Legislature

Sen. Williams opening district office in Harrison
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/sen-williams-opening-district-office-in-harrison/

Bucks County’s last dry town could start allowing alcohol sales thanks to a new state law
https://www.inquirer.com/news/lower-makefield-dry-town-referendum-allowing-beer-liquor-sales-20200117.html

Pa. lawmakers urge letting voters decide on changing Lower Makefield’s dry status
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200117/pa-lawmakers-urge-letting-voters-decide-on-changing-lower-makefieldrsquos-dry-status

A Pennsylvania lawmaker who won despite a sexual harassment allegation won’t seek reelection again
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/thomas-caltagirone-pennsylvania-democrat-retiring-20200117.html

Longtime state Rep. Tom Caltagirone of Reading will not seek reelection
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/politics/longtime-state-rep-tom-caltagirone-of-reading-will-not-seek/article_c306cab0-3963-11ea-9067-57b36bfcb9d3.html

Berks legislator to retire, ending as the longest-serving state representative in Pa. history
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2020/01/berks-legislator-to-retire-ending-as-the-longest-serving-state-representative-in-pa-history.html

Toughen phone use preclusion
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/toughen-phone-use-preclusion-1.2584344

Plans to shut down public cyber charter schools will hurt my children | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/01/plans-to-shut-down-public-cyber-charter-schools-will-hurt-my-children-opinion.html

Legislators look for ways to minimize impact of SCI Retreat closure
https://www.timesleader.com/news/769773/legislators-look-for-ways-to-minimize-mpact-of-sci-retreat-closure

Wolf follows through, announces SCI-Retreat’s closure
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-follows-through-announces-sci-retreat-s-closure-1.2584396

DOC report recommends closing of SCI Retreat
https://www.timesleader.com/news/769488/doc-report-recommends-closing-of-sci-retreat-5

Business

Airbnb and similar sites hide fees from customers. A proposed law seeks transparency.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/airbnb-vrbo-high-fees-added-to-rental-cost-20200118.html

Crime/Punishment

Police chief: Arnold, New Kensington homicides not connected
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/police-chief-arnold-new-kensington-homicides-not-connected/

Groom accused of sex assault of teen waitress at reception in Eastern Pa. gets probation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/17/Groom-accused-sexual-assault-wedding-reception-probation-pennsylvania-matthew-aimers/stories/202001170125

Quadruple murderer moved from one Pa. prison into higher security facility
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/quadruple-murderer-moved-from-one-pa-prison-into-higher-security-facility.html

Education

Pa. Department of Education announces $5.7 million in STEM grants
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/01/17/Pa-Department-of-Education-announces-5-7-million-in-STEM-grants/stories/202001170141

As Scranton schools test for lead in water, state investigators visit district
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/as-scranton-schools-test-for-lead-in-water-state-investigators-visit-district-1.2584328

Four people apply for Scranton School Board vacancy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/four-people-apply-for-scranton-school-board-vacancy-1.2584274

Crestwood, Wilkes-Barre Area awarded state grants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crestwood-wilkes-barre-area-awarded-state-grants-1.2584438

Burrell superintendent concerned about police coverage in schools
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/burrell-superintendent-concerned-about-police-coverage-in-schools/

Michelle Obama’s school lunch program faces new cuts on former first lady’s birthday
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/01/michelle-obamas-school-lunch-program-faces-new-cuts-on-former-first-ladys-birthday.html

Western Pa. colleges in line for grants to prevent sexual violence on campus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/local-colleges-in-line-for-grants-to-prevent-sexual-violence-on-campus/

Elections/Politics

Swing Left hopes to color local House, Senate seats blue this year
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200118/swing-left-hopes-to-color-local-house-senate-seats-blue-this-year

Beaver County Commissioners: Voting law changes could impact presidential election
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200117/beaver-county-commissioners-voting-law-changes-could-impact-presidential-election

Health Care

Flu’s first wave is easing in Pa., N.J. But wait!
https://www.inquirer.com/health/flu-pennsylvania-new-jersey-cdc-deaths-hospitalization-absenteeism-20200117.html

No action needed: Medical transport system remains unchanged
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/18/No-action-needed-Medical-transport-system-remains-unchanged/stories/202001100068

Fighting cancer: Screenings for the disease can save lives
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/18/Fighting-cancer-Screenings-for-the-disease-can-save-lives/stories/202001230001

Local News

Lackawanna County agency to seek meeting on closed Abingtons senior center
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-agency-to-seek-meeting-on-closed-abingtons-senior-center-1.2584333

Longtime Scranton police lieutenant retires
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/longtime-scranton-police-lieutenant-retires-1.2584564

Development plans unknown for South Abington Twp. Properties
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/development-plans-unknown-for-south-abington-twp-properties-1.2584571

Reading Fire + Ice Fest: hot time on a cold night
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-fire-ice-fest-hot-time-on-a-cold-night/article_6d3a6772-3981-11ea-b7ce-e70c6ca48604.html

Berwyn Fire co. opens new EMS substation, cutting response time in half
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/berwyn-fire-co-opens-new-ems-substation-cutting-response-time/article_0d7d8ce8-3953-11ea-a16d-9b0d8e579fc4.html

Agreement nearly complete on Agan Park joint recreation board
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/agreement-nearly-complete-on-agan-park-joint-recreation-board/

3 injured, 1 critical, after Westmoreland County tanker truck explosion
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/westmoreland/2020/01/17/Two-injured-in-Westmoreland-County-tanker-truck-explosion/stories/202001170156

Westmoreland tourism grants top $300K
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-tourism-grants-top-300k/

Local NAACP honors life of Dr. King
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/local-naacp-honors-life-of-dr-king-1.2584514

Luzerne County manager not interested in relocating county prison to SCI Retreat
https://www.timesleader.com/news/769771/luzerne-county-manager-not-interested-in-relocating-county-prison-to-sci-retreat

Judge’s party switch could be key
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/judge-s-party-switch-could-be-key-1.2584538

Voters gave Amesbury the gavel; he should keep it
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/voters-gave-amesbury-the-gavel-he-should-keep-it-1.2584323

Historic Nanticoke building condemned, will be razed
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/historic-nanticoke-building-condemned-will-be-razed-1.2584369

Schuylkill Co. Planning Commission mulls draft of curative amendment
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/schuylkill-co-planning-commission-mulls-draft-of-curative-amendment-1.2584411

National News

Va. court upholds governor’s stopgap Capitol weapons ban
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/01/18/Va-court-upholds-governor-s-stopgap-Capitol-weapons-ban/stories/202001190118

SCOTUS to discuss faithless electors; some fear unrest in 2020 election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/01/18/SCOTUS-to-discuss-faithless-electors-some-fear-unrest-in-2020-election/stories/202001190120

Philly

After a deadly blast in South Philadelphia, neighbors are still living a nightmare, wondering if it’s safe to be in their own homes.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/a/explosion-fire-south-philadelphia-residents-cause-gas-leak-20200118.html

What to know about Philly’s old, brittle gas mains after a crack caused a deadly explosion
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-gas-mains-explosion-break-20200118.html

New asbestos contamination closes McClure Elementary for a second time
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mcclure-elementary-asbestos-closing-20200117.html

Board chair to lead process aimed at making Art Museum ‘free from misconduct of any kind’
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/philadelphia-museum-of-art-harassment-timothy-rub-joshua-helmer-20200118.html

Philly City Council members shared their spring priorities. The Editorial Board is watching. | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-city-council-members-priorities-20200118.html

Philly refinery auction said to attract Chicago developer that rehabs industrial properties
https://www.inquirer.com/business/energy/philadephia-refinery-auction-pes-land-reuse-pollution-20200117.html

Body found in basement of a South Philly twin identified as teen mother missing since September
https://www.inquirer.com/news/erin-schweikert-missing-person-drug-overdose-south-philadelphia-madison-leidy-homicide-human-trafficking-20200117.html

Philadelphia Defender Association refuses to recognize public defenders union — for now
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-public-defenders-union-voluntary-recognition-20200117.html

At Saturday’s Women’s March, it may feel like an uphill battle, but three teen speakers only see possibility | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/helen-ubinas-womens-march-philadelphia-washington-parkway-guns-violence-trump-20200117.html

‘America 250’ birthday planners seek local projects, national funds
https://www.inquirer.com/business/phillydeals/semiquincentennial-dilella-pence-20200118.html

Pitt

Mac Miller fans come a long way to honor the rapper on the North Side
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2020/01/17/Mac-Miller-pop-up-exhibition-listening-party-fans-North-Side-Circles/stories/202001170143

Port Authority cellphone app for bus fares to be tested
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/17/Port-Authority-cellphone-app-for-bus-fares-to-be-tested/stories/202001170134

Roads slick from snow, but 73 trucks work city, county
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/01/18/Roads-slick-snow-salt-trucks-city-Allegheny-county-weather/stories/202001180034

No questions asked: City, church leaders urge community to surrender weapons on MLK holiday in gun buyback event
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/17/No-questions-asked-City-state-officials-urge-community-to-surrender-weapons-on-MLK-holiday-in-gun-buyback-event/stories/202001170120

Scammer using naked photos impersonates Allegheny County police to get money
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/17/Scammer-phone-underage-nudes-dating-app-Allegheny-County-police/stories/202001170170

Voters could have chance to put term limits on county council members
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/voters-could-have-chance-to-put-term-limits-on-county-council-members/

State News

Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program faces persistent pot shortages
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvanias-medical-marijuana-program-faces-persistent-pot-shortages/

Here’s how to purchase Mega Millions, Powerball tickets online
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-lottery-makes-mega-millions-powerball-purchases-available-online/

New leadership at Peoples Gas vows company will remain unchanged
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/new-leadership-at-peoples-gas-vows-company-will-remain-unchanged/

Women’s March will go on today despite forecast
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/women-s-march-will-go-on-today-despite-forecast-1.2584374

Here’s why the Lehigh Valley is seeing massive flocks of snow geese, but are there too many?
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-snow-geese-lehigh-valley-greater-numbers-20200118-woidryy3p5aw7j43m7bx4oozkm-story.html

Spotted lanternfly could cost Pa. $500 million, thousands of jobs: Penn State study
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/spotted-lanternfly-could-cost-pa-500-million-thousands-of-jobs-penn-state-study.html

Delco challenges ‘The Rock’ to make Media girl’s wish come true
https://www.delcotimes.com/life/delco-challenges-the-rock-to-make-media-girl-s-wish/article_08f4bf4a-37f8-11ea-b271-87a3190be8aa.html

Washington

Nunes aide communicated with Parnas about Ukraine campaign, messages show
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/devin-nunes-aide-lev-parnas-trump-ukraine-20200118.html