Legislature
Pa. House drops ‘legislative privilege,’ will release lawmaker spending details
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-house-spending-details-lawmakers-release-reversal-20200305.html
Pennsylvania Senate hides some details in expense records
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-senate-hides-some-details-in-expense-records/
Gordner: My expense records open
https://www.dailyitem.com/news/snyder_county/gordner-my-expense-records-open/article_2a067854-5a56-5095-81df-1560f064db25.html
GOP lawmakers criticize overspending for Pa.’s medical assistance programs
https://papost.org/2020/03/05/gop-lawmakers-criticize-overspending-for-pa-s-medical-assistance-programs/
Pocono lawmakers offer insight, optimism at legislative luncheon
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200305/pocono-lawmakers-offer-insight-optimism-at-legislative-luncheon
State trails much smaller neighbors
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-trails-much-smaller-neighbors-1.2603747
Amber Alert revision: Proposal would speed up notifications
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/06/Amber-Alert-revision-Proposal-would-speed-up-notifications/stories/202002260040
No retrieving early votes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/no-retrieving-early-votes-1.2603749
Pa. College students should only be hungry for knowledge — not their next meal | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/pa-college-students-should-only-be-hungry-for-knowledge-not-their-next-meal-opinion/
Administration
Wolf admin ending non-profit clothing grants in favor of cash, raising GOP concerns
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/wolf-admin-ending-non-profit-clothing-grants-in-favor-of-cash-raising-gop-concerns/
Business
Western Pa. workforce boards awarded funds for summer internships
https://triblive.com/local/regional/local-workforce-development-boards-awarded-funds-for-summer-internships/
Coronavirus
How the Philly region is preparing for coronavirus — without causing panic
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-montgomery-county-delco-camden-bucks-emergency-prepared-health-20200306.html
Philly teachers say schools aren’t prepared to fight coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-philadelphia-school-district-supplies-sanitizer-wipes-20200305.html
Philadelphia religious groups change practices due to coronavirus
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-philadelphia-archdiocese-synagogue-council-council-american-islamic-relations-20200305.html
Pittsburgh events to carry on, with precautions, despite coronavirus spread
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-events-convention-centers-taking-precautions-as-coronavirus-spreads/
Pittsburgh couple under quarantine after leaving cruise ship at center of COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/05/Pittsburgh-COVID-19-quarantine-Grand-Princess-Frank-Tallarico-Kyle-Cunningham/stories/202003050194
Pittsburgh group provides cleaning equipment for coronavirus protection
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-group-provides-cleaning-equipment-for-coronavirus-protection/
Schools keeping watch on coronavirus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/schools-keeping-watch-on-coronavirus-1.2603981
Temple tells students who visited countries on alert for coronavirus not to return to campus for 14 days
https://www.inquirer.com/news/temple-universit-penn-state-villanova-coronavirus-spring-break-20200305.html
Hand sanitizer sold out in retail stores, commands outrageous prices online amid virus fears
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/hand-sanitizer-sold-out-in-retail-stores-commands-outrageous-prices-online-amid-virus-fears-1.2603676
Berks County schools, colleges focusing on coronavirus prevention, education
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-schools-colleges-focusing-on-coronavirus-prevention-education/article_50f7431e-5d71-11ea-bdf3-b7a1cb8aee53.html
5 Pa. schools close over suspected coronavirus exposure
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/suspected-coronavirus-exposure-closes-5-schools-in-pa-and-parents-are-keeping-kids-home-at-other-schools.html
Central Bucks School District closes 5 schools due to reported coronavirus exposure
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-hea-central-bucks-schools-coronavirus-exposure-20200306-w4joy3ygujdbfdd4aypkyniyvi-story.html
What are Lehigh Valley nursing homes doing to prepare for a potential coronavirus outbreak?
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-corona-virus-lehigh-valley-nursing-homes-20200305-sg7myatgiba2xpbvpse7q6meei-story.html
Maryland’s governor confirms state’s first coronavirus cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/03/05/coronavirus-Maryland-first-positive-cases-confirmed-Gov-Hogan/stories/202003050217
First three cases of coronavirus confirmed in Maryland
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/03/first-three-cases-of-coronavirus-confirmed-in-maryland.html
Crime/Punishment
Police say this man stole more than $1 million from suburban homeowners associations. Now, he faces new charges.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/william-huyler-iii-chester-county-condominium-associations-theft-20200305.html
Jury convicts woman for helping New Kensington cop killer, hiding gun
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/jury-convicts-woman-for-helping-new-kensington-cop-killer-hiding-gun/
Lackawanna prison board mulls inmate tablet policy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lackawanna-prison-board-mulls-inmate-tablet-policy-1.2603893
Education
Belle Vernon teachers’ strike could doom musical, theater program
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/students-directors-scrambling-after-belle-vernon-strike-announced-days-before-musical-opening/
Highlands to buy metal detectors, cameras, fencing with state safety grant
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/highlands-to-buy-metal-detectors-cameras-fencing-with-state-safety-grant/
I-LEAD Charter School says its future is up to Reading School District
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/i-lead-charter-school-says-its-future-is-up-to/article_c69d92ce-5f12-11ea-8f1d-6f541fef5ef4.html
Erie County community college opponents question plan
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200306/erie-county-community-college-opponents-question-plan
Elections/Politics
Another congresswoman from Pa. endorses Joe Biden for president
https://www.inquirer.com/news/madeleine-dean-endorses-joe-biden-2020-pennsylvania-primary-20200305.html
As Elizabeth Warren drops out, supporters feel the chance to see a woman in the White House slip away again
https://www.inquirer.com/news/presidential-race-pennsylvania-voters-women-warren-biden-sanders-20200305.html
State Rep. Lee says she will endorse Bernie Sanders
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/06/Bernie-Sanders-endorsement-state-Rep-Summer-Lee/stories/202003060102
Jousting Jill Biden showed us a Fightin’ Philly Girl straight outta Willow Grove | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/jill-biden-joe-biden-protester-philly-girl-willow-grove-maria-panaritis-20200306.html
We sure love that diversity — as long as white dudes stay in power | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/helen-ubinas-elizabeth-warren-drops-out-diversity-inclusion-bernie-biden-20200306.html
‘My absolute advice is just to run,’ central Pa. state House hopeful Tara Shakespeare says | 2020 Women Speak Up
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/my-absolute-advice-is-just-to-run-88th-house-district-candidate-tara-shakespeare-says-2020-women-speak-up/
Local News
Wolf appoints former Scranton Mayor Wayne Evans to Judicial Conduct Board
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wolf-appoints-former-scranton-mayor-wayne-evans-to-judicial-conduct-board-1.2603681
Despite controversy, Kenhorst allows gaming lounge to expand machines, operating hours
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/despite-controversy-kenhorst-allows-gaming-lounge-to-expand-machines-operating/article_ce78596e-5f28-11ea-92ec-032b54d58ded.html
Ruscombmanor Township pleased with first week of Fleetwood police coverage
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/ruscombmanor-township-pleased-with-first-week-of-fleetwood-police-coverage/article_e4241f46-5f28-11ea-9fe5-1b14c9dcb14d.html
Protesters descend on Montgomery County commissioners meeting to oppose public defenders’ firings
https://www.inquirer.com/news/montgomery-county-public-defenders-commissioners-protest-dean-beer-keisha-hudson-20200305.html
‘Don’t panic’ over reassessment, property owners are told
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/don-t-panic-over-reassessment-property-owners-are-told/article_7c7f9946-5f1f-11ea-8ba1-0f5ffc9007fc.html
Tax abatement: Officials need details of Westinghouse property sale
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/03/06/Tax-abatement-Officials-need-details-of-Westinghouse-property-sale/stories/202002250023
Westmoreland County inks deal with unions, doles out raises for nonunion workers
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-inks-deal-with-unions-doles-out-raises-for-nonunion-workers/
Westmoreland commissioners fund tourism plan, earmark funds for marketing
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-commissioners-fund-tourism-plan-earmark-funds-for-marketing/
Private cameras act as eyes for Wilkes-Barre police
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775246/private-cameras-act-as-eyes-for-wilkes-barre-police
Director asks HCA board to consider proposed loose garbage remedy
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/director-asks-hca-board-to-consider-proposed-loose-garbage-remedy-1.2603868
Carbon County approves agreement for Agency on Aging to join nutrition program
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/carbon-county-approves-agreement-for-agency-on-aging-to-join-nutrition-program-1.2603808
Philly
Supervised injection site debate hijacks Mayor Jim Kenney’s annual visit to City Council
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mayor-jim-kenney-safe-injection-site-city-council-budget-20200305.html
Philly refinery shutdown pitted workers against climate activists. Did it have to be that way?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/south-philly-refinery-labor-climate-activists-just-transition-20200306.html
She’s the godmother of Northeast Philly’s growing Chinese community. Can her model work for other immigrant groups?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/chinese-immigrant-northeast-philadelphia-pearl-huynh-china-20200306.html
New sheriff was supposed to mean a new chapter — but it may be the same old story | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-sheriff-bilal-promised-reforms-off-budget-spending-continues-brett-mandel-20200306.html
She creates 100 get-well cards a month for cancer patients she doesn’t even know
https://www.inquirer.com/life/sharon-civa-handmade-greeting-cards-abramson-cancer-center-20200305.html
Mayor Jim Kenney proposes a $5.2 billion budget. City Council may want to tweak antipoverty plans.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-budget-city-council-20200305.html
Hey Mayor Kenney, you want a safer injection site? Put it in City Hall. | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/safehouse-harm-reduction-site-safer-injection-site-philly-city-hall-jenice-armstrong-20200305.html
Philly cop charged in domestic violence case
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-jesse-alvarez-domestic-violence-20200305.html
Accused Tioga gunman Maurice Hill held for trial on dozens of additional charges
https://www.inquirer.com/news/maurice-hill-tioga-philadelphia-police-shooting-preliminary-hearing-attempted-murder-20200305.html
Man killed in Southwest Center City after he was chased and shot at for two blocks
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/shooting-graduate-hospital-philadelphia-southwest-center-city-homicide-20200305.html
Philly police use of Clearview AI was just ‘a test’ — but facial recognition is already here
https://www.inquirer.com/news/clearview-ai-philadelphia-police-department-facial-recognition-20200305.html
The billion-dollar question of Mayor Kenney’s budget | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-city-council-budget-address-mayor-jim-kenney-20200305.html
‘Friends’ of public education? Study examines ‘paradox’ behind Philly school fundraising groups
https://www.witf.org/2020/03/05/friends-of-public-education-study-examines-paradox-behind-philly-school-fundraising-groups/
Pitt
Pittsburgh police officer shot in leg on North Side; 1 suspect dead
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/03/05/Pittsburgh-police-officer-shot-in-leg-North-Side-shooting-East-Ohio-Street/stories/202003050202
Medical examiner IDs suspect killed in shootout that injured Pittsburgh police officer
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-officer-shot-at-traffic-stop-suspect-also-shot/
Pittsburgh councilman Coghill’s district shows a united front at parks tax hearing
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/05/Pittsburgh-Parks-Conservancy-tax-city-council-public-hearing-Anthony-Coghill/stories/202003050188
Pittsburgh seeks reimbursement for $400K in firefighter overpayments
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-seeks-reimbursement-for-400k-in-firefighter-overpayments/
Traffic pattern to change on Pittsburgh’s Second Avenue for Parkway East wall work
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/05/Parkway-East-Pittsburgh-traffic-pattern-change-Second-Avenue-wall-work/stories/202003050171
Attorneys differ over firing of PWSA worker who used medical pot
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/attorneys-differ-over-firing-of-pwsa-workerwho-used-medical-pot/
Millennial Mayors call on students to join them in Pittsburgh Marathon
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/03/05/Millennial-Mayors-call-on-local-students-to-join-them-in-Pittsburgh-Marathon/stories/202003060011
South Side prepares for St. Patrick’s Day crowd
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/05/South-Side-Pittsburgh-prepares-St-Patricks-Day-crowd-celebration-party-2020/stories/202003050163
Pittsburgh offers free parking, shuttles to South Side during St. Patrick’s Day celebration
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-offering-free-parking-shuttles-to-south-side-during-st-patricks-day-celebration/
Activists launch campaign against Colcom Foundation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/03/05/immigrant-rights-activists-protest-Colcom-Foundation/stories/202003050139
Maura Tierney, Alex Neustaedter among new additions to Showtime’s ‘Rust,’ which will shoot in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2020/03/05/Maura-Tierney-Alex-Neustaedter-Jeff-Daniels-cast-Rust-showtime-series-shoot-filmed-Pittsburgh/stories/202003050149
Pittsburgh plans weekend pothole blitz
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/03/05/Pittsburgh-potholes-weekend-blitz-Department-Public-Works-roads-travel/stories/202003050141
Penguins, Live Nation to team on music venue at former Civic Arena site
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/03/05/Pittsburgh-Penguins-Live-Nation-Civic-Arena-Hill-District/stories/202003050091
State News
Lawsuit threatened over Trump flags hanging in rural Pa. municipal building
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-rural-flags-democrats-pennsylvania-20200305.html
Will a bug ‘pestpocalypse’ follow our warm winter?
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/03/will-a-bug-pestpocalypse-follow-our-warm-winter.html
Ransomware costing schools, local governments and hospitals millions
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200305/ransomware-costing-schools-local-governments-and-hospitals-millions/1
Transportation
1st lawsuit filed in deadly Pennsylvania Turnpike tour bus crash
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/first-civil-lawsuit-filed-in-deadly-tour-bus-crash-on-turnpike/
New SEPTA Regional Rail schedules start this weekend
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-regional-rail-spring-schedules-20200306.html
SEPTA transfer fees are an outdated, burdensome penalty on Philadelphians | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/septa-bus-trolley-train-transfer-fee-20200305.html
PennDOT looks to streamline traffic flow on Route 30
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/penndot-looks-to-streamline-traffic-flow-on-route-30/
New system will catch speeders in work zones
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-system-will-catch-speeders-in-work-zones-1.2603834
Washington
Federal judge sharply rebukes AG William Barr’s handling of Mueller report
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/federal-judge-sharply-rebukes-ag-william-barrs-handling-of-mueller-report/
Lamb bill would end Amtrak’s forced arbitration requirement
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200305/lamb-bill-would-end-amtraks-forced-arbitration-requirement
Trump administration to allow more foreign temporary workers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/trump-administration-adds-temporary-foreign-worker-visas-farm-seasonal-jobs-20200305.html
Protesters greet Trump on streets of Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/protesters-greet-trump-on-streets-of-scranton-1.2603979
Trump addresses coronavirus, Dem rivals and more at Scranton town hall
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/trump-addresses-coronavirus-dem-rivals-and-more-at-scranton-town-hall-1.2603929
Trump defends his rhetoric in 1st TV town hall of 2020
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/03/05/Trump-defends-his-rhetoric-in-1st-TV-town-hall-of-2020/stories/202003050204
Trump talks cuts, presidential race at town hall
https://www.timesleader.com/news/775226/trump-talks-cuts-presidential-race-at-town-hall
Former congressmen among enthusiastic crowd that greeted Trump at airport
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-congressmen-among-enthusiastic-crowd-that-greeted-trump-at-airport-1.2604020
Supporters describe Trump as genuine, authentic at Scranton town hall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/supporters-describe-trump-as-genuine-authentic-at-scranton-town-hall-1.2603736