Bloomberg doubles ad spending after chaos of Iowa caucuses
By BRIAN SLODYSKO Associated Press
Billionaire Michael Bloomberg is doubling the already massive amount of money he will spend on advertising, an effort to lift the former New York City mayor’s presidential bid and capitalize on the chaotic outcome of Monday’s Iowa caucuses. An exact dollar figure was not provided. But according to the ad tracking firm Advertising Analytics, Bloomberg has already spent over $300 million on TV, radio and digital advertising. That’s boosted him in recent polls even though he is not competing head-to-head with the rest of the Democratic field in early voting states like Iowa and New Hampshire.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is slamming the House Democrats’ drive to impeach President Donald Trump as “the most rushed, least fair and least thorough” in history. McConnell confirmed Tuesday he will vote to acquit him.  He said the two impeachment charges against Trump — that he abused his power and obstructed Democrats’ impeachment — are “constitutionally incoherent” and don’t warrant removing him from office.  The Kentucky Republican did not address whether Trump’s actions were inappropriate or wrong, as some GOP senators have said.  Top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer of New York accused the Republican leader and his GOP colleagues of sweeping Trump’s misconduct under the rug.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Democratic Party officials in Iowa are planning to release a majority of the delayed caucus results by 5 p.m. EST. The party officials in Iowa told the presidential campaigns the news as chaos and confusion hung over Iowa and its first-in-the-nation presidential contest. Frustrated presidential candidates plowed ahead in their quest for nomination, most of them in next-up New Hampshire. Republican President Donald Trump mocked them and their party.

NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — Democratic presidential hopefuls have descended on New Hampshire. The small New England state with a tendency to shock and surprise will have its say next week, with the Feb. 11 primary. White House hopefuls left Iowa without clear results from the state’s caucuses Monday night, which could elevate the stakes in New Hampshire. A recent CNN poll shows about half of the state’s voters still haven’t decided who to support. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is hoping for a repeat victory in New Hampshire, where he won the state’s primary in 2016.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The attorney for a woman accused of hiding a gun used in the shooting death of a western Pennsylvania police officer says she could not have done so because she is afflicted with post-traumatic stress disorder and cannot enter basements like the one where the weapon was found. The Tribune-Review reports that defense attorney Adam Gorzelsky says 33-year-old Lisa Harrington alleges physical abuse as a child while locked in a basement. Harrington is charged with hindering apprehension and disposing of the weapon used to kill New Kensington officer Brian Shaw during a November 2017 traffic stop.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s governor is using a portion of his annual budget address to push lawmakers to take action to address gun violence. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday reiterated his support for universal background checks for sales, mandatory reporting for lost or stolen guns, and other measures. The political divisions and strong feelings that characterize the gun issue across the country are mirrored at the state Capitol. Gun safety and regulation proponents hold regular rallies and the yearly “Right to Keep and Bear Arms Rally” always draws attendees by the busload.

Pennsylvania hunters killed 4,653 black bears last year, setting a new record. The Pennsylvania Game Commission said Monday the total is far above last year’s total of 3,153. Game commission officials had sought an increase given the statewide bear population of about 20,000. An official said there were 30 days of bear hunting across all bear seasons for the first time since 1931.

Investigators say a Butler County woman took about 50-grand from a fast-food restaurant in Butler Township. Michele Krzewinski was arrested last week after allegedly adding Christopher Sweet to the payroll at the Long John Silver’s at Moraine Point Plaza. Sweet never worked a day at the restaurant, but Krzewinski would send him money while he was in prison. The 48-year-old woman was fired from Long John Silver’s this year.

Investigators say a Butler County woman took about 50-grand from a fast-food restaurant in Butler Township. Michele Krzewinski was arrested last week after allegedly adding Christopher Sweet to the payroll at the Long John Silver’s at Moraine Point Plaza. Sweet never worked a day at the restaurant, but Krzewinski would send him money while he was in prison. The 48-year-old woman was fired from Long John Silver’s this year.

Shooting suspect Dominique Jones had his hearing re-scheduled in Beaver County Central Court yesterday. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano has more. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

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