Legislature
Policymakers order review of Pennsylvania juvenile justice
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/12/16/Policymakers-order-review-of-Pennsylvania-juvenile-justice/stories/201912160107
Gov. Tom Wolf announces effort to overhaul juvenile justice in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-governor-wolf-juvenile-justice-task-force-pew-commission-20191216.html
Facing pushback, Montgomery County lawmaker drops proposal to add mandatory minimums to some gun crimes
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/facing-pushback-montgomery-county-lawmaker-drops-proposal-to-add-mandatory-minimums-to-some-gun-crimes/
Eliminating surprise medical bills is a bipartisan issue, but legislation is stuck in Pa. and Congress
https://www.inquirer.com/health/consumer/surprise-bill-health-care-insurance-20191217.html
Let’s make it easier for all Pennsylvanians to exercise their First Amendment rights
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/12/17/Ashley-Klingensmith-Elizabeth-Randol-Holly-Lubart-Pennsylvanian-First-Amendment-rights/stories/201912170026
Proposed bill would honor 3 men who dedicated lives to community, country
https://triblive.com/local/regional/proposed-bill-could-honor-3-men-who-dedicated-lives-to-community-country/
Ghost busters treat parts as weapons
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/ghost-busters-treat-parts-as-weapons-1.2572165
Administration
AG Shapiro, Gov. Wolf: ‘Ghost guns’ are firearms
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-ghost-guns-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-governor-tom-wolf-20191216.html
Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro classifies ‘ghost guns’ as a firearm
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-attorney-general-josh-shapiro-classifies-ghost-guns-as-a-firearm/
AG Shapiro issues opinion that partially built guns qualify as firearms
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/ag-shapiro-issues-opinion-that-partially-built-guns-qualify-as-firearms/Content?oid=16375515
Gov. Wolf, don’t let parents and children spend another Christmas in the ICE detention center in Berks County | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/gov-wolf-dont-let-parents-and-children-spend-another-christmas-in-the-ice-detention-center-in-berks-county-opinion/
Business
Boeing to halt production of 737 Max airliner in January
https://www.inquirer.com/business/boeing-737-max-20191216.html
Crime/Punishment
Westmoreland County Prison to review visitation logs in wake of smuggling bust at Allegheny County Jail
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-prison-to-review-visitation-logs-in-wake-of-smuggling-bust-at-allegheny-county-jail/
District judge questions how Bethlehem treats minor marijuana offenses
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-district-judge-marijuana-possession-20191217-wd4hzfkmg5dpfmnl7rmmj3c33u-story.html
WB Police: Four juveniles held up city convenience store
https://www.timesleader.com/news/766120/wb-police-four-juveniles-held-up-city-convenience-store
Education
‘License to discriminate’? Hershey charitable school seeks to exempt itself from Pa. oversight.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/milton-hershey-discrimination-sealed-court-chocolate-pennsylvania-kids-20191217.html
At budget hearing, business owners urge Scranton School District to forgo payroll tax
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/at-budget-hearing-business-owners-urge-scranton-school-district-to-forgo-payroll-tax-1.2572205
Plum suspends teacher accused of burglary, corruption of minors
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plum-teacher-removed-from-classroom-after-accused-of-burglary-corruption-of-minors/
Nanticoke School District, police investigating alleged bullying incident caught on tape
https://www.timesleader.com/news/766070/nanticoke-school-district-police-investigating-alleged-bullying-incident-caught-on-tape
2 Penn State fraternities may keep State College houses, Pa. court rules
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/2-penn-state-fraternities-may-keep-state-college-houses-pa-court-rules/
Alvernia University to expand, aid in downtown Reading’s economic development efforts
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/alvernia-university-to-expand-aid-in-downtown-reading-s-economic/article_bcd2fe16-2027-11ea-9bfc-470de6ccd9e1.html
Elections/Politics
Democratic leaders push to end a labor dispute and save the December debate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/12/16/Democratic-debate-December-2020-candidates-labor-dispute/stories/201912160162
Derry Township school board member announces bid for the 106th state House seat
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/12/derry-township-school-board-member-announces-bid-for-the-106th-state-house-seat.html
Two enter race for 29th District House seat
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191216/two-enter-race-for-29th-district-house-seat
Luzerne County Democratic Party secretary Cox resigns; Walsh to take over
https://www.timesleader.com/news/766094/luzerne-county-democratic-party-secretary-cox-resigns-walsh-to-take-over
Yudichak switch yields more change for county Dems
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-switch-yields-more-change-for-county-dems-1.2572262
Gaming
Hollywood Casino in Springettsbury could get license this week
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/community/2019/12/16/hollywood-casino-springettsbury-could-get-license-week/2663228001/
Local News
Judge: City of Scranton violated tax cap by about $10 million annually
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-city-of-scranton-violated-tax-cap-by-about-10-million-annually-1.2572206
Scranton sends certified letters, many in error, claiming residents owe rental registration fees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-sends-certified-letters-many-in-error-claiming-residents-owe-rental-registration-fees-1.2572152
Scranton fire chief to resign
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-fire-chief-to-resign-1.2572111
Lackawanna County employee with four drunken driving convictions released early from probation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-employee-with-four-drunken-driving-convictions-released-early-from-probation-1.2572161
Lackawanna County tax claim bureau to collect delinquent Scranton taxes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-tax-claim-bureau-to-collect-delinquent-scranton-taxes-1.2572278
Reading Parking Authority names new executive director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-parking-authority-names-new-executive-director/article_c3da83e0-205a-11ea-9f83-f7aae37b0cb0.html
Safe Berks honors CEO of family-owned department store Boscov’s
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/safe-berks-honors-ceo-of-family-owned-department-store-boscov/article_5211adc8-2047-11ea-ac41-c74030ed4368.html
Collingdale volunteer fire companies are merging
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/collingdale-volunteer-fire-companies-are-merging/article_33d16f60-1dc7-11ea-a52e-7f3681cdaab3.html
West Chester police chief retiring after 34-year career
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/west-chester-police-chief-retiring-after–year-career/article_9d24945e-2044-11ea-95a3-4329ac91ec86.html
Hempfield family packs ‘chemo comfort’ tote bags for adult cancer patients
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-family-packs-chemo-comfort-tote-bags-for-adult-cancer-patients/
Luzerne County DA critical of Griffith’s email
https://www.timesleader.com/news/766144/luzerne-county-da-critical-of-griffiths-email
Hazleton City Council to vote today; mayor pitches positions
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-city-council-to-vote-today-mayor-pitches-positions-1.2572244
New Jersey
N.J. voters to decide on legalizing marijuana
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/cannabis-marijuana-new-jersey-senate-vote-ballot-amendment-to-legalize-20191216.html
Philly
Dozens rally for Philly police accountability, including DA Larry Krasner, Chief Defender Keir Bradford-Grey, Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins
https://www.inquirer.com/news/larry-krasner-malcolm-jenkins-keir-bradford-grey-philadelphia-police-commissioner-contract-20191217.html
Jenkins joins community in asking for more transparency in top cop search
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/jenkins-joins-community-in-asking-for-more-transparency-in-top/article_cf3783f1-5e00-56eb-8057-2fcbe320acf4.html
Live Nation ‘bullied’ church, pocketed Met landlord’s share of cash from Madonna, Sting shows, lawsuit says
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/live-nation-lawsuit-met-philadelphia-eric-blumenfeld-geoff-gordon-20191217.html
Philadelphia is getting new ‘I voted’ stickers in 2020. And they’ll actually stick, officials promise.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/philadelphia-i-voted-stickers-20191216.html
Former Bob Brady aide is headed to federal prison for paying a challenger to drop out of the race
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rep-bob-brady-aide-ken-smukler-d-a-jones-judge-jimmie-moore-90k-payoff-20191216.html
Wells Fargo to pay Philly $10 million to resolve lawsuit alleging lending discrimination against minorities
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/philadelphia-settles-lawsuit-wells-fargo-allegations-discriminatory-mortgage-lending-minorities-20191216.html
The Philly couple whose ICE arrest inspired outrage is released
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-couple-immigrants-ice-detain-viral-outrage-indonesia-20191216.html
Philly Board of Education has done little to change status quo | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-school-board-of-education-20191216.html
How the Kenney administration is responding to gun violence | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/mayor-jim-kenney-philadelphia-violence-prevention-20191216.html
Pitt
Mayor Bill Peduto and Superintendent Anthony Hamlet meet to talk taxes, make peace
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/16/pittsburgh-public-schools-tax-increase-mayor-bill-peduto-superintendent-anthony-hamlet-meeting/stories/201912160120
Mayor Bill Peduto, Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent agree to work on school funding sources
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/peduto-hamlet-agree-to-work-together-on-school-funding-sources/
With Pittsburgh Public Schools tax vote nearing, divisions remain
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/16/With-PPS-tax-vote-nearing-divisions-remain/stories/201912170075
Pittsburgh to Cleveland in 18 minutes? Planners say proposed hyperloop promises huge economic benefits
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/12/16/Hyerloop-Cleveland-Pittsburgh-Chicago-feasibility-study-high-speed-low-pressure-tubes/stories/201912150088
Pitt trustees cite university’s strength in giving chancellor, others pay raises
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/12/16/University-of-Pittsburgh-Pitt-executive-compensation-pay-trustees-Patrick-Gallagher-Arthur-Levine/stories/201912160081
Pitt Chancellor Patrick Gallagher gets raise, will make $828,000 in 2020
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pitt-officials-cite-chancellors-performance-in-raise/
Robert Ferrante claims he was forced to give up out-of-county jury
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/12/16/robert-ferrante-autumn-klein-cyanide-death-trial-post-conviction-relief-petition-allegheny-county-jury/stories/201912160116
Arlington Avenue to close near Liberty Bridge this week for houses to be razed
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/12/16/Pittsburgh-traffic-arlington-Avenue-5-day-closure-landslide-damage-two-homes-razed/stories/201912160114
Baby found overnight on front porch of home in Brighton Heights
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/17/Baby-found-overnight-front-porch-home-Brighton-Heights-pittsburgh/stories/201912170090
Police: Baby OK after being found on Brighton Heights porch
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/police-baby-ok-after-being-found-on-brighton-heights-porch/
Pittsburgh’s paid sick leave law to take effect mid-March
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/16/Pittsburgh-paid-sick-leave-law-takes-effect-mid-March/stories/201912160129
Owner of pit bull shot by police after attacking terrier mix sent citation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/12/16/pit-bull-attack-owner-trevaugh-brown-pittsburgh-dog-laws-white-terrier-mix-eddie-dies/stories/201912160092
Heinz Lofts files landlord tenant action against Terrelle Pryor and girlfriend
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/12/16/terrelle-pryor-girlfriend-stabbing-suspect-shalaya-briston-heinz-lofts-landlord-tenant-action/stories/201912160097
Does Apple have its eye on Oakland?
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/12/16/Apple-Oakland-Walnut-Capital-Athletic-Association-building/stories/201912160101
Free Wi-Fi coming to all Allegheny County Port Authority buses, light rail
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/free-wi-fi-coming-to-all-allegheny-county-port-authority-buses-light-rail/
State News
Controlling methane: Stakeholders oppose EPA rollback
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/12/17/Controlling-methane-Stakeholders-oppose-EPA-rollback/stories/201912060067
Amish share meal with refugees, bridging gap between cultures
https://www.inquirer.com/news/amish-refugee-syria-somalia-immigration-20191217.html
Hypnosis Society of Pa. folds after 76 years, donates $17K to Syria Shriners
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/hypnosis-society-of-pennsylvania-donates-17k-to-syria-shriners/
Activists across Western Pa. to rally for Trump’s ouster on eve of House impeachment vote
https://triblive.com/local/regional/activists-to-rally-for-trumps-ouster-on-eve-of-house-impeachment-vote/
Protesters on both sides rally in Wilkes-Barre ahead of trump impeachment vote
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/protesters-on-both-sides-rally-in-wilkes-barre-ahead-of-trump-impeachment-vote-1.2572300
Frankenfish may be having a big impact on other fish, says new study
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/12/frankenfish-may-be-having-a-big-impact-on-other-fish-says-new-study.html
Washington
Chrissy Houlahan, a key House Democrat, backs Trump impeachment
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/chrissy-houlahan-a-key-house-democrat-backs-trump-impeachment/article_0b82f79e-2039-11ea-8184-97d4bf2ac560.html
Democrats accuse Trump of criminal bribery in report on impeachment articles
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/democrats-trump-criminal-bribery-house-report-impeachment-20191217.html
Republicans to Jeff Van Drew: Not so fast
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/new-jersey/jeff-van-drew-new-jersey-republican-primary-20191216.html
‘Obamacare’ tax repeal added to $1.4T wrap-up spending bill
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/obamacare-tax-repeal-added-14t-wrap-up-spending-bill-20191216.html
Congress finalizes $1.3 trillion spending deal ahead of Friday shutdown deadline
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/congress-federal-spending-deal-20191216.html
New report blames gerrymandering for stalled gun-safety bills
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/new-report-blames-gerrymandering-for-stalled-gun-safety-bills/