Legislature
Looking for an ‘Amen’: Some want rules for prayers in Pa. House, lawmaker defends her controversial invocation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/looking-for-an-amen-some-want-rules-for-prayers-in-pa-house-lawmaker-defends-her-controversial-invocation.html
Sit-in Staged at Harrisburg Office of Rep. Borowicz; Arrests Made
http://therecord-online.com/site/archives/50761
Water damage, other building defects addressed in new Pa. bill that aims to regulate construction of new homes
https://www.philly.com/news/water-damage-new-home-construction-regulation-bill-pennsylvania-suburbs-philadelphia-20190329.html
Gregory authors ‘window of justice’ bill
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/03/gregory-authors-window-of-justice-bill/
State senator wants to eliminate religious, philosophical exemptions for student vaccinations
https://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/20190328/state-senator-wants-to-eliminate-religious-philosophical-exemptions-for-student-vaccinations
Tax credit proposed to help young Pennsylvania farmers acquire land
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/tax-credit-proposed-to-help-young-pennsylvania-farmers-acquire-land/
Local politicians gather at Eastburg Boiler Works site, call for funding
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190328/local-politicians-gather-at-eastburg-boiler-works-site-call-for-funding
As floodwaters rise, GOP lawmakers are frantically building levees of climate denial | Will Bunch
https://www.philly.com/columnists/attytood/nebraska-flooding-climate-change-republican-lawmakers-denial-green-new-deal-ocasio-cortez-20190328.html
Taxpayers bolster gas business
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/taxpayers-bolster-gas-business-1.2463429
Administration
Pa. Ag secretary praises farmers for thinking outside the glass
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ag-secretary-praises-farmers-for-thinking-outside-the-glass/
Business
Sunoco cuts ties with Pa. gas station owner over Antwon Rose billboard slur
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/03/28/Sunoco-pennsylvania-gas-station-billboard-slur-antwon-rose-michael-rosfeld-police-shooting-east-pittsburgh/stories/201903280101
Armstrong County billboard owner on controversy: ‘I will not give in’
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/armstrong-county-billboard-owner-on-controversy-i-will-not-give-in/
Main Bike World owner asks gift card holders to contact him for reimbursement
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738617/main-bike-world-owner-asks-gift-card-holders-to-contact-him-for-reimbursement
Career-seeking crowd attends Greater Hazleton Job Fair
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/career-seeking-crowd-attends-greater-hazleton-job-fair-1.2463471
Catholic Church
Bishop names 4 to child-protection team
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/03/28/Bishop-Zubik-Roman-Catholic-sexual-abuse-priests-grand-jury/stories/201903280127
Pittsburgh Bishop Zubik creates diocesan department to address sex abuse claims
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-bishop-zubik-creates-diocesan-department-to-address-sex-abuse-claims/
Crime/Punishment
Father of accused New Kensington cop killer charged with threatening a witness
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/father-of-man-accused-in-new-ken-officers-death-arrested-on-witness-intimidation-allegations/
Education
State attorney general denies Penn Hills school board’s investigation request
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/03/28/State-attorney-general-denies-Penn-Hills-school-board-s-investigation-request/stories/201903280139
After Unionville’s success, other school districts considering delayed school start
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/after-unionville-s-success-other-school-districts-considering-delayed-school/article_f7858558-520d-11e9-b62f-737f47aa9fd1.html
Deer Lakes aims to ‘launch’ new uses for intermediate school library
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/deer-lakes-aims-to-launch-new-uses-for-intermediate-school-library/
Legal costs associated with hearings for dismissed West Mifflin Area superintendent top $151,000
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/03/28/Legal-costs-associated-with-hearings-for-dismissed-West-Mifflin-Area-superintendent-top-151-000/stories/201903280100
Dallas students not happy about gender-neutral graduation gowns
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dallas-students-not-happy-about-gender-neutral-graduation-gowns-1.2463541
Editorial: Emphasis on music education great for communities
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-emphasis-on-music-education-great-for-communities
Mumps outbreak at Temple: What to know about the contagious disease
https://www.philly.com/health/mumps-temple-outbreak-symptoms-vaccine-20190321.html
Kutztown University health official says student diagnosed with mumps
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/kutztown-university-health-official-says-student-diagnosed-with-mumps
Penn gets even more selective, accepts only 7.4 percent of applicants
https://www.philly.com/education/penn-princeton-admission-rate-ivy-league-20190328.html
Elections/Politics
Westmoreland commissioners focus on eliminating political activities inside courthouse
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-focuses-on-eliminating-political-activities-inside-courthouse/
Gaming
Sports betting petition filed for Mohegan Sun
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sports-betting-petition-filed-for-mohegan-sun-1.2463545
Mohegan Sun Pocono officially requests permission for sports betting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738609/mohegan-sun-pocono-officially-requests-permission-for-sports-betting
Mount Airy set to enter world of sports gambling
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mount-airy-set-to-enter-world-of-sports-gambling-1.2463546
Health Care
UPMC courts Blue Cross Blue Shield members, everywhere but here
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/03/28/UPMC-blue-cross-blue-shield-ken-melani-jeff-romoff-injunction-federal-court/stories/201903270101
In a milestone, the 1st living HIV-positive donor provides a kidney for transplant
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/03/28/first-living-HIV-positive-donor-kidney-transplant-surgeons-medical-milestone/stories/201903280137
Report: Influenza on the rise; Luzerne County above state average
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738611/report-influenza-on-the-rise-luzerne-county-above-state-average
Rare cancers prompt Pa. Health Department reviews
https://triblive.com/local/regional/rare-cancers-prompt-pa-health-department-reviews/
Local News
First Young Professionals Conference a smashing success
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738607/first-young-professionals-conference-a-smashing-success
WB mayor: Ex-police chief threatened to sue if alleged threat not investigated
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738615/wb-mayor-ex-police-chief-threatened-to-sue-if-alleged-threat-not-investigated
County court-appointed employees get new contract
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-court-appointed-employees-get-new-contract-1.2463453
Report: Hazleton chief is not leaving post
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738636/report-hazleton-chief-is-not-leaving-post
Scranton home for needy vets gets grant to help residents with support animals
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-home-for-needy-vets-gets-grant-to-help-residents-with-support-animals-1.2463345
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce brings a ‘Shark’ to dinner
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/greater-scranton-chamber-of-commerce-brings-a-shark-to-dinner-1.2463604
Lackawanna County Land Bank officials celebrate sale of 100th property
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-land-bank-officials-celebrate-sale-of-100th-property-1.2463314
HCA expects cost of water treatment chemicals to go up
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hca-expects-cost-of-water-treatment-chemicals-to-go-up-1.2463515
Harrison seeks volunteers for war memorial restoration committee
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-seeks-volunteers-for-war-memorial-restoration-committee/
Some Scott residents say new garbage carts are too big to handle
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/03/28/Scott-Waste-Management-garbage-carts/stories/201903280020
Westmoreland County to again serve as its own workers compensation insurer
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-to-again-serve-as-its-own-workers-compensation-insurer/
Freeport officials weigh options for police protection as pool of part-timers diminishes
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/freeport-officials-weigh-options-for-police-protection-as-pool-of-part-timers-diminishes/
Stay the course and Reading can leave Act 47, report finds
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/readings-finances-are-in-order
Bethany Children’s Home to provide temporary shelter for immigrant children
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bethany-childrens-home-to-provide-temporary-shelter-for-immigrant-children
Berks County sheriff’s deputy wounded by gunshot expected to be released from hospital
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-sheriff-wounded-by-gunshot-expected-to-be-released-from-hospital
Reading council vice president arrested for failing to appear at hearing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-council-vice-president-arrested-for-failing-to-appear-at-hearing
Top Berks officials hold first meeting on constable system
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/top-berks-officials-hold-first-meeting-on-constable-system
Ex-real estate agent takes Erie County Land Bank’s reins
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190329/ex-real-estate-agent-takes-erie-county-land-banks-reins
Living with pipeline construction out back
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/living-with-pipeline-construction-out-back/article_f18ec83c-51a2-11e9-88d0-efbbe188dc49.html
Marijuana
Lebanon County residents’ turn to sound off on marijuana legalization coming on April 10
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/lebanon-county-residents-turn-to-sound-off-on-marijuana-legalization-coming-on-april-10.html
National News
Suicide rates rise in the spring. Here’s what you need to know.
https://www.philly.com/health/suicide-spring-season-peak-20190326.html
Government trying to overcome an unusual hiring challenge for the 2020 Census: low unemployment rates
https://www.philly.com/news/census-jobs-hiring-philadelphia-bureau-20190329.html
Anyone can demand to see the full Mueller report | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/03/anyone-can-demand-to-see-the-full-mueller-report-opinion.html
Natural Gas
Alabama company continues buying spree, picking up shale wells in Washington County
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/03/28/Diversified-buying-shale-wells-Washington-County-regulators-Alabama/stories/201903280132
Opioid Crisis
Big Pharma’s reckoning: Oklahoma opioids settlement should be just a start
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/03/29/Purdue-Pharma-reckoning-Oklahoma-OxyContin-opioid-crisis-settlement/stories/201903290032
Opioid crisis: People needing treatment are falling victim to predatory rehab ‘recruiters’
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2019/03/28/opioid-epidemic-treatment-predatory-brokers-recruit-patients-rehabilitation-centers-pennsylvania/3161072002/
Philly
Activists shut down meeting after school board votes to mandate metal detectors in all Philly HS
https://www.philly.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-budget–20190328.html
Traffic enforcement made SEPTA bus service faster, but can the city sustain it?
https://www.philly.com/transportation/septa-bus-enforcement-policing-philadelphia-slow-20190329.html
Philly School District, others face cuts under proposed Trump budget
https://www.philly.com/news/trump-devos-education-budget-philadelphia-school-district-cuts-20190328.html
Philly Mayor Jim Kenney runs an undercover campaign while Pa. state Sen. Tony Williams calls him out | Clout
https://www.philly.com/politics/clout/mayor-kenney-anthony-hardy-williams-sheriff-jewell-williams-20190329.html
Philly City Council questioning increased spending as launch of new payroll system could give thousands raises
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-city-council-questions-payroll-costs-budget-one-philly-computer-system-20190328.html
How potholes are formed and fixed in Philly
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/potholes-philadelphia-streets-fix-repair-report-penndot-20190329.html
The Sixers-Nets game was a win for two brothers and the family who love them. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.philly.com/news/columnists/sixers-nets-autism-john-tony-burke-brothers-ball-philadelphia-maria-panaritis-20190329.html
‘Filthadelphia’ tries to shed nickname by cleaning streets
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/filthadelphia-tries-to-shed-nickname-by-cleaning-streets
Pitt
Peduto ready to fight challengers of Pittsburgh’s proposed gun ban
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-ready-to-fight-challengers-of-pittsburghs-proposed-gun-ban/
Peduto ready to fight challengers of Pittsburgh’s proposed gun ban
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-ready-to-fight-challengers-of-pittsburghs-proposed-gun-ban/
Councilman: County police review board still in the works
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/03/28/County-Councilman-Dewitt-Walton-county-police-review-board-is-still-in-the-works/stories/201903280147
New member appointed to Port Authority Board
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/28/State-Rep-Austin-Davis-Port-Authority-board-replacing-Dom-Costa/stories/201903280136
State Rep. Austin Davis named to Port Authority board
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/state-rep-austin-davis-named-to-port-authority-board/
Pittsburgh receives $1 million for improvements to Oakland, South Side Flats
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-receives-1-million-for-improvements-to-oakland-south-side-flats/
River, the dog loved by many, retires as Pittsburgh’s canine ambassador
https://www.post-gazette.com/pets/2019/03/28/River-retires-Pittsburgh-Canine-Ambassador-Mayor-Peduto-Guy-Costa/stories/201903280108
As Lyft hits the stock market, it faces a bumpy road to profitability
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2019/03/28/lyft-ipo-pittsburgh-uber-self-driving-ride-hailing-nasdaq/stories/201903290028
Pittsburgh schools add two programs for 2019-20 school year
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-schools-add-two-programs-for-2019-20-school-year/
State News
Distillers collaborate on a special reserve Pennsylvania rye
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/drinks/2019/03/28/Distillers-collaborate-special-reserve-Pennsylvania-rye-Whiskey-Rebellion/stories/201903200123
NEPA #Trashtag challenge is underway
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-trashtag-challenge-is-underway-1.2463589
In the Lehigh Valley, moderately priced homes have never been harder to buy
https://www.mcall.com/business/real-estate/mc-biz-housing-affordability-lehigh-valley-20190314-story.html
Poll shows majority of Pa. voters back legalized recreational marijuana
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190328/poll-shows-majority-of-pa-voters-back-legalized-recreational-marijuana
Under Water: New PCCY study details struggle of Delco’s middle class in making ends meet
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/under-water-new-pccy-study-details-struggle-of-delco-s/article_ff2c92c8-5187-11e9-bdd0-0fcd7c33e35b.html
Transportation
PennDOT to install adaptive traffic signals in Harmar, Route 8 and Route 88
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/03/28/PennDOT-to-install-adaptive-traffic-signals-in-Harmar-Route-8-and-Route-88/stories/201903220169
Irwin plans to pave 15 streets
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/irwin-plans-to-pave-15-streets/
Portion of I-81 will be repaved starting in June
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/portion-of-i-81-will-be-repaved-starting-in-june-1.2463543
LCTA board at odds with executive director
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-board-at-odds-with-executive-director-1.2463459
Round and round: Oley getting 2 traffic circles
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/round-and-round-oley-getting-two-traffic-circles
Rock removal that closed parts of Routes 22/322 could be finished this weekend
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/scaling-work-along-routes-22322-could-be-finished-by-sunday.html
How high will Pa. Turnpike fares go? (And other numbers you should know)
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/03/how-high-will-pennsylvania-turnpike-fares-go-and-other-numbers-you-should-know.html
Washington
Male lawmaker tells U.S. Rep. Susan Wild that she doesn’t understand gender pay equity bill she co-sponsored
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-susan-wild-equal-pay-bill-20190328-story.html
Trump says GOP senators are working on an Obamacare replacement and it will be ‘spectacular’
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/trump-says-gop-senators-are-working-an-obamacare-replacement-it-will-be-spectacular-20190329.html
Trump’s small-business health insurance plan struck down
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/trumps-small-business-health-insurance-plan-struck-down-20190329.html
Trump ditches proposal to slash Special Olympics funding
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/trump-ditches-proposal-to-slash-special-olympics-funding/