Legislature
State Sen. Kane calls for probe in Chester County vaccine shortage
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/state-sen-kane-calls-for-probe-in-chester-county-vaccine-shortage/article_547c0d04-6c97-11eb-a133-e3fa7ea96298.html
Pennsylvania should ensure digital privacy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/pennsylvania-should-ensure-digital-privacy/article_c0d6c358-a959-5b68-8015-7e774d97ab49.html
Gun owners must report lost and stolen firearms
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2021/02/12/Gun-owners-must-report-lost-and-stolen-firearms-Josh-Fleitman/stories/202102090115
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Wolf administration praises southwestern Pa. agencies’ vaccination programs
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/02/11/COVID-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-pittsburgh-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-surge-1/stories/202102110129
Pa. community groups key in helping underserved populations get covid vaccine
https://triblive.com/local/pa-community-groups-key-in-helping-underserved-populations-get-covid-vaccine/
COVID-19 vaccine appointments for more than 1,000 Pittsburghers canceled
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2021/02/11/COVID-19-vaccines-more-than-1-000-Pittsburghers-canceled-hilltop-pharmacy-tom-wolf/stories/202102110147
Some Pennsylvania providers won’t be getting their promised first-dose vaccine this week
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2021/02/12/pennsylvania-providers-shorted-first-dose-covid-vaccine/6730052002/
Westmoreland commissioners plan for vaccine registry
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-commissioners-plan-for-vaccine-registry/
Bucks County COVID vaccine clinics to start Tuesday at community college campuses
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/02/11/bucks-county-covid-vaccine-clinics-phase-1-a/6708029002/
Vaccine registration software creates headaches for Lehigh Valley health bureaus
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-prepmod-ahb-bhb-20210212-ke5cshidmvcxlgpfmkpufu2wd4-story.html
Despite vaccine, Redstone Highlands reports covid spike at Greensburg facility
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/despite-vaccine-redstone-highlands-reports-covid-spike-at-greensburg-facility/
Pa. Dept. of Health setting up testing sites in 5 more counties, including Berks and Lebanon
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/02/pa-dept-of-health-setting-up-testing-sites-in-5-more-counties-including-berks-and-lebanon.html
Local medical providers treating COVID-19 patients with promising antibody infusion therapy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/local-medical-providers-treating-covid-19-patients-with-promising-antibody-infusion-therapy/article_0d8a7b62-6ccd-596f-8b20-a434fdb7da9f.html
Employee claims Kadima workers were sent threatening text
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/employee-claims-kadima-workers-were-sent-threatening-text/article_fd2ef9c3-9e66-50b5-8c41-64b263118ee2.html
Reported covid cases in Westmoreland County remain steady
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/reported-covid-cases-in-westmoreland-county-remain-steady/
Montgomery County reports 172 daily new positive cases of coronavirus
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-reports-172-daily-new-positive-cases-of-coronavirus/article_7ac7b8f3-869c-5715-a909-7dd2515d159c.html
CVS looks to simplify vaccine site for federal pharmacy push
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/02/11/CVS-covid-vaccine-site-for-federal-pharmacy-push-vaccinations/stories/202102110122
Biden says the U.S. will have 600 million COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of July
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/biden-says-us-is-securing-600-million-covid-19-vaccine-doses-by-july-20210211.html
Houston doctor was fired after giving out COVID-19 vaccine doses that were about to expire
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-meds/2021/02/12/Houston-doctor-fired-giving-out-COVID-19-vaccine-doses-about-to-expire/stories/202102120099
Increasing available vaccines
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/02/12/Increasing-available-vaccines-Editorial-Board-Pittsburgh-Post-Gazette/stories/202102050048
Administration
Gov. Wolf proposes paying anyone wrongly convicted $50K for every year spent in prison
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2021/02/gov-wolf-proposes-paying-anyone-wrongly-convicted-50k-for-every-year-spent-in-prison.html
Business
Mixed reaction locally on plan to hike minimum wage to $15 per hour
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/mixed-reaction-locally-on-plan-to-hike-minimum-wage-to-15-per-hour/article_9b1debca-6cb4-11eb-bd35-73617d592e2f.html
Editorial: Let’s follow example of Wawa, Sheetz
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-lets-follow-example-of-wawa-sheetz/article_1afaadac-6c7d-11eb-9704-672daea5b749.html
Crime/Punishment
The nation’s oldest juvenile lifer, Joe Ligon, left a Pa. prison after 68 years
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-ligon-juvenile-lifer-philadelphia-incarceration-release-lifetime-parole-20210211.html
‘They don’t deserve to die in prison’: Gov. Wolf grants clemency to 13 lifers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/commutation-pennsylvania-gov-wolf-fetterman-board-pardons-evans-horton-brothers-20210211.html
Accused Capitol rioter from Mercer County again ordered released from jail
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/02/11/Rachel-Powell-bullhorn-lady-Capitol-riot-released-pending-trial-Mercer-County-woman/stories/202102110174
12 years later, former county councilman McCullough’s appeals run out
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/02/11/charles-mccullough-case-appeal-denied-supreme-court-county-council-shirley-jordan/stories/202102110124
Gunman in Chester murder arrested in South Carolina, DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nasir-frisby-chester-homicide-candlewood-suites-20210211.html
State trooper charged with promoting prostitution, illegal gambling
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/state-trooper-charged-with-promoting-prostitution-illegal-gambling/article_ada347ea-6a98-5a83-be7b-e2dc9ff40275.html
Education
Pa. education groups urge state to prioritize school staff vaccinations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/02/11/Pennsylvania-education-groups-urge-prioritize-schools-staff-teachers-students-vaccinations-phase-1a-1b/stories/202102110146
School groups to Wolf: Vaccinate teachers ASAP
https://www.timesleader.com/news/861855/school-groups-to-wolf-vaccinate-teachers-asap
A debate in the Philly suburbs on bringing more students back to classrooms is ‘as political as the presidential election’
https://www.inquirer.com/education/covid-schools-reopening-philadelphia-parents-pennsylvania-20210212.html
White House says it will defer to CDC on reopening schools; new guidelines expected today
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/02/11/White-House-says-it-will-defer-to-CDC-on-reopening-schools/stories/202102110157
Kiski Area looks to data quantifying ‘learning loss’ during pandemic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/kiski-area-looks-to-data-quantifying-learning-loss-during-pandemic/
Some Boyertown School District staff get COVID vaccine through local pharmacy
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/some-boyertown-school-district-staff-get-covid-vaccine-through-local-pharmacy/article_f448b80a-6cab-11eb-9e3d-6f5de9199e26.html
Pa. teacher’s trip to D.C. on day of Capitol rioting leads to calls for his firing and some words of support
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/02/pa-teachers-trip-to-dc-on-day-of-capitol-rioting-leads-to-calls-for-his-firing-and-some-words-of-support.html
Legendary high school basketball coach Julius Prezelski dies
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/high-school/legendary-high-school-basketball-coach-julius-prezelski-dies/article_2f7fb49d-e6cf-5c46-8cc9-32d894e54099.html
Misericordia starts widespread COVID-19 surveillance testing on campus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/862779/misericordia-starts-widespread-covid-19-surveillance-testing-on-campus
Elections/Politics
John Fetterman: ‘Race played no role’ in shotgun-wielding chase of Black jogger he mistook for criminal
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/john-fetterman-race-played-no-role-in-shotgun-wielding-chase-of-black-jogger-he-mistook-for-criminal/
Former deputy election director describes discarded ballots incident
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/former-deputy-election-director-describes-discarded-ballots-incident/article_4fa773ad-c906-5f01-bf3e-ca2ad0004947.html
Candidates line up for GOP nomination for open Pa. Senate seat; Democrats still searching for one
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/02/candidates-line-up-for-gop-nomination-for-open-pa-senate-seat-democrats-still-searching-for-one.html
Lehigh Valley spent $1.5 million more for 2020 election than 2016. It could be the new norm.
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-2020-election-cost-skyrocket-20210212-yrvpv34bfnewhebwwtvrrqqtcm-story.html
Health Care
Pandemic-fueled alcohol abuse creates wave of hospitalizations for liver disease
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/liver-disease-increase-pandemic-alcohol-20210212.html
Local News
Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce supports small business fund
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/greater-scranton-chamber-of-commerce-supports-small-business-fund/article_3cf3b7aa-0292-5427-a83c-6f1de1e0c8b2.html
How preserving an Oley Hills forest protects water, plants and animals
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/environment/how-preserving-an-oley-hills-forest-protects-water-plants-and-animals/article_142eee0a-6180-11eb-99a0-9b512d8f64a2.html
Lower Burrell passes hazard plan to receive money for federal disasters
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-passes-hazard-plan-to-receive-money-for-federal-disasters/
Delmont secures $15,000 grant to develop borough recreation plan
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/delmont-secures-15000-grant-to-develop-borough-recreation-plan/
Wilkes-Barre City Council unites on votes, short on answers to callers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/862853/wilkes-barre-city-council-unites-on-votes-short-on-answers-to-callers
Revised snow-removal regulations pass on first reading in Hazleton
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/revised-snow-removal-regulations-pass-on-first-reading-in-hazleton/article_36421f39-d5cd-563d-a9b0-e3504510c0c9.html
National News
Taxes on digital ads, cigarettes among veto overrides in the Md. House
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2021/02/taxes-on-digital-ads-cigarettes-among-veto-overrides-in-the-md-house.html
Michigan senator stands by Capitol riot ‘hoax’ comment as colleagues criticize his ‘conspiracy theorizing’
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/02/michigan-senator-stands-by-capitol-riot-hoax-comment-as-colleagues-criticize-his-conspiracy-theorizing.html
New Jersey
The South Jersey wrestling official from the dreadlocks controversy is suing over his suspension
https://www.inquirer.com/high-school-sports/nj-education-wrestling-referee-dreadlocks-cut-alan-maloney-suspension-lawsuit-20210211.html
Opioid Crisis
Pennsylvania official says surge in drug use killing nearly 13 people a day; 2020 could be worst year yet in opioid crisis
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-state-drugs-deaths-20210211-pxk3qmpfyfdlhmarfvwd4mzuje-story.html
Philly
How COVID-19 could kill Philly’s wage tax and take down the city’s finances
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-wage-tax-deficit-covid-pandemic-home-prices-stimulus-20210212.html
Philly DA refiles charges against former police inspector Joe Bologna in assault of student at the George Floyd protests
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joseph-bologna-philly-police-beating-protester-george-floyd-krasner-charges-20210211.html
It looks as if the reopening timeline for Philly schools could depend on the school
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadephia-school-district-reopening-teachers-union-20210211.html
Philly schools chief Hite mum on state of standoff with city teachers; stresses schools are safe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/philly-schools-chief-hite-mum-on-state-of-standoff-with-city-teachers-stresses-schools-are-safe/
City legislators demand Kenney work with them over COVID-19 vaccine distribution
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-legislators-demand-kenney-work-with-them-over-covid-19-vaccine-distribution/article_c045ecf2-f3f9-574e-8e48-ba2d391b6b57.html
Philly’s gun violence increased in 2020 as COVID-19 lockdown measures went into effect, study finds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-gun-violence-2020-coronavirus-lockdown-pandemic-study-temple-20210211.html
Philadelphia’s florists have seen love on display throughout the pandemic. Valentine’s Day is no exception.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-flowers-valentines-day-gifts-coronavirus-20210212.html
The Philly election you haven’t heard of with a half-billion dollars at stake
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/philadelphia-board-of-directors-of-city-trusts-election-20210212.html
Outlaw says altered image of police motto used by NBC10 ‘insulting’ and that station has apologized
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-commissioner-outlaw-nbc-apology-20210212.html
With eviction avalanche looming, court documents fail to ensure due process for tenants | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/evictions-pandemic-philadelphia-municipal-court-writ-of-possession-20210212.html
Philly’s new indoor dining guidelines fail both restaurants and customers | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/indoor-dining-philadelphia-new-ventilation-rules-capactity-20210211.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh City Council’s two Black members endorse Mayor Peduto for re-election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2021/02/11/pittsburgh-City-Council-Black-members-daniel-lavelle-ricky-burgess-endorse-Mayor-bill-Peduto-re-election-ed-gainey/stories/202102110159
Mayor Peduto in a hairy mess
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/02/12/Mayor-Peduto-in-a-hairy-mess-pittsburgh/stories/202102120043
Beards for Pittsburgh residents would be protected in revised law
https://triblive.com/local/beards-for-city-residents-would-be-protected-in-revised-pittsburgh-law/
Slow snow removal causes frustration in some Pittsburgh neighborhoods
https://triblive.com/local/slow-snow-removal-causes-frustration-in-some-pittsburgh-neighborhoods/
UniSound launches Black teaching artist-in-residence program
https://triblive.com/local/unisound-launches-black-teaching-artist-in-residence-program/
900 ‘Valentines for Seniors’ delivered with love by North Hills library lovers
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/goodness/2021/02/12/Shaler-North-Hills-Library-Valentines-cards-for-Seniors-900-holiday-goodness/stories/202102080137
Plugging holes: SEA to spend $9.9 million to replace leaking convention center roof
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/02/11/David-L-Lawrence-Convention-Center-Downtown-Sports-Exhibition-Authority-roof-leaks/stories/202102110140
URA board gives more time to Lexington Technology Park developer
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/02/11/Urban-Redevelopment-Authority-Lexington-Technology-Park-Point-Breeze-Flats-on-Forward/stories/202102110175
State News
French Creek State Park to allow pets next year
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/french-creek-state-park-to-allow-pets-next-year/article_124be3b0-df1e-5d84-8d9c-0e45913e6673.html
Washington
Convict Trump or face dire democracy damage, prosecutors say
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-impeachment-trial-capitol-attack-video-20210211.html
Philadelphia-area lawyer who defended Trump accustomed to political disaster
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/02/12/pennsylvania-lawyer-defended-Trump-bruce-castor-second-impeachment-trial/stories/202102120103
House Democrats advance Biden’s COVID-19 bills, including $1,400 stimulus checks and $15 minimum wage plan
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/coronavirus-stimulus-house-congress-talks-20210211.html
Cartwright calls for changes at USPS
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cartwright-calls-for-changes-at-usps/article_cada4762-f1bf-5c64-8b1e-02b1f24b25a8.html
World News
Tokyo Olympics: Yoshiro Mori resigns, but gender issues remain
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/olympics/2021/02/12/Tokyo-Olympics-Mori-is-leaving-but-gender-issues-remain/stories/202102120098