Legislature
Teacher pay: Some need second jobs to make ends meet, concerning Pa. lawmakers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/teachers-having-to-hold-down-side-jobs-to-make-ends-meet-is-a-growing-concern-to-pa-lawmakers.html
In wake of Barclay Friends fire, local lawmaker to introduce sprinkler legislation
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/in-wake-of-barclay-friends-fire-local-lawmaker-to-introduce/article_e7041776-507d-11e9-bfe2-d7a849e69ec2.html
Pennsylvania students to rally for free tuition
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-students-to-rally-for-free-tuition/
More than $600,000 in state grants awarded for work at former Civic Arena site
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/03/26/Civic-Arena-Pittsburgh-Penguins-Hill-District-Crosstown-Expressway-Intergen/stories/201903260134
State awards $2.25M in grants that include projects at former Civic Arena site
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/state-awards-2-25-million-in-grants-that-include-projects-at-former-civic-arena-site/
State awards $55 million in transportation funds to 106 projects
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/26/Pitcairn-White-Oak-Pennsylvania-grants-Multimodal-Transporation-Fund-road-repairs-safety-improvements/stories/201903260110
Yudichak announces $3.25M for local infrastructure projects
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737854/yudichak-announces-3-25m-for-local-infrastructure-projects
More than $16M approved for Luzerne County projects
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/more-than-16m-approved-for-luzerne-county-projects-1.2462446
County will use state grant money to repair deteriorated walkway on Lackawanna Ave.
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/county-will-use-state-grant-money-to-repair-deteriorated-walkway-on-lackawanna-ave-1.2462606
Reading receives grant for bike, pedestrian path
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-receives-grant-for-bike-pedestrian-path
Monaca awarded $1 million for streetscape project
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190326/monaca-awarded-1-million-for-streetscape-project
Advocates call for passage of Pa. law requiring lead water testing in schools
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/local-advocates-call-for-passage-of-state-law-requiring-lead-water-testing-in-schools/
New Muslim lawmaker in Pa. says Christian prayer was an ‘attack’ on her swearing-in
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/new-muslim-lawmaker-said-she-felt-attacked-in-opening-prayer.html
Pa. Democrats, Muslim lawmaker decry opening prayer as divisive
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/democrats-muslim-lawmaker-decry-opening-prayer-as-divisive/
Polarizing prayers in Pa. government: When do religious words cross the line?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/pa-house-prayer-re-energizes-debate-on-separation-of-church-and-state.html
Marijuana and the workplace: What does legalization mean for Pennsylvania, New Jersey employers?
https://www.philly.com/business/small-business/marijuana-legalization-employers-workplace-new-jersey-pennsylvania-20190328.html
Proposed Pa. gun registry bill given ‘no chance’ of passage
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/proposed-pa-gun-registry-bill-given-no-chance-of-passage/
Report: Pennsylvania gets ‘F’ for not addressing lead in school drinking water
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/03/26/Bipartisan-Penn-Environment-Pennsylvania-failing-grade-lead-water-response-schools/stories/201903260121
Pa. prisons fail to support incarcerated women | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/women-incarceration-prison-feminine-products-pregnancy-20190326.html
State Rep. Metcalfe to host meeting with climate change skeptic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-rep-metcalfe-to-host-meeting-with-climate-change-skeptic/
Raise wage, help economy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/raise-wage-help-economy-1.2462357
Sustained advocacy: The fight for more equitable policing must continue
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/27/Antwon-Rose-protests-equitable-policing-community-relations-Pittsburgh/stories/201903270054
Editorial: Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission on a highway to helplessness
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/opinion/20190327/editorial-pennsylvania-turnpike-commission-on-highway-to-helplessness
Clairton students call off protest after violence, appeal from Antwon Rose II’s mother
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/26/Official-Clairton-student-protest-for-Antwon-Rose-II-sparked-violent-incident/stories/201903260106
Transcript reveals details of Rosfeld juror’s removal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/26/Rosfeld-trial-Antwon-juror-removal/stories/201903260129
Business
Lion Brewery buys building for $325,000
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lion-brewery-buys-building-for-325-000-1.2462449
Greater Hazleton Job Fair set for Thu.
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/greater-hazleton-job-fair-set-for-thu-1.2462365
Former employees saddened by alleged Liberation Way schemes that led to 82 felony charges
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/former-employees-saddened-by-alleged-liberation-way-schemes-that-led-to-82-felony-charges
Catholic Church
Erie $2m settlement with abuse victim higher than most
https://www.post-gazette.com//faith-religion/2019/03/26/Diocese-of-Erie-Catholic-sexual-abuse-priests-david-poulson/stories/201903260153
Statute of limitations aids victim in Erie diocese case
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190326/statute-of-limitations-aids-victim-in-erie-diocese-case
Crime/Punishment
Berks DA: Drug ring involving members of Latin Kings gang distributed 1 pound of meth a week
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-da-drug-ring-distributed-1-pound-of-meth-a-week
Education
Sweethearts & Heroes to teach Monessen students impacts of bullying
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/sweethearts-heroes-to-teach-monessen-students-impacts-of-bullying/
Principal who used blackface in Steve Harvey costume asked permission. Answer: ‘Yes!!!!’
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/03/26/steve-harvey-blackface-costume-school-principal-had-permission-friendship-elementary/3269412002/
New Scranton school director owes almost $27,000 in back taxes, garbage fees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-scranton-school-director-owes-almost-27-000-in-back-taxes-garbage-fees-1.2462314
As mumps outbreak grows, Temple prepares to vaccinate 1,800 students and staff
https://www.philly.com/health/mumps-outbreak-temple-university-vaccine-clinic-20190326.html
IUP women return to NCAA Division II Final Four
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-colleges/2019/03/26/IUP-women-return-to-NCAA-Division-II-Final-Four-Azusa-Pacific-Southwestern-Oklahoma-State-CBS-Sports-Network/stories/201903260166
What’s in a name change? For La Roche University, recognition and a hopeful future
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/03/26/La-Roche-LaRoche-College-University-recognition-future-name-change-approval-Sister-Candace-Introcaso/stories/201903260125
DeVos defends proposal to cut billions in education spending
https://www.philly.com/politics/betsy-devos-defends-proposal-cut-billions-education-spending-20190327.html
Elections/Politics
Reading candidates tout platforms, answer questions
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-candidates-tout-platforms-answer-questions
Health Care
Highmark CEO: Hospital group wrong for siding with UPMC over AG Shapiro
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/highmark-ceo-hospital-group-wrong-for-siding-with-upmc-over-ag-shapiro/
UPMC opens Health Plan Connect Center in Westmoreland Mall
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/upmc-opens-health-plan-connect-center-in-westmoreland-mall/
In competitive market, Highmark insurance revenue drops but enrollment holds steady
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/03/26/Highmark-2018-financial-David-Holmberg-enrollment-consent-decrees-insurance-Medicare/stories/201903260128
Local News
Commercial properties will soon receive stormwater fee bills
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/commercial-properties-will-soon-receive-stormwater-fee-bills-1.2462485
DEP grants waiver to Lehman Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dep-grants-waiver-to-lehman-twp-1.2462472
Next phase of Luzerne County Courthouse restoration underway
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/737833/next-phase-of-luzerne-county-courthouse-restoration-underway
Poverty simulation helps professionals gain better perspective
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737845/poverty-simulation-helps-professionals-gain-better-perspective
Event allows people to experience poverty
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/event-allows-people-to-experience-poverty-1.2462376
Nonprofit asks W-B to pass law to help control feral cat problem
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nonprofit-asks-w-b-to-pass-law-to-help-control-feral-cat-problem-1.2462475
County council to allow public hearing on possible tax break program for developer
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-to-allow-public-hearing-on-possible-tax-break-program-for-developer-1.2462476
WBPD becomes meetup spot for e-commerce swaps
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wbpd-becomes-meetup-spot-for-e-commerce-swaps-1.2462479
$1M grant will aid Tunkhannock getting natuaral gas line
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/1m-grant-will-aid-tunkhannock-getting-natuaral-gas-line-1.2462322
Scranton takes next step toward making downtown more walkable
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-takes-next-step-toward-making-downtown-more-walkable-1.2462591
Reservoir renovation projectat Lofty Dam completed
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/reservoir-renovation-projectat-lofty-dam-completed-1.2462406
Cheswick to explore merger with neighboring fire departments
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-to-explore-merger-with-neighboring-fire-departments/
Cheswick to hold special meeting to discuss police pension plan
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-to-hold-special-meeting-to-discuss-police-pension-plan/
Royals new general manager focused on attracting new fans
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/royals-new-general-manager-focused-on-attracting-new-fans
Bethlehem weighs holiday makeover to fit ‘Christmas City’ nickname
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-christmas-lights-20190326-story.html
Allentown to offer free street parking around PPL Center on non-event nights
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-parking-meter-free-arena-20190326-story.html
Parking, violation costs rising near PPL Center, but meters will be free on ‘non-event nights’
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/allentown/2019/03/parking-violation-costs-rising-near-ppl-center-but-meters-will-be-free-on-non-event-nights.html
Group overseeing Harrisburg’s finances needs to fill positions before making any meaningful headway
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/group-overseeing-harrisburgs-finances-needs-to-fill-positions-before-making-any-meaningful-headway.html
National News
‘Hi. I’m Jeremy’: Father of slain Newtown first-grader told me to find beauty in every day, yet struggled to find inner peace
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/03/26/sandy-hook-newtown-school-shooting-Father-jeremy-richman-suicide/stories/201903260102
Selling CBD in food is illegal, FDA says. So why are so many retailers selling it?
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/cbd-legal-cannabis-weavers-way-fda-lietzan-health-food-fuel-kombucha-ice-cream-20190326.html
Chief justice refuses to block new ban on rifle bump stocks
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/chief-justice-refuses-to-block-new-ban-on-rifle-bump-stocks.html
New Jersey
New vision for higher education in New Jersey aims to keep students in the Garden State
https://www.philly.com/news/new-jersey/new-jersey-higher-education-gov-murphy-plan-college-20190326.html
Opioid Crisis
Westmoreland, PA watch ‘historic’ $270M settlement in Oklahoma opioid lawsuit
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-pa-watch-historic-270m-settlement-in-oklahoma-opioid-lawsuit/
As opioid epidemic rages, DA Salavantis tells council DUI still major problem
https://www.timesleader.com/news/737839/as-opioid-epidemic-rages-da-salavantis-tells-council-dui-still-major-problem
Opioid epidemic’s other victims: Patients in pain who can’t find pain relief
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/painful-backlash-chronic-pain-sufferers-agonize-over-crackdown-on-opioids.html
Philly
Philly schools claim 3 years of progress, with some asterisks
https://www.philly.com/news/hite-philadelphia-action-plan-progress-literacy-graduation-rate-20190326.html
Inside the efforts to save Philly’s struggling Strawberry Mansion High School
https://www.philly.com/education/a/strawberry-mansion-high-school-revival-philadelphia-school-district-20190327.html
15 years after opening, the Phillies’ Citizens Bank Park is still impressive … if you can get over the location
https://www.philly.com/phillies/phillies-citizens-bank-park-anniversary-rankings-20190327.html
Williams: Kenney’s plan to stem city murders failing
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/williams-kenney-s-plan-to-stem-city-murders-failing/article_1920f2d1-93e6-553f-8d4c-9a43225e5259.html
Reputed Mexican drug kingpin, wife extradited to stand trial in Philadelphia
https://www.philly.com/news/antonio-laredo-heroin-trafficking-philadelphia-extradition-mexico-20190326.html
S. Philly college student receives the Biden Award for stopping sexual assault after off-campus party
https://www.philly.com/education/joe-biden-courage-award-sexual-assault-indiana-university-recipient-20190327.html
Philly region to see nearly 2,700 new hotel rooms, with suburbs sharing in the boom
https://www.philly.com/business/hotels-philadelphia-rooms-tourism-suburbs-king-of-prussia-chester-bucks-20190327.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh City Council to vote on proposed firearms ban
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-city-council-to-cast-first-vote-on-proposed-firearms-ban/
Fired Pittsburgh police officer to return to force after acquittal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/26/Fired-Pittsburgh-police-officer-acquittal-road-rage-Kramer/stories/201903260147
Man says police used excessive force outside strip club, sues city, police, club
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/26/Man-says-police-used-excessive-force-outside-cheerleaders-strip-club-sues-city-police-club/stories/201903260156
Just Ducky Tours resuming Pittsburgh operations in April
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/just-ducky-tours-resuming-operations-in-april/
Pittsburgh Public Schools to host job fair for ESL, special education teachers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/03/26/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-special-education-ESL-students-hiring-job-jobs-fair-employment/stories/201903260145
Redistricting
High court seems wary of involving judges in redistricting
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/high-court-seems-wary-of-involving-judges-in-redistricting-20190326.html
To keep Pa.’s congressional map fair, new legislation is needed | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-congressional-map-districts-gerrymandering-20190326.html
State News
40 years ago, Three Mile Island had the nation on edge
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/40-years-ago-three-mile-island-had-the-nation-on-edge/
When nuclear plants close, there’s a ripple effect. Ask Zion, Ill.
https://papost.org/2019/03/26/in-illinois-the-town-of-zion-is-still-trying-to-recover-from-a-nuclear-plant-closure/
Volunteers needed for Loyalhanna Watershed litter cleanup
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/volunteers-needed-for-loyalhanna-watershed-litter-cleanup/
New online program seeks to bridge the gender gap in cybersecurity
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/new-online-program-seeks-to-bridge-the-gender-gap-in-cybersecruity/
NASCAR: Pocono Raceway to host Cup Series doubleheader in 2020
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/nascar-pocono-raceway-to-host-cup-series-doubleheader-in-2020-1.2462296
Marple, one of 12 dry Delco towns, to vote on whether to expand liquor laws
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/dry-towns-pa-delaware-county-marple-alcohol-liquor-law-expansion-20190326.html
Can the Lehigh River become a great big-water wild trout fishery? A group of fishermen thinks so
https://special.readingeagle.com/can-the-lehigh-river-become-a-great-big-water-wild-trout-fishery-a-group-of-fishermen-thinks-so/
First all-girl Scouts BSA troops form in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/first-all-girl-scouts-bsa-troops-form-in-berks-county
Transportation
New park-and-ride opens April 1 in New Stanton
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/new-park-and-ride-opens-april-1-in-new-stanton/
Allegheny Township to close part of Markle Road because of landslide
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/section-of-allegheny-township-road-to-close-due-to-landslide/
Washington
Judiciary Committee shows support for “red flag” laws restricting gun access when violence is threatened
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/03/26/red-flag-gun-law-Senate-Judiciary-Committee-pittsburgh-pennsylvania/stories/201903260155
Trump complains to senators that Puerto Rico gets too much hurricane relief funding
https://www.philly.com/politics/trump-senators-puerto-rico-hurricane-maria-relief-funding-20190327.html