Legislatura
COVID, 1-year later: How the pandemic led to an election fight, masks and calls for impeachment
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/03/02/how-covid-19-pandemic-impacting-pennsylvania-politics/6813467002/
Budget hearing explores Pa. Education Department’s pandemic response
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/03/01/Pennsylvania-Department-of-Education-COVID-19-PA-House-Education-Committee-hearing/stories/202103010127
We’re talking about generational loss:’ How Pa.’s Education Department is sizing up post-pandemic life
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/01/were-talking-about-generational-loss-how-pa-s-education-department-is-sizing-up-post-pandemic-life/
Pa. lawmaker seeks to crackdown on ex-felons found with illegal guns to make communities safer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/crackdown-on-ex-felons-found-with-illegal-guns-aims-to-make-communities-safer.html
Gag order isn’t about workers’ ethics
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/gag-order-isnt-about-workers-ethics/article_be767e44-1a50-55d8-8192-d1bbd0d2e486.html
Coronavirus - COVID-19
Gov. Wolf raises capacity limits on event spaces, rescinds travel restrictions
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-raises-capacity-limits-on-event-spaces-rescinds-travel-restrictions/
Wolf lifts restrictions as new COVID-19 cases, deaths decline
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/wolf-lifts-restrictions-as-new-covid-19-cases-deaths-decline/article_b8562529-2510-57bf-90be-5ca9b144da83.html
4 federal lawmakers call on Gov. Wolf to review and improve state’s vaccination plan
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/4-federal-lawmakers-call-on-gov-wolf-to-review-and-improve-states-vaccination-plan/article_6a41a6da-7aca-11eb-a597-6309076165eb.html
New Pa. rules mean fans at sporting events and concerts while N.J. expands vaccines to teachers and essential workers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-philly-pa-event-size-sports-nj-teachers-vaccine-20210302.html
Pennsylvania admits vaccine undersupply in Philadelphia suburbs, promises to fix it with extra doses immediately | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-vaccine-shortage-pennsylvania-scanlon-suburbs-20210301.html
Public health experts say equity requires long-term commitment
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/02/public-health-experts-say-equity-requires-long-term-commitment/
Elderly couple, bumped by Geisinger for vaccines, find alternative
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/elderly-couple-bumped-by-geisinger-for-vaccines-find-alternative/article_40b0cc00-98df-5768-a521-b765e3752b79.html
COVID-19, one year later: For each person who has died, dozens are left to grieve
https://www.ydr.com/in-depth/news/2021/03/02/pa-covid-19-coronavirus-deaths-emergency-workers-teachers-oberholzer/6762134002/
Scammers working overtime during COVID crisis, Pa. attorney general says
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/scammers-working-overtime-during-covid-crisis-pa-attorney-general-says/article_3e68bc9c-7aed-11eb-bd48-dfc00a75b3e9.html
Minimum wage hike all but dead in big COVID-19 stimulus bill
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/senate-stimulus-coronavirus-relief-bill-talks-20210301.html
States easing virus restrictions despite experts’ warnings
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/03/states-easing-virus-restrictions-despite-experts-warnings.html
Redistribución de distritos
COMMENTARY: Why Spotlight PA is spending a year investigating the state’s redistricting process
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2021/03/01/COMMENTARY-why-spotlight-pa-spending-year-time-money-investigating-Pennsylvania-redistricting-process/stories/202102260077
Empresas
Matthew Winkler: Pandemic proves the value of raising the minimum wage
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2021/03/02/Matthew-Winkler-Pandemic-proves-the-value-of-raising-the-minimum-wage/stories/202103020017
PNC to close four branches in Pittsburgh region
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2021/03/01/PNC-to-close-four-branches-in-Pittsburgh-region-Belle-Vernon-West-Newton-Sharon-Slippery-Rock/stories/202103020007
United Steelworkers to seek strike authorization at ATI
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/united-steelworkers-to-seek-strike-authorization-at-ati/
Relaxed occupancy restrictions not a game changer for some local venues
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/relaxed-occupancy-restrictions-not-a-game-changer-for-some-local-venues/article_6868ac3d-05e4-5c9f-9169-0f5c31dd71a3.html
A year into the pandemic, Pa. restaurant owners question when they are ‘getting off this ride’
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/03/a-year-into-the-pandemic-pa-restaurant-owners-question-when-they-are-getting-off-this-ride.html
Report: Pa.’s fossil fuel industry got $3.7B in tax breaks in 2019
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/report-pa-s-fossil-fuel-industry-received-3-7-billion-in-tax-breaks-in-2019/
What’s really driving coal power’s demise? It’s not what you think | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/whats-really-driving-coal-powers-demise-analysis/
Delito/Castigo
A teenage murder suspect, and his alleged victim’s family, have waited a year for the case to be heard due to COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/news/zhafir-tinsley-jones-robert-womack-murder-chester-20210302.html
Central Pa. trio linked to Capitol riot through their Facebook posts from the breach
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/central-pa-trio-linked-to-capitol-riot-through-their-facebook-posts-from-inside.html
‘Not a them problem’: Surge in methamphetamine use concerning law enforcement in Bucks County and beyond
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/03/02/bucks-county-police-meth-violent-crime/4547246001/
Educación
Pa. teachers could move to vaccine’s phase 1A distribution, task force says
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-teachers-could-move-to-vaccines-phase-1a-distribution-task-force-says/
Pennsylvania considers COVID-19 vaccine clinics for teachers set up by PEMA and National Guard
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-education-budget-hearing-20210301-f5wwwlgfanhybp5oltwdheblmi-story.html
Frustrating’: Pine-Richland parents, students rally for schools to fully reopen
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/03/01/Pine-Richland-school-district-coronavirus-COVID-19-students-parents-reopening-rally/stories/202103010139
Scranton School Board delays hybrid learning, moves to synchronous lessons
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-school-board-delays-hybrid-learning-moves-to-synchronous-lessons/article_5ff0ba81-5d29-52d5-82fa-2df150b65ed4.html
Wilkes-Barre Area Board OKs 3 dozen teacher layoffs for consolidation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/973805/wilkes-barre-area-board-oks-3-dozen-teacher-layoffs-for-consolidation
Wilkes-Barre Area votes to furlough up to 37 teachers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-area-votes-to-furlough-up-to-37-teachers/article_c1dae52c-b04e-55fb-a18c-163c186baa05.html
Schuylkill school districts see increase in student failure during pandemic
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/schuylkill-school-districts-see-increase-in-student-failure-during-pandemic/article_7f771a4a-e781-591c-8114-453713a0fe47.html
Allentown School District forbids searches of students that expose private parts
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-school-searches-20210302-57g3mht3lbgthjm3ensqqtsygq-story.html
Slippery Rock University announces in-person fall semester; Pitt still mulling plans
https://triblive.com/local/regional/slippery-rock-university-announces-in-person-fall-semester-pitt-still-mulling-plans/
Dempsey out as Binghamton men’s basketball coach
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/college/dempsey-out-as-binghamton-mens-basketball-coach/article_2f2282a0-6e4f-57b7-8e24-c33a7cc2841d.html
Elecciones/Política
Welcome to Pennsylvania’s very progressive 2022 Democratic Senate primary
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/john-fetterman-malcolm-kenyatta-pennsylvania-democratic-senate-primary-20210302.html
Pa. Republicans rebuke Pat Toomey over Trump impeachment vote — but don’t censure him
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pat-toomey-pennsylania-republicans-censure-vote-20210302.html
Censure of Sen. Toomey for Trump impeachment vote falls short at the state level
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/censure-of-sen-toomey-for-trump-impeachment-vote-falls-short-at-the-state-level.html
Juegos
Bettors have chance to give back at Live! Casino Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/bettors-have-chance-to-give-back-at-live-casino-pittsburgh/
Sanidad
All of Tower Health could be acquired in new push for rescue of the troubled health system
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/tower-health-reading-could-be-bought-chestnut-hill-hospital-20210301.html
Noticias locales
Berks residential center’s fate not known, and county officials are not talking
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-residential-centers-fate-not-known-and-county-officials-are-not-talking/article_742eb6e0-7aa4-11eb-9e88-5ffc7f8c2871.html
After years of protest, the Berks County immigration center is empty, but advocates remain wary of family detention
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pa-immigrant-families-released-berks-residential-center-20210301-sjpie5u74javjhy7turg5nt3n4-story.html
Grant will help Opportunity House of Reading transform blighted property into affordable housing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/grant-will-help-opportunity-house-of-reading-transform-blighted-property-into-affordable-housing/article_4b831d9e-7ad6-11eb-b400-8f46bacc27ae.html
Fired Reading solicitor sues the city and asks court to reinstate her
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/fired-reading-solicitor-sues-the-city-and-asks-court-to-reinstate-her/article_f66e1d1c-7acc-11eb-ad7d-4b600412aa9f.html
Police officer cleared in fatal shooting of sword-wielding man, Montgomery County DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/upper-perk-shooting-police-fatal-trey-bartholomew-20210301.html
Chester County DA says the shooting of a man who attacked police was justified
https://www.inquirer.com/news/chester-county-police-shooting-west-goshen-township-20210301.html
Luzerne County Council set to vote on election board seats
https://www.timesleader.com/news/975764/luzerne-county-council-set-to-vote-on-election-board-seats
Noticias nacionales
Irv Cross, former Eagles cornerback and pioneering Black TV analyst, dies at 81
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2021/03/01/Irv-Cross-dies-dead-obituary-Philadelphia-Eagles-cornerback-The-NFL-Today-analyst-commentator-broadcaster-Los-Angeles-Rams/stories/202103010131
Calls for Cuomo’s resignation increase as a third accuser emerges
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/calls-for-cuomos-resignation-increase-as-a-third-accuser-emerges.html
Kansas House gives first approval to bill giving college athletes more ways to make money
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2021/03/kansas-house-gives-first-approval-to-bill-giving-college-athletes-more-ways-to-make-money.html
Georgia House passes elections bill that would limit absentee and early voting
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/02/georgia-house-passes-elections-bill-that-would-limit-absentee-and-early-voting/
Gas natural
Revolution pipeline back in service as Energy Transfer and regulators reach yet another deal
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2021/03/01/Revolution-Pipeline-restart-Energy-Transfer-PA-DEP-deal-Center-explosion/stories/202103010103
Nueva Jersey
N.J. General Assembly passes bill to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences on nonviolent offenses
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey-bill-eliminate-mandatory-minimum-sentences-nonviolent-offenses-20210301.html
N.J. schools must teach diversity, inclusion under new law
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/new-jersey-schools-diversity-curriculum-20210301.html
Filadelfia
Philadelphia School District is reopening. Here’s the plan for students and teachers returning.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-school-district-reopening-deal-20210301.html
District, teachers union reach deal to reopen 53 Philly schools March 8
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/district-teachers-union-reach-deal-to-reopen-53-philly-schools-march-8/article_a5e624dd-a4ab-5867-9fa9-b36e9689458d.html
As Philadelphia educators get vaccinated, Black district teachers remain underrepresented
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/as-philadelphia-educators-get-vaccinated-black-district-teachers-remain-underrepresented/article_678e0861-9692-5332-b26a-e0e70da48991.html
Equity is driving force behind Philly’s new transit plan | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/septa-bus-routes-transit-philadelphia-equity-kenney-20210302.html
Fired after organizing, Starbucks baristas turned down a payout and took their bosses to court
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/starbucks-union-fired-nlrb-20210301.html
All of the Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium’s vaccine clinics will now be walk-up
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/black-doctors-covid-19-consortium-philly-vaccine-clinics-walk-up-20210301.html
Philly’s first federal COVID-19 mass vaccination site already is having to fend off people who aren’t eligible
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/vaccine-line-skipping-fema-convention-center-philadelphia-20210301.html
DA Larry Krasner says four people will be charged in a string of West Philly shootings, including one that injured an 8-year-old boy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/west-philadelphia-gun-violence-shootings-larry-krasner-danielle-outlaw-arrests-20210301.html
Why my fight against anti-Asian discrimination had me confronting racist mac and cheese in Philly | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/racist-attacks-asian-americans-coronavirus-philadelphia-roxborough-20210301.html
Pitt
Penguins, Pirates set to host fans after Gov. Wolf lifts some restrictions
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/03/01/Pirates-to-host-fans-at-PNC-Park-starting-opening-day/stories/202103010084
AIU hires director of diversity, equity and inclusion
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/03/01/AIU-intermediate-unit-hires-michael-jones-director-diversity-equity-inclusion-race-racism/stories/202103010101
Crash victim found shot on the South Side
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/02/Man-found-with-gunshot-wound-in-South-Side/stories/202103020096
Home & Garden Show postponed until fall
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/homes/2021/03/01/Pittsburgh-Home-Garden-Show-postponed-until-fall-2021/stories/202103010112
Small conveniences make a difference
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/02/Small-conveniences-make-a-difference-Transit-Port-Authority/stories/202101220056
Ed Gainey campaign chief, Pittsburgh political activist nearly come to blows at political event
https://triblive.com/local/ed-gainey-campaign-chief-and-pittsburgh-political-activist-nearly-come-to-blows-at-political-event/
Pittsburgh Democratic chair responds to photo with Moreno, then slings mud at Peduto
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-democratic-chair-responds-to-photo-with-moreno-then-slings-mud-at-peduto/Content?oid=19011943
Pittsburgh officials advance plan for new steam heating system
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-officials-move-forward-to-plan-for-new-steam-heating-system/
Covid cases continue to climb at Allegheny County Jail
https://triblive.com/local/covid-cases-continue-to-climb-at-allegheny-county-jail/
Noticias del Estado
Victims of unemployment fraud in Pa. are blindsided by tax documents
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/unemployment-tax-identity-theft-fraud-pa-coronavirus-irs-20210302.html
Feds authorize $52M for abandoned mine cleanup and economic development in Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/03/01/Interior-Department-Biden-abandoned-mine-coal-cleanup-Pennsylvania-Glenn-Thompson-Wyoming/stories/202103010096
Free the nipple — and free moms from breastfeeding pressure | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/breastfeeding-commercial-golden-globes-frida-20210301.html
Transporte
Wilkes-Barre workers busy patching as pothole season begins
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-workers-busy-patching-as-pothole-season-begins/article_42bb9463-1037-58dc-b97d-8b0dcacdc0a1.html
Washington
If Democrats’ voting bill is signed into law, it would usher in the biggest overhaul of U.S. elections law in at least a generation
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/voting-bill-congress-electoral-process-20210301.html
Force platforms to buy news
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/force-platforms-to-buy-news/article_5f5a4d68-ecaa-5f83-a104-f70bb44a33cd.html
Pa. GOP Congressman Mike Kelly votes against COVID relief by proxy, goes to CPAC conference in person
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/01/kelly-votes-against-covid-relief-by-proxy-attends-florida-conference-in-person/