-Southern-Beltway/stories/201903050175
Ridership rises on buses from Berks to New York
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/ridership-rises-on-bus-to-new-york
TSA agents find non-working grenade launcher in Florida man’s luggage at Allentown airport
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/tsa-agents-find-non-working-grenade-launcher-in-luggage
Washington
First lady prods media to cover opioids as much as ‘gossip’
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/melania-trump-first-lady-opioid-epidemic-gossip-trivial-20190306.html
Corporation owned by Ocasio-Cortez aide is scrutinized
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-chief-staff-political-action-committees-pacs-million-20190306.html
Federal interference: Gag rule is an end run around reproductive rights
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/06/Abortion-gag-rule-Trump-administration-Planned-Parenthood-reproductive-rights/stories/201903060074
Omar the flashpoint as Democrats confront divide over Israel
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/ilhan-omar-house-israel-divide-comments-20190305.html
Pennsylvania senators seek answers to questions raised by PennLive nursing home investigation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/pennsylvania-senators-seek-answers-to-questions-raised-by-pennlive-nursing-home-investigation.html
Q-and-A with Rep. Madeleine Dean on the House Judiciary launching probe of President Trump
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-madeleine-dean-house-judiciary-trump-probe-20190305-story.html
Toomey, Van Hollen bill imposes sanctions on those that do business with North Korea
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190305/toomey-van-hollen-bill-imposes-sanctions-on-those-that-do-business-with-north-korea