Legislature
Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is the lowest in the region. Advocates tell lawmakers an increase is overdue.
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2021/01/21/minimum-wage-increase-pennsylvania-economic-stimulus/4203064001/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Region’s top doctors warn supply may delay COVID-19 vaccinations for new groups
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/01/20/covid-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-coronavirus-cases-vaccine-data-update-deaths-allegheny-county/stories/202101200127
Not enough covid vaccine to go around, top Western Pa. doctors warn
https://triblive.com/local/regional/not-enough-vaccine-to-go-around-top-western-pa-doctors-warn/
Allegheny Co. health director says ‘long way to go’ to meet covid vaccine demands
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-co-health-director-says-long-way-to-go-to-meet-covid-vaccine-demands/
Philly will soon have two vaccine sign-up websites, but only one run by the city
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philly-fighting-covid-vaccine-confusion-20210120.html
UPMC covid vaccine clinic targets Pittsburgh’s underserved communities
https://triblive.com/local/upmc-covid-vaccine-clinic-targets-pittsburghs-underserved-communities/
LVHN to begin COVID-19 mass vaccinations at Dorney Park next week
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/whitehall/mc-nws-whitehall-lvhn-mass-vaccinations-20210120-lz2pcfovrbg6rilgtprv6kkxmi-story.html
Allegheny County covid hospitalizations drop by half in past month
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-covid-hospitalizations-drop-by-half-in-past-month/
Latest Luzerne County coronavirus death report includes 35-year-old
https://www.timesleader.com/news/816970/latest-luzerne-county-coronavirus-death-report-includes-35-year-old
Westmoreland County adds 173 covid cases, 12 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-173-covid-cases-12-deaths/
Berks County adds 189 COVID cases in one of the lower recent daily totals
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-adds-189-covid-cases-in-one-of-the-lower-recent-daily-totals/article_164aa498-5b1a-11eb-98f4-ef14e4550ff5.html
Weis Markets pharmacies to administer COVID vaccines
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/weis-markets-pharmacies-to-administer-covid-vaccines/article_d77df042-5b70-11eb-8bf0-bb9d869a8ebf.html
Virtual photo exhibit to document Pennsylvania’s covid-19 experience
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/virtual-photo-exhibit-to-document-pennsylvanias-covid-19-experience/
Washington
Joe Biden becomes president with a plea that ‘politics doesn’t have to be a raging fire’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/joe-biden-presidential-inauguration-20210120.html
It was a ‘surreal’ inauguration for Pennsylvania lawmakers at the site of the Capitol insurrection
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/joe-biden-inauguration-capitol-attack-pennsylvania-lawmakers-20210120.html
Casey, Toomey, Cartwright, Meuser, Wolf express hope for nation’s future
https://www.timesleader.com/news/816974/casey-toomey-cartwright-meuser-wolf-express-hope-for-nations-future
Democrats and Republicans react to President Joe Biden’s inauguration
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/democrats-and-republicans-react-to-president-joe-bidens-inauguration/article_669d81de-98ba-53f2-b9ab-f36cfb2d16e4.html
‘My whole soul is in this’: Newly inaugurated President Biden emphasizes unity
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2021/01/20/Biden-sworn-in-president-US-kamala-harris-inauguration-speech/stories/202101200134
Inauguration Day celebrated in Biden’s hometown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/inauguration-day-celebrated-in-bidens-hometown/article_30aa7aa8-f62b-585e-b687-7dd242ae8fcf.html
Biden issues pandemic plan, aims to expand access to testing and vaccines, reopen schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-meds/2021/01/21/Biden-covid-19-pandemic-strategy-plan-vaccine-testing-reopening-schools-masks-travel/stories/202101210097
After inauguration, President Biden extended freeze on student loan payments until Sept. 30
https://www.inquirer.com/business/joe-biden-student-loan-payment-freeze-extended-september-2021-20210121.html
Here’s a closer look at the 17 orders Biden signed to dismantle Trump-era policies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/01/20/Biden-executive-orders-Paris-climate-Keystone-XL-pipeline-mask-mandate-student-loans/stories/202101200174
America, it’s time for us to get used to saying ‘Madam Vice President’ | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/kamala-harris-vice-president-biden-inauguration-president-jenice-armstrong-20210121.html
Luzerne County Democrats celebrate historic day for women during watch party
https://www.timesleader.com/news/816980/luzerne-county-democrats-celebrate-historic-day-for-women-during-watch-party
Harris’ ascension to vice president is historic and inspiring, local women say
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/nation-world/harris-ascension-to-vice-president-is-historic-and-inspiring-local-women-say/article_05685d36-24e2-5751-a9a2-36b656aab6a8.html
The first but not the last’: Philly-area Black women celebrate VP Harris with pearls and pride
https://www.witf.org/2021/01/20/the-first-but-not-the-last-philly-area-black-women-celebrate-vp-harris-with-pearls-and-pride/
New Kensington family recalls Biden sharing their grief, comforting a mother who lost son to brain cancer
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-family-recalls-how-biden-shared-their-grief-and-comforted-a-mother-at-the-death-of-a-son-to-brain-cancer/
Levine breaks new ground
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/levine-breaks-new-ground/article_01059f24-8bae-5c6e-973b-a38e5da9089d.html
With Health Sec. Levine likely headed to Washington, Pa.’s transgender residents look to a more welcoming future | Frank Pizzoli
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/with-health-secretary-levines-new-job-with-biden-pa-s-transgender-residents-look-to-a-more-welcoming-future-frank-pizzoli/
Who’s in charge: Career staffers move to acting Cabinet head
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/01/21/Who-s-in-charge-career-staffers-acting-cabinet-biden-senate-confirmations/stories/202101210096
Surgeon General resigns at Biden’s request
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/01/20/Biden-to-ask-Surgeon-General-Adams-to-resign/stories/202101200114
Ted Cruz brings back Paris vs. Pittsburgh in criticism of Biden; Peduto scoffs
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/ted-cruz-brings-back-paris-vs-pittsburgh-in-criticism-of-biden-peduto-scoffs/
‘Keep Pittsburgh out of your mouth’: Steel City to Ted Cruz over Paris Climate Accord barb
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2021/01/keep-pittsburgh-out-of-your-mouth-steel-city-to-ted-cruz-over-paris-climate-accord-barb.html
Trump’s last-minute pardons included a Philly radio host
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-pardons-pennsylvania-new-jersey-melgen-menendez-george-gilmore-eliyahu-weinstein-20210120.html
‘I just got caught up in the moment’: Central Pa. Marine charged with punching officers during Capitol riot
https://www.inquirer.com/news/capitol-riot-arrests-pennsylvania-barton-shively-video-mechanicsburg-20210120.html
Presidential pardons have roots in Southwestern Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/regional/presidential-pardons-have-roots-in-southwestern-pa/
Administration
Child care workers in Pa. are eligible for $600 grants, Gov. Wolf says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2021/01/20/Child-care-workers-in-Pa-are-eligible-for-600-grants-Gov-Wolf-says/stories/202101210054
Police accountability panel created by Wolf to hold first meeting Thursday
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/police-accountability-panel-created-by-wolf-to-hold-first-meeting-thursday/
Business
Amazon’s tactics make it too hard to cancel Prime, consumer advocates charge
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2021/01/21/Amazon-Prime-FTC-Public-Citizen-subscription/stories/202101190129
Official inaugural gifts for Biden and Harris crafted by Lenox, based in Bucks County’s Bristol Borough
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/inauguration-gift-lenox-vases-biden-harris-20210120.html
The new stimulus bill has 6 big tax savings for small businesses
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/stimulus-bill-tax-tips-small-business-file-covid-virus-20210121.html
4 restaurants near Berks on Pa.’s latest shutdown list for COVID infractions
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/4-restaurants-near-berks-on-pa-s-latest-shutdown-list-for-covid-infractions/article_e0f1dba6-5b2b-11eb-87d3-c7478e581fce.html
South Whitehall approves COVID-19 relief money for small businesses, after ‘paralysis by analysis’ for several months
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-coronavirus-relief-program-south-whitehall-small-businesses-20210121-qavatjnspzbpjmdbyqcp2rben4-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Coroner dispatched to shooting in northeast Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/crime/coroner-dispatched-to-shooting-in-northeast-reading/article_03f0b282-5b89-11eb-9fbe-f3b041bc563f.html
Education
Why are public schools footing the bill for substandard cyber-charter education? | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/why-are-public-schools-footing-the-bill-for-substandard-cyber-charter-education/
Elections/Politics
No one hurt after Montgomery County Democratic Party office struck by bullets, chair says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/montgomery-county-democrats-norristown-shooting-bullets-20210121.html
Trump House’ creator Leslie Baum Rossi seeks nod to run for open Pa. House seat
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/trump-house-creator-leslie-baum-rossi-seeks-nod-to-run-for-open-state-house-seat/
‘Just move on’: Republicans grapple with post-Trump future
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/just-move-on-republicans-grapple-with-post-trump-future/
Local News
Lease change in the works between Arena board and Penguins for pandemic-shortened hockey season
https://www.timesleader.com/news/816968/lease-change-in-the-works-between-arena-board-and-penguins-for-pandemic-shortened-hockey-season
Election director job still vacant; search on hold for now
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/election-director-job-still-vacant-search-on-hold-for-now/article_1ab134f5-9b5e-5d46-8aa3-24a1f687f600.html
Water rates unchanged in new Westmoreland municipal authority budget
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/water-rates-unchanged-in-new-mawc-operating-budget/
Allentown City Council confirms long-delayed NIZ authority nominees, but battle over future appointments begins
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-niz-board-corruption-allegations-20210121-x3fnuesngbgqvl5lnzagtlxnwu-story.html
Philly
For Sixers coach Doc Rivers, inauguration ‘was awesome for a lot of reasons’
https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/philadelphia-sixers-doc-rivers-joe-biden-kamala-harris-inaugration-boston-celtics-20210121.html
A 9-year-old girl has died after being shot in the head in North Philly, police say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/9-year-old-girl-shot-north-philadelphia-police-20210120.html
Pitt
‘This is a historic day’: Pittsburgh leaders celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/01/20/Vice-President-Kamala-Harris-inauguration-Joe-Biden-pittsburgh-reaction-Black-South-Asian-historic-pride/stories/202101200157
Allegheny County Executive Fitzgerald repays a favor by attending Biden inauguration
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/01/20/Biden-inauguration-Rich-Fitzgerald-Bob-Casey-Conor-Lamb-Mike-Kelly-Reschenthaler-Toomey/stories/202101200167
Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald attends ‘very emotional’ Biden inauguration
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-co-executive-rich-fitzgerald-attends-bidens-inauguration-it-was-a-very-emotional-experience/
PPS board may extend remote instruction into April
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/01/20/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-board-may-extend-remote-instruction-April-coronavirus/stories/202101200161
City looking to further reduce driveway curb cuts on new townhouses
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/01/20/City-looking-to-further-reduce-driveway-curb-cuts-on-new-townhouses/stories/202101200129
Arconic donates more than $80,000 to local nonprofits for sustainability and social equity
https://triblive.com/local/regional/arconic-donates-more-than-80000-to-local-nonprofits-for-sustainability-and-social-equity/
State News
You can own a piece of a beloved Pennsylvania roadside attraction
https://www.inquirer.com/news/roadside-america-miniature-train-pennsylvania-shartlesville-20210121.html
Winning $730M Powerball ticket sold in Maryland; Mega Millions jackpot now $970M
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2021/01/21/lottery-mega-millions-powerball-winning-number-jackpot/stories/202101210095
State awards low-interest loan to reduce sewage overflows to Mon and Ohio rivers
https://triblive.com/local/state-awards-low-interest-loan-to-reduce-sewage-overflows-to-mon-and-ohio-rivers/
State gives $4.8 million to train long-term care workers, including $2 million in the region
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-gives-4-8-million-to-train-long-term-care-workers-including-2-million-in-the-region/
Transportation
The most challenging year in airport and aviation history’: Pandemic sends Allentown airport passenger traffic to level not seen in 50 years
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lvia-reports-low-passenger-traffic-but-high-cargo-demand-20210120-5q5voiyyn5bohbvb4bn3zqtoaa-story.html