Legislature
Eliminate cash bail
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/eliminate-cash-bail-1.2433699
Baker bill seeks savings on prescription drug costs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730442/baker-bill-seeks-savings-on-prescription-drug-costs
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf comes out as Pennsylvania’s ‘Encourager-in-Chief’ in inaugural address
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/gov-tom-wolf-comes-out-as-pennsylvanias-encourager-in-chief-in-inaugural-address.html
Gov. Wolf sworn in for second term
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730447/gov-wolf-sworn-in-for-second-term
Berks County delegation reacts to Gov. Tom Wolf’s inaugural speech
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-delegation-reacts-to-gov-tom-wolfs-inaugural-speech
The most striking thing about Lt. Gov. John Fetterman | John Baer
http://www.philly.com/news/columnists/john-baer-john-fetterman-inauguration-public-service-20190115.html
‘Let’s have faith in what we can fix together,’ Wolf says in inaugural address seeking to unite Pa. | Analysis
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/01/lets-have-faith-in-what-we-can-fix-together-wolf-says-in-inaugural-address-seeking-to-unite-pa-analysis.html
Gov. Tom Wolf’s inauguration speech: 7 takeaways
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/gov-tom-wolfs-inauguration-speech-7-takeaways.html
GOP leaders react to Gov. Wolf’s inaugural address with optimism but ‘we’ll see where it goes’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/gop-leaders-react-to-gov-wolfs-inaugural-address-with-optimism-but-well-see-where-it-goes.html
Thousands celebrate at Gov. Wolf’s inaugural party
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/thousands-celebrate-at-gov-wolfs-inaugural-party.html
Business
Bayer to close its Robinson site, impact 600 employees
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/01/15/Bayer-pharmaceutical-closing-shut-down-Robinson-Pittsburgh-600-workers-Monsanto/stories/201901150104
Bayer to close site in Robinson by 2020, cut nearly 600 local positions
https://triblive.com/news/adminpage/14506552-74/bayer-to-close-site-in-robinson-by-2020-nearly-600-local-positions
BNY Mellon cuts staff, including some in Pittsburgh region
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/01/15/BNY-Mellon-cuts-staff-layoffs-bank/stories/201901150162
Official: Barnes & Noble returning to Arena Hub on Jan. 30
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730425/official-panera-returning-to-arena-hub-jan-30
Book it: Barnes & Noble will reopen in Arena Hub on Jan. 30
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/book-it-barnes-noble-will-reopen-in-arena-hub-on-jan-30-1.2433772
Lackawanna Energy Center announces it is fully operational
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-energy-center-announces-it-is-fully-operational-1.2433942
Crime/Punishment
Food bank in central Pa. feeds first wave of federal workers living without paychecks
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/food-bank-in-central-pa-greets-first-wave-of-federal-workers-living-without-paychecks.html
Education
Tamaqua Area plan to arm teachers on hold
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/tamaqua-area-plan-to-arm-teachers-on-hold-1.2433836
Doctor: Bad air may aggravate asthma in Clairton students
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/01/15/Bad-air-may-trigger-Clairton-asthmas/stories/201901150167
Why should Jefferson’s cancer center get property tax exemption, asks suburban school district
http://www.philly.com/business/jefferson-abington-asplundh-property-tax-exemption-20190116.html
Crestwood superintendent to resign from post
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crestwood-superintendent-to-resign-from-post-1.2433758
Pa. schools reported dozens of hazing violations under new law
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/01/15/Penn-State-hazing-Timothy-Piazza-law-fraternities-sororities-college-Pitt-Duquesne-CMU/stories/201901150176
New postings show wide range of Pa. college hazing
http://www.philly.com/education/new-postings-show-wide-range-pa-college-hazing-20190115.html
PSU releases report on hazing, first one under new Tim Piazza law
http://www.philly.com/education/penn-state-hazing-tim-piazza-law-20190115.html
Penn State hazing report: Sorority members forced to lick toes, frat members immersed in trash cans of ice
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/penn-state-hazing-report-sorority-members-forced-to-lick-toes-frat-members-pushed-to-chug-wine.html
Eric Barron says push to improve safety needs ‘collaboration and cooperation on all fronts’ | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/01/we-need-collaboration-and-cooperation-on-all-fronts-eric-barron-responding-to-report.html
Elections/Politics
Republicans recommend Scavo to run for Kavulich’s seat
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/republicans-recommend-scavo-to-run-for-kavulich-s-seat-1.2433809
Gaming
South Philly sports betting parlor is right across the street from the Phillies’ home
http://www.philly.com/sports/sports-betting-parx-south-philly-otb-rams-saints-patriots-chiefs-20190115.html
Government Shutdown
Administration calls back nearly 50,000 workers without pay to ease shutdown impact
http://www.philly.com/politics/nation/administration-calls-back-nearly-workers-without-pay-ease-shutdown-impact-20190116.html
Why the government shutdown is a growing concern for Pa. and N.J. farmers
http://www.philly.com/news/pa-farmers-shutdown-tariffs-aid-loans-insurance-20190116.html
Kraft Heinz to give out products to government workers affected by shutdown in D.C.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/01/15/Kraft-Heinz-to-give-out-products-to-government-workers-affected-by-shutdown-in-D-C/stories/201901150174
United Way offers aid to furloughed government employees
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14507394-74/united-way-offers-aid-to-furloughed-government-employees
Health Care
Sen. Casey tells Highmark, UPMC to address patients’ confusion over coverage
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/01/15/Sen-Bob-Casey-UPMC-Highmark-out-of-network-consent-decrees-Medicare-Advantage-enrollment/stories/201901150148
Commonwealth Health hospitals’ new collaboration to provide specialist care for stroke patients
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/commonwealth-health-hospitals-new-collaboration-to-provide-specialist-care-for-stroke-patients-1.2433816
Local News
Stormwater fee deadline extended
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stormwater-fee-deadline-extended-1.2433863
Stormwater payment deadline extended, appeal charge waived
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730449/stormwater-payment-deadline-extended-appeal-charge-waived
Stormwater fee roils Harveys Lake: Residents question council on joining WVSA plan
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730498/stormwater-fee-roils-harveys-lake-residents-question-council-on-joining-wvsa-plan
Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority contesting new stormwater fee amount
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730434/luzerne-county-redevelopment-authority-contesting-new-stormwater-fee-amount
County flood board questions WVSA bills
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-flood-board-questions-wvsa-bills-1.2433882
Wilkes-Barre DPW worker credited with detaining fleeing suspect
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730458/wilkes-barre-dpw-worker-credited-with-detaining-fleeing-suspect
Scranton mayor’s lawyer in FBI matter won’t be paid out of city tax coffers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-s-lawyer-in-fbi-matter-won-t-be-paid-out-of-city-tax-coffers-1.2433943
COLTS hires county HR director part-time
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/colts-hires-county-hr-director-part-time-1.2433804
Jessup comprehensive plan committee to poll public
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-comprehensive-plan-committee-to-poll-public-1.2433951
Work underway to fix treehouse in Scranton’s Nay Aug Park
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/work-underway-to-fix-treehouse-in-scranton-s-nay-aug-park-1.2433679
Clerk: Wyoming County didn’t lose liquid fuel cash
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/clerk-wyoming-county-didn-t-lose-liquid-fuel-cash-1.2433858
McAdoo to shift money between street projects
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/mcadoo-to-shift-money-between-street-projects-1.2433775
New Kensington authorities raise water, sewer rates
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14507277-74/new-kensington-authorities-raise-water-sewer-rates
Wave of resignations leave Cheswick police short-handed
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14507525-74/wave-of-resignations-leave-cheswick-police-short-handed
Westmoreland County seeking 30 participants for citizen workshop
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14506732-74/westmoreland-county-seeking-30-participants-for-citizen-workshop
Stand-up comedy shows will benefit Westmoreland parks, trail projects
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14444260-74/stand-up-comedy-shows-will-benefit-westmoreland-parks-trail-projects
Severe weather in 2018 leads to increased Latrobe fire calls
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14506117-74/severe-weather-helps-boost-2018-latrobe-fire-calls-to-near-record
GoFundMe raises $25K for family of Butler County boy killed in bus stop crash
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14508327-74/gofundme-for-butler-county-family-of-boy-11-who-died-after-bus
Reading Area Water Authority delivers water to customers affected by main break in Ontelaunee
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-area-water-authority-delivers-water-to-customers-affected-by-main-break-in-ontelaunee
Reading Area Water Authority discusses idea of rotating fire hydrants
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-area-water-authority-discusses-idea-of-rotating-fire-hydrants
Angry over tax hike, Allentown residents force council to discuss reopening budget
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-budget-reopen-petition-20190115-story.html
National News
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand jumps into 2020 presidential race
http://www.philly.com/politics/nation/kirsten-gillibrand-takes-major-step-toward-white-house-run-20190115.html
Black and Hispanic youth are targeted with junk food ads, research shows
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/black-and-hispanic-youth-are-targeted-with-junk-food-ads/article_ea4758ec-18c1-11e9-9649-cfada0acbfa8.html
Opioid Crisis
Exposure to fentanyl doesn’t kill but misinformation does | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/fentanyl-hysteria-misinformation-touching-20190116.html
Chester County to sue drugmakers, distributors for role in opioid crisis
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/chester-county-to-sue-drugmakers-distributors-for-role-in-opioid-crisis
Chester County joins other local governments suing opioid manufacturers
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/chester-county-joins-local-governments-suing-opioid-manufacturers.php
Philly
For Saturday’s Women’s March on Philadelphia, expect dueling protests and bad weather
http://www.philly.com/news/womens-march-philadelphia-philly-women-rally-protest-weather-20190116.html
Are Philly-area nonprofits really making a difference? Foundations put up $3 million to find out.
http://www.philly.com/business/are-philly-area-nonprofits-really-making-difference-foundations-put-up-million-find-out-20190116.html
Philly’s ‘Camel Prom Mom’ admits to collecting government disability while working to fund lavish parties
http://www.philly.com/news/camel-mom-philly-saudia-shuler-guilty-plea-disability-payments-fraud-prom-sendoff-20190115.html
Philly Venezuelans gather at Sister Cities Park to remember fallen leaders
http://www.philly.com/news/venezuela-nicolas-maduro-philadelphia-protest-20190116.html
Raymond G. Perelman, master investor and philanthropist, dies at 101
http://www.philly.com/business/raymond-perelman-obituary-wharton-penn-20190115.html
Downtown Philly’s first marijuana dispensary to host cannabis conference, a week before opening
http://www.philly.com/business/weed/marijuana-medical-cannabis-beyond-hello-eagles-todd-herremans-flyers-riley-cote-box-brown-graphics-dispensary-20190115.html
One easy step toward fixing property assessment mess | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/property-tax-assessments-brt-kenney-city-council-editorial-20190116.html
New homes for those struggling with addiction set for heart of Philly opioid crisis
https://whyy.org/articles/new-homes-for-those-struggling-with-addiction-to-open-in-heart-of-philly-opioid-crisis/
Pitt
DA to Pittsburgh Council: You can’t make gun rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/15/DA-Stephen-Zappala-Pittsburgh-Council-gun-legislation/stories/201901150105
Pittsburgh council members could face charges over gun restrictions, DA says
https://triblive.com/news/adminpage/14506518-74/allegheny-county-da-warns-pittsburgh-council-could-face-charges-over-gun-restrictions
City investigating after salt truck strikes parked vehicles in Lawrenceville
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/15/City-investigating-after-salt-truck-strikes-parked-vehicles-in-Lawrenceville-Maryn-Formley/stories/201901150186
Fragmented local government a challenge in addressing pockets of high child poverty in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/01/16/Fragmented-local-government-Allegheny-County-Growing-Up-Through-the-Cracks/stories/201901150112
City to close Commercial Street next week as work to stabilize sliding hillside continues
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/01/15/Pittsburgh-close-Commercial-Street-Forward-Avenue-stabilize-hillside-landslides/stories/201901150141
$500K foundation grant to Pittsburgh police to help fund domestic violence unit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/15/Pittsburgh-police-domestic-violence-unit-Nina-Baldwin-Fisher-Foundation-Bill-Peduto/stories/201901150103
Pittsburgh police to get domestic violence unit with $500K grant
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14506969-74/pittsburgh-police-to-get-dedicated-domestic-violence-unit-with-500k-grant
No more secret hearings: DA showed poor judgment in Michael Rosfeld case
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/01/16/No-more-secret-hearings-DA-showed-poor-judgment-Rosfeld-case/stories/201901160065
Extended No Wake Zone proposed at Pittsburgh’s Point
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14507363-74/boater-relief-fish-boat-proposes-extending-no-wake-zone-at-pgh-point
Joanne Rogers to get George Romero Legacy Award at the ‘Elly Awards Gala’
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14507238-74/joanne-rogers-to-get-george-romero-legacy-award-at-the-elly-awards
State News
The cleric next door: Pocono neighbors weigh in on Fethullah Gülen, the man Turkey wants back
http://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/fethullah-gulen-movement-turkey-erdogan-saylorsburg-pennsylvania-camp-20190116.html
She’s no loaf: At 94, she works 6 days a week at a Giant bakery | We The People
http://www.philly.com/news/giant-bakery-audubon-bread-jobs-for-elderly-20190116.html
Abandoned infants could have found safe havens | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/abandoned-infant-philadelphia-safe-haven-laws-20190116.html
Joy Riders program will provide bike rides to people with limited mobility
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14507291-74/joy-riders-program-will-provide-bike-rides-to-people-with-limited-mobility
Derry Township farmer: To save dairies, modernize milk pricing system
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14507304-74/derry-township-farmer-to-save-dairies-modernize-milk-pricing-system
Following PennLive series, coroner proposes Pa. nursing home report all deaths to coroners
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/following-pennlive-series-coroner-proposes-pa-nursing-home-report-all-deaths-to-coroners.html
Editorial: State must solve issue of fire police along interstates
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/a-challenge-our-state-leaders-need-to-solve-and-quickly
Transportation
PennDOT begins work on Route 51/19 project near West End Circle
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/01/15/PennDOT-Route-51-19-repavement-Duquesne-Heights-Shaler-Street-bridge-replacement-West-End-Circle/stories/201901150156