Legislature

Democratic state senators introduce manufacturing legislation package
https://pennbizreport.com/news/11854-democratic-state-senators-introduce-manufacturing-legislation-package/

Local lawmakers announce ‘Victoria’s Law’ to end puppy mills
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-lawmakers-announce-victoria-s-law-to-end-puppy-mills/article_beef19d2-19d4-11e9-8562-13fcf95b824e.html

Scranton School District moves one step closer to state takeover
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-moves-one-step-closer-to-state-takeover-1.2434106

Line Mountain student working with Rep. Culver to pass driver safety laws
https://www.dailyitem.com/news/local_news/line-mountain-student-working-with-rep-culver-to-pass-driver/article_8f125fd8-8e55-58ad-b0c7-742b2ff484a5.html

Business

Mariner East 2 worker’s ‘obscene’ comments draw ire of Chesco DA
http://www.philly.com/news/thomas-hogan-mariner-east-sunoco-pipeline-obscene-comments-20190116.html

An idea ripe for picking: Company provides produce, prevents waste
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/01/16/An-idea-ripe-for-picking-Company-provides-produce-prevents-waste/stories/201901160064

Renovated Barnes & Noble plans celebration Jan. 29
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730556/renovated-barnes-noble-plans-celebration-jan-29

New grocery store in Scranton brings food, pharmacy within walking distance
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/new-grocery-store-in-scranton-brings-food-pharmacy-within-walking-distance-1.2434111

Sheetz in Scranton opens today
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/sheetz-in-scranton-opens-today-1.2434108

Catholic Church

Wuerl apologizes, says he forgot he knew allegations against McCarrick
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/01/16/Catholic-Washington-Cardinal-Donald-Wuerl-apologizes-allegations-clergy-abuse-Theodore-McCarrick/stories/201901160146

Crime/Punishment

Girl, 16, abducted from Penn Hills home found safe in McKeesport; ex-boyfriend taken into custody
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/17/Girl-abducted-Penn-Hills-home-McKeesport-ex-boyfriend-charged-Jermaine-Rodgers-Kurt-Angle/stories/201901170092

Prosecutors: 41 workers at Elwyn stole $920K in overtime
http://www.philly.com/news/elwyn-overtime-fraud-arrests–20190116.html

Give female inmate equal treatment, federal judge tells Berks County Prison
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/give-famale-inmate-equal-treatment-federal-judge-tells-berks-county-prison

Education

State takes charge of debt-ridden Penn Hills School District’s financial recovery efforts
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14511622-74/state-takes-charge-of-debt-ridden-penn-hills-school-districts-financial-recovery-efforts

WVW could exceed state tax-hike limit, questions stormwater fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730585/wvw-likely-to-exceed-state-tax-hike-limit-questions-stormwater-fee

Wyoming Valley West could pay $30K in new stormwater fees
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wyoming-valley-west-could-pay-30k-in-new-stormwater-fees-1.2434214

Guns in schools: Tamaqua board suspends armed-employee policy after lawsuits
http://www.philly.com/news/guns-schools-tamaqua-armed-teachers-policy-20190116.html

Safe2Say allows students to report threats, help anonymously
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/safe2say-allows-students-to-report-threats-help-anonymously-1.2434191

Lakeland holds first meeting after restructuring proposal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lakeland-holds-first-meeting-after-restructuring-proposal-1.2434297

Paul Muschick: Voting booths in schools – why Easton has it right and Parkland doesn’t
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/muschick/mc-opi-schools-polling-places-easton-parkland-muschick-20190116-story.html

Pa.’s State System chancellor seeks cooperation among 14-member schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/01/16/State-System-of-Higher-Education-college-tuition-costs-faculty-Daniel-Greenstein-Pennsylvania/stories/201901160124

New leader of Pa.’s public universities says they need change, fast: ‘It’s not a pretty picture’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/pas-public-university-system-leader-calls-for-fundamental-transformation.html

Pa. State System’s redesign plan would allow students to take a course at any of its schools
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/pa-state-systems-redesign-plan-would-allow-students-to-take-a-course-at-any-of-its-schools.html

Lehigh Valley college hazing reports: From deadly serious to downright silly
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-hazing-colleges-20190116-story.html

Gaming

Pennsylvania casino revenue nudges up to new state high in 2018, but barely
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/16/Pennsylvania-2018-casino-revenue-gambling-state-gaming-board-Rivers-Meadows/stories/201901160161

Pennsylvania gamblers lost $3.25 billion in 2018; Parx Casino got the most at $603 million
http://www.philly.com/business/pa-reports-record-casino-revenue-parx-sugarhouse-sands-20190116.html

Pennsylvania casino revenue climbs above $3.2 billion
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14511487-74/pennsylvania-casino-revenue-climbs-above-32-billion

Government Shutdown

Shutdown means early food benefits — then a long wait
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/01/16/Shutdown-food-stamps-SNAP-February/stories/201901160056

Shutdown fallout: Early-arriving benefits could create confusion
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/shutdown-fallout-early-arriving-benefits-could-create-confusion-1.2434223

Working without pay, air traffic controllers appeal to Philly travelers
http://www.philly.com/news/air-traffic-controllers-shutdown-philly-airport-natca-20190116.html

Hebrew Free Loan fund to help furloughed federal workers in Pittsburgh region
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/01/16/Hebrew-Free-Loan-fund-government-shutdown-furloughed-workers-Pittsburgh/stories/201901160123

TSA officers to rally Friday at Pittsburgh International Airport
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14511368-74/tsa-officers-to-rally-friday-at-pittsburgh-international-airport

Financial help extended to government employees during shutdown
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/financial-help-extended-to-government-employees-during-shutdown.php

Health Care

One-quarter of antibiotics inappropriately prescribed, study finds
http://www.philly.com/health/antibiotics-inappropriate-prescriptions-cold-cough-20190117.html

Pricey prescription drugs may have cheaper, generic versions overseas
http://www.philly.com/health/prescription-drug-prices-comparison-canada-us-generic-brand-name-20190117.html

Less beef, more beans; Experts say world needs a new diet
https://triblive.com/news/healthnow/14511674-74/less-beef-more-beans-experts-say-world-needs-a-new-diet

Electronic records are driving doctor burnout | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/doctor-burnout-electronic-health-records-20190116.html

Is the flu letting Pa. off easy this year?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/is-the-flu-letting-pa-off-easy-this-year.html

Local News

Stormwater fee: Explaining the appeals process
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stormwater-fee-explaining-the-appeals-process-1.2434217

Keystone Mission in Wilkes-Barre distributes food to 425 families in need
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730540/keystone-mission-in-wilkes-barre-distributes-food-to-425-families-in-need

Federal judge’s order moves along retaliation suit filed by Wilkes-Barre police officers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730532/federal-judges-order-moves-along-retaliation-suit-filed-wilkes-barre-police-officers

Arena board approves refinancing, buys new pickup and appoints officers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730529/arena-board-approves-refinancing-buys-new-pickup-and-appoints-officers

Negotiations ongoing to keep W-B/Scranton Penguins at arena
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/negotiations-ongoing-to-keep-w-b-scranton-penguins-at-arena-1.2434116

W-B Golf Club restructures fees after worst season in decade
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-golf-club-restructures-fees-after-worst-season-in-decade-1.2434213

Scranton mayor denies any wrongdoing regarding FBI probe
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-denies-any-wrongdoing-regarding-fbi-probe-1.2434059

U.S. Supreme Court again hears Lackawanna cemetery case
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/u-s-supreme-court-again-hears-lackawanna-cemetery-case-1.2434178

Pittston Fire Dept. honored for smoke-alarm project that helped save life
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730574/pittston-fire-dept-honored-for-smoke-alarm-project-that-helped-save-life

City residents can apply for seats on board, authorities
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-residents-can-apply-for-seats-on-board-authorities-1.2434192

Deteriorating Arnold building creates problems for neighboring property
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14513632-74/deteriorating-arnold-building-creates-problems-for-neighboring-property

Irwin OKs lawsuits to enforce rental ordinance
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14512814-74/irwin-oks-lawsuits-to-enforce-rental-ordinance

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

LGBT Center of Greater Reading partners with Safe Berks for support group
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/lgbt-center-of-greater-reading-partners-with-safe-berks-for-support-group

Editorial: Late Reading councilman leaves legacy of service
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/late-city-council-vice-president-leaves-legacy-of-service

Allentown Council revisits tax hike discussion but takes no action
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-budget-reopen-discussion-20190116-story.html

Erie fights blight
http://www.goerie.com/news/20190117/erie-fights-blight

National News

Battles expected in many states over abortion-related bills
http://www.philly.com/politics/nation/battles-expected-many-states-over-abortion-related-bills-20190117.html

Natural Gas

Pittsburgh suburb says no to natural gas drilling under park
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/pittsburgh-suburb-says-no-to-natural-gas-drilling-under-park.php

Philly

Supervised injection site project director wants ‘respect, dignity, love and life’ for people in addiction
http://www.philly.com/health/philadelphia-safehouse-supervised-injection-site-executive-director-jen-bowles-20190116.html

As Old City booms, new buildings struggle to make themselves part of the neighborhood | Inga Saffron
http://www.philly.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/philadelphia-old-city-architecture-historic-district-thenational-buccini-pollin-20190117.html

Philly orthopedics team gets as much as it gives on medical mission to Panama
http://www.philly.com/health/knee-replacements-panama-b-orthopaedics-jefferson-health-20190117.html

Plan to convert Kensington dairy plant to apartments keeps landmark ‘milk bottle’ in place
http://www.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/kensingtons-milk-bottle-water-tower-historical-commission-harbison-20190116.html

Philly investor Richard Vague wants to help the 2020 Democratic nominee for president — or run himself
http://www.philly.com/news/democrats-president-richard-vague-philadelphia-investor-joe-biden-bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton-20190117.html

The Camel Prom Mom did wrong, but she brought a whole lot of joy to North Philly | Jenice Armstrong
http://www.philly.com/news/columnists/saudia-shuler-camel-prom-mom-social-security-fraud-jenice-armstrong-20190116.html

Could this be the year that City Council gets its first openly trans member?
http://www.philly.com/news/columnists/trans-deja-lynn-alvarez-philadelphia-city-council-election-politics-jenice-armstrong-20190116.html

Paint the Walt Whitman Bridge rainbow to honor LGBTQ Philadelphians | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/walt-whitman-bridge-philadelphia-lgbtq-monuments-20190116.html

Women’s rallies to draw hundreds, tie up downtown on Saturday
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/women-s-rallies-to-draw-hundreds-tie-up-downtown-on/article_db513f5e-e93f-5b4c-80fc-899df2a30dbd.html

PPA makes millions ticketing drivers for blocking street sweepers that rarely show
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/ppa-makes-millions-ticketing-drivers-for-blocking-street-sweepers-that/article_88ffead3-8637-5332-ae35-f14a414065af.html

Are dockless e-scooters a good option for Black neighborhoods outside of Indego’s reach?
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/are-dockless-e-scooters-a-good-option-for-black-neighborhoods/article_d9e75b39-a235-536b-ab91-3ef76128f269.html

Pitt

Trayvon Martin’s mother talks loss, activism, Antwon Rose in visit to Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/16/Trayvon-Martin-s-mother-talks-about-loss-activism-Antwon-Rose-in-visit-to-Pittsburgh/stories/201901160186

Braddock makes plans to choose successor to Fetterman
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/01/16/Braddock-mayor-vacancy-John-Fetterman-Tina-Doose/stories/201901170026

Chelsa Wagner seeks third term as county controller, with new targets
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/01/16/Chelsa-Wagner-third-term-Allegheny-county-controller-reelection/stories/201901160180

Weekend will be filled with activities and events commemorating Martin Luther King Jr.
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/01/16/Weekend-will-be-filled-with-activities-and-events-commemorating-Martin-Luther-King-Jr/stories/201901160126

Hill House reaches deal that will keep it operating for now
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/17/Hill-House-reaches-deal-to-keep-operating-for-now/stories/201901160197

Candidate challenging Pittsburgh council president opposes gun restrictions
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14511384-74/candidate-challenging-pittsburgh-council-president-opposes-gun-restrictions

State News

Ebooks seem like ‘Netflix for libraries,’ but they’re a drain on budgets
http://www.philly.com/news/ebooks-free-library-philadelphia-costs-budget-20190117.html

John Bogle, who founded Vanguard and revolutionized retirement savings, dies at 89
http://www.philly.com/business/john-bogle-dead-vanguard-obituary-20190116.html

Pennsylvania faces lawsuit over ban on Medicaid coverage of abortion
http://www.philly.com/health/abortion-medicaid-pennsylvania-coverage-ban-20190116.html

Providers sue Pa. over state Medicaid abortion restrictions
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/16/abortion-ban-lawsuit-pennsylvania-medicaid-commonwealth-court-human-services-constitution/stories/201901160147

Census ruling good for NEPA, Pennsylvania
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/census-rulinggood-for-nepa-pennsylvania-1.2434130

Transportation

Driving in the snow is different; here’s how
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/Driving-in-the-snow-is-different

Washington

Kelly elevated to subcommittee chair, two other Pennsylvania members join Ways and Means
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/01/16/Kelly-elevated-to-subcommittee-chair-two-other-Pennsylvania-members-join-Ways-and-Means/stories/201901160178

Cartwright gains new posts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cartwright-gains-new-posts-1.2434334

Rudy Giuliani: ‘I never said there was no collusion’ between Trump campaign and Russia
http://www.philly.com/politics/rudy-giuliani-collusion-trump-russia-chris-cuomo-cnn-20190117.html

Toomey, Casey team to introduce cyber-stalking bill
https://www.timesleader.com/news/730524/toomey-casey-team-to-introduce-cyber-stalking-bill