Legislature
State Sen. Judy Schwank talks up minimum wage increase at town hall meeting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-sen-judy-schwank-talks-up-minimum-wage-increase-at-town-hall-meeting
State bill would add adult sex traffickers, customers to Megan’s Law lists
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14609264-74/state-bill-would-add-adult-sex-traffickers-customers-to-megans-law-lists
Pa. Senate quietly paying legal bills of ex-employee accused of sexual harassment
https://www.philly.com/news/pa-senate-pays-legal-bills-former-employee-accused-sexual-harassment-20190214.html
Pa. weighs plan to tax violent video games to fund school security
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/02/pa-weighs-plan-to-tax-violent-video-games-to-fund-school-security.php
State Rep. Justin Walsh announces candidacy for Westmoreland County judge
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14610681-74/state-rep-justin-walsh-announces-candidacy-for-westmoreland-county-judge
EDITORIAL: Rise in Pa.’s minimum wage is long overdue
https://observer-reporter.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-rise-in-pa-s-minimum-wage-is-long-overdue/article_fe93bc8c-2ec9-11e9-978b-1b8118b4b4c3.html
Pot business needs light
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/pot-business-needs-light-1.2445144
Administration
Gov. Wolf again proposes for local communities to pay for state police coverage
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14610227-74/governor-again-proposes-for-local-communities-to-pay-for-state-police-coverage
Second forum on legalizing pot again dominated by those who support it
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/lt-gov-john-fettermans-listening-tour-shows-more-support-for-legalizing-marijuana.html
Business
Environmental groups plan to sue U.S. Steel over air pollution
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/02/13/US-Steel-lawsuit-notice-environmental-groups-Mon-Valley-Works-air-pollution/stories/201902130130
‘Moving the goal post’: Why thousands of Aramark managers didn’t get their 2018 bonuses
https://www.philly.com/business/why-aramark-managers-didnt-get-bonuses-profit-target-20190213.html
Company behind proposed ‘glamping’ business in Moscow appealing zoning denial
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/company-behind-proposed-glamping-business-in-moscow-appealing-zoning-denial-1.2445251
Gaming and Leisure reports record earnings
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/gaming-and-leisure-reports-record-earnings
Catholic Church
‘This should not have happened’: Harrisburg Diocese listening tour fills Mechanicsburg church
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/this-should-not-have-happened-harrisburg-diocese-listening-tour-fills-mechanicsburg-church.html
New Jersey Catholic bishops list the names of nearly 200 priests accused of abuse
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/02/13/New-Jersey-Catholic-names-priests-accused-sexual-abuse/stories/201902130184
Crime/Punishment
Havertown teen critically wounded in botched drug deal, second teen charged in the shooting
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/marquis-mays-shooting-haverford-township-delaware-county-20190213.html
Owner of four grocery stores faces charges in alleged coupon scam
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/13/Owner-of-four-grocery-stores-faces-charges-in-alleged-coupon-scam/stories/201902130120
Phila. man serving life for murders convicted of killing inmate
https://www.philly.com/crime/kareem-savage-philadelphia-inmate-murder-northwestern-pennsylvania-life-sentence-20190213.html
Education
Pa. schools with highest truancy rates: Some see half their students skipping class
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/g66l-2019/02/2ec4749fd45509/top-20-pennsylvania-public-schools-with-the-highest-truancy-rates-.html
Skipping school: 2 Dauphin County districts have some of the highest truancy rates in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/skipping-school-2-dauphin-county-districts-have-some-of-the-highest-truancy-rates-in-pa.html
Local school districts tightened security in Parkland massacre’s wake
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-school-districts-tightened-security-in-parkland-massacre-s-wake-1.2445226
NEPA students reflect on school safety a year after Parkland shooting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-students-reflect-on-school-safety-a-year-after-parkland-shooting-1.2445294
One year after deadly Florida school shooting, Lehigh Valley students see new drills, beefed-up security
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-parkland-anniversary-school-security-20190131-story.html
Cyber-charter reform group: Luzerne County districts would save $5.9M under plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733361/cyber-charter-reform-group-says-luzerne-county-districts-would-save-5-9-million-under-plan
Court dismisses teachers’ lawsuit against gun policy
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/court-dismisses-teachers-lawsuit-against-gun-policy-1.2445203
Alexa, can you help kids learn and teachers manage a classroom? At Garnet Valley, the answer is: ‘Yes’
https://www.philly.com/news/alexa-amazon-garnetvalley-school–20190213.html
Base the funding of Pa. school safety on financial need, not political power | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/02/base-the-funding-of-pa-school-safety-on-financial-need-not-political-power-opinion.html
Wilkinsburg school board member blames colleague for Trump joke on agenda
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/13/Wilkinsburg-school-board-agenda-joke-Donald-Trump-wall-michael-Johnson-Debra-Raubenstrauch/stories/201902130151
Diocese of Scranton fires teacher, refers incident to law enforcement
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/diocese-of-scranton-fires-teacher-refers-incident-to-law-enforcement-1.2445082
Wyoming Valley West votes to hike taxes 4.7 percent, cancels five days off
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733384/wyoming-valley-west-votes-to-hike-taxes-4-7-percent-cancels-five-days-offpage/2/
Power outage closes California University of Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14612551-74/power-outage-closes-california-university-of-pennsylvania
Health Care
‘It’s just so inherently unfair’: Speakers at hearing decry pending UPMC-Highmark breakup
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/02/13/Speakers-hearing-decry-pending-UPMC-Highmark-split-health-insurance-pittsburgh/stories/201902120168
Local News
Wilkes-Barre adds new ambulance to emergency services fleet
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733379/wilkes-barre-adds-new-ambulance-to-emergency-services-fleet
Talks ongoing, no deal yet between Penguins, arena
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/talks-ongoing-no-deal-yet-between-penguins-arena-1.2445150
Challenger to seek Democratic nomination for Wilkes-Barre City Controller
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733386/challenger-to-seek-democratic-nomination-for-wilkes-barre-city-controllerpage/5/
Kingston police K-9 Onyx passes away
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/kingston-police-k-9-onyx-passes-away-1.2445154
Commissioner Pat O’malley picks Domenick as his running mate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commissioner-pat-o-malley-picks-domenick-as-his-running-mate-1.2445204
Four police officers added to force
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/four-police-officers-added-to-force-1.2445183
Ryan Twp. supervisors give LERTA approval
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/ryan-twp-supervisors-give-lerta-approval-1.2445128
Mon Valley waterline breaks again, water buffaloes set up in affected area
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14611428-74/mon-valley-waterline-breaks-again-water-buffaloes-set-up-in-affected-area
McKeesport appoints new police chief
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/02/13/McKeesport-hires-Alfer-as-city-s-new-police-chief/stories/201902140007
Westmoreland water authority will test chlorine alternative in McKeesport
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14610497-74/westmoreland-water-authority-will-test-chlorine-alternative-in-mckeesport
Westmoreland water authority will seek repayment from gas driller for additional water tests
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14610298-74/westmoreland-water-authority-will-seek-repayment-from-gas-driller-for-additional-water
Reading District Judge Kyley Scott handled more than 6,000 truancy cases in 2017
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-district-judge-kyley-scott-handled-more-than-6000-truancy-cases-in-2017
Plan to save the Fairgrounds Square Mall takes first step forward
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/plan-to-save-the-fairgrounds-square-mall-takes-first-step-forward
Easton City Council considers pay increase for mayor, while ending health benefits for others
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-nws-easton-city-council-20190212-story.html
After concerns raised, Allentown council delays vote on proposed parking meter changes around PPL Center
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-arena-parking-increase-council-20190213-story.html
Marijuana
Marijuana use may increase teens’ risk of depression and suicide, research review suggests
https://www.philly.com/health/marijuana-cannabis-depression-anxiety-suicide-mental-health-20190213.html
National News
EPA says it has a plan to address PFAS in drinking water — and will announce it in Philly tomorrow
https://www.philly.com/news/pfas-epa-maximum-contaminant-level-action-plan-20190213.html
FEMA chief Long, who faced questions over his use of government vehicle, to resign
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/fema-william-brock-long-resigned-president-donald-trump-20190214.html
Judge finds Paul Manafort lied to investigators in Trump-Russia probe
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/paul-manafort-lied-investigators-russia-robert-mueller-donald-trump-20190213.html
Philly
Police interaction with man in wheelchair again raises concerns about handling of homeless at Suburban Station
https://www.philly.com/news/homeless-suburban-station-police-septa-train-rail-20190213.html
Wyclef Jean visits South Philadelphia High School, announces music technology grant
https://www.philly.com/education/wyclef-jean-south-philadelphia-high-school-music-grant-20190213.html
Philly effort raises awareness of long-lasting birth control among Black, Latina teens
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/philly-effort-raises-awareness-of-long-lasting-birth-control-among/article_b4b3e15f-a737-50e1-aa63-31ab59c0b902.html
We should do a better job supporting families, not separating them | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/david-oh-child-abuse-hearing-dhs-city-council-family-separation-20190214.html
Accessibility isn’t charity — it’s a lifesaving responsibility | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/septa-disability-access-subway-death-20190213.html
City Council could ban cash-free businesses Thursday
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-council-could-ban-cash-free-businesses-thursday/article_cac1aa61-5cfc-52e3-8044-668e363ec167.html
Pitt
Peduto: I’ll defend gun proposals to Supreme Court
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/13/Peduto-gun-laws-state-U-S-Supreme-Court-Darlene-Harris-John-Lott/stories/201902130155
PWSA constructing facility to reduce lead in city’s water
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/13/PWSA-constructing-facility-that-will-add-lead-reducing-additive-to-city-s-water/stories/201902130113
Start of much-anticipated Strip District produce terminal redevelopment ‘imminent’
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/02/13/Start-of-produce-terminal-redevelopment-imminent-McCaffery-URA-Society-Craft-Smallman/stories/201902130129
Pittsburgh Public Schools adjusts suspension policy for marijuana possession
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/02/13/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-to-adjust-suspension-policy-for-marijuana-possession/stories/201902130134
‘Big Bang Theory’ star pays surprise visit to police officers in Squirrel Hill
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/13/Pittsburgh-police-surprise-visit-Big-Bang-Theory-star-Mayim-Bialik-Tree-of-Life-synagogue-shooting-Jewish/stories/201902130152
$13 million in financial aid missing? Federal receiver tries to track down money from Art Institute owners
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/02/13/Financial-aid-Art-Institute-Dream-Center-Education-Holdings-EDMC-Mark-Dottore/stories/201902130104
A messy life lesson: Doubt persists about the troubled Art Institute
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/02/14/A-messy-life-lesson-Doubt-persists-about-the-troubled-Art-Institute/stories/201902140032
Pittsburgh pushes strict gun laws after the synagogue massacre. Some people still don’t want them.
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/pittsburgh-strict-gun-laws-tree-of-life-synagogue-massacre-20190213.html
Newspaper Guild files labor complaint against Post-Gazette
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/02/13/Newspaper-Guild-files-charge-against-Post-Gazette-John-Robinson-Block/stories/201902130164
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette union files unfair labor action against publisher
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14610398-74/pittsburgh-post-gazette-union-files-unfair-labor-action-against-publisher
Tow truck tragedy a window into a rough world, but may spur reform
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/13/Tow-truck-tragedy-a-window-into-a-rough-world-but-may-spur-reform/stories/201902130158
Unhealthy competition: The city needs to bring order to towing industry
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/02/14/Unhealthy-competition-Pittsburgh-needs-to-bring-order-to-towing-industry/stories/201902140033
Frank Rossi, founder of the Pittsburgh Banjo Club, dies at 83
https://triblive.com/obituaries/newsstories/14609813-74/frank-rossi-founder-of-the-pittsburgh-banjo-club-dies-at-83
Fired Pittsburgh police officer plans to sue city, detective
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14610512-74/fired-pittsburgh-police-officer-plans-to-sue-city-detective
State News
Swoyersville woman receives Caregiver of the Year award
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/swoyersville-woman-receives-caregiver-of-the-year-award-1.2445117
Job-training grants a second chance for many in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/job-training-grants-a-second-chance-for-many-in-berks
Transportation
National Safety Council: Traffic deaths in U.S. above 40,000 for third year in a row
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/02/13/National-Safety-Council-traffic-deaths-over-40-000-down-1-percent/stories/201902130131
Funding for first step of Route 322 ‘Missing Link’ earmarked
http://www.lewistownsentinel.com/news/local-news/2019/02/coming-together-2/
Washington
House panel backs bill expanding gun-sale background checks
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/gun-background-checks-firearms-house-judiciary-committee-democrats-20190214.html
Reform fed marijuana law
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/reform-fed-marijuana-law-1.2445146
Your View by Sen. Bob Casey: One year after Parkland shootings, it’s time to pass gun reforms
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/yourview/mc-opi-casey-gun-control-20190212-story.html