Legislature
Pa. Lottery blames growth of skill games, lack of big jackpots for drop in profits
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/pa-lottery-blames-growth-of-skill-games-lack-of-big-jackpots-for-drop-in-profits.html
Lawmakers question Wolf’s corporate tax proposals—again
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/19/lawmakers-question-wolfs-corporate-tax-proposals-again/
Experts, officials pitch state-level reforms at hearing on municipal tax burdens
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/experts-officials-pitch-state-level-reforms-at-hearing-on-municipal-tax-burdens-1.2596740
Pennsylvania is a big, important state. Why doesn’t its primary date reflect that? Experts weigh in
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pennsylvania-is-a-big-important-state-why-doesnt-its-primary-date-reflect-that-experts-weigh-in/
Mariner East ruptures PECO gas line in West Whiteland
https://www.pottsmerc.com/news/local/mariner-east-ruptures-peco-gas-line-in-west-whiteland/article_6f797694-2647-5963-9658-4d0855c07b8d.html
Lawmakers consider overhaul of state oversight of fire companies
https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/lawmakers-consider-overhaul-of-state-oversight-of-fire-companies/article_fd83d0c6-47a5-5a5d-80bb-6e40db99f78f.html
Advocates for seriously ill say treatments compromised by mid-year insurance changes
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-mid-year-insurance-changes-seriously-ill-20200218-xttkgbeiuvca5mjxulvwwifa6i-story.html
Local legislators support effort to end stormwater fee
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-legislators-support-effort-to-end-stormwater-fee-1.2596798
Area residents demand end to stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/773167/area-residents-demand-end-to-stormwater-fee
Rep. Rosita Youngblood, the first Black woman ever elected to a House leadership post, is retiring
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/ending-speculation-youngblood-announces-retirement-from-pa-house/
Lobbying law falls short
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/lobbying-law-falls-short-1.2596711
Philly refinery fire was a WARN-ing: Pa. must do more to retrain displaced workers | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/philly-refinery-fire-was-a-warn-ing-pa-must-do-more-to-retrain-displaced-workers-opinion/
Administration
The one big reason that Gov. Wolf’s third try at a state police user fee won’t work | Mark O’Keefe
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-one-big-reason-that-gov-wolfs-third-try-at-a-state-police-user-fee-wont-work-mark-okeefe/
Business
Kraft Heinz hangs onto its dividend payment, but rating agencies downgrade its debt
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/02/18/Kraft-Heinz-debt-downgrade-investment-Fitch-SP-dividend-payment/stories/202002170090
Former Consol president’s suit against the coal company is riled by a reluctant witness
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/02/16/Consol-Energy-president-Katharine-Fredriksen-discrimination-lawsuit-settlement/stories/202002160038
‘Business as usual’: Levin’s owners consider options to sustain operations
https://triblive.com/local/regional/business-as-usual-levins-owners-consider-options-to-sustain-operations/
Why the most powerful Teamster in Pa. is going up against Hoffa
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/teamsters-international-election-bill-hamilton-james-hoffa-20200218.html
NS transferring 85 Roanoke jobs
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/02/ns-transferring-85-roanoke-jobs/
Crime/Punishment
Could a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision fix ‘broken’ bail systems across the state?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/aclu-pennsylvania-philadelphia-cash-bail-reform-criminal-justice-20200219.html
Attorney for Wilkinsburg jailhouse witness: No prosecutorial misconduct
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/18/Attorney-for-Wilkinsburg-jailhouse-witness-No-prosecutorial-misconduct/stories/202002180142
2 charged with homicide in shooting death and kidnapping that prompted Amber Alert
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/18/Amber-Alert-issued-for-15-year-old-boy/stories/202002180103
Police investigate Kingston shooting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/773144/police-investigating-kingston-shooting
Education
Delco second grader dies of flu complications; Marple Newtown district on alert
https://www.inquirer.com/news/child-death-flu-delaware-county-pennsylvania-matthew-wzorek-20200218.html
Sto-Rox tweets seeking copier paper shed light on a district in need
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/02/18/Sto-Rox-district-paper-shortage-supplies-upper-elementary-katie-couch-tweet-heather-johnston-budget/stories/202002180118
Ellwood City sixth-grader receives thousands of valentine cards from strangers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/02/18/kyree-beachem-valentines-cards-transplant-ellwood-city/stories/202002180088
Chris Kelly: Hot air can’t fill closed sails
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-hot-air-can-t-fill-closed-sails-1.2596882
Use caution during school shooter drills
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/19/Shooter-drills-caution-Students-traumatized-training/stories/202002180022
Thomas Parker, the fourth superintendent in 10 years to lead Allentown schools, applies for job in Nashville
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-schools–20200218-j7wibgpwfjcylppe3igahp6u34-story.html
Works by ‘mother of Black Feminism’ transcribed at Wilkes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/773196/works-by-mother-of-black-feminism-transcribed-at-wilkes
Alvernia University receives $200,000 for South Reading Youth Initiative
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/alvernia-university-receives-for-south-reading-youth-initiative/article_4910f3ea-527a-11ea-bd6a-33f4183e051d.html
Elections/Politics
All major presidential candidates have filed for Pennsylvania primary
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/02/18/All-major-presidential-candidates-have-filed-for-Pennsylvania-primary/stories/202002180140
Democrats are hitting Trump on TV in Pa. while their presidential candidates are distracted by each other
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/democratic-super-pacs-trump-ads-pennsylvania-20200218.html
Let’s talk about the time Mike Bloomberg spent millions to reelect Republican Pat Toomey in Pa.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/mike-bloomberg-pat-toomey-20200218.html
Bernie Sanders takes wide lead in California primary, new poll finds
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/02/18/Bernie-Sanders-takes-wide-lead-in-California-primary-new-poll-finds/stories/202002180182
Millions of people can vote but don’t, even in swing states like Pennsylvania. Here’s why.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/nonvoters-study-knight-foundation-100-million-project-20200219.html
Deadline passes; primary election ballot is now set
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/deadline-passes-primary-election-ballot-is-now-set-1.2596787
Here’s who is running to represent Pennsylvania in the U.S. Congress
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/heres-who-is-running-to-represent-pennsylvania-in-the-us-congress.html
On a busy petition filing day, Leach, other Pa. senators face multiple challengers
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/on-a-busy-petition-filing-day-leach-other-pa-senators-face-multiple-challengers/
Parnell, Vodvarka only Republicans trying to challenge Lamb
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200218/parnell-vodvarka-only-republicans-trying-to-challenge-lamb
State officials unclear on backup plan if federal courts decertify voting machine
https://papost.org/2020/02/18/state-officials-unclear-on-backup-plan-if-federal-courts-decertify-voting-machine/
Absentee ballots to miss initial count
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/02/absentee-ballots-to-miss-initial-count/
Health Care
Coronavirus infection may be spread by people without symptoms, mounting evidence suggests
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus-transmission-asymptommatic-nejm-german-report-20200218.html
Editorial: Influenza far bigger local threat than coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-influenza-far-bigger-local-threat-than-coronavirus/article_70d11f06-5255-11ea-97e8-a722045b9a59.html
Lyme disease threat gets clearer but treatment remains murky: ‘Ticks are nature’s dirty needle’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/lyme-disease-threat-gets-clearer-but-treatment-remains-murky-ticks-are-natures-dirty-needle.html
Local News
Mayor’s flag redesign suggestion causes Scranton council flap
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mayor-s-flag-redesign-suggestion-causes-scranton-council-flap-1.2596802
Appeals court rules against challengers to Keystone Landfill expansion
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/appeals-court-rules-against-challengers-to-keystone-landfill-expansion-1.2596720
Local authority receives $200k to combat opioid abuse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/local-authority-receives-200k-to-combat-opioid-abuse-1.2596883
Will tax bills change? Delaware County residents are getting new property assessments.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/property-reassessment-tax-delaware-county-20200218.html
Questions abound as Delco property reassessment proceeds
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/questions-abound-as-delco-property-reassessment-proceeds/article_10e16ef8-5290-11ea-a453-378f0986e25d.html
$19,000 awarded to local non-profits serving women and girls
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/awarded-to-local-non-profits-serving-women-and-girls/article_460b6932-527f-11ea-b084-03582bc9d42b.html
The Reading Fair is planning big changes this year, including a new name
https://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/the-reading-fair-is-planning-big-changes-this-year-including/article_8370446c-4dbd-11ea-acaa-bf376ef9d1a9.html
In Bethel Township, residents getting weary, wary of development
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/in-bethel-township-residents-getting-weary-wary-of-development/article_09bc660a-4f98-11ea-b975-cfba60928283.html
Reading mayor wants to target litter problem
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-mayor-wants-to-target-litter-problem/article_7fa08d08-52ac-11ea-b657-639e1b8b398a.html
Reading to host statewide Latino Health Summit June 12 and 13
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-to-host-statewide-latino-health-summit-june-and/article_47679bfc-5266-11ea-b893-7b5700a6c2b9.html
Middletown cop making history with promotion to sergeant
https://www.theintell.com/news/20200219/middletown-cop-making-history-with-promotion-to-sergeant
Waterline extension project in South Buffalo gets key funding
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/waterline-extension-project-in-south-buffalo-gets-key-funding/
Westmoreland Sanitary Landfill fined for excessive contaminated runoff
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2020/02/18/landfill-Westmoreland-sanitary-DEP-consent-order-waste-runoff/stories/202002180167
Rostraver landfill, DEP reach agreement on liquids from oil, gas waste
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/rostraver-landfill-dep-reach-agreement-on-liquids-from-oil-gas-waste/
Wyoming Valley Levee freeboard safety buffer to be examined
https://www.timesleader.com/news/773177/wyoming-valley-levee-freeboard-safety-buffer-to-be-examined
Cops: Drunken Yuknavich launched threats, epithets
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/cops-drunken-yuknavich-launched-threats-epithets-1.2596735
WVSA eyes former car dealership property
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvsa-eyes-former-car-dealership-property-1.2596801
Will Allentown City Council exempt the Maingate Night Club from state noise regulations?
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-maingate-exemption-zone-city-council-preview-20200218-oezlvdqgdzda5a25g5k6s4wbbe-story.html
Through volunteers, much of the 700,000 pounds of fresh food wasted in the Lehigh Valley is getting to pantries
https://www.mcall.com/entertainment/food-drink/mc-ent-reclaiming-food-in-easton-20200219-hpadi2adfnax5ae3xulsbm3q6u-story.html
West Manheim Township becomes Second Amendment sanctuary, 2nd in Pa.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/02/19/west-manheim-township-becomes-second-amendment-sanctuary-2nd-pa-pennsylvania/4799235002/
York County township to consider becoming ‘Second Amendment Sanctuary’
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/18/york-county-township-to-consider-becoming-second-amendment-sanctuary/
New Jersey
Employers must have anti-harassment policy under Murphy bill
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/new-jersey/new-jersey-murphy-anti-harassment-bill-20200218.html
A New Jersey school district will wash and fold students’ clothes to keep kids in class
https://www.inquirer.com/education/nj-schools-laundry-students-dirty-clothes-20200219.html
Philly
Sold for $1, resold for riches: How Philly gave away $54 million in properties
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-dollar-vacant-land-property-council-blackwell-kenyatta-20200219.html
‘Pay-by-plate’ parking kiosks continue rollout into Center City, University City
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/ppa-parking-kiosk-license-plate-center-city-university-city-20200218.html
Archbishop Nelson Pérez’s installation: New Roman Catholic leader tells flock, ‘It’s time to come back to the church’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/archbishop-nelson-perez-philadelphia-installation-how-to-watch-catholic-chaput-archdiocese-20200218.html
Concern rises following ICE arrest of mother after she dropped off child at South Philly school
https://www.inquirer.com/news/undocumented-immigrant-ice-arrest-school-philadelphia-kirkbride-elementary-20200218.html
Danielle Outlaw starts her job facing scrutiny that only gets applied to a black woman | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-police-danielle-outlaw-commissioner-start-20200218.html
Philly Police ID officer who shot 17-year-old who appeared to be reaching for gun
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-officer-corey-williams-shooting-teen-robbery-20200218.html
Philly cop charged with DUI for accident in Oxford Circle
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-arrest-dui-john-sears-roosevelt-boulevard-20200218.html
3 wounded in South Philly shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/south-philadelphia-shooting-fitzgerald-20200219.html
Philly charter backed by electrical workers’ union abandons plan for new school in South Kensington
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/local-98-charter-school-abandoned-new-project-john-dougherty-sean-schellenger-techadelphia-20200218.html
The surprising costs of surviving and thriving in Philadelphia | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/poverty-philadelphia-self-sufficiency-wages-food-stamps-editorial-20200219.html
Have we eliminated personal responsibility along with library fines in Philadelphia? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/free-library-eliminate-late-fees-philadelphia-20200218.html
Poll: Philadelphians say their city is less safe than America’s largest cities
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/poll-philadelphians-say-their-city-is-less-safe-than-americas-largest-cities/
Bill to bolster tax break for working poor moves ahead in City Council committee, despite Kenney’s opposition
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/bill-to-bolster-tax-break-for-working-poor-moves-ahead/article_d5ae160a-61b2-598b-9b0c-ac72349f05fe.html
Pitt
NAACP, clergy rally against Judge Tranquilli and alleged racist remarks
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/18/NAACP-clergy-rally-against-Judge-Mark-Tranquilli/stories/202002180135
NAACP, black community leaders call for Allegheny Co. judge’s ouster over alleged racist remarks
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/naacp-black-community-leaders-call-for-allegheny-co-judges-ouster-over-alleged-racist-remarks/
Rally honors 3-year-old Chassity Clancy, who died from gunshot wound
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/02/18/Chassity-Clancy-killed-Beltzhoover-shooting-prayer-and-action-rally-Pittsburgh/stories/202002180169
Port Authority to rename a light rail service to Silver Line Library
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/02/18/Port-Authority-blue-line-light-rail-Library-Station-Silver-Line-Library/stories/202002180165
Permanent exhibition on namesake comes to August Wilson Center
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2020/02/18/Permanent-exhibition-on-namesake-comes-to-August-Wilson-Center/stories/202002130145
140 bricks of heroin seized in drug bust on North Side, police say
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/140-bricks-of-heroin-seized-in-north-side-drug-bust-police-say/
Community group wants ideas for repurposing Shenango Coke Works site
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2020/02/18/Community-group-ideas-options-repurposing-Shenango-Coke-Works-site-Neville-Island/stories/202002180111
412 Food Rescue CEO to receive Global Leadership Award
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-woman-to-receive-global-leadership-award/
Pittsburgh poised to pay city firefighter $70,000 to settle discrimination suit
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-poised-to-pay-city-firefighter-70000-to-settle-discrimination-suit/
Sophie Masloff program to kick off women’s history initiative
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/sophie-masloff-program-to-kick-off-womens-history-initiative/
Report notes growth, inequities in Pittsburgh’s arts community
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/19/report-notes-growth-inequities-in-pittsburghs-arts-community/
State News
Legal but ousted: Medical marijuana shouldn’t limit housing
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/19/Medical-marijuana-affordable-housing-Mary-Cease/stories/202002120073
Business as usual for local councils as Boy Scouts of America files for bankruptcy
https://triblive.com/local/regional/business-as-usual-for-local-councils-as-boy-scouts-of-america-files-for-bankruptcy/
Pa. Superior Court hears appeal arguments in corruption case against former Westmoreland sheriff
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pa-superior-court-hears-appeal-arguments-in-corruption-case-against-former-westmoreland-sheriff/
Pa. Superior Court hears Trib appeal for juror names in Westmoreland public corruption trial
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pa-superior-court-hears-trib-appeal-for-juror-names-in-westmoreland-public-corruption-trial/
Hempfield doctor wants to use Pa. lawsuit against Purdue Pharma to defend his drug-death case
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-doctor-wants-to-use-pa-lawsuit-against-purdue-pharma-to-defend-his-drug-death-case/
Annual 911 Memorial Trail ride features special bike access to Flight 93 National Memorial
https://triblive.com/local/regional/annual-911-memorial-trail-ride-features-special-bike-access-to-flight-93-national-memorial/
Coming soon: More pet camping sites at Pennsylvania state parks
https://triblive.com/local/regional/coming-soon-more-pet-camping-sites-at-pennsylvania-state-parks/
Transportation
New transit company offers $10 rides from Scranton to New York City
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/new-transit-company-offers-10-rides-from-scranton-to-new-york-city-1.2596636
Washington
Sen. Casey launches campaign for sweeping child welfare reforms
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/casey-launches-campaign-for-sweeping-child-welfare-reforms/
Source: Barr tells people he might quit over Trump tweets
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/02/18/Source-Barr-tells-people-he-might-quit-over-Trump-tweets/stories/202002180178
Trump raises possibility of suing those involved in prosecuting Roger Stone
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-roger-stone-trial-20200218.html