Legislature

City nurses rally for safe staffing standards
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-nurses-rally-for-safe-staffing-standards/article_6ca8673e-ab2d-5476-b436-bf177fcca3ba.html

Nurses picket in protest of staffing levels at several Philadelphia hospitals
https://6abc.com/nurses-picket-in-philly-to-protest-hospital-staffing-levels/5009791/

Some question new, administration-monitoring House panel
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/01/questions-remain-about-new-administration-monitoring-house-committee.php

Erie County’s Sonney leads state House education panel
http://www.goerie.com/news/20190103/erie-countys-sonney-leads-state-house-education-panel

Administration

Wolf begins second term with big plans, clearer view of what’s possible
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729195/wolf-begins-second-term-with-big-plans-clearer-view-of-whats-possible

The Roots to headline Gov. Tom Wolf’s inaugural celebration
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/the-roots-to-headline-gov-tom-wolfs-inaugural-celebration.html

Business

Unemployment down in November as manufacturing, transportation add more jobs than usual
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/unemployment-down-in-november-as-manufacturing-transportation-add-more-jobs-than-usual-1.2429231

Bar’s all-night permit leads to trouble
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bar-s-all-night-permit-leads-to-trouble-1.2429341

Berks unemployment rate falls to 4.1 percent
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/berks-unemployment-rate-falls-to-41-percent

Catholic Church

Dioceses nationwide releasing names of accused priests in wake of Pa. report
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729220/dioceses-nationwide-releasing-names-of-accused-priests-in-wake-of-pa-report

State’s clergy abuse crisis spurs wave
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/01/states-clergy-abuse-crisis-spurs-wave/

Crime/Punishment

Indiana County coroner displeased by information released about inmate death
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/01/03/Indiana-County-coroner-displeased-by-information-released-about-inmate-death-Luis-A-Santiago-SCI-Pine-Grove-jerry-overman/stories/201901030190

Bicyclist back in hot seat for ignoring court order to stay off Westmoreland roads
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14465973-74/bicyclist-back-in-hot-seat-for-ignoring-court-order-to-stay-off

Beny, the drug-sniffing dog, hitting the road with state police trooper to fight drugs
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14466404-74/beny-the-drug-sniffing-dog-hitting-the-road-with-state-police-trooper-to

PSP warns public to be wary of ‘white van scams’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/psp-warns-public-to-be-wary-of-white-van-scams-1.2429256

Education

Crestwood superintendent could be out of job
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/crestwood-superintendent-could-be-out-of-job-1.2429323

Parents sue school district over decision to arm teachers, non-security staff
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/parents-sue-school-district-over-decision-to-arm-teachers-non-security-staff.html

CV district violated federal education rights of student with Crohn’s Disease, U.S. court rules
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/cv-district-violated-federal-education-rights-of-student-with-crohns-disease-us-court-rules.html

Minority Scranton School Board members seek auditor’s oversight
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/minority-scranton-school-board-members-seek-auditor-s-oversight-1.2429317

Elections/Politics

Berks County Elections Board picks new voting machines
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-elections-board-picks-new-voting-machines

Special election set to fill disgraced lawmaker’s 190th District seat
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/special-election-set-to-fill-disgraced-lawmaker-s-th-district/article_b53e0d99-2e0d-5f89-a0a1-e41d1a3a2d37.html

Gaming

Parx to open its Bensalem sportsbook Tuesday
http://www.philly.com/sports/parx-sports-book-opening-tuesday-bensalem-sugarhouse-20190103.html

Government Shutdown

House Dems approve a plan to reopen the government without wall funding as Trump digs in
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/01/03/government-shutdown-talks-go-nowhere-congress-trump-border-wall/stories/201901030079

Gov’t shutdown means IRS can’t issue refunds
http://www.philly.com/business/government-shutdown-irs-tax-refund–20190104.html

Government shutdown: What’s been affected so far and what could be next
http://www.philly.com/politics/government-shutdown-update-social-security-food-stamps-unemployment-fha-loans-20190103.html

Government shutdown’s local impact could begin to spread
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/government-shutdown-s-local-impact-could-begin-to-spread-1.2429342

While Shutdown Sidelines 800,000 Federal Workers, Many Locals Have Yet To Feel Its Effects
https://www.wesa.fm/post/while-shutdown-sidelines-800000-federal-workers-many-locals-have-yet-feel-its-effects#stream/0

Dwight Evans refuses salary during government shutdown
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/dwight-evans-refuses-salary-during-government-shutdown/article_697c08a3-57eb-5659-bcf8-ae8535353b98.html

Shutdown doubly dumb
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/shutdown-doubly-dumb-1.2429261

Health Care

Small W.Pa. hospital delays paychecks, raising more fears about its future
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/01/03/Ellwood-City-Hospital-Americore-Mayor-Anthony-Court-Grant-White-paychecks/stories/201901030117

Flu is widespread in Pennsylvania, but numbers are down from last year
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14466118-74/flu-is-widespread-in-pennsylvania-but-numbers-are-down-from-last-year

Flu strikes Pa. with strain that puts bigger hurt on younger people
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/flu-strikes-pa-with-strain-that-puts-bigger-hurt-on-younger-people.html

Local News

New stormwater fee bills creating confusion
https://www.timesleader.com/news/729203/new-stormwater-fee-bills-creating-confusion

County taking applications for Marcellus Shale grants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-taking-applications-for-marcellus-shale-grants-1.2429319

Commissioners’ reorganization meeting will be first held at former Globe store
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commissioners-reorganization-meeting-will-be-first-held-at-former-globe-store-1.2429420

Marriage License Bureau extending hours on select Thursdays
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/marriage-license-bureau-extending-hours-on-select-thursdays-1.2429407

Anything but transparency
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/anything-but-transparency-1.2429259

Habitat for Humanity of Berks County driven by dedicated volunteers
https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/dedicated-volunteers-work-with-habitat-for-humanity-of-berks-county

Gov. Mifflin grad’s leukemia diagnosis leads to bone marrow awareness campaign
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/gov-mifflin-grads-leukemia-diagnosis-leads-to-bone-marrow-awareness-campaign

Lonnie Walker IV finally makes NBA debut
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/walker-finally-makes-nba-debut

Harrisburg Police Department draws honors for ‘National Night Out’ event
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/01/harrisburg-police-department-draws-honors-for-national-night-out-event.html

After debate, ANIZDA OKs Hamilton Street beautification project
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-allentown-anizda-streetscapes-project-20190103-story.html

New Jersey

Civil rights groups push N.J. Gov. Murphy to sign bill for independent investigations of police-involved fatalities
http://www.philly.com/news/new-jersey/police-shooting-deaths-new-jersey-bill-phil-murphy-civil-rights-20190104.html

Philly

Philadelphia’s opioid and gun crises are cutting life expectancy, report finds
http://www.philly.com/health/opioid-overdose-health-of-the-city-poverty-racial-disparities-philadelphia-20190104.html

Driver charged with homicide in South Philly crash that killed 3
http://www.philly.com/news/south-philadelphia-crash-killed-mummers-keith-campbell-delaware-20190104.html

When North Broad Street was home to Philadelphia’s retail titans
http://www.philly.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/north-broad-mansion-mastbaum-snellenburg-historic-20190104.html

Philly property assessments are flawed, audit finds
http://www.philly.com/news/assessment-audit-opa-city-council-philadelphia-property-taxes-20190103.html

Audit reveals faults with city property assessments
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/audit-reveals-faults-with-city-property-assessments/article_037a53b0-0ad3-5084-9f43-e6028e8ac049.html

Bob Brady waves goodbye to Congress and wants to smoke some pot … if it is legal | Philly Clout
http://www.philly.com/politics/clout/bob-brady-marijuana-mummers-fake-blackface-controversy-tony-williams-jim-kenney-20190104.html

Big changes planned at S. Philly’s Riverview Plaza, starting with $12M movie-theater refresh
http://www.philly.com/real-estate/riverview-plaza-redevelopment-cedar-regal-blatstein-20190103.html

Black Philly hasn’t recovered from Mummers’ racist past, so we assumed the worst | Jenice Armstrong
http://www.philly.com/news/columnists/philadelphia-mummers-parade-jay-z-blackface-racism-mayor-kenney-finnegan-jenice-armstrong-20190103.html

Philly City Hall adds metal detectors for visitors in the new year
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philly-city-hall-adds-metal-detectors-for-visitors-in-the/article_24eec7e9-94c7-55c7-97ba-6adda1263d01.html

She overcame her father’s abuse. Now she has a new home for her children.
http://www.philly.com/news/crystal-brown-philadelphia-incest-abuse-dream-home-20190104.html

Why this 85-year-old window-washing business relocated to Philadelphia from Jenkintown
http://www.philly.com/news/jenkintown-building-services-philadelphia-entrepreneurs-local-procurement-20190103.html

Keeping Philly clean is everyone’s job | Editorial
http://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-litter-illegal-dumping-trash-dirty-20190103.html

Stop and frisk still plagues Philadelphia | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/stop-and-frisk-black-men-philadelphia-police-20190103.html

Pitt

Mayor Peduto disagrees with open carry supporters, but respects their right to protest
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/01/03/Mayor-Bill-Peduto-open-carry-gun-rights-control-protest-rally-demonstration-Downtown-Pittsburgh/stories/201901030124

PNC Bank or Banksville? Peduto asks who would benefit from top cops’ private venture
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/03/pittsburgh-ethics-dba-training-solutions-lando-zett-police-conflict/stories/201901030136

Former Mayor Tom Murphy receives key to the city
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/03/former-mayor-Tom-Murphy-Bill-Peduto-key-to-city-pittsburgh/stories/201901030091

Former Pittsburgh Mayor Tom Murphy honored with ceremonial key to city
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14466135-74/former-pittsburgh-mayor-tom-murphy-honored-with-ceremonial-key-to-city

Pitt, doctors not liable for damages in Western Psych shooting, judges rule
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/01/03/University-of-Pittsburgh-John-Shick-Kathryn-Leight-superior-court-appeal-western-psych/stories/201901030131

National Labor Relations Board closes Mattress Factory probe
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2019/01/03/NLRB-closes-Mattress-Factory-investigation-Pittsburgh/stories/201901040026

A look at the arrival of Pittsburgh’s Greek immigrants, dating back 125 years
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/01/03/Display-commemorates-125th-anniversary-of-Greek-arrival-to-Pittsburgh/stories/201901040047

Produce terminal redevelopment finally ripe to start in the Strip District
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/01/03/Produce-terminal-redevelopment-finally-ripe-to-start/stories/201901030066

Pittsburgh investigating whether private police training violates ethics
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14466128-74/pittsburgh-investigating-whether-private-police-training-violates-ethics

Combating hate activity the topic of Lawrenceville safety meeting
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14468386-74/combating-hate-activity-the-topic-of-lawrenceville-safety-meeting

State News

Snowboarder from Crescent dies of head injuries from fall at Seven Springs
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/01/04/Snowboarder-Crescent-dies-fall-at-Seven-Springs-resort-camacho-cook/stories/201901040093

Why do we treat the poor so poorly? | Opinion
http://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/jazmine-headley-poverty-tanf-20190104.html

Feds investigating death of worker at Berks County oil distribution plant
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/feds-investigating-death-of-worker-at-berks-county-oil-distribution-plant.php

For Pa. man arrested in immigration interview, an uncertain future remains
http://www.witf.org/news/2019/01/for-pa-man-arrested-in-immigration-interview-an-uncertain-future-remains.php

Washington

Two reps being sworn in on the Quran is seen as a symbolic moment for Muslim Americans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/01/03/Muslim-women-Ilhan-Omar-Rashida-Tlaib-sworn-in-Quran-Congress/stories/201901030196

Meuser sworn into Congress
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/meuser-sworn-into-congress-1.2429325

Bob Casey Jr. sworn in amid talk of presidential bid
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/casey-sworn-in-amid-talk-of-presidential-bid

Local legislators take oaths in Washington
https://www.tribdem.com/news/local-legislators-take-oaths-in-washington/article_bc39bb06-0fda-11e9-ab6f-33714afec766.html