Legislature
Two bills in Harrisburg to regulate supervised injection sites
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/03/two-bills-in-harrisburg-to-regulate-supervised-injection-sites/
Supervised injection site debate revives bill that would explicitly criminalize them, Philly politicians say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/supervised-injection-site-senate-bill-anthony-williams-kenyatta-johnson-20200302.html
Officials renew outrage over failed bid for supervised injection site, call for oversight
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/officials-renew-outrage-over-failed-bid-for-supervised-injection-site-call-for-oversight/
Gaps in childcare cost Pennsylvania’s economy more than $3B each year
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/02/gaps-in-childcare-cost-pennsylvanias-economy-more-than-3b-each-year/
A western Pa. lawmaker has a plan to fix property taxes. Will the Legislature act on it? | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/a-western-pa-lawmaker-has-a-plan-to-fix-property-taxes-will-the-legislature-act-on-it-mark-okeefe/
Waiting Game: With state Board of Ed meeting looming, Erie County’s community college debate may soon be over
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/waiting-game-with-state-board-of-ed-meeting-looming-erie-countys-community-college-debate-may-soon-be-over/
The world is getting warmer. What can Pennsylvania do about it?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/the-world-is-getting-warmer-what-can-pennsylvania-do-about-it/
Ribbon-cutting celebrates improvements at Exton train station
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/ribbon-cutting-celebrates-improvements-at-exton-train-station/article_6e6145ca-5cbe-11ea-91e2-5370d6eac3f9.html
Renew war on smoking
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/renew-war-on-smoking-1.2602242
Business
United Steelworkers agree to continue working under expired ATI contract
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/united-steelworkers-agree-to-continue-working-under-expired-ati-contract/
Cannabis giants, formerly of Canopy Growth, band together to build out U.S. hemp supply chain
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hemp-titans-join-build-out-supply-chain-canopy-growth-linton-whaling-20200302.html
Coronavirus
Coronavirus testing still limited as labs rush to roll out their own versions
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expanded-coronavirus-testing-cdc-fda-state-labs-penn-medicine-20200302.html
Coronavirus test expected to be available in Pa. by end of week
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/coronavirus-test-expected-to-be-available-in-pa-by-end-of-week.html
Health official: Allegheny County can ‘expect’ COVID-19 cases in coming weeks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/02/allegheny-county-health-department-coronavirus-preparation-pittsburgh-covid-19/stories/202003020074
Allegheny County health officials emphasize calm with eye on likely spread of coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-health-officials-prepare-for-coronavirus/
Coronavirus might never hit Philadelphia, but city needs to prepare for the worst | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/coronavirus-philadelphia-preparedness-covid-19-20200228.html
Local hospitals ready should coronavirus arrive in NEPA
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-hospitals-ready-should-coronavirus-arrive-in-nepa-1.2602340
Scranton reviewing public health emergency response plan as coronavirus spreads
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-reviewing-public-health-emergency-response-plan-as-coronavirus-spreads-1.2602251
State Department of Health readies lab to test for virus
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-department-of-health-readies-lab-to-test-for-virus-1.2602424
Bishop suspends use of communion wine in precaution over virus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2020/03/02/Pittsburgh-Bishop-David-Zubik-suspends-communion-wine-personal-contact-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202003020133
Penn, Temple, Rowan among colleges canceling trips, programs abroad as coronavirus spreads
https://www.inquirer.com/education/penn-coronavirus-temple-china-italy-20200228.html
Coronavirus fallout: Temple University closes Rome campus; Penn State recalls students from Italy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/temple-university-rome-penn-state-coronavirus-20200229.html
Penn Hills schools prepares for coronavirus, communication procedures
https://pennhills.triblive.com/penn-hills-schools-prepares-for-coronavirus-communication-procedures/
Penn student in Wuhan: How my life has changed since coronavirus | Perspective
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-wuhan-china-university-of-pennsylvania-student-20200228.html
NBA to players: Avoid high-fives as coronavirus concern grows
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/other-sports/2020/03/03/NBA-coronavirus-players-high-fives/stories/202003020154
Coronavirus fears pushing oil, gasoline prices lower
https://triblive.com/local/regional/coronavirus-fears-pushing-oil-gasoline-prices-lower/
The big thing Trump can do to improve his coronavirus response | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-big-thing-trump-can-do-to-improve-his-coronavirus-response-opinion/
Crime/Punishment
Prosecutors tell jurors New Kensington woman hid gun used to kill police officer
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/prosecutors-tell-jurors-new-kensington-woman-hid-gun-used-to-kill-police-officer/
Bucks County heroin mill participant gets probation after helping DA probe
https://www.inquirer.com/news/warminster-heroin-house-moises-rodriguez-bucks-county-20200302.html
Group that raced horses on Skyline Drive will face charges, official says
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/group-that-raced-horses-on-skyline-drive-will-face-charges/article_89802ff6-5ce6-11ea-9f39-bb3a7faa441e.html
Fugitive who was the target of Reading standoff with police, FBI is captured in Lancaster County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/fugitive-who-was-the-target-of-reading-standoff-with-police/article_2c617c18-5c86-11ea-ad13-1fd032b94586.html
Bellefonte Police Department is the last in Centre County to require officers to wear body cameras
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/03/bellefonte-police-department-is-the-last-in-centre-county-to-require-body-cameras/
Education
As parents demand more answers, Scranton School Board approves more work at Northeast Intermediate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-parents-demand-more-answers-scranton-school-board-approves-more-work-at-northeast-intermediate-1.2602432
Belle Vernon Area teachers issue strike notice to school district
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/02/Belle-Vernon-Area-teachers-school-district-issue-strike-notice-education-labor/stories/202003020090
Population decline spurs conversation about education
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200302/population-decline-spurs-conversation-about-education
Flu forces school to close for day; widespread across Chester County
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/flu-forces-school-to-close-for-day-widespread-across-chester/article_839204ea-5cc6-11ea-ae77-ff478b0cfdd0.html
State System will accept early retirement requests after 200-plus sign up
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/03/02/State-System-higher-education-PASSHE-retirement-Greenstein-Mash-labor-redesign-sick-leave/stories/202003020083
Pa. state universities hit target for early retirement program
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/03/pa-state-universities-hit-target-for-early-retirement-program.html
As Others See It: College athletes need Congress to protect them from the NCAA
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/03/03/As-Others-See-It-College-athletes-need-Congress-to-protect-them-from-the-NCAA/stories/202003030006
Carnegie Mellon tops list of U.S. universities pulling in foreign cash
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/carnegie-mellon-tops-list-of-u-s-universities-pulling-in-foreign-cash/
Elections/Politics
Democrats are dropping out and backing Joe Biden. But he faces a tougher test on Super Tuesday.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/super-tuesday-joe-biden-bernie-sanders-20200302.html
County leaders across Western Pennsylvania endorse Joe Biden
https://triblive.com/local/regional/county-leaders-across-western-pennsylvania-endorse-joe-biden-for-president/
What to watch as 14 states vote in Super Tuesday primaries
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/super-tuesday-what-to-know-20200303.html
Another Philly progressive is endorsing Bernie Sanders as Elizabeth Warren struggles
https://www.inquirer.com/news/elizabeth-fiedler-bernie-sanders-endorsement-20200302.html
(Almost) every member of Philly City Council on their 2020 pick for president
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/2020-election-endorsements-philadelphia-city-council-20200303.html
Trump to make first visit of 2020 to Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/02/Donald-Trump-presidential-campaign-first-visit-2020-Pennsylvania-Scranton/stories/202003020093
Hearing rescheduled on 8th District candidate’s fate
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hearing-rescheduled-on-8th-district-candidate-s-fate-1.2602345
Hearing set on Musto’s primary election bid
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hearing-set-on-musto-s-primary-election-bid-1.2602347
Democrats could field an anti-fracking candidate in 2020. Can they win in Pennsylvania?
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2020/03/02/democrats-could-field-an-anti-fracking-candidate-in-2020-can-they-win-in-pennsylvania/
Health Care
Pennsylvania fines Independence Health Group $165,000 for insurance violations
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/independence-blue-cross-pennsylvania-insurance-department-fine-20200302.html
Treating addiction: Let more doctors prescribe drugs to help addicts
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/03/Suboxone-treating-addiction-doctors-prescribe-drugs/stories/202002080010
Local News
Lackawanna County municipalities share $7.5M in road funding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-municipalities-share-7-5m-in-road-funding-1.2602210
Greenfield Twp. mulling ordinace to provide police protection to Clifford Twp.
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/greenfield-twp-mulling-ordinace-to-provide-police-protection-to-clifford-twp-1.2602278
Auditor: DeSarno actually owes more than $5,000 for gas purchases
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/auditor-desarno-actually-owes-more-than-5-000-for-gas-purchases-1.2602221
Greenwich Township approves temporary concrete plant along Route 737
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/greenwich-township-approves-temporary-concrete-plant-along-route/article_b1c7aa3c-5cd9-11ea-9883-0b686451b489.html
Fired Montco defenders faced threats for advocating reforms, emails show
https://www.inquirer.com/news/montgomery-county-public-defender-dean-beer-independence-20200302.html
National clientele of Arabian horse owners drawn to Upper Burrell training center
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/national-clientele-of-arabian-horse-owners-drawn-to-upper-burrell-training-center/
Unity takes comment on proposed anti-blight effort, eyes street resurfacing in Whitney
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/unity-takes-comment-on-proposed-anti-blight-effort-eyes-street-resurfacing-in-whitney/
Urban, Haas explain abstention on LCTA vote
https://www.timesleader.com/news/774917/urban-haas-explain-abstention-on-lcta-vote
Random acts of kindness kick off ‘Developmental Disabilities Awareness’ month
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/random-acts-of-kindness-kick-off-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month-1.2602270
National News
MSNBC’s Chris Matthews announces surprise retirement from ‘Hardball’
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/tv/chris-matthews-msnbc-hardball-retirement-steve-kornacki-politics-super-tuesday-20200303.html
Philly
500 properties Philly sold for $1 are blighted or owe nearly $900,000 in back taxes
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-1-dollar-properties-back-taxes-land-bank-councilmanic-prerogative-20200303.html
What does Philadelphia have to show for an extra $1 billion in spending? | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-kenney-budget-2021-overtime-controller-editorial-20200303.html
The Philadelphia Fire Department says it still doesn’t know why Center City smelled like gas Monday
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gas-odor-smell-center-city-refinery-evacuated-philadelphia-20200302.html
Teen critical, store owner hit by stray bullet in West Philly shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/shooting-stray-bullet-store-wyalusing-west-philadelphia-20200303.html
American Airlines president talks coronavirus, and making things run smoother at PHL
https://www.inquirer.com/news/american-airlines-philadelphia-coronavirus-ontime-metrics-20200303.html
Pitt
Groups seek to intervene in Allegheny County elections suit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/02/Groups-seek-intervene-Allegheny-County-elections-lawsuit-registration-ineligible-voters/stories/202003020109
League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh seek to intervene in voter-roll lawsuit
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/league-of-women-voters-of-pennsylvania-pittsburgh-seek-to-join-voter-roll-lawsuit/
Mayor Peduto on the city’s climate change goals as related to public transit
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/mayor-peduto-on-the-citys-climate-change-goals-as-related-to-public-transit/Content?oid=16867356
True to the mission: Going fine-free improves library access
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/03/Fine-free-library-Allegheny-County-access-equity/stories/202003030002
URA hunts for tenants for vacant Hill District plaza
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/03/03/URA-Shop-n-Save-Centre-Heldman-Plaza-Hill-District/stories/202003020126
Is Pittsburgh next after Galley Group closes operations in Detroit and Cleveland?
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/03/02/Galley-Group-Pittsburgh-operations-Detroit-Cleveland/stories/202003020139
Michael Bloomberg planning to visit Pittsburgh on Thursday
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/02/Michael-Bloomberg-presidential-candidate-visit-Pittsburgh-Thursday-Democrat/stories/202003020123
Pittsburgh business opportunities for immigrants focus of new effort
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/02/Welcoming-Pittsburgh-immigration-economy-Latino-community-URA-Office-of-Equity/stories/202003020129
State News
Pa. Supreme Court to review landmark church-abuse case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/02/Pennsylvania-Supreme-Court-review-landmark-church-abuse-case-Catholic-grand-jury/stories/202003020077
How should politicians use social media? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/politicians-on-social-media-lawsuits-first-amendment-20200303.html
Study: Methane emissions from burping dairy cows can be reduced
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/study-methane-emissions-from-burping-dairy-cows-can-be-reduced/
Pennsylvania to stock more than 3 million trout for the 2020 trout fishing season
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/03/trout-stocking-for-the-2020-trout-fishing-season.html
Low income residents, Southwestern Pa. farmers should benefit from surplus food expansion
https://triblive.com/local/regional/low-income-residents-local-farmers-should-see-benefits-from-surplus-food-expansion/