• Legislators’ Education Funding Commission calls for spending $5.4 billion to close Pa.’ education funding gap: By an 8-7 vote, the commission endorsed a report introduced by co-chair state Rep. Mike Sturla. The spending, spread over seven years, would target poorer school districts to comply with last year’s “fair funding” Supreme Court ruling. (Source: Capital-Star)
• Harrisburg Diocese sells St. Joseph’s School building to Water Street Ministries: The latter has not announced its plans for the property. It sits at the same intersection as Strawberry Hill Restaurant, which City Hall has targeted for redevelopment. (Source: LNP)
• Report: Respiratory virus levels high in Pa.: So far this winter, the Department of Health has recorded 1,019 Covid-19 deaths and 67 flu deaths. (Source: WITF | WESA)
• St. Joseph’s University completes acquisition of Pa. College of Health Sciences: The acquisition was a “natural” for the university, President Cheryl McConnel said. (Source: LNP)
• Berks County man arrested on Jan. 6 charges: Ian MacBride of Douglassville was part of the riot in the Capitol building, federal authorities said. (Source: CBS 21)
• Catherine Hershey Schools accepting applications for Harrisburg branch: It is one of six the nonprofit is opening, including three in Lancaster County. (Source: ABC 27)
• Nation/world: Houthis vow retaliation after U.S.-led airstrikes. (Source: NBC News) Trump ignores judge, rails against trial during closing arguments. (Source: CBS News) Black man imprisoned for 44 years reaches $25 million settlement after exoneration. (Source: USA Today) Ohio grand jury declines to indict woman who miscarried. (Source: ABC News) Israel argues self-defense in genocide hearing. (Source: UPI) Hunter Biden pleads not guilty on tax charges. (Source: ABC News) Education Department fast-tracks forgiveness of smaller student loans. (Source: NPR)
