Legislature
Panelists explore food insecurity in Berks and Pa. during the COVID pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/panelists-explore-food-insecurity-in-berks-and-pa-during-the-covid-pandemic/article_ce7df116-7c92-11eb-b4e5-c3955279383c.html
The right to ratios: How, and why, nurses in PA are fighting for caregiver-to-patient limits
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/healthcare/2021/03/03/pa-nurses-fight-patient-limits-ensure-quality-care/6813182002/
‘We are all in the crossfire’: With gun violence on the rise during the pandemic, one Philadelphia mom is fighting back | Thursday Morning Coffee
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/we-are-all-in-the-crossfire-with-gun-violence-on-the-rise-during-the-pandemic-one-philadelphia-mom-is-fighting-back-thursday-morning-coffee/
If D.C. won’t increase minimum wage for Pa., Harrisburg should | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/minimum-wage-pennsylvania-2021-republicans-philadelphia-20210303.html
Philly and suburban towns are suing Pa. over a law stopping them from banning plastic bags
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/philadelphia-plastic-bag-ban-pennsylvania-lawsuit-20210303.html
Pennsylvania hauled to court over blocking plastic bag bans
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-hauled-to-court-over-blocking-plastic-bag-bans/
Wolf, legislative leaders tap the well-connected for big salaries as oversight board members
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/wolf-legislative-leaders-tap-the-well-connected-for-big-salaries-as-oversight-board-members/
Pa. senators want probe into Wolf administration’s handling of pandemic in nursing homes
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/03/03/pa-senators-want-auditor-general-probe-nursing-homes-and-covid-19/6909204002/
Casino cronies
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/editorial/casino-cronies/article_18f536b3-3f4e-55a1-a68d-3b31606aab71.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Gov. Wolf says Pa. will vaccinate teachers, staff with J&J shot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/03/Gov-tom-Wolf-COVID-19-Vaccine-Task-Force-Vaccinate-Teachers-Schools-johnson/stories/202103030122
Gov. Wolf: Teachers, school staff move to front of line for Johnson & Johnson covid vaccine
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-teachers-school-staff-move-to-front-of-line-for-johnson-johnson-vaccine/
State to start vaccinating teachers and school staff next week
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/state-to-start-vaccinating-teachers-and-school-staff-next-week/article_1c6c5a1c-e477-5c5f-a3f4-29d012a72c64.html
State to provide Johnson & Johnson vaccines to school employees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/state-to-provide-johnson-johnson-vaccines-to-school-employees/article_e9c52a79-affa-536c-9dcb-5932e7dbb6d1.html
Pa. teachers now eligible for COVID vaccine, Gov. Wolf announces
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-teachers-now-eligible-for-covid-vaccine-gov-wolf-announces/article_48097be0-7c2a-11eb-8097-c30815e14fdd.html
Educators first in line for one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine under new statewide plan
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/educators-first-in-line-for-one-dose-johnson-johnson-vaccine-under-new-statewide-plan/
Pennsylvania teachers move up in the COVID-19 vaccine queue, but others on front lines feel left behind: ‘Public safety should be a priority’
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-prem-nws-vaccine-1b-reacts-20210303-7j6h56kpsvg47l2kgiuhjdtbei-story.html
Wolf approves National Guard help for coronavirus vaccinations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/03/03/covid-19-coronavirus-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-Wolf-National-Guard-vaccinations/stories/202103030141
Vaccine hesitancy is decreasing, polls show, but many Republicans remain wary
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-hesitancy-falling-but-distrust-still-a-deterrent-20210303.html
Delaware County approves agreement to operate Springfield Hospital as COVID vaccine clinic
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delaware-county-approves-agreement-to-operate-springfield-hospital-as-covid-vaccine-clinic/article_576b5070-7c8b-11eb-aef6-3b9154b1216c.html
Pennsylvania adds 2,577 covid cases, 69 deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-adds-2577-covid-cases-69-deaths/
Northeast Pennsylvania adds another 221 COVID-19 cases, 12 deaths
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/northeast-pennsylvania-adds-another-221-covid-19-cases-12-deaths/article_b1695efa-493b-52f1-a0ac-d9c15623fa28.html
97 more COVID cases for Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/97-more-covid-cases-for-berks-county/article_27c5e3b2-7c18-11eb-b905-1fad4bb63051.html
Westmoreland commissioners demand increase in covid vaccine deliveries
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-commissioners-demand-increase-in-covid-vaccine-deliveries/
A year of COVID-19 in central Pa.: Where we started, where we are and how we got here
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/03/a-year-of-covid-19-in-central-pa-where-we-started-where-we-are-and-how-we-got-here.html
Timeline: From business closures to mask-inspired violence to vaccine hope, here is Pennsylvania’s year of COVID-19
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-timeline-info-20210304-6uey7iax5jbvbpmpvygcbrv4bu-htmlstory.html
Catholic bishops tell faithful to avoid Johnson & Johnson vaccine if possible
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2021/03/03/pittsburgh-greensburg-roman-Catholic-bishops-Avoid-johnson-vaccine-cells-aborted-fetus-testing/stories/202103020148
Allentown Diocese urges Catholics to choose alternative to ‘morally compromised’ Johnson & Johnson vaccine
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/allentown-diocese-urges-catholics-to-choose-alternative-to-morally-compromised-johnson-johnson-vaccine.html
One way Pa. can help solve growing vaccine disparities between counties | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/vaccines-dosages-pennsylvania-county-shortages-federal-guidance-cdc-20210304.html
5 things about covid vaccines as Johnson & Johnson enters market
https://triblive.com/local/regional/5-questions-about-covid-vaccines-with-dr-amesh-adalja/
Health care, pension measures tucked into COVID-19 relief bill
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/03/04/COVID-19-relief-bill-expansion-Affordable-Care-Act-Obamacare-pensions-Teamsters/stories/202103040032
Biden blasts Abbott for ‘big mistake’ and ‘Neanderthal thinking’ in lifting Texas’ covid-19 restrictions
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/biden-blasts-abbott-for-big-mistake-and-neanderthal-thinking-in-lifting-texas-covid-19-restrictions/
West Virginia lowers general age limit for virus vaccine
https://triblive.com/local/regional/west-virginia-lowers-general-age-limit-for-virus-vaccine/
Redistricting
Activists get behind legislation to open legislative redistricting process in Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2021/03/03/redistricting-reform-Pennsylvania-congressional-map-Fair-Districts-PA-legislative-process/stories/202103030162
Administration
Tom Wolf’s getting lots of grief, but other Democratic governors have it worse | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/03/tom-wolfs-getting-lots-of-grief-but-other-democratic-governors-have-it-worse-john-baer.html\
Business
$15 minimum wage without a federal mandate
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/04/15-minimum-wage-without-a-federal-mandate/stories/202102200011
Crime/Punishment
Lebanon County police chief’s resignation announced after officer’s arrest in Capitol riot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2021/03/03/Police-chief-s-resignation-officer-s-arrest-US-Capitol-riot-north-cornwall-pennsylvania/stories/202103030134
Man accused of firing at Montgomery County Democratic headquarters is now in federal custody
https://www.inquirer.com/news/anthony-nero-shooting-montgomery-county-democratic-committee-trump-20210303.html
Mumia Abu-Jamal supporters say he has COVID, call on Pa. to release all vulnerable incarcerated people
https://www.witf.org/2021/03/04/mumia-abu-jamal-supporters-say-he-has-covid-call-on-pa-to-release-all-vulnerable-incarcerated-people/
Education
PIAA says spring athletes can shed masks outdoors, if physical distancing possible
https://tribhssn.triblive.com/piaa-says-spring-athletes-can-shed-masks-outdoors-if-physical-distancing-possible/
Colleges are cutting sports teams, and the effects go far deeper than the bottom line | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/03/colleges-are-cutting-sports-teams-and-the-effects-go-far-deeper-than-the-bottom-line-opinion.html
Gaming
With Live! Casino open, it’s time to reconsider how we divvy up Philadelphia’s gambling payout
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/casino-gambling-live-south-philadelphia-architecture-blt-sports-complex-revenue-projections-horse-racing-jobs-20210304.html
Local News
Mayor’s State of the City address: Wind in Scranton’s sails
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mayors-state-of-the-city-address-wind-in-scrantons-sails/article_e67a5874-c218-5499-8174-03ac0b627a2c.html
Municipalities target liquid fuels money for various projects
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/municipalities-target-liquid-fuels-money-for-various-projects/article_1325fd7e-5370-5f15-ad96-357209dad0cd.html
Liquid fuels funds lower for Greater Hazleton in 2021
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/liquid-fuels-funds-lower-for-greater-hazleton-in-2021/article_a84fa377-1c8a-5b93-b54e-6aec199f4863.html
Berks County launches new rent relief program for tenants struggling during COVID pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-launches-new-rent-relief-program-for-tenants-struggling-during-covid-pandemic/article_eaa95eb2-7b6f-11eb-8523-c330fd7187ff.html
Luzerne County seeking election board members
https://www.timesleader.com/news/987474/luzerne-county-seeking-election-board-members
Brown: WB budget covers new hires and promotions in fire department
https://www.timesleader.com/news/987448/brown-wb-budget-covers-new-hires-and-promotions-in-fire-department
Average balance of Lehigh Valley credit card holders topped $7k to end 2020, study says
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-tops-in-credit-card-debt-to-end-2020-study-says-20210304-ywimhj4jhvd5fbl2wm6p66gawi-story.html
Philly
Philly’s biggest employers spend billions outside the city. Inside a new effort to bring that money home
https://www.inquirer.com/business/supra-emsco-hiring-black-owned-business-20210304.html
Philly’s FEMA mass COVID-19 vaccination site draws thousands to its official opening
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/vaccine-philadelphia-fema-clinic-mass-site-federal-20210303.html
Two men killed in separate city shooting incidents, including one in which three were struck
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-homicide-logan-triple-shooting-20210304.html
Philadelphia needs ‘sanctuary schools,’ immigrant rights group demands
https://www.inquirer.com/education/sanctuary-schools-philadelphia-school-district-immigration-20210303.html
How the first lockdown saw more opioid-related overdoses among Black Philadelphians
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/how-the-first-lockdown-saw-more-opioid-related-overdoses-among-black-philadelphians/article_0ee9166b-2263-51d7-9160-3f402490f685.html
COVID-19 vaccine allocation creates ‘vaccine deserts’ in parts of Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/vaccine-desert-philadelphia-south-bok-doses-seamaac-20210303.html
Philly labor leader Johnny Doc was indicted again, this time for threatening a contractor
https://www.inquirer.com/news/johnny-doc-local-98-indicted-fiocca-20210303.html
With closure of Philly’s only lesbian bar, we lose another safe space for queer women | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/toasted-walnut-lesbian-bar-closing-philadelphia-20210303.html
Pitt
What’s next for the Strip after the produce terminal? Developer considers townhouses, apartments or offices
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/03/04/Strip-District-produce-terminal-McCaffery-Interests-Rugby-Realty-Benkovitz-Seafoods-Tom-Ayoob-Smallman-Street/stories/202103030158
How PNC Park might look, feel and sound different this season
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/03/03/Pirates-president-Travis-Williams-fan-experience-PNC-Park-safety-COVID-19-health/stories/202103030169
Allegheny County officials: ‘We’re not there yet’ on reopening
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-officials-were-not-there-yet-on-reopening/
Former Pitt student Eddie Huang makes film debut with ‘Boogie’
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2021/03/04/pitt-eddie-huang-boogie-basketball-movies-taylor-takahashi-pop-smoke/stories/202103040055
Federal appellate court overturns Pittsburgh judge in case of psychological screening for police officer
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/03/03/Federal-appellate-court-overturns-Pittsburgh-judge-in-case-of-psychological-screening-for-police-officer/stories/202103030136
Judge Mariani: Open courtroom to virtual access
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/03/04/Judge-Mariani-Open-courtroom-to-virtual-access/stories/202103040036
Pittsburgh floats bonds for capital projects as it awaits federal pandemic relief money
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-floats-bonds-for-capital-projects-as-it-awaits-federal-pandemic-relief-money/
Ed Gainey announces $130K in fundraising as incumbent Peduto gains support from teachers union
https://triblive.com/local/ed-gainey-announces-130k-in-fundraising-as-incumbent-pittsburgh-mayor-bill-peduto-gains-support-from-teachers-union/
Allegheny County reports 186 covid cases, 17 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-reports-186-covid-cases-17-deaths/
Churchill Valley Greenway project nearing finish line with $630,000 funding gap
https://triblive.com/local/penn-hills/churchill-valley-greenway-project-nearing-finish-line-with-630000-funding-gap/
Pitt, Heinz History Center among organizations getting state grants to preserve historical documents
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pitt-heinz-history-center-among-organizations-getting-state-grants-to-preserve-historical-documents/
State News
A scrappy solar developer took utility regulators to court. And won.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2021/03/04/Solar-energy-David-Hommrich-Pennsylvania-PUC-utilities-West-Penn-Power-electricity-net-metering/stories/202102250167
Microplastic pollution identified in Lackawanna River, 52 other Pennsylvania waterways
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/microplastic-pollution-identified-in-lackawanna-river-52-other-pennsylvania-waterways/article_8214eed3-2a82-5646-8007-d0df822743af.html
Washington
House passes sweeping voting rights bill over GOP opposition
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/house-democrats-push-voting-rights-election-reform-republican-opposition-20210304.html
Federal watchdog faults Elaine Chao over ethics concerns as Transportation secretary
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/elaine-chao-transportation-secretary-criminal-investigation-trump-administration-20210304.html