Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today that approximately 450 Pennsylvania National Guard (PNG) members have been put on state active duty to support safety and security efforts within the commonwealth that coincide with the presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C.

“I will not allow what happened at our nation’s capital to happen here. That is why I am taking the necessary measures to ensure everyone’s safety and security across our great commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf said. “The Pennsylvania National Guard’s presence around our State Capital and surrounding community will enhance law enforcement’s ability to provide continued public safety and critical infrastructure security during these unprecedented times. Our Guard members are proud to live, work and raise their families in the very communities they will be supporting, and I am grateful for their willingness to serve their fellow neighbors.”

“Assisting and supporting local authorities during times of need is one of the core missions of the National Guard,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general. “The men and women of the Pennsylvania National Guard are trained and prepared to ensure our citizens and infrastructure are safe and protected.”

Over 1,000 PNG members are currently supporting the District of Columbia National Guard and D.C. local civilian authorities in preparation for the upcoming presidential inauguration.

Pennsylvania has the second largest National Guard in the country with approximately 19,000 members located in more than 80 armories and readiness centers statewide.

Biden unveiling $1.9T plan to stem virus and steady economy
By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR and BILL BARROW Associated Press
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden is unveiling a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan to turn the tide on the pandemic, speeding up the vaccine rollout and providing financial help to individuals, states and local governments and business struggling with the prolonged economic fallout. More than 385,000 people have died in the U.S. from COVID-19. Biden hopes his multipronged strategy will put the country on the path to recovery by the end of his administration’s first 100 days. The plan includes $1,400 checks for individuals, on top of $600 provided in the last COVID-19 bill. There’s also money for a mass vaccination campaign and a major expansion of local public health efforts.

Airport screeners find loaded handgun in passenger’s bag
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Screeners at Pittsburgh International Airport found a loaded .22-caliber handgun in a passenger’s carry-on bag. The incident took place Thursday morning at the airport’s main security checkpoint. Allegheny County Police say the female passenger had a valid concealed carry permit and had inadvertently left the gun in her bag. Police say the passenger was permitted to board her flight without the weapon. No charges have been filed.

Pennsylvania Capitol closing; more security being added
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf has ordered the Pennsylvania Capitol closed for two days next week around the swearing-in of three statewide officials and the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden. The complex is already closed to the general public because of the coronavirus pandemic. Most Capitol employees under Wolf’s jurisdiction currently work remotely. But the new order Thursday advises employees who report to work in person to take off Tuesday and Wednesday. Wolf’s Office of Administration says it isn’t aware of any specific threats at this time. The agency that protects the Pennsylvania Capitol building is adding police officers inside and out and erecting barriers.

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Tune into 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, 99.3 FM, and beavercountyradio.com at 9:10  a.m. Friday January 15, 2021 for a special interview with Dino Capestrani from Concordia Visiting Nurses. Dino and fill in host Frank Sparks will be discussing conquering seasonal depression during the pandemic. Dino will also be available to answer any of your questions by calling 724-843-1888 and 724-774-18888.

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Tune into Beaver County Radio 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, 99.3 FM, and beavercountyradio.com as United States Congressman Conor Lamb (17th)  will join fill-in host Frank Sparks on Teleforum at 11:10 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021.

The pair will talk about last week’s riot in Washington, Impeachment, His comments on the threat of more violence, and now that President Donald Trump is impeached what is next.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The agency that protects the Pennsylvania Capitol building says officials aren’t aware of specific threats to the facility but are bolstering security measures. Troy Thompson with the Department of General Services, which oversees Capitol Police, said Thursday there are additional officers inside and out. Barriers have been erected outside the ornate building in recent days.

Thompson says Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf hasn’t issued an order to close the downtown Harrisburg complex next week, but that could change if necessary. State capitols around the United States have worked to heighten security after the attack on the U.S. Capitol last week.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Constitution says the chief justice is to preside at the impeachment trial of a president. But what about an ex-president? Like so much else about the Constitution, the answer is subject to interpretation. If President Donald Trump’s trial begins after Jan. 20, it’s not clear whether Chief Justice John Roberts would make his way to the Senate chamber as he did last year for Trump’s first trial. Impeachment scholars, law professors and political scientists offer differing views.

The choices appear to be Roberts, Kamala Harris, who by then will be vice president, or Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who will be the Senate’s president pro tem once the Democrats gain control of the Senate.

Harrisburg, PA – As part of the Wolf Administration’s effort to rollout the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Tom Wolf has approved a temporary waiver allowing pharmacists licensed by the Department of State to order and administer COVID-19 vaccines without a physician’s order when vaccines are available to the public. Adding pharmacists to the health care professionals administering COVID-19 vaccines expands options for Pennsylvanians to be immunized once the vaccine is widely available from the federal government.

“Pharmacists, as well as pharmacy interns and technicians, are critical partners in the commonwealth’s plan to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said. “Many Pennsylvanians will go to their local pharmacy for vaccination. This waiver will enable pharmacies to offer the COVID-19 vaccines without a physician’s order.”

Pennsylvania pharmacists who meet certain training and other requirements can obtain authorization to administer injectable medications, biologicals and immunizations. If a pharmacist has that authorization, he or she can administer any immunization, including COVID-19 immunizations, to persons 18 years of age or older.

Historically, some pharmacies have entered into arrangements with physicians in order to receive reimbursement for flu shots and other vaccinations. Many pharmacies, however, do not have an arrangement with a physician, and even those that do have not had time to incorporate the COVID-19 vaccination into that relationship.  This waiver would allow pharmacists to order and administer COVID-19 vaccine without such a provider agreement.

“We are working on ways to increase access to the vaccine, and pharmacists already play an important role in making sure Pennsylvanians are protected,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Pennsylvanians continue to play an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by masking up, washing up and socially distancing.”

This waiver applies solely to COVID-19 vaccines for the duration of the Governor’s Disaster Emergency Declaration plus 90 days.

For more information about the Department of State’s COVID-19 response, visit the Department of State website.