Legislature
On Parkland anniversary, lawmakers tout safe gun bills outside Council Rock North
https://www.theintell.com/news/20190215/on-parkland-anniversary-lawmakers-tout-safe-gun-bills-outside-council-rock-north
State lawmakers introduce ‘red flag’ gun bills on anniversary of Parkland shooting
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/pa-lawmakers-introduce-red-flag-gun-bills-on-anniversary-of-parkland-shooting/
See the proposal that could create private, public PIAA championships, and a timeline for it to ‘move forward’
https://www.pennlive.com/highschoolsports/2019/02/see-the-proposed-pa-bill-that-could-create-private-public-piaa-championships-and-a-timeline-for-it-to-move-forward.html
Lawmakers call for new focus on truancy after Reading Eagle report
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lawmakers-call-for-new-focus-on-truancy-after-newspaper-report
Constituents call on Rep. Jim Cox to support minimum wage increase
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/constituents-call-on-rep-jim-cox-to-support-minimum-wage-increase
Killion backs ‘red flag’ gun removal bill
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/killion-backs-red-flag-gun-removal-bill/article_bcc6968e-3096-11e9-ac88-eb44c69acd11.html
Pa. proposal to change medical malpractice lawsuit rules put on hold to allow study
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/pa-proposal-to-change-medical-malpractice-lawsuit-rules-put-on-hold-to-allow-study.html
Langerholc appointed to sentencing commission
https://www.tribdem.com/news/langerholc-appointed-to-sentencing-commission/article_ecef5d1a-30db-11e9-8268-23e258584bdc.html
Paying twice for police protection
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/paying-twicefor-police-protection-1.2445472
Editorial: State House leaders need to give good ideas a chance
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-house-leaders-need-to-give-good-ideas-a-chance
GOP’s Down syndrome bill is a reminder that states are the battleground over abortion rights | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/gops-down-syndrome-bill-is-a-reminder-that-states-are-the-battleground-over-abortion-rights-opinion/
Administration
Finding younger farmers: Gov. Tom Wolf proposes tax breaks, loans in new Pa. Farm Bill
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/aging-farmers-pose-a-challenge-to-pennsylvanias-agricultural-future-and-this-is-what-gov-tom-wolf-wants-to-do-about-it.html
As work for welfare battle continues, Wolf admin will put a new spin on old jobs programs
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/as-welfare-for-work-battle-continues-wolf-admin-will-put-a-new-spin-on-old-jobs-programs
Thousands speak out on legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14613558-74/thousands-speak-out-on-recreational-marijuana
Lt. gov. Fetterman to make pot stop in region
https://www.tribdem.com/news/lt-gov-fetterman-to-make-pot-stop-in-region/article_b004ea66-30d9-11e9-81d9-53780b34f1dc.html
On pot talk, Fetterman should chill
http://www.altoonamirror.com/opinion/editorials/2019/02/on-pot-talk-fetterman-should-chill/
Business
Sheetz among best places to work
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sheetz-among-best-places-to-work-1.2445563
Rocky’s Lounge in Scranton agrees to close for six months
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/rocky-s-lounge-in-scranton-agrees-to-close-for-six-months-1.2445352
Crime/Punishment
State: Female inmate, 33, died of natural causes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/14/pennsylvania-Imprisoned-woman-33-died-of-natural-causes-SCI-cambridge-springs/stories/201902140113
Three men and an alligator snagged in drug bust, Chesco DA says
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/alligator-drug-bust-coatesville-pennsylvania-20190214.html
Education
Tamaqua Area teachers will amend lawsuit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/tamaqua-area-teachers-will-amend-lawsuit-1.2445554
Norwin considers refinancing debt
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14615371-74/norwin-considers-refinancing-debt
Local club encourages students to speak up
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/local-club-encourages-students-to-speak-up-1.2445509
Diocese of Allentown has new schools leader
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/diocese-of-allentown-has-new-schools-leader-1.2445517
Students in STEM competition propose lifesaving ‘CRLA’
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/students-in-stem-competition-propose-lifesaving-crla/article_12f5f892-2fc5-11e9-a15c-e34f63a37455.html
Lehigh Valley Academy Regional Charter plans a $45 million school building
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-bethlehem-lehigh-valley-academy-charter-school-20190214-story.html
DePasquale: Districts lack updated child abuse policies
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/depasquale-districts-lack-updated-child-abuse-policies-1.2445557
These 5 Lehigh Valley schools didn’t have updated child abuse policies, auditor general says
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/02/these-5-lehigh-valley-schools-didnt-have-updated-child-abuse-policies-auditor-general-says.html
Pa.’s FedLoan cited for ‘failed-call rate’ for student loans. U.S. Education Dept. ‘asleep at the wheel,’ report says.
https://www.philly.com/news/pheaa-navient-inspector-general-doe-josh-shapiro-student-loans-20190214.html
Audit blasts failures in student loan servicers
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14614330-74/audit-blasts-failures-in-student-loan-servicers
Penn Highlands president: Community colleges get ‘forgotten’
https://www.tribdem.com/news/penn-highlands-president-community-colleges-get-forgotten/article_3eea33ec-30dc-11e9-b0dc-bb06f1906b74.html
Elections/Politics
Allegheny County Democrats sponsor campaign kickoff in Harmar next week
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14614175-74/allegheny-county-democrats-sponsor-campaign-kickoff-next-week
Former U.S. House candidate Beth Tarasi running for PA Superior Court
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190214/former-us-house-candidate-beth-tarasi-running-for-pa-superior-court
Health Care
The effectiveness of this winter’s flu vaccine is 47 percent, CDC data show
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/02/14/flu-season-vaccine-effective-CDC-deaths/stories/201902140217
Patients get preview of new Excela family medicine office in Mt. Pleasant
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14614001-74/patients-get-preview-of-new-excela-family-medicine-office-in-mt-pleasant
This year’s flu vaccine more effective in keeping people healthy, CDC says
https://www.mcall.com/business/healthcare/mc-nws-health-flu-vaccine-effectiveness-20190214-story.html
Local News
Meuser asks state to suspend stormwater fees until questions are answered
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733441/meuser-asks-state-to-suspend-stormwater-mandate-until-questions-are-answered
Meuser wants stormwater fee suspended until issues resolved
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meuser-wants-stormwater-fee-suspended-until-issues-resolved-1.2445559
Ex-councilwoman announces run for Hazleton mayor
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733466/cuozzo-announces-run-for-hazleton-mayor
City YWCA scrambles to address debt issues
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-ywca-scrambles-to-address-debt-issues-1.2445573
Diocese of Scranton unveils website redesign
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733469/diocese-of-scranton-unveils-website-redesignpage/4/
Charged former Scranton School District business manager may keep his pension
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/charged-former-scranton-school-district-business-manager-may-keep-his-pension-1.2445696
Three former employees of Scranton Sewer Authority claim it stiffed them on pension contributions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/three-former-employees-of-scranton-sewer-authority-claim-it-stiffed-them-on-pension-contributions-1.2445704
Unity OKs tax break for volunteer firefighters
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14614872-74/unity-oks-tax-break-for-volunteer-firefighters
Public shaming threat moves 1 delinquent Tarentum property owner to pay taxes
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14613382-74/public-shaming-threat-moves-1-delinquent-tarentum-property-owner-to-pay-taxes
Reading mayor appoints Berks commissioner, finds out he cannot, then appoints doctor who supported campaign
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-mayor-wally-scott-appoints-berks-county-commissioner-finds-out-he-cannot-then-appoints-doctor-who-supported-mayoral-campaign
Lower Alsace approves resolution necessary for sale of Exeter wastewater plant
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lower-alsace-approves-resolution-necessary-for-sale-of-exeter-wastewater-plant
Effort underway to redraw Harrisburg wards map; voters would have final say
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/02/effort-underway-to-redraw-harrisburg-wards-map-voters-would-have-final-say.html
Auditor hired to study York County 911 Center has history of privatizing facilities
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2019/02/14/new-911-center-auditor-has-history-privatizing-facilities-criticizing-unions/2869001002/
Gaming funds critical to Erie County’s anchor organizations
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190215/gaming-funds-critical-to-erie-countys-anchor-organizations
National News
TVA will close a coal-fired power plant in Kentucky despite Trump’s plea
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/02/14/TVA-close-coal-fired-power-plant-Kentucky-Trump-Tennessee-Valley-Authority/stories/201902140218
Trump’s company officially halts hotel expansion
https://www.philly.com/business/trumps-company-officially-halts-hotel-expansion-20190215.html
The EPA moves forward with a plan for tackling toxic chemicals contaminating drinking water
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/02/14/EPA-action-plan-toxic-PFAS-chemicals-drinking-water-contamination/stories/201902140216
$1.5B Mega Millions lottery jackpot still unclaimed
https://triblive.com/usworld/world/14613449-74/huge-15b-mega-millions-jackpot-still-unclaimed
Philly
Amazon warns it may rethink plans to open a Philly store if the city bans cashless retailers
https://www.philly.com/business/retail/amazon-go-philadelphia-cashless-store-ban-20190215.html
Murder prosecution hung up by detectives’ alleged cell-phone search
https://www.philly.com/news/district-attorney-larry-krasner-anthony-voci-patricia-cummings-hearing-homicide-detectives-20190214.html
From ‘councilman’ to ‘councilmember’? Change part of bigger push to rid gender from titles
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-city-council-gender-neutral-titles-transgender-non-binary-derek-green-20190214.html
City All-Star Football Game will be played despite embezzlement scandal, attorney says
https://www.philly.com/high-school-sports/pennsylvania/brian-fluck-philadelphia-city-all-star-football-game-embezzlement-funds-allegations-20190214.html
Philly accent: There’s a lot youse don’t know about it. Just ask these experts.
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/philly-accent-philadelphia-english-words-20190215.html
Alternative wellness clinic in South Philly seeks to overcome the stigma of medical marijuana usage
https://www.philly.com/business/cbd-philadelphia-medical-marijuana-hemp–20190215.html
Spike in robberies near La Salle University has students worried, administrators scrambling
https://www.philly.com/news/lasalle-university-robberies-increase-logan-students-security-meeting-20190215.html
Penn Libraries and venerable Philadelphia Athenaeum form bookish alliance
https://www.philly.com/news/athenaeum-philadelphia-penn-libraries-partnership-20190214.html
Kensington block captain: Vacant properties foster fear | Perspective
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/kensington-abandoned-housing-nuisance-buildings-20190215.html
Could turning vacant buildings into housing for people in need solve Kensington’s homelessness problem? | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/abandoned-housing-philadelphia-kensington-20190215.html
Should Kensington adopt these ideas to address homelessness? | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/homeless-philadelphia-kensington-solutions-20190215.html
Amazon dumps New York: What Philly politicians should learn | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/amazon-hq-new-york-long-island-city-jeff-bezos-20190214.html
Pitt
Amazon won’t reopen HQ2 search but Pittsburgh may still benefit
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/02/14/Amazon-HQ2-Pittsburgh-SouthSide-Works-New-York-Northern-Virginia-tech-hub-alexa/stories/201902140127
City, Lamar await court ruling on Mount Washington Sprint sign
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/14/City-Lamar-await-Pennsylvania-Commonwealth-Court-ruling-on-Mount-Washington-Sprint-sign/stories/201902140134
Pittsburgh, Lamar Advertising bicker in court over Mt. Washington billboard
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14613700-74/attorneys-for-pittsburgh-and-lamar-advertising-bicker-over-mt-washington-billboard
It’s official: Strip District produce terminal is getting a $50M makeover
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/02/14/produce-terminal-Strip-McCaffery-URA-development-parking-food-warehouse-Smallman/stories/201902140192
Pittsburgh URA approves construction for $50M Produce Terminal
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14614375-74/pittsburgh-ura-approves-construction-plans-for-landmark-produce-terminal
Is Picklesburgh the best food festival in the U.S.? Time to vote
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2019/02/14/Picklesburgh-best-food-festival-USA-Today-vote/stories/201902140143
What’s the value of transit? Study says $929 million annual impact from Port Authority
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/02/14/Port-Authority-economic-impact-929-million-eConsult-Solutions-Inc/stories/201902140193
City investigating doll found hanging from street light
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/14/City-investigating-black-doll-found-hanging-from-homewood-street-light/stories/201902140142
Baby doll hung from Pittsburgh light pole prompts police investigation
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14614128-74/baby-doll-hung-from-pittsburgh-light-pole-prompts-police-investigation
Allegheny County DA rejects Asian businessman’s claim of racial discrimination
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/02/14/tommy-wang-racial-profilng-asian-american-allegheny-county-fish-tank-frazer-pittsburgh/stories/201902140115
Big shoes to fill: Woman brings passion for Bigfoot research to Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/02/14/Big-shoes-to-fill-Woman-brings-passion-for-Bigfoot-research-to-Pittsburgh/stories/201902150081
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette employees say they remain on edge after publisher’s ‘bizarre’ and ‘violent’ behavior
https://www.philly.com/news/pittsburgh-post-gazette-john-block-publisher-20190214.html
Protect Pittsburghers from gun violence
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/02/15/Protect-Pittsburghers-from-gun-violence/stories/201902150029
Landslide-damaged Prospect Road in Baldwin Borough reopens to traffic
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14614677-74/landslide-damaged-prospect-road-in-baldwin-borough-reopens-to-traffic
Art Institute of Pittsburgh running out of money, federal overseer says
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14614090-74/federal-receiver-overseeing-art-institute-of-pittsburgh-running-out-of-money
State News
ACLU sues Pa. judge for illegally detaining groom on wedding day
https://www.philly.com/news/judge-elizabeth-beckley-wedding-ice-aclu-immigration-20190214.html
First all-girl Boy Scout troop forms in Chester County
https://www.philly.com/news/all-girls-boy-scout-troop-pennsylvania-chester-county-20190214.html
Scientists warn ‘zombie’ deer disease could spread to humans
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14612886-74/scientists-warn-zombie-deer-disease-could-spread-to-humans
Sorry Netflix, rural Pennsylvania still likes this brick-and-mortar rental chain
https://www.philly.com/news/family-video-netflix-blockbuster-broadband-rural-amazon-20190214.html
HUD distributes to area housing authorities
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14616165-74/hud-distributes-to-area-housing-authorities
Hemp project affirms policy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/hemp-project-affirms-policy-1.2445525
Venezuelans in Berks call for political change in their native country
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/venezuelans-in-berks-call-for-political-change-in-their-native-country
Transportation
Sick days force Westmoreland Transit to cancel some Pittsburgh routes due to driver shortage
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14614336-74/sick-days-force-westmoreland-transit-to-cancel-some-pittsburgh-routes-due-to
State Police nab 1,800 drivers for ignoring restrictions during winter storms
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14614295-74/state-police-nab-1800-drivers-for-ignoring-restrictions-during-winter-storms
‘Roadmap’ puts DEP squarely behind greater use of electric vehicles
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14614123-74/roadmap-puts-dep-squarely-behind-greater-use-of-electric-vehicles
Pennsylvania now has roadmap to increase electric vehicle use
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190214/pennsylvania-now-has-roadmap-to-increase-electric-vehicle-use
LCTA to hold ridership forum
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-to-hold-ridership-forum-1.2445562
Washington
Congress OKs border deal, but braces for fight over Trump plan to declare emergency
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2019/02/congress-oks-border-deal-but-braces-for-fight-over-trump-plan-to-declare-emergency.html
Pa. lawmakers voice concern about Trump’s plan to declare national emergency
https://papost.org/2019/02/14/government-shutdown-2019-update-what-you-need-to-know-for-pa/
Congress urged to fully open banks to marijuana industry
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/congress-urged-fully-open-banks-marijuana-industry-20190215.html
Legislative Report: Casey backs bill on paid family leave
https://www.timesleader.com/news/733481/legislative-report-casey-backs-bill-on-paid-family-leave