AP-NORC poll: Virus, economy swamp other priorities for US
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and HANNAH FINGERHUT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Containing the coronavirus outbreak and repairing the economic damage it has inflicted are the top priorities for Americans as Joe Biden prepares to become the 46th president of the United States. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Fifty-three percent of Americans cite COVID-19 as one of the top five issues they want the government to tackle in 2021, and 68% mention in some way the economy. The findings suggest Biden’s political fate is riding on his administration’s response to the pandemic. Biden has unveiled a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan to battle the disease. Racial inequality also grew as a priority.

Pennsylvania statewide row officers to be sworn in Tuesday
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s three statewide row officers will be taking their oaths of office in Harrisburg to serve for the coming four years. There will be separate ceremonies on Tuesday for attorney general, auditor general and treasurer. Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro was elected to a second term in November. He’ll take the oath in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. Republican Tim DeFoor was elected auditor general, succeeding Democrat Eugene DePasquale, who is term-limited. DeFoor will be sworn in at the King Mansion along the Susquehanna River. Republican Stacy Garrity unseated incumbent Treasurer Joe Torsella. Garrity’s ceremony will take place in the Forum Building, behind the Capitol.

Gov. Wolf Congratulates, Thanks Dr. Levine Following Nomination by President-Elect Biden 

Today, Governor Tom Wolf released the followed statement on Dr. Rachel Levine’s nomination to serve as assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rachel Levine on her appointment by President-Elect Biden to serve as his assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Dr. Levine is a highly skilled and valued member of my administration and she will be greatly missed.  She has been a wise and dedicated partner during this pandemic and throughout her career with the commonwealth. I couldn’t be prouder of the tireless work she’s done to serve Pennsylvanians and protect the public health.

“During her tenure at the Department of Health, Dr. Levine was instrumental in establishing the state’s medical marijuana program, bringing national awareness to opioid use disorder, and highlighting and promoting the need for adequate medical care and access for the LGBTQ community. Over the past year, her steady hand and calm approach were critical to managing Pennsylvania’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Her work for our commonwealth has been transformational and I appreciate it more than I can say. I and the people of Pennsylvania owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership, strength and dedication to protecting every person’s health amid unprecedented circumstances – and, at times, amid hateful distractions. Dr. Levine is both competent and compassionate, and never lets the anger or fear of others sway her from her goals.

“Thank you, Dr. Levine, for your commitment, your example, and your legacy.”

The governor expects to make an announcement regarding Dr. Levine’s replacement later in the week.

HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is today announcing the release of a comprehensive report summarizing the accomplishments and reforms of the Office during Attorney General Shapiro’s first term ahead of the Attorney General’s swearing-in ceremony.   “This report tells the story of the hard work of public servants and employees of the Office of Attorney General over the past four years,” said AG Shapiro. “They have been laser-focused on serving the people of the Commonwealth and taking on the important work that has allowed us to succeed. I am thankful for all of them, and I am looking forward to continuing this work on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania.”   The report highlights the work of each section of the Office of Attorney General and the progress that has been made in the years since Attorney General Shapiro took office in 2017. It details the efforts that the team at the OAG has undertaken to both encourage trust from and demonstrate integrity and accountability to Pennsylvanians. Examples from this report include:   Living Out Our Core Values: Since taking office, AG Shapiro has hired 477 new employees including 290 women, Black, Hispanic and Asian individuals to serve our Commonwealth—which accounts for 60 percent of all hires. That compares to 45 percent of all hires in 2016.  The Office of Attorney General also hired its first Diversity and Inclusion Officer. The Big Fights: In 2018, AG Shapiro revealed the results of an extensive, two-year grand jury investigation into the Catholic Church that continues to bring national and international attention to abuse scandals and the extensive efforts by bishops and Vatican officials to hide this abuse. Protecting Consumers from Fraud and Scams: The Office of Attorney General has fielded 99,932 total complaints since AG Shapiro took office, including 37,568 from seniors. This is a 27 percent total increase over prior administration with a 40 percent increase for seniors. Combating the Opioid Epidemic: In 2019, Attorney General Shapiro sued Purdue Pharma, the manufacturers of Oxycontin, which is a popular and highly addictive painkiller. AG Shapiro followed that lawsuit with separate litigation alleging that members of the Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma, are personally liable for the opioid crisis. Fulfilling and Expanding OAG’s Mission: In 2017, AG Shapiro created the Office of Attorney General’s first Fair Labor Section, whose work was critical to protecting Pennsylvanian workers against many of the unfair and illegal administrative rules promulgated by the Trump Administration.   The full report can be found on the OAG website.

Pittsburgh, PA – Starting Sat., Jan. 23, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: A Splash of Brilliance will help guests wash away the winter blues with a journey through immersive, vibrant displays. There’s no better escape from cold days than a stroll through Phipps’ verdant glasshouse, and a Splash of Brilliance provides color, warmth, safety and wellness when they are needed most.

Exhibit features include a tiered fountain cascading with orchids and dripping with Spanish moss, orchids planted in ring baskets and hanging baskets overhead, a serene soundtrack provided by various water features, orchids arranged in six- and nine-foot fountain-shaped towers, a bamboo shishi-odoshi deer scarer fountain and, of course, a magnificent display of some of Phipps’ finest tropical bonsai specimens, showcasing a wide variety of species and pruning techniques.

Guests will also enjoy the whimsical displays of Garden Railroad: Rails and Trails. This delightful exhibit entertains guests with the sights and sounds of the miniature Phipps Biophilia Park. Featuring a pontoon boat cruising along a lake, an audience enjoying a concert at a band shell and all-new touchless interactive features, this exhibit is sure to bring joy to guests of all ages.

Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: A Splash of Brilliance runs from Jan. 23 – Feb. 28. Hours are 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. Timed tickets must be reserved in advance and are available for visits through Jan. 31 now, with additional dates opening on a weekly basis. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit phipps.conservatory.org/Tickets.

This show was designed by Kevin Haughey, Jordyn Melino and Katie Schuller.

Biden picks transgender woman as assistant health secretary
By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine to be his assistant secretary of health, leaving her poised to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate. Levine is a pediatrician and former Pennsylvania physician general and was appointed to her current post by Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf in 2017. Levine is one of the few transgender people serving in elected or appointed positions nationwide. Levine won past confirmation by the Republican-majority Pennsylvania Senate and has emerged as the public face of the state’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

POINT PARK UNIVERSITY APPOINTS DARLENE MARNICH

FOUNDING DEAN OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

PITTSBURGH, PA —  Darlene Marnich, Ph.D., has been appointed founding Dean of the School of Education at Point Park University.

Prior to her appointment, Marnich held the title of professor and chair in the School of Education. As chair, Marnich helped establish the School of Education at Point Park University in 2018 and has overseen a number of accomplishments.  Among the most significant is launching the first doctoral program at Point Park University, the Ed.D. in Leadership and Administration.  Other important milestones in the School of Education include certifications for programs in Pre-K through Grade 4 and Grade 4 through Grade 8, two special education programs (Pre-K through Grade 8 and Grade 7 through Grade 12), three master’s degree programs (Teaching and Leadership, Secondary Education leading to Pa. certification and M.Ed. in Athletic Coaching) and an Ed.D. doctoral program in leadership and administration.

“Years before the pandemic became a reality, the School of Education emphasized programming and delivery methods.   With each step students have always been the focus,” said Marnich.  “This student-centered approach is the foundation of the success we have today and as dean, I look forward to continuing a leadership role at this most critical time.”

According to John Pearson, provost at Point Park University, “Darlene is an innovative, thoughtful, dynamic academic leader.  In naming her the founding Dean of the School of Education, we recognize her long-time work with faculty creating excellent academic opportunities for our students. I am excited and proud to recognize Darlene for her extraordinary work.”

Marnich is a long-time resident of Grove City, PA.   She is a graduate of Grove City High School and was a liaison for many years between the Grove City Rotary Club and Point Park University, raising funds for the community through an annual auction.