Legislature
Pa. General Assembly advances $912M COVID aid package
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/pa-general-assembly-advances-plan-to-spend-912m-in-federal-state-covid-aid/
Pennsylvania Senate passes COVID-19 relief package, including grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-senate-small-business-20210127-bzco7smhmndbliwopzhgr7qshi-story.html
PA Senate approves $145M relief for restaurants, creates Hospitality Industry Recovery Program
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2021/01/27/pennsylvania-senate-sb-109-restaurant-covid-relief/4278809001/
Pa. could become a national outlier in how it elects appellate judges. Here’s why experts are worried.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-supreme-court-gerrymandering-judicial-districts-20210127.html
Child sexual abuse lawsuit ‘window’ moves near referendum
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/child-sexual-abuse-lawsuit-window-moves-near-referendum/
Pa. lawmakers move to curb governor’s emergency declaration powers; voters may get their say
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/01/pa-general-assembly-shows-its-determination-to-have-more-say-in-how-long-a-governor-declared-emergency-disaster-lasts.html
Pa. voters to get final say on limiting governor disaster powers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-voters-to-get-final-say-on-limiting-governor-disaster-powers/
Amendment to limit disaster powers passes Pennsylvania Senate a second time
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/amendment-to-limit-disaster-powers-passes-pennsylvania-senate-a-second-time/
Yudichak, Baker vote in favor of proposed disaster declaration amendment
https://www.timesleader.com/news/817689/yudichak-baker-vote-in-favor-of-proposed-disaster-declaration-amendment
State Rep. Frankel builds support for hate speech bill in wake of Capitol riots
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-rep-frankel-builds-support-for-hate-speech-bill-in-wake-of-capitol-riots/
$407.2 million in federal stimulus money averts funding crisis at PennDOT
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2021/01/27/PennDOT-stimulus-money-407-million-projects-released/stories/202101270174
Legislature disregards its own bloat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/legislature-disregards-its-own-bloat/article_3a1381ca-7091-5df5-800b-a40bdfb664b1.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
New Pa. health secretary’s goals: Improving vaccine rollout communication and pushing feds for more doses
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-health-secretary-alison-beam-nj-vaccine-20210128.html
Gov. Wolf defends moving smokers to top covid vaccine priority group
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/gov-wolf-defends-moving-smokers-to-top-covid-vaccine-priority-group/
How to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Western Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/01/27/where-how-to-get-COVID-19-vaccine-vaccination-Pennsylvania-pittsburgh-map-locations-sign-up-appointments/stories/202101270127
Allegheny County officials expecting improvements to vaccine rollout
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-officials-expecting-improvements-to-vaccine-rollout/
For workers now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine, rollout has been confusing and high stakes
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-1b-workers-philadelphia-20210128.html
Berks County hospitals expanding vaccine effort
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-hospitals-expanding-vaccine-effort/article_40c22a66-609c-11eb-b2ed-8b4ecf5ea8d6.html
First case of U.K. coronavirus variant confirmed in Montgomery County
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/first-case-of-u-k-coronavirus-variant-confirmed-in-montgomery-county/article_c92a80a6-b869-5a55-b422-03d451fcd0a0.html
COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County officials optimistic but cautious amid dropping cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/01/27/covid-pennsylvania-pittsburgh-coronavirus-cases-allegheny-county-deaths-data-vaccines-health-department/stories/202101270130
One in five people in one Pa. ZIP code tested positive for COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/01/one-in-five-people-in-one-pa-zip-code-have-tested-positive-for-covid-19.html
Pennsylvania adds 5,874 covid cases, highest in a week
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-adds-5874-covid-cases-highest-in-a-week/
New COVID-19 cases jump sharply regionally and statewide
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/new-covid-19-cases-jump-sharply-regionally-and-statewide/article_48742ce5-d163-53fb-aeae-db0b53460306.html
Area educators get COVID-19 vaccines prior to expansion of first priority group
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/education/area-educators-get-covid-19-vaccines-prior-to-expansion-of-first-priority-group/article_c178be7d-7a14-5202-9835-ea0d7c51fd02.html
Children are susceptible to COVID-19 and some nasty long-term effects: What you need to know
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/01/children-are-susceptible-to-covid-19-and-some-nasty-long-term-effects-what-you-need-to-know.html
Seniors line up for COVID-19 vaccines at Dorney Park, St. Luke’s clinics with limited supply of shots available
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/whitehall/mc-nws-whitehall-lvhn-vaccine-clinic-dorney-20210127-bxmnylv6vfb5dmmievnnw2hksm-story.html
I feel paralyzed’: Primary care doctors wait for COVID vaccines as patients seek answers
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/01/28/primary-care-doctors-covid-vaccine-pennsylvania-bucks-montgomery-county/4260004001/
Philadelphia let college students distribute vaccines. The result was a ‘disaster,’ volunteers say.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/01/27/Philadelphia-college-students-distribute-vaccines-Philly-Fighting-COVID/stories/202101270119
Philly Fighting COVID disaster strikes another blow to vaccine trust in Black communities | Solomon Jones
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philly-fighting-covid-vaccine-trust-black-communities-philadelphia-20210127.html
Excela Health sees drop in covid hospitalization, keeps eye on new variants
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/excela-health-sees-drop-in-covid-hospitalization-keeps-eye-on-new-variants/
Street medicine: Advocates plan to bring COVID-19 vaccines to homeless
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/street-medicine-advocates-plan-to-bring-covid-19-vaccines-to-homeless/article_8ae5fc89-292b-5741-a4e4-bb5e33113121.html
Advocate: More minority outreach needed amid pandemic
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/advocate-more-minority-outreach-needed-amid-pandemic/article_79b6a7b4-e3c9-5c86-beba-cd2b58ae76f2.html
A vaccine site in Delaware County shows how you keep promises in a pandemic. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/coronavirus-covid-vaccine-pa-delaware-county-wellness-center-maria-panaritis-20210128.html
The vaccine rollout in Pennsylvania has not been good enough.
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/letters/2021/01/28/Not-good-enough-Vaccine-COVID-Coronavirus-Pandemic/stories/202101280038
Business
Lumber buyers ‘pay up or run out’ amid U.S. homebuilding surge
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/lumber-prices-home-construction-20210128.html
Developer O’Neill pays $103M in deal for former GSK complex, promotes plan for labs and offices in Montgomery County
https://www.inquirer.com/news/brian-oneill-mlp-gsk-beach-point-deerfield-discovery-labs-breakthrough-medicine-20210126.html
COVID-led job losses have overwhelmed Pa.’s unemployment system, official says
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/covid-led-job-losses-have-overwhelmed-pa-s-unemployment-system-official-says/article_c1249d18-60bc-11eb-98f2-87caef6e9fb9.html
Crime/Punishment
Former Allderdice football coach, county police cadet accused of dealing cocaine
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/01/27/branndon-pezzelle-taylor-allderdice-football-coach-allegheny-county-police-caded-cocaine/stories/202101270170
The father bought a gun two weeks before a Chester County family murder-suicide, sources say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/west-whiteland-murder-suicide-deepak-kulkarni-chester-county-20210127.html
Convicted murderer, 16, appeals 40-year prison sentence
https://www.timesleader.com/news/817681/convicted-murderer-16-appeals-40-year-prison-sentence
Cracking down on human trafficking; Montgomery County among leading counties filing charges
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/cracking-down-on-human-trafficking-montgomery-county-among-leading-counties-filing-charges/article_e670498a-dcdb-56d3-adc4-71b4e62a6b2a.html
Education
Western Pa. schools receive grants to improve cafeterias
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/local-schools-receive-grants-to-improve-cafeterias/
Mask wearing remains hot-button issue for PIAA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/sports/high-school/mask-wearing-remains-hot-button-issue-for-piaa/article_1d062c88-b978-5482-9392-32bce7b941a3.html
PIAA will look at shortening, tightening football season
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/high-school/piaa-will-look-at-shortening-tightening-football-season/article_34058214-60f1-11eb-a6ed-c7f668659483.html
Students refurbishing computers for people in need
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/students-refurbishing-computers-for-people-in-need/article_43116b24-00c1-51b9-a75d-a96cb24ff825.html
Penn professor retires after controversy over Nazi rhetoric, gesture used at virtual conference
https://www.inquirer.com/education/penn-professor-nazi-gesture-retire-robert-schuyler-20210127.html
Pushed by the pandemic, faculty want a greater voice in decisions at Penn and other campuses
https://www.inquirer.com/education/university-of-pennsylvania-faculty-association-pandemic-aaup-20210127.html
With a $2.2 million infusion, new Community College to open in Ford City in 2022
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/with-a-2-2-million-infusion-new-community-college-to-open-in-ford-city-in-2022/
Elections/Politics
Ligonier Valley police officer seeks GOP nod for House 59th District seat
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/ligonier-valley-police-officer-seeks-gop-nod-for-house-59th-district-seat/
Pa. Rep. Mike Kelly came closer than you think to stealing the election for Trump | Bruce Ledewitz
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/how-pa-rep-mike-kelly-nearly-stole-the-election-for-trump-it-was-an-insult-to-the-voters-bruce-ledewitz/
Health Care
New Biden health-care orders begin to unspool Trump policies
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/joe-biden-aca-reopen-enrollment-obamacare-20210128.html
Local News
Volunteer committee to continue efforts to improve, preserve Harrison Honor Roll memorial
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/volunteer-committee-to-continue-efforts-to-improve-preserve-harrison-honor-roll-memorial/
Luzerne County releases report on coronavirus grant recipients
https://www.timesleader.com/news/817696/luzerne-county-releases-report-on-coronavirus-grant-recipients
LCTA chair responds to life insurance controversy
https://www.timesleader.com/news/817694/lcta-chair-responds-to-life-insurance-controversy
National News
Homeland Security bulletin warns Americans about violence by grievance-fueled domestic extremists
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/homeland-security-bulletin-warning-violent-attacks-20210127.html
Philly
4 things to watch as Philly City Council gets back to work in 2021
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-city-council-budget-police-reform-20210128.html
Philly Fighting COVID’s founder met with City Council about vaccines in November. No one asked about his health-care credentials.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philly-fighting-covid-ceo-andrei-doroshin-coronavirus-vaccines-philadelphia-city-council-20210127.html
Here’s what Philly voters who elected Biden want from his first 100 days | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/biden-first-100-days-philly-organizers-voting-reform-economic-aid-climate-20210128.html
Justice delayed: Philly courts backlog leaves many jailed for months without a hearing
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-courts-pandemic-shutdown-delays-da-larry-krasner-judge-dugan-covid-19-20210128.html
Philly police commissioner sought to use tear gas against protesters as Kenney hesitated, investigation says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-police-danielle-outlaw-tear-gas-protests-kenney-20210127.html
A 12-year-old boy is arrested in the shooting death of his 9-year-old sister in North Philadelphia
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/9-year-old-girl-shot-brother-north-philadelphia-shooting-death-20210127.html
What’s in a name? The Welcoming Center renews mission to help new local immigrants
https://www.inquirer.com/news/welcoming-center-immigrants-immigration-new-logo-name-irish-ireland-20210127.html
Some Philly kids can finally return to school next month after nearly a year away. Reactions are mixed.
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-reopening-covid-teacher-vaccines-20210127.html
Danielle Outlaw’s failure should push Kenney to ask for her resignation — but she didn’t fail alone | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/jim-kenney-danielle-outlaw-philadelphia-police-resign-20210127.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh Public Schools reopening postponed to April
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/01/27/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-reopening-postponed-spring-2021-COVID-19-coronavirus/stories/202101270143
Pittsburgh council supports no-knock warrant ban, but will wait to pass a proposed law
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-council-supports-no-knock-warrant-ban-but-will-wait-to-pass-a-proposed-law/
Leanne and Steve Ford ‘Home Again’ for new HGTV show
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2021/01/28/Leanne-Steve-Ford-HGTV-Home-Again-Restored-Pittsburgh-TV/stories/202101270128
Pittsburgh named a top city for filmmakers to live and work
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/movies/2021/01/28/pittsburgh-top-city-filmmakers-live-work-moviemaker-ma-rainey-rust-archive-81-happiest-season/stories/202101270141
Man sues Peduto, police officials for injuries in East Liberty protest
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/01/27/pittsburgh-protest-lawsuit-east-liberty-peduto-police-schubert-hissrich/stories/202101270124
Pittsburgh to honor local jazz musicians virtually for Black History Month
https://triblive.com/aande/music/pittsburgh-to-honor-local-jazz-musicians-virtually-for-black-history-month/
Woman, 19, dies in Hazelwood shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/01/28/Woman-19-dead-fatal-shooting-hazelwood-pittsburgh-Kwaeonte-Carpenter/stories/202101280115
These made-in-Pittsburgh batteries could spark profit for New Jersey company
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2021/01/28/EOS-Energy-Enterprises-battery-Turtle-Creek-SPAC-Holtec-manufacturing-jobs-made-in-America/stories/202101280079
Pandemic concerns trigger postponement of Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
https://triblive.com/local/pandemic-concerns-trigger-postponement-of-pittsburghs-st-patricks-day-parade/
Police deploy gas to get man barricaded inside East Liberty apartment building to surrender
https://triblive.com/local/cops-deploy-gas-to-get-man-barricaded-inside-east-liberty-apartment-building-to-surrender/
Board won’t probe alleged election night imbibing by Pittsburgh officers
https://triblive.com/local/board-wont-probe-alleged-election-night-imbibing-by-pittsburgh-officers/
Pittsburgh City Council accused of ‘grandstanding’ as it seeks involvement in school district’s pandemic response
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-city-council-accused-of-grandstanding-as-it-seeks-involvement-in-school-districts-pandemic-response/
Richard King Mellon Foundation to award $1.2B in Pittsburgh region over 10 years, seeks public input
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/richard-king-mellon-foundation-to-award-1-2b-in-pittsburgh-region-over-10-years-seeks-public-input/
State News
New lawsuit alleges Devereux failed to protect at least six children from abuse
https://www.inquirer.com/news/devereux-pennsylvania-lawsuit-class-action-abuse-victims-20210127.html
Transportation
Safety group gives Pennsylvania middling grade on highway safety laws
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-pennsylvania-transportation-safety-report-card-20210127-mzywgqthejfnxpcrt7tzlqdvvi-story.html
Washington
Biden’s plan to fix student loans puts spotlight on debt cancellation and easier bankruptcies
https://www.inquirer.com/business/biden-plan-cancel-student-loan-debt-bankruptcy-education-college-20210127.html
Bob Casey says he’s open to killing the filibuster and advancing Biden’s agenda without GOP support
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/bob-casey-senate-filibuster-reconciliation-20210127.html
Scott Perry, it’s time to resign | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/scott-perry-trump-insurrection-january-6-2021-20210127.html