Legislature
Santarsiero proposes legislation to protect workers during public health emergencies
https://www.buckslocalnews.com/news/santarsiero-proposes-legislation-to-protect-workers-during-public-health-emergencies/article_0042f5b8-63d3-11ea-b87e-f340da51b275.html
PA senator proposes legislation to protect workers as virus spreads
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200311/pa-senator-proposes-legislation-to-protect-workers-as-virus-spreads
Local lawmakers grapple with educational impact of coronavirus
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-lawmakers-grapple-with-educational-impact-of-coronavirus/article_fddb1e42-63cb-11ea-b8d3-3b896192b558.html
Coronavirus shows why Pa. needs a law requiring paid sick days | PennLive Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/coronavirus-shows-why-pa-needs-a-law-requiring-paid-sick-days-pennlive-editorial.html
Pa. awards $5M to help houses of worship, others protect against hate crimes
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-awards-5m-to-help-houses-of-worship-others-protect-against-hate-crimes/
State awards security grants to religious, nonprofit groups
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/11/State-security-grants-religious-non-profit-groups-Tree-of-Life-Dor-Hadash/stories/202003110128
Protections for vulnerable Pa. seniors lag, reforms to guardianship system ‘stuck’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/12/Protections-for-vulnerable-Pa-seniors-lag-reforms-to-guardianship-system-stuck/stories/202003110124
Every Pa. medical marijuana patient who drives is a DUI target. This lawmaker wants to change that
https://www.inquirer.com/news/medical-marijuana-dui-pennsylvania-rabb-modify-law-20200312.html
Report sees ways to improve outcomes among released inmates
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/11/Pennsylvania-Report-sees-ways-improve-outcomes-released-inmates/stories/202003110154
DuBois City Council asks state to allow radar speed enforcement
http://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/local/dubois-city-council-asks-state-to-allow-radar-speed-enforcement/article_160b9c99-f873-525a-9010-9a49dd9d1749.html
Scarnati opposing community college in Erie
http://www.bradfordera.com/news/local/scarnati-opposing-community-college-in-erie/article_9c45229e-418f-52a7-a31f-207684d2c603.html
Erie’s fight for a new community college has statewide implications. This is why | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/eries-fight-for-a-new-community-college-has-statewide-implications-this-is-why-opinion/
Coronavirus
Pa. now has 16 coronavirus cases; officials expecting community spread
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-up-to-16-coronavirus-cases-officials-expecting-community-spread/
Pa., N.J. coronavirus cases spread as campuses shut down and officials urge limited contact
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-new-cases-bucks-county-new-jersey-community-spread-philadelphia-20200312.html
Quarantine is effective but stressful tool against coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/quarantine-is-effective-but-stressful-tool-against-coronavirus-pittsburgh-woman-in-isolation-wonders-if-virus-is-already-here/
Coronavirus testing protocol established; major health insurers to cover testing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/coronavirus-testing-protocol-established-major-health-insurers-to-cover-testing/article_d0dae2fc-62d0-11ea-b16b-df1c5a1b1972.html
Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: New case in Monroe County brings state total to 16, with 173 tested so far
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-coronavirus-outbreak–20200311-noumsygyofdbzejsncccbklltu-story.html
CDC earmarks $16M for Pa. COVID-19 response
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200311/cdc-earmarks-16m-for-pa-covid-19-response
Concerns over coronavirus intensify in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/concerns-over-coronavirus-intensify-in-nepa-1.2606428
“Handfuls” of Bucks County residents under coronavirus quarantine
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200311/ldquohandfulsrdquo-of-bucks-county-residents-under-coronavirus-quarantine
City announces steps to protect against spread of COVID-19, including air travel ban
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/11/Pittsburgh-City-employees-suspended-business-air-travel-COVID-19/stories/202003110121
Allegheny County updates guidelines for likely arrival of COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/11/Allegheny-County-updates-guidelines-likely-arrival-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202003110125
Pittsburgh officials offer suggestions for how to avoid potential spread of coronavirus
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-officials-offer-suggestions-for-how-to-avoid-potential-spread-of-coronavirus/Content?oid=16927378
Because of COVID-19 concerns, AHN limits hospital visitors
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/11/Because-of-COVID-19-concerns-AHN-limits-hospital-visitors/stories/202003110099
Department of Corrections begins screening at SCI Phoenix for coronavirus
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/department-of-corrections-begins-screening-at-sci-phoenix-for-coronavirus/article_7c1c8969-9f49-53bd-bdb1-284598ec0e40.html
Pittsburgh cancels St. Patrick’s Day parade in hopes to ‘slow the virus down,’ city officials say
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/11/Pittsburgh-cancels-St-Patrick-s-Day-parade/stories/202003110107
Philly St. Patrick’s Parade organizer is ’100% at peace’ with cancellation (even though he thinks people are overreacting)
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-st-patricks-day-philadelphia-cancelled-20200311.html
Wilkes-Barre postpones St. Patrick’s Day Parade
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-postpones-st-patrick-s-day-parade-1.2606534
Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Parade postponed amid coronavirus concerns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-s-st-patrick-s-parade-postponed-amid-coronavirus-concerns-1.2606322
Bucks County St. Patrick’s Day Parade canceled amid coronavirus concern
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200311/bucks-county-st-patrickrsquos-day-parade-canceled-amid-coronavirus-concern
Most businesses haven’t mandated remote work yet, but they are gearing up for it
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/03/12/COVID-19-coronavirus-remote-work-business-continuity-contingency-plans-PNC-Bank/stories/202003110113
If coronavirus cases surge in Philadelphia, city wants to use shuttered Hahnemann property
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-surge-philadelphia-hahnemann-hospital-use-20200311.html
Port Authority postpones remaining community engagement meetings due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/11/COVID-19-Port-Authority-community-engagement-meetings-canceled-Oakdale/stories/202003110132
Luzerne County outlines virus prep for prison, courts
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775984/pedri-addresses-tv-video-misconceptions-about-family-court-situation
Citing caution, county cleans W-B office building
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/citing-caution-county-cleans-w-b-office-building-1.2606470
Coronavirus: Local roundup
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus-local-roundup-1.2606530
Coronavirus: School announcements
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus-school-announcements-1.2606529
Pitt, Penn State, CMU, Duquesne to move classes online in response to COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/11/Penn-State-CMU-University-of-Pittsburgh-COVID19-coronavirus-classes-online-health-spring-break/stories/202003110126
Pitt, Duquesne, Carnegie Mellon, Penn State among colleges nationwide canceling face-to-face classes over virus fears
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pitt-duquesne-penn-state-among-colleges-nationwide-canceling-class-over-virus-fears/
Area colleges moving classes online, extending spring breaks because of coronavirus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/area-colleges-moving-classe-online-extending-spring-breaks-because-of-coronavirus-1.2606330
Misericordia joins others in dropping in-person and going to remote learning
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775910/misericordia-joins-others-in-dropping-in-person-and-going-to-remote-learning
King’s College moves to online classes; resident students must leave campus by Saturday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775899/kings-college-moves-to-online-classes-resident-students-must-leave-campus-by-saturday
Lincoln cancels face-to-face classes; Cheyney extends spring break
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/lincoln-cancels-face-to-face-classes-cheyney-extends-spring-break/
Coronavirus concerns cause Kutztown University to extend its spring break for students
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-concerns-cause-kutztown-university-to-extend-its-spring-break-for-students.html
Pittsburgh Public Schools employee self-quarantined because family member may have been exposed to coronavirus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/12/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-employee-self-quarantined-because-family-member-may-have-been-exposed-to-coronavirus/stories/202003120104
Colfax Elementary in Squirrel Hill closed after 2 possible exposures to coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/colfax-elementary-in-squirrel-hill-closed-for-coronavirus-cleaning-district-employee-under-self-quarantine/
How area schools are planning to instruct thousands of students in the event of long-term coronavirus closures
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-school-closures-online-classes-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200311.html
Allentown School District shuts down Thursday and Friday, staff member being tested for coronavirus
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-school-district-coronavirus-20200312-goefbnd2aje73cqj4v3blezury-story.html
Central Dauphin, Cumberland Valley schools send notice to parents, remaining open amid coronavirus concerns
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/central-dauphin-cumberland-valley-schools-send-notice-to-parents-remaining-open-amid-coronavirus-concerns.html
HASD officials mull plan for educating outside classrooms
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hasd-officials-mull-plan-for-educating-outside-classrooms-1.2606513
When should schools close for coronavirus?
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/12/when-should-schools-close-for-coronavirus/
Amid coronavirus pandemic, when is it too early – or too late – to close Pa. schools?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-when-is-it-too-early-or-too-late-to-close-schools.html
Facing coronavirus in Delaware County with no health department and high anxiety | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-delaware-no-health-department-montgomery-maria-panaritis-20200311.html
Sanofi exploring possibility of COVID-19 vaccine that would be produced in Pa.
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200311/sanofi-exploring-possibility-of-covid-19-vaccine-that-would-be-produced-in-pa
Five surprising facts about COVID-19 from Dr. Nirmal Joshi
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/five-surprising-facts-about-covid-19-from-dr-nirmal-joshi.html
Trump ends all travel from Europe to the U.S.; NBA suspends season; Penn, Temple moving all classes online for rest of semester due to the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-confirmed-case-updates-news-20200311.html
Owner of Steelers bar in Rome on coronavirus: ‘Prepare for the worst and don’t underestimate this thing’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/corona2020/2020/03/11/Dispatch-from-Rome-Time-stops-in-the-Eternal-City-over-COVID-19-fears/stories/202003110145
Large gatherings should be canceled due to virus outbreak, California Gov. Gavin Newsom says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/12/Large-gatherings-should-be-canceled-due-to-virus-outbreak-California-Gov-Gavin-Newsom-says/stories/202003120103
Only staff, limited family at NCAA Tourney games
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775896/only-staff-limited-family-at-ncaa-tourney-games
NBA suspends season until further notice, over coronavirus
https://triblive.com/sports/nba-suspends-season-until-further-notice-over-coronavirus/
Erie BayHawks season stops over coronavirus fears
https://www.goerie.com/sports/20200312/erie-bayhawks-season-stops-over-coronavirus-fears
Tom Hanks says he and his wife have coronavirus
https://triblive.com/news/world/tom-hanks-tweets-that-he-has-the-coronavirus/
Administration
Tackling gun violence: Gov. Wolf should consider special legislative session to address the issue
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/12/Gun-violence-Pennsylvania-Tom-Wolf-special-session/stories/202002070076
Business
Steel CEO to Trump administration: Tariffs ‘loophole’ threatens Butler plant
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/12/Trump-tariffs-loophole-jobs-Butler-AK-Steel-Cleveland-Cliffs-Mike-Kelly/stories/202003120072
Dick’s to stop selling guns, hunting supplies at 440 more stores this year
https://triblive.com/local/regional/dicks-to-stop-selling-guns-hunting-supplies-at-440-more-stores-this-year/
Crime/Punishment
Four teens shot, two fatally, in Chester City
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/chester-shooting-teenagers-homicide-20200311.html
Officials: Man found dead near Fox Chapel murder suspect’s home died of gunshot to head
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/officials-man-found-dead-near-fox-chapel-murder-suspects-home-died-of-gunshot-wound-to-head/
Education
Tempers again flare between township commissioner and Muhlenberg School Board
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/tempers-again-flare-between-township-commissioner-and-muhlenberg-school-board/article_6c231dc2-63d7-11ea-b5ca-e331bf2edfdb.html
Earned student credits down 2% at RACC, but enrollment ticks higer
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/earned-student-credits-down-at-racc-but-enrollment-ticks-higer/article_7102e714-63d7-11ea-8573-17c6a405a4a3.html
Elections/Politics
What Biden’s blowout in Michigan means for Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/joe-biden-bernie-sanders-michigan-results-pennsylvania-20200311.html
Pennsylvania counties where Bernie Sanders won in 2016 are full of warning signs for him now
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pa-bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton-2016-2020-20200312.html
Reps. Mary Gay Scanlon and Madeleine Dean are endorsing a primary challenger to State Sen. Daylin Leach
https://www.inquirer.com/news/daylin-leach-amanda-cappelletti-pa-senate-endorsement–20200311.html
Westmoreland County prepares for high volume of mail-in votes
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-prepares-for-high-volume-of-mail-in-votes/
Local News
Scranton officials honor man behind Vietnam Veterans Memorial
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-officials-honor-man-behind-vietnam-veterans-memorial-1.2606409
Mother of slain informant plans to sue DA’s office
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mother-of-slain-informant-plans-to-sue-da-s-office-1.2606327
Scranton City Council has power over its meetings
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/scranton-city-council-has-power-over-its-meetings-1.2606450
Bethel Township officials bow to opponents of Bowman development
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/bethel-township-officials-bow-to-opponents-of-bowman-development/article_eecd6b52-63d6-11ea-8d87-1f2f8b6d54b7.html
Reading zoners allow relief for craft soda company to build warehouse
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-zoners-allow-relief-for-craft-soda-company-to-build/article_74ce291c-63d7-11ea-9229-cf39ee50b5ae.html
Harrisburg AIDS health services center set to mark its 35th anniversary
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/harrisburg-aids-health-services-center-set-to-celebrate-35th-anniversary/
County made right call in rejecting ‘rain tax’ litigation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/county-made-right-call-in-rejecting-rain-tax-litigation-1.2606421
National News
Lawyer: Chelsea Manning attempts suicide in Va. Jail
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/11/Lawyer-Chelsea-Manning-attempts-suicide-in-Va-jail/stories/202003110168
2020 census has arrived. Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-census-start-question-job-20200312.html
Philly
One end of North Broad thrives; the other struggles. Can a revitalization plan bring them together?
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/north-broad-street-philadelphia-business-improvement-district-gentrification-clarke-20200312.html
Why the response to coronavirus looks much different than another Philadelphia ‘epidemic’ — gun violence | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-coronavirus-vaccine-trump-gun-violence-epidemic-helen-ubinas-20200311.html
It’s not just Philly’s historic buildings that are crumbling. So are its historic records. | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/tracey-gordon-register-wills-blondell-reynolds-brown-philadelphia-history-archives-marriage-licenses-buildings-20200312.html
Mildred V. Jackson, former Rosie the Riveter at Navy Yard, and retail worker, dies at 96
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/philadelphia-inquirer-obituary-mildred-jackson-rosie-riveter-20200311.html
Man shot dead in West Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/west-philadelphia-homicide-shooting-20200311.html
How advocates helped free a Honduran mother from sanctuary after 18 months inside a Philadelphia church
https://www.inquirer.com/news/church-sanctuary-suyapa-reyes-philadelphia-ice-deportation-20200311.html
Mayor Kenney’s community college plan is a rare win-win for Philadelphia | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/community-college-philadelphia-scholarship-kenney-budget-20200311.html
Pitt
Council gives nod of approval to Shakespeare Giant Eagle development
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/11/Council-gives-nod-of-approval-to-Shakespeare-Giant-Eagle-development/stories/202003110135
Land swap boosts plans for housing, shifts parking garage’s new site in Downtown cultural district
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/03/12/Pittsburgh-Cultural-Trust-Ninth-and-Penn-garage-Parking-Authority-Downtown/stories/202003120082
Civic group proposes improvements to Mon Valley transit options
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/11/Pittsburghers-for-Public-Transit-Monongahela-Valley-bus-service-East-Busway/stories/202003110151
Shooting in Wilkinsburg leaves female in critical condition
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/11/shot-wilkinsburg-holmes-allegheny-county-police/stories/202003110120
Alleged racial comments by Allegheny County Judge Tranquilli could make past, future cases complicated
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/alleged-racial-comments-by-allegheny-county-judge-tranquilli-could-make-past-future-cases-complicated/
Attendance up at Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show despite coronavirus fears
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/attendance-up-at-pittsburgh-home-garden-show-despite-coronavirus-fears/
State News
Sisters of Charity, Chuck Cooper, George Romero to get state historic markers in Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/sisters-of-charity-chuck-cooper-george-romero-among-those-to-get-new-state-historic-markers-in-western-pa/
Former Westmoreland congressman, state Auditor General Donald Bailey’s life was driven by competition
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/former-westmoreland-county-congressman-state-auditor-general-donald-a-bailey-life-was-driven-by-competition/
‘Excuses to try to silence me’: Lawsuit alleges racial bias at Pa.’s anti-discrimination agency
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/12/excuses-to-try-to-silence-me-lawsuit-alleges-racial-bias-at-pa-s-anti-discrimination-agency/
Transportation
Editorial: Obey speed limit in work zones or pay price
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-obey-speed-limit-in-work-zones-or-pay-price/article_bca1cf12-6217-11ea-abdc-9bfa409a8b70.html
Washington
Congress acts to limit Trump on military action in Iran
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-military-action-iran-limits-congress-measure-approved-20200311.html
Supreme Court allows Trump administration’s ‘Remain in Mexico’ asylum policy to continue
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-remain-in-mexico-policy-asylum-seekers-20200311.html
Congress needs to act on Dreamers as Supreme Court considers immigration program | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/daca-policy-dreamers-supreme-court-trump-administration-20200311.html