Legislature
Pa. Senate GOP leader to delay seating an incumbent Democratic senator
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/01/pa-senate-gop-leader-to-delay-seating-an-incumbent-democratic-senator.html
Jim Brewster’s Pa. Senate swearing-in will be delayed, top GOP senator says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2021/01/04/Jim-Brewster-PA-Senate-swearing-in-election-race-vs-Nicole-Ziccarelli-2020-results/stories/202101040115
Pa. Republicans to delay Sen. Brewster’s oath of office for ‘time to digest’ Ziccarrelli’s election dispute
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/pa-republicans-to-delay-sen-brewsters-oath-of-office-for-time-to-digest-ziccarrellis-election-dispute/
GOP to block Democrat from state Senate in mail ballot fight
https://www.witf.org/2021/01/04/state-senate-seat-remains-in-doubt-amid-pending-lawsuit/
GOP leaders in Pa. Senate will refuse to seat Democrat certified by state as winner
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/jim-brewster-pennsylvania-senate-gop-refuse-to-seat-nicole-ziccarelli-20210104.html
Pa. Democrats want to ban evictions and foreclosures for 60 days. How it would work
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2021/01/04/how-pennsylvania-might-strengthen-ban-evictions-and-foreclosures/4128956001/
Pennsylvania State Senators Call For Extension On Ban Of Evictions
https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2021/01/04/pennsylvania-state-senators-call-for-extension-on-ban-of-evictions/
Democratic lawmakers seek moratorium on evictions, foreclosures when COVID-19 disaster ends
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/01/democratic-lawmakers-propose-a-60-day-moratorium-on-evictions-and-foreclosures-after-covid-19-disaster-declaration-expires.html
Why isn’t the Pa. legislature more productive? Some say unfair rules hold lawmakers back
https://www.witf.org/2021/01/04/why-isnt-the-pa-legislature-more-productive-some-say-unfair-rules-hold-lawmakers-back/
Election officials want a say in Pa.’s voting reforms, but politics may get in the way
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pennsylvania-voting-reforms-mail-ballots-early-voting-election-officials-2021-20210105.html
3 area legislators named Democratic chairs of House committees
https://www.timesleader.com/news/815241/3-area-legislators-named-democratic-chairs-of-house-committees
Neighbors, friends show signs of support for the late Rep. Mike Reese
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/neighbors-friends-show-signs-of-support-for-the-late-rep-mike-reese/
The state lawmaker who died of an aneurysm had COVID-19, but were the two conditions related?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/mike-reese-covid19-brain-aneurysm-pa-lawmaker-20210104.html
Pennsylvania keeps workers in penury
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/pennsylvania-keeps-workers-in-penury/article_b881b775-04ce-573e-b127-8ed8d6cc8089.html
Ex-House Speaker John Perzel wins 3rd and likely final bid to avoid paying $1M for corruption conviction
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/01/ex-house-speaker-john-perzel-wins-3rd-and-likely-final-bid-to-avoid-paying-1m-for-corruption-conviction.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pa. will get more covid vaccine this week, availability to general public still ‘months’ away
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-will-get-more-covid-vaccines-this-week-availability-to-the-general-public-still-months-away/
Who gets the COVID-19 vaccine next, and when? Pa. and N.J. are working on it.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-philly-vaccine-distribution-when-holiday-cases-surge-20210104.html
Levine outlines possible vaccination plans
https://www.timesleader.com/news/815237/levine-outlines-possible-vaccination-plans
Levine denies Pennsylvania trails other states in planning mass vaccinations
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/levine-denies-pennsylvania-trails-other-states-in-planning-mass-vaccinations/article_a96acc21-6f36-5f05-ad6c-0e7da107fd19.html
COVID-19 Update: Nearly 9,000 new cases reported in Pa.; Allegheny County reports 5 new deaths
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/01/04/covid-coronavirus-pennsylvania-pittsburgh-allegheny-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-health-surge/stories/202101040064
Allegheny County adds new vaccine distribution location for priority populations
https://triblive.com/local/monroeville/allegheny-county-adds-new-vaccine-distribution-location-for-priority-populations/
Allegheny County reports 850 more covid cases, 5 deaths in 2 days
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-reports-850-more-covid-cases-5-deaths-in-2-days/
44 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/44-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-luzerne-county/article_f47dcee7-01db-5981-ade6-7c74c116e406.html
Montgomery County sees increase in coronavirus positivity rate
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-sees-increase-in-coronavirus-positivity-rate/article_263f4fa5-a538-57a6-8f6b-bb58d76b8556.html
COVID-19 percent positivity climbs in Monroe, increases and decreases across NEPA counties
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/coronavirus/2021/01/04/monroe-county-sees-covid-19-percent-positivity-increase/4125910001/
Delaware County deaths approach 1,000 as vaccine rolls out
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-deaths-approach-1-000-as-vaccine-rolls-out/article_03f8ff66-4edf-11eb-a0de-d76a1eebfc80.html
Delco conducts drive-thru COVID-19 tests this week
https://www.delcotimes.com/lifestyle/delco-conducts-drive-thru-covid-19-tests-this-week/article_25c72a76-4ed2-11eb-99a1-efdf4e3b74c4.html
In Philly, twin physicians encourage people to consider getting coronavirus vaccine
https://www.penncapital-star.com/covid-19/in-philly-twin-physicians-encourage-people-to-consider-getting-coronavirus-vaccine/
What cancer patients should know about the new COVID-19 vaccines
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-benefits-outweigh-risks-for-most-cancer-patients-20210105.html
He thought he was over COVID-19, then had a stroke. Doctors are studying how to prevent more cases like his.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid19-stroke-blood-clots-prevent-blood-thinners-virtua-troy-randle-trial-pitt-20210104.html
Germany set to extend hard lockdown as daily deaths mount
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2021/01/05/Germany-set-to-extend-hard-lockdown-as-daily-deaths-mount/stories/202101050092
Business
Wary restaurateurs reopen doors to diners for first time this year
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2021/01/05/Pittsburgh-restaurants-open-COVID-19-restrictions-50-percent-capacity-Allegheny-County-2021/stories/202101050088
Besides PPP, there’s another forgivable loan program for small businesses thanks to the new stimulus bill
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/stimulus-ppp-loan-sba-debt-savings-restaurants-hotels-20210105.html
Regulars return to favorite spots as indoor dining resumes, businesses reopen
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/regulars-return-to-favorite-spots-as-indoor-dining-resumes-businesses-reopen/article_c79bf4b3-f1e8-51f3-a479-e44f016a79a4.html
Upper Burrell residents happier but not satisfied with new Dollar General proposal
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/upper-burrell-residents-happier-but-not-satisfied-with-new-dollar-general-proposal/
Business owners, patrons happy to reunite after shutdown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/business-owners-patrons-happy-to-reunite-after-shutdown/article_9501ed4a-4159-5bf4-a8c9-5f36c42f7f5c.html
Trader Joe’s is the ‘anti-grocery store’ — so why do fans love it so much?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/01/trader-joes-is-the-anti-grocery-store-so-why-do-fans-love-it-so-much.html
As Pennsylvania restaurants resume indoor dining and gyms and casinos reopen, businesses look beyond 2020 ‘disaster’
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-businesses-reopen-as-covid-shutdown-ends-20210104-no5cch5t5vbf3atai4fhpomdja-story.html
Bucks restaurants, Parx reopen, worries continue for survival after COVID restrictions
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/01/04/bucks-county-restaurants-reopen-covid-parx-casino/4127320001/
Crime/Punishment
Woman critically wounded in shooting at McKeesport gas station
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/01/05/Woman-shot-in-McKeesport/stories/202101050090
Client advocate’ getting results in Lehigh County Public Defender’s office as social workers play larger role in criminal justice system
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-lehigh-county-social-workers-public-defender-20210102-f6kfghz7rzbspcbzczpgwlwvu4-story.html
Education
Could more changes be in store for Pennsylvania’s college students?
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/01/04/Pitt-Penn-State-Duquesne-Carnegie-Mellon-COVID-19-Pennsylvania-colleges-spring-semester/stories/202101040067
Villanova again pauses men’s basketball activities after two players test positive for COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/villanova/villanova-wildcats-mens-basketball-covid-coronavirus-coach-jay-wright-quarantine-isolation-three-games-postponed-20210104.html
Elections/Politics
Uncounted ballots discovered among Westmoreland County voting equipment
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/uncounted-ballots-discovered-among-westmoreland-county-voting-equipment/
In a first, Black and Latina woman takes over as chair of Lancaster City Democratic Committee
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/in-a-first-black-and-latina-woman-takes-over-as-chair-of-lancaster-city-democratic/article_2e75e460-4ee5-11eb-9962-17a5106531c2.html
Chester County: No plans yet on continued voting expansion
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-no-plans-yet-on-continued-voting-expansion/article_8825a624-4eab-11eb-8143-fb4c716b130a.html
U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker will object to Pennsylvania’s electors, alongside other Pa. House Republicans
https://lancasteronline.com/news/politics/u-s-rep-lloyd-smucker-will-object-to-pennsylvanias-electors-alongside-other-pa-house-republicans/article_c5d27e5a-4ba6-11eb-a873-5f4443398614.html
Meuser should support the will of the voters, not Trump’s
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/editorial/meuser-should-support-the-will-of-the-voters-not-trumps/article_cfc7ef64-d735-5a06-b90a-5d9df21c22e6.html
Senate balance of power is at stake as Georgia runoffs reach election day
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/georgia-senate-majority-runoffs-election-day-20210105.html
Local News
Domenick to head Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/domenick-to-head-lackawanna-county-board-of-commissioners/article_ef4d2482-d4b5-5260-9a9e-ce5e5942ea3a.html
New section of heritage trail connecting Dickson City, Olyphant nearly complete
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-section-of-heritage-trail-connecting-dickson-city-olyphant-nearly-complete/article_367b9081-ac47-5c05-8001-055144d68c9b.html
Delaware County moves closer to its own health department
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/delaware-county-moves-closer-to-its-own-health-department/article_6bb814ca-4d2c-11eb-afda-331e06b43256.html
Former jail warden hired to consult in pending legal issues
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/former-jail-warden-hired-to-consult-in-pending-legal-issues/
Eight apply for county election director job
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/eight-apply-for-county-election-director-job/article_57df43c5-be5a-5c64-b09c-386e5b746122.html
‘My phone has not stopped ringing’: A new Chesco eviction prevention program expands Jan. 5
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/state_and_region/my-phone-has-not-stopped-ringing-a-new-chesco-eviction-prevention-program-expands-jan-5/article_3b0479f7-c2aa-5392-a843-e42eccc204c7.html
Bristol gets $1M to fix riverfront lot flooding; hopes improvements will ignite business
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/01/05/bristol-riverfront-flooding-state-grant-economic-development/4059912001/
Kennett Food Cupboard sees long lines, and no building to store food
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/kennett-food-cupboard-sees-long-lines-and-no-building-to-store-food/article_284a8560-4eda-11eb-90fa-93de265ade17.html
National News
Ohio governor signs gun bill that expands the so-called ‘stand your ground’ right
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/01/ohio-governor-signs-gun-bill-that-expands-the-so-called-stand-your-ground-right.html
Philly
Two men killed in separate shootings, in Holmesburg and Hunting Park
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-holmesburg-homicide-man-shot-20210104.html
‘Progress in society is cyclical’: Philly LGBTQ elders talk movement’s history, today’s parallels
https://www.inquirer.com/video/progress-in-society-is-cyclical-philly-lgbtq-elders-talk-movements-history-todays-parallels-20210104.html
Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Museum of Art announce reopening dates
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/philadelphia-museums-reopening-coronavirus-franklin-institute-pma-barnes-20210104.html
Philly’s violent year: Nearly 500 people were killed and more than 2,200 shot in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-gun-violence-homicides-shootings-pandemic-2020-20210101.html
Daphne Goggins, a Philly activist who urged Black voters to join the GOP, dies from COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/daphne-goggins-obituary-philadelphia-republican-coronavirus-20210104.html
Four ways to improve Philly’s COVID-19 vaccine plan | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/coronavirus-vaccine-distribution-philadelphia-pennsylvania-teachers-20210104.html
Pitt
Kudos to the Allegheny Land Trust
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/01/05/Kudos-to-the-Allegheny-Land-Trust/stories/202012170028
Settlement advances controversial office project in Oakland
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/01/05/Wexford-Science-Technology-Oakland-Forbes-Joseph-James-Oakland-Planning-Development/stories/202101040109
Pittsburgh homicides up in 2020, but scope of last decade shows it’s not a significant spike
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/01/04/Pittsburgh-homicides-2020-increase-40-percent-homicide-rate-51-killings/stories/202101030060
Pittsburgh’s dwindling urban forests get help
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2021/01/04/Pittsburgh-tree-canopy-urban-forest-environment-carbon-reforestation/stories/202101040106
Pittsburgh says new procedures will improve snow removal
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/01/04/Pittsburgh-new-procedures-improve-snow-removal-city-streets/stories/202101040093
Pittsburgh officials look to improve snow removal plans
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-officials-look-to-improve-snow-removal-plans/
Allegheny County Health Department cites more restaurants for defying state’s shutdown order
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2021/01/04/Allegheny-County-health-department-restaurants-Piacquadio-s-Carbonara-s-Bobby-P-s-shutdown/stories/202101040085
Wife, attorney await word on inmate’s condition after fall at Allegheny County Jail
https://triblive.com/local/wife-attorney-await-word-on-inmates-condition-after-fall-at-allegheny-county-jail/
Feds involved in Pittsburgh explosion investigation, firework suspected in Hill District blast
https://triblive.com/local/hill-district-residents-reported-homes-shaking-odor-after-possible-explosion/
Pittsburgh named a ‘reforestation hub’ by startup that aims to use, plant urban trees
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-named-a-reforestation-hub-by-startup-that-aims-to-use-plant-urban-trees/
Penguins add PPG logo to helmets
https://triblive.com/sports/penguins-add-ppg-logo-to-helmets/
State News
State lottery open for rare Pappy Van Winkle bourbon
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-lottery-open-for-rare-pappy-van-winkle-bourbon/
Pennsylvania’s December revenue more than anticipated
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvanias-december-revenue-more-than-anticipated/
Transportation
First responders recall fatal Pennsylvania Turnpike crash in Mt. Pleasant Township 1 year later
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/first-responders-recall-fatal-pennsylvania-turnpike-crash-in-mt-pleasant-township-1-year-later/
Washington
In farewell, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos urges Congress to reject Joe Biden’s policies
https://www.inquirer.com/education/betsy-devos-farewell-letter-congress-joe-biden-20210104.html