Legislature
Process for replacing Sen. John Blake unfolding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/process-for-replacing-sen-john-blake-unfolding/article_8a687dba-be6c-5a5d-83e1-8814433eb598.html
Financial cliff: Legislators push to handle transportation funding crisis before next year’s elections
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2021/02/28/PennDOT-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-funding-crisis-gubernatorial-election/stories/202102280038
Ice cream shops, machine politics, and the unfinished struggle of Pa.’s first Black legislator
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/ice-cream-shops-machine-politics-and-the-unfinished-struggle-of-pa-s-first-black-legislator/
Continue to improve elections in Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2021/02/28/Continue-to-improve-elections-in-Pa/stories/202102280106
8th Street Bridge being renamed for fallen PennDOT worker
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/8th-street-bridge-being-renamed-for-fallen-penndot-worker/article_d55b0e68-f9ac-5cce-8e6a-7b94ee9b3ec3.html
Cruel bill offers hope for impossible
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/cruel-bill-offers-hope-for-impossible/article_6e256862-25cb-531d-966f-3c4e1ad6b119.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pa. lags most states in getting COVID-19 vaccine to seniors, PennLive analysis finds
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-lags-most-states-in-getting-covid-19-vaccine-to-seniors-pennlive-analysis-finds.html
Pursuit of COVID-19 vaccine devolves into ‘hunger games’ for Pa. seniors
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pursuit-of-covid-19-vaccine-devolves-into-hunger-games-for-pa-seniors.html
Across the Pittsburgh region, deciding who gets the vaccine is contentious
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19/2021/02/28/COVID-19-health-care-work-from-home-remote-workers-vaccine-availability-UPMC-Allegheny-Health-Network/stories/202102260155
Massive drive-through vaccination center being built in King of Prussia — with no guarantee the state will give it vaccine
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccination-center-king-of-prussia-mountain-productions-firefly-festival-20210228.html
Candlelight vigil will honor those lost to COVID-19
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/candlelight-vigil-will-honor-those-lost-to-covid-19/article_70d4d0c4-4aa6-5303-a162-7f598488f7d1.html
Despite moratorium, some eviction cases moving forward
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/despite-moratorium-some-eviction-cases-moving-forward/article_c6226422-c573-52a8-9041-bff76d78c5f3.html
Landlords thankful for rent relief program
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/landlords-thankful-for-rent-relief-program/article_f4f9039c-a033-540d-b1c3-a6a38a3c335b.html
New COVID-19 cases, deaths remain down in region
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/new-covid-19-cases-deaths-remain-down-in-region/article_d480c715-ce02-5f8e-940c-ff88d560792f.html
Pa.’s weekly COVID report a mixed bag for Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-s-weekly-covid-report-a-mixed-bag-for-berks-county/article_8b5e68ee-78ae-11eb-a6d7-33ca57715211.html
A plea to President Biden: Please help suburban Philadelphia get vaccinated. Its 2.5 million people are underserved. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/vaccine-problems-pennsylvania-suburbs-biden-fema-covid-delaware-chester-20210227.html
Dr. Fauci worried that U.S. virus cases will stick at 70,000 a day
https://triblive.com/news/dr-fauci-worried-that-u-s-virus-cases-will-stick-at-70000-a-day/
CDC recommends Johnson & Johnson single-dose vaccine; inoculations to start this week
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2021/02/28/Johnson-and-Johnson-JJ-COVID-19-coronavirus-vaccine-shot-approved-CDC-advisers-when-can-i-get-rollout/stories/202102280241
There’s a robot to help with COVID-19 testing, but it won’t stick a Q-tip up your nose
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2021/03/01/COVID-19-robotic-testing-ARM-Institute-Wilder-Systems-pittsburgh-partnership/stories/202102280050
Social Security and Medicare may experience their own COVID-19 side effects, experts say
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/how-will-covid-19-affect-social-security-medicare-disability-20210301.html
COVID-19 Pandemic: Fraud overwhelms unemployment programs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/966427/covid-19-pandemicfraud-overwhelms-unemployment-programs
COVID-19 relief package heads to Senate as debate over minimum wage continues
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/01/covid-19-relief-package-heads-to-senate-as-debate-over-minimum-wage-continues/
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf pushes charter school reform law
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/gov-tom-wolf-pushes-charter-school-reform-law/article_60ed4ac2-ef46-57e1-a3f6-53b2af8d459a.html
Business
Ensuring the minimum wage keeps up with economic growth | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/02/ensuring-the-minimum-wage-keeps-up-with-economic-growth-opinion.html
Working from home — at what cost?
https://www.timesleader.com/news/959845/working-from-home-at-what-cost
Crime/Punishment
Racism in Pa.: Hate incidents up against Asian Americans, but it’s not a new problem
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/03/01/hate-incidents-up-against-asian-americans-why-cases-growing/6841078002/
1 arrested in Lehigh County Walmart lot shooting that killed 1, injured 1
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/1-arrested-in-lehigh-county-walmart-lot-shooting-that-killed-1-injured-1/
Lehigh County coroner identifies 20-year-old Allentown woman killed in double shooting at Whitehall Township Walmart
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-man-arrested-in-whitehall-walmart-double-shooting-20210228-3k3h6vpky5bm7amu4mepvdzwmm-story.html
Editorial: Reading’s crime problems defy easy solutions
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-readings-crime-problems-defy-easy-solutions/article_29af5232-777f-11eb-a9c2-932a74256653.html
Mass shootings surge in Pennsylvania as nation faces record high
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/03/01/gda-mass-shootings-rise-in-2020-pa-nbct/43442207/
Education
School districts find success with full in-person learning in Wayne and Pike counties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/school-districts-find-success-with-full-in-person-learning-in-wayne-and-pike-counties/article_0634ab7f-9027-56ac-b625-e9441b8d691b.html
Exchange student from Italy adjusts to life in A-K Valley during pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/exchange-student-from-italy-adjusts-to-life-in-the-a-k-valley-during-pandemic/
Some worry a drop in financial aid applications means fewer low-income students are considering college
https://www.inquirer.com/education/financial-aid-college-fafsa-low-income-first-generation-20210301.html
COVID-19 hit to Pennsylvania’s largest universities nears $800 million
https://www.inquirer.com/business/university-pennsylvania-penn-state-temple-covid-19-financial-loses-20210227.html
Food, info for students
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/01/Food-info-for-students/stories/202102100013
Guest Column: Higher education must be affordable to all in Pa.
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/guest-column-higher-education-must-be-affordable-to-all-in-pa/article_38898ae0-7a2a-11eb-a397-dfdcfb908cec.html
Elections/Politics
Supreme Court could put new limits on voting rights lawsuits
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/03/supreme-court-could-put-new-limits-on-voting-rights-lawsuits.html
Adams County Republican Committee censures Sen. Pat Toomey
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/adams-county-republican-committee-censures-sen-pat-toomey.html
Gaming
Several Pennsylvania organizations to participate in Problem Gambling Awareness Month
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/several-pennsylvania-organizations-to-participate-in-problem-gambling-awareness-month/
Health Care
COVID-19′s tax season surprise: You may have to pay back part of your ACA insurance subsidy
https://www.inquirer.com/health/consumer/health-insurance-tax-credits-aca-marketplace-20210301.html
Local News
Good government or ‘gag’ order? In Chesco, new ethics policy muzzles county workers.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/good-government-or-gag-order-chesco-new-ethics-policy-muzzles-county-workers-20210301.html
Sidewalk to Steamtown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/sidewalk-to-steamtown/article_7de807cd-6c86-512c-bc99-3df4464906ea.html
Berks County Game Commission crew honored for its habitat restoration near Blue Marsh
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/environment/berks-county-game-commission-crew-honored-for-its-habitat-restoration-near-blue-marsh/article_9ac985a6-77a1-11eb-9075-0b5b6ad8816b.html
Harrison neighbors welcome demolition of abandoned houses
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-neighbors-welcome-demolition-of-abandoned-houses/
Westmoreland looks for ways to stop decades-long population decline
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-looks-for-ways-to-stop-decades-long-population-decline/
Stimulus bill could bring money to expand high-speed internet in Westmoreland
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/stimulus-bill-could-bring-money-to-expand-high-speed-internet-in-westmoreland/
Luzerne County Election Board won’t be holding a special meeting Monday amid appointment controversy
https://www.timesleader.com/news/967439/luzerne-county-election-board-wont-be-holding-a-special-meeting-monday-amid-appointment-controversy
National News
Report: U.S. wasted billions on cars, buildings in Afghanistan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2021/03/01/Report-US-wasted-billions-cars-buildings-in-Afghanistan/stories/202103010064
From the U.S. Capitol to local governments, disinformation disrupts
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/01/from-the-u-s-capitol-to-local-governments-disinformation-disrupts/
Natural Gas
Natural gas should be a part of Pennsylvania’s energy future | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/natural-gas-pennsylvania-fracking-gibbstown-environmental-impact-20210301.html
Environmental advocates cheer Delaware River Basin Commission’s ban on fracking
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/environment/environmental-advocates-cheer-delaware-river-basin-commissions-ban-on-fracking/article_a3a8e106-7861-11eb-93ec-578889e3d89f.html
Philly
Philly teachers back ‘soon,’ fans won’t be used, school reopening date announcement coming Monday
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-reopen-pft-teachers-20210228.html
As the Philly School District struggles to reopen, some city charters have brought kids back. But they haven’t rushed it.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-charter-schools-reopening-mast-mastery-20210228.html
What happened when a SEPTA officer’s handgun spontaneously fired in Philly’s Suburban Station
https://www.inquirer.com/business/sig-sauer-guns-septa-ice-misfiring-suits-police-20210227.html
Gun violence epidemic, recent mass shootings in Philadelphia push victim service agencies into overdrive
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/01/gun-violence-epidemic-recent-mass-shootings-push-victim-service-agencies-into-overdrive/
Philly hospitals must now disclose prices for care, but it’s still hard to comparison shop: ‘The randomness is stunning.’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/philadelphia-region-hospitals-price-transparency–20210227.html
What went wrong for Philly’s winter forecasts? ‘The polar vortex stole the show.’
https://www.inquirer.com/weather/snow-winter-philadelphia-tynan-bilo-orr-6abc-cbs3-weather-outlooks-20210301.html
Philly won’t reassess properties until next year, but some already worry homeowners will be ‘blindsided’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-property-tax-reassessments-20210228.html
City Council bill aims to rein in elusive Airbnb hosts
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/airbnb-philadelphia-license-rental-city-council-20210301.html
COVID-19 testing — and Philly employment — get boost with 50 new lab jobs at Penn Medicine
https://www.inquirer.com/business/job-training-20210227.html
Pitt
‘That should never occur:’ Peduto questions part of a settlement over controversial Oakland office project
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/03/01/mayor-Peduto-Oakland-Planning-Development-Wexford-Science-Technology-Forbes-development-grant-settlement-pittsburgh/stories/202102280058
Human trafficking fight
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/01/Human-trafficking-fight/stories/202102240026
‘The professional gap filler’: Shanon Hughes talks community service through The Wellness Collective
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/02/28/The-professional-gap-filler-Shanon-Hughes-talks-community-service-through-Wellness-Collective/stories/202102280124
Pittsburgh to invest $800,000 in public art projects for city’s parks
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-to-invest-800000-in-public-art-projects-for-citys-parks/
State News
‘Why aren’t things getting better?’: Inequities for nonprofit funding impacts communities, study finds
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/03/01/Nonprofiits-minorities-funds-disparities-effective-PACE-BCT/stories/202102280018
Pa. women who leave jobs to care for kids are being wrongfully denied unemployment
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-unemployment-benefits-child-care-denial-appeal-20210228.html
All families released from Berks immigration detention center, Sen. Casey announces
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/all-families-released-from-berks-immigration-detention-center-sen-casey-announces/article_f1172c7e-79ef-11eb-812b-a7ca0c6f6ffd.html
Transportation
Study: Low-cost Mon Valley transit program has $14 million impact for local communities
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2021/02/28/Heritage-Communities-Transportation-Monongahela-Valley-economic-impact-study-disadvantaged/stories/202102080149
Washington
Biden urges Amazon workers to vote in Alabama unionization drive
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2021/02/28/President-Joe-Biden-Amazon-unionization-drive-Bessemer-Alabama-video-union-labor-work/stories/202102280256