Legislature
State, local leaders tour cardboard manufacturer’s Pittston Twp. Headquarters
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/state-local-leaders-tour-cardboard-manufacturer-s-pittston-twp-headquarters-1.2585804
Could 2020 be the year of legal weed in PA? Don’t hold your breath
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200122/could-2020-be-year-of-legal-weed-in-pa-dont-hold-your-breath
With vote looming Pa. probation officers line up against parts of House reform bill
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/with-vote-looming-pa-probation-officers-line-up-against-parts-of-house-reform-bill/
Pa. House votes to allow governments to charge commercial entities for records requests
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-house-votes-to-allow-governments-to-charge-commercial-entities-for-records-requests.html
State House votes to allow agency commercial records request fees in Pennsylvania
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/22/state-house-votes-to-allow-agency-commercial-records-request-fees-in-pennsylvania/
‘Bazooka to a knife fight’? The plan to close Pa. cyber charter schools
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/22/bazooka-to-a-knife-fight-the-plan-to-close-pa-cyber-charter-schools/
PA Cyber’s CEO testifies against bill that would eliminate all cyber charters, require students to attend district-run virtual programs
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200121/pa-cyberrsquos-ceo-testifies-against-bill-that-would-eliminate-all-cyber-charters-require-students-to-attend-district-run-virtual-programs
Lawsuit planned to save White Haven Center
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lawsuit-planned-to-save-white-haven-center-1.2585987
Federal suit coming over proposed White Haven Center closure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770218/federal-suit-incoming-over-closure-of-white-haven-center
Federal report faults state’s oversight of group homes for the disabled
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/01/22/Federal-report-faults-Pennsylvania-group-homes-disabled/stories/202001200098
A risk not worth taking: Legislature neuters a bill to target distracted driving
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/22/A-risk-not-worth-taking-Legislature-neuters-a-bill-to-target-distracted-driving/stories/202001220005
On LGBT issues, N.J. may show Pa. the way | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/gay-curriculum-new-jersey-public-schools-acceptance-pushback-pennsylvania-scotus-20200122.html
Veto gas bill, limit pollution
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/veto-gas-bill-limit-pollution-1.2585809
Preserve options for Pennsylvania’s children | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/01/preserve-options-for-pennsylvanias-children-opinion.html
State Rep. Bill Kortz to retire from 38th District seat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/01/21/Pennsylvania-State-Representative-Bill-Kortz-retiring-from-38th-District-seat-Pittsburgh-Allegheny/stories/202001210115
Pa. State Rep. Mike Tobash opts against re-election bid
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-state-rep-mike-tobash-opts-against-re-election-bid.html
Business
Solid Wood Cabinets abruptly closes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200121/solid-wood-cabinets-abruptly-closes-in-pennsylvania-new-jersey
Crime/Punishment
Seeking new trial, ex-warlord living in Delco questions whether murders, rapes, torture, and cannibalism make him a genocidal war criminal
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mohammed-jabbateh-jungle-jabbah-appeal-liberian-civil-war-third-circuit-delaware-county-20200121.html
Former secretary/treasurer in tiny Jefferson Co. borough admits to stealing $305k
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/21/tammy-laird-corsica-pa-treasurer-admits-stealing-305k/stories/202001210138
He lived in friend’s house, drove his car. Now he’s agreed to plead guilty to killing him in 2004: DA
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/he-lived-in-friends-house-drove-his-car-now-hes-agreed-to-plead-guilty-to-killing-him-in-2004-da.html
Education
West Chester wants to win back charter students with its own cyber program, and it’s not alone
https://www.inquirer.com/education/pennsylvania-cyber-charter-virtual-schools-west-chester-20200121.html
Attorney, activists question West Mifflin police officers’ actions after incident with teen on school bus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/21/west-mifflin-police-incident-video-15-year-old-girl-on-school-bus-demonstrators/stories/202001210128
Alleged hazing incident in Greater Latrobe Junior High wrestling program under investigation
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hazing-incident-in-greater-latrobe-junior-high-wrestling-program-under-investigation/
New report shows liberal arts education has a higher return on investment
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/new-report-shows-liberal-arts-education-has-a-higher-return-on-investment/
Elections/Politics
Democrats choose Robert Prah Jr. for 58th District special election
https://observer-reporter.com/news/election/democrats-choose-robert-prah-jr-for-th-district-special-election/article_a836751a-3bc4-11ea-8020-b709807959e9.html
Westmoreland Dems announce Army vet as candidate for state house special election
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-dems-announce-army-vet-as-candidate-for-state-house-special-election/
McCarthy backing aims to help Granville
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mccarthy-backing-aims-to-help-granville-1.2586118
Health Care
Rate of new flu cases slows in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pennsylvania-flu-cases-continue-to-rise-but-at-decreasing-rate-state-health-official-says/
Local News
Scranton council: No blank check on legal fees in tax-lawsuit appeal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-no-blank-check-on-legal-fees-in-tax-lawsuit-appeal-1.2585974
Chris Kelly: Ken Bond is still stiffing the city
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-ken-bond-is-still-stiffing-the-city-1.2586061
Scranton officer under criminal investigation; DA’s office withdraws drug cases on 18 defendants
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-officer-under-criminal-investigation-da-s-office-withdraws-drug-cases-on-18-defendants-1.2585742
Carbondale convent to become halfway house for women overcoming addiction
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/carbondale-convent-to-become-halfway-house-for-women-overcoming-addiction-1.2586126
Homeless programs in Luzerne County receive nearly $4M in HUD grants
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770216/homeless-programs-in-luzerne-county-receive-nearly-4m-in-hud-grants
Ideas presented to make WB more bike friendly
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770211/ideas-presented-to-make-wb-more-bike-friendly
Committee presents proposals to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/committee-presents-proposals-to-improve-safety-for-pedestrians-bicyclists-in-wilkes-barre-1.2585985
35 interviewed for seats on Luzerne County boards
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770228/35-interviewed-for-seats-on-luzerne-county-boards
Seagulls are flocking to Pittston Plaza
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/seagulls-are-flocking-to-pittston-plaza-1.2586004
County flood authority meeting canceled for lack of legal notice
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-flood-authority-meeting-canceled-for-lack-of-legal-notice-1.2585979
Your Call: Why has the Allentown Parking Authority banned backing into parking spaces in its decks?
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-parking-authority-garage-ticket-outrage-20200122-pref7muf6fewrhghpdh4b7yu2i-story.html
National News
A white supremacist group wanted the Virginia gun rally to start a civil war, documents say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/21/white-supremacist-group-Virginia-gun-rally-start-civil-war-documents/stories/202001210169
White protestors in Richmond got it wrong: Limiting gun purchases is not slavery | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/richmond-virginia-gun-rally-mlk-day-of-service-20200122.html
New Jersey
New Jersey mandates severance pay for mass layoffs
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/new-jersey-first-state-mandate-severance-pay-layoffs-20200122.html
Philly
‘What a nightmare’: How Philly police, parking authority, and tow companies lose cars ‘courtesy’ towing
https://www.inquirer.com/news/courtesy-towing-south-philly-police-ppa-parking-authority-20200122.html
How this black UPS worker challenged powerful union leaders in Philly, and won
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/teamsters-ups-623-philadelphia-richard-hooker-20200122.html
Indicted Philadelphia City Councilman Bobby Henon just got some powerful committees to chair
https://www.inquirer.com/news/councilmember-bobby-henon-gains-political-clout-after-indictment-20200121.html
30% of Philly renters want to leave the city, report finds
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/philadelphia-moving-report-apartment-list-20200122.html
SEPTA’s historic Route 15 trolleys are coming off the line, replaced with buses for at least a year
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-girard-avenue-trolley-route-15-bus-20200121.html
A ‘perfect storm’ of injustice: Philly man freed after 28 years as DA condemns ‘decades’ of misconduct
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-da-larry-krasner-conviction-integrity-unit-exoneration-theophalis-wilson-christopher-williams-20200121.html
Philly zoning board nears decision on developer Bart Blatstein’s waterfront Wawa gas station
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/blatstein-wawa-delaware-river-waterfront-zoning-board-hearing-closing-arguments-drwc-20200121.html
1 killed in triple shooting in Target parking lot near City Avenue
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-triple-shooting-dead-target-monument-road-city-avenue-20200122.html
Chicago developer Hilco’s $240 million bid wins auction for bankrupt Philadelphia refinery
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/philadlephia-refinery-land-auction-hilco-new-owner-developer-20200121.html
Out of prison after 41 years, MOVE member Delbert Africa rails against ‘unjust’ criminal justice system
https://www.inquirer.com/news/delbert-orr-africa-move-philadelphia-police-officer-murder-paroled–20200121.html
Why not a hip-hop museum for Philly? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/why-not-hip-hop-museum-philly-opinion-20200121.html
Pitt
Two council members want to divide parks tax money equally among Pittsburgh’s 9 districts
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/21/anthony-coghill-deb-gross-pittsburgh-parks-tax-split-among-nine-districts/stories/202001210116
Pittsburgh council proposes control of funding generated by parks tax
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-proposes-control-of-funding-generated-by-parks-tax/
How much does it cost to remove a bus from a sinkhole? About $88,000 in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/21/cost-sinkhole-About-88-000-in-Pittsburgh-downtown-10th-street-port-authority-bus/stories/202001210098
Crane used to pull bus out of sinkhole to cost Pittsburgh $88,000
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/crane-used-to-pull-bus-out-of-sinkhole-to-cost-pittsburgh-88000/
As a Strip District retailer closes its doors, debate continues over impact of development
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/01/22/Pachamama-Divine-Connection-Strip-District-pittsburgh-businesses-Deborah-Gross-parking-rent/stories/202001220067
Pitt task force will examine algorithms used in local government for possible bias
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/01/22/Pitt-task-force-examine-algorithms-local-government-possible-bias/stories/202001200064
Repairs force daytime warming center clients to temporary location
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/21/Repairs-daytime-warming-center-temporary-location-pittsburgh-catholic-charities/stories/202001210120
Allegheny County Council to revisit civilian police review board proposal
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-to-review-civilian-police-review-board-proposal/
$200 million settlement proposed in Scaife litigation
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/200-million-settlement-proposed-in-scaife-litigation/
State News
Fire, EMS organizations in Allegheny, Westmoreland counties slated for state grants
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/fire-ems-organizations-in-allegheny-westmoreland-counties-slated-for-state-grants/
Pennsylvania judge ends halt to police seizures of cash-paying games
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-judge-ends-halt-to-police-seizures-of-cash-paying-games/
Art competition aims to raise awareness about ticks, Lyme disease in Pa.
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/art-competition-aims-to-raise-awareness-about-ticks-lyme-disease-in-pa/
Oley farmers advocate for tax breaks and other changes to entice next generation
https://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/oley-farmers-advocate-for-tax-breaks-and-other-changes-to/article_daac36b6-37c2-11ea-b686-a75ffc644012.html
Transportation
Editorial: Berks County intercity bus service moving in right direction
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-berks-county-intercity-bus-service-moving-in-right-direction/article_3a752484-3c7f-11ea-a973-8b31949d8657.html
Washington
After hours of debate, Senate GOP approves impeachment trial rules, rejecting witnesses
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/01/21/impeachment-trial-donald-trump-senate-republicans-subpoenas-democrats-amendment-witnesses/stories/202001210165