Legislature

Pa. Democrats call for investigation of GOP state house colleagues’ role in Capitol siege
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-democrats-call-for-investigation-of-gop-state-house-colleagues-role-in-capitol-siege/

As Pennsylvania drug crisis worsens, state government and Lehigh Valley-area coroners disagree on number of deaths
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-drug-crisis-deathcount-20210210-ho6odnpccrdvjjs4wrwb6n6khy-story.html

Chancellor’s plan reflects era, reality
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/chancellors-plan-reflects-era-reality/article_12c28523-bb24-518a-84d9-bf53841f9876.html

Stewart Greenleaf, longtime state senator from Montco, has died
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-senate-montgomery-county-stewart-greenleaf-died-20210211.html

Former Pa. Sen. Stewart Greenleaf dies, hailed for pursuit of criminal justice reform
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/02/former-pa-sen-stewart-greenleaf-dies-remembered-for-pursuit-of-criminal-justice-reform.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

Philly, State College and Lancaster ZIP codes still lead Pa. in new COVID-19 cases this week
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/02/philly-state-college-and-lancaster-zip-codes-still-lead-pa-in-new-covid-19-cases-this-week.html

New cases in Montgomery County and at Penn show the coronavirus variant is spreading across the Philly region
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-variant-philly-montco-pa-nj-vaccine-20210211.html

COVID-19 vaccine distribution getting worse in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-distribution-getting-worse-in-luzerne-county/article_c62a8c53-ff2b-5bfd-adbe-aad206039944.html

Four cases of U.K. coronavirus variant confirmed in Montgomery County
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/four-cases-of-u-k-coronavirus-variant-confirmed-in-montgomery-county/article_925884a4-6713-59f3-b78a-8f29ece951aa.html

COVID-19 UPDATE: U.K. variant found in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/02/10/covid-19-coronavirus-pittsburgh-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-health-vaccine/stories/202102100114

UK covid variant detected in Allegheny County, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/uk-covid-variant-detected-in-allegheny-county-officials-say/

Westmoreland County adds 84 covid cases, 3 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-84-covid-cases-3-deaths/

Local COVID-19 death rate drops sharply
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/local-covid-19-death-rate-drops-sharply/article_811b90c5-405f-512b-954a-788389ad81a5.html

More than 10,000 Berks County residents have completed COVID vaccinations
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/more-than-10-000-berks-county-residents-have-completed-covid-vaccinations/article_d0666224-6b99-11eb-92fd-a3f4557cfcd3.html

Facilities can appeal DOH reports, department spokeswoman says
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/facilities-can-appeal-doh-reports-department-spokewoman-says/article_851dbfb0-cd20-5f46-84ad-a46e84378c4f.html

COVID-19 and the courts: How innovations keep Pa.’s legal system running in a pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/02/covid-19-and-the-courts-how-innovations-keep-pas-legal-system-running-in-a-pandemic.html

Congress tees up $767M in COVID aid for Pittsburgh-area governments as relief measure advances
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/02/10/COVID-19-relief-bill-funds-House-Democrats-aid-package-767-million-Pittsburgh-area/stories/202102100109

Business

Pennsylvania outlines launch of COVID-19 relief program with grants up to $50,000 for restaurants, other hospitality businesses
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-grant-program-startup-20210210-3msrlp2bzjhank3q7d3uzwyjhy-story.html

More businesses cited by liquor control for violating COVID rules, including defying shutdown order
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2021/02/11/Pennsylvania-Liquor-Control-Board-COVID-rules-shutdown-orders-Pittsburgh-area/stories/202102100140

Former Queen City restaurant in Reading to become medical marijuana dispensary
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/former-queen-city-restaurant-in-reading-to-become-medical-marijuana-dispensary/article_ae94bda0-6bc4-11eb-a18d-83a9eca45ab5.html

Pennsylvania, federal officials reach $7.6 million settlement with American Zinc Recycling in lawsuit over pollution from Palmerton plant
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-palmerton-american-zinc-recycling-settlement-20210210-fsvvg25d3vfr7kl6fg7atlekvy-story.html

Crime/Punishment

Feds appeal release order for ‘bullhorn lady’ accused in Capitol riot
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/02/10/Rachel-Powell-bullhorn-lady-Capitol-riot-release-order-appeal-Mercer-County-woman/stories/202102100169

Police shooting of a sword-wielding man is under investigation in Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/police-involved-shooting-montgomery-county-district-attorney-kevin-steele-trey-bartholomew-20210210.html

Editorial: Shootings in Reading cannot be overlooked
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-shootings-in-reading-cannot-be-overlooked/article_b15a25dc-6bad-11eb-adfa-5bb9d5bcb52d.html

Education

Southmoreland School District continuing probe of teacher in connection with racist post
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/southmoreland-school-district-continuing-probe-of-teacher-in-connection-with-racist-post/

St. Joe’s and University of the Sciences have proposed a merger
https://www.inquirer.com/education/saint-josephs-university-university-of-the-sciences-merger-evaluation-20210210.html

Elections/Politics

As John Fetterman enters Pa.’s Senate race, could he be the future of U.S. politics? | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/02/as-john-fetterman-enters-pas-senate-race-could-he-be-the-future-of-us-politics-john-baer.html

Health Care

Pennsylvania residents are more worried than ever about health care costs, survey finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coroanvirus-covid-19-health-care-insurance-cost-20210210.html

Flu season takes a mild turn
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/flu-season-takes-a-mild-turn/article_8ca917d8-530e-5102-a0f9-0281f54f16fe.html

Local News

Jessup housing development to create nearly three dozen lots, townhouses
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-housing-development-to-create-nearly-three-dozen-lots-townhouses/article_3771354d-062c-54b2-8645-5bf79da1aca5.html

Descendants ask Berks County Court to block warehouse atop 18th century graveyard
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/history/descendants-ask-berks-county-court-to-block-warehouse-atop-18th-century-graveyard/article_fd3a2490-6bb0-11eb-8776-5766d25c8157.html

Schuylkill River Trail section where bicyclist was shot is the focus of safety project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/environment/schuylkill-river-trail-section-where-bicyclist-was-shot-is-the-focus-of-safety-project-map/article_ef300a0e-6b1f-11eb-95e9-5be8f4f8bd71.html

Want to hike 35 miles on the longest day of the year? The Rachel Carson Challenge is on for June
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/want-to-hike-35-miles-on-the-longest-day-of-the-year-the-rachel-carson-challenge-is-on-for-june/

Fork Over Love distributes 800 meals purchased from local restaurants
https://www.timesleader.com/news/855329/fork-over-love-distributes-800-meals-purchased-from-local-restaurants

WB/Scr. Penguins and Arena Board modify lease to salvage hockey season
https://www.timesleader.com/news/855374/wb-scr-penguins-and-arena-board-modify-lease-to-salvage-hockey-season

Kingston Twp. police investigating ‘insensitive and racist’ post
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crime-emergencies/kingston-twp-police-investigating-insensitive-and-racist-post/article_a79f3bf1-024e-558e-924b-03ca6d240805.html

Irwin Council: Masks are optional at future meetings
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/irwin-council-masks-are-optional-at-future-meetings/

Nicole Ziccarelli announces bid for Westmoreland County district attorney
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/nicole-ziccarelli-announces-bid-for-westmoreland-county-district-attorney/

NJ development company pitches ambitious plan to revitalize Allentown’s Front Street corridor, Lehigh riverfront, Buck Boyle Park
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-lehigh-riverfront-development-ambitious-plan-20210210-sjztczmpabdmfeeqqtxcvtvf2i-story.html

Williamsport agrees to make City Hall more accessible for those with disabilities
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/02/williamsport-settles-lawsuit-by-agreeing-to-make-city-hall-more-accessible-for-those-with-disabilities.html

Natural Gas

Report: Shale gas boom counties saw little growth in local jobs, income
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2021/02/11/shale-gas-boom-counties-jobs-income-Pennsylvania-Marcellus-Utica/stories/202102100170

DEP should revoke permits, explain itself
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/02/11/DEP-should-revoke-permits-explain-itself-Pennsylvania-Environment-Shale-Gas/stories/202102110030

Philly

Black Philadelphians aren’t getting their fair share of COVID-19 vaccines. Faith leaders and hospitals are hearing a call to fix that.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-african-episcopal-church-philadelphia-20210211.html

When Danielle Outlaw was chief in Portland, Ore., police ‘escalated tensions’ by using force against protesters, report finds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/danielle-outlaw-police-philadelphia-protests-portland-unrest-tear-gas-20210210.html

Should Philly use the Linc as mass vaccine site? It’s now a political fight.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/vaccine-lincoln-financial-field-eagles-council-kenney-20210210.html

Amid the COVID-19 economic slump, some Philly businesses are giving back
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/covid-19-coronavirus-charity-giving-city-planter-true-hand-20210211.html

Hungry as a child, this Philadelphia woman now uses her own house as a food pantry
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hunger-upper-darby-philadelphia-covid-19-philabundance-food-insecurity-20210211.html

Kensington faces a new challenge: Luxury development. Can a woke developer mitigate gentrification? | Inga Saffron
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/kensington-gentrification-shift-capital-drugs-opioids-impact-services-neighborhood-development-housing-maken-fels-fund-inga-saffron-20210210.html

Black women coalesce around embattled police commissioner
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/black-women-coalesce-around-embattled-police-commissioner/article_b9dcf282-a2d5-517c-8780-20efda599aa1.html

Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium to tighten requirements around vaccine distribution
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/black-doctors-consortium-covid-vaccination-clinics-criteria-20210211.html

Philly cop expected to be fired after crashing into a home at 70 mph while drunk, injuring couple, killing dog
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gregory-campbell-philadelphia-police-crash-fired-outlaw-20210210.html

Made in Philadelphia, the ‘first modern computer’ is celebrated on 75th anniversary
https://www.inquirer.com/science/eniac-75-anniversary-computer-penn-philadelphia-20210211.html

More voices needed on reopening Philly schools, including Mayor Kenney’s | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-schools-reopening-teacher-protest-pft-hite-ventilation-20210211.html

Think Philly’s FOP ‘accountability’ bonus makes no sense? Not in this upside down world. | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-mayor-kenney-gun-violence-resolution-homicides-jamie-gauthier-jamal-johnson-helen-ubinas-20210210.html

Michael Nutter: As violence surges in Philly, we need to prepare kids for the worst | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/gun-violence-philadelphia-pennsylvania-save-students-act-20210210.html

Pitt

Pittsburgh’s civil rights agency wary of Peduto’s change to hairstyle law after city police officer wants to grow beard
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/02/10/Pittsburgh-CROWN-Act-Peduto-Commission-on-Human-Relations-police-officer-facial-hair/stories/202102100146

Debate continues over city’s role in Pittsburgh’s ‘educational emergency’
https://triblive.com/local/debate-continues-over-citys-role-in-pittsburghs-educational-emergency/

Pitt extends SAT, ACT test optional polices through fall 2023
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/02/10/University-of-Pittsburgh-SAT-ACT-test-optional-pandemic-admissions-colleges-standardized-Cudd/stories/202102100155

A taste of honey: Southern-style restaurant may help kickstart new vision for Station Square
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/02/11/Tupelo-Honey-Station-Square-First-Ascent-South-Side-Gateway-Clipper/stories/202102110087

City Council moves forward with plan to open talks with school board
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/02/10/Pittsburgh-City-Council-moves-forward-plan-open-talks-PPS-public-schools-board-covid-19/stories/202102100129

Joe King, Pittsburgh’s longtime firefighters union president, dies
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/02/10/Joe-King-Pittsburgh-firefighters-union-president-dies/stories/202102100095

YWCA Greater Pittsburgh to use $20M from MacKenzie Scott to address racial, gender inequities
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/02/11/YWCA-Greater-Pittsburgh-MacKenzie-Scott-Bezos-grant-race-gender-20-million/stories/202102110053

Plane drives off taxiway at Pittsburgh International Airport, everyone off plane safely
https://triblive.com/local/plane-drives-off-runway-at-pittsburgh-international-airport/

Remembering the implosion of Three Rivers Stadium 20 years ago
https://triblive.com/local/remembering-the-implosion-of-three-rivers-stadium-20-years-ago/

Pittsburgh food bank’s Green Grocer now offers produce delivery service
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-food-banks-green-grocer-now-offers-produce-delivery-service/

V Foundation grant goes toward children’s cancer research at UPMC Children’s
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/v-foundation-grant-goes-toward-childrens-cancer-research-at-upmc-childrens/

Neighbors, friends raise money to help displaced tenants of South Side fire
https://triblive.com/local/neighbors-friends-raise-money-to-help-displaced-tenants-of-south-side-fire/

State News

PennDOT driver license, photo centers closed through upcoming holiday weekend
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/02/penndot-driver-license-photo-centers-closed-through-upcoming-holiday-weekend.html

This ‘dead creek’ runs orange with acid mine discharge, poisoning the Susquehanna
https://www.poconorecord.com/in-depth/news/2021/02/03/dead-creek-red-acid-mine-discharge-poisoning-susquehanna-river/5692612002/

Transportation

Rural Pennsylvanians feel stranded as commercial airline access continues to disappear
https://www.inquirer.com/news/airport-american-flights-covid-cares-willamsport-littleleague-20210210.html

Washington

‘If not for Donald Trump’: Pa. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean links riot to ‘actions of a desperate president’
https://www.witf.org/2021/02/11/if-not-for-donald-trump-pa-congresswoman-madeleine-dean-links-riot-to-actions-of-a-desperate-president/

Trump impeachment trial video shows vast scope, danger of Capitol riot
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-impeachment-trial-opening-arguments-day-2-20210210.html

The view from Trump lawyer Bruce Castor’s Montgomery County: ‘It’s embarrassing’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/bruce-castor-trump-impeachment-trial-montgomery-county-pa-reaction-20210210.html

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is back in the Senate majority. What he hopes Democrats can achieve
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2021/02/11/sen-bob-casey-senate-trump-impeachment-washington-pennsylvania/6710464002/