Legislature
Move up ’24 presidential primaries
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/move-up-24-presidential-primaries-1.2595954
Crime/Punishment
In Bucks County, a new program is sending first-time drug offenders to treatment instead of to a courtroom
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bucks-county-district-court-diversionary-program-drugs-20200217.html
Teen shot after home invasion in Butler
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/17/Teen-shot-after-home-invasion-in-Butler-pittsburgh/stories/202002170069
Education
Biracial student journalist at Beaver County school stands her ground with KKK leader
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/02/17/student-Trinity-Lule-Lincoln-Park-performing-arts-journalist-interview-KKK-leader-Thomas-Robb/stories/202002040091
Sto-Rox paper shortage helped by a tweet
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/sto-rox-paper-shortage-helped-by-a-tweet/
Discussion over Leechburg’s Veterans Memorial Stadium continues
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/discussion-over-veterans-memorial-stadium-continue/
Filling classroom void: Guest substitute program brings real-life experience
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/17/Filling-classroom-void-Guest-substitute-program-brings-real-life-experience/stories/202001310047
A college president’s advice to students: don’t borrow! | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/02/a-college-presidents-advice-to-students-dont-borrow.html
Elections/Politics
Bernie Sanders, Joe Biden and Amy Klobuchar accuse Mike Bloomberg of trying to buy Democrats’ election
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/mike-bloomberg-money-election-demoncrats-biden-sanders-klobuchar-20200217.html
Pete Buttigieg rebuts criticism of his sexuality: ‘I’m proud of my marriage’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/pete-buttigeg-gay-president-trump-election-20200216.html
Mike Bloomberg is getting a serious look from suburban Democrats who just want to beat Trump
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/mike-bloomberg-2020-philadelphia-suburbs-20200217.html
Immigrant voters gain clout in Pa.; could they have an impact on the election?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/immigrant-voters-gain-clout-in-pa-could-they-have-an-impact-on-the-election.html
Pa. officials worry about new voting machines, new law in 2020 elections
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/pa-election-officials-worrying-about-problems-in-2020-elections.html
Pundits says Democrats who want to ban fracking can’t win Pa. Here’s why they’re wrong. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/fracking-pennsylvania-ban-democratic-candidates-20200217.html
Luzerne County election director issues plea for poll workers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772948/luzerne-county-election-director-issues-plea-for-poll-workers
What does it take to run an election?
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/17/what-does-it-take-to-run-an-election-2/
Health Care
Can magic mushrooms and LSD treat depression and anxiety? Scientists are optimistic.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/psychedelics-magic-mushrooms-acid-mental-health-20200217.html
Trading quarantines amid virus concerns, Americans from cruise land in U.S.
https://triblive.com/news/world/trading-quarantines-amid-virus-concerns-americans-from-cruise-land-in-u-s/
As always, flu dangerous
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/as-always-flu-dangerous-1.2595956
Local News
Lackawanna County wants info on repairs of Electric City Parking Garage
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-wants-info-on-repairs-of-electric-city-parking-garage-1.2596105
Scranton city council to discuss legal defense over 511 taxes lawsuit during executive session
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-to-discuss-legal-defense-over-511-taxes-lawsuit-during-executive-session-1.2596101
Jessup still weighing options on 19th century church
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-still-weighing-options-on-19th-century-church-1.2596079
How Reading’s high eviction rate dampens participation in politics
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/housing/how-reading-s-high-eviction-rate-dampens-participation-in-politics/article_40ec04ca-4e97-11ea-adb2-bbdd997954e4.html
Berks County Fire Chaplains Network off to a running start
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-fire-chaplains-network-off-to-a-running-start/article_305f49a2-4deb-11ea-a8a8-23f0426e7ed1.html
Radnor stumped over tree removal, manager’s resignation
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/radnor-stumped-over-tree-removal-manager-s-resignation/article_293d7408-4ddf-55bd-ba58-a0b163b742cf.html
Football legend Cefalo to speak at Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick banquet
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/football-legend-cefalo-to-speak-at-greater-pittston-friendly-sons-of-st-patrick-banquet-1.2596090
Stormwater fee opponent crowd predicted at Luzerne County committee meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/772987/stormwater-fee-opponent-crowd-predicted-at-luzerne-county-committee-meeting
Stormwater fee fight grows in southern Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stormwater-fee-fight-grows-in-southern-luzerne-county-1.2596080
Next of kin seek return of loved one’s body, fault coroner for notification process
https://www.timesleader.com/top-stories/772952/next-of-kin-seek-return-of-loved-ones-body-fault-coroner-for-notification-process
Schuylkill OKs money for medical transportation
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/schuylkill-oks-money-for-medical-transportation-1.2595996
Group that makes river rescues could shut down unless it finds a new Easton home
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-nws-easton-pa-water-rescue-relocation-20200215-btca3kdwxjanpmon6vm4pyioty-story.html
Modern Landfill begins groundwater testing as residents pitch demands
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2020/02/17/modern-landfill-begins-groundwater-testing-residents-pitch-demands/4762359002/
National News
States adopt ‘Bring Baby to Work’ plans, but lag on paid leave | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/states-adopt-bring-baby-to-work-plans-but-lag-on-paid-leave-analysis/
Natural Gas
Additional shale gas well pad planned for Arconic property in Upper Burrell
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/additional-shale-gas-well-pad-planned-for-arconic-property-in-upper-burrell/
Philly
It costs more than $70,000 a year for a Philadelphia family of four to live without help; in the suburbs, up to $88,000
https://www.inquirer.com/news/self-sufficiency-standard-philadelphia-poverty-health-care-families-cost-of-living-20200217.html
What contamination lurks on — and under — shuttered South Philly refinery
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/philadelphia-energy-solutions-refinery-sunoco-evergreen-20200217.html
This one-of-a-kind conference in Philadelphia celebrates the real people behind the Underground Railroad
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/17/this-one-of-a-kind-conference-in-philadelphia-celebrates-the-real-people-behind-the-underground-railroad/
At Archbishop Chaput’s last Mass, he tells Philadelphia Catholics: ‘I’m very grateful to you’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/archbishop-chaput-philadelphia-last-mass-perez-20200217.html
Councilmanic prerogative is Philadelphia’s invitation to corruption | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/councilmanic-prerogative-kenyatta-johnson-philadelphia-20200217.html
As a West Philadelphia hospital expects to end services, City Council wants to find solutions
https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/as-a-west-philaelphia-hospital-expects-to-end-services-city-council-wants-to-find-solutions/
Pitt
Fee could raise an estimated $2M to tear down Allegheny’s County’s blighted properties
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/02/17/Allegheny-County-fee-raise-money-demolition-tear-down-blighted-properties-Mon-Valley/stories/202002130148
Walkabout: Pittsburgh’s formidable fleet — rescuing food to eliminate hunger
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/diana-nelson-jones/2020/02/17/walkabout-412-Food-Rescue-eliminating-food-waste-donations/stories/202002170014
Black History Month 2020: When Pittsburgh was the center of Black baseball | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/black-history-month-2020-when-pittsburgh-was-the-center-of-black-baseball-opinion/
Pittsburgh area’s mild winters creating mountains of salt
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/mild-winters-creating-mountains-of-salt-with-more-on-the-way/
State News
Group home operator serving intellectually disabled? Leave your real estate worries to this firm.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/nestidd-andrew-parker-group-home-intellectually-disabled-20200217.html
Surveyors tackling resurvey of Mason-Dixon Line
https://triblive.com/local/regional/surveyors-tackling-resurvey-of-mason-dixon-line/
At a Pa. Catholic seminary, hope for church beyond scandals
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/at-a-pa-catholic-seminary-hope-for-church-beyond-scandals/
NEPA’s snowmobiling season might be a bust, but weatherman says don’t rule out March
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-s-snowmobiling-season-might-be-a-bust-but-weatherman-says-don-t-rule-out-march-1.2596112
Daughters of the American Revolution chapter leading effort to celebrate nation’s 250th birthday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/daughters-of-the-american-revolution-chapter-leading-effort-to-celebrate-nation-s-250th-birthday-1.2596015
Toll of litter and illegal dumping in 9 Pennsylvania cities — including Reading — is focus of state study
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/toll-of-litter-and-illegal-dumping-in-pennsylvania-cities-including/article_8cf229a2-4c4a-11ea-9f24-e702b2600987.html
Another vigil at Berks detention center as efforts to close it stall
https://www.readingeagle.com/another-vigil-at-berks-detention-center-as-efforts-to-close/article_b5244a76-510f-11ea-9b24-e322b28ab9f4.html
Transportation
New traffic signal coming to Route 100 and Shoemaker Road in Pottstown
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/new-traffic-signal-coming-to-route-and-shoemaker-road-in/article_60266ad6-b663-579c-8cc9-a71210452b40.html