Legislature
Advocates want Gov. Tom Wolf to declare Philadelphia schools a ‘disaster’ area because of asbestos
https://www.inquirer.com/news/asbestos-philadelphia-schools-state-of-emergency-disaster-20200213.html
Power shift in Senate could reignite push to help adult survivors of childhood sex abuse
https://www.dailyitem.com/news/local_news/power-shift-in-senate-could-reignite-push-to-help-adult/article_f3c17f66-6030-5d75-b7fd-7834e3a51adc.html
With Senate President Joe Scarnati’s departure, the Pa. Legislature loses a great compromiser
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/02/with-senate-president-joe-scarnatis-departure-the-pa-legislature-loses-a-great-compromiser.html
‘Personal, not political’; Outgoing Pa. Senate leader Joe Scarnati reflects on decision to leave
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/exit-interview-on-the-day-after-his-retirement-announcement-pa-senate-president-pro-tempore-joe-scarnati-reflects-on-his-time-in-harrisburg.html
‘Anytime Joe would speak, members listened.’ After two decades in Harrisburg, Scarnati leaves a complicated legacy
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/anytime-joe-would-speak-members-listened-after-two-decades-in-harrisburg-scarnati-leaves-a-complicated-legacy/
With Joe Scarnati’s retirement, who is next in line to lead the Pa. Senate?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/with-joe-scarnatis-retirement-who-is-next-in-line-to-lead-the-pa-senate.html
Community college backers: Senator’s exit won’t impact efforts
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200213/community-college-backers-senators-exit-wont-impact-efforts
First draft of Pa. carbon-cutting rules aims to save waste coal plants
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/02/14/regional-greenhouse-gas-rggi-waste-coal-DEP-draft-rules-pennsylvania/stories/202002130158
Administration
Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf and the horse industry are clashing over his plan to divert money for student loan relief
https://www.inquirer.com/education/tom-wolf-student-debt-plan-horse-industry-20200213.html
Governor vetoes bill to delay closure of Polk Center
https://www.goerie.com/news/20200213/governor-vetoes-bill-to-delay-closure-of-polk-center
Business
McClatchy Newspapers declare bankruptcy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/legal/2020/02/13/McClatchy-Newspapers-bankruptcy-kevin-pittsburgh-pirates/stories/202002130167
Tony Luke’s expands cheesesteak empire with casino location
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772688/tony-lukes-expands-cheesesteak-empire-with-casino-location
Dispensary: ‘Incompetent’ pharmacist trying ‘shakedown’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dispensary-incompetent-pharmacist-trying-shakedown-1.2594833
Rutter’s reports breach of customer credit card information
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/rutters-reports-breach-of-customer-credit-card-information.html
Rutter’s data breach warning hits York County the hardest
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/02/13/rutters-data-breach-may-affect-more-than-40-york-county-stores/4756382002/
Shapiro sues company for bogus vehicle repair warranties
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200213/shapiro-sues-company-for-bogus-vehicle-repair-warranties
Crime/Punishment
Police release more info on Scranton native and fugitive killed in Baltimore
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/police-release-more-info-on-scranton-native-and-fugitive-killed-in-baltimore-1.2594978
Berks County DA, commissioner latest to criticize district judge, system in jailing over unpaid fines
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/berks-county-da-commissioner-latest-to-criticize-district-judge-system/article_adf819ee-4e80-11ea-8bfe-7bcb33de69f2.html
Education
Pa.’s largest teacher union agrees with call to end active shooter drills in schools
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/pas-largest-teacher-union-agrees-with-call-to-end-active-shooter-drills-in-schools.html
Do questions about criminal records belong on Pa. college applications?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/do-questions-about-criminal-records-belong-on-pa-college-applications.html
White supremacists are increasingly targeting college campuses, including in Pa. and N.J., ADL says
https://www.inquirer.com/education/white-supremacists-college-campuses-adl-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200213.html
Kutztown University dedicates new Esports Arena for online gaming competition
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/kutztown-university-dedicates-new-esports-arena-for-online-gaming-competition/article_2c976a54-8f61-52c1-afe4-8513a683b2da.html
RACC approves $341,376 to repair, restore Miller Center, Berks Hall roofs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/racc-approves-to-repair-restore-miller-center-berks-hall-roofs/article_285dcd36-4ddd-11ea-8c12-e7df26d5d15b.html
Elections/Politics
Rush Limbaugh draws bipartisan criticism for remarks about Buttigieg kissing his husband
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/rush-limbaugh-buttigieg-trump-kiss-husband-20200214.html
Nevada’s powerful culinary union won’t endorse a Democratic candidate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/13/Nevada-culinary-union-will-not-endorse-Democratic-candidate/stories/202002130205
Musto announces candidacy to challenge Boback for 117th seat
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772693/musto-announces-candidacy-to-challenge-boback-for-117th-seat
Luzerne County voters can start applying for no-excuse, mail-in ballot option
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772704/luzerne-county-voters-can-start-applying-for-no-excuse-mail-in-ballot-option
Sen. Daylin Leach contests Dem endorsement of a rival
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/sen-daylin-leach-contests-dem-endorsement-of-a-rival/article_153de6c0-4eb7-11ea-b314-2f8293a9cb97.html
Dush will seek State Senate seat Scarnati is vacating
https://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/content/dush-will-seek-state-senate-seat-scarnati-vacating
Local News
Feds seek sentence of 30 years or more for ex-Scranton Mayor Courtright
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/feds-seek-sentence-of-30-years-or-more-for-ex-scranton-mayor-courtright-1.2594822
Scranton council still pushing for more streamlined cover sheets for proposed legislation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-still-pushing-for-more-streamlined-cover-sheets-for-proposed-legislation-1.2595017
Gas company spared no expense on downtown Scranton’s best office building, now it’s for sale at a fraction of what it cost
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/gas-company-spared-no-expense-on-downtown-scranton-s-best-office-building-now-it-s-for-sale-at-a-fraction-of-what-it-cost-1.2594827
Lower Alsace applies for grant to fix Park Lane stormwater issues
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/lower-alsace-applies-for-grant-to-fix-park-lane-stormwater/article_9dd5edfa-4ddd-11ea-87e3-5301356e4e04.html
Lower Burrell mayor names permanent police chief
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-mayor-names-marhefka-permanent-police-chief/
Municipal authority to build new $5.5M office, garage for sewer operation in New Stanton
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/municipal-authority-to-build-new-5-5m-office-garage-for-sewer-operation-in-new-stanton/
Republican commissioners nix labor pact for Westmoreland County projects
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/republican-commissioners-nix-labor-pact-for-westmoreland-county-projects/
New board appointed to hear Westmoreland property assessment appeals
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/new-board-appointed-to-hear-westmoreland-property-assessment-appeals/
Greensburg auditions for starring role on HGTV
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-auditions-for-starring-role-on-hgtv/
Wilkes-Barre council approves balanced budget
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772708/wilkes-barre-council-approves-balanced-budget
W-B council adopts budget, allows alcohol at concert series
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-adopts-budget-allows-alcohol-at-concert-series-1.2594945
Griffith seeks ethics opinion on alleged conflict
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/griffith-seeks-ethics-opinion-on-alleged-conflict-1.2594940
Former Tunkhannock mayor passes away
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/former-tunkhannock-mayor-passes-away-1.2594894
Philly
Philly’s new Catholic archbishop might represent historic change. But Nelson Pérez relishes being a priest to the people he’s met along the way.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/a/philadelphia-archbishop-nelson-perez-profile-catholic-church-20200214.html
Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw says police will investigate death of man in department custody
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-commissioner-outlaw-death-investigation-naloxone-rite-aid-logan-20200213.html
‘They say, ‘Oh, wow, she’s the boss.’ New Philly Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw on her first week
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/they-say-oh-wow-shes-the-boss-new-philly-police-commissioner-danielle-outlaw-on-her-first-week/
A safer future for PES site changes the landscape for Philadelphia | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/bankrupt-philadelphia-refinery-sale-enviromental-cleanup-commercial-redevelopment-jobs-20200214.html
This Chicago firm is about to make its mark on South Philly’s refinery site
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/hilco-redevelopment-philadelphia-oil-refinery-bankrupt-mixed-use-20200213.html
Amid FBI probe, SEPTA shifts employee spending policy
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-procurement-card-policy-spending-fbi-20200213.html
Sold: Chicago’s Hilco is the new owner of Philadelphia refinery and 1,300 acres
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/philadelphia-refinery-pes-hilco-auction-redevelopment-20200213.html
Danielle Outlaw’s fingernail drama is about more than nail polish | Elizabeth Wellington
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/danielle-outlaw-black-nail-polish-police-department–20200213.html
Former Philadelphia Navy Yard worker disavows white supremacy at sentencing for hiding extremist ties
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fred-arena-unite-the-right-white-supremacist-navy-yard-philadelphia-20200213.html
SEPTA police still trying to determine how man on top of El train died
https://www.inquirer.com/news/septa-market-frankford-line-man-dead-atop-train-20200213.html
Big Philly landlord to cash in on some holdings, as ‘opportunity zone’ designation boosts values
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/opportunity-zone-landowners-psdc-nicoletti-land-sale-philadelphia-suburban-mit-study-20200213.html
Witness at 2015 Philadelphia murder trial claims he got $20,000 reward to lie on stand
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philip-nordo-murder-joshua-raheem-philadelphia-police-district-attorney-todd-mosser–20200213.html
Philadelphia is one step closer to setting up a permanent agency to protect worker rights
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/philadelphia-labor-law-enforcement-permanent-agency-20200213.html
Does Philadelphia need a public bank? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/public-banks-philadelphia-new-jersey-california-20200213.html
How a ‘relentless’ City Hall insider wants to fix Philly’s rec centers
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/13/how-a-relentless-city-hall-insider-wants-to-fix-phillys-rec-centers/
Pitt
Chelsa Wagner plea deal in Detroit case means no felony, but case dismissal in dispute
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/13/Chelsa-Wagner-plea-deal-Detroit-police-obstruction-dismissal/stories/202002130123
Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner takes plea deal in Detroit case
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-controller-chelsa-wagner-takes-plea-deal-in-detroit-case/
Pittsburgh pays tribute to its proud Negro Leagues history on 100th anniversary
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2020/02/13/Negro-Leagues-Centennial-Commemoration-Pirates-MLB-Sean-Gibson-Al-Oliver/stories/202002130195
Myles Garrett doubles down on racial slur allegation against Mason Rudolph
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2020/02/13/myles-garrett-mason-rudolph-racial-slur-allegations-steelers-browns/stories/202002130202
The Clark Bar is back and it’s rolling out exclusively in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/02/13/clark-bar-boyer-candy-altoona-necco-production-pittsburgh/stories/202002130037
Italian birthplace of St. Valentine wants a long-distance relationship with Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/02/13/Terni-italy-st-valentine-pittsburgh-valentines-day-sister-city-search/stories/202002130144
Valentine’s egg delivered by Pittsburgh eagles
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/02/13/bald-eagles-egg-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania-Audubon-Society/stories/202002130190
Boisterous crowd sends Pitt a noontime message: Divest from fossil fuels holdings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/02/13/Divest-University-Pittsburgh-fossil-fuels-Pitt-global-warming-climate/stories/202002130149
Jason Brown named Carnegie Science Center director
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2020/02/13/Jason-Brown-Carnegie-Science-Center-director/stories/202002130170
Judicial disrespect: No judge has a right to attack the jury system
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/14/Judicial-disrespect-jury-legal-system-racist-behavior-judge-Mark-Tranquilli/stories/202002080015
Pittsburgh police officers reject Peduto’s pay hike offer; another contract vote to happen Monday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-officers-voting-on-offer-providing-additional-pay-hikes/
The final cut: Brett Keisel’s Shear Da Beard shaves for charity one last time
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/the-final-cut-brett-keisels-shear-da-beard-shaves-for-charity-one-last-time/
Pittsburgh-based Snapology makes STEAM-based learning fun for kids
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-based-snapology-makes-steam-based-learning-fun-for-kids/
Pittsburgh is redefining what it means to grow old. Pennsylvania needs to follow suit | Ray E. Landis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/uncategorized/pittsburgh-is-redefining-what-it-means-to-grow-old-pennsylvania-needs-to-follow-suit-ray-e-landis/
State News
Food stamp changes prompt concern
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/02/13/food-stamps-SNAP-proposed-changes-Pennsylvania/stories/202002130115
Grand jury investigators are ‘dead serious’ about revealing sexual abuse cover-ups among Jehovah’s Witnesses
https://www.inquirer.com/news/jehovahs-witnesses-sex-abuse-cover-up-pennsylvania-grand-jury-investigation-20200214.html
All aboard, again, as popular scenic train returns to Jim Thorpe
https://www.inquirer.com/news/train-jim-thorpe-lehigh-gorge-scenic-railway-andy-muller-20200213.html
Reading & Northern RR to restore Jim Thorpe passenger service
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772706/reading-northern-rr-to-restore-jim-thorpe-passenger-service
2 Western Pa. communities named safest places to live in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/2-western-pa-communities-named-safest-places-to-live-in-pennsylvania/
How an overgrown hill on a busy road stirred a Main Line controversy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/radnor-township-manager-resigns-tree-clearing-zienkowski-20200214.html
Region’s financial, job health focus of Washington County State of the Economy event
https://triblive.com/local/regional/regions-financial-job-health-focus-of-washington-county-state-of-the-economy-event/
Somerset County gets $1 million grant for drug rehab expansion
https://triblive.com/local/regional/somerset-county-gets-1-million-grant-for-drug-rehab-expansion/
Newly elected Monessen district judge trying to pass test in order to take office
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/newly-elected-monessen-district-judge-trying-to-pass-test-in-order-to-take-office/
Pa. district attorney under investigation by children and youth refuses drug tests, home inspections
https://www.pennlive.com/daily-buzz/2020/02/pa-district-attorney-under-investigation-by-children-and-youth-refuses-drug-tests-home-inspections.html
Hard to count: Census recruits massive Lehigh Valley outreach operation for Hispanic, homeless, college kids and more
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-census-hard-to-count-lehigh-valley-20200214-aujykhd6zjbkhh2azbz2utidxe-htmlstory.html
New fund helps Pa. abuse survivors pay for counseling without involving police
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/14/new-fund-helps-pa-abuse-survivors-pay-for-counseling-without-involving-police/
Firefighters from across the state come to Chester County for training
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/firefighters-from-across-the-state-come-to-chester-county-for/article_6a28d1c8-4e7f-11ea-9603-e7fb3dbefcec.html
Transportation
PennDOT’s $125.4 million upgrades on I-78 and Route 61 starting soon
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/penndot-s-million-upgrades-on-i–and-route-starting/article_71252042-4db4-11ea-866c-9bd7894c47f2.html
Washington
John Kelly takes issue with Trump for ousting Vindman, spurring a rebuke from the president
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/13/Trump-John-Kelly-former-White-House-chief-of-staff-Vindman-call/stories/202002130201
AG William Barr says Trump’s tweets ‘make it impossible’ to do his job
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/william-barr-trump-twitter-interview-impossible-job-20200213.html
World News
The U.K.’s economic policy finds itself in disarray after chancellor Sajid Javid quits
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/02/13/Sajid-Javid-resigns-chancellor-Boris-Johnson-reshuffle-Cabinet-UK/stories/202002130203