Legislature
Pa. lawmakers plan to meet in the Capitol next week, despite coronavirus concerns
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-lawmakers-capitol-open-closed-coronavirus-20200312.html
Can a closed Capitol be transparent? Yes, say experts
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/can-a-closed-capitol-be-transparent-yes-say-experts/
Mullery speaks on health — both physical and economic
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/mullery-speaks-on-health-both-physical-and-economic-1.2606929
State’s sick school funding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-s-sick-school-funding-1.2606902
Keystone tax break program needs more attention — and a fix to make sure it’s working | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/keystone-opportunity-zone-tax-break-dechert-schuylkill-yards-20200313.html
Coronavirus
Pennsylvania’s health department is keeping coronavirus details from local officials
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pennsylvanias-health-department-is-keeping-coronavirus-details-from-local-officials.html
State lab could run out of COVID-19 tests soon if CDC does not provide more
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/12/State-lab-could-run-out-of-COVID-19-tests-soon-if-CDC-does-not-provide-more/stories/202003120144
Coronavirus testing in Pa.: Despite new CDC guidance, state lab is turning away some patients
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing-denied-pennsylvania-state-lab-cdc-20200312.html
Local health officials detail test kit shortage
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-health-officials-detail-test-kit-shortage-1.2606976
Allegheny County officials disclose ‘bottleneck’ in coronavirus testing
https://triblive.com/news/watch-live-allegheny-county-health-officials-give-update-on-coronavirus/
CDC awards $17 million in COVID-19 funding to Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/12/coronavirus-Pennsylvania-funding-CDC-Trump-administration-17-million-COVID-19/stories/202003120126
Wolf orders shutdown of schools, public spaces in Montgomery County as Pennsylvania enters two-week COVID response
https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/wolf-orders-shutdown-of-schools-public-spaces-in-montgomery-county-as-pennsylvania-enters-two-week-covid-response/
Keep public informed: State withholding some coronavirus case details
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/13/Pennsylvania-public-health-case-details-information/stories/202003120047
Coronavirus concerns prompts Pa. Capitol to stop public tours, events
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-concerns-prompts-pa-capitol-to-stop-public-tours-events.html
The anatomy of a virus test: How health workers, and the government, test for COVID-19
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/the-anatomy-of-a-virus-test-how-health-workers-and-the-government-test-for-covid-19-1.2606894
Berks County declares disaster emergency over coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-declares-disaster-emergency-over-coronavirus/article_284ad194-646d-11ea-8724-57851093d91a.html
What impact will coronavirus have on Pennsylvania’s 2020 primary election?
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/what-impact-will-coronavirus-have-on-pennsylvania-s-primary-election/article_7307ed04-6470-11ea-a37c-8b0648cf5ec2.html
Gov. Wolf addresses the COVID-19 outbreak, outlines ‘essential’ services
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/12/WATCH-pennsylvania-Gov-tom-Wolf-addresses-the-COVID-19-outbreak-coronavirus/stories/202003120142
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Gov. Wolf orders closure of public venues in Montgomery County, ‘epicenter’ of outbreak in state
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-virus-thursday-levine-20200312-gqno33e35fbfda4xmqj3qt2n6y-story.html
WellSpan Health to test for coronavirus in outdoor tents
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/wellspan-health-to-test-for-coronavirus-in-outdoor-tents.html
Pa. suspends inmate visits at state prisons amid COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/12/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Corrections-visitation-prison-inmates-coronavirus/stories/202003120186
Montgomery County schools shutdown brings relief, stress — and forces 63 Philly schools to close
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/montgomery-county-schools-closed-coronavirus-pennsylvania-20200313.html
County, health officials hoping to maintain calm amid COVID-19 crisis. ‘We can manage this.’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/12/Allegheny-County-health-officials-maintain-calm-amid-COVID-19-crisis-coronavirus/stories/202003120138
NEPA prepares for outbreak: Local leaders gather for coronavirus summit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nepa-prepares-for-outbreak-local-leaders-gather-for-coronavirus-summit-1.2606923
NEPA virus developments and postponements
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776110/nepa-virus-developments-and-postponements
Coronavirus fears sink more local events, including Scranton Half
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus-fears-sink-more-local-events-including-scranton-half-1.2606690
Amid coronavirus fears, Philadelphia City Council considers pressuring for an end to evictions, foreclosures, utility shutoffs
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-eviction-foreclosure-philadelphia-gym-council-resolution-20200312.html
Philly closes 63 schools, bans events of more than 1,000 people; Montco schools close for 2 weeks
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/live/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-confirmed-case-updates-news-20200312.html
Philly schools bought hand sanitizer with no alcohol to fight coronavirus. Teachers are concerned.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-hand-sanitizer-alcohol-philly-school-district-20200312.html
A Philly teacher had known exposure to a coronavirus patient. The district isn’t notifying parents.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-teacher-randolph-high-school-nicetown-20200312.html
Philadelphia-area grocery stores limiting some purchases amid coronavirus panic buying
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-area-supermarkets-grocery-stores-limiting-purchases-cleaning-supplies-20200312.html
SEPTA, PATCO see slight drop in ridership amid the coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-septa-patco-transit-ridership-20200312.html
Port Authority to clean vehicles, stations more frequently due to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/12/Port-Authority-Covid-19-coronavirus-disinfect-clean-buses-light-rail-vehicles-stations/stories/202003120145
Pittsburgh puts out guidelines for safe St. Patrick’s Day
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/12/Safety-first-What-expect-St-Patrick-s-Day-weekend-guide-city-recommendations-due-coronavirus/stories/202003120113
Food banks continue distributions, prepare to reach vulnerable populations in light of coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/food-banks-prepare-to-reach-vulnerable-populations-in-light-of-coronavirus/
‘My mom is a doctor. I really don’t want her to get it.’ Philly kids draw coronavirus fears | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/inq/coronavirus-kids-philadelphia-drawings-20200313.html
Food events throughout the region impacted by COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/03/12/Food-events-impacted-COVID-19-coronavirus-Pittsburgh-region-cancellations/stories/202003120147
What do coronavirus court closures mean for the right to a speedy trial?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-jail-coronavirus-covid-19-court-delays-montgomery-county-krasner-20200312.html
Westmoreland County postpones jury trials, asks residents to conduct business online if possible
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-postpones-jury-trials-asks-residents-to-conduct-business-online-if-possible/
President judge: Courthouse to remain open, but precautions are being taken
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/president-judge-courthouse-to-remain-open-but-precautions-are-being-taken-1.2606917
Patrons keep gambling as casinos prepare for coronavirus pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/patrons-keep-gambling-as-casinos-prepare-for-coronavirus-pandemic/
Senior-care facilities, Washington Health System respond to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/03/12/Concordia-St-Barnabas-Presbyterian-senior-care-Pittsburgh-Washington-Health-System-COVID-19/stories/202003120174
Bishops waive Mass requirement; takeout-only fish fries urged
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/12/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Pittsburgh-Catholic-Bishop-Zubik-urges-fish-fries-takeout/stories/202003120148
Citing coronavirus, major Philadelphia arts groups make ‘heart-breaking’ decision to shut down
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/kimmel-center-philadelphia-orchestra-mutter-museum-cancel-events-20200313.html
Colleges are going completely online amid coronavirus spread. How will that even work?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-colleges-online-learning-west-chester-penn-delaware-20200312.html
Move to online classes continues as colleges across the region shutter classrooms
https://triblive.com/local/regional/fears-of-coronavirus-on-campus-grow-butler-county-community-college-closed-through-sunday/
Wilkinsburg closing 2 schools because of potential coronavirus exposure
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/wilkinsburg-closing-schools/
Woodland Hills shuts down intermediate school to disinfect building after potential coronavirus contact
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/woodland-hills-shuts-down-intermediate-school-to-disinfect-building-after-potential-coronavirus-contact/
As Scranton Prep closes, other schools look at online lessons amid coronavirus threat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-scranton-prep-closes-other-schools-look-at-online-lessons-amid-coronavirus-threat-1.2606688
Schools around Lehigh Valley close as coronavirus fears continue to spread
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-whitehall-coplay-closed-20200312-etywrpyauff3fjpwsewxgp5i7a-story.html
6 Berks County schools temporarily shutting down in response to coronavirus spread
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-schools-temporarily-shutting-down-in-response-to-coronavirus/article_671e8aac-6484-11ea-a368-6f9e498d20a0.html
PIAA suspends winter sports championships
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/piaa-suspends-winter-sports-championships-1.2606678
Westmoreland County schools planning for worst-case coronavirus scenario
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-schools-planning-for-worst-case-coronavirus-scenario/
Possible coronavirus exposure prompts school closures
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/13/possible-coronavirus-exposure-prompts-school-closures/
Beaver County school districts united, planning in wake of coronavirus
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200312/beaver-county-school-districts-united-planning-in-wake-of-coronavirus
Coronavirus fears spark panic-buying in Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/coronavirus-fears-spark-panic-buying-across-western-pa/
‘The vibe is very apocalyptic’: As Lehigh Valley reports first case of coronavirus in Northampton County, residents come to grips with a new reality
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-coronavirus-20200312-kwipjcwu4ngwfjxvd574uprpsy-story.html
Working in central Pa. as state announces new coronavirus cases – it’s ‘business as usual’ with extra precautions
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/working-in-central-pa-as-new-coronavirus-cases-are-announced-in-pa-its-business-as-usual-with-extra-precautions.html
PennLive readers still grappling with some unanswered questions about the coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/pennlive-readers-still-grappling-with-some-unanswered-questions-about-the-coronavirus.html
Masks, liquid soap, rubbing alcohol seeing inflated prices due to coronavirus: Attorney General
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/masks-liquid-soap-rubbing-alcohol-seeing-inflated-prices-due-to-coronavirus-ag.html
West York shutters gov’t office, York City declares emergency over coronavirus
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2020/03/12/west-york-shutters-govt-office-york-city-declares-emergency-over-coronavirus/5031403002/
Delco government remains open – for now
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/delco-government-remains-open—for-now/article_0066723a-64b5-11ea-8950-8f98cdfabd13.html
4 West Goshen police officers, 2 sheriff’s deputies ordered quarantined for possible coronavirus exposure
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/west-goshen-police-officers-sheriff-s-deputies-ordered-quarantined-for/article_1d87405c-64a0-11ea-87b3-3f0276237291.html
Democratic debate moved over COVID-19 concerns
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/03/13/Democratic-debate-moved-Phoenix-Washington-over-coronavirus-concerns-COVID-19-Sanders-Biden/stories/202003130110
Maryland schools closing as state reports first COVID-19 case unrelated to travel
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/12/Maryland-schools-closed-coronavirus-first-case-community-transmission/stories/202003120201
Ohio to close K-12 schools, ban mass gatherings as 5th coronavirus case confirmed in state
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/12/Ohio-schools-close-coronavirus-DeWine-spring-break-3-weeks/stories/202003120168
Trump said ‘anybody that wants a test’ for coronavirus can get one. He’s wrong.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/trump-coronavirus-test-fact-check-20200312.html
Little League recommends that leagues worldwide suspend activities due to coronavirus concerns
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/03/little-league-recommends-that-leagues-worldwide-suspend-activities-due-to-coronavirus-concerns.html
Business
Group will stress the economic benefits of industry in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/group-will-stress-the-economic-benefits-of-industry-in-western-pennsylvania/
Crime/Punishment
Homeless man charged with homicide in connection with dead woman found in Homewood
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-investigating-dead-woman-found-in-homewood/
24-year-old man shot at Plum apartment complex
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plum-schools-not-allowing-visitors-as-police-investigate-shooting-in-borough/
Education
Belle Vernon Area teachers, district reach a tentative agreement, avert strike
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/13/Belle-Vernon-Area-teachers-district-reach-a-tentative-agreement-avert-strike/stories/202003130108
Elections/Politics
Pennsylvania counties where Bernie Sanders beat Hillary Clinton 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
Biden names Clinton-Obama veteran as new campaign manager
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/biden-campaign-manager-20200312.html
Local News
Meeting on Wilkes-Barre sewer system postponed
https://www.timesleader.com/news/776090/meeting-on-wilkes-barre-sewer-system-postponed
National News
U.S. Soccer president quits after gender discrimination suit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/03/12/U-S-Soccer-president-quits-after-gender-discrimination-suit/stories/202003120189
Philly
Ghost guns proliferate as Philadelphia grapples with gun violence
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ghost-guns-philadelphia-violence-tom-wolf-josh-shapiro-sekou-kinebrew-mark-oliva-20200312.html
Philadelphia councilmember introduces bill to ban discrimination based on natural hairstyles
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-crown-act-introduced-ban-discrimination-natural-hair-city-council-20200312.html
Bill to ban hairstyle discrimination proposed in City Council
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/bill-to-ban-hairstyle-discrimination-proposed-in-city-council/article_a71678d8-4752-5efa-8482-8f50112d59d0.html
Former Inquirer columnist Stu Bykofsky sues newspaper over retirement send-off that went awry
https://www.inquirer.com/news/stu-bykofsky-inga-saffron-inquirer-lawsuit-20200313.html
An “activist educator” is leaving the Philly school board
https://www.inquirer.com/news/chris-mcginley-philadelphia-school-board-district-20200313.html
A simple intervention after arrest cut recidivism and racial disparities Philadelphia. Then it ended.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-defender-association-money-bail-advocate-preentry-police-20200313.html
Mayor Kenney’s legacy could be a flood of debt | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-city-budget-jim-kenney-spending-20200312.html
Pitt
City officer, who was off duty at the time, pleads no contest to hit and run
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/12/Pittsburgh-police-officer-Brian-Martin-pleads-no-contest-hit-and-run-bicyclist-drunk-driving/stories/202003120156
State News
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau kicks of ‘Ag Literacy Week’
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-farm-bureau-kicks-of-ag-literacy-week/
Berks County entities benefit from Labor & Industry grants
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-entities-benefit-from-labor-industry-grants/article_bf9ec34a-647a-11ea-bade-a760104ba6ed.html
Auditor general to review funding for volunteer fire relief associations
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200312/auditor-general-to-review-funding-for-volunteer-fire-relief-associations