Legislature
Lawmakers circulate memos in anticipation of new redistricting battle
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/12/lawmakers-circulate-memos-in-anticipation-of-new-redistricting-battle.php
Hey, Pa., take notes. N.J. poised to raise minimum wage | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/hey-pa-take-notes-nj-raise-minimum-wage-legislature-pay-raise-editorial-20181204.html
George H.W. Bush
From the Capitol, Bush is embraced in death as a ‘gentle soul’ and ‘great man’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/12/03/President-George-HW-Bush-funeral-lie-in-state-Capitol-Washington-funeral-viewing/stories/201812030142
Bush’s state funeral follows generations of tradition
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/12/04/george-h-w-Bush-s-state-funeral-follows-generations-of-tradition/stories/201812040095
Most mail won’t be delivered Wednesday as the federal government closes to honor Bush
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/12/03/Most-mail-won-t-be-delivered-Wednesday-as-the-federal-government-is-closed/stories/201812030168
Business
Beware the holiday ‘smart toys’ that spy on your kids
http://www2.philly.com/news/smart-toy-spy-hack-cayla-bear-amazon-fire-20181204.html
Testimony begins in U.S. Steel appeal of coke works enforcement order
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2018/12/04/Coke-works-emissions-problems-aired/stories/201812030146
Secret Santa pays off $29,000 in layaways at Kennett Square Walmart
http://www2.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/walmart-layaway-secret-santa-pennsylvania-kennett-square-20181203.html
Gilpin beer distributor shutters its doors
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14366168-74/gilpin-beer-distributor-shutters-its-doors
By the numbers: The five largest warehouses in the Lehigh Valley right now
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-qvc-hsn-fulfillment-center-majestic-realty-south-bethlehem-20181203-story.html
At 1.7 million square feet, new QVC warehouse will be the largest in Lehigh Valley — maybe in Pa.
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-qurate-retail-qvc-hsn-bethlehem-huge-fulfillment-center-20181130-story.html
Catholic Church
Pa. Supreme Court: Names of Catholic clergy will remain shielded
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/pa-supreme-court-catholic-clergy-sex-abuse-redactions-grand-jury-20181203.html
Names of priests redacted from clergy sex abuse report won’t be released, high court rules
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/names-of-priests-redacted-from-grand-jury-report-to-remain-permanently-blocked-high-court-rules.html#incart_river_index
Education
Attorney Borland calls for state inspection of WB Area Schools
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726590/attorney-borland-calls-for-state-inspection-of-wb-area-schools
United Way aims to help students with ’Loads of Love’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726612/united-way-aims-to-help-students-with-loads-of-love
Scranton School Board reorganization meeting reveals divisions
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-reorganization-meeting-reveals-divisions-1.2417831
RACC, Alvernia expand dual admission partnership
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/racc-alvernia-expand-dual-admission-partnership
Health Care
A messy divorce: UPMC and Highmark leave patients out
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/12/04/A-messy-divorce-UPMC-and-Highmark-leave-patients-out/stories/201812040019
Local News
$1 million state grant to be sought for upgrades to downtown Wilkes-Barre theaters
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726602/1-million-state-grant-to-be-sought-for-upgrades-to-downtown-wilkes-barre-theaters
Medical cannabis dispensary opens on Kidder Street
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726628/medical-cannabis-dispensary-opens-on-kidder-street
New medical marijuana dispensary opens in W-B
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-medical-marijuana-dispensary-opens-in-w-b-1.2417820
Swoyersville opens 2 proposals for ambulance service in 2019
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/swoyersville-opens-2-proposals-for-ambulance-service-in-2019-1.2417892
Scranton council passes 2019 budget that holds taxes steady
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-passes-2019-budget-that-holds-taxes-steady-1.2417909
City personnel say disturbing sound is coming from rail yard
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-personnel-say-disturbing-sound-is-coming-from-rail-yard-1.2417846
Scranton native sworn in as Alaska governor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/scranton-native-sworn-in-as-alaska-governor-1.2417758
Dunmore’s police chief, Sal Marchese, no longer in role as officials remain mum
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dunmore-s-police-chief-sal-marchese-no-longer-in-role-as-officials-remain-mum-1.2417790
Apollo faces loss of solicitor, auditor on top of budget crisis
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14365996-74/apollo-faces-loss-of-solicitor-auditor-on-top-of-budget-crisis
Former police officer admits causing Berks County crash, trying to cover it up
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bern-township-cop-pleads-guilty-to-charges-stemming-from-december-crash
Reading council wants parking board pledges in writing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-council-wants-parking-board-pledges-in-writing
Our view: Erie police to test body cameras
http://www.goerie.com/opinion/20181204/our-view-erie-police-to-test-body-cameras
National News
The man killed by police in an Alabama mall was shot from behind, an attorney says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/03/black-man-killed-police-Alabama-mall-shot-from-behind-family-attorney/stories/201812030161
Wisconsin GOP uses rare session to weaken incoming governor
http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/20181204_ap_27a08a42972b484fa0590264bee43b57.html
New Jersey
One year, eight new gun-control laws in New Jersey
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/new-jersey-gun-control-rights-murphy-law-20181204.html
N.J. lawmakers advance bill to ban cashless stores
http://www2.philly.com/news/new-jersey-cashless-store-ban-amazon-retailer-20181203.html
Philly
Philly employers are leery about asking applicants about their wage history
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/salary-philadelphia-chamber-commerce-20181204.html
Kenney, union leaders endorse proposed ‘fair workweek’ legislation
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/kenney-union-leaders-endorse-proposed-fair-workweek-legislation/article_70e839d4-bbe9-56e1-bd0e-45da0f486e0a.html
Retailers are looking beyond Rittenhouse Square, expanding Center City’s shopping district east
http://www2.philly.com/business/retail/center-city-philadelphia-retail-shopping-rittenhouse-20181204.html
Violent Philly gang member gets life plus 85 years, lashes out at federal judge
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/robert-hartley-violent-philadelphia-gang-sentence-life-plus-85-years-lashed-out-20181203.html
Philly mourns the loss of Willis ‘Nomo’ Humphrey, noted muralist
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/willis-nomo-humphrey-death-murals-hart-dubois-mlk-catto-20181204.html
Bob Brady aide Smukler found guilty on 9 of 11 counts in campaign finance case
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/ken-smukler-verdict-trial-bob-brady-campaign-finance-marjorie-margolies-20181203.html
Two dead, two injured in separate shootings in Philly
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/two-dead-two-injured-in-separate-shootings-in-philly-20181203.html
Phila. Councilman Allan Domb’s lonely fight to kill DROP
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/philadelphia-allan-domb-drop-council-cherelle-parker-jim-kenney-20181203.html
How Philly is combating tax delinquency | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-real-estate-tax-delinquency-20181204.html
Punishing poverty: How Philly’s cash bail system does more harm than good | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/malcolm-jenkins-criminal-justice-reform-cash-bail-philadelphia-eagles-20181203.html
He’s a US citizen born in Philadelphia. He says ICE detained him anyway
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/he-s-a-us-citizen-born-in-philadelphia-he-says/article_c1ddbba3-cbeb-545c-a800-c6aafb379abb.html
Pitt
3 Crossings 2.0: Another warehouse-turned-office-complex slated for the Strip District
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/12/03/3-Crossings-Strip-District-Oxford-Development-The-Stacks/stories/201812030139
Startups collecting data about Pittsburgh roads think they can shake up city infrastructure
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2018/12/03/pittsburgh-amazon-hq2-infrastructure-gridwise-roadbotics-lanespotter-cmu/stories/201811150021
Pittsburgh public school board elects new president
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/12/03/Pittsburgh-public-schools-gets-new-board-president/stories/201812030172
Conference shows businesses are lining up to supply components of self-driving vehicles
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/12/03/Covestro-self-driving-vehicles-PPG-Industries-Bridgestone-Americas-materials-suppliers/stories/201812030149
First Night Pittsburgh will celebrate its silver anniversary
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2018/12/03/First-Night-Pittsburgh-New-Years-Eve-2018/stories/201812030117
First Night Pittsburgh turns 25
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14365359-74/first-night-pittsburgh-turns-black-and-gold-city-silver
State News
‘It hits home for everybody’: Soldier from Export dies after Afghanistan attack
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/12/03/Soldier-Export-Pennsylvania-Sgt-Jason-Mitchell-McClary-dies-vehicle-hits-IED-Afghanistan/stories/201812030111
Pennsylvania’s forgotten African American cemeteries are getting their historical due
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/african-american-cemeteries-pennsylvania-national-register-historic-places-digital-database-bucktoe-20181204.html
U.S. Postal Service provides temporary office in Bucks town
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/croydon-post-office-bucks-county-closed-fire-20181203.html
Delaware County pipeline study finds risk less than fatal car crash, house fire
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/mariner-east-2-pipeline-adelphia-gateway-map-risk-study-delaware-county-pa-20181204.html
Pennsylvania to consider more conditions that should qualify for medical marijuana
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14367032-74/pennsylvania-to-consider-more-conditions-that-should-qualify-for-medical-marijuana
How is Pennsylvania responding to climate change?
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/how-is-pennsylvania-responding-to-climate-change
No beauty contest: Vote Lackawanna
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/no-beauty-contest-vote-lackawanna-1.2417785
Top selling spirits at Pa.’s Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores
https://www.pennlive.com/expo/news/erry-2018/12/433214d3827791/top-selling-spirits-at-pas-fin.html#incart_river_index
‘Pa.’s menorah will shine brighter this year’: rabbi tells assembled at Capitol celebration
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/pas_menorah_will_shine_brighte.html#incart_river_index