The stars are aligned for a news week bar none. Our headline writers' brains are buzzing, as we plan an incredible week of news and sports coverage.
On Tuesday, Barack Obama will be inaugurated the 44th President of the United States, the first African-American. There are endless parallels being drawn to Dr. Martin Luther King, whose birthday will be celebrated Monday, and to Abraham Lincoln, whose call for a new birth of freedom is being echoed.
On Saturday, President-elect Obama will leave by train from Philadelphia, following the route taken by President Lincoln to his inauguration in Washington. On Sunday, more than a dozen local churches will come together in a communitywide celebration of the life of Dr. King.
Every day this week and continuing through the weekend, The Mercury is featuring local involvement in the buildup to history in the making. Staff writer Carl Hessler will be in Washington for coverage of the supercharged atmosphere in the nation's capital. Watch for live coverage from D.C. every day beginning Monday.
Tuesday's paper will include a 16-page special inauguration day section for use in schools. This Newspapers in Education feature will include background on the road President-elect Obama has followed to the White House.
Wednesday's Mercury will be a special commemorative edition of inauguration coverage. Staff writer Evan Brandt and photographer John Strickler will be on a bus of Pottstonians headed to the capital, recounting their reaction to this milestone marking the start of an era of hope and change.
And speaking of hope and change ... how 'bout those Eagles?
The Birds are in an NFC championship game Sunday, and The Mercury will feature a 12-page special Game Day section previewing the matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. Monday's paper will feature complete game coverage.
The coming week has so much news, it may be more than we can print. So, check out this Web site too for online extras. The Mercury -- in print and online for you.