Legislature
Philly lawmakers to target stop-and-gos with new regulations
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/state-reps-to-target-stop-and-gos-with-new-regulations/
Health systems endorse Bartolotta’s nurse practitioner bill
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200210/health-systems-endorse-bartolottas-nurse-practitioner-bill
Killion resolution designating THON Week approved by Senate
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/killion-resolution-designating-thon-week-approved-by-senate/article_b6a538b2-4c1c-11ea-a617-abed92d4f481.html
Legislators call for quick action on Markie’s Law
https://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/local_news/legislators-call-for-quick-action-on-markie-s-law/article_bf930df8-b7eb-569b-9088-166cc18a2b0f.html
House bill aims to protect ‘vulnerable’ road travelers
https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/house-bill-aims-to-protect-vulnerable-road-travelers/article_d3fb2da4-1fa7-5c8e-97c7-1be1a6080fc3.html
Redistricting
Redrawing political lines debated at Fair Districts PA forum
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/redrawing-political-lines-debated-at-fair-districts-pa-forum/article_0aa29f7c-27ba-590f-ab5e-22e610460588.html
Redistricting reform: Time running out to create citizens commission
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/11/Redistricting-reform-Time-running-out-to-create-citizens-commission/stories/202002060055
Administration
Wolf’s 2020-21 education budget: How much would your district receive?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/wolfs-2020-21-education-budget-how-much-would-your-district-receive.html
Editorial: Wolf tries to sell what’s behind Door No. 3 to pay for state police
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/editorial-wolf-tries-to-sell-what-s-behind-door-no/article_b1a5f2fc-4c08-11ea-a278-af9c78ee8597.html
Business
Kennywood’s longtime GM steps down
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/02/10/Kennywood-s-longtime-GM-steps-down-jerome-gibas-pittsburgh-west-mifflin/stories/202002100065
Beer and wine could be coming soon to Greensburg Sheetz
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/beer-and-wine-could-be-coming-soon-to-greensburg-sheetz/
Crime/Punishment
Bucks, Montgomery counties awarded funding for Suboxone in jail
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200211/bucks-montgomery-counties-awarded-funding-for-suboxone–in-jail
Jury sent home for the day after beginning deliberations in Wilkinsburg mass shooting trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/10/wilkinsburg-mass-shooting-trial-day-6-cheron-shelton-prosecution-rests-fbi-forensics-cellular-records/stories/202002100071
A-K Valley SWAT team operational after delays last year
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/a-k-valley-swat-team-operational-after-delays-last-year/
Notice of execution signed for Allegheny County man convicted of 2012 slaying
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/notice-of-execution-signed-for-allegheny-county-man-convicted-of-2012-slaying/
If you didn’t ‘pull the trigger,’ should you get life in prison?
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/watchdog/2020/02/11/felony-murder-law-change-pennsylvania-life-sentences/4385150002/
11-time DUI defendant waives hearing
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/time-dui-defendant-waives-hearing/article_75520642-4c62-11ea-8a64-bb0f45481c8a.html
Education
Employees sue Scranton School District over lead, asbestos
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/employees-sue-scranton-school-district-over-lead-asbestos-1.2593335
Lawsuit: Scranton school district knew about lead, asbestos contamination
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/lawsuit-scranton-school-district-knew-about-lead-asbestos-contamination/
Details of new W-B Area Stadium provided
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772432/details-of-new-w-b-area-stadium-provided
Highlands ‘reflection room’ showing early success, administrators report
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/highlands-reflection-room-showing-early-success-administrators-report/
Globetrotter offers anti-bullying message at Hanover Area
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/globetrotter-offers-anti-bullying-message-at-hanover-area-1.2593425
‘I don’t want to ever see this again’: Whitehall-Coplay School Board member says arrest of four teens at basketball game left him ‘disturbed’
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/whitehall/mc-whitehall-coplay-school-board-20200211-ju6bdigw2jbunihayvb2rg54qi-story.html
2 big teachers unions call for rethinking student involvement in lockdown drills
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/11/2-big-teachers-unions-call-for-rethinking-student-involvement-in-lockdown-drills/
Lower Merion School District donates items left outside of Bryant Gym
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/lower-merion-school-district-donates-items-left-outside-of-bryant/article_8b20898e-49de-11ea-a6fe-ef5b7c90b5ea.html
Big Beaver Falls SD among 55 charged to change religion policy
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200210/big-beaver-falls-sd-among-55-charged-to-change-religion-policy/1
State mum on Zogby’s Erie exit; successor planned
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200211/state-mum-on-zogbys-erie-exit-successor-planned
Elections/Politics
Thousands of Pennsylvanians gave money to more than one 2020 candidate. See what that overlap looks like.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-2020-election-campaign-donations-overlap-20200210.html
Casey: Democrats need to do a better job engaging rural voters
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/casey-democrats-need-to-do-a-better-job-engaging-rural-voters.html
Doubts persist for Democratic voters about female nominee in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/iowa-caucus-democrats-doubt-women-candidates-20200210.html
Health Care
In Northumberland County, another rural community faces the loss of its hospital
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/02/09/UPMC-Susquehanna-Sunbury-hospital-close-Lancaster-utilization-census-zoning/stories/202001300139
Reading Hospital receives nationally recognized 5-star rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-hospital-receives-nationally-recognized–star-rating-from-centers/article_410779d6-4c11-11ea-afc0-b3e70fbf3758.html
Easton Hospital closes maternity ward in cost-cutting measure
https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-easton-hospital-maternity-ward-20200210-yeuudihuvvc6hglc56dsqu52ti-story.html
Local News
Scranton sues delinquent landlord Ken Bond
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-sues-delinquent-landlord-ken-bond-1.2593409
Scranton Mayor Cognetti announces Day of Action on census
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-cognetti-announces-day-of-action-on-census-1.2593366
‘Self-audit’ self-defeating; issue is policy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/self-audit-self-defeating-issue-is-policy-1.2593395
Dunmore agrees to settle $230,000 overcompensation with retired firefighter
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-agrees-to-settle-230-000-overcompensation-with-retired-firefighter-1.2593516
Reading Mayor Eddie Moran’s transition team lays out goals for the administration
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-mayor-eddie-moran-s-transition-team-lays-out-goals/article_94a2284a-493a-11ea-8453-a710318cb32f.html
Reading Downtown Improvement District approves 2020 budget
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-downtown-improvement-district-approves-budget/article_353b01e8-4c45-11ea-8e88-cbbb14ff1df1.html
Spring Township appoints its finance director as new township manager
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/spring-township-appoints-its-finance-director-as-new-township-manager/article_abaaff7c-4c4a-11ea-9b14-07bb2228fc63.html
Former Albany Township resident sets up charitable program to benefit community
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/former-albany-township-resident-sets-up-charitable-program-to-benefit/article_6cb14d46-4923-11ea-a412-476b5030d5e7.html
Western Berks Water Authority OKs funds toward 2nd treated-water tank
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/western-berks-water-authority-oks-funds-toward-nd-treated-water/article_e45e2ea2-4c4a-11ea-90ee-c7d560a47e63.html
As bankruptcy case winds down, investors have yet to emerge for troubled Clairton community
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/02/10/Clairton-Century-Townhomes-bankruptcy-Pennsylvania-American-Water/stories/202001300145
Westmoreland Manor Legionella treatment cost nears $24K
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-manor-legionella-treatment-cost-nears-24k/
‘Huge loss to the community’: Friends remember former sheriff Stankus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772434/huge-loss-to-the-community-friends-remember-former-sheriff-stankus
Luzerne County prison suicide suit alleges concerns
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772436/luzerne-county-prison-suicide-suit-alleges-concerns
County council to weigh proposed lawsuit settlements
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-to-weigh-proposed-lawsuit-settlements-1.2593427
Residents hope stormwater petition gets White House attention
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/residents-hope-stormwater-petition-gets-white-house-attention-1.2593525
Brain Fair to focus on concussions
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/brain-fair-to-focus-on-concussions-1.2593386
Mahanoy Twp. police get Narcan donation
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/mahanoy-twp-police-get-narcan-donation-1.2593460
Hazleton property taxes hiked to fund code officers
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-property-taxes-hiked-to-fund-code-officers-1.2593483
New effort to help homeless veterans: ‘Now it is our turn to answer their call’
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-homeless-veterans-funding-20200210-qbdopjl3kngn3bli3hdvq4gqom-story.html
Swatara Township blocks effort to build four warehouses near residential area
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/10/swatara-township-blocks-effort-to-build-four-warehouses-near-residential-area/
National News
Over 100 troops have brain injuries from Iran’s missile attack, the Pentagon now says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/02/10/Iran-attack-brain-injuries-traumatic-US-troops-more-than-100-diagnosed-missile/stories/202002100151
Chinese military stole personal info of tens of millions Americans, U.S. government says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/equifax-breach-hack-chinese-military-hackers-charged-20200210.html
Rural and poor states depend on the Census the most, new report shows
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/rural-and-poor-states-depend-on-the-census-the-most/
Philly
Which are the best, most improved Philly schools? District reveals them.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/best-schools-philadelphia-most-improved-district-charter-2019-20200210.html
Philly progressives used to criticize weak campaign finance laws. Then they learned how to use them.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/philadelphia-campaign-finance-progressives-pacs-20200211.html
At 87, this Philly physician to spinal cord injury patients finds hope in sculpting
https://www.inquirer.com/health/ditunno-jefferson-spinal-cord-injury-sculpture-class-pennsylvania-academy-fine-arts-20200211.html
What happened to this South Philly community garden?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kenny-gamble-community-garden-faatimah-20200211.html
Philly’s rapidly changing neighborhoods may be skewing the count of underwater mortgages
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/home-equity-underwater-philadelphia-attom-20200211.html
Philadelphia takes steps to ensure this Medal of Honor winner is never forgotten
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/medal-of-honor-winner-philadelphia-john-mcveigh-veterans-20200211.html
A Gayborhood bar said it closed ‘due to hate.’ The full story is more complicated.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/boxers-philadelphia-closed-hate-liquor-license-david-singer-20200210.html
Tibetans in Philly dream of a place of their own — and work to make it real
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tibet-china-tap-dalai-lama-philadelphia-20200210.html
Bankrupt PES says Philly refinery restart is a ‘fantasy’ and urges court to approve sale to developer
https://www.inquirer.com/business/bankrupt-philly-refinery-pes-urges-hilco-sale-says-restart-fantasy-20200210.html
New Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw takes over her new department
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-commissioner-danielle-outlaw-first-day-20200210.html
St. Christopher’s nurses deserve parental leave and safe staffing | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/st-christopher-hospital-nurses-hannehman-closure-20200210.html
Market-Frankford Line issues underscore need for more transparency from SEPTA | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/septa-market-frankford-line-el-repairs-20200210.html
Pitt
Tree of Life seeks backstories to items left at memorial outside synagogue
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/02/10/Tree-of-Life-synagogue-memorial-backstories-items-outside/stories/202002100138
Tree of Life seeks information about objects left at Pittsburgh memorial
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/tree-of-life-seeks-information-about-objects-left-at-pittsburgh-memorial/
West Library park-and-ride in Bethel Park to lose 13 spaces during road work
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/02/10/Bethel-Park-Port-Authority-South-Park-Township-West-Library-park-and-ride-spaces/stories/202002100129
PWSA expands free lead line replacement program
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/02/10/PWSA-expands-free-lead-line-replacement-program/stories/202002100097
Police need help identifying suspects in Wilkinsburg shooting that killed 1 man, injured girl, 5
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/10/Allegheny-County-Wilkinsburg-Police-fatal-shooting-Kevin-Hall-video-surveillance/stories/202002100127
Ben Roethlisberger Foundation announces new K-9 grants
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/ben-roethlisberger-foundation-announces-new-k-9-grants/
Average home sale price topped $200,000 in Greater Pittsburgh area for first time in 2019
https://triblive.com/local/regional/average-home-sale-price-topped-200000-in-greater-pittsburgh-area-for-first-time-in-2019/
Proposed fee on Allegheny County real estate filings could help fight blight
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/proposed-fee-on-allegheny-county-real-estate-filings-could-help-fight-blight/
Hispanic chamber of commerce accepting scholarship applications
https://triblive.com/local/regional/hispanic-chamber-of-commerce-accepting-scholarship-applications/
Pittsburgh LGBTQ political advocacy group announces primary election endorsements
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-lgbtq-political-advocacy-group-announces-primary-election-endorsements/Content?oid=16731149
Pittsburgh NAACP calls for Allegheny County judge to be removed following racist remarks
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-naacp-calls-for-allegheny-county-judge-to-be-removed-following-racist-remarks/Content?oid=16730307
State News
Pennsylvania sues Juul over marketing e-cigarettes to teens
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/02/10/Juul-Pennsylvania-sues-ecigarette-marketing-teens/stories/202002100131
Family Service Association celebrates PA 211 Day
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772428/family-services-association-celebrates-pa-211-day
Clergy sex abuse class action lawsuit against Pittsburgh diocese seeks to add Greensburg, others
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/clergy-sex-abuse-class-action-lawsuit-against-pittsburgh-diocese-seeks-to-add-greensburg-others/
Attorneys expand lawsuit seeking abuse information from Pa. dioceses
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/11/attorneys-expand-lawsuit-seeking-abuse-information-from-pa-dioceses/
Armstrong Trails among elite group to land grants from national Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
https://triblive.com/local/regional/armstrong-trails-among-elite-group-to-land-grants-from-national-rails-to-trails-conservancy/
Local rail authority sued for Sunshine Law violation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-rail-authority-sued-for-sunshine-law-violation-1.2593437
Berks County landscapers offer advice on fighting spotted lanternfly
https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/berks-county-landscapers-offer-advice-on-fighting-spotted-lanternfly/article_d40fc422-49cd-11ea-bd2b-dba3cb68566b.html
Farmers focus on sustainability during Lancaster conference
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/10/farmers-focus-on-sustainability-during-lancaster-conference/
Transportation
Potholes produce several flat tires at intersection of routes 222 and 73 in Maidencreek Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/potholes-produce-several-flat-tires-at-intersection-of-routes-and/article_d5b4dbc6-4c4a-11ea-94be-a3d83f8ff587.html
Washington
Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix’s criticism of the dairy industry irks Pa. congressman
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/oscar-winner-joaquin-phoenixs-criticism-of-the-dairy-industry-irks-pa-congressman.html
Toomey seeks tariff exemption for Midland steel plant
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200210/toomey-seeks-tariff-exemption-for-midland-steel-plant