Legislature
Lack of funding poses challenges for expanding broadband access in Pa.
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/lack-of-funding-poses-challenges-for-expanding-broadband-access-in-pa.php
Administration
Wolf/Fetterman’s inauguration party-goers to be treated to Yuengling, Swoop, whoopie pies and more
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/wolffettermans-inauguration-party-goers-to-be-treated-to-yuengling-swoop-whoopie-pies-and-more.html
Business
Mt. Lebanon couple files nuisance lawsuit against Hitchhiker Brewing
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/01/09/Mt-Lebannon-couple-file-lawsuit-against-Hitchhiker-Brewing/stories/201901100017
Mountain Top health club reviewed by AG’s office
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mountain-top-health-club-reviewed-by-ag-s-office-1.2431489
Hallmark to close by Valentine’s Day in Marketplace at Steamtown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/hallmark-to-close-by-valentine-s-day-in-marketplace-at-steamtown-1.2431484
Crime/Punishment
Attorney who defended high-profile killers set to represent accused Tree of Life shooter
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/09/Attorney-who-defended-high-profile-killers-set-to-represent-Tree-of-Life-shooter-judy-clarke-robert-bowers/stories/201901090154
Unabomber, Boston Marathon bomber attorney to represent Tree of Life shooting defendant
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14488054-74/unabomber-boston-marathon-bomber-attorney-to-represent-tree-of-life-shooting-defendant
Johnny Bobbitt arrested in Fishtown after skipping a court hearing in $400k GoFundMe scam
http://www.philly.com/news/johnny-bobbitt-homeless-man-gofundme-scam-arrest-court-20190109.html
Arrest made in connection with death of Montco native at U.S. Navy base in Cuba
http://www.philly.com/news/federal-indictment-navy-capt-john-nettleton-death-christopher-turn-guantanamo-cuba-20190109.html
Ashley cop to face coercion, sex assault charges in Luzerne County Court
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729736/ashley-cop-to-face-coercion-sex-assault-charges-in-luzerne-county-court
Education
Principal turnover highest in Pa. cities, study says
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/principal-turnover-highest-in-pa-cities-study-says/article_08a4ef62-4520-512c-9bfc-47833405b7e3.html
Tamaqua school panel votes to postpone policy to arm teachers
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/tamaqua-school-panel-votes-to-postpone-policy-to-arm-teachers.php
Superintendents’ forum: Positive relationships enhance school safety
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/superintendents-forum-positive-relationships-enhance-school-safety
Auditor general asks Scranton School District to prove progress in IT department
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/auditor-general-asks-scranton-school-district-to-prove-progress-in-it-department-1.2431407
Colleges to receive grant money to combat sexual assault
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/colleges-to-receive-grant-money-to-combat-sexual-assault-1.2431696
Former Albright College lecturer faces federal lawsuit alleging misconduct
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/federal-lawsuit-alleges-misconduct-by-former-lecturer-at-albright-college
Elections/Politics
Dems choose Kosierowski as 114th District nominee
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dems-choose-kosierowski-as-114th-district-nominee-1.2431510
Luzerne County poll workers to test new voting machines
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-poll-workers-to-test-new-voting-machines-1.2431522
Gaming
Slot machines, fantasy sports, mini-casinos. Where’s Pa. online gaming, a year after legalization?
http://www.philly.com/business/pennsylvania-online-sports-betting-ilottery-vgt-mini-casinos-slow-start-20190109.html
Pennsylvania’s truck stop gambling should get started this year. One Lehigh Valley site plans to jump in
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-truck-stop-gambling-bandit-weisenberg-township-20190109-story.html
Government Shutdown
Government shutdown could hurt area domestic-violence shelters and services, operators say
http://www.philly.com/news/new-jersey/government-shutdown-domestic-violence-shelters-impact-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20190109.html
Trump stalks out of shutdown session with Dems — ‘Bye-bye’
https://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/14486351-74/trump-walks-out-of-shutdown-meeting-with-congressional-leaders
NEPA’s federal legislators respond to Trump’s shutdown talk
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729798/nepas-federal-legislators-respond-to-trumps-shutdown-talk
County head start won’t be impacted by federal shutdown
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-head-start-won-t-be-impacted-by-federal-shutdown-1.2431574
Government shutdown hits Berks breweries, wineries and distilleries
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/government-shutdown-is-affecting-alcohol-industry
Government shutdown prompts FDA to reduce food inspections
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/government-shutdown-prompts-fda-to-reduce-food-inspections.html
Health Care
Her insurer’s price tool estimated less than $1,300 for a breast MRI. Then she got a bill for $3,200.
http://www.philly.com/health/health-care-costs-price-estimator-tool-20190110.html
WVU Medicine, Uniontown Hospital discussing partnership
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/01/09/WVU-Medicine-Uniontown-Hospital-partnership-upmc-highmark-health-care/stories/201901090095
New neonatal intensive care unit opens at West Penn Hospital
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14486564-74/new-neonatal-intensive-care-unit-opens-at-west-penn-hospital
Flu season in full swing in NEPA
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flu-season-in-full-swing-in-nepa-1.2431572
High number of flu cases in the Lehigh Valley for the first week of 2019
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pa-flu-report-jan-5-story.html
Local News
Fewer empty spots in WB parking garage than expected with Geisinger’s exit
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729781/fewer-empty-spots-in-wb-parking-garage-than-expected-with-geisingers-exit
Local official asks authority to reconsider how stormwater fees are calculated
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-official-asks-authority-to-reconsider-how-stormwater-fees-are-calculated-1.2431593
Lehman Township calls for delay of new stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729749/lehman-township-calls-for-delay-of-new-stormwater-fee
Urban blasts new stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729745/urban-blasts-new-stormwater-fee
W-B officials look to purchase ladder truck
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-officials-look-to-purchase-ladder-truck-1.2431495
Commissioners vote to buy Lackawanna Avenue parking lot for $192K
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commissioners-vote-to-buy-lackawanna-avenue-parking-lot-for-192k-1.2431446
Firm secures parking variance in Humboldt
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/firm-secures-parking-variance-in-humboldt-1.2431544
Westmoreland County businesses, groups awarded $475,000 in tourism grants
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14486653-74/westmoreland-county-businesses-groups-awarded-475000-in-tourism-grants
Local tourism to be focus of new Westmoreland County visitor center on Route 119
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14486599-74/local-tourism-to-be-focus-of-new-westmoreland-county-visitor-center-on
Staffer for Westmoreland Commissioner Charles Anderson seeking boss’ post
https://triblive.com/news/adminpage/14487065-74/staffer-for-westmoreland-commissioner-charles-anderson-seeking-boss-post
Apollo officials keeping services afloat as they seek new faces on council, key posts
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14486785-74/apollo-officials-keeping-services-afloat-as-they-seek-new-faces-on-council
Berks County planners discuss Rolling Hills Landfill’s expansion proposal
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-planners-discuss-rolling-hills-landfills-expansion-proposal
Leesport mayor says Wall Street Bridge could open soon
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/leesport-mayor-says-wall-street-bridge-could-open-soon
Editorial: Reading needs to see quick progress in crime fight
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-needs-to-see-quick-progress-in-crime-fight
Ex-mayor urges home rule for county
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/01/ex-mayor-urges-home-rule-for-county/
National News
Delaware taxpayers invested $3 million, but these Wall St. pros have yet to deliver 3 years later
http://www.philly.com/business/new-castle-county-tax-payer-million-philadelphia-stock-exchange-20190110.html
Natural Gas
Two new Marcellus shale gas sites proposed in Upper Burrell
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14487085-74/two-new-marcellus-shale-gas-sites-proposed-in-upper-burrell
New Jersey
N.J. doubles funding for security at private schools
http://www.philly.com/news/school-security-new-jersey-governor-murphy-20190109.html
Opioid Crisis
’There doesn’t seem to be an end in sight’: Opioids epidemic wearing on coroners, departments
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/there-doesnt-seem-to-be-an-end-in-sight-opioids-epidemic-wearing-on-coroners-departments.html
Philly
Need affordable senior housing? You may be waiting years as Philly, nation grapple with long wait lists.
http://www.philly.com/real-estate/affordable-senior-housing-wait-list-philadelphia-pha-low-income-aging-presby-20190110.html
Philly D.A.’s Office finds file boxes in Abu-Jamal case
http://www.philly.com/news/mumia-abu-jamal-daniel-faulkner-boxes-case-files-20190110.html
Why isn’t Philly mad about student loan crisis? This Temple professor wants to change that.
http://www.philly.com/business/student-loan-crisis-pennsylvania-temple-university-philadelphia-talking-20190110.html
Checkers and Rally’s looks to add dozens of stores in Philadelphia
http://www.philly.com/business/retail/checkers-rallys-fast-food-restaurant-philadelphia-20190110.html
Avenue of the Arts Bells won’t be back anytime soon
http://www.philly.com/news/avenue-of-arts-bells-curious-philly-20190109.html
Safehouse hires leader in effort to open drug injection site in Philly
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/safehouse-hires-leader-in-effort-to-open-drug-injection-site/article_b0b5b7ad-22ce-517a-a364-c5d70a3c083a.html
Murder suspect still missing after chase wreaks havoc in Philly; 3 officers hurt in crash
http://www.philly.com/news/police-chase-crash-delaware-murder-suspect-south-philadelphia-20190109.html
How heroin and fentanyl get into Philadelphia — and why a border wall likely wouldn’t stop them
http://www.philly.com/health/how-do-illegal-drugs-enter-us-heroin-fentanyl-trump-border-wall-mexico-china-20190109.html
After nearly a half century of service, an activist turned city honcho walks away, hopeful | Mike Newall
http://www.philly.com/news/columnists/mike-diberardinis-rebuild-soda-tax-ed-rendell-jim-kenney-parks-and-rec-philadelphia-20190109.html
Were CCP professors on strike? Union says no. But a labor ruling indicates otherwise.
http://www.philly.com/news/community-college-philadelphia-faculty-strike-negotiations-20190109.html
A grocery opens in Point Breeze to bring affordable food to supermarket desert
http://www.philly.com/news/corner-store-point-breeze-grocery-food-poverty-gentrification-20190110.html
Water-pipe warranty pushes more burden on homeowners | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/water-pipes-warranty-philadelphia-water-department-20190110.html
One supermarket owner is a casualty of Philadelphia’s soda tax | Dom Giordano
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/shoprite-soda-beverage-sugar-tax-philadelphia-mayor-kenney-dom-giordano-20190110.html
Pitt
‘We want to get facts’: Council to ask experts about gun bills
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/09/Council-to-ask-experts-about-gun-bills/stories/201901090118
Pittsburgh, public works union agree to 5-year contract with 3% raises
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14486558-74/pittsburgh-public-works-union-agree-to-five-year-contract-providing-3-percent-raises
Lawrenceville group calls in FBI to talk about hate issues
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/09/Lawrenceville-United-hate-groups-FBI-community-meeting-civil-rights-program/stories/201901090129
Pittsburgh’s African-American artists and arts groups receive more than $427,000 in grants
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/01/09/Advancing-Black-Arts-in-Pittsburgh-artists-receive-427000-dollars-in-grants/stories/201901090120
Via Airlines to start service from Pittsburgh International Airport
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/01/09/Via-Airlines-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-Memphis-Birmingham-Austin-Hartford/stories/201901090107
Direct flights to Birmingham, Memphis, Hartford coming to Pittsburgh airport
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14486098-74/via-airlines-adding-flights-at-pittsburgh-international-airport
Joe Starkey: Pitt’s long basketball nightmare is no more
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2019/01/09/Joe-Starkey-Pitt-s-Long-Basketball-Nightmare-Is-No-More/stories/201901090163
Pittsburghers for Public Transit to recommend Mon Valley transit improvements
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/01/09/Pittsburghers-for-Public-Transit-Mon-Valley-better-bus-service-Heinz-Endowments-grant/stories/201901090139
East Liberty development to bring more affordable housing
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/01/09/East-Liberty-development-to-bring-more-affordable-housing/stories/201901090058
Housing Authority program helped Pittsburgh woman buy first home
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14486449-74/housing-authority-program-helped-pittsburgh-woman-buy-first-home
Pittsburgh police seeking graffiti vandal leaving chicken tags
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14486187-74/pittsburgh-police-seeking-graffiti-vandal-leaving-trail-of-chickens-throughout-south-side
Peoples pledges to plug leaking methane from Pittsburgh gas lines
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14486013-74/peoples-pledges-to-plug-leaking-methane-from-pittsburgh-gas-lines
State News
Health Dept. warns Mon Valley about air quality in wake of coke plant fire
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/01/09/Mon-Valley-air-quality-warning-US-Steel-Clairton-coke-works-Allegheny-County-pollution/stories/201901090084
Why legal experts are fine with an ex-State Farm lawyer’s being the judge in a lawsuit vs. the insurer
http://www.philly.com/business/state-farm-judge-arthur-tilson-montgomery-county-recusal-20190110.html
State climate goals doable
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-climate-goals-doable-1.2431514
Berks, Lehigh fire officials demand state help with I-78 crashes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-lehigh-fire-officials-demand-state-help-with-i-78-crashes
Pa. tornado traveled nearly 3 miles, mostly damaged trees: National Weather Service
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/pa-tornado-traveled-nearly-3-miles-mostly-damaged-trees-national-weather-service.html
Owner of 3 German Shepherds that mauled UPS driver beats charges
https://www.pennlive.com/daily-buzz/2019/01/owner-of-3-german-shepherds-that-mauled-ups-driver-beats-charges.html
Despite progress, Pa. has work to do in serving those with disabilities
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/despite-progress-pa-has-work-to-do-in-serving-those-with-disabilities.html
How Trump’s trade war is hitting and often hurting Pennsylvania farmers
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/how-trumps-trade-war-is-hitting-and-often-hurting-pennsylvania-farmers.php
Transportation
Cross Valley on-ramp at River Street reopens in Plains Township
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729790/cross-valley-on-ramp-at-river-street-reopens-in-plains-township