Legislature
‘A form of torture’: Lawmakers, advocates seek to reduce use of solitary confinement
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/a-form-of-torture-lawmakers-advocates-seek-to-reduce-use-of-solitary-confinement/
Pa. law lacks protections for LGBTQ individuals and some demand change
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/pa-law-lacks-protections-for-lgbtq-individuals-and-advocates-want-to-change-that.html
‘It’s about damn time’: Momentum to pass LGBTQ anti-discrimination bill is growing
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/its-about-damn-time-momentum-to-pass-lgtq-anti-discrimination-bill-is-growing/
Killion’s affordable housing bill passes Senate
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/killion-s-affordable-housing-bill-passes-senate/article_ca011d78-46a3-11ea-9242-3f3c2ac04342.html
Wolf promises veto on natural gas tax incentive
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/wolf-promises-veto-on-natural-gas-tax-incentive/
Passing the buck, Pa. House urges Congress to ready for ACA repeal
https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/house-approves-measure-to-maintain-aca-protections-in-the-event-of-its-demise/
Unity nurse anesthetist begins new legislative advocacy role with state association
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/unity-nurse-anesthetist-begins-new-legislative-advocacy-role-with-state-association/
A dangerous idea: States should ban mandatory microchipping
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/04/Dangerous-idea-States-should-ban-mandatory-microchipping/stories/202001290028
Editorial: House must support tougher DUI penalties
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-house-must-support-tougher-dui-penalties/article_6aeaac6a-46a7-11ea-8543-f371f1bda153.html
Please say NO to another decade of Harrisburg dysfunction | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/01/please-say-no-to-another-decade-of-harrisburg-dysfunction-opinion.html
Budget
Today’s budget proposal to include extra cash for economic development
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/today-s-budget-proposal-to-include-extra-cash-for-economic-development-1.2590793
Wolf pushing charter-school bill that would change funding, accountability rules
https://www.inquirer.com/news/charter-school-reform-pennsylvania-tom-wolf-budget-20200203.html
#PABudget 2020: Focused intervention is the key to reducing gun violence. Not mandatory minimums | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/pabudget-2020-focused-intervention-is-the-key-to-reducing-gun-violence-not-mandatory-minimums-opinion/
Use budget to do something
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/use-budget-to-do-something-1.2590798
Business
Pa. craft beer pioneer Stoudts Brewing is closing in the spring
https://www.inquirer.com/business/stoudts-brewing-closing-founder-retiring-20200203.html
Stoudts Brewing in Adamstown to cease operations
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/stoudts-brewing-in-adamstown-to-cease-operations/article_bde20686-46d7-11ea-9cbd-471071814862.html
Westmoreland job fair slated at Hempfield hotel
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-job-fair-slated-at-hempfield-hotel/
FERC approves PennEast changes as company prepares Supreme Court appeal
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200203/ferc-approves-penneast-changes-as-company-prepares-supreme-court-appeal
PA DHS Secretary tours Manna on Main Street
https://www.timesherald.com/news/pa-dhs-secretary-tours-manna-on-main-street/article_6cc456f0-9a33-5665-9691-dc99d72581cd.html
Crime/Punishment
Trial begins in Wilkinsburg mass slaying
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/03/Trial-begins-in-Wilkinsburg-mass-slaying-cheron-shelton-robert-thomas/stories/202002030085
Charges dismissed against accused gunman in Wilkinsburg mass shooting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/charges-dismissed-against-accused-gunman-in-wilkinsburg-mass-shooting/
Police probe Fayette County state prison death as possible suicide
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/03/pennsylvania-state-prison-inmate-death-possible-suicide-fayette-county-uniontown/stories/202002030095
Trial starts for former state trooper accused of lying on application to buy guns
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/trial-starts-for-former-state-trooper-accused-of-lying-on-application-to-buy-guns/
State attorney seeks to use preliminary hearing testimony against former cop Collins
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771618/state-attorney-seeks-to-use-preliminary-hearing-testimony-against-former-cop-collins
Major drug case in shambles after prosecution mistake
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/major-drug-case-in-shambles-after-prosecution-mistake-1.2590830
Parents of slain musician Kyle Yorlets confront two teens accused in his killing: ‘I was floored’
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2020/02/kyle-yorlets-parents-confront-2-of-his-accused-teen-killers-it-was-shocking.html
Lebanon cancer patient sentenced to state prison time: Here’s what we know
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/crime/2020/02/03/lebanon-pennsylvania-cancer-patient-ashley-menser-prison-sentencing-samuel-kline/4647332002/
Traffic citations increase by 150 percent in Downingtown
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/traffic-citations-increase-by-percent-in-downingtown/article_61ddf22e-43c5-11ea-bf25-27f90550f9e9.html
Education
Frustrated parents, staff speak out as Northeast closed indefinitely
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/frustrated-parents-staff-speak-out-as-northeast-closed-indefinitely-1.2590779
WPIAL reaches verdict on incident during Leechburg-Propel Andrew Street basketball game
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-basketball/2020/02/03/WPIAL-verdict-incident-racial-slur-Leechburgh-Propel-Andrew-Street-basketball-game/stories/202002030121
Abington school board discussion on guns creates controversy and an opportunity | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/abington-school-board-guns-officers-20200204.html
Riverside School District fights ruling to rehire fired employee
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/riverside-school-district-fights-ruling-to-rehire-fired-employee-1.2590923
Allentown police chief says department will be a ‘welcome partner’ in school bus stop-arm enforcement
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-school-bus-stop-arm-camera-enforcement-allentown-police-20200204-7g475gtfzvbdhf5kws24edpzgq-story.html
Dickinson College president moves on several student demands; more talks expected in sexual assault protest Tuesday
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/dickinson-college-president-moves-on-several-student-demands-more-talks-expected-in-sexual-assault-protest-tuesday.html
Clarion University to introduce campus safety smart phone app
https://triblive.com/local/regional/clarion-university-to-introduce-campus-safety-smart-phone-app/
Elections/Politics
Iowa caucus results to be released later Tuesday after delays, ‘inconsistencies’
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/02/iowa-caucus-results-to-be-released-later-tuesday-after-delays-inconsistencies.html
Iowa caucus crashed: Democrats’ results delayed by tech troubles, reporting ‘inconsistencies’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/03/Democratic-presidential-race-Iowa-caucus-opens-goal-defeat-Donald-Trump/stories/202002030063
We went to an Iowa caucus that looks a lot like the Pennsylvania swing counties Trump flipped in 2016
https://www.inquirer.com/news/iowa-caucuses-2020-newton-jasper-county-20200204.html
There was an official Iowa caucus in Philadelphia and Bernie Sanders won
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/satellite-caucus-philadelphia-pennsylvania-results-bernie-sanders-primary-2020-20200204.html
Heading into 2020, Conor Lamb has nearly $1M to deploy in re-election fight
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/03/mike-doyle-conor-lamb-sean-parnell-jerry-dickinson-kristy-gnibus-campaign-fundraising-2019-pa/stories/202002050005
Brighton Twp. Democrat Bob Williams running to challenge state Rep. Josh Kail
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200203/brighton-twp-democrat-bob-williams-running-to-challenge-state-rep-josh-kail
Health Care
UPMC Maryland affiliation finalizes deal
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2020/02/03/UPMC-Maryland-affiliation-finalized-Western-Maryland-Health-System-Cumberland/stories/202002030071
Pennsylvania health department officials say ‘coronavirus threat remains low’
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-health-department-officials-say-coronavirus-threat-remains-low/
Main Line Health plans $327 million modernization of Riddle Hospital
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/main-line-health-riddle-hospital-expansion-modernization-20200203.html
Local News
Berks County commissioners consider hiring firm for guidance on prison project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-commissioners-consider-hiring-firm-for-guidance-on-prison/article_124bc7c6-41fa-11ea-9513-4b2a09672469.html
Bucks Board of Elections moves as it prepares for busy election season
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200203/bucks-board-of-elections-moves-as-it-prepares-for-busy-election-season
Northampton, county to outline trails plan
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200203/northampton-county-to-outline-trails-plan
New Kensington Council approves leasing 2 new police SUVs
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-council-approves-leasing-2-new-police-suvs/
Fire marshal: Spontaneous combustion caused Allegheny Township fire
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/fire-marshal-spontaneous-combustion-caused-allegheny-township-fire/
Water at Hempfield nursing home to be treated with chlorine to kill suspected Legionella bacteria
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/chlorine-to-be-used-to-clean-water-system-at-hempfield-nursing-home-bottled-water-rule-remains-in-effect/
Meeting erupts over shuttered Plymouth Township fire station
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771678/meeting-erupts-over-shuttered-plymouth-township-fire-station
Plymouth Twp. officials declare fire debate over
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/plymouth-twp-officials-declare-fire-debate-over-1.2590860
Sale or lease of Wilkes-Barre’s sewer system still under consideration
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771682/sale-or-lease-of-wilkes-barres-sewer-system-still-under-consideration
Proposed Luzerne County code changes create friction
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771686/proposed-luzerne-county-code-changes-create-friction
Luzerne County property tax bills to be mailed this month
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-property-tax-bills-to-be-mailed-this-month-1.2590822
David Akers to speak at Friendly Sons dinner
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/david-akers-to-speak-at-friendly-sons-dinner-1.2590820
Annual recycling reports due soon in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/annual-recycling-reports-due-soon-in-wilkes-barre-1.2590821
Stephen Reed loved Harrisburg ‘until his dying breath’: Funeral Mass for ‘mayor for life’ held Monday
https://papost.org/2020/02/04/stephen-reed-loved-harrisburg-until-his-dying-breath-funeral-mass-for-mayor-for-life-held-monday/
National News
‘Tired from the ache in my heart’: Rosa Parks took a stand by sitting down
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/02/tired-from-the-ache-in-my-heart-rosa-parks-took-a-stand-by-sitting-down.html
Tap water treated with chlorine produces toxic carcinogens, study finds
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/zz/news/20200203/tap-water-treated-with-chlorine-produces-toxic-carcinogens-study-finds
Philly
Philadelphia’s international students face barriers to mental-health services
https://www.inquirer.com/health/international-student-mental-health-philadelphia-20200204.html
Seattle offers grants to help small businesses. What about Philadelphia?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/philadelphia-small-business-loans-grants-seattle-model-20200204.html
What’s in a Spanish accent mark? In América, it’s loaded.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/latino-spanish-english-bilingualism-accent-marks-20200204.html
Center City steam loop a ‘diamond in the rough,’ new CEO says as pressure builds to go green
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-steam-plant-vicinity-veolia-dicroce-20200204.html
In the Philly suburbs, premium rentals are on the rise
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/young-professionals-rent-philadelphia-suburbs-20200204.html
Philly refinery’s former owner, Sunoco, files formal objection ahead of bankruptcy sale
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/pes-philadelphia-refinery-bankruptcy-objections-deed-restrictions-20200203.html
The next Philly mayor’s race is in 2023 but the money race has already started
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/philadelphia-2023-mayoral-race-fundraising-20200203.html
Inquirer photographer documents life outside after a wrongly convicted man is released from prison
https://www.inquirer.com/photo/inq/kobe-trump-prison-philadelphia-pictures-20200203.html
Tickets alone won’t solve city parking woes | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/illegal-parking-philadelphia-city-cars-parkway-south-broad-street-median-20200204.html
Safe injection sites enable drug users and endanger communities | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/safe-injection-sites-safehouse-philadelphia-20200203.html
Pitt
Coming soon: A new sign to Pittsburgh skyline as Federated shifts focus
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/02/03/Federated-Investors-Hermes-sign-ESG-investments-shift/stories/202002020019
Shot-in-Pittsburgh Netflix series ‘I Am Not Okay With This’ adds teaser trailer
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2020/02/03/I-Am-Not-Okay-With-This-new-teaser-trailer-shot-in-Pittsburgh-series/stories/202002020165
Pittsburgh police officers will carry specialized gauze to control bleeding
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-officers-will-carry-specialized-gauze-to-control-bleeding/
Man walking with child in Wilkinsburg killed in shooting
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/man-walking-with-child-in-wilkinsburg-killed-in-shooting/
Rolling Stones dropping concert hints on billboards around Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rolling-stones-dropping-concert-hints-on-billboards-around-pittsburgh/
State News
Juvenile reform: Delinquency hearings should be open
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/04/Juvenile-reform-Delinquency-hearings-should-be-open/stories/202001090037
Pa. hunters killed record 4,653 black bears in 2019
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/02/03/Pennsylvania-hunters-hunting-killed-record-black-bears-2019/stories/202002030081
Where’s the snow? Winter so far has failed to deliver much to Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/regional/wheres-the-snow-winter-so-far-has-failed-to-deliver-much-to-western-pa/
Stem ref abuse
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/stem-ref-abuse-1.2590800
Chad Henne becomes first Berks native/Berks high school grad to win a Super Bowl
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/chad-henne-becomes-first-berks-native-berks-high-school-grad/article_21c73cbe-46d0-11ea-b253-4fbf427db785.html
Kobe Bryant crash fuels Berks aviation community focus on flight safety
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/kobe-bryant-crash-fuels-berks-aviation-community-focus-on-flight/article_cf8df58a-443d-11ea-b2bb-d7d50fe76dc8.html
Pennsylvania helped to make the United States the world’s leading energy producer | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/02/pennsylvania-helped-to-make-the-united-states-the-worlds-leading-energy-producer-opinion.html
Energy supplier was so aggressive in its marketing, it reached out to dead PPL customers, state PUC says
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-energy-supplier-proposed-fine-20200203-fspwdbsvaneotgchrh3oxmkjpm-story.html
Amazon stops selling an anti-immigrant sticker following criticism from Pa. Second Lady Gisele Fetterman
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/amazon-stops-selling-an-anti-immigrant-sticker-following-criticism-from-pa-second-lady-gisele-fetterman/Content?oid=16685559
Washington
Sister Mary Scullion, Philly homelessness expert, to be among lawmakers’ guests for State of the Union address
https://www.inquirer.com/news/state-of-the-union-trump-homelessness-sister-mary-scullion-dwight-evans-20200203.html
Congressmen announce State of the Union guests
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/congressmen-announce-state-of-the-union-guests-1.2590824
Here’s who the Lehigh Valley’s members of Congress invited to watch the State of the Union
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-congress-state-of-the-union-guests-20200204-6ll7yeiey5a4ldr4ge34thcjbm-story.html
Bill could benefit trails in Northeast Pennsylvania
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/bill-could-benefit-trailsin-northeast-pennsylvania-1.2590808
Lamb-backed bill encouraging veterans to pursue STEM careers passes Congress, heads to president’s desk
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200203/lamb-backed-bill-encouraging-veterans-to-pursue-stem-careers-passes-congress-heads-to-presidentrsquos-desk
World News
China’s coronavirus cases top 20K as Hong Kong reports 1st death
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/china-coronavirus-tops-20000-hong-kong-reports-first-death-20200204.html