The Legislature

Courting reform: Lawmakers should reconsider merit selection

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08084/867476-192.stm

Editorial: Merit-based Judgeships

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080324_Editorial__Merit-based_Judgeships.html

Lawmakers still hoarding too much cash

http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/all-audit3-24.6321307mar24,0,7145651.story

Lawmaker stunned at scene

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417530&BRD=2715&PAG=461&dept_id=558782&rfi=6

Gaming

Reform can’t be game of chance

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417573&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=418218&rfi=6

A STEADY DESCENT

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/120633093834700.xml&coll=1

The Administration

Keeping H2O in balance

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/pa/20080324_Keeping_H2O_in_balance.html

Rendell has issued $1 billion in no-bid contracts since '03

http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/state/all-a8_contracts.6326518mar24,0,7686281.story

Hiring Rendell's old firm pays off, aide says

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/120631650211300.xml&coll=1

Healthcare

The flu season that wouldn't end: Vaccine less effective this year

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-a1_5flu.6322454mar24,0,4881731.story

CMC nurses union pushes for support

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417580&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6

Education

State's school boards must comprehend that students need to be educated, not just graduated

http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/opinion/1206315619316470.xml&coll=1

Editorial: Federal Student-Aid Contingency

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080324_Editorial__Federal_Student-Aid_Contingency.html

Districts find it harder to hire school bus drivers

http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/120631650911300.xml&coll=1

Elections/Politics

State Senate candidates differ on casino proposals

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080324_State_Senate_candidates_differ_on_casino_proposals.html

Opponents call Farnesea Fumo surrogate

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/20080324_Opponents_call_Farnesea_Fumo_surrogate.html

Daley seeks 14th term in state legislature

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417321&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6

The last time a Pa. primary mattered

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/The_last_time_a_Pa_primary_mattered.html

John Baer: As Clinton & Obama parry, the mash of negative ads ferments

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/local/20080324_John_Baer__As_Clinton___Obama_parry__the_mash_of_negative_ads_ferments.html

Clinton to visit PSU-Eberly

http://www.observer-reporter.com/OR/Story/03-24-BRIEFS---CLINTON-UNIONTOWN-VISIT

Penn State Fayette ready for Hillary

http://www.heraldstandard.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417324&BRD=2280&PAG=461&dept_id=480247&rfi=6

Transportation

Survey: Lease turnpike to raise highway funds

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/507484.html?nav=5004

Suspect study

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/archive/s_558495.html

State News

Pennsylvania improves job it's doing on restaurant inspections

http://www.mcall.com/news/opinion/all-food3-24.6320910mar24,0,181554.story

Contaminated FEMA trailers in use locally

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417571&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6

Flood of problems need new policies

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417574&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=418218&rfi=6

Here's an opportunity for business women

http://www.pennlive.com/columns/patriotnews/asiseeit/index.ssf?/base/columnists/1206132911179200.xml&coll=1

Local News

Medical school likely to have huge impact

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=19416410&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=590572&rfi=8

Casino asks for leeway on parking spots

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_4sands.6320605mar24,0,7897602.story

Skrep’s ethics in forefront

http://www.timesleader.com/news/20080324_24beach_jen_ART.html

Neighbors unsure of burners

http://www.timesleader.com/news/20080324_24_kingston-ordinance_ART.html

Campaign visits come at a price

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417569&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=415898&rfi=6

City council applies for grant to develop lofts

http://www.citizensvoice.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417670&BRD=2259&PAG=461&dept_id=455154&rfi=6

W-B riverfront project progresses

http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19417588&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6

Is this the moment for local Dems?

http://www.inyork.com/opinion/ci_8673427

Reading’s RiverView developer undaunted by economic downturn

http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=85455

Hermitage eyes 2nd Elm Street grant to improve pedestrian access to Buhl Farm
http://www.sharon-herald.com/local/local_story_083230303.html

Philly

City turns to a new master numbers tool

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20080324_City_turns_to_a_new_master_numbers_tool.html

How to ensure Phila. babies live past their first birthdays?

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20080324_How_to_ensure_Phila__babies_live_past_their_first_birthdays_.html

Cheesy challenge: Philadelphia freedom

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/archive/s_558494.html

Pitt

Manchester works to create neighbor-based justice system

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08084/867524-53.stm

Washington

'SECOND' GUESSING: HOW MANY GUNS?

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/opinion/20080324_SECOND_GUESSING__HOW_MANY_GUNS_.html

National News

U.S. toll in Iraq reaches 4,000

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20080324_U_S__toll_in_Iraq_reaches_4_000.html