Legislature
Pashinski, McCarter introduce prescription drug importation bill
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770089/pashinski-mccarter-introduce-prescription-drug-importation-bill
Lawmakers, educators, prosecutors and more will study Pa.’s juvenile justice issues
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/20/lawmakers-educators-prosecutors-and-more-will-study-pa-s-juvenile-justice-issues/
A thank you to Rep. Thomas Mehaffie | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/01/a-thank-you-to-rep-thomas-mehaffie-pennlive-letters.html
State bungles census effort
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-bungles-census-effort-1.2585306
Tom Murt to retire from state house
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200120/tom-murt-to-retire-from-state-house
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Medical college students honor King’s legacy, inspire children
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/medical-college-students-honor-king-s-legacy-inspire-children-1.2585289
This MLK Day event for kids had a science twist: Pac-Man with fruit controls
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/20/MLK-Day-kids-science-technology-STEAM-Pittsburgh-Homewood/stories/202001200088
King’s College pays tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/king-s-college-pays-tribute-to-martin-luther-king-jr-s-legacy-1.2585316
Kids from across Berks County pitch in to volunteer on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/kids-from-across-berks-county-pitch-in-to-volunteer-on/article_1b292cfc-3bac-11ea-8af3-33c19baf2a5f.html
Martin Luther King Jr. Day marked with warmth in downtown Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/martin-luther-king-jr-day-marked-with-warmth-in-downtown/article_36f0b948-3bb4-11ea-97e3-b79bd8eb0c5b.html
In Philly, luncheon pays tribute to activists, local officials who walk in MLK’s footsteps
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/in-philly-luncheon-pays-tribute-to-activists-local-officials-who-walk-in-mlks-footsteps/
Chester honors King, its onetime son, with gifts of giving
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/chester-honors-king-its-onetime-son-with-gifts-of-giving/article_8bb3736e-3be9-11ea-8d59-8364b58026b3.html
Unity drives MLK celebration in Kennett Square
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/unity-drives-mlk-celebration-in-kennett-square/article_5bddb0bc-3bd7-11ea-b948-abfa113dcb45.html
Administration
Pa. lieutenant gov: How dare NJ say it has better cheesesteaks than Philly
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-lieutenant-gov-how-dare-nj-say-it-has-better-cheesesteaks-than-philly.html
Education
Twin Valley to tweak transportation plan that troubled parents
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/twin-valley-to-tweak-transportation-plan-that-troubled-parents/article_cc118ef2-3bc9-11ea-b6e4-afabde25e8b2.html
Wyomissing School District hires school police officer
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/wyomissing-school-district-hires-school-police-officer/article_d1a40f08-3bb4-11ea-93eb-0fe6519705af.html
WPIAL sticking with ‘status quo’ with new football conference alignment
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-football/2020/01/20/wpial-football-conference-alignment-tim-omalley-amy-scheuneman/stories/202001200093
WPIAL reveals football conference alignment for 2020, 2021 seasons
https://triblive.com/sports/wpial-reveals-football-conference-alignment-for-2020-2021-seasons/
Editorial: Reading School Board fails transparency test
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-reading-school-board-fails-transparency-test/article_d7c74fda-3b9b-11ea-b534-c3a1e2b74279.html
Its power taken away, Harrisburg school board struggles to find a role in district’s recovery
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2020/01/its-power-usurped-harrisburg-school-board-seeks-role-in-districts-recovery.html
Local schools add new unified sports program
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/local-schools-add-new-unified-sports-program-1.2585288
How Penn State hopes to ‘streamline’ the university experience with a new app
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/01/20/How-Penn-State-hopes-to-streamline-the-university-experience-with-a-new-app/stories/202001200091
Elections/Politics
In the battle of the Philly ‘burbs, Republicans tap a familiar name in March special House election
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/in-the-battle-of-the-philly-burbs-republicans-tap-a-familiar-name-in-march-special-house-election/
State races drawing attention from national political groups
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/01/20/State-races-drawing-attention-from-national-political-groups-1/stories/202001200050
Health care facility manager seeks Pa. House seat representing Cumberland County
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/health-care-facility-manager-seeks-pa-house-seat-representing-cumberland-county.html
GOP House leader endorses Granville
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/gop-house-leader-endorses-granville-1.2585443
Some Dems question ‘Pro-Trump’ social media posts by W.Pa. House candidate
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/some-pa-dems-question-pro-trump-social-media-posts-by-w-pa-house-candidate/
Democrat Judi Reiss ends bid for Congress in Bucks’ 1st District
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200120/democrat-judi-reiss-ends-bid-for-congress-in-bucksrsquo-1st-district
No stamp: Beaver County to cease providing postage for absentee ballots
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200120/no-stamp-beaver-county-to-cease-providing-postage-for-absentee-ballots
There will be new voting machines in Bucks. Here’s where to check them out before election day
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200121/there-will-be-new-voting-machines-in-bucks-heres-where-to-check-them-out-before-election-day
Gaming
Statewide casino revenue hits record $3.4 billion in 2019
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770051/statewide-casino-revenue-hits-record-3-4-billion-in-2019
Health Care
Six months in, prognosis for doctor’s East Liberty flat-fee practice shows promise
https://www.post-gazette.com//healthcare-business/2020/01/19/flat-fee-physician-Timothy-Wong-health-insurance-co-payment-East-Liberty/stories/202001190024
Ellwood City hospital had plan to reopen before bankruptcy; with no movement on plan, medical center license under review
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200121/ellwood-city-hospital-had-plan-to-reopen-before-bankruptcy-with-no-movement-on-plan-medical-center-license-under-review
Local News
Residents protest proposed billboards along Lancaster Ave.
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/residents-protest-proposed-billboards-along-lancaster-ave/article_91cc5012-3bd6-11ea-af7d-a34923afa3d7.html
No one comes forward as anonymous letter writer
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/no-one-comes-forward-as-anonymous-letter-writer-1.2585547
Downtown Greensburg Project prepares marketing push for city
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/downtown-greensburg-project-prepares-marketing-push-for-city/
Westmoreland Cleanways closes recycling center pending planned move
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-cleanways-closes-recycling-center-pending-planned-move/
Officials taking sides over Francis Walter Dam study
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/officials-taking-sides-over-francis-walter-dam-study-1.2585329
Solar project may be coming to Hanover Township site
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770091/solar-project-may-be-coming-to-hanover-township-site
County, WVSA make legal threats over stormwater fee
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-wvsa-make-legal-threats-over-stormwater-fee-1.2585464
Decision on sale/lease of Wilkes-Barre sewer system expected by end of March
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770083/decision-on-sale-lease-of-wilkes-barre-sewer-system-expected-by-end-of-march
Luzerne County assistant solicitor Vito DeLuca assigned to county council
https://www.timesleader.com/news/770082/luzerne-county-assistant-solicitor-vito-deluca-assigned-to-county-council
County council to interview ABC applicants tonight
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-to-interview-abc-applicants-tonight-1.2585328
Finding the calm in the eye of the stormwater cloud
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/finding-the-calm-in-the-eye-of-the-stormwater-cloud-1.2585291
National News
Millennials’ share of the U.S. housing market: small and shrinking
https://www.inquirer.com/business/homes-federal-reserve-millennials-ownership-baby-boomers-20200120.html
Money grab: Law enforcement seizes money without cause
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/21/Money-grab-Law-enforcement-seizes-money-without-cause/stories/202001170072
Seniors’ sweet tax breaks becoming a target in a number of states
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/01/seniors-sweet-tax-breaks-becoming-a-target-in-a-number-of-states.html
Philly
Philadelphia teachers’ union takes legal action against School District over asbestos
https://www.inquirer.com/news/asbestos-philadelphia-schools-teachers-union-mcclure-elementary-20200120.html
How Philly plans to combat the nation’s worst big-city opioid crisis in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/whats-next-2020-opioid-crisis-overdoses-philadelphia-kensington-20200121.html
She took in foster-care kids. He was trying to ‘get his head up.’ Both died after crossing paths with a Philly teen, police say.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/renee-gilyard-jimmy-mao-murder-xavier-johnson-philadelphia-foster-care-20200120.html
Woman charged with abuse of corpse after police find a decomposing body in her basement
https://www.inquirer.com/news/body-found-south-philadelphia-basement-erin-schweikert-maddison-leidy-20200121.html
This great headhouse on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line embodies lofty architectural ambitions
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/septa-public-transit-architecture-market-franford-el-headhouses-inga-saffron-20200120.html
No one lives at the airport. So why is Philly’s snowfall measured there?
https://www.inquirer.com/weather/snow-weather-philadelphia-winter-phl-measure-20200121.html
Law firm lease clears way for Center City’s first non-Comcast office tower in a generation
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/morgan-lewis-headquarters-2222-market-parkway-center-city-office-buildings-20200121.html
Police investigate swastika scratched into car in Northeast Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/swastika-car-northeast-philadelphia-police-20200121.html
2 critical in Hunting Park shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-double-shooting-hunting-park-seventh-courtland-20200121.html
It will take more than volunteerism on MLK Day to achieve racial justice in Philadelphia | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/mlk-day-service-martin-luther-king-racial-justice-segregation-20200120.html
Pitt
AT&T brought 5G to Pittsburgh, but you might not have noticed … yet
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/01/20/5G-network-AT-T-Pittsburgh-rollout/stories/202001190025
Us: Pittsburgh always smiles for the city’s top cop
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/neighborhood/2020/01/20/Us-column-Pittsburgh-police-chief-Scott-Schubert-photos-Special-Olympics-Kaffeehaus/stories/202001200002
Converse’s new shoe line honors Duquesne legend Chuck Cooper
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/duquesne/2020/01/20/Converse-Chuck-Cooper-NBA-basketball-MLK-Day-Duquesne-Westinghouse/stories/202001200101
Pittsburgh’s office cleaners: Labor with dignity
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/infocus/office-cleaners-labor-with-dignity/
‘Dr. King would be proud’: All $5,000 offered for gun buyback program in Homewood claimed in 45 minutes
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/01/20/gun-buyback-pittsburgh-homewood-5000-claimed-45-minutes/stories/202001200081
Gun buyback program in Homewood quickly runs through funds
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/gun-buyback-program-in-homewood-quickly-runs-through-funds/
Pittsburgh church gun buyback runs out of money in 45 minutes
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/20/pittsburgh-church-gun-buyback-runs-out-of-money-in-45-minutes/
Jason Momoa’s visit makes it a super(hero) morning at Children’s Hospital
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2020/01/20/Jason-Momoa-Aquaman-2-Pittsburgh-Children-s-Hospital-visit-Sweet-Girl-Netflix-stories/stories/202001200079
Pitt students feel sadness, fear in wake of bus fatality
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pitt-students-feel-sadness-fear-in-wake-of-bus-fatality/
State News
Electricity market rule change could hike Pa. consumers’ bills, hamper renewables
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/01/19/Pennsylvania-electricity-capacity-PJM-FERC-MOPR/stories/202001150139
Delco stinks. County and state officials are trying to figure out why.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/delaware-county-stench-odor-fuel-mystery–20200121.html
Glenn Cannon, whose 40-year public safety career spanned Pittsburgh to PEMA, has died
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2020/01/20/Glenn-Cannon-obituary-pittsburgh-public-safety-director-ems-pema-allegheny-county/stories/202001200072
Tony May is remembered as a consummate professional and Pennsylvania legend
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/tony-may-is-remembered-as-a-consummate-professional-and-pennsylvania-legend.html
Pa.’s new press freedom lawyer will shine more sunlight on government | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/first-amendment-right-to-know-sunshine-pennsylvania-government-20200121.html
Jimmy Heath, a prominent jazz saxophonist, dies at 93
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2020/01/20/Jimmy-Heath-jazz-saxophonist-dies-93/stories/202001190164
Woman shot by state police in Lawrence County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/20/Woman-shot-Pennsylvania-state-police-in-Lawrence-County-Slippery-Rock/stories/202001200082
Pa. groups report Virginia gun rights rally was ‘extremely peaceful,’ despite concern
https://www.inquirer.com/news/virginia-gun-rights-rally-pa-light-foot-militia-oath-keepers-20200120.html
Supreme Court to weigh Pennsylvania, N.J. challenge to Trump efforts to roll back birth control mandate
https://www.inquirer.com/news/obamacare-birth-control-supreme-court-third-circuit-beetlestone-little-sters-20200120.html
As Roe v. Wade anniversary approaches, reproductive rights continue to be challenged | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/planned-parenthood-abortion-roe-v-wade-anniversary-20200120.html
People across the globe pay tribute to Nanticoke native, renowned physician
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/people-across-the-globe-pay-tribute-to-nanticoke-native-renowned-physician-1.2585383
28 bald eagles spotted during Christmas Bird Count
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/28-bald-eagles-spotted-during-christmas-bird-count-1.2585372
Obese, caged bear removed Monday from Pa. sportsmen’s club: PETA
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/obese-caged-bear-removed-today-from-pa-sportsmens-club-peta.html
Transportation
‘Move over’ laws protecting first responders need to be heeded, expanded
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/columnists/move-over-laws-protecting-first-responders-need-to-be-heeded/article_85b519ca-3b0a-11ea-b030-cf23c29a1bd1.html
Washington
Trump’s impeachment trial opens today: What to know about the format, witnesses, and length
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/trump-impeachment-trial-start-time-date-tv-channel-streaming-how-long-format-20200121.html