Legislature
State Senate panel approves bill changing bridge tolling process
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2021/03/17/PA-bridge-tolls-Pennsylvania-state-Senate-Bill-382-transportation-committee/stories/202103170160
Hopes dim that Pa. lawmakers will push through emergency relief for clergy-abuse victims
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-clergy-abuse-emergency-amendment-legislature-20210317.html
Faced with limited Republican backing, statute of limitations reform on thin ice in House
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/faced-with-limited-republican-backing-statute-of-limitations-reform-on-thin-ice-in-house/
In the Pa. Senate, an object lesson in how not to respond to a national tragedy | Thursday Morning Coffee
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/in-the-pa-senate-an-object-lesson-in-how-not-to-respond-to-a-national-tragedy-thursday-morning-coffee/
Dems sought DA bill delay
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1085029/dems-sought-da-bill-delay
Baker’s Senate Judiciary Committee advances key legislation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1085065/bakers-senate-judiciary-committee-advances-key-legislation
Pitt, Carnegie Mellon launch joint center to combat extremist hate
https://triblive.com/local/love-needs-a-helping-hand-pitt-carnegie-mellon-launch-joint-center-to-combat-extremist-hate/
3 Luzerne County lawmakers received per diems during pandemic
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1085025/3-luzerne-county-lawmakers-received-per-diems-during-pandemic
Yudichak: Legislation will help state’s distressed municipalities
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1085067/yudichak-legislation-will-help-states-distressed-municipalities
Change how we choose lieutenant governor
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/18/Change-how-we-choose-lieutenant-governor-Pennsylvania/stories/202103020058
The Pa. Gaming Control Board is a patronage dumping ground. It’s time to fix it | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-pa-gaming-control-board-is-a-patronage-dumping-ground-its-time-to-fix-it-mark-okeefe/
Regulate methane from oil and gas wells
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2021/03/18/Regulate-methane-from-oil-and-gas-wells/stories/202103180055
In his own words: State Rep. Manny Guzman shares his COVID experience
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/in-his-own-words-state-rep-manny-guzman-shares-his-covid-experience/article_698cb6d8-80ee-11eb-9ad3-df6c9a53e3e3.html
In his own words: State Rep. Barry Jozwiak shares his COVID experience
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/in-his-own-words-state-rep-barry-jozwiak-shares-his-covid-experience/article_4f84474c-81de-11eb-9959-5b0cf9efb2a4.html
Two weeks to flatten the curve turned into 52 and counting | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/03/two-weeks-to-flatten-the-curve-turned-into-52-and-counting-opinion.html
What will it take to get Pennsylvania off ‘the wrong track’? | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/what-will-it-take-to-get-pennsylvania-off-the-wrong-track-john-baer.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania hoping to move into next vaccine phase in early April
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/17/covid-19-coronavirus-pittsburgh-allegheny-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-vaccines-hospitalizations/stories/202103170153
Suburban Philly officials to Pa. Health Department: One mass vaccination site for the region would ‘deepen the inequities’
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-suburbs-philly-mass-clinic-equity-20210317.html
Pennsylvania sets out to tackle disparities highlighted by pandemic
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-sets-out-to-tackle-disparities-highlighted-by-pandemic/
Pharmacy chain says over 5,000 vaccine appointments available in Westmoreland, Indiana counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/17/COVID-19-vaccine-appointments-Pittsburgh-area-Mainline-Pharmacy-Bushy-Run-Blairsville/stories/202103170178
Walmart announces new COVID-19 vaccine clinic for Hanover Area
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/walmart-announces-new-covid-19-vaccine-clinic-for-hanover-area/article_f18676b4-5cc8-53b1-8198-de50b6ecbd78.html
Willow Grove vaccination site to open Friday as Montgomery County sees increase in vaccine supply
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/willow-grove-vaccination-site-to-open-friday-as-montgomery-county-sees-increase-in-vaccine-supply/article_d3113513-9b0e-5a34-ba93-a66d77dc1e58.html
Delco to President Joe Biden: Send help with vaccines
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delco-to-president-joe-biden-send-help-with-vaccines/article_29d114a0-8786-11eb-ad25-e371edf3237b.html
Q&A: How veterans can get a COVID-19 vaccination
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/q-a-how-veterans-can-get-a-covid-19-vaccination/article_84fe0fc8-eb48-5621-8726-b30e180fcb48.html
New covid cases for Allegheny, Westmoreland, Pa. remain above 7-day average
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/new-covid-cases-for-allegheny-westmoreland-pa-remain-above-7-day-average/
Two weeks after case COVID-19 spike, Keystone College says it will resume in-person classes; NEPA surpasses 60,000 COVID-19 cases
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/two-weeks-after-case-covid-19-spike-keystone-college-says-it-will-resume-in-person/article_f9d5b0b0-e149-5023-900f-be8b201ad579.html
78 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County on Wednesday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/78-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-luzerne-county-on-wednesday/article_2f5ed244-c871-59cd-91d4-995c24b7aad7.html
Easton, Philly, Lancaster ZIP codes lead Pa in new cases for COVID-19 this week
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/easton-philly-lancaster-zip-codes-lead-pa-in-new-cases-for-covid-19-this-week.html
Westmoreland water authority offers site for mass vaccine, but no takers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/water-authority-offers-site-for-mass-vaccine-but-no-takers/
I’m an essential worker and I still can’t get a vaccine. When is it our turn? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/vaccines-essential-workers-pennsylvania-access-registration-20210317.html
A year of COVID in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/a-year-of-covid-in-berks-county/article_982f9adc-75f4-11eb-98a5-579ec67c5f16.html
Pandemic teaches tough legal lessons
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1085040/pandemic-teaches-tough-legal-lessons
FEMA will reimburse families for COVID-19 related funeral expenses starting next month
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/03/fema-will-reimburse-families-for-covid-19-related-funeral-expenses-starting-next-month.html
Business
Gerrity’s employees get vaccinated
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/gerritys-employees-get-vaccinated/article_270cde31-c95c-5dea-8a8a-515d6351f63d.html
Education
Use COVID relief for summer school
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/use-covid-relief-for-summer-school/article_8f74e608-773a-523e-8205-b730f54d10ed.html
Reading School Board votes to allow spectators at sporting events
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-school-board-votes-to-allow-spectators-at-sporting-events/article_20940c64-8770-11eb-9e2e-1fc009475ce3.html
Elections/Politics
Four Pa. legislative special elections set for May 18 primary day
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2021/03/17/Four-Pa-legislative-special-elections-set-for-May-18-primary-day/stories/202103170141
Flynn is Democratic candidate 22nd Senatorial District; GOP yet to pick
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1085058/flynn-is-democratic-candidate-22nd-senatorial-district-gop-yet-to-pick
Meet the candidates: Race for Pa. Supreme Court kicks off with virtual forum
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/18/meet-the-candidates-race-for-pa-supreme-court-kicks-off-with-virtual-forum/
Local News
Lackawanna County retroactively OKs contract to spend $150 for each employee vaccination
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-retroactively-oks-contract-to-spend-150-for-each-employee-vaccination/article_d9c82f56-bdd1-5e53-bb6a-3ff3cecaaa71.html
Upper Darby mayor is pursuing an ambitious agenda to make the town cleaner, greener, and more walkable | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/upper-darby-delaware-county-barbarann-keffer-urbanism-community-center-diversity-suburbs-philadelphia-walkable-traffic-calming-pedestrian-20210318.html
New Conneaut Lake Park owner says the status quo hasn’t worked, so he’s making some changes
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2021/03/18/New-Conneaut-Lake-Park-owner-amusement-blight-removal-pennsylvania-Todd-Joseph-renovations/stories/202103180138
National News
IRS will delay tax filing due date until May 17
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/irs-filing-deadline-delayed-may-17-20210317.html
Americans won’t pay 2020 income tax on up to $10,200 of unemployment funds
https://www.inquirer.com/business/unemployment-taxes-stimulus-wait-irs-20210317.html
Steve Chapman: A city opts to pay racial reparations
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2021/03/17/Steve-Chapman-A-city-opts-to-pay-racial-reparations/stories/202103170025
Philly
Philly Asian Americans have experienced a year of hateful acts, and fear reopening will make things even worse
https://www.inquirer.com/news/stop-asian-hate-crimes-philadelphia-aapi-violence-coronavirus-20210318.html
What’s next for Philly’s food culture as vaccines roll out and restaurants reopen?
https://www.inquirer.com/food/philadelphia-restaurants-bars-masks-vaccines-reopening-20210317.html
Eagles sue insurance company over pandemic losses
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-eagles-insurance-pandemic-lawsuit-20210317.html
Former Sixers center Shawn Bradley paralyzed in cycling accident
https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/shawn-bradley-paralyzed-utah-20210317.html
SEPTA to suspend two transit police sergeants for posts supporting Jan. 6 pro-Trump riot
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-transit-police-capitol-trump-riot-investigation-two-suspended-20210317.html
COVID-19 has closed a Philly school that just reopened for in-person learning
https://www.inquirer.com/education/mayfair-elementary-covid-closed-philadelphia-school-district-20210317.html
Philly is on a pace to see a record number of homicides, shootings, and confiscated guns, mayor says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gun-violence-mayor-kenney-philadelphia-police-youth-danielle-outlaw-tumar-alexander-erica-twood-20210317.html
Philly is trying to improve vaccine racial equity. The FEMA site made it worse.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-fema-coronavirus-vaccine-clinic-racial-equity-20210317.html
Philly Proud Boys president Zach Rehl charged in Capitol riot
https://www.inquirer.com/news/proud-boys-capitol-riot-zach-rehl-philadelphia-arrested-20210317.html
Philly shouldn’t screw up windfall from the coronavirus stimulus package | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-budget-coronavirus-relief-package-aid-20210317.html
20-year-old shot on prison grounds shortly after release in Philadelphia
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/20-year-old-shot-on-prison-grounds-shortly-after-release-in-philadelphia.html
Pitt
Risky work: Hospitality employees say they should be prioritized for vaccines
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2021/03/18/Hospitality-employees-prioritized-covid-19-vaccines-restaurants-bars-workers-pittsburgh-restrictions/stories/202103180110
PPS makes Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr a vacation day
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/03/17/Pittsburgh-public-schools-pps-adds-Muslim-holiday-Eid-al-Fitr-calendar-schedule/stories/202103170125
Pittsburgh City Council revisits red-eared slider, crocodilian ban
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/03/17/Pittsburgh-City-Council-revisits-dangerous-animals-red-eared-slider-crocodilian-crocodile-alligator-ban-zoo/stories/202103170129
Covid cases hit Allegheny County court records division, causing procedural changes
https://triblive.com/local/covid-cases-hit-allegheny-county-court-records-division-causing-procedural-changes/
Vaccine eligibility to expand in Allegheny County, but on certain conditions
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-health-department-to-expand-vaccine-eligibility/
TSA finds loaded handgun in woman’s carry-on at Pittsburgh International Airport
https://triblive.com/local/tsa-finds-loaded-handgun-in-womans-carry-on-at-pittsburgh-international-airport/
New solar-powered LEDs to light the way along popular South Park walking trail
https://triblive.com/local/south-hills/new-solar-powered-leds-to-light-the-way-along-popular-south-park-walking-trail/
State News
Fred and Joanne’s alma mater will have a sculpture honoring ‘Mister Rogers’
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2021/03/18/rollins-college-fred-joanne-rogers-mister-rogers-sculpture-winter-park-florida-paul-day/stories/202103180024
Postal inspectors are auditing a Pa. mail processing plant where delays have been an issue
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/usps-delays-audit-lehigh-valley-pa-postal-service-20210317.html
PFAS found in 72% of drinking-water samples in Philly’s suburbs
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/pfas-pfoa-forever-chemicals-pennsylvania-philadelphia-20210317.html
Washington
House passes domestic violence bill, pushes issue to Senate
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/domestic-violence-bill-passes-house-20210317.html