Legislature
There’s trouble in the air in Pennsylvania | By State Sen. Jay Costa and Zach Barber
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/03/theres-trouble-in-the-air-in-pennsylvania-opinion.html
Pa. House Dems push package of voter bills that fall in line with national group’s policies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/03/10/Pennsylvania-House-Democrats-Pa-voting-bill-package/stories/202003100138
Bill Tracker: Proposal offers senior property tax relief
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill-tracker-proposal-offers-senior-property-tax-relief/article_4bd6a050-f79f-59b6-b2e5-a2906283ce7c.html
Harrisburg backs creation of state law that allows undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/harrisburg-city-council-backs-creating-state-law-allowing-anyone-in-pa-to-get-a-drivers-license.html
Pensions position, lawmakers prepare as coronavirus economic impact trickles into Pa.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/pensions-profit-lawmakers-prepare-as-coronavirus-economic-impact-trickles-into-pa/
Yudichak, Kaufer host rally for tax-credit bill
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775822/yudichak-kaufer-host-rally-for-tax-credit-bill
Business
How much would a payroll tax cut add to your paycheck? Philly accountants lay it out.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/payroll-tax-cut-coronavirus-economy-trump-white-house-20200310.html
Foresight Energy is latest U.S. coal miner in bankruptcy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/03/11/Foresight-Energy-is-latest-US-coal-miner-in-bankruptcy/stories/202003110061
Coronavirus
Coronavirus in Pennsylvania: Bucks County cases bring total to 14 as schools begin to close, colleges go online-only
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-pa-montgomery-spread-virus-20200310-jgclwxnc35hshkuewlqxcxogma-story.html
Bucks County reports first two coronavirus cases
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200310/bucks-county-reports-first-two-coronavirus-cases
Pennsylvania isn’t releasing details on coronavirus cases because of a decades-old law
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/03/11/coronavirus-pa-covid-19-positive-cases-rachel-levine-1955-syphilis-law/stories/202003110055
Coronavirus testing is expanding but likely not fast enough to contain undetected spread
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-testing-commercial-labs-supplements-cdc-state-labs-20200310.html
New cases of COVID-19 reported in Montgomery County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/new-cases-of-covid–reported-in-montgomery-county/article_d0a525ca-5fa2-52af-89cb-072e6b191daf.html
As coronavirus spreads, businesses anticipate impact
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200311/as-coronavirus-spreads-businesses-anticipate-impact
Philly announces first coronavirus case; first patient dies in New Jersey; St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-philadelphia-montgomery-kenney-farley-arkoosh-schools-20200310.html
Philadelphia says avoid large gatherings, but Wells Fargo Center says sporting events and concerts are still on
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/billie-eilish-concert-wells-fargo-center-coronavirus-friday-20200310.html
Philadelphia’s St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-st-patricks-day-parade-philadelphia-20200310.html
Philly needs to make tough calls on coronavirus — canceling St. Patrick’s parade was the right one | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-philadelphia-confirmed-case-st-patricks-day-parade-cancel-20200310.html
Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade to go on despite coronavirus fears
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburghs-st-patricks-day-parade-a-go-on-despite-coronavirus-fears/
Pittsburgh VA to screen for COVID-19 anyone entering its facilities
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/03/10/Pittsburgh-VA-to-screen-for-COVID-19-anyone-entering-facilities-veterans-Oakland-test/stories/202003100099
Western Pennsylvania nursing homes restrict access amid coronavirus fears
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pennsylvania-nursing-homes-restrict-access-amid-coronavirus-fears/
NEPA summit will gauge readiness for coronavirus outbreak in region
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nepa-summit-will-gauge-readiness-for-coronavirus-outbreak-in-region-1.2606120
Friends of the Poor cancels St. Patrick’s Day dinner over coronavirus concerns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/friends-of-the-poor-cancels-st-patrick-s-day-dinner-over-coronavirus-concerns-1.2605760
Westmoreland 911 quizzes callers about coronavirus as county prepares outbreak plan
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-911-quizzes-callers-about-coronavirus-as-county-prepares-outbreak-plan/
West Chester University cancels all in-person classes because of coronavirus, instruction will go online
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-west-chester-university-cancel-classes-20200310.html
Coronavirus concerns: West Chester University president explains move to online learning
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/controlling-coronavirus-concerns-prompted-decision-to-move-to-classes-online-west-chester-university-president.html
Blooomsburg extends spring break amid coronavirus threat
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/blooomsburg-extends-spring-break-amid-coronavirus-threat-1.2606113
Muhlenberg College ending in-person classes because of coronavirus; most students must leave on-campus housing by Saturday afternoon
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-colleges-online-classes-coronavirus-20200310-n4vbpenyy5gstf3prxunm4wwhi-story.html
Alvernia University restricts international travel due to coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/alvernia-university-restricts-international-travel-due-to-coronavirus/article_bd21327c-6323-11ea-b332-f721831acdba.html
Western Pennsylvania school districts prepare for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/western-pennsylvania-school-districts-prepare-for-coronavirus/
Hanover Area barring students 14 days after returning from out of country
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775816/hanover-area-barring-students-14-days-after-returning-from-out-of-country
PIAA taking state championships ‘day by day’ as coronavirus concern rises
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/03/piaa-taking-state-championships-day-by-day-as-coronavirus-panic-rises.html
Some Delco public schools to close for a day to prepare for coronavirus
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/some-delco-public-schools-to-close-for-a-day-to/article_2b8de28e-62fa-11ea-ada7-a7bd50f9551c.html
Two Unionville schools close over virus concrns, Henderson reopens
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/two-unionville-schools-close-over-virus-concrns-henderson-reopens/article_828226f4-62e1-11ea-ac31-2bd816ed5df3.html
American Airlines suspends flights between Philadelphia and Italy
https://www.inquirer.com/business/american-airlines-philadelphia-international-airport-italy-coronavirus-20200310.html
Google tells more than 100,000 employees in North America to work from home
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/03/11/Google-tells-employees-in-North-America-to-work-from-home-coronavirus-covid-19/stories/202003110091
Crime/Punishment
Private contractor offers to end running Delco prison
https://www.inquirer.com/news/delaware-county-george-hill-prison-geo-group-contract-20200311.html
Doctors, landlord arrested in $2M pill-mill scheme that allegedly stole Medicaid information from homeless and veterans in Tioga
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/philadelphia-pill-mill-okolo-fallouh-doctors-evelyn-smith-montgomery-county-20200310.html
Retreat prison no stranger to closure controversy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/retreat-prison-no-stranger-to-closure-controversy-1.2606118
Off-duty deputy shot in Philadelphia-area robbery attempt
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/off-duty-deputy-shot-in-philadelphia-area-robbery-attempt.html
Man camouflaged in western Pa. woods shoots van full of children: police
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/man-camouflaged-in-western-pa-woods-shoots-van-full-of-children-police.html
Two shot dead, two wounded near Chester basketball court
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/two-shot-dead-two-wounded-near-chester-basketball-court/article_8252d8ea-6313-11ea-8238-eb540e4aae26.html
Education
Anonymous group pays off lunch debt for Lebanon County students
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/10/anonymous-group-pays-off-lunch-debt-for-lebanon-county-students/
New Ken-Arnold looking at borrowing $4M amid $2M deficit
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-ken-arnold-looking-at-4m-borrowing-along-with-2m-deficit/
Lackawanna College to offer Early Explorers: Outdoor Exploration for children
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775841/lackawanna-college-to-offer-early-explorers-outdoor-exploration-for-children
The college that almost wasn’t: WCCC marks 50 years
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/the-college-that-almost-wasnt-wccc-marks-50-years/
Elections/Politics
In another big primary night, Biden wins Idaho, Mich., Miss. and Mo.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/10/Sanders-Biden-focus-on-Michigan-amid-voting-in-6-key-states/stories/202003100140
After a canceled rally in Cleveland, Biden celebrates Michigan win in Philly. Thanks Sanders for his ‘tireless energy.’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-biden-constitution-center-primary-michigan-rally-2020-20200311.html
Disappointing results Tuesday leave Bernie Sanders’ campaign at crossroads
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/bernie-sanders-campaign-questions-primary-defeat-michigan-mississippi-missouri-20200311.html
‘It’s a different type of campaign that we’re running here’ | 2020 Women Speak Up
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/its-a-different-type-of-campaign-that-were-running-here-2020-women-speak-up/
Voter Registration Update: Pa.’s blue and red divide deepens as April primary approaches | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/voter-registration-update-pa-s-blue-and-red-divide-deepens-as-april-primary-approaches-analysis/
Students, League of Women Voters register young voters in East Stroudsburg
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200310/students-league-of-women-voters-register-young-voters-in-east-stroudsburg
Judge strikes state House candidate Hayes from ballot
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200310/judge-strikes-state-house-candidate-hayes-from-ballot
Health Care
Main Line Health opens 94,000-square-foot outpatient center in King of Prussia
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/main-line-health-king-of-prussia-outpatient-womens-health-20200310.html
Pennsylvania reports 9 new flu deaths
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-reports-9-new-flu-deaths/
Local News
Scranton councilwoman responds to personal attacks at packed meeting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-councilwoman-responds-to-personal-attacks-at-packed-meeting-1.2606025
New online platform ‘Neighborly’ aims to better connect needy with social services
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-online-platform-neighborly-aims-to-better-connect-needy-with-social-services-1.2606005
Mother and two children die in Dunmore fire
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mother-and-two-children-die-in-dunmore-fire-1.2605761
Northwest Reading residents express concerns at community meeting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/northwest-reading-residents-express-concerns-at-community-meeting/article_8a9eb9f0-6337-11ea-ad87-679a86869ee3.html
Reading nonprofit’s truck stolen, later found as ‘community comes together’
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-nonprofit-s-truck-stolen-later-found-as-community-comes/article_d7f6b1ea-62ff-11ea-9791-33c9c2214e27.html
Justice Bell arrives in Reading in honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/justice-bell-arrives-in-reading-in-honor-of-the-th/article_2d52ac58-6309-11ea-a853-5b04444df806.html
Delmont may raise sewage rates to keep pace with consent orders
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/delmont-may-raise-sewage-rates-to-keep-pace-with-consent-orders/
Luzerne County won’t pursue legal action challenging stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775785/luzerne-county-wont-pursue-legal-action-challenging-stormwater-fee
County will not pursue stormwater fee litigation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-will-not-pursue-stormwater-fee-litigation-1.2606122
Plymouth Borough OKs township fire deal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775804/plymouth-borough-oks-township-fire-deal
Brown announces plans to clean Wilkes-Barre’s streets
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/brown-announces-plans-to-clean-wilkes-barre-s-streets-1.2606124
Black Creek recycling center closed awaiting new container
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/black-creek-recycling-center-closed-awaiting-new-container-1.2606039
Board splits Second Amendment vote
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/03/board-splits-second-amendment-vote/
Natural Gas
Shale drillers are staring down the barrel of the worst oil bust yet
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/03/10/shale-oil-drillers-bust-2020-price-war-OPEC-Russia-crude-US-prices/stories/202003100019
Philly
Philly L&I can’t fill open building and code inspector jobs. It’s not alone.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/licenses-inspections-philadelphia-inspectors-building-20200311.html
These Philly area businesses were scammed out of millions. Now, the IRS is demanding they pay up.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/payroll-processor-fraud-myles-hannigan-irs-tax-collections-pennsylvania-20200311.html
Pitt
Burgess, Lavelle propose creation of city Commission on Racial Equity
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/10/Burgess-Lavelle-propose-creation-of-city-Commission-on-Racial-Equity/stories/202003100089
Pittsburgh Council to consider legislation aimed at eliminating racial inequalities
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-to-consider-legislation-aimed-at-eliminating-racial-inequalities/
Pittsburgh zoning change would eliminate parking spot requirement for row housing
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-zoning-change-would-eliminate-parking-spot-requirement-for-row-housing/
Two ex-Allegheny County constables charged with $132K fraud
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/10/constable-fraud-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-cioppa-wright/stories/202003100090
After 167 years, a piece of Pittsburgh history readies to close its doors
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/10/J-R-Weldin-Company-Downtown-Pittsburgh-Stationery-business-closing-unique/stories/202003100130
Mattress Factory receives grant to digitize Greer Lankton archive
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2020/03/10/Mattress-Factory-North-Side-grant-digitize-Greer-Lankton-archive/stories/202003100102
Phipps’ Center for Sustainable Landscapes earns new top-level designation for green building
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburghs-phipps-conservatory-earns-unique-designation-for-green-building/
State News
Diocese lawsuits: Open courthouse doors to abuse victims
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/11/Diocese-lawsuits-Open-courthouse-doors-to-abuse-victims/stories/202003060081
Liquor Control Board returns license fees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/liquor-control-board-returns-license-fees-1.2605989
Penn National’s female jockeys scrap, shine and succeed. Why aren’t there more?
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/03/penn-nationals-female-jockeys-scrap-shine-and-succeed-why-arent-there-more.html
Transportation
PennDOT looking at creative ways to replace Parkway East bridge near Squirrel Hill Tunnel
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/09/Commercial-Street-Bridge-Pittsburgh-replacement-Parkway-East-Squirrel-Hill/stories/202003090128
Can’t hear train a-comin’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/can-t-hear-train-a-comin-1.2606007
Washington
Justice Department must disclose secret Mueller grand jury evidence to Congress, appeals court finds
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/robert-mueller-secret-evidence-ruling-congress-20200310.html