Legislature

Advocates push for Alina’s Law for additional protections in domestic abuse
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/advocates-push-for-alinas-law-for-additional-protections-in-domestic-abuse/

Pa. Democrats say House speaker struck failed GOP votes from the record
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/14/pa-democrats-say-house-speaker-struck-failed-gop-votes-from-the-record/

Two freshman Democrats are trying to guarantee medical consent
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/14/two-freshman-democrats-are-trying-to-guarantee-medical-consent/

Pennsylvania House votes to make public agencies post agendas before meetings
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/state/pennsylvania-house-votes-to-make-public-agencies-post-agendas-before/article_91bf5900-3787-11ea-aae4-2f252c91a552.html

‘Perpetual state of probation’: Changing a system that critics say wastes taxpayer money and wrecks lives
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/perpetual-state-of-probation-changing-a-system-that-critics-say-wastes-taxpayer-money-and-wrecks-lives.html

Pa. House set to vote on a bill to discourage drivers from talking on handheld phones
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-house-set-to-vote-on-a-bill-to-discourage-drivers-from-talking-on-handheld-phones.html

I-83/Mt. Rose: How proposed False Claims Act might help hold contractor accountable
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/watchdog/2020/01/14/i-83-mount-rose-project-how-a-state-false-claims-act-could-hold-the-contractor-accountable-penndot/4463904002/

House amends state center moratorium bill
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/house-amends-state-center-moratorium-bill-1.2583177

Pennsylvania Skill subject of hearing Wednesday; games are in numerous Berks establishments
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/pennsylvania-skill-subject-of-hearing-wednesday-games-are-in-numerous/article_c8db7cfc-3705-11ea-9013-3b810b77f44d.html

Pa. county commissioners put mental health funding front and center on 2020 budget wish list
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-county-commissioners-put-mental-health-funding-front-and-center-on-2020-budget-wish-list/

Let’s not turn back the clock on affordable health care in Pa. | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/lets-not-turn-back-the-clock-on-affordable-health-care-in-pa-opinion/

Pass False Claims Act
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/pass-false-claims-act-1.2583054

Lebanon County DA elected to 48th Senatorial District
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/lebanon-county-da-elected-to-48th-senatorial-district.html

Lebanon County District Attorney Dave Arnold wins central Pennsylvania state Senate seat
https://papost.org/2020/01/15/lebanon-county-district-attorney-dave-arnold-wins-central-pennsylvania-state-senate-seat/

Lebanon County DA says he’s ‘ready to get to work’ in new role as state senator
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/lebanon-county-da-says-hes-ready-to-get-to-work-in-new-role-as-state-senator.html

Administration

Alec Baldwin makes plea to Pa. Gov. Wolf to get obese black bear released from roadside zoo
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/alec-baldwin-makes-plea-to-pa-gov-wolf-to-use-his-clout-to-get-obese-black-bear-released-from-roadside-zoo.html

Crime/Punishment

Trial begins for Philly man who stabbed, ran over his ex-girlfriend in Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/lawrence-crawley-montgomery-county-murder-angela-stith-whitemarsh-township-20200114.html

Pennsylvania needs better strategy for treating addicted people behind bars | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/medication-assisted-treatment-opioid-use-disorder-jail-prison-overdose-pennsylvania-20200115.html

Juror excused in 2016 Wilkinsburg mass shooting case, total selected down to 9
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/juror-excused-in-2016-wilkinsburg-mass-shooting-case-total-selected-down-to-9/

Education

Management companies don’t have the same rights as charter schools, appeals board rules
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/management-companies-dont-have-the-same-rights-as-charter-schools-appeals-board-rules/

AG Shapiro: Anonymous Safe2say tips reach 40,382 in first year
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200114/ag-shapiro-anonymous-safe2say-tips-reach-40382-in-first-year

Penn-Trafford wrestler diagnosed with MRSA, school says
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/p-t-wrestler-diagnosed-with-mrsa-school-says/

Why we need to jump-start Pa.’s ‘stalled’ investment in early childhood care and education | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/why-we-need-to-jump-start-pa-s-stalled-investment-in-early-childhood-care-and-education-opi/

Cheyney University announces a third private sector partner moving onto its campus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/cheyney-university-announces-a-third-private-sector-partner-moving-onto-its-campus.html

Lawsuit alleges Penn State players took part in graphic hazing, James Franklin ignored complaints
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2020/01/14/penn-state-football-hazing-isaiah-humphries-james-franklin/stories/202001140110

PSU sex suit: Abusers threatened to ‘Sandusky’ victims
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/769328/psu-sex-suit-abusers-threatened-to-sandusky-victims-6

Lawyer for Isaiah Humphries in lawsuit vs. Penn State: ‘This isn’t horseplay; it’s dominant, vulgar misconduct’
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2020/01/lawyer-representing-isaiah-humphries-in-lawsuit-against-penn-state-this-isnt-horseplay-its-dominant-vulgar-misconduct.html

Penn State says ’no claims of hazing were substantiated against anyone’ in response to lawsuit filed by ex-player
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2020/01/penn-state-says-no-claims-of-hazing-were-substantiated-against-anyone-in-response-to-lawsuit-filed-by-ex-player.html

Ex-Drexel prof charged with spending $96,000 in research funds on strip clubs
https://www.inquirer.com/news/drexel-professor-strip-club-charged-chikaodinaka-nwankpa-20200114.html

Elections/Politics

Gender and war dominate Democratic debate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/01/15/Gender-war-Democratic-debate-presidential-candidates-2020-election-trump/stories/202001150103

Key takeaways from Democratic presidential debate in Iowa
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/key-takeaways-from-democratic-presidential-debate-20200115.html

Rochester’s Elmore enters GOP primary for Matzie’s seat
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200115/rochesters-elmore-enters-gop-primary-for-matzies-seat

Vogel says ‘more work to do’ in announcing state Senate re-election bid
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200114/vogel-says-rsquomore-work-to-dorsquo-in-announcing-state-senate-re-election-bid

Health Care

UPMC, Pitt test out wireless eyeball implant in hopes of restoring lost sight
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-pitt-test-out-wireless-eyeball-implant-in-hopes-of-restoring-lost-sight/

GCMC nurses ratify contract, celebrate improved working conditions
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/gcmc-nurses-ratify-contract-celebrate-improved-working-conditions-1.2583123

Local News

Cognetti defends emergency counsel hire before council
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cognetti-defends-emergency-counsel-hire-before-council-1.2583223

Scranton hires law firm with legal eagle to handle city’s appeal of financially devastating tax lawsuit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-hires-law-firm-with-legal-eagle-to-handle-city-s-appeal-of-financially-devastating-tax-lawsuit-1.2582984

Scranton City Council to urge DePasquale to audit sale
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-to-urge-depasquale-to-audit-sale-1.2583362

Bike lanes, changes to one-way streets in downtown Scranton proposed by consultant
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/bike-lanes-changes-to-one-way-streets-in-downtown-scranton-proposed-by-consultant-1.2583209

Chris Kelly: Public servants volunteer to be held to higher standards
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-public-servants-volunteer-to-be-held-to-higher-standards-1.2583236

Lower Burrell planning $170,000 drainage project on Craigdell Road
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-planning-170000-drainage-project-on-craigdell-road/

Arnold fills vacant city council seat, creates redevelopment vacancy
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/arnold-fills-vacant-city-council-seat-creates-redevelopment-vacancy/

Vandergrift’s reorganization redo gets contentious as residents vent frustration
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vandergrifts-reorganization-redo-gets-contentious-as-residents-vent-frustration/

Allegheny Township residents concerned about planned cell tower
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-township-residents-concerned-about-planned-cell-tower/

New Reading Parking Authority board takes over, sets ‘gold standard’
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/new-reading-parking-authority-board-takes-over-sets-gold-standard/article_aef126f8-372c-11ea-9119-9f614a213e41.html

Reading council and Mayor Eddie Moran break bread
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-council-and-mayor-eddie-moran-break-bread/article_6e314ba4-3702-11ea-8e3e-f32c9c622aa7.html

Reading council passes two zoning amendments for schools and apartments
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-council-passes-two-zoning-amendments-for-schools-and-apartments/article_3e95838e-36f7-11ea-a471-df6fa9edea5c.html

Fairgrounds Square Mall nearing demolition and a new beginning: ‘Everything’s on the table’
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/fairgrounds-square-mall-nearing-demolition-and-a-new-beginning-everything/article_bafa1e40-36e7-11ea-b97d-4f5baf39fada.html

W-B mayor plans to visit city’s problem areas
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-mayor-plans-to-visit-city-s-problem-areas-1.2583227

Luzerne County Councilman proposes legal action challenging pollution reduction mandate and stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/769356/luzerne-county-councilman-proposes-legal-action-challenging-pollution-reduction-mandate-and-stormwater-fee

County council votes down solicitor referendum
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-votes-down-solicitor-referendum-1.2583225

Coffay to address Rolling Mill Hill residents group Wednesday night
https://www.timesleader.com/news/769347/coffay-to-address-rolling-mill-hill-residents-group-wednesday-night-2

Huber Breaker film draws large crowd to world premiere
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/huber-breaker-film-draws-large-crowd-to-world-premiere-1.2583218

Realtors group: Lehigh Valley ended 2019 with record-low monthly housing supply
https://www.mcall.com/business/real-estate/mc-biz-record-low-monthly-housing-supply-lehigh-valley-20200115-fdsca7hipfarza2g63wfbou7hm-story.html

City Center gets nod from planners, zoners for 1 Center Square office tower despite concerns over bank facade preservation
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-planning-commission-city-center-1-center-square-20200114-ke6bvmmawrhldkg2qnpinxxiaq-story.html

Philly

Philadelphia asked residents what they think of city government and most aren’t satisfied
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-survey-jim-kenney-street-improvement-public-safety-20200114.html

Lawyer, councilmember call for safety first in the awarding of public construction contracts
https://www.inquirer.com/news/construction-deaths-contractors-john-johnson-fritz-bianculli-philadelphia-bobby-henon-20200114.html

In welding, a trade dominated by white men, she’s blazing metal and blazing trails | We The People
https://www.inquirer.com/news/patrice-frazier-philadelphia-welding-instruction-skills-women-20200115.html

St. Laurentius sold to new developer, ending years-long questions about historic church’s fate
https://www.inquirer.com/news/st-laurentius-church-fishtown-sells-new-developer-humberto-fernandini-archdiocese-preservation-20200115.html

Former New Yorker executive Lisa Hughes named Philadelphia Inquirer’s first female publisher
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-inquirer-lisa-hughes-publisher-ceo-20200114.html

Body found in Olney trash can after teen alerted school officials
https://www.inquirer.com/news/olney-body-found-philadelphia-murder-20200115.html

Northeast Philly plant wins $176 million U.S. Navy helicopter deal
https://www.inquirer.com/news/leonardo-agustawestland-helicopters-navy-northeast-airport-20200114.html

Philadelphia OIC appoints new president and executive director
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/business/philadelphia-oic-appoints-new-president-and-executive-director/article_8d8c2c5c-3780-11ea-9564-03ecbd427311.html

Dozens of managers exit troubled SEPTA office in wake of FBI probe
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/dozens-of-managers-exit-troubled-septa-office-in-wake-of/article_a3c00106-9f1d-5bd9-967e-b3b7f9d284f7.html

Pitt

Grow Pittsburgh to keep Wilkinsburg’s Garden Dreams alive
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/01/15/Garden-Dreams-Grow-Pittsburgh-Mindy-Schwartz/stories/202001140106

What Heather Lyke’s ‘Victory Heights’ reveal means for the future of Pitt athletics
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2020/01/14/Pitt-athletics-Heather-Lyke-reveals-Victory-Heights-facilities-plan/stories/202001140138

City Council to consider a ban on ‘hateful activities’ and moving away from blue recycling bags
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/14/Pittsburgh-City-Council-hateful-activities-recycling-bins-blue-bags-Ricky-Burgess/stories/202001140100

Pittsburgh councilman proposes bill that would outlaw ‘hateful activities’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-councilman-proposes-bill-that-would-outlaw-hateful-activities/

Developers wanted: Consultant to help forge the future of Hazelwood Green
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/01/14/Developers-Consultant-Hazelwood-Green-U3-Advisors-Remake-Almono-foundations/stories/202001140065

Port Authority sets community meetings on future transit plans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/14/Port-Authority-nine-meetings-long-range-plan-fare-policy-cell-phone-payment/stories/202001130131

Allegheny County appoints top public defender
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/14/Matt-Dugan-named-Allegheny-County-top-chief-public-defender/stories/202001140127

Millvale probes alleged vulgar comments by police chief
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/14/millvale-police-chief-tim-komoroski-internal-investigation-inappropriate-sexual-comments/stories/202001100115

Pittsburgh’s new chief development officer took winding, rocky road
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/14/marty-lamar-pittsburgh-chief-development-officer-bill-peduto/stories/202001140086

Pittsburgh working out glitches in $1.4 million snow tracking system
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-working-out-glitches-in-1-4-million-snow-tracking-system/

‘Coaching Boys into Men’ program proves effective for Pittsburgh-area middle school athletes
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/14/coaching-boys-into-men-program-proves-effective-for-pittsburgh-area-middle-school-athletes/

‘We’re all gonna do great things’: New Allegheny County Council member Bethany Hallam looks to the year ahead
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/were-all-gonna-do-great-things-new-allegheny-county-council-member-bethany-hallam-looks-to-the-year-ahead/

State News

Whitewater fans fear change at Lehigh dam, wonder why New York City is involved
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/poconos-lehigh-river-whitewater-rafting-delaware-river-francis-e-walter-dam-20200115.html

Federal judges deny ex-Pa. Supreme Court justice Orie Melvin’s appeal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/14/joan-orie-melvin-public-corruption-allegheny-county-federal-habeas-appeal-denied/stories/202001140109

Pipeline woes: DEP needs to be vigilant in monitoring company
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/15/Pipeline-woes-DEP-needs-to-be-vigilant-in-monitoring-company-Energy-Transfer-Corp/stories/202001110022

Bucks County house reduced to rubble after an explosion
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/house-explosion-doylestown-buckingham-township-pennsylvania-biddeford-circle-20200114.html

5G wireless is critical to helping Puerto Ricans prosper at home and in Pa. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/puerto-rico-relief-5g-tmobile-sprint-merger-technology-20200114.html

Broadband connectivity study, survey eyed for Westmoreland, nearby counties
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/broadband-connectivity-study-survey-eyed-for-westmoreland-nearby-counties/

Allentown Diocese reveals $9 million in compensation to abuse victims
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-allentown-diocese-abuse-victim-compensation-20200114-opuw42f37bgltcpjjomvgz5opm-story.html

Cumberland County will remain open to international refugee resettlement, commissioners agree
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/cumberland-county-will-remain-open-to-international-refugee-resettlement-commissioners-agree.html

15 states — including Pennsylvania — oppose Trump plan to allow LNG shipments by rail
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/14/15-states-oppose-trump-plan-to-allow-lng-shipments-by-rail/

Here’s what’s at stake for Pa. in the 2020 Census: School funding, road repairs and more
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/heres-whats-at-stake-for-pennsylvania-in-the-2020-census/

Delco teams with state to find source of ‘THE smell’
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delco-teams-with-state-to-find-source-of-the-smell/article_9319d9f0-3715-11ea-bbce-d3a34131ff1d.html

Transportation

Passengers up 3% last year at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/passengers-up-3-last-year-at-arnold-palmer-regional-airport/

Highlands organizations lobbying Port Authority for increased transit service
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/highlands-organizations-lobbying-port-authority-for-increased-transit-service/

Washington

Democrats release impeachment documents suggesting surveillance of U.S. ambassador
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/democrats-release-new-documents-eve-impeachment-trial-20200115.html

Michael Flynn moves to withdraw his guilty plea, claiming government ‘vindictiveness’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/14/Michael-Flynn-withdraw-guilty-plea-Trump/stories/202001140159