Legislature
Bill would increase incentives to make movies, TV shows in Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2021/03/11/Pennsylvania-film-incentive-dawn-keezer-camera-bartolotta-jay-costa-2021/stories/202103110033
‘Dangerous road’: Pa. lawmaker wants to slow down plan to add tolls on bridges
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/dangerous-road-pa-lawmaker-wants-to-slow-down-plan-to-add-tolls-on-bridges.html
Pa. lawmakers have days to help child sex abuse survivors after Wolf team’s blunder | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-lawmakers-have-days-to-help-child-sex-abuse-survivors-after-wolf-teams-blunder-john-baer.html
Pa. House lawmakers Mullins, Flynn face off to run for Scranton state Senate seat
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/mullins-flynn-face-off-to-run-for-scranton-state-senate-seat/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
State health department addresses concerns about vaccine allocation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/10/southwest-pennsylvania-department-health-vaccine-allocation-counties-westmoreland-complaints/stories/202103100154
Gov. Wolf says suburban counties weren’t shortchanged on vaccine, adding to state’s murky messages
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gov-wolf-covid-vaccines-philadelphia-suburbs-20210310.html
Pa. defends its count of nursing home deaths. Here’s how Wolf says Pa. was different than NY
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/03/11/pa-nursing-home-deaths-wolf-new-york-cuomo/6924122002/
Pa. health official: Focus should be on covid vaccinations, not allocations
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pa-health-official-focus-should-be-on-covid-vaccinations-not-allocations/
Pa. notches two days of 110,000 COVID-19 vaccinations as supply grows
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-notches-two-days-of-110000-covid-19-vaccinations-as-supply-grows.html
Berks County gets biggest COVID vaccine shipment yet
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-gets-biggest-covid-vaccine-shipment-yet/article_27e0d266-8196-11eb-9c99-e73264269276.html
Prison COVID-19 outbreaks lead Pa. ZIP codes for highest new cases this week
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/03/prison-covid-19-outbreaks-lead-pa-zip-codes-for-highest-new-cases-this-week.html
Why pandemic challenges persist at Pennsylvania’s nursing homes
https://triblive.com/local/regional/why-pandemic-challenges-persist-at-pennsylvanias-nursing-homes/
Pa. seniors are ‘at their wit’s ends’ trying to get coronavirus vaccines
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/pennsylvania-covid-vaccine-seniors-signup-20210311.html
Program seeks to help Westmoreland seniors who lack technology get coronavirus vaccine appointment
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/program-seeks-to-help-seniors-who-dont-have-technology-get-coronavirus-vaccine-appointment/
More than 1 million people fully vaccinated in Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/10/covid-19-coronavirus-Allegheny-County-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-pandemic-vaccine-vaccinations/stories/202103100141
Three-quarters of Allegheny Township’s police force yet to be vaccinated
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/three-quarters-of-allegheny-townships-police-force-yet-to-be-vaccinated/
St. Clair Hospital cancels appointments after no covid vaccine shipment for 3 weeks
https://triblive.com/local/south-hills/st-clair-hospital-cancels-appointments-after-no-covid-vaccine-shipment-for-3-weeks/
NEPA VACCINE PROVIDER LIST
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1037742/nepa-vaccine-provider-list
Nursing home residents can get hugs again, feds say
https://triblive.com/news/world/nursing-home-residents-can-get-hugs-again-feds-say/
Half of Pennsylvanians approve of Biden’s COVID response, F&M College poll finds
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/half-of-pennsylvanians-approve-of-bidens-covid-response-f-m-college-poll-finds/article_d4e27eb8-81ac-11eb-b41c-5b22eb82f2ca.html
2021 will soon start to feel more normal, like before the COVID-19 pandemic. Can we handle it?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/03/2021-will-soon-start-to-feel-more-normal-like-before-the-covid-19-pandemic-can-we-handle-it.html
State News
Pennsylvania’s unemployment office is hiring 500 people to answer busy phone lines
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-unemployment-phone-number-pandemic-assistance-20210311.html
Pa. is hiring 500 staffers to answer unemployment calls. Activists want that number to double
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/03/10/pennsylvania-hiring-500-customer-service-representatives-unemployment-centers-benefits-COVID-19/stories/202103100178
Biden is coming to Pennsylvania next week after signing the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/joe-biden-delaware-county-pennsylvania-visit-20210310.html
Here’s what Pennsylvania and New Jersey are getting out of the $1.9 trillion stimulus package
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/coronavirus-stimulus-bill-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20210310.html
New fed relief plan saves aid for 925,000 Pennsylvanians, state says
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/new-fed-relief-plan-saves-aid-for-925000-pennsylvanians-state-says/
Pennsylvanians are suffering. Biden’s coronavirus relief plan will help. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/covid-stimulus-relief-pennsylvania-workers-biden-20210310.html
Westmoreland among Pa. counties added to spotted lanternfly quarantine zone
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2021/03/10/Pennsylvania-westmoreland-county-spotted-lanternfly-quarantine-zone-invasive-species/stories/202103100187
Invasive spotted lanternfly takes more Pennsylvania counties hostage
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lanternfly-pa-expansion-20210310-5dfclafza5brpjxlyxrxptqrte-story.html
Foundation partners to invest $20M in distressed ‘opportunity zones’ around the region
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2021/03/10/Richard-King-Mellon-Foundation-Arctaris-fund-opportunity-zones/stories/202103100152
How Pa. can prevent a power crisis like the one that knocked out Texas | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/texas-power-crisis-grid-pennsylvania-renewable-energy-20210310.html
Business
After a spike last spring, unemployment rates are falling, still work to be done
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/after-a-spike-last-spring-unemployment-rates-are-falling-still-work-to-be-done/article_6e87f892-0df9-56c6-803a-4ddb34fd21bd.html
Wanted: Women to train and work in automotive, electronics and other male-dominated trades
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/03/11/Women-trades-Rosedale-Technical-College-male-dominated-careers-pittsburgh/stories/202103090005
What started as pandemic hazard pay will continue as increased wages at Rutter’s
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/03/10/rutters-keeping-pandemic-hazard-pay-permanent-wage-increases/6941515002/
Crime/Punishment
Hundreds in the Pittsburgh area targeted with fraudulent Chase Bank debit cards, ID theft
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/10/Chase-bank-Pittsburgh-area-debit-card-fraud-identity-ID-theft-scam/stories/202103100160
Prison deprivatization cost analysis to be presented soon
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/prison-deprivatization-cost-analysis-to-be-presented-soon/article_9dbf06ec-81d2-11eb-8265-0b30031fda45.html
Education
Superintendents to decide whether to administer PSSA tests this spring or fall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/superintendents-to-decide-whether-to-administer-pssa-tests-this-spring-or-fall/article_bb0becb3-0195-5207-a511-08849c5af983.html
Traditional Lehigh Valley public schools seeing exodus to charter, cybercharter, private schools this year
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-prem-nws-public-schools-families-leaving-charter-schools-20210311-presc7ijdzahdbl4657o4w4tly-story.html
South Fayette teacher suspended after ‘inappropriate’ slavery assignment
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/03/10/South-Fayette-Township-School-District-teacher-suspended-assignment-about-slavery/stories/202103100184
Did Pennridge ‘Planter Artistocrat’ lesson sanitize slavery?
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/03/11/pennridge-school-district-slave-owner-assignment-stokes-ire/6875260002/
University of Scranton president dies from ALS complications
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/university-of-scranton-president-dies-from-als-complications/article_26fc30e4-12d7-5d02-8f25-50a6cfbdcb66.html
Several state-owned universities plan for in-person activities in the fall
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/10/several-state-owned-universities-plan-for-in-person-activities-in-the-fall/
Health Care
Obamacare aid could mean health insurance benefits for thousands of more Pennsylvanians
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2021/03/11/Obamacare-Affordable-Care-Act-american-rescue-plan-aid-premiums-subsidies-Pennie-Pennsylvania/stories/202103100186
Local News
Lackawanna County accepting applications for mortgage assistance
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-accepting-applications-for-mortgage-assistance/article_ba884596-4de6-5c9c-9403-19b3ce6a0610.html
Lackawanna County accepting applications for rent, utility relief
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-accepting-applications-for-rent-utility-relief/article_b1133215-a0ff-528e-9b70-64514d3171e8.html
Nearly $28,000 in grants will improve safety at 3 Berks County organizations
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/nearly-28-000-in-grants-will-improve-safety-at-3-berks-county-organizations/article_02af1066-81cd-11eb-b9c8-4fe010122871.html
Jeannette, New Kensington among towns that could benefit from new $20M investment fund
https://triblive.com/local/regional/jeannette-new-kensington-among-towns-that-could-benefit-from-new-20-million-investment-fund-aimed-at-distressed-communities/
McKeesport City Council agrees to hold virtual meetings after suit over accessibility
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/10/mckeesport-city-council-lawsuit-sunshine-act-virtual-meetings-ACLU-take-action-mon-valley/stories/202103100165
McKeesport City Council, citizens reach agreement on public meetings
https://triblive.com/local/mckeesport-city-council-citizens-reach-agreement-on-public-meetings/
Public meetings must include the public
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/11/Public-meetings-must-include-the-public/stories/202103060022
Jeannette officials look to pinch pennies to restore $278K to capital reserve account
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/jeannette-officials-look-to-pinch-pennies-to-restore-278k-to-capital-reserve-account/
‘Urgent’ plea over Luzerne County DA’s status
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1037658/urgent-plea-over-luzerne-county-das-status
Questions abound about DA vacancy and appointment
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/questions-abound-about-da-vacancy-and-appointment/article_0eb9d278-a5ce-50b7-96d0-ead5a1d5a29c.html
GoFundMe account set up by family of boy killed by truck
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1035934/gofundme-account-set-up-by-family-of-boy-killed-by-truck
The Allentown State Hospital site will be redeveloped. A new report examines three buildout scenarios
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-state-hospital-redevelopment-scenarios-city-council-20210311-ielaiyv66jdejiaoopgpikfay4-list.html
‘Can we talk about race?’: Carlisle considering commission to study sources of racial problems
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/can-we-talk-about-race-carlisle-considering-commission-to-study-sources-of-racial-problems.html
National News
Mississippi governor set to sign transgender sports limit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2021/03/11/Mississippi-governor-set-to-sign-transgender-sports-limit/stories/202103110139
Cuomo allegedly groped female aide in governor’s residence
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/new-york-gov-andrew-cuomo-20210311.html
New Jersey
What is and isn’t allowed under New Jersey’s marijuana laws
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey-marijuana-law-20210310.html?traffic_source=Connatix
Philly
Young men of color in Philly stay home to stay safe. A new study reveals a high cost.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/temple-university-professor-jamie-fader-criminology-dont-have-time-for-drama-20210311.html
City Council seeks to bolster arts funding, bypassing the Philadelphia Cultural Fund
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-city-council-arts-grants-cultural-fund-20210311.html
Some Philadelphia students returned to school after 361 days of virtual learning
https://www.inquirer.com/video/some-philadelphia-students-returned-to-school-after-361-days-of-virtual-learning-20210309.html
Time for a more people-centered Ben Franklin Parkway | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/ben-franklin-parkway-public-space-philadelphia-pandemic-protests-20210311.html
Philly is expanding vaccine eligibility to 65 and older as it scrambles to get shots into arms
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-philadelphia-seniors-fema-20210310.html
One year into COVID-19, they continue to play a nightly tribute to Philly’s health-care workers with whistles, a pan and a wooden spatula
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-tribute-health-care-workers-philadelphia-20210311.html
4 men wounded in Kensington gun battle
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-kensington-shooting-allegheny-20210311.html
The new coronavirus relief bill promises big financial help for parents in the Philly region
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/coronavirus-stimulus-bill-philadelphia-parents-20210310.html
One teen was charged and another is wanted for the killing of a 15-year-old girl in West Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-teens-shot-arrests-embaba-mengesteabe-20210310.html
Raising property tax is better than raising other taxes | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/property-taxes-real-estate-taxes-philadelphia-opa-20210310.html
Unemployed rally to demand owed benefits held in Center City
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/unemployed-rally-to-demand-owed-benefits-held-in-center-city/article_9a166810-aaca-50fc-95dd-37b3fd9cba0c.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh and URA announce $22 million to support homeownership, new Land Bank leadership
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/03/10/pittsburgh-URA-announce-OwnPGH-bond-issuance-program-support-home-ownership-renovation/stories/202103100174
Peduto: Federal relief package will avoid city layoffs, replenish reserve fund
https://triblive.com/local/peduto-federal-relief-package-will-avoid-city-layoffs-replenish-reserve-fund/
Pa. appeals court: Man injured by cop during teenage prank can’t get money from city
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/10/colby-neidig-injured-lawsuit-appeal-court-cop-prank-colby-neidig-Pittsburgh-police/stories/202103100171
Allegheny officials ask residents to refrain from large St. Patrick’s Day gatherings
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-officials-ask-residents-to-refrain-from-large-st-patricks-day-gatherings/
Peduto to face 3 challengers in Pittsburgh mayoral race, Will Parker out
https://triblive.com/local/peduto-to-face-3-challengers-in-pittsburgh-mayoral-race-will-parker-out/
Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation’s new program seeks to fill gaps in care for LGBTQ youth
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/hugh-lane-wellness-foundations-new-program-seeks-to-fill-gaps-in-care-for-lgbtq-youth/Content?oid=19058168
Allegheny County joins Pittsburgh in passing law mandating paid sick leave
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-joins-pittsburgh-in-passing-law-mandating-paid-sick-leave/
Pittsburgh man alleges racial bias by Judge Tranquilli after marijuana conviction
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-man-alleges-racial-bias-by-judge-tranquilli-after-marijuana-conviction/
Washington
Veteran charged in Capitol riot once served in Marine One squadron, officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/capitol-riot-veteran-charged-marine-one-squadron-20210311.html
What’s inside the $1.9T COVID-19 bill passed by Congress
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2021/03/11/highlights-COVID-19-relief-bill-passed-Congress-stimulus-checks-pandemic/stories/202103110140
‘We didn’t have the option of going small’: Susan Wild champions $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill passed without GOP support
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-covid-relief-bill-signed-into-law-reax-20210310-3svni57vx5bj3cax52dou6haay-story.html
Abandoned mine reclamation extension introduced
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2021/03/10/Bill-federal-legislation-authorize-coal-mine-reclamation-fund-introduced-environment-health-toxic-waste/stories/202103100164
Republican and Democrat congressmen call for extending mine reclamation program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/republican-and-democrat-congressmen-call-for-extending-mine-reclamation-program/article_f67d799a-2724-5bc7-a9dc-4f926d416500.html