Regional Morning Briefing: Officials turn up heat on Sunoco pipeline process; Llanerch Diner reopens after fire

Good Morning. Here are some of the top stories from around the region.

WEATHER

The snow won’t be melting today. With a high of 17 degrees today will be windy and frigid. Tonight will be clear and colder with a low of 6 degrees.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS

Philadelphia region school delays and closings announced for Friday

Some school districts in the Philadelphia region have announced delays and closings for Friday, Jan. 5.

NEWS

Local officials turn up heat to ensure safety of Sunoco pipeline process

In light of the state Department of Environmental Protection’s decision Wednesday to shut down construction on the controversial Sunoco Mariner East 2 statewide, state Sen. Andy Dinniman has decided to turn up the heat on Sunoco.

Renovated Llanerch Diner reopens after summer fire

Just in time for the New Year, and a snowstorm, too, the landmark Llanerch Diner in Upper Darby has finally reopened.

Fires in Norristown, Whitemarsh, Upper Merion keep firefighters busy through morning snowfall

Firefighters responded to a row home fire in the 100 block of Stanbridge Street around 8 a.m. Thursday along with two more significant fires were reported in the area.

SEPTA train crashes into vehicle shutting down West Trenton line in Montco

The passenger in a vehicle unable to stop at a SEPTA West Trenton line train crossing on Red Lion Road was killed this morning when it collided with an inbound train.

Robber of Conshohocken bank who escaped in taxi now headed to state prison

A Philadelphia man who hailed a taxi service to escape after robbing a Conshohocken bank saw a prison bus as his next ride for a trip to a state penitentiary.

Telford man draws prison time for Hatfield home invasion

A Telford man is on his way to state prison after he admitted to participating in a home invasion in Hatfield Borough.

SPORTS

Union’s 2018 schedule brings early opportunity, late challenges

The schedule makers at MLS have given the Philadelphia Union a chance to start the season with momentum. They’ve also provided an imperative to capitalize on that start with several treacherous stretches that follow.

Provorov leads feisty Flyers to win over Islanders

Ivan Provorov had two goals and an assist, and Sean Couturier had a goal, an assist and participated in one of several fights for the Philadelphia Flyers in a feisty 6-4 victory over the slumping New York Islanders on Thursday night.

ENTERTAINMENT

Philly musician Ryan Tennis’ ‘Graceland’ show to feature ‘all-star’ lineup at Ardmore Music Hall

West Philadelphian Ryan Tennis has been compared to Ben Harper, Bill Withers, and even Paul Simon.