Legislature

Package of bills co-sponsored by Sen. Judy Schwank aims to help farmers markets
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/package-of-bills-aims-to-help-farmers-markets

Among voters, support for legal marijuana defies party politics in Pa.
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/support-for-legal-marijuana-defies-party-politics-in-pa-among-residents-not-lawmakers.php

Transit agencies could face ‘serious consequences’ from capital funding shortfall in July
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/06/Port-Authority-PennDOT-Amtrak-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-capital-funding-payment-truckers-lawsuit/stories/201903060162

LCTA, COLTS facing state funding squeeze
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-colts-facing-state-funding-squeeze-1.2454178

State looks at minimum wage hike
https://www.dailyamerican.com/news/local/somerset/state-looks-at-minimum-wage-hike/article_81399467-9829-5700-b9b5-d1698a567cb1.html

Allentown passes resolution pushing state to ban guns in municipal buildings
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-gun-ban-council-20190219-story.html

Cash for the poor? General Assistance welfare again under threat in Pa.
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/cash-for-the-poor-general-assistance-welfare-again-under-threat-in-pa.php

Shusterman introduces bill to help create jobs and boost local economy
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/shusterman-introduces-bill-to-help-create-jobs-and-boost-local/article_a5a6e51e-4020-11e9-9d62-3b8786b8c62d.html

While minimum wage, oversight on agenda, budget and severance tax remain top debate
http://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2019/03/while-minimum-wage-oversight-on-agenda-budget-and-severance-tax-remain-top-debate/

Act to reduce suicide rate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/act-to-reduce-suicide-rate-1.2454162

Redistricting/Gerrymandering

Gov. Wolf offers U.S. Senate committee several ways to reduce health-care costs
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190307/gov-wolf-offers-us-senate-committee-several-ways-to-reduce-health-care-costs

Business

Survey: U.S. businesses added a solid 183,000 jobs last month
https://www.philly.com/business/survey-us-businesses-added-solid-jobs-last-month-20190306.html

Westmoreland shoppers unflapped by news 400 Family Dollars could close nationwide
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/westmoreland-shoppers-unflapped-by-news-400-family-dollars-could-close-nationwide/

Thousands attend Northeast Job Fair
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/thousands-attend-northeast-job-fair-1.2454172

Lehigh Valley’s Top Workplaces 2019 revealed: See the complete list
https://www.mcall.com/business/topworkplaces/mc-biz-top-workplaces-2019-winners-20190306-htmlstory.html

Deal reached at Wabtec; strike ends in Erie
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190307/deal-reached-at-wabtec-strike-ends-in-erie

Education

Committee members offer suggestions for Scranton School District recovery
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/committee-members-offer-suggestions-for-scranton-school-district-recovery-1.2454193

Local schools struggle to make breakfast fun
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190307/local-schools-struggle-to-make-breakfast-fun

Penn State among more than 20 U.S. universities targeted by Chinese hackers: reports
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/penn-state-among-more-than-20-us-universities-targeted-by-chinese-hackers-reports.html

Elections/Politics

GOP candidates for Westmoreland commissioner refuse donations tied to no-contract bids
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/gop-candidates-for-westmoreland-commissioner-refuse-donations-tied-to-no-contract-bids/

Gaming

Editorial: Plan for Berks casino should be allowed to advance
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/plan-for-berks-casino-should-be-allowed-to-advance

Health Care

Medical bills leave a Berks County woman on the verge of losing her home
https://special.readingeagle.com/medical-bills-leave-a-berks-county-woman-on-the-verge-of-losing-her-home/

Young, active – then gone. Fatal heart issues in teens are rare, but terrifying
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/sudden-cardiac-arrest-rare-in-student-athletes-youth.html

Local News

Barletta voices his support for alleged hate group
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/barletta-voices-his-support-for-alleged-hate-group-1.2454257

Barletta offers support for ACT for America, Leandri
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735665/barletta-offers-support-for-act-for-america-leandri

Luzerne County Children and Youth license renewed
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735682/luzerne-county-children-and-youth-license-renewed

Recovering users will help others at treatment center
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/recovering-users-will-help-others-at-treatment-center-1.2454182

‘Patriarch of pizza’ Angelo Ricci passes away at 87
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735601/patriarch-of-pizza-angelo-ricci-passes-away-at-87

Wilkes-Barre preps for St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735660/wilkes-barre-preps-for-st-patricks-day-parade-on-sunday

Scranton’s unopposed tripled local services tax gains swift court approval
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-s-unopposed-tripled-local-services-tax-gains-swift-court-approval-1.2454099

Cummings spars with marijuana advocates during Lackawanna County commissioners meeting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cummings-spars-with-marijuana-advocates-during-lackawanna-county-commissioners-meeting-1.2454107

Pot talk gives Cummings the munchies
http://timestribuneblogs.com/kelly/pot-talk-gives-cummings-the-munchies/

Homeless mission in Scranton says it has proper city approvals
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/homeless-mission-in-scranton-says-it-has-proper-city-approvals-1.2454284

Facebook takes down Old Forge mayor’s threatening post
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/facebook-takes-down-old-forge-mayor-s-threatening-post-1.2454224

Dunmore overpaid two retired firefighters nearly $300K
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-overpaid-two-retired-firefighters-nearly-300k-1.2454096

Greensburg officials fired planning director at ‘informal’ meeting, plan official vote on Monday
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/greensburg-officials-fired-planning-director-at-informal-meeting-plan-official-vote-on-monday/

HAPL will celebrate Pi Day
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hapl-will-celebrate-pi-day-1.2454189

Supervisors not behind pay audit’s legal filing
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/supervisors-not-behind-pay-audit-s-legal-filing-1.2454199

Westmoreland Diversity Coalition fundraiser highlights bipartisan karaoke
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/westmoreland-diversity-coalition-fundraiser-highlights-bipartisan-karaoke/

Municipal Police Officers’ Training Academy offers new program
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/municipal-police-officers-training-academy-offers-new-program/

Tarentum eyes new utility billing systems with part of park grant money
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-eyes-new-utility-billing-systems-with-part-of-park-grant-money/

Lower Burrell awards almost $3M in contracts for City Hall project
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-awards-almost-3m-in-contracts-for-city-hall-project/

Union Township planners advise against letting quarry expand
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/union-township-planners-advise-against-letting-quarry-expand

Allentown Council OKs event rate for parking meters around PPL Center
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-ppl-center-parking-rate-increase-vote-20190306-story.html

Springfield targets septic tank neglect
http://buckscountyherald.com/springfield-targets-septic-tank-neglect-p1112-175.htm

When will Minsi Lake, drained in ’17 for dam repairs, be refilled and ready for recreation?
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/03/when-will-minsi-lake-drained-in-17-for-dam-repairs-be-refilled-and-ready-for-recreation.html

Marijuana

At Fayette listening tour, majority supports recreational marijuana
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/at-fayette-listening-tour-majority-supports-recreational-marijuana/article_15381a80-5bfb-5f21-934b-0b412576d7f2.html

National News

‘It feels like we’re all going to a funeral today.’ GM’s Lordstown plant wraps up Cruze production
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/03/06/GM-s-Lordstown-plant-Cruze-union-jobs-Ohio-SUV/stories/201903060163

Alex Trebek says he has stage 4 pancreatic cancer
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2019/03/06/alex-trebek-cancer-announcement-video-jeopardy/stories/201903060159

Georgia House panel approves antiabortion ‘heartbeat’ bill
https://www.philly.com/politics/abortion-fetus-heartbeat-pregnant-georgia-house-committee-20190307.html

School lessons targeted by climate change doubters
https://www.philly.com/education/school-lessons-targeted-by-climate-change-doubters-20190306.html

Philly

Mayor Kenney to request $5 billion spending plan with big investments in Philadelphia schools, public safety
https://www.philly.com/politics/philadelphia/jim-kenney-philadelphia-budget-no-tax-increase-education-public-safety-20190307.html

Here’s how overtime boosts Philly workers retirement checks — and could cost the city $17 million in a single year
https://www.philly.com/news/pensions-municipal-workers-spiking-overtime-unions-labor-contracts-philadelphia-20190307.html

As Mayor Kenney prepares to deliver budget address, Philadelphia Free Library asks for $15 million more
https://www.philly.com/politics/free-library-mayor-kenney-budget-fund-our-libraries-20190306.html

A contractor without permits destroyed a family’s home of 61 years. The DA is investigating.
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/housing/fishtown-house-collapse-thompson-street-philadelphia-construction-contractors-permits-20190307.html

SEPTA’s transit police go on strike; service to continue
https://www.philly.com/news/septa-transit-strike-police-20190306.html

Shapiro, Krasner, Ross announce 8 arrests in S. Philly gang-related shootings
https://www.philly.com/news/south-philadelphia-shootings-nasir-livingston-district-attorney-larry-krasner-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-20190306.html

Man shot by police in West Philly
https://www.philly.com/news/man-shot-police-discharge-west-philadelphia-20190307.html

That’s not an old factory; it’s a brand new apartment building in South Philly | Inga Saffron
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/passyunk-square-apartments-architecture-ostroff-theater-exile-philadelphia-20190306.html

Advocates accuse Philly commissioners of illegal decision on voting machines
https://www.philly.com/politics/election/philly-voting-machines-challenged-commissioners-recusal-20190306.html

Helicopter maker Leonardo adds 166 jobs, $65 million training center in Northeast Philadelphia
https://www.philly.com/business/phillydeals/helicopter-maker-leonardo-adds-jobs-million-training-center-philadelphia-20190306.html

City property tax system: Yup, still broken | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/property-tax-avi-kenney-philadelphia-editorial-20190307.html

Krasner, McSwain at odds in how to carry out justice | Dom Giordano
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/krasner-mcswain-odds-how-carry-out-justice-dom-giordano-20190307.html

Philadelphia is a welcoming city. Let’s keep it that way | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-sanctuary-city-health-care-20190306.html

Corruption in Philly stifles economic development | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/johnny-doc-philly-corruption-building-trade-unions-20190306.html

Pitt

New Downtown office building may be in the works
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/03/06/Downtown-Highwoods-PPG-Place-office-building/stories/201903070072

Air pollution frustration spills out at health board meeting
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/03/06/Air-pollution-frustration-spills-out-at-Health-Board/stories/201903060172

Several floors at Allegheny County Jail without hot water, prompting partial lockdown
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/06/Allegheny-County-Jail-hot-water/stories/201903060110

Hot water problems put Allegheny County Jail on modified lockdown
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/hot-water-problems-put-allegheny-county-jail-on-modified-lockdown/

Lawmakers protest sex offender’s placement near victim’s Pittsburgh parents
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/06/Members-of-Congress-protest-sex-offender-s-placement-near-victim-s-Pittsburgh-parents/stories/201903060147

Allegheny County Council to consider banning conversion therapy
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-to-consider-banning-conversion-therapy/

Pittsburgh crowdfunding effort brings free screenings of ‘Captain Marvel’ to middle school girls
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2019/03/06/Captain-Marvel-free-screenings-middle-school-girls-Pittsburgh/stories/201903080013

A touch of Market Square may appear along Forbes Avenue
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/03/06/Market-Square-Forbes-Avenue-Downtown-Pittsburgh-Downtown-Partnership/stories/201903060082

Pittsburgh planning ‘artistic intersection’ in Shadyside to commemorate gay pride
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-planning-artistic-intersection-in-shadyside-to-commemorate-gay-pride/

Bridge to tomorrow: Link between Hilltop, Hazelwood worthy of study
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/07/Peduto-bridge-Hazelwood-Green-Carrick-Allentown-Hilltop-Oakland/stories/201903070039

Pittsburgh ranks 8th-best U.S. city to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-ranks-8th-for-best-u-s-city-to-celebrate-st-patricks-day/

Potholes top Pittsburgh’s ‘Most Wanted’ list
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/potholes-top-pittsburghs-most-wanted-list/

Pittsburgh-based The Incline news website is for sale
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-based-the-incline-news-website-is-for-sale/

Bishop Zubik offers Ash Wednesday Mass, comments on pastoral letter
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/bishop-zubik-offers-ash-wednesday-mass-comments-on-pastoral-letter/

State News

Dinosaur tracks make fresh impression at Valley Forge park
https://www.philly.com/science/valley-forge-national-historical-park-dinosaur-footprints-american-revolution-20190306.html

End the trade war taking a toll on Pennsylvanians | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/tariffs-trade-pennsylvania-farmers-taxes-imports-20190307.html

Trooper found at fault for crash that killed couple in Lower Heidelberg Township will face no criminal charges
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/trooper-charged-in-crash-that-killed-east-cocalico-couple-in-lower-heidelberg-township

Poor in Pa.? You spend more of your income on taxes here than almost anywhere else
https://expo.pennlive.com/news/g66l-2019/03/b8612f6bed3920/poor-in-pa-you-spend-more-of-your-income-on-taxes-than-almost-anywhere-else.html

Berks World War II veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, is remembered for his life of service
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berk-marine-corps-veteran-wounded-at-iwo-jima-buried

You can get a Real ID in Pennsylvania, but not in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-prepares-to-start-issuing-real-ids

Recreation in PA gets funding commitment and carbon credits for woodlands?
http://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/03/land-and-water-conservation-fund-passage-working-woodlands.php

Neighbors urge DEP to deny permits for Pa. industrial-waste plant
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/03/neighbors-urge-dep-to-deny-permits-for-bucks-county-industrial-waste-plant.php

Report: Little Blue Run still contaminating local groundwater
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190306/report-little-blue-run-still-contaminating-local-groundwater

The volunteer firefighter, an icon of American life, struggles to survive in Pennsylvania
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/03/05/pa-volunteer-firefighters-struggle-survive-amid-rising-costs-demands-on-time-fundraising/3014076002/

Transportation

PennDOT to stop left turns from Hulton Road into Oakmont Bakery
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/06/Oakmont-Bakery-left-turn-restriction-Hulton-Bridge/stories/201903060169

Waller Street Bridge in Wilkes-Barre to close Thursday for repairs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/735621/waller-street-bridge-in-wilkes-barre-to-close-thursday-for-repairs

Washington

Senator McSally reveals she was raped while serving in Air Force
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/senator-mcsally-reveals-she-was-raped-by-air-force-superior-20190306.html

Trump: Civilians killed in intelligence ops to go unreported
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-civilians-killed-by-intelligence-operations-secret-20190306.html

Democrat bill seeks to restore Obama-era net neutrality regs
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/net-neutrality-save-the-internet-bill-pelosi-schumer-obama-trump-20190306.html

House passes energy bill proposed by Cartwright
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/house-passes-energy-bill-proposed-by-cartwright-1.2454160

Sen. Bob Casey Jr. raises more questions of nursing home neglect at hearing, cites PennLive investigation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/sen-bob-casey-jr-raises-more-questions-of-nursing-home-neglect-at-hearing-cites-pennlive-investigation.html