Legislature

‘It is time’: Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf renews call for moving to a $15 an hour minimum wage
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/it-is-time-pa-gov-tom-wolf-renews-call-for-moving-to-a-15-an-hour-minimum-wage.html

This plan for universal paid family leave in Pa. has bipartisan support. Will it ever become law?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/health-care/this-plan-for-universal-paid-family-leave-in-pa-has-bipartisan-support-will-it-ever-become-law/

Senate mulls paid leave, labor groups applaud, free market interests balk
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/29/senate-mulls-paid-leave-labor-groups-applaud-free-market-interests-balk/

Pennsylvania senators pass bill to toughen penalties for repeat DUI drivers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-senators-pass-bill-to-toughen-penalties-for-repeat-dui-drivers/

Deana’s Law to tighten DUI penalties passes Senate 43-6
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/deana-s-law-to-tighten-dui-penalties-passes-senate/article_df2b346e-421f-11ea-8d1c-13c02fa9f73e.html

Bill seeks to move up primary, give Pa. more influence in presidential nomination process
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/bill-seeks-to-make-pa-more-influential-in-presidential-nomination-process-by-moving-up-primary.html

Proposal to change the way Pa. chooses future lieutenant governors advances
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/proposal-to-change-the-way-pa-choses-future-lieutenant-governors-advances.html

Kennett Square mushroom grower’s $115 million expansion is a big bet for New York investor
https://www.inquirer.com/business/mushrooms-kennett-antitrust-champs-eos-pia-south-mill-20200129.html

New voting machines. Sweeping election reforms. What could go wrong in 2020?
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-election-preparedness-20200128-z34pv3k7qbaaxgpgqzajy5xxem-story.html

Leaders warn absentee voting expansion could delay results
https://www.tribdem.com/news/leaders-warn-absentee-voting-expansion-could-delay-results/article_b8bd5d3e-4251-11ea-a15e-4f611ad54373.html

Pa. legislator sparks outrage after tweeting about Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault allegation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-legislator-sparks-outrage-after-tweeting-about-kobe-bryants-sexual-assault-allegation.html

Bill Tracker: Standardized training for K-9 officers
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-standardized-training-for-k–officers/article_4cff2911-4d03-597f-a579-57bc4fabec50.html

Keep Polk Center open: Look at options for residents, families and employees
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/29/Keep-Polk-Center-open-Look-at-options-for-residents-families-and-employees/stories/202001210021

No frack ban, but make gas pay off safely
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/no-frack-ban-but-make-gas-pay-off-safely-1.2588572

Ward to chair aging, youth committee
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/01/ward-to-chair-aging-youth-committee/

Administration

Wolf dusts off $4.5 billion infrastructure plan
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/29/wolf-dusts-off-4-5-billion-infrastructure-plan/

Wolf urges Legislature to pass his Restore PA infrastructure proposal
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200128/wolf-urges-legislature-to-pass-his-restore-pa-infrastructure-proposal

Business

Millions of cards exposed in Wawa breach are up for sale online, cybersecurity experts say
https://www.inquirer.com/consumer/technology/wawa-data-breach-cards-sale-jokers-stash-krebs-20200128.html

The Washington Post reinstates its reporter who tweeted a link to a Kobe Bryant story
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/01/28/Felicia-Sonmez-Washington-Post-reinstates-reporter-suspended-tweets-Kobe-Bryant/stories/202001280173

U.S. Steel outlines ‘strategic’ upgrades to Mon Valley plants
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/u-s-steel-outlines-strategic-upgrades-to-mon-valley-plants/

Crime/Punishment

Judge in Wilkinsburg mass shooting case says he might exclude key witness testimony
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/28/wilkinsburg-mass-shooting-cheron-shelton-robert-thomas-witness/stories/202001280131

Judge rejects Sandusky’s latest request for shorter sentence
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/01/28/jerry-sandusky-sexual-abuse-penn-state-sentencing-change-rejected-judge-maureen-skerda/stories/202001280136

Education

Documents show Scranton School District leaders knew about lead, asbestos
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/documents-show-scranton-school-district-leaders-knew-about-lead-asbestos-1.2588585

Parents, teachers concerned over lead and asbestos issues in Scranton schools
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/parents-teachers-concerned-over-lead-and-asbestos-issues-in-scranton-schools-1.2588556

Doctors say risk low for harmful lead exposure in Scranton schools
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/doctors-say-risk-low-for-harmful-lead-exposure-in-scranton-schools-1.2588589

Chris Kelly: Trust in school district poisoned
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-trust-in-school-district-poisoned-1.2588694

State provides grants for school cafeteria equipment
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/01/28/Pennsylvania-grants-education-cafeterias-equipment-pittsburgh-allegheny-beaver-washington/stories/202001280125

Lower Merion may not get later school start times next fall as debate over how to get more sleep for teens continues
https://www.inquirer.com/education/lower-merion-school-district-sleep-later-start-times-adolescents-20200128.html

Mourners salute Bryant at high school where he began rise to basketball fame
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/01/28/Mourners-salute-Kobe-Bryant-Lower-Merion-High-School-Ardmore-Pennsylvania-basketball/stories/202001280112

Lehigh University pauses most Greek life activities amid concerns over hazing, drinking
https://www.inquirer.com/news/lehigh-university-hazing-drinking-greek-fraternity-20200128.html

After tips of excessive drinking, drugs and hazing, Lehigh University puts Greek life on ‘pause’
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-lehigh-greek-life-pause-20200128-mraacu5pobfjjgi3gyfrtaveli-story.html

Elections/Politics

Eachus looking to regain his seat in 116th Legislative District
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770946/eachus-looking-to-regain-his-seat-in-116th-legislative-district

Eachus hopes to challenge Toohil
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/eachus-hopes-to-challenge-toohil-1.2588636

Delmont councilman announces bid for 14th Congressional seat
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/delmont-councilman-announces-bid-for-14th-congressional-seat/

Head of Susquehanna County GOP applies for ARD
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/head-of-susquehanna-county-gop-applies-for-ard-1.2588541

2020 primary election: Leshko announces candidacy for 123rd Legislative District
https://www.tnonline.com/2020-primary-election-leshko-announces-candidacy-123rd-legislative-district

Health Care

Pennsylvania reports 9 new flu-related deaths
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pennsylvania-reports-9-new-flu-associated-deaths/

Local News

Developer eyes conversion of iconic Scranton Electric Building into apartments
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/developer-eyes-conversion-of-iconic-scranton-electric-building-into-apartments-1.2588595

Parking officials update council on status of system, garage improvements
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/parking-officials-update-council-on-status-of-system-garage-improvements-1.2588615

Reading planners delay action on zoning changes that would aid Alvernia’s CollegeTowne plan
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-planners-delay-action-on-zoning-changes-that-would-aid/article_96a616e0-422a-11ea-81b0-a7b3cadb537a.html

New Penn State Extension organizer wants to educate Berks about the environment
https://www.readingeagle.com/berks-country/new-penn-state-extension-organizer-wants-to-educate-berks-about/article_4c5fa388-3de5-11ea-b34f-bf999c022e51.html

Pedro Cortes welcomed as Reading’s new managing director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/pedro-cortes-welcomed-as-reading-s-new-managing-director/article_25c8eb86-420d-11ea-9616-332942aaaeb1.html

Greensburg Police Department seeks new officer
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-police-department-seeks-new-officer/

Westmoreland controller calls for bigger county tax increase
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-controller-calls-for-bigger-county-tax-increase/

Crowd urges county council to take action against stormwater fees
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771001/crowd-urges-county-council-to-take-action-against-stormwater-fees

Critics blast stormwater, vehicle fees; county council action expected next month
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/critics-blast-stormwater-vehicle-fees-county-council-action-expected-next-month-1.2588707

Diner fire sparks debate over shuttered fire company
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770987/diner-fire-sparks-debate-over-shuttered-fire-company

Diner fire reignites Plymouth Twp. fire company debate
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/diner-fire-reignites-plymouth-twp-fire-company-debate-1.2588714

Brown asks W-B council to amend fee schedules for his proposed 2020 budget
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/brown-asks-w-b-council-to-amend-fee-schedules-for-his-proposed-2020-budget-1.2588671

Area first responders get a look at new communications gear
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/area-first-responders-get-a-look-at-new-communications-gear-1.2588631

National News

West Virginia’s governor says unhappy Virginia counties should secede and join his state
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/01/28/West-Virginia-governor-Virginia-counties-secede-join-state/stories/202001280175

Delaware gets approval from USDA to grow hemp. Is that a good thing?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/hemp-delaware-new-leaf-data-services-laird-usda-approves-20200129.html

New Jersey

Gov. Murphy’s office asks new N.J. comptroller to review complaint about DRPA land deals
https://www.inquirer.com/business/norcross-tax-breaks-murphy-comptroller-drpa-land-20200129.html

Philly

New case of coronavirus being investigated in Philadelphia, student at Penn Charter tested negative, health department announces
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus-philadelphia-penn-charter-chinese-exchange-student-20200128.html

Philadelphia City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson is bracing for indictment Wednesday and vowing to fight the feds
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kenyatta-johnson-indictment-dawn-chavous-universal-companies-20200128.html

Woman beaten, raped in LOVE Park on her way to work
https://www.inquirer.com/news/love-park-rape-dreadlock-special-victims-unit-center-city-mark-burgmann-20200129.html

Now Trump administration would like to see bankrupt Philadelphia refinery kept open
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/pes-philadelphia-refinery-auction-white-house-intervention-20200128.html

Contractor charged with killing South Philly man over dispute about paying for roofing work, DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/luis-cruz-philadelphia-arrested-murder-south-philly-jeep-20200128.html

You should be outraged by the state of Philly public school libraries | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/library-school-librarian-shortage-philly-jenice-armstrong-20200128.html

‘Mosquitoes’ might repel young people, but open parks could repel violence. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-parks-mosquito-noise-device-youth-gun-violence-vandalism-20200129.html

Will speed cameras end Roosevelt Boulevard’s days as a ‘corridor of death’? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/speed-cameras-roosevelt-boulevard-philadelphia-vision-zero-20200128.html

I’m declaring 2020 the Year of the Gunshot Victim. Let’s start by getting this survivor compensated. | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/helen-ubinas-luis-berrios-guns-violence-philadelphia-victims-compensation-assistance-program-20200129.html

Pitt

Plan for Manchester housing upgrades moving forward
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/01/29/Manchester-Pittsburgh-HUD-RAD-housing-plan-upgrades-moving-forward-relocation/stories/202001280110

City Controller: Clean up city’s youth baseball ‘record-keeping problem’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/28/City-Controller-Clean-up-youth-baseball-umpire-record-keeping-problem/stories/202001280127

Pittsburgh audit turns up problems with fund used to pay for umpires in city parks
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-audit-turns-up-problems-with-fund-used-to-pay-for-umpires-in-city-parks/

City adds another $500K in grant money to go toward blue recycling bins
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/28/Pittsburgh-grant-Recycling-Partnership-grant-money-blue-recycling-bins/stories/202001280121

Protesters urge Pitt vote on fossil fuel divestment
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/01/28/University-of-Pittsburgh-fossil-fuels-divest-trustees-environment-Fossil-Free-Pitt-investing/stories/202001280142

Chris Doleman, Pitt and Minnesota Vikings great, dies at 58
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2020/01/29/Chris-Doleman-dies-at-age-58-Pitt-great-Pro-Football-Hall-of-Famer/stories/202001290093

Woman, 29, partially paralyzed as teen in unsolved 2005 Brighton Heights shooting, dies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/28/tionna-highsmith-pittsburgh-dead-paralyzed-shooting-brighton-heights-bielevicz-police/stories/202001280098

Social Security numbers exposed on Allegheny County website
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/social-security-numbers-exposed-on-allegheny-county-website/

Pittsburgh man accused of illegally selling booze at Homewood ‘speakeasy’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-man-accused-of-illegally-selling-booze-at-homewood-speakeasy/

Three dump trucks catch fire in Pittsburgh’s Hays neighborhood
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/three-dump-trucks-catch-fire-in-pittsburghs-hays-neighborhood/

Rivers Casino pays out in volunteer time to local nonprofit in Allentown
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/rivers-casino-pays-out-in-volunteer-time-to-local-non-profit-in-allentown/

State News

Pa., N.J. get failing grades on tobacco control in new American Lung Association report
https://www.inquirer.com/health/vaping-smoking-e-cigarettes-lung-association-report-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20200129.html

Top court won’t hear truckers’ lawsuit challenging Pa. Turnpike tolls
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/28/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-truckers-lawsuit-lose-appeal-U-S-supreme-Court-illegal-tolls/stories/202001280158

Changes to Pennsylvania’s deer season and more appear likely
https://triblive.com/sports/changes-to-pennsylvanias-deer-season-and-more-appear-likely/

UGI seeks $74.6M rate hike
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ugi-seeks-74-6m-rate-hike-1.2588679

412 Food Rescue expands mission in Westmoreland, other Western Pa. counties
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/412-food-rescue-expands-mission-in-westmoreland-other-w-pa-counties/

PETA wants Punxsutawney Phil to retire
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/peta-wants-punxsutawney-phil-to-retire/

Local towns interested in being featured on HGTV show
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/local-towns-interested-in-being-featured-on-hgtv-show-1.2588570

Spotted lanternfly egg masses found in Conway
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200129/spotted-lanternfly-egg-masses-found-in-conway/1

Transportation

Improve bus safety: Seat and shoulder belts should be mandatory
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/29/Improve-bus-safety-Seat-and-shoulder-belts-should-be-mandatory/stories/202001160049

Estate of N.J. couple killed in 2018 wreck sues Pa. Turnpike, driver
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770985/estate-of-n-j-couple-killed-in-2018-wreck-sues-pa-turnpike-driver

Residents ramp up calls for public transportation in A-K Valley communities
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/residents-ramp-up-calls-for-public-transportation-in-a-k-valley-communities/

PennDOT invites public to participate in transportation planning process
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/penndot-invites-public-to-participate-in-transportation-planning-process/article_9036d4ce-41f4-11ea-a3b0-7792da82334e.html

Lehigh Valley ranks fourth most polluted in Pennsylvania, worse than Pittsburgh, Philly
https://www.mcall.com/health/mc-hea-air-pollution-lehigh-valley-20200129-wz35a46vqjhjbcqytrzxglonli-htmlstory.html

Berks ties Philly region for worst smog, report finds; 6th in Pa. in all pollutants
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/environment/berks-ties-philly-region-for-worst-smog-report-finds-th/article_8672f5c0-41e1-11ea-b807-ef32cece180d.html

Washington

As White House wraps up defense, support grows for witnesses in Trump impeachment trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/01/28/trump-impeachment-trial-white-house-wraps-defense-support-grows-for-witnesses/stories/202001280147

Democrats are calling Pat Toomey’s proposed Trump impeachment trial witness trade ‘a crazy quid-pro-quo’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/pat-toomey-trump-impeachment-trial-witness-trade-20200128.html