Legislature

Gov. Wolf calls for $1 billion to tackle lead and asbestos in schools across Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/news/gov-tom-wolf-asbestos-lead-schools-1-billion-20200129.html

Scranton temporarily closes three schools; governor offers plan to help with asbestos and lead statewide
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-temporarily-closes-three-schools-governor-offers-plan-to-help-with-asbestos-and-lead-statewide-1.2589045

Wolf wants to set aside a billion dollars to clean up schools
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/29/wolf-wants-to-set-aside-a-billion-dollars-to-clean-up-schools/

Pennsylvania just took a step toward having an earlier presidential primary — next time
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-earlier-primary-20200129.html

With earlier primary, Pa. voters could pack a more powerful punch in deciding presidential nominees
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/with-earlier-primary-pa-voters-could-pack-a-more-powerful-punch-in-deciding-presidential-nominees.html

Gas price concerns rise as Pennsylvania considers a regional climate pact for cars
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/01/29/Transportation-climate-initiative-Pennsylvania-gas-cost-concerns-Wolf-drivers-carbon/stories/202001290130

Pa. Senate passes bill requiring insurers to cover breast cancer screenings for women in high-risk categories
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-senate-passes-bill-requiring-insurers-to-cover-supplement-breast-cancer-screenings-for-women-in-high-risk-categories.html

Pa. Senate bill aims to give extra help to vets who get into trouble with the law
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pa-senate-bill-aims-to-give-extra-help-to-vets-who-get-into-trouble-with-the-law/

Pa. victim rights amendment, on hold since vote, heads to court
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-victim-rights-amendment-on-hold-since-vote-heads-to-court.html

State awards Arnold $1.8M loan for sewer reconstruction
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/state-awards-arnold-1-8m-loan-for-sewer-reconstruction/

Support 5G: Legislature should ease installation of small cells
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/30/Support-5G-Legislature-should-ease-installation-of-small-cells/stories/202001220071

Commentary: Redistricting reform must get done in 2020
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2020/01/30/Commentary-Redistricting-reform-must-get-done-in-2020/stories/202001300034

Stop stiffing poor workers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/stop-stiffing-poor-workers-1.2589062

What’s with all these pols running away from office? | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/whats-with-all-these-pols-running-away-from-office-john-baer.html

It’s School Choice Week in Pa. Don’t buy what its advocates are selling | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/its-school-choice-week-in-pa-dont-buy-what-its-advocates-theyre-selling-opinion/

Tell your lawmaker to support this bill promoting healthy workplaces | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/tell-your-lawmaker-to-support-this-bill-promoting-healthy-workplaces-opinion/

Editorial: Senate delivers justice for Deana; now House must do likewise
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/editorial-senate-delivers-justice-for-deana-now-house-must-do/article_b9588f14-429e-11ea-b1ee-6760373eebc3.html

Administration

Wolf proposes minimum wage increase for sixth time
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771098/wolf-proposes-minimum-wage-increase-for-sixth-time

Business

UPS to expand operations in three midstate counties and Philadelphia, hire 1,700 workers
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/29/ups-to-expand-operations-in-pennsylvania-hire-1700-workers/

Crime/Punishment

Attorney demands that jailhouse witness in Wilkinsburg mass shooting be charged for baby’s slaying
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/29/wilkinsburg-mass-shooting-jailhouse-witness-marcus-white-jr-jameela-tyler/stories/202001290174

Former Leechburg police chief Michael Diebold faces additional criminal charges
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/former-leechburg-police-chief-michael-diebold-faces-additional-criminal-charges/

3rd-degree murder charge filed in death of 91-year-old grandfather
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/3rd-degree-murder-charge-filed-in-death-of-91-year-old-grandfather/

Police: ‘Violent and bizarre behavior’ preceded murder
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/police-violent-and-bizarre-behavior-preceded-murder-1.2589091

Acting Reading police chief touts falling crime rates in 2019
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/acting-reading-police-chief-touts-falling-crime-rates-in/article_fc4f2902-42af-11ea-937f-934956163225.html

Berks County Prison inmate population down sharply from last year
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-prison-inmate-population-down-sharply-from-last-year/article_ca5a5056-42a6-11ea-a9ce-0fdb41c869b8.html

Education

In Pa., less than 5% of teachers are people of color; the lack of diversity is hurting kids and schools
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/in-pa-only-5-of-teachers-are-people-of-color-the-lack-of-diversity-is-hurting-kids-and-schools.html

Parents question Whitehall police response at basketball game as students charged with felony riot
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-whitehall-large-disturbance-follow-up-20200129-vsu33ncbvfenfity4t63loz4g4-story.html

Glen Mills hit with five new lawsuits charging brutal abuse
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/glen-mills-hit-with-five-new-lawsuits-charging-brutal-abuse/article_7de8ec98-42d6-11ea-8cd9-c717a9e5619a.html

Wilson High School students in China coming home early because of coronavirus threat
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/wilson-high-school-students-in-china-coming-home-early-because/article_d9a98706-42cf-11ea-9d79-7787145cb928.html

WCCC to train dealers for new Hempfield casino
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/wccc-to-train-dealers-for-new-hempfield-casino/

Elections/Politics

Westmont man, a global victims advocate, announces bid for state Senate seat
https://www.tribdem.com/news/westmont-man-a-global-victims-advocate-announces-bid-for-state/article_97f1a994-431d-11ea-a7b6-9b9b7e60ee5b.html

Joe Biden is losing ground in the 2020 Pennsylvania primary, poll says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/2020-pennsylvania-primary-poll-joe-biden-20200130.html

Biden is still the favorite among Pennsylvania Democrats to face Trump in 2020, Franklin & Marshall College poll finds
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/politics/biden-is-still-the-favorite-among-pennsylvania-democrats-to-face/article_166a7f7a-42b1-11ea-b11f-ff4dae72e832.html

Sara Innamorato tosses support behind Bernie Sanders
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/01/30/Sara-Innamorato-tosses-support-behind-Bernie-Sanders-election-2020/stories/202001300114

To keep college valuable, don’t make it free | Albert Eisenberg
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/free-college-student-loan-forgiveness-2020-democrats-20200130.html

Trump support edges up in Pennsylvania poll as impeachment continues
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/trump-support-edges-up-in-pennsylvania-poll-as-impeachment-continues/

Musto to challenge Boback for 117th state House District
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/musto-to-challenge-boback-for-117th-state-house-district-1.2589139

Faithless electors: Votes should be in accord with state laws
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/30/Faithless-electors-Votes-should-be-in-accord-with-state-laws/stories/202001250019

Gaming

Sports, media, gambling: Barstool Sports stake sale values the blog at $450 million
https://www.inquirer.com/business/barstool-sports-sold-penn-national-gaming-gambling-20200129.html

Health Care

Geisinger 65 staff receives visually impaired accessibility training
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/771099/geisinger-65-staff-receive-visually-impaired-accessibility-training

Flu cases rise 50% in Berks County in 1 week
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/flu-cases-rise-in-berks-county-in-week/article_1480d3a0-42a5-11ea-bbaa-53f8c2629bea.html

Local News

Lackawanna County property taxes to rise 11.3% this year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-property-taxes-to-rise-11-3-this-year-1.2588919

State loan to help eliminate raw sewage discharge at Sinking Spring facility
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/state-loan-to-help-eliminate-raw-sewage-discharge-at-sinking/article_86d5c772-42b8-11ea-9fde-fbb633c8d3a2.html

12,500 trees planted in Chester Springs to improve water quality
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/trees-planted-in-chester-springs-to-improve-water-quality/article_0551b1d2-42ce-11ea-8e88-fb398a5ec9c3.html

Democrat David Oxley appointed Newtown Township supervisor
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200129/democrat-david-oxley-appointed-newtown-township-supervisor

Kiski manager resigns; supervisors unsure if she’ll be replaced
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/kiski-manager-resigns-supervisors-unsure-if-shell-be-replaced/

Hempfield supervisors, school board members discuss possible collaborations
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-supervisors-school-board-members-discuss-possible-collaborations/

Luzerne County board appointments delayed
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771101/luzerne-county-board-appointments-delayed

Nearing 90, Bonczewski celebrating 75 years repairing shoes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/771124/nearing-90-bonczewski-celebrating-75-years-repairing-shoes

W-B residents voice concerns over Brown’s proposed budget
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-residents-voice-concerns-over-brown-s-proposed-budget-1.2589134

Ribbon-cutting ceremony set for Miller-Keystone Blood Donation Center in Pittston Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-set-for-miller-keystone-blood-donation-center-in-pittston-twp-1.2589047

County council OKs lawsuit settlement, union contract
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-oks-lawsuit-settlement-union-contract-1.2589136

Pennvest awards $7.8 million in water grants
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/01/pennvest-awards-7-8-million-in-water-grants/

Region to receive $490,000 to fund jobs program
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/01/region-to-receive-490000-to-fund-jobs-program/

National News

With Kobe Bryant adulation — and an alleged rape — women who’ve been sexually assaulted are traumatized again
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kobe-bryant-death-basketball-helicopter-alleged-rape-20200130.html

Natural Gas

New F&M poll: Pennsylvania voters split on fracking
https://www.penncapital-star.com/featured/new-fm-poll-pennsylvania-voters-split-on-fracking/

Philly

6 weeks after rowhouse explosion, South Philly residents still feel that they aren’t getting answers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/south-philadelphia-fire-explosion-community-meeting-20200130.html

Inquirer readers donate nearly $20,000 to save Connor Dobbyn from ‘Childhood Alzheimer’s’ | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/connor-dobbyn-sanfilippo-syndrome-childhood-alzheimers-donations-maria-panaritis-20200130.html

Coronavirus screening expanding to Philadelphia International Airport, while Free Library cancels Chinese New Year events
https://www.inquirer.com/health/philadelphia-international-airport-coronavirus-screening-cdc-20200129.html

Feds charge Philly City Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson with using his office to enrich himself and his wife
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kenyatta-johnson-indictment-city-council-dawn-chavous-charged-universal-companies-kenny-gamble-20200129.html

The Case Against Kenyatta Johnson
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kenyatta-johnson-indictment-timeline-royal-theater-20200129.html

‘I am innocent’: Councilman Kenyatta Johnson pledges to fight bribery charges
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/i-am-innocent-councilman-kenyatta-johnson-pledges-to-fight-bribery/article_2443b1d7-a4eb-5dff-bc2f-a136b9945b82.html

Wife of indicted Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson: ‘I haven’t done anything wrong’ | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/kenyatta-johnson-dawn-chavous-indicted-federal-charges-universal-jenice-armstrong-20200129.html

Kenyatta Johnson’s indictment is serious bad news for City Council | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/kenyatta-johnson-indictment-city-council-dawn-chavous-charged-universal-companies-corruption-20200129.html

4-year-old boy shot, killed in North Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/4-year-old-boy-shot-killed-philadelphia-violence-20200130.html

How a scammer used Airbnb to lease out a Philly apartment he didn’t even own
https://www.inquirer.com/news/airbnb-craigslist-rental-scam-philadelphia-fishtown-20200130.html

The Key card, ‘momentum,’ and funding: SEPTA gives progress report to public as it eyes 2021
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-2021-capital-budget-open-house-trolley-kop-rail-20200130.html

Frontier Airlines is adding flights to three new cities out of Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/business/frontier-philadelphia-flights-boston-chicago-los-angeles-29-fares-20200129.html

Pitt

PWSA gets $65 million loan for water main replacement
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/29/PWSA-gets-65-million-loan-for-water-main-replacement/stories/202001290132

Groups encourage Port Authority to adjust fares for low-income riders
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/29/Port-Authority-community-meetings-Pittsburghers-for-Public-Transit-Just-harvest-fare-adjustments-low-income-riders/stories/202001290150

Council bill on parks tax money delayed by legal opinion
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/01/29/Council-bill-on-parks-tax-money-delayed-by-legal-opinion/stories/202001290144

Close call: Satellites avoid collision over Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2020/01/29/LeoLabs-NASA-GGSE-IRAS-satellites-collision-space-debris/stories/202001290118

Satellites avoid massive collision in space over Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/satellites-avoid-massive-collision-in-space-over-pittsburgh/

People in glass houses should deter bird collisions
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2020/01/30/birds-glass-collision-Pittsburgh-Powder-Mill-Avian-Research-Center/stories/202001300108

Teacher resigns after kindergarten student burned at North Side school
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/01/29/Kindergarten-student-burned-teacher-resign-science-experiment-North-Side-pittsburgh-king-prek-8/stories/202001290161

Pittsburgh elementary teacher quits amid probe into girl burned during class project
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-elementary-teacher-quits-amid-probe-into-girl-burned-during-class-project/

Foundation grant will provide academic coaches for Pittsburgh Promise students
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/foundation-grant-will-provide-academic-coaches-for-pittsburgh-promise-students/

Squirrel keeps outfoxing Pittsburgh bald eagles
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/squirrel-keeps-outfoxing-pittsburgh-bald-eagles/

Pittsburgh universities monitoring coronavirus reports and weighing travel considerations
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-universities-monitoring-corona-virus-reports-and-weighing-travel-considerations/

A decade of cleaner air ended in controversy and questions about Allegheny County’s future
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200130/decade-of-cleaner-air-ended-in-controversy-and-questions-about-allegheny-countys-future

State News

Pa. agency that looks for wasteful spending wasted $160,000 on guns and ammo it can’t use
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/01/30/pa-inspector-general-office-buys-160-000-guns-ammo-it-cannot-use/stories/202001300056

Preliminary testing shows ‘probable Legionella’ in water at Westmoreland Manor
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/preliminary-testing-shows-probable-legionella-in-water-at-westmoreland-manor/

‘Value-added’ products a boon to small farms
https://triblive.com/local/regional/value-added-products-a-boon-to-small-farms/

What does the future of farming in Pennsylvania look like? Who and where are the big questions
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/30/what-does-the-future-of-farming-in-pennsylvania-look-like-who-and-where-are-the-big-questions/

Lackawanna named Pennsylvania River of the Year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-named-pennsylvania-river-of-the-year-1.2588920

Suit: White Haven, Polk centers closing increase chance of abuse, neglect
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/suit-white-haven-polk-centers-closing-increase-chance-of-abuse-neglect-1.2589112

Neither hunters nor businesses support changes in the deer season | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/01/neither-hunters-nor-businesses-support-changes-in-the-deer-season-opinion.html

These Pa. families are using gender-affirming parenting to help their kids to explore their own identities
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/these-pa-families-are-using-gender-affirming-parenting-to-help-their-kids-to-explore-their-own-identities/

ACLU seeks to end midstate county’s policy barring probationers from using medical marijuana
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/29/aclu-seeks-to-end-midstate-countys-policy-barring-probationers-from-using-medical-marijuana/

Fighting human trafficking
https://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2020/01/fighting-human-trafficking/

Washington

Trump lawyers argue president can seek help for re-election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/01/29/impeachment-trial-Trump-lawyers-reelection-vote-on-witnesses-hunter-biden-bolton/stories/202001290172

Pat Toomey is ‘very, very skeptical’ he’ll support calling witnesses in Trump’s impeachment trial
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/pat-toomey-trump-impeachment-trial-witnesses-20200129.html

Here’s what Pennsylvania’s Pat Toomey and Bob Casey asked during the Trump impeachment trial
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-trump-impeachment-trial-casey-toomey-questions-20200129-fjgfgkpxazcanc6zwqdpgfpfdq-story.html