Legislature
State Sen. Jim Brewster opens office in Lower Burrell
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14557097-74/state-sen-jim-brewster-opens-office-in-lower-burrell
Schwank part of bipartisan group offering election reforms in Harrisburg
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/schwank-part-of-bipartisan-group-offering-election-reforms-in-harrisburg
Pennsylvania lawmakers float a raft of bills to overhaul elections
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-legislature-election-reform-20190129-story.html
Legislators push to get victims bill of rights teed up to go on November ballot
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/legislators-push-to-get-victims-bill-of-rights-teed-up-to-go-on-november-ballot.html
Dinniman decries pipeline lobbying in Harrisburg
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/dinniman-decries-pipeline-lobbying-in-harrisburg/article_c58a49c8-241b-11e9-ad1b-c73e1a0b2549.html
Reformers offer ways to make a rank-and-file Pennsylvania lawmaker more powerful
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/reformers-offer-ways-to-make-a-rank-and-file-pennsylvania-lawmaker-more-powerful.html
More changes for Pa. Senate as Don White of Indiana announces retirement
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/01/29/Pennsylvania-State-Senate-Don-White-Indiana-Armstrong-Butler-Westmoreland-retirement/stories/201901290119
Another GOP state senator announces he is retiring next month
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/another-gop-state-senator-announces-he-is-retiring-next-month.html
Pennsylvania resumes push to recognize Eastern hellbender
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14556000-74/pennsylvania-resumes-push-to-recognize-eastern-hellbender
House GOP leader explains why he feels lawmaker accused of sexual assault should resign
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/house-gop-leader-explains-why-he-feels-lawmaker-accused-of-sexual-assault-should-resign.html
DePasquale calls for resignation of legislators following sexual misconduct and assault allegations
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/depasquale-calls-for-resignation-of-legislators-following-sexual-misconduct-and-assault-allegations.html
Rep. Nesbit charged with DUI after Dec. traffic stop
http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20190129/NEWS12/701299883
Wait, Harrisburg’s trying to get stuff done? | John Baer
http://www.philly.com/news/columnists/john-baer-harrisburg-legislature-bipartisanship-changes-20190129.html
Administration
Wolf calls for tougher gun laws after synagogue shooting
http://www.philly.com/wires/ap/wolf-calls-anew-expand-background-checks-gun-shows-20190129.html
Gov. Tom Wolf, citing Tree of Life shooting, calls on Legislature to pass gun laws
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/01/29/Tom-Wolf-Gun-laws-Pittsburgh-tree-of-life-synagogue/stories/201901290122
Gun control advocates, after logging a rare win last year, look for next steps in Pennsylvania
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/gun-control-advocates-after-logging-a-rare-win-last-year-look-for-next-steps-in-pennsylvania.html
Gov. Wolf objects to proposed Title IX changes
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14555877-74/gov-wolf-objects-to-proposed-title-ix-changes
Business
Aramark delays bonus payouts for thousands of managers; slashes 401(k) match
http://www.philly.com/business/aramark-management-bonuses-delayed-k-match-cut-20190130.html
Homebuilder Toll Bros. is moving headquarters to Fort Washington Office Park
http://www.philly.com/real-estate/toll-headquarters-fort-washington-horsham-foreclosure-20190129.html
Greensburg Beverage acquired by Johnstown-based beer distributor
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14556921-74/greensburg-beverage-acquired-by-johnstown-based-beer-distributer
Renovated Barnes & Noble celebrates reopening at Arena Hub Plaza
https://www.timesleader.com/news/731912/renovated-barnes-noble-celebrates-reopening-at-arena-hub-plaza
Barnes and Noble celebrates reopening
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/barnes-and-noble-celebrates-reopening-1.2439198
Dollar General opens new store in Hazleton area
https://www.timesleader.com/news/731878/dollar-general-opens-new-store-in-hazleton-area
Unemployment rate drops in region
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/unemployment-rate-drops-in-region-1.2439096
Berks unemployment rate rises slightly in December
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/berks-unemployment-rate-up-slightly-in-december
Berks County-based Appeeling Fruit sold to Michigan farm
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/appeeling-fruit-sold
Crime/Punishment
Feds indict Bowers on new charges related to Pittsburgh synagogue shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/29/robert-bowers-pittsburgh-tree-of-life-synagogue-mass-shooting-superseding-indictment/stories/201901290105
Chester City records fewer murders amid drop in crime
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/chester-city-records-fewer-murders-amid-drop-in-crime.php
Education
Area’s school nurses serving fewer students
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/area-s-school-nurses-serving-fewer-students-1.2439176
Scranton School Board member resigns
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-member-resigns-1.2439163
Elections/Politics
Democrats eye Republican Mike Kelly’s congressional seat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/01/29/Mike-Kelly-2020-election-16th-congressional-district-dinicola-dccc/stories/201901290129
Commission recommends Pennsylvania security measures for elections
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14555544-74/commission-recommends-pennsylvania-security-measures-for-elections
Pennsylvania’s election system needs paper trail, commission says
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190129/pennsylvanias-election-system-needs-paper-trail-commission-says
Government Shutdown
GOP leaders signal distaste for renewing shutdown over border wall
https://triblive.com/usworld/world/14558028-74/gop-leaders-signal-distaste-for-renewing-shutdown-over-border-wall
Health Care
4 reasons why the safety of generic drugs is a growing concern
http://www.philly.com/health/losartan-recall-generic-drug-safety-20190130.html
Nurses, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital reach tentative deal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/breaking-news/731890/nurses-wilkes-barre-general-hospital-reach-tentative-deal
W-B General nurses will vote on deal today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-general-nurses-will-vote-on-deal-today-1.2439211
Medical malpractice rule worth look
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/medical-malpracticel-rule-worth-look-1.2439098
Pennsylvania reports first child flu-related death of the season
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-flu-update-pa-20190129-story.html
The flu has killed 26 people this season in Pa. and it’s hitting the Lehigh Valley hard
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/bethlehem/2019/01/the-flu-has-killed-26-people-this-season-in-pa-and-its-hitting-the-lehigh-valley-hard.html#
Local News
W-B announces property tax schedule
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-announces-property-tax-schedule-1.2439122
Lackawanna County arts and culture grants benefit dozens of recipients
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-arts-and-culture-grants-benefit-dozens-of-recipients-1.2439317
Greenfield Twp. supervisors vote to demand resignation from elected official indicted in federal court
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/greenfield-twp-supervisors-vote-to-demand-resignation-from-elected-official-indicted-in-federal-court-1.2439152
Jenkins Twp. Vietnam veterans organization with Scranton post disbands
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/jenkins-twp-vietnam-veterans-organization-with-scranton-post-disbands-1.2439154
Skate with a Cop event to help area departments
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/skate-with-a-cop-event-to-help-area-departments-1.2439203
Area organization shares stories, resources
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/area-organization-shares-stories-resources-1.2439137
Braddock council picks interim mayor to replace Fetterman
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/29/Braddock-council-picks-interim-mayor-to-replace-Fetterman/stories/201901290142
Grant for homeless placement comes at the right time for Feeding the Spirit in Greensburg
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14557431-74/grant-for-homeless-placement-comes-at-the-right-time-for-feeding-the
Property debate sparks spat between Latrobe mayor, manager
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14556841-74/property-debate-sparks-spat-between-latrobe-mayor-manager
Harrison moving toward retirement plan for police Chief Klein
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14556614-74/harrison-proposes-plan-to-keep-police-chief-klein-three-more-years
Billboard announces Reading Mayor Wally Scott’s primary run
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/billboard-announces-reading-mayor-wally-scotts-primary-run
Editorial: Sinking Spring wise to pursue police deal with Spring
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-sinking-spring-wise-to-pursue-police-deal-with-spring
LCA’s 5-year suburban capital plan spells significant water, sewer rate hikes for customers
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-lehigh-county-authority-water-sewer-rate-hikes-capital-plan-20190129-story.html
National News
Pentagon: Several thousand more troops to the Mexico border
http://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/pentagon-several-thousand-more-troops-mexico-border-20190129.html
Wash. remains under a state of emergency as measles cases rise
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/01/29/measles-Washington-state-of-emergency-cases-rise-children-spread-vaccinated/stories/201901290154
Trump firm tacitly admits gaps in vetting worker status
http://www.philly.com/news/trump-firm-gaps-vetting-legal-worker-status-e-verify-20190130.html
Morrisville couple beat State Farm in court for slashing their homeowner’s policy
http://www.philly.com/business/state-farm-homeowners-insurance-plumbing-leak-20190130.html
Report: EPA won’t regulate PFAS in drinking water
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190129/report-epa-wont-regulate-pfas-in-drinking-water
Philly
Sources: Johnny Doc, Councilman Bobby Henon indicted in IBEW Local 98 investigation
http://www.philly.com/news/johnny-doc-john-dougherty-bobby-henon-ibew-local-union-philadelphia-investigation-city-council-20190130.html
Johnny Doc repaid $280K to Local 98 amid FBI probe, documents show
http://www.philly.com/news/local-ibew-john-dougherty-johnny-doc-fbi-investigation-union-spending-20190129.html
Who is Johnny Doc, Philadelphia’s most powerful union leader?
http://www.philly.com/news/who-is-johnny-doc-john-dougherty-ibew-local-union-philadelphia-20190130.html#item2
Nearly 30,000 students apply to Philadelphia charter schools through new website
http://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-charter-school-applications-waitlist-20190129.html
Arctic interlude: Snow squalls, below-zero wind chills, record possible Thursday for Philly
http://www.philly.com/news/snow-arctic-polar-vortex-philadelphia-weather-subzero-windchill-20190130.html
At $675 million, Philly tourism market had another record year. So, who’s visiting?
http://www.philly.com/business/philadelphia-tourism-hotel-four-seasons-visit-philly-20190129.html
Banning gifts from pharma to doctors is a big step toward increasing patient trust | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/pharmaceutical-industry-doctor-gifts-philadelphia-city-council-20190129.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh named one of the ‘best places’ to live, work as moviemaker
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2019/01/29/MovieMaker-Pittsburgh-top-small-city-shoot-films-Keezer/stories/201901290096
Arctic blast forces school closures; city opens warming centers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/29/City-warming-centers-extreme-cold-arctic-polar-vortex-wind-chill-advisory/stories/201901290087
Allegheny County Jail inmate who died suffered from asthma, family says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/29/Allegheny-County-Jail-inmate-death-asthma-edward-pete-davis/stories/201901290126
Allegheny County Jail inmate died of natural causes
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14552848-74/police-investigating-inmate-death-at-allegheny-county-jail
City reaches tentative $80,000 settlement for North Side family mistakenly targeted by SWAT in 2015
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/29/City-80-000-settlement-lawsuit-Brighton-Heights-North-Side-Tabatha-Werkmeister-SWAT-2015/stories/201901290086
Pittsburgh police officer performs CPR, saves baby who wasn’t breathing
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14556020-74/pittsburgh-police-officer-performs-cpr-saves-baby-who-wasnt-breathing
Uber rolls out frequent flyer-type program in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14558458-74/uber-rolls-out-frequent-flyer-type-program-in-pittsburgh
State News
N.J. landfill backs out of plan to accept contaminated soil from Willow Grove military base
http://www.philly.com/news/pfoa-pfos-pfas-water-contamination-soil-navy-new-jersey-20190130.html
Report: ICE arrests of undocumented immigrants at Pennsylvania courthouses scare away victims, witnesses
http://www.philly.com/news/ice-immigration-arrest-undocumented-courts-temple-university-20190130.html
Across Pa., feds detain undocumented immigrants at unrelated court hearings
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/across-pa-feds-detain-undocumented-immigrants-at-unrelated-court-hearings.php
A digital effort to fight hunger in Montgomery County
http://www.philly.com/news/hunger-montgomery-county-online-grocery-ordering-food-pantry-20190129.html
Pa. Game Commission considering Saturday start to deer season, semi-autos for big game
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14557917-74/pa-game-commission-considering-saturday-start-to-deer-season-semi-autos-for-big
Game Commission board OKs changing deer season opener to Saturday; final OK still necessary
https://www.timesleader.com/news/731872/game-commission-board-oks-changing-deer-season-opener-to-saturday-final-ok-still-necessary
Changes coming for buck season?
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/changes-coming-for-buck-season-1.2439210
State reminds livestock, pet owners to keep animals safe in severe cold
https://www.timesleader.com/news/731919/state-reminds-livestock-pet-owners-to-keep-animals-safe-in-severe-cold
‘The Goldbergs’ head to Poconos
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/the-goldbergs-head-to-poconos-1.2439205
The 10 highest points in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/The-top-10-highest-pointt-in-berks-county
Drug deaths are rising in Pennsylvania Coal Country and treatment is hard to come by, leaving families looking for answers
https://www.mcall.com/business/healthcare/mc-nws-coal-country-health-addiction-20181106-htmlstory.html
The real deal on Pennsylvania’s new Real ID
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190130/real-deal-on-pennsylvanias-new-real-id