Legislature
Disability/mental health summit aims to provide information and resources
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/02/24/American-with-Disabilities-Act-summit-aims-mental-health-Dan-Miller-resources/stories/202002190133
Harrisburg edges closer to eliminating gerrymandering with bipartisan support
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/harrisburg-edges-closer-to-eliminating-gerrymandering-with-bipartisan-support/article_bd815f00-5732-11ea-a0cd-33506071d885.html
Officials call for Rockhill Quarry in East Rockhill to be permanently closed because of asbestos
https://www.thereporteronline.com/news/officials-call-for-rockhill-quarry-in-east-rockhill-to-be/article_b31b9d8d-03d4-515e-9ba2-d2ea966b3a84.html
Pennsylvania may tweak new law to avoid vote-counting logjam
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pennyslvania-new-law-vote-counting-elections-20200225.html
House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler isn’t running for Speaker — yet
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/house-majority-leader-bryan-cutler-isnt-running-for-speaker-yet.html
Local arrests show need for gun law
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/local-arrests-show-need-for-gun-law-1.2599116
Extend comp for volunteers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/extend-comp-for-volunteers-1.2599118
Editorial: Deana’s Law and the war on repeat DUI offenses
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-deana-s-law-and-the-war-on-repeat-dui/article_f0984a34-572d-11ea-a95b-b7fbcfa5f474.html
Budget
Wolf proposes staffing increases, fee hikes in DEP’s budget request
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/wolf-proposes-staffing-fee-hikes-in-deps-budget-request/
Business
Shop ‘n Save owner guilty of felony theft in coupon clipping scheme
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/24/michael-mihelic-shop-n-save-owner-guilty-of-felony-theft-coupon-fraud/stories/202002240109
Settlement of Clairton Coke Works suit results in Mon Valley windfall
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/02/24/Clairton-Coke-Works-lawsuit-settlement-8-5-million-air-quality-US-Steel/stories/202002240129
Walmart training employees for in-home delivery at empty townhouse in Sewickley
https://triblive.com/local/sewickley/walmart-training-employees-for-in-home-delivery-at-empty-townhouse-in-sewickley/
Coronavirus disrupts global bridal industry; local shops taking precautions
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus-disrupts-global-bridal-industry-local-shops-taking-precautions-1.2599133
Buffett boasts of Wilkes-Barre, GUARD Insurance in annual letter
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/buffett-boasts-of-wilkes-barre-guard-insurance-in-annual-letter-1.2599241
Scranton companies catch Ben Franklin innovation awards
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/scranton-companies-catch-ben-franklin-innovation-awards-1.2599110
Crime/Punishment
Pennsylvania’s Board of Pardons should show mercy to more people like me | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-board-of-pardons-commutations-probation-parole-20200224.html
‘We are still transferring priests that molest children?’ judge asks in sentencing Allentown Diocese priest for groping 17-year-old girl
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-allentown-diocese-priest-sentenced-sex-assault-20200224-zqrgadp5o5efjovdrxemzx6jqi-story.html
Rallies planned in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia to urge state Attorney General Shapiro to support more commutations
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/25/rallies-planned-in-pittsburgh-philadelphia-to-urge-state-attorney-general-to-support-more-commutations/
Beaver County Jail among 22 Pa. jails to allow inmates contact visits with children
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200224/beaver-county-jail-among-22-pa-jails-to-allow-inmates-contact-visits-with-children
Education
At packed Scranton School Board meeting, consultants outline work needed at Northeast Intermediate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/at-packed-scranton-school-board-meeting-consultants-outline-work-needed-at-northeast-intermediate-1.2599322
Pennsylvania needs a better charter rule, plus school choice support from Governor Wolf | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-charter-schools-tom-wolf-budget-20200224.html
We need to change the law on cyber charter schools | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/02/we-need-to-change-the-law-on-cyber-charter-schools-opinion.html
These Pa. colleges are going all in on renewable energy — with a little help from a Texas solar farm
https://www.inquirer.com/business/lehigh-lafayette-muhlenberg-dickinson-sign-solar-supply-agreement-20200224.html
Lehigh Valley colleges announce joint agreement to buy cleaner energy and reduce carbon footprint
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-renewable-energy-story-20200224-lexnvcszurhkjlrrz32avlyqvq-story.html
Monongahela native, Purdue president wants civics test as graduation requirement
https://triblive.com/local/regional/monongahela-native-purdue-president-wants-civics-test-as-graduation-requirement/
Elections/Politics
Poll finds top Democrats lead Trump in Pa.’s Erie County despite strong marks for economy
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-democrats-pennsylvania-poll-erie-county-bernie-sanders-joe-biden-20200225.html
Pa. has thousands of immigrants who are allowed to vote for the first time. Will they?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-immigrants-eligible-voters-2020-20200225.html
With voting by mail in Pa. this year, election results may not be known for days, officials say
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/with-voting-by-mail-in-pa-this-year-election-results-may-not-be-known-for-days-officials-say.html
What happens if you vote absentee in Pa. and then your candidate drops out?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pa-absentee-ballot-vote-candidate-drops-out-20200225.html
Pennsylvania launches webpages to school voters on new procedures
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pennsylvania-launches-webpages-to-school-voters-on-new-procedures/
Voting webpage explains new system in place for primary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/voting-webpage-explains-new-system-in-place-for-primary-1.2599137
Gaming
Wind Creek Bethlehem casino announces leadership change
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-wind-creek-bethlehem-brian-carr-leaving-kathy-mccracken-gm-20200225-dkrqmnglxjaqzfl5valkln67pq-story.html
Health Care
Doctors rejected a woman for a liver transplant because of drinking. Then they learned her bladder was brewing alcohol.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/doctors-rejected-woman-liver-transplant-for-drinking-bladder-brewing-alcohol-auto-brewery-upmc-20200224.html
Local News
Big stink returns to Delco
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/big-stink-returns-to-delco/article_0522294a-574f-11ea-b31b-c33b4146fa1b.html
Chester County watchdog wants Bunny’s money
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-watchdog-wants-bunny-s-money/article_4cd73cfe-573f-11ea-bf5d-63c056eef0a1.html
Exeter supervisors vote to keep Reading Country Club a golf course and banquet/restaurant complex
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/exeter-supervisors-vote-to-keep-reading-country-club-a-golf/article_88ab33d4-574e-11ea-b685-2bae851491a1.html
Reading agrees to settle federal lawsuit with former employee
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-agrees-to-settle-federal-lawsuit-with-former-employee/article_a282a6ac-573f-11ea-b9cf-df10a996ecf8.html
$3.4 million sewer project underway in Hempfield
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/3-4-million-sewer-project-underway-in-hempfield/
Latrobe eyes protective netting to restore full access to city garage with repairs pending
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-eyes-protective-netting-to-restore-full-access-to-city-garage-with-repairs-pending/
NEPA Inclusive project aims to boost independent living
https://www.timesleader.com/news/774098/nepa-inclusive-project-aims-to-boost-independent-living
Pedri to report on state of county today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pedri-to-report-on-state-of-county-today-1.2599191
National News
Despite protests, Delaware to give Amazon $4.5 million for its largest-ever warehouse
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/amazon-subsidy-boxwood-wilmington-delaware-fulfillment-robotics-20200224.html
Bill Cosby camp calls Harvey Weinstein verdict ‘a very sad day in the American Judicial System’
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/02/bill-cosby-camp-calls-harvey-weinstein-verdict-a-very-sad-day-in-the-american-judicial-system.html
Hemp growers fight federal limits, weather, thieves for a stake in a projected CBD boom
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/25/hemp-growers-fight-federal-limits-weather-thieves-for-a-stake-in-a-projected-cbd-boom/
New Jersey
N.J. governor to propose new fees for companies whose workers rely on Medicaid
https://www.inquirer.com/business/new-jersey-gun-permit-fees-medicaid-opioid-tax-budget-20200225.html
Fire at popular Delaware Water Gap hiking trail still smolders
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fire-at-popular-delaware-water-gap-hiking-trail-still-smolders-1.2599328
Philly
West Philly is about to vote in yet another special election after yet another Democrat was convicted
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/west-philadelphia-special-election-20200224.html
A frustrated United Steelworkers chief says he did his best to keep Philly refinery open
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/philly-pes-refinery-sale-usw-workers-thomas-conway-20200225.html
To make Philly politics more ethical, make the Office of Inspector General permanent | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-politics-ethics-inspector-general-home-rule-charter-20200225.html
Overcrowding, delays on Market-Frankford Line not caused by skip-stop change, SEPTA says
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-market-frankford-line-crowding-ab-skip-stop-20200224.html
Pa. Supreme Court will investigate alleged conflicts in DA Larry Krasner’s handling of Mumia Abu-Jamal’s appeals
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mumia-abu-jamal-maureen-faulkner-pennsylvania-supreme-court-conflict-larry-krasner-20200224.html
Blondell Reynolds Brown said she wouldn’t enroll in DROP. Now she’s trying to do just that.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/blondell-reynolds-brown-drop-20200224.html
The 2020 Census is a chance for black Philadelphians to reclaim power | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/census-2020-black-population-under-counts-20200224.html
Philly is right to take LGBTQ foster care case to Supreme Court | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-catholic-same-sex-foster-parents-supreme-court-religious-discrimination-20200224.html
In Philly, library advocates demand $19.3M in new funding ahead of budget negotiations
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/library-advocates-demand-19-3m-in-new-funding-ahead-of-budget-negotiations/
Pitt
Rep. Austin Davis resigns as vice chairman of Allegheny Democratic committee
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/02/24/Rep-Austin-Davis-resigns-vice-chairman-Allegheny-Democratic-committee/stories/202002240102
Amid unrest, Pa. Rep. Austin Davis steps down as vice chair of Allegheny County Dems
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/amid-unrest-pa-rep-austin-davis-steps-down-as-vice-chair-of-allegheny-county-dems/
Baffling endorsements: County Democrats should simply trust voters
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/25/Allegheny-County-Democratic-Committee-baffling-endorsements/stories/202002200046
Some Allegheny County libraries ditching late fees in hopes that readership goes up
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/lifestyle/2020/02/24/Some-Allegheny-County-libraries-ditching-late-fees-in-hopes-that-readership-goes-up/stories/202002220055
Fish fries in Allegheny County and nearby
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/02/24/Fish-fries-in-Allegheny-County-and-nearby-2020/stories/202002240016
Muffy Mendoza helps cultivate safe space for black mothers in Pittsburgh and beyond
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/lifestyle/2020/02/25/History-in-the-making-Muffy-Mendoza-safe-space-black-mothers-Pittsburgh-beyond/stories/202002250002
Residents, business owners weigh in on the city’s ‘master bike plan’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/02/24/bike-plan-Pittsburgh-biking-master-bike-plan-Mayor-Peduto-City-of-Pittsburgh-cyclists-motorists/stories/202002240132
A tale of two cities’ tech jobs: New nonprofit wants to grow San Francisco, Silicon Valley pipeline to Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/02/24/Silicon-Valley-expanding-tech-companies-emerging-tech-hubs-One-America-Works/stories/202002180154
Paying more at Airmall: Street pricing must be enforced at the airport
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/25/Paying-more-at-Airmall-Street-pricing-must-be-enforced-at-the-airport/stories/202002150011
Pittsburgh area filled with not-so-hard workers, study says
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-area-filled-with-not-so-hard-workers-study-says/
Skating coach sues Penguins, alleges she was fired for needing breaks to pump breast milk
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/skating-coach-sues-penguins-alleges-she-was-fired-for-needing-breaks-to-pump-breast-milk/
Allegheny County to test water at Human Services building for Legionella bacteria
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-to-test-water-at-human-services-building-for-legionella-bacteria-spokesman-says/
State News
Berks County group offers help to first responders who witness tragedy
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/24/berks-county-group-offers-help-to-first-responders-who-witness-tragedy/
Washington
Bob Casey condemns William Barr for assigning U.S. attorney in Pittsburgh to review information on Bidens, Ukraine
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/24/Bob-Casey-condemns-William-Barr-assigning-U-S-attorney-Pittsburgh-review-information-Bidens-Ukraine/stories/202002240082
Senior citizens raise concerns over ‘Medicare for all’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/senior-citizens-raise-concerns-over-medicare-for-all-1.2599312
Following attacks from challenger, Lamb weighs in on fracking ban
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/24/following-attacks-from-challenger-lamb-weighs-in-on-fracking-ban/