2/16 PoliticsPA Playbook

Are the Kane and McCord Cases Connected?: A new report suggests there may be wiretaps of Kane’s operatives.
John Oliver Reminds Turzai, Gleason of Their Voter ID Statements (VIDEO): The State House Speaker and the PA GOP Chairman made unfortunate cameos on the HBO host’s season 3 premiere.
Statewide Reactions to Justice Scalia’s Death: We gathered the responses to the Supreme Court Justice’s death from throughout the commonwealth.
Clinton and Sanders Respond to Susquehanna University Student: The Democratic Presidential candidates answer a question asked by a Susquehanna University student through an online platform.
Statewide
Capitolwire: Hanger tells PSU to support Wolf’s tax package or face cuts
StateImpactPA: What Scalia’s death means for Obama’s Clean Power Plan
StateImpactPA: DEP offers more details on plans to curb methane leaks
Pennsylvania Watchdog: Watchdog Podcast: Donald Trump is a pro wrestling villain; Pennsylvania’s budget fight goes to round two
Pennsylvania Watchdog: Pennsylvania budget raises red flags for school choice
Philadelphia
WHYY Newsworks: Last year’s new charter school approvals set to cost Philly district more than expected
WHYY Newsworks: For Kane, focus now shifts to House impeachment effort
Inquirer: Trump says he’d save Philly jobs, doesn’t say how
Inquirer: For Fattah, numbers slow to add up
CapitolInq: Supreme Court fight adds to stakes in PA Senate race
SEPA
Pottstown Mercury: Berks County D.A. receives complaints of IRS tax scams
Bucks County Courier Times: HUD awards Bucks, Montgomery counties $1.4 million for public housing projects
Bucks County Courier Times: A look to the campaign for Presidents Day
Pittsburgh
Post-Gazette: Roddey steps down as chair of county Republican committee
Post-Gazette: Sen. Toomey says a new president should pick a Scalia successor
Post-Gazette: Scalia’s death means loss of key vote in divided cases
Early Returns: Advice and consent
Early Returns: Reports: Sen. Baker blames Wolf team for husband’s firing
WESA: New Bill Would Limit Opioids Given Out In Emergency Rooms
WESA: For The First Time, Majority Of Americans See Cuba Favorably In Poll
Tribune Review: Pennsylvania budget struggle ‘mirror image’ of Illinois
Tribune Review: Training for Western Pa. police aims to reduce traffic-related deaths
Southwest
Beaver County Times: BIll to create state licensing for plumbers flush with support
Beaver County Times: Costly overtime shifts filling gaps at Allegheny County-owned nursing homes
Altoona Mirror: Federal judge remembers Scalia
Johnstown Tribune-Democrat: Cambria County commissioners approve 2016 revised budget in split vote
NEPA
Times-Tribune: Pipeline company seeks court order to remove tree protesters
Times-Tribune: Scranton eases bridge burdens
Times-Tribune: Local Republicans blanket state House races
Times-Tribune: Route pipelines along turnpike, lawmaker proposes
Standard Speaker: Council member questions use of EIT revenue
Times Leader: Slow but promising start for new program aimed at helping ex-cons
Times Leader: In Focus: Is Mayor Tony George living up to his campaign promises? The people need to know
South Central
Patriot News: GOP Senator blames politics for her husband’s firing from state job
Patriot News: Gov. Tom Wolf asks Penn State’s help in fighting tax increases
York Dispatch: Signature requirements for Pa. elections
York Daily Record: Pa. politicians unsure of Scalia replacement
Lehigh Valley
Morning Call: Pat Toomey says next president should pick Scalia’s successor
Reading Eagle: State Rep. Thomas Caltagirone pushes bills to tackle childhood cancer
Reading Eagle: State lawmakers prepare for hearing on Turnpike traffic mess
North by Northwest
Centre Daily Times: Sampsel adjusts to new role as Centre County sheriff
Onward State: UPUA to hold information sessions for potential election candidates
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Local man confused by America’s love affair with Trump
Williamsport Sun Gazette: Area reps. seeking to oust AG Kane
Opinion
Post-Gazette: License to save: Lawmakers should let PennDOT drop the sticker
Tribune Review: Visa waivers: An illegal ‘rewrite’
Times-Tribune: Irresponsible legislators slow projects
Express Times: Supreme Court turns back the clean air clock
Patriot News: Ranking the eight worst presidents
Patriot News: Here why I have the experience to be Attorney General: John Morganelli
Citizens Voice: Discovery offers motivation to fund scientific research
Pocono Record: Make financial literacy a high school staple
Inquirer: Excessive secrecy at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
Daily News: More charm than good
Blogs
2 Political Junkies: Senator Mitch McConnell – Hypocrite On SCOTUS Nominations (With a Related Question For Pat Toomey)
Commonwealth Foundation: Wolf Will Veto Prison Funding, Send the Money Anyway
Keystone Crossroads: In case you missed it: This week’s best reads from Pennsylvania cities