Legislature

Wayne D. Fontana: The history and future of mail-in voting and secure elections
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2021/03/16/The-history-and-future-of-mail-in-voting-and-secure-elections-Wayne-D-Fontana/stories/202103160013

In Harrisburg and D.C., fresh pushes to reduce gun violence. Will they work? | Tuesday Morning Coffee
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/in-harrisburg-and-d-c-fresh-pushes-to-reduce-gun-violence-will-they-work-tuesday-morning-coffee/

Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro moves to reduce access to ‘ghost guns’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ghost-guns-pennsylvania-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-20210315.html

‘Ghost guns’ banned by Pa.’s largest gun show promoter
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/ghost-guns-banned-by-pas-largest-gun-show-promoter.html

Lehigh County gun show promoter is first in nation to ban ‘ghost gun’ kits from shows, Pennsylvania attorney general says
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-ghost-gun-lehigh-county-20210315-ax6aw7edazastgkr7atf7ymlt4-story.html

PennDOT widening projects under increased scrutiny during transit funding uncertainty
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/penndot-widening-projects-under-increased-scrutiny-during-transit-funding-uncertainty/

Pa. officials react to PSERS ‘error’ that exaggerated pension profits, protected teachers from paying more
https://www.inquirer.com/news/psers-error-teachers-pension-monson-20210316.html

Lawmakers want to use emergency powers to pass sexual abuse reform. Can they find the votes to pull it off?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/lawmakers-want-to-use-emergency-powers-to-pass-sexual-abuse-reform-can-they-find-the-votes-to-pull-it-off/

Berks County lawmaker calls for return of vehicle registration stickers [Poll] https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-lawmaker-calls-for-return-of-vehicle-registration-stickers-poll/article_0f6e4a26-8360-11eb-9e1e-5fb87332264c.html

Carbon County commissioners won’t speak at Francis E. Walter dam hearing; written testimony offered
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/carbon-county-commissioners-wont-speak-at-francis-e-walter-dam-hearing-written-testimony-offered/article_040f0d82-60ee-5472-a3dc-73101a3957c9.html

Pa. bill on fetal remains is anti-choice legislation in disguise | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/fetal-remains-pennsylvania-bill-pro-life-20210315.html

Lt. Gov. Fetterman sets election date to replace Sen. Blake
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/lt-gov-fetterman-sets-election-date-to-replace-sen-blake/article_4464110b-3f8f-52ee-aff9-2342a8a24bdc.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

‘Light at the end of the tunnel’: Pa. to ease restrictions on restaurants, sports venues and other businesses
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/15/Restaurants-bars-pandemic-limits-lift-in-April-restrictions-capacity-covid-pennsylvania-wolf/stories/202103150099

Wolf: Bar service in Pa. to return, alcohol curfew to lift on Easter
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/wolf-bar-service-in-pa-to-return-alcohol-curfew-to-lift-on-easter/

Wolf: Some restrictions on restaurants and businesses will ease April 4
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/wolf-some-restrictions-on-restaurants-and-businesses-will-ease-april-4/article_4c8b4f78-ef2b-5c89-8fa8-886162818f2b.html

Wolf easing restrictions for restaurants, bars
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/wolf-easing-restrictions-for-restaurants-bars/article_d1ad4df3-ef27-55fb-89b4-d12483468dc3.html

Gov. Tom Wolf relaxes Pa. COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants, bars and gathering limits
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/gov-tom-wolf-relaxes-pa-covid-19-restrictions-on-restaurants-bars-and-gathering-limits/article_d58d1dfc-85b0-11eb-90dc-07844e9f38c1.html

Pennsylvania COVID restrictions: What changes April 4 and what will remain the same?
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-restrictions-eased-faq-20210315-a26nuzs25bcnxfvgtu7kd6rkxq-story.html

Lehigh Valley restaurants welcome lifting of some COVID restrictions, but for event venues, frustration persists
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-lehigh-valley-restaurants-react-20210315-mkgqdzzopvgmldhnlezlraydou-story.html

Philly suburbs can’t inoculate everyone in group 1A by May 1 unless they get a lot more vaccine, officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-pennsylvania-pa-philadelphia-suburbs-tom-wolf-joe-biden-20210315.html

Neshaminy Mall vaccine site opens Tuesday; Bucks County says more supply is needed to meet March 28 target
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/03/15/bucks-county-neshaminy-mall-covid-vaccine-clinic/4700359001/

Pa. had suburban vaccine distribution plans for years. Why didn’t Gov. Wolf use them for the coronavirus? | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/gov-wolf-coronavirus-vaccine-distribution-plans-pennsylvania-maria-panaritis-20210315.html

Berks County COVID-19 Response Task Force issues report on local reaction to pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-covid-19-response-task-force-issues-report-on-local-reaction-to-pandemic/article_be9f6cbc-85b0-11eb-88a8-1b1426aa8940.html

Pa. nursing homes begin reopening to visitors, easing a heart-wrenching impact of COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/pa-nursing-homes-reopening-to-visitors-easing-heart-wrenching-impact-of-covid-19.html

Reading to receive 1,200 doses of COVID vaccine for the elderly
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-to-receive-1-200-doses-of-covid-vaccine-for-the-elderly/article_11d535c2-85db-11eb-bf4b-370fcc6bed86.html

Gov. Tom Wolf stops by mass COVID vaccine site for Berks school employees
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/gov-tom-wolf-stops-by-mass-covid-vaccine-site-for-berks-school-employees/article_dae5ece2-85a2-11eb-b1f5-43fd836cf328.html

After a year, no-visitor policy lifted at Kane Community Living Centers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/15/Kane-Community-Living-Centers-resume-family-visitation-visitors-covid-19-glen-hazel-scott-mckeesport-ross/stories/202103150109

Workers who put food on our table need the vaccine now | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/03/workers-who-put-food-on-our-table-need-the-vaccine-now-opinion.html

Montgomery County shows signs of suppressing virus; positivity rate falls below 5%
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-shows-signs-of-suppressing-virus-positivity-rate-falls-below-5/article_8e5329dc-c0de-510b-9a5c-f1a231fb529a.html

Vaccination rates lag in rural NEPA counties; state reports 80 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths in region Monday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/vaccination-rates-lag-in-rural-nepa-counties-state-reports-80-new-covid-19-cases-two/article_a0801d68-9f7e-5eb1-9f40-d5981358309e.html

I’m vaccinated. Can I start traveling? Here’s what the COVID-19 shot means for Pennsylvanians
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/03/16/can-travel-if-im-vaccinated-what-cdcs-latest-covid-19-guidelines-mean-pa/6926902002/

‘Everybody should have a full belly:’ Need for food still exists amid ongoing pandemic
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/03/16/food-banks-one-year-into-covid-19-pandemic-whats-need-york-county/6937048002/

Jazz musician mourns COVID-19’s heavy toll on Pa. players: ‘They’re all dying’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/jazz-musician-mourns-covid-19s-heavy-toll-on-pa-players-theyre-all-dying.html

Pandemic a ‘bunch of nonsense’? Those pushing virus vaccine know they have a lot of selling to do
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/03/pandemic-a-bunch-of-nonsense-those-pushing-virus-vaccine-know-they-have-a-lot-of-selling-to-do.html

Business

Here’s a recap of all federal stimulus programs now open to small businesses
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/small-business-stimulus-grants-loans-help-available-ppp-20210316.html

Dick’s Sporting Goods sales soared online, but not without the help from stores
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2021/03/16/Dicks-Sporting-Goods-brick-and-mortar-online-ecommerce-retail-stores-pandemic/stories/202103160050

OxyContin maker Purdue proposes $10B plan to exit bankruptcy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/2021/03/16/OxyContin-maker-Purdue-proposes-10B-plan-to-exit-bankruptcy/stories/202103160107

Gig worker or employee?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/16/Gig-worker-or-employee-Editorial-Board-Pittsburgh-Post-Gazette/stories/202103090010

Crime/Punishment

Police: Shot fired during domestic dispute
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1071988/police-shot-fired-during-domestic-dispute

Person killed in officer-involved shooting in Berks, DA says [Update] https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/person-killed-in-officer-involved-shooting-in-berks-da-says-update/article_be4c03e0-85d0-11eb-8b61-a73e3236a5ba.html

Delaware County Juvenile Detention Center closed in wake of abuse allegations
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-juvenile-detention-center-closed-in-wake-of-abuse-allegations/article_f3bdc34a-85e1-11eb-8a15-8bf0bd35a595.html

Education

Norwin students criticize 5-day-a-week in-school instruction
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/norwin-students-criticize-5-day-a-week-in-school-instruction/

NEIU 19 vaccine clinic inoculates educators
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/neiu-19-vaccine-clinic-inoculates-educators/article_00cad918-4076-54ee-a348-07752ffb2336.html

Scranton School District panel considers issues of equity, diversity
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-school-district-panel-considers-issues-of-equity-diversity/article_20ab9afa-2d53-56ba-a46f-32994830754f.html

For Drexel, the Madness started way before March and never stopped | Mike Jensen
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/drexel/drexel-quarantine-2021-march-madness-20210315.html

Cant: Wilkes U. monitoring rise in COVID-19 cases
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1069334/cant-wilkes-u-monitoring-rise-in-covid-19-cases

Penn State hires Purdue assistant Micah Shrewsberry as men’s basketball coach
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2021/03/penn-state-hires-purdue-assistant-micah-shrewsberry-as-mens-basketball-coach.html

Local News

Shamrock Shuffle raises nearly $15K in West Leechburg
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/shamrock-shuffle-raises-nearly-15k-in-west-leechburg/

Westmoreland DA candidate Ziccarelli a no-show for jury duty
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/westmoreland-da-candidate-a-no-show-for-jury-duty/

Automated fingerprint ID system coming to Luzerne County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1072018/automated-fingerprint-id-system-coming-to-luzerne-county

Eviction moratorium extended in Harrisburg
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2021/03/eviction-moratorium-extended-in-harrisburg.html

Man killed in Carbon County house fire; woman, children jump from upper floor, firefighters say
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-carbon-county-fatal-fire-20210316-saomrycstzh5foybcxrz6nrvly-story.html

National News

Push to prevent next meat shortage hits big obstacle
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2021/03/16/push-to-prevent-next-meat-shortage-pandemic-markets/stories/202103160054

More money for more parents — 5 things to know about the expanded Child Tax Credit
https://triblive.com/news/world/more-money-for-more-parents-5-things-to-know-about-the-expanded-child-tax-credit/

Philly

In West Philly, best friends were shot over an Instagram feud they had nothing to do with
https://www.inquirer.com/news/west-philadelphia-shootings-homicide-rates-instagram-feuds-20210316.html

Scammed tenants at a North Philadelphia apartment complex can stay in their units — for now
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kensington-apartments-eviction-scammed-tenants-philadelphia-20210315.html

They Carried Us’ tells the story of Philadelphia’s Black women leaders
https://www.inquirer.com/news/they-carried-us-philadelphia-black-women-leaders-20210315.html

SEPTA is closing El station in Kensington to fix elevators damaged by urine, trash
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/transportation-septa-somerset-station-kensington-closed-homelessness-drug-use-opioids-20210315.html

Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium marks significant milestone
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/black-doctors-covid-19-consortium-marks-significant-milestone/article_14711650-d412-50e3-a724-7aa9692e5a40.html

Philadelphia’s Health Department opens fourth standing mass vaccine clinic
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphias-health-department-opens-fourth-standing-mass-vaccine-clinic/article_696a1db5-104e-5cd6-ad64-42104a66dbce.html

Bracing for Philly’s 17.6% water rate increase? Here’s how to be heard in the online public meetings.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-water-rate-increase-covid-hearings-20210315.html

Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Philly area? Use our lookup tool.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/a/covid-19-vaccine-registration-philadelphia-new-jersey-20210120.html

Philly area high schoolers pick up their knives to compete for culinary school scholarships
https://www.inquirer.com/food/ccap-philadelphia-cooking-competition-scholarships-johnson-wales-cia-20210316.html

Leaked memo shows Philly needs robust police oversight now more than ever | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-police-stop-and-frisk-oversight-commission-20210315.html

We can’t let basketball courts at city recreation centers turn into shooting galleries | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/gun-violence-philly-recreation-centers-shot-jenice-armstrong-20210315.html

Pitt

City Council left out the landlords
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/16/City-Council-left-out-the-landlords-Editorial-Board-Pittsburgh-Post-Gazette/stories/202103030035

Allegheny County launches program to provide rent, utility relief
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-county-launches-program-to-provide-rent-utility-relief/

Unjoyful noise: Port Authority tunnel fans disturb Dormont residents
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2021/03/15/Port-Authority-Dormont-Mt-Lebanon-noise-tunnel-fans-moisture-problem/stories/202103150108

‘It’s got to be right’: Benefits of proposed 26-story arena office tower debated at Hill meeting
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/03/15/First-National-Bank-Pittsburgh-Penguins-Hill-District-Civic-Arena-Buccini-Pollin/stories/202103150147

Pittsburgh food bank had to ramp up and change its strategies in response to COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2021/03/15/Greater-Pittsburgh-Community-Food-Bank-insecurity-increase-feeding-america-response-COVID-19/stories/202103150134

Allegheny County passes 80,000 COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/15/COVID-19-Update-Allegheny-County-cases-coronavirus-pandemic-80000-surpassed/stories/202103150124

Giant Eagle extends Heinz Field vaccination clinic for teachers to Thursday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19/2021/03/15/Giant-Eagle-extends-Heinz-Field-vaccination-clinic-teachers-friday-pittsburgh/stories/202103150086

Decision to fire Pittsburgh police officer with controversial arrest record upheld
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/15/Pittsburgh-police-officer-paul-abel-firing-termination-upheld-cntroversial-arrest-record/stories/202103150101

Still green and mean, Mr. Yuk turns 50
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/still-green-and-mean-mr-yuk-turns-50/

Peduto to participate in Mayors Summit Against Anti-Semitism
https://triblive.com/local/peduto-to-participate-in-mayors-summit-against-anti-semitism/

Peduto endorses bill to provide pathway to citizenship for ‘dreamers’
https://triblive.com/local/peduto-endorses-bill-to-provide-pathway-to-citizenship-for-dreamers/

New homeownership support program in Pgh draws praise from Peduto and skepticism from others
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/new-homeownership-support-program-in-pittsburgh-draws-praise-from-peduto-and-skepticism-from-others/

‘Night Life Line’ fund will aid Allegheny County workers in need
https://triblive.com/lifestyles/more-lifestyles/night-life-line-fund-will-aid-allegheny-county-workers-in-need/

New fund started to raise money for Pittsburgh’s service and entertainment workers
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/new-fund-started-to-raise-money-for-pittsburghs-service-and-entertainment-workers/Content?oid=19094662

State News

President Biden visits Pennsylvania today to tout COVID-19 rescue plan
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2021/03/16/President-Biden-visit-Pennsylvania-COVID-19-rescue-stimulus-plan/stories/202103160111

Abundant, affordable propane powers Pennsylvania agriculture | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/03/abundant-affordable-propane-powers-pennsylvania-agriculture-opinion.html

Endangered bats are target of federal forest program in Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2021/03/endangered-bats-are-target-of-federal-forest-program-in-pennsylvania.html

Washington

Men from State College, Morgantown arrested in assault on police officer who died after Capitol riot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/15/Two-arrested-assault-police-officer-Sicknick-died-January-6-US-Capitol-riot-Julian-Khater-George-Tanios-pennsylvania/stories/202103150080

Deb Haaland confirmed as Interior Secretary, first Native American Cabinet head
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/deb-haaland-interior-secretary-native-american-20210315.html