Legislature
Pa. House Democratic leader criticizes schedule of special elections, citing cost: ‘A waste of taxpayer dollars’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/pa-house-democratic-leader-criticizes-schedule-of-special-elections-citing-cost-a-waste-of-taxpayer-dollars.html
Speaker sets March votes to fill 3 vacant state House seats
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/01/07/Speaker-sets-March-votes-to-fill-3-vacant-state-House-seats/stories/202001070133
March 17 special election set to fill Justin Walsh’s former state House seat
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/march-17-special-election-set-to-fill-justin-walshs-former-state-house-seat/
County to run 2 elections at same time
https://www.sharonherald.com/news/county-to-run-elections-at-same-time/article_9308c5e8-31cf-11ea-83ee-47a331389201.html
Bill Tracker: ‘Silver Alert’ would tell the public about endangered seniors
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-silver-alert-would-tell-the-public-about-endangered/article_3ea818d9-8d2f-5f95-8d0a-1769a5eebd48.html
Gaydos proposes bill reducing state House by 25 percent
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200108/gaydos-proposes-bill-reducing-state-house-by-25-percent
Scarnati sworn-in as PA Senate President Pro Tempore
http://www.theprogressnews.com/news/local/scarnati-sworn-in-as-pa-senate-president-pro-tempore/article_e14cf716-32b1-51ab-ba35-7d3b6ba2b401.html
After 13 terms in office, state Rep. Harry Readshaw announces retirement
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/01/07/Harry-Readshaw-Allegheny-Pittsburgh-announces-retirement-Pennsylvania-State-House/stories/202001070126
State Rep. Harry Readshaw announces retirement after 13 terms
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/state-rep-harry-readshaw-announces-retirement-after-13-terms/
Readshaw announces retirement, and challengers eye a suddenly open seat
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/07/readshaw-announces-retirement-and-challengers-eye-a-suddenly-open-seat/
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Republicans ‘got greedy’ in drawing Pennsylvania congressional maps, new documents say
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-gerrymandering-thomas-hofeller-files-20200108.html
Business
Jobs of 83 striking Langeloth employees may be in peril
https://observer-reporter.com/business/jobs-of-striking-langeloth-employees-may-be-in-peril/article_7e2afaa2-30b6-11ea-ab66-7ff20f74c656.html
Macy’s will close these Pennsylvania stores this spring
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-macys-closures-20200107-4oie6nwnijgmrpkctk5ieq3ipa-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Judge closes jury selection to public in Wilkinsburg mass killing case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/07/Judges-closes-jury-selection-to-public-in-Wilkinsburg-mass-killing-case/stories/202001060093
Girl, 16, critically injured in rollover crash, shooting near McKeesport High School
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/01/08/Girl-injured-rollover-crash-shooting-McKeesport-High-School/stories/202001080084
Police: 3 hurt when car flips while trying to escape gunfire after McKeesport basketball game
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/3-people-hurt-when-car-trying-to-escape-gunfire-in-mckeesport-hits-utility-pole-and-flips/
‘Pure evil masked as a teacher’: ex-high school teacher admits sexual relationships with students in Bucks and Lehigh Counties
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/christian-willman-guilty-sexual-assault-teacher-bucks-county-20200107.html
Philadelphia man held for trial in fatal shooting of Wilkes-Barre woman
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768422/philadelphia-man-held-for-trial-in-fatal-shooting-of-wilkes-barre-woman
Police: Attack on Trump supporter sparked active shooter scare at mall
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/police-attack-on-trump-supporter-sparked-active-shooter-scare-at-mall-1.2580688
Inmate death at county jail ruled a suicide
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/inmate-death-at-county-jail-ruled-a-suicide-1.2580356
Man shot near Allentown playground
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-man-shot-near-allentown-playground-20200108-hf7olr53fvdwrefwzbzfjoridi-story.html
Education
Former Kutztown student claims anti-Semitism forced her to leave the college
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-kutztown-anti-semitic-intimidation-lawsuit-20200107-6phxty26izalnlc5qewh66hi6a-story.html
Bucks, Montgomery County students recognized for academic achievements
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200108/bucks-montgomery-county-students-recognized-for-academic-achievements
Elections/Politics
Biden tells Gladwyne donors: Trump is to blame for ‘chaos ensuing’ in Iran
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-biden-fundraiser-gladwyne-pa-iran-missile-strike-iraq-air-base-primary-politics-2020-20200108.html
A Facebook executive warns the company’s employees not to tilt the scales against Trump
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/01/07/Facebook-Trump-election-executive/stories/202001070184
Veteran Democratic Rep. Scott Conklin joins the race for Pa. Auditor General
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/veteran-democratic-rep-scott-conklin-joins-the-race-for-pa-auditor-general/
Monroe, Pike meet state deadline ahead of schedule
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20200107/monroe-pike-meet-state-deadline-ahead-of-schedule
Health Care
Hospital deathwatch: Ellwood City facility’s closing sign of larger issue
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/01/08/Hospital-deathwatch-Ellwood-City-facility-s-closing-sign-of-larger-issue/stories/202001070007
Person under 50 among new Pennsylvania flu deaths, health department reports
https://triblive.com/local/regional/person-under-50-among-new-pennsylvania-flu-deaths-health-department-reports/
Four more die, thousands more get sick as flu continues to surge in Pa.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/01/four-more-die-thousands-more-get-sick-as-flu-continues-to-surge-in-pa.html
First Hospital CEO steps down from post
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/first-hospital-ceo-steps-down-from-post-1.2580658
Universal coverage, single-payer, ‘Medicare for All’: What does it all mean for you? | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/universal-coverage-single-payer-medicare-for-all-what-does-it-all-mean-for-you-analysis/
Local News
Final funding piece clears way for Scranton Counseling project
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/final-funding-piece-clears-way-for-scranton-counseling-project-1.2580511
Chermak taps attorney Paul LaBelle as minority solicitor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chermak-taps-attorney-paul-labelle-as-minority-solicitor-1.2580524
Lackawanna County row officers sworn in for new terms
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-row-officers-sworn-in-for-new-terms-1.2580259
‘I’m digging out of a hole,’ Charl-Mont owner promises to climb out of bankruptcy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/i-m-digging-out-of-a-hole-charl-mont-owner-promises-to-climb-out-of-bankruptcy-1.2580745
Chris Kelly: The names have changed but the games remain the same
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chris-kelly-the-names-have-changed-but-the-games-remain-the-same-1.2580672
Finish senior center deal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/finish-senior-center-deal-1.2580491
Habitat for Humanity of Berks County celebrates new funding for Buttonwood Gateway Project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/housing/habitat-for-humanity-of-berks-county-celebrates-new-funding-for/article_b9cc3098-3161-11ea-8085-2f8ac1be33df.html
Republicans question Dem picks for top Upper Darby posts
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/republicans-question-dem-picks-for-top-upper-darby-posts/article_fb25f37a-3194-11ea-80e1-578a352c618a.html
McKinney fired in Chesco sheriff shake-up
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/mckinney-fired-in-chesco-sheriff-shake-up/article_aeea4734-3178-11ea-8eed-73719a9f8612.html
New Lower Burrell mayor appoints brother-in-law as acting police chief
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-lower-burrell-mayor-appoints-brother-in-law-as-acting-police-chief/
Vacant land in Allegheny Township’s Town Center for sale at $750,000
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vacant-land-in-allegheny-townships-town-center-for-sale-at-750000/
Monessen mayor attends 1st meeting in nearly 2 years, fires clerk and solicitor
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/monessen-mayor-attends-1st-meeting-in-nearly-2-years-fires-clerk-and-solicitor/
Luzerne County Councilman Urban explains $5 vehicle fee termination proposal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768548/luzerne-county-councilman-urban-explains-5-vehicle-fee-termination-proposal
Boscov’s donates over $3K worth of cold weather supplies to homeless
https://www.timesleader.com/news/768472/boscovs-donates-over-3k-worth-of-cold-weather-supplies-to-homeless
Stormwater fee critics get organized
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stormwater-fee-critics-get-organized-1.2580693
Costs tied to attack on county computers top $600K
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/costs-tied-to-attack-on-county-computers-top-600k-1.2580686
Beaver County Conservation District manager received lump payment after termination
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20200107/beaver-county-conservation-district-manager-received-lump-payment-after-termination
National News
Illinois shops run out of marijuana just six days after start of legalization
https://www.inquirer.com/business/illinois-marijuana-chicago-legalization-first-week-20200107.html
Philly
Philly’s supervised injection site backers say they won’t delay opening while Justice Dept. appeals
https://www.inquirer.com/health/opioid-addiction/safe-injection-site-philly-opening-appeal-safehouse-mcswain-goldfein-20200107.html
A brutal triple murder, an eager informant, hidden evidence, and now, exoneration
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-da-larry-krasner-exoneration-christopher-williams-theophalis-wilson-20200106.html
Corey Michael Hadley, Army infantryman and sharpshooter, dies at 30
https://www.inquirer.com/obituaries/corey-hadley-army-iraq-afghanistan-infantry-died-20200107.html
Mayor Kenney plans citywide street sweeping. I’d like to see him drive the trucks. | Mike Newall
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/mayor-kenney-trash-street-sweeping-program-inauguration-20200107.html
2020 is set to be a big year for Philly workers. Here’s what to watch for in City Hall.
https://www.inquirer.com/jobs/labor/philadelphia-city-hall-workers-legislation-unions-worker-protection-laws-20200107.html
Store employee fatally wounded in South Philly shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/homicide-shooting-fairhill-south-philadelphia-20200108.html
Puerto Rico earthquake stirs worries for Philly relatives: ‘I feel helpless’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/earthquake-puerto-rico-relief-local-efforts-maria-quinones-sanchez-20200107.html
Other Philly institutions besides government should divest from Mummers | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/mummers-parade-corporate-sponsors-blackface-ban-20200107.html
Mayor Kenney’s second-term agenda may just bring out the ‘Woo Girl’ in me | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/helen-ubinas-jim-kenney-inauguration-mayor-philadelphia-20200107.html
New leader seeks to reform Philly D.A.’s Victim Services Unit
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/new-leader-seeks-to-reform-philly-d-a-s-victim-services-unit/
Mayor Kenney on rich people, rude Philly and why a city driving tax will never happen
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/mayor-kenney-on-rich-people-rude-philly-and-why-a/article_95e290cd-975c-5f4b-9257-28671c43283f.html
Pitt
Son of Penguins co-owner Ron Burkle found dead in Los Angeles
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2020/01/07/Penguins-Ron-Burkle-s-son-found-dead-Los-Angeles/stories/202001070087
What should driving, walking or biking look like in Pittsburgh in 2070? The city wants to hear from you
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/01/08/What-should-Pittsburgh-transit-look-like-in-2070-The-city-wants-to-hear-from-you/stories/202001070162
Pitt names new health sciences chief
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/01/07/Anantha-Shekhar-University-of-Pittsburgh-medicine-health-sciences-NIH-Indiana-University/stories/202001070120
Pittsburgh Public Schools looking to sell 4 vacant schools
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-public-schools-release-request-for-proposals-for-former-school-buildings/
State News
Six-year-old Maddie asks a judge to free her and her father after 195 days at the Berks immigrant detention center
https://www.inquirer.com/news/maddie-ice-berks-detention-center-philadelphia-star-wars-20200107.html
This Revolutionary War traitor is the namesake of streets in the Philly suburbs
https://www.inquirer.com/history/sandy-flash-james-fitzpatrick-revolutionary-war-pennsylvania-history-20200108.html
Lawyers to host legal clinic for Clairton residents interested in U.S. Steel lawsuit
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/lawyers-to-host-legal-clinic-for-clairton-residents-interested-in-u-s-steel-lawsuit/
Report: This is Pennsylvania’s wealthiest county
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/report-this-is-pennsylvanias-wealthiest-county/
Funeral plans announced for late Congressman Fitzpatrick
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200107/funeral-plans-announced-for-late-congressman-fitzpatrick
Transportation
Wife of turnpike crash victim says the UPS driver was ‘happy-go lucky’ with a ‘good-natured’ spirit
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/01/07/Pennsylvania-turnpike-crash-tragedy-victim-Dennis-Kehler-wife-UPS-driver-interview/stories/202001070108
Lack of passenger seat belts on bus a concern in deadly Pa. Turnpike crash
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/lack-of-passenger-seat-belts-on-bus-a-concern-in-deadly-pennsylvania-turnpike-crash/
Speed cameras deployed on Interstate 78, Pa. Turnpike in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/speed-cameras-deployed-on-interstate-pa-turnpike-in-berks-county/article_9ea19ffa-317b-11ea-b8b9-8b12dd440919.html
Two speed cameras on Pa. Turnpike in Bucks begin testing
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20200108/two-speed-cameras-on-pa-turnpike-in-bucks-begin-testing
Washington
2020 could be a headache for Congressional members from Philly region
https://www.witf.org/2020/01/08/2020-could-be-a-headache-for-congress-members-from-philly-region/
World News
Iran fires on U.S. forces at bases in Iraq, saying ‘fierce revenge’ has begun
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/01/07/Iran-Iraq-base-housing-US-troops-missiles-rockets-attack/stories/202001070150
Ukrainian airplane crashes near Iran’s capital, killing 176
https://www.inquirer.com/news/nation-world/airline-crash-iran-ukraine-all-killed-20200108.html