Legislature
Mullins tours Mid Valley Elementary to learn more about anti-bullying program
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/mullins-tours-mid-valley-elementary-to-learn-more-about-anti-bullying-program-1.2581328
Lawmakers want pipeline opponents to be heard
https://www.phoenixvillenews.com/lawmakers-want-pipeline-opponents-to-be-heard/article_eb2ee8d4-173b-596d-a91c-56b16f80a2d1.html
Special election to fill Pa. Senate seat vacated after lawmaker’s arrest: What you need to know
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/special-election-to-fill-open-pa-senate-seat-takes-place-tuesday-what-you-need-to-know.html
WCU hosts legislative hearing on future of higher education
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/wcu-hosts-legislative-hearing-on-future-of-higher-education/article_04d17012-32e3-11ea-9d12-1b49c9256057.html
Could a state cell phone tax power Pa.’s rural broadband expansion?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/could-a-state-cell-phone-tax-power-pa-s-rural-broadband-fund-its-an-option-says-farm-group/
Special elections bring out the big spender in Pennsylvania House Speaker Mike Turzai
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/mike-turzai-pennsylvania-special-elections-costs-20200110.html
Getting the job done: CFA must meet and approve projects
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/10/Getting-the-job-done-Commonwealth-Financing-Authority-CFA-must-meet-approve-projects/stories/202001010087
Business
Verizon ditches hidden fees, cable bundles to lure cord cutters. Will Comcast, others follow?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/verizon-fios-cable-tv-hidden-fees-comcast-broadband-20200110.html
‘Wawa is pretty much dead to me’: Founding family accused of cheating former workers out of millions in company stock
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/wawa-esop-stock-employee-retirement-lawsuit-hoagies-20200109.html
Consol invests in alternative use for coal. It’s part of a diversification strategy to invest a little and hope that something takes.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/01/09/Consol-invests-in-alternative-use-for-coal-It-s-part-of-a-diversification-strategy-to-invest-a-little-and-hope-that-something-takes/stories/202001090082
Allegheny Technologies chief says Beaver County plant in jeopardy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/01/09/Allegheny-Technology-chief-says-Beaver-County-midland-plant-in-jeopardy-steel-tariffs-trump/stories/202001090157
Clean up of Pittsburgh Glass Works site in East Deer could take years, new owner says
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/clean-up-of-pittsburgh-glass-works-site-in-east-deer-could-take-years-new-owner-says/
Ross Twp. man has seen many changes in 50-year career at Cornell Iron Works
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ross-twp-man-has-seen-many-changes-in-50-year-career-at-cornell-iron-works-1.2581358
Crime/Punishment
Bill Cosby asks Pennsylvania high court to review conviction
https://www.inquirer.com/news/elizabeth-warren-democratic-primary-field-office-philadelphia-opens-20200109.html
Hidden camera found in West Penn Hospital employee restroom
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/09/Hidden-camera-discovered-West-Penn-Hospital-employee-restroom/stories/202001090158
She killed her abusive ex in self-defense. She should not have gone to jail. | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/news/michael-coard-letoya-rameseure-criminal-justice-domestic-violence-jenice-armstrong-20200109.html
Philadelphia man headed to prison in chaotic 2018 Walmart shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/keenan-jones-sentencing-montgomery-county-walmart-shooting-20200109.html
Ex-Pa. mayor on prison life: Spin class, teaching and law books
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/ex-pa-mayor-on-prison-life-spin-class-teaching-and-law-books/
‘It’s kind of like being mayor but for a lot less money’: Ed Pawlowski reveals what he’s doing in prison
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-ed-pawlowski-prison-20200109-jbldczm3nrhytebfj353ak2jna-story.html
Education
Wyoming Area hosts anti-bullying program led by Columbine victim’s uncle
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768765/just-reach-out
Most NEPA school districts choose to keep snow days instead of moving to flex days
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/most-nepa-school-districts-choose-to-keep-snow-days-instead-of-moving-to-flex-days-1.2581327
Penn Hills School District’s 2020-21 preliminary budget contains tax hike, no program cuts
https://pennhills.triblive.com/penn-hills-school-districts-2020-21-preliminary-budget-contains-tax-hike-no-program-cuts/
Scranton Prep wrestling program suspended
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/scranton-prep-wrestling-program-suspended-1.2581570
Muhlenberg schools superintendent, township liaison square off at board meeting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/muhlenberg-schools-superintendent-township-liaison-square-off-at-board-meeting/article_f2b4eed8-326d-11ea-8dae-abf45927e36f.html
Preventing the next mass shooting: Secret Service is training hundreds of teachers, cops at Bucks high school
https://www.inquirer.com/news/secret-service-training-school-shootings-pennsylvania-bucks-20200109.html
Secret Service alerts Bucks officials to commonalities in school attacks, shootings
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200110/secret-service-alerts-bucks-officials-to-commonalities-in-school-attacks-shootings
W-B Area votes to keep tax hike within state limit
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768761/w-b-area-votes-to-keep-tax-hike-within-state-limit
5-year-old burned during science experiment at North Side school, attorney says
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/5-year-old-burned-during-science-experiment-at-north-side-school-attorney-says/
School closings can hit rural communities hard — without any benefit | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/school-closures-can-hit-rural-communities-hard-without-any-benefit-opinion/
Cal U. proposes multi-year tuition increase
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/cal-u-proposes-multi-year-tuition-increase/article_9299b10d-2266-5adc-8645-72028c66f2d4.html
Pa. community college students now have new less costly option to earn a 4-year degree
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-community-college-students-now-have-new-less-costly-option-to-earn-a-4-year-degree.html
Immaculata, WCU get grants for opioid prevention
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/immaculata-wcu-get-grants-for-opioid-prevention/article_6f966da8-323e-11ea-88bd-1b5ad4b9e593.html
Elections/Politics
Elizabeth Warren is gearing up for the 2020 Pennsylvania primary
https://www.inquirer.com/news/elizabeth-warren-democratic-primary-field-office-philadelphia-opens-20200109.html
Pa. Sen. Mike Regan to seek a second term; ‘there is more to be done’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-sen-mike-regan-to-seek-a-second-term-there-is-more-to-be-done.html
Health Care
Expanding the role of nurse practitioners should be low-hanging fruit for health-care reform | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/us-primary-care-shortage-nurse-practitioners-license-20200109.html
Local News
Northeast Revenue’s new president defends firm’s performance amid scrutiny over Courtright scandal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/northeast-revenue-s-new-president-defends-firm-s-performance-amid-scrutiny-over-courtright-scandal-1.2581325
Scranton’s new ethics board reorganizes for new year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-s-new-ethics-board-reorganizes-for-new-year-1.2581482
Lackawanna, Luzerne counties to gather input on Scranton, Wilkes-Barre pedestrian and bike network
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-luzerne-counties-to-gather-input-on-scranton-wilkes-barre-pedestrian-and-bike-network-1.2581480
Scott Twp. zoning board continues hearing on cell tower
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scott-twp-zoning-board-continues-hearing-on-cell-tower-1.2581478
Loud crying, but not from mayor’s baby
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/loud-crying-but-not-from-mayor-s-baby-1.2581331
Reading Police Chief Andres Dominguez Jr. submits resignation
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/reading-police-chief-andres-dominguez-jr-submits-resignation/article_013d682e-3302-11ea-adb5-334a32c384ce.html
Berks County commissioners approve promotions, pay changes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-commissioners-approve-promotions-pay-changes/article_d0e906ba-32fc-11ea-91fb-d37e2bfb613b.html
Single-use plastic and straw ban takes effect later this year in West Chester
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/single-use-plastic-and-straw-ban-takes-effect-later-this/article_3f70d6b4-3323-11ea-94ed-af03f91052a4.html
Apollo starts new citizens’ advisory board and public relations committee
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/apollo-starts-new-citizens-advisory-board-and-public-relations-committee/
New Lower Burrell councilwoman sworn in; council meeting dates changed
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-lower-burrell-councilwoman-sworn-in-council-meeting-dates-changed/
Uniontown’s elected treasurer claims racism by city officials has kept her from taking office
https://triblive.com/local/regional/uniontowns-elected-treasurer-claims-racism-by-city-officials-has-kept-her-from-taking-office/
Gilfillan Farm receives grant to restore summer kitchen in Upper St. Clair
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/01/09/Gilfillan-Farm-receives-grant-to-restore-summer-kitchen-in-Upper-St-Clair/stories/201912230102
Big plans for Westmoreland outlined at annual State of County luncheon
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/big-plans-for-westmoreland-outlined-at-annual-state-of-county-luncheon/
Board appointment prompts Westmoreland commissioners’ first dust-up
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/board-appointment-prompts-westmoreland-commissioners-first-dust-up/
Westmoreland sheriff doesn’t want investigation into office mess
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-sheriff-says-offices-clean-up-doesnt-want-investigation-into-mess/
Public expresses concern over New York City’s involvement over Walter Dam study
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768787/public-expresses-concern-over-new-york-citys-involvement-over-walter-dam-study
Meeting to discuss dam study draws big crowd
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meeting-to-discuss-dam-study-draws-big-crowd-1.2581452
Union Street Complex developers eye new uses for Wilkes-Barre properties
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768768/union-street-complex-developers-eye-new-uses-for-wilkes-barre-properties
Gavlick allegations set stage for ABC appointment drama
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/gavlick-allegations-set-stage-for-abc-appointment-drama-1.2581456
W-B’s Economic and Community Development office launches community survey
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-s-economic-and-community-development-office-launches-community-survey-1.2581375
State grant to fund downtown welcome center
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/state-grant-to-fund-downtown-welcome-center-1.2581405
Hundreds of Pennsylvania residents pack public meeting, wary New York City wants to ‘steal’ Lehigh River water
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-francis-walter-dam-lehigh-river-plan-20200110-ldbwbv7hejexreum5mmdmjg6oy-story.html
Beaver County reassessment to cost $6.4M
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200109/beaver-county-reassessment-to-cost-64m
National News
The second U.S. baby to be born after a uterus transplant is delivered
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/01/09/uterus-transplant-Penn-Medicine-second-US-baby-born-woman-birth-deceased-donor/stories/202001090210
Philly
What if the probation office was a place of joy instead of fear? New York City shows how.
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/probation-nyc-new-york-neons-philadelphia-solutions-mass-incarceration-vincent-schiraldi-20200110.html
For sale: 1,300 acres in South Philly. Next 7 days could decide the fate of bankrupt refinery.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philly-refinery-pes-auction-energy-solutions-land-reuse-20200110.html
Gunman dead after firing at police during two-hour standoff in Frankford
https://www.inquirer.com/news/shots-fired-philadelphia-police-officer-frankford-20200109.html
‘No War on Iran’ protesters march and chant through Center City
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-anti-war-protest-iran-move-on-city-hall-thursday-20200109.html
Woman found fatally beaten inside her Mayfair home
https://www.inquirer.com/news/levick-mayfair-fatal-beating-mother-20200110.html
Inside Wawa’s tiny new concept store, the first with a walk-up window, opening Friday in Center City
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-wawa-store-walk-up-window-center-city-20200109.html
Philly streets won’t clean themselves | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/filthydelphia-street-sweeping-jim-kenney-move-your-cars-20200110.html
8 things you didn’t know about Philly’s new police chief | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/8-things-you-didnt-know-about-phillys-new-police-chief-opinion/
Pitt
Pittsburgh faith leader to moderate Democrat primary forum in Iowa
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/01/09/Pittsburgh-Rev-John-Welch-Pittsburgh-Theological-Seminary-moderator-Democrat-primary-forum-Iowa/stories/202001090145
Literacy Pittsburgh’s ‘What is your vision for 2020’ campaign seeks volunteers
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/01/09/Literacy-Pittsburgh-s-What-is-your-vision-for-2020-campaign-seeks-volunteers/stories/202001100009
State News
Mt. Lebanon once again designated Keystone Main Street community
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2020/01/09/Mt-Lebanon-once-again-designated-Keystone-Main-Street-community/stories/202001100005
How do we fix democracy in Pennsylvania and elsewhere? Local elections. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/voting-2020-pennsylvania-local-elections-regulations-20200110.html
Lackawanna State Park manager seeking help to identify vandals
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-state-park-manager-seeking-help-to-identify-vandals-1.2581313
Some aware, others not about Real ID amid long lines at PennDOT center in Cumru Township
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/some-aware-others-not-about-real-id-amid-long-lines/article_0642e7c6-2e62-11ea-9192-378606f45b81.html
Berks environmental leaders pick top issues for 2020
https://www.readingeagle.com/living/berks-environmental-leaders-pick-top-issues-for/article_ada15104-316b-11ea-b409-b7c4fa703f7a.html
New way of identifying state game lands
https://www.timesonline.com/sports/20200110/new-way-of-identifying-state-game-lands
Mourners remember late Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200109/mourners-remember-late-congressman-mike-fitzpatrick
Winter activities abound in Pennsylvania state parks: By the numbers
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/01/winter-activities-abound-in-pennsylvania-state-parks-by-the-numbers.html
Transportation
Despite 50 years of lobbying, majority of tour buses lack seat belts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/10/tour-buses-shoulder-seatbelts-National-Transportation-Safety-Board-Pennsylvania-Turnpike-crash-Mount-Pleasant-five-killed/stories/202001090152
Look for traffic restrictions Sunday at the Interstate 79 bridge at Neville Island
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/look-for-traffic-restrictions-sunday-at-the-interstate-79-bridge-at-neville-island/
Bridge inspections to affect traffic on I-376, Boulevard of the Allies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/09/Bridge-inspections-to-affect-traffic-on-I-376-Boulevard-of-the-Allies/stories/202001090187
Washington
Trump defends Iranian general’s killing, targets usual suspects at rally in Toledo
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/01/09/WATCH-LIVE-Trump-addresses-Toledo-crowd-in-first-rally-since-Iran-attacks/stories/202001090183
Rep. Mike Doyle backs the CLEAN Future Act. How does it compare to the Green New Deal?
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/rep-mike-doyle-backs-the-clean-future-act-how-does-it-compare-to-the-green-new-deal/Content?oid=16524496