Legislature
Snow and ice flying off vehicles can be deadly; Lehigh Valley lawmaker tries again to do something about it
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-ice-removal-bill-boscola-20190215-story.html
Lawmaker discusses ways to improve GED at Chester County OIC
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/lawmaker-discusses-ways-to-improve-ged-at-chester-county-oic/article_b34d91ba-3399-11e9-95bc-b3d26108237c.html
Auditor general pushes to reduce gun deaths, focusing on mental health resources
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/02/auditor-general-pushes-for-mental-health-resources-to-reduce-gun-deaths.php
By retiring, Senator Rich Alloway sends the biggest message of all (opinion)
https://www.ydr.com/story/opinion/2019/02/20/bill-gindlesperger-retiring-sen-rich-alloway-sends-big-message/2914381002/
Editorial: Malpractice rule change should be debated in public
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-malpractice-rule-change-should-be-debated-in-public
Hunters, let’s share the outdoors | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/02/hunters-lets-share-the-outdoors-opinion.html
Legislature must focus on PASSHE
http://www.altoonamirror.com/opinion/editorials/2019/02/legislature-must-focus-on-passhe/
Ex-Pa. lawmaker doesn’t have to pay $1M restitution for corruption, court says, but that could change
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/ex-house-speaker-john-perzels-1m-restitution-order-for-corruption-convictions-voided-again-by-pa-court.html
Administration
Gov. Wolf creates command center to connect workers with jobs
https://www.philly.com/news/wolf-job-training-command-center-skilled-careers-20190219.html
Gov. Wolf sets up group to help create jobs, train workers
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/02/gov-wolf-sets-up-group-to-help-create-jobs-train-workers.php
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Editorial: A blueprint for a fair election map
https://www.dailylocal.com/opinion/editorial-a-blueprint-for-a-fair-election-map/article_443d88a8-d944-5c53-8ba7-de5328251300.html
Business
Bryn Mawr water utility giant out $60 million on interest-rate bet
https://www.philly.com/business/phillydeals/aqua-america-water-utility-lost-million-interest-rate-bet-20190219.html
Hardware distributor to close
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hardware-distributor-to-close-1.2447406
Walmart shift from ‘people greeters’ to ‘customer hosts’ threatens disabled man’s job
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/walmart-shift-from-people-greeters-to-customer-hosts-threatens-disabled-mans-job.html
Crime/Punishment
Reducing recidivism makes our communities safer | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/josh-shapiro-pennsylvania-prison-incarceration-criminal-justice-20190219.html
Couple charged with stealing more than $1 million from Upper St. Clair church
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/19/David-connie-reiter-1-million-theft-westminster-presbyterian-church-upper-st-clair/stories/201902190136
Two shot at Hazleton bar
https://www.timesleader.com/news/breaking-news/733979/two-shot-at-hazleton-bar
Two drive-by shootings strike WB in one day; Chief sees connections
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733878/wb-police-investigate-shots-fired-on-dana-street
W-B police chief: Feuding groups behind 4 shootings since Saturday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-police-chief-feuding-groups-behind-4-shootings-since-saturday-1.2447554
Court case challenging Pa.’s prison mail policy gets under way
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/court-case-challenging-pas-prison-mail-policy-gets-under-way.html
Man faces 6th DUI charge in fatal Upper Chi crash
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/man-faces-th-dui-charge-in-fatal-upper-chi-crash/article_16e03e2e-33d8-11e9-875f-03078f0bb8c1.html
Education
At the oldest U.S. reform school for boys, leaders of the prestigious Glen Mills Schools in Pennsylvania have hidden a long history of violence.
https://www.philly.com/crime/a/glen-mills-schools-pa-abuse-juvenile-investigation-20190220.html
Penn Hills in line to hike taxes more than 6 percent
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-in-line-to-hike-taxes-more-than-6-percent/
Teacher union president to Harrisburg: Stop lying about senior teacher salaries
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/teacher-union-president-to-harrisburg-stop-lying-about-senior-teacher-salaries.html
Ed Palattella: Vote pits Erie School Board vs. Zogby
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20190220/ed-palattella-vote-pits-erie-school-board-vs-zogby#
Police officers responded to these 50 Pa. public schools the most in 2017-18
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/g66l-2019/02/58f634a4bd6070/police-officers-responded-to-these-50-pa-public-schools-the-most-in-201718.html
Gettysburg College trustee quits over Nazi uniform photo
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gettysburg-college-trustee-quits-over-nazi-uniform-photo/
Scranton medical college opens food pantry for its students
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-medical-college-opens-food-pantry-for-its-students-1.2447481
Elections/Politics
Former VP Joe Biden gives no hint of 2020 plans at Penn
https://www.philly.com/news/joe-biden-campaign-president-penn-donald-trump-amy-gutmann-20190219.html
Health Care
Allegheny Health puts final steel beam on new Hempfield hospital site
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/allegheny-health-puts-final-steel-beam-on-new-hempfield-hospital-site/
Local News
Pedri’s ‘state of county’ report: More ‘pronounced and noticeable’ improvements
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733928/pedris-state-of-county-report-more-pronounced-and-noticeable-improvements
Pedri: County made progress last year, faces many challenges
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-county-made-progress-last-year-faces-many-challenges-1.2447558
Wilkes-Barre council hears of potential savings via leasing DPW vehicles
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733922/wilkes-barre-council-hears-of-potential-savings-via-leasing-dpw-vehicles
Flood authority cuts ties with solicitor
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flood-authority-cuts-ties-with-solicitor-1.2447395
Arc of Luzerne County’s new executive director opens up about plans
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733914/arc-of-luzerne-countys-new-executive-director-opens-up-about-plans
County advised not to hire funeral director as new coroner due to conflicts
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733907/county-advised-not-to-hire-funeral-director-as-new-coroner-due-to-conflicts
WB Parking Authority: Deal to buy Park & Lock East from city on track
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733872/wb-parking-authority-deal-to-buy-park-lock-east-from-city-on-track
Pittston Area principal to fill county council seat
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pittston-area-principal-to-fill-county-council-seat-1.2447541
Lehman Twp. officials seek waiver for stormwater fee
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lehman-twp-officials-seek-waiver-for-stormwater-fee-1.2447417
West Hazleton council orders sewage review
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/west-hazleton-council-orders-sewage-review-1.2447456
Govt. shutdown delays HHA payments
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/govt-shutdown-delays-hha-payments-1.2447428
Greensburg fires longtime city planning director
https://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/greensburg-fires-longtime-city-planning-director/
Brackenridge officials eye restoration of honor roll memorial in wake of vandalism
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/brackenridge-officials-eye-restoration-of-honor-roll-memorial-in-wake-of-vandalism/
Harmar supervisors to consider ordinance for wireless antennas, towers
https://triblive.com/news/valley-news-dispatch/harmar-supervisors-to-consider-ordinance-for-wireless-antennas-towers/
Public hearing set on Conneaut Lake Park’s proposed Camperland expansion
https://triblive.com/news/regional/public-hearing-set-on-conneaut-lake-parks-proposed-camperland-expansion/
Unread water meter in Berks services center racks up $1.5 million bill
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/unread-water-meter-in-berks-services-center-racks-up-15-million-bill
New police department: Easton neighbor bucking 53-year-old reliance on others
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/easton/2019/02/new-police-department-easton-neighbor-bucking-53-year-old-reliance-on-others.html
Land once targeted for development added to Marsh Creek State Park
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/land-once-targeted-for-development-added-to-marsh-creek-state/article_e30d3c00-347c-11e9-b76d-df77a14fbdd5.html
Erie County Council: Halt changes that affect LIFT, EMTA
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190220/erie-county-council-halt-changes-that-affect-lift-emta
Malware breach strikes Chester County computers
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/malware-breach-strikes-chester-county-computers/article_651ac35a-3470-11e9-9c1a-a70718c4b2a7.html
Marijuana
‘It’d be like flipping a switch.’ Pennsylvania medical marijuana dispensaries eye adult-use market
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/marijuana-medical-weed-fetterman-pennsylvania-cannabis-coalition-supports-recreational-20190219.html
First year of PA’s medical marijuana sales — thousands of patients, millions of dollars
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/02/19/first-year-pas-medical-marijuana-sales-thousands-patients-millions-dollars-pennsylvania-first-year/2913574002/
National News
Virginia school district split over ending transgender bathroom ban
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/virginia-school-board-transgender-bathroom-ban-gloucester-county-20190220.html
The family of a Covington teen sues The Washington Post over its confrontation coverage
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/02/19/Covington-student-defamation-lawsuit-The-Washington-Post/stories/201902190167
Ginsburg is back on the bench as the Supreme Court resumes hearings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/02/19/Justice-Ruth-Bader-Ginsburg-returns-Supreme-Court-bench-arguments-surgery/stories/201902190175
West Virginia’s House tables a bill that prompted a teacher strike
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/19/Strike-2-West-Virginia-teachers-walking-out-again-charter-school-legislation-red4ed/stories/201902190081
Nation’s first all-LGBTQ city council tests modern meaning of diversity
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation-first-all-lgbtq-city-council-diversity-palm-springs-20190219.html
USDA should not change SNAP re¬quire¬ments
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/02/20/USDA-should-not-change-SNAP-re-quire-ments/stories/201902190095
NHL owner reportedly saves the Alliance of American Football with huge investment
https://www.philly.com/sports/aaf-alliance-of-american-football-nhl-tom-dundon-carolina-hurriances-20190219.html
Hold EPA to its promise to address dangerous threats to drinking water | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/andrew-wheeler-epa-scott-pruitt-pfas-toxic-chemicals-tom-carper-tom-wolf-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20190220.html
Reports about the 2019 polar vortex killing stink bugs may not be true
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/polar-vortex-may-have-killed-95-percent-of-homeless-stink-bugs
Opioid Crisis
Narcan can be risky for EMS and Good Samaritans | Stu Bykofsky
https://www.philly.com/news/columnists/narcan-overdose-ems-emt-paramedic-ed-marks-diane-pellecchia-stu-bykofsky-drug-20190219.html
Panel at KU: Opioid crisis is everyone’s problem
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/panel-at-ku-opioid-crisis-is-everyones-problem
Opioid Community Forum rescheduled for March
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/opioid-community-forum-rescheduled-for-march/article_3fb90f4c-5c51-5ebb-93aa-e880a959944a.html
Philly
Philly DA Larry Krasner stopped seeking bail for low-level crimes. Here’s what happened next.
https://www.philly.com/news/philly-district-attorney-larry-krasner-money-bail-criminal-justice-reform-incarceration-20190219.html
Combating the black maternal crisis | Kimberly Garrison
https://www.philly.com/life/combating-black-maternal-crisis-kimberly-garrison-20190220.html
Only one thing could foul up the Flyers-Penguins outdoor game at Lincoln Financial Field
https://www.philly.com/flyers/flyers-penguins-stadium-series-lincoln-financial-field-nhl-20190220.html
Philadelphia’s many African students need culturally inclusive education | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/african-immigrants-philadelphia-education-20190219.html
Former Philly homicide detective charged with rape and intimidation in the course of his investigations
https://www.philly.com/news/philip-nordo-philadelphia-detective-arrested-rape-krasner-20190219.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh councilwoman introduces bill to ensure affordable housing in Lawrenceville
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/19/Pittsburgh-City-Council-Deb-Gross-bill-affordable-housing-inclusionary-zoning-Lawrenceville/stories/201902190083
Pittsburgh Council considering bill requiring affordable housing in Lawrenceville
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-considering-bill-that-would-require-affordable-housing-in-lawrenceville/
Food pantries see surge from lingering impact of shutdown
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/02/19/Government-shutdown-Trump-SNAP-benefits/stories/201902190092
‘Dimmed’ hopes for $13 million owed to Art Institute, Argosy University students
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/02/19/Financial-aid-Art-Institute-Dream-Center-EDMC-Mark-Dottore/stories/201902190084
Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks will have its grand opening in May with British band
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2019/02/19/Roxian-Theatre-will-have-its-grand-opening-in-May-with-British-band-New-Mastersounds-Pepper-Iration/stories/201902190080
Education groups launch effort to up voter turnout in Pittsburgh school board elections
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/19/A-Plus-Schools-Pittsburgh-Public-school-board-elections/stories/201902190097
Steelers to take on Bethel Park Police in charity basketball game
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/steelers-to-take-on-bethel-park-police-in-charity-basketball-game/
Pittsburgh Public School students entertain City Council with songs and drum performance
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-school-students-entertain-city-council-with-songs-and-drum-performance/
State News
Pennsylvania among top third of states in taxpayer accuracy
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-among-top-third-of-states-in-taxpayer-accuracy/
Pennsylvania may sue if it loses funds to border wall
https://www.readingeagle.com/article/20190219/AP/302199519/1009
Main Line NAACP continues to advocate for African Americans
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinesuburbanlife/news/main-line-naacp-continues-to-advocate-for-african-americans/article_6ae8cc22-33bd-11e9-af6a-efbb888fa50e.html
Study ranks the best state capitals to live in: How does Harrisburg rate?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/which-state-capitals-are-the-best-to-live-in-and-how-does-harrisburg-rate.html
Transportation
Storm prompts vehicle, speed restrictions on PA turnpike, interstates
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/storm-prompts-vehicle-speed-restrictions-on-pa-turnpike-interstates/
PennDOT issues vehicle restrictions for turnpike due to inclement weather
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/penndot-issues-vehicle-restrictions-for-turnpike-due-to-inclement-weather-1.2447275
PennDOT has plan of attack for snow and ice in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/penndot-has-plan-of-attack-for-snow-and-ice-in-berks
Berks DA investigating bad checks issued by Bieber Tourways
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-da-investigating-bad-checks-issued-by-beiber-tourways
Kline Twp. gets grant for paving
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/kline-twp-gets-grant-for-paving-1.2447424
Washington
Trump chooses Jeffrey Rosen for deputy attorney general
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/jeffrey-rosen-deputy-attorney-general-nominated-president-donald-trump-william-barr-rod-rosenstein-20190220.html
U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey on Trump wall: ‘I am concerned’
https://triblive.com/news/pittsburgh-allegheny/toomey-on-trump-wall-i-am-concerned/