Budget

Wolf budget focuses on education
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-budget-focuses-on-education-1.2591382

Wolf’s budget proposal seeks increased public school funding, charter school law reform
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/02/04/Wolf-s-2021-budget-proposal-seeks-increased-public-school-funding-charter-school-law-reform/stories/202002040119

Wolf’s budget would require all Pa. communities to pay for state police coverage
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771760/wolfs-budget-would-require-all-pa-communities-to-pay-for-state-police-coverage

Here’s what towns would pay for state police under Gov. Tom Wolf’s fee proposal: Use the database
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/heres-what-towns-would-pay-for-state-police-under-gov-tom-wolfs-fee-proposal-use-the-database.html

Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget has a new way to fund Pennsylvania State Police. Here’s how much your municipality would pay
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-police-coverage-20200204-vkfu4hitwzh2xhutrlnwaat6hq-htmlstory.html

Gov. Tom Wolf again calls on GOP-led legislature to act on guns
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/wolf-legislature-guns-bills-red-flag-20200204.html

Wolf’s proposal offers some help to communities affected by state facility closures
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-s-proposal-offers-some-help-to-communities-affected-by-state-facility-closures-1.2591402

Proposed state budget cuts basic education funding for Carbondale Area, Dunmore
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/proposed-state-budget-cuts-basic-education-funding-for-carbondale-area-dunmore-1.2591272

Gov. Tom Wolf outlines path to prosperity in Pa. budget; GOP aims to apply brakes. Yep, it’s an election year.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/gov-tom-wolf-outlines-path-to-prosperity-in-pennsylvania-state-budget-proposal-republicans-define-it-with-hard-fiscal-guard-rails-yep-its-an-election-year.html

Horse racing industry says ‘whoa, Nelly’ to Wolf’s plan to raid its trust fund to pay for college scholarships
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/horse-racing-industry-says-whoa-nelly-to-wolfs-plan-to-raid-its-trust-fund-to-pay-for-college-scholarships.html

Counties don’t see election reform money in governor’s proposed budget
https://papost.org/2020/02/04/counties-dont-see-act-77-funding-in-governors-proposed-budget/

Wolf administration proposes increase for health and human services funding
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/04/wolf-administration-proposes-increase-for-health-and-human-services-funding/

Wolf paints a rosy revenue picture in his sixth budget proposal
https://www.witf.org/2020/02/04/wolf-paints-a-rosy-revenue-picture-in-his-sixth-budget-proposal/

Mixed House reviews for Wolf’s 2020 budget
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771825/mixed-house-reviews-for-wolfs-2020-budget

Yudichak, Baker react to Gov. Wolf’s budget proposal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771831/yudichak-baker-react-to-gov-wolfs-budget-proposal

GOP reactions to budget proposal range from ‘cautiously optimistic’ to ‘fiscally irresponsible’
https://triblive.com/local/regional/gop-reactions-to-budget-proposal-range-from-cautiously-optimistic-to-fiscally-irresponsible/

Legislators give Wolf budget proposal a mixed reaction
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200204/legislators-give-wolf-budget-proposal-mixed-reaction/1

Lawmakers critical of governor’s latest budget plan
https://www.sungazette.com/news/top-news/2020/02/lawmakers-critical-of-governors-latest-budget-plan/

State budget proposal: Winners & losers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-budget-proposal-winners-losers-1.2591403

Choice and charter school reform are not mutually exclusive
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/choice-and-charter-school-reform-are-not-mutually-exclusive-1.2591265

Help districts make schools safe for kids
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/help-districts-make-schools-safe-for-kids-1.2591251

Legislature

Financial reserve for Pa. Legislature rises for third straight year
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/02/financial-reserve-for-pa-legislature-rises-for-third-straight-year.html

Kail introduces ‘anti-grandstanding’ bill for potential governor candidates
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200204/kail-introduces-rsquoanti-grandstandingrsquo-bill-for-potential-governor-candidates

Want to really honor the victims of gun violence? Do your part to help make sure there aren’t any more | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/want-to-really-honor-the-victims-of-gun-violence-do-your-part-to-help-make-sure-there-arent-any-more-opinion/

Business

Macy’s is closing 125 stores and laying off 2,000 employees
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/02/04/Macy-s-is-closing-125-stores-and-laying-off-2-000-employees/stories/202002040125

Area unemployment ratchets up in December marking highest point since 2017
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/area-unemployment-ratchets-up-in-december-marking-highest-point-since-2017-1.2591276

Crime/Punishment

Accused Wilkinsburg shooter, alleged target face each other in courtroom
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/04/wilkinsburg-mass-shooting-cheron-shelton-lamont-powell-day-2-trial/stories/202002040103

Police search for suspects after shots fired at undercover officers in New Kensington
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/04/New-Kensington-police-shots-fired-suspect/stories/202002040163

North Philly man had ‘no regard … for anyone’s life’ in fatal dispute at Bucks campground, DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/miles-jones-bucks-county-campground-murder-arthur-hill-edward-braxton-20200204.html

Marijuana possession arrests drop in Pennsylvania, rise in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/marijuana-possession-arrests-drop-in-pennsylvania-rise-in-berks-county/article_ad10582a-4444-11ea-8803-cf0dba76ddc3.html

Education

Teachers, maintenance workers say Scranton leaders failed to notify anyone about asbestos risk
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/teachers-maintenance-workers-say-scranton-leaders-failed-to-notify-anyone-about-asbestos-risk-1.2591264

Chris Kelly: Looks like monsters really do exist
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-looks-like-monsters-really-do-exist-1.2591371

No elevated lead levels reported in Luzerne County schools’ drinking water
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-elevated-lead-levels-reported-in-luzerne-county-schools-drinking-water-1.2591384

Debate over police in schools causes uproar in Abington
https://www.inquirer.com/news/abington-school-board-police-tamar-klaiman-20200205.html

Not shying from problems, Harrisburg school leaders take questions at community meeting
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/02/not-shying-from-problems-harrisburg-leaders-take-questions-at-community-meeting.html

Elections/Politics

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders are taking opposite paths to 2020 financial dominance in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/joe-biden-bernie-sanders-pennsylvania-fundraising-20200205.html

Buttigieg, Sanders lead as Iowa releases partial results
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/iowa-democratic-caucus-results-delayed-20200204.html

What Pennsylvania can learn from Iowa’s caucus debacle — and the conspiracy theories that followed
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/iowa-democratic-caucuses-pennsylvania-20200204.html

Why Iowa?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/02/05/Iowa-caucuses-election-failure-Democratic-Party/stories/202002050052

West Chester NAACP boss will challenge Sen. Dinniman in Dem primary
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/west-chester-naacp-boss-will-challenge-sen-dinniman-in-dem/article_7d6b8dfa-476a-11ea-9ded-c33fdf49f19f.html

Health Care

Pennsylvania flu deaths increase by 7, cases up 24%
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-flu-deaths-increase-by-7-cases-up-24/

Nurse practitioners are not the solution to primary care problems in N.J. or elsewhere | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/primary-care-shortage-nurse-practitioners-training-programs-20200205.html

Local News

Scranton seeks court OK to continue tripled $156 local services tax
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-seeks-court-ok-to-continue-tripled-156-local-services-tax-1.2591274

Jessup council votes to send letter to DEP over landfill leachate discharge
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-council-votes-to-send-letter-to-dep-over-landfill-leachate-discharge-1.2591373

Outside auditor: DeSarno’s self-audit of gas card use ‘insufficient’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/outside-auditor-desarno-s-self-audit-of-gas-card-use-insufficient-1.2591348

Reading mayor picks former Muhlenberg manager for community development director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-mayor-picks-former-muhlenberg-manager-for-community-development-director/article_b5254954-4795-11ea-ad77-1fe0928b2237.html

State grants will help Alle-Kiski fire companies pay debts, buy equipment
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/state-grants-will-help-alle-kiski-fire-companies-pay-debt-buy-equipment/

Tarentum approves 2-year contract with borough manager
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-approves-2-year-contract-with-borough-manager/

Annual Hard-to-Recycle event planned at Pittsburgh Mills
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/annual-hard-to-recycle-events-at-pgh-mills-two-million-pounds-of-electronics-and-counting/

Cook Township property protected by conservation easement
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/cook-township-property-protected-by-conservation-easement/

Wilkes-Barre police: Register your security cameras
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-police-register-your-security-cameras-1.2591289

Lamont McClure sets up showdown over e-poll books in Northampton County; political leaders say he’s trying to ‘strong-arm’
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-northampton-county-electronic-poll-book-fight-20200205-px7vlkcmdnbefluasfq4czgbny-story.html

Philly

Did workers spread asbestos at a Philly school? The district is investigating.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hopkinson-asbestos-philadelphia-school-hite-juniata-20200204.html

Michael Bloomberg rallies supporters in Philly after skipping Iowa caucuses that turned into a meltdown
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/mike-bloomberg-philadelphia-rally-constitution-center-20200205.html

Coronavirus outbreak: Philadelphia-area businesses are beginning to feel the sting
https://www.inquirer.com/business/china-philadelphia-imports-exports-wharton-corona-virus-sales-20200205.html

South Philly refinery sale delayed, and will not be resolved this week
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/pes-philly-refinery-bankruptcy-auction-hearing-20200204.html

Off-duty cop shoots attacker in Hunting Park
https://www.inquirer.com/news/police-discharge-brick-hunting-park-philadelphia-20200205.html

To really celebrate Black History Month? Start by patronizing Black-owned businesses
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/want-to-really-celebrate-black-history-month-start-by-patronizing-black-owned-businesses/

Coronavirus hasn’t reached Philly. But fear and racism are spreading.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-china-chinese-racism-fear-wuhan-philly-20200204.html

There are 300,000 rental units in Philly. Is it time for rent control? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-rent-control-development-tenants-20200204.html

Pitt

Heinz Endowments initiative aims to prepare students for professional, private life
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/02/05/Heinz-Endowments-initiative-aims-to-prepare-students-for-professional-private-life/stories/202002040060

City schools seek to reset program that focuses on teacher diversity
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/02/04/Pittsburgh-public-schools-city-para2teacher-point-park-carlow-initiative/stories/202002040151

Allegheny County judge reassigned
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/02/04/Allegheny-County-Common-Pleas-judge-Mark-Tranquilli-reassigned/stories/202002040118

CNN White House chief correspondent Jim Acosta to speak at Point Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2020/02/04/Jim-Acosta-CNN-Point-Park-University-Center-for-Media-Innovation-event/stories/202002020176

Coalition seeks fairer Port Authority fares at Wilkinsburg rally
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/02/04/Coalition-seeking-greater-equity-Port-Authority-fair-fares-rally-Wilkinsburg/stories/202002040088

Redevelopment work moves forward at former Lincoln-Lemington senior living center
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/02/04/Lemington-Home-Aged-redevelopment-affordable-senior-housing-health-center/stories/202002040089

Cold weather, winter school breaks bump up region’s December unemployment to 4.5%
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/02/04/Pittsburgh-msa-unemployment-rate-4-5-december-cold-weather-university-breaks/stories/202002040110

Pittsburgh better prepared for massive snow storms than during 2010 Snowmageddon
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-better-prepared-for-massive-snow-storms-than-during-2010-snowmageddon/

Pittsburgh Half-Marathon training kick off set for Saturday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-half-marathon-training-kick-off-set-for-saturday/

Allegheny County Council to gather more feedback on police review board proposal
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-to-gather-more-feedback-on-police-review-board-proposal/

Chatham University’s new baker training program rising up, thanks to grant
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/chatham-universitys-new-baker-training-program-rising-up-thanks-to-grant/

State News

Anneliese Nossbaum lost the people she first loved to the Holocaust. 75 years after Auschwitz was liberated, she returned with her family for one last ritual.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/a/holocaust-auschwitz-liberation-concentration-camp-poland-birkenau-anneliese-winterberg-nossbaum-20200205.html

Monroe County makes millions with Airbnb rentals
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200204/monroe-county-makes-millions-with-airbnb-rentals

2020 hemp outlook questionable
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/02/2020-hemp-outlook-questionable/

Transportation

In Exeter Township, work progressing slowly on long-closed Neversink Road underpass
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/in-exeter-township-work-progressing-slowly-on-long-closed-neversink/article_ab4449a2-4796-11ea-864a-2b27c7c32f04.html

Washington

State’s congressional delegation divided on Trump address
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/04/state-of-the-union-trump-pa-state-congressional-casey-toomey-doyle-turzai/stories/202002040171

Pennsylvania lawmakers laud, slam Trump’s State of the Union speech along party lines
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-lawmakers-laud-slam-president-trumps-state-of-the-union-speech-along-party-lines/

What did Pennsylvania lawmakers think of President Trump’s State of the Union speech?
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-trump-state-of-the-union-congress-reaction-20200205-bzwoovwofzek5kell62zo4nygm-story.html

Pelosi rips up Trump’s speech, capping off chaotic year
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/04/Nancy-Pelosi-State-of-the-Union-rips-Trump-speech/stories/202002040173

Trump’s State of the Union address touts economy, trade deals amid partisan flare-ups
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/04/Donald-Trump-State-of-the-union-address-House-impeachment/stories/202002040063

Whitmer and Escobar use their State of the Union responses to focus on Dem initiatives
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/02/04/Gretchen-Whitmer-Democratic-response-State-of-the-Union-Trump-Michigan-gov/stories/202002040170

Trump points out Philadelphia mother and daughter during State of the Union
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/trump-state-of-the-union-guests-2020-janiyah-stephanie-davis-philadelphia-20200204.html

Pat Toomey: I’m voting to acquit President Trump. Here’s why. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/trump-impeachment-senate-acquittal-pat-toomey-vote-20200204.html