Legislatura
State senator representing Berks County to introduce plan to help save PennDOT projects and jobs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/state-senator-representing-berks-county-to-introduce-plan-to-help-save-penndot-projects-and-jobs/article_b34c5fb6-3572-11eb-bb12-9b5e892f5f70.html
Hoping to promote civility in Pa. House, lawmakers form unique bipartisan caucus to work through their differences
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/hoping-to-promote-civility-in-pa-house-lawmakers-form-unique-bipartisan-caucus-to-work-through-their-differences.html
Pa. GOP legislative leaders pledge to look into concerns about 2020 presidential election
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/pa-gop-legislative-leaders-pledge-to-look-into-concerns-about-2020-presidential-election.html
Pa. legislators say they’ll investigate election but can’t convene early or appoint electors
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2020/12/03/legislators-investigate-election-cant-convene-early-appoint-electors/3818526001/
State Rep. O’Mara, capital pay tribute to Delco’s Malinowski a year after firefighter’s death
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/state-rep-omara-capital-pay-tribute-to-delcos-malinowski-a-year-after-firefighters-death/article_7ed202e2-357f-11eb-9aa9-ebbc6d335c6f.html
Branded for life; it’s wrong
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/12/04/Branded-for-life-it-s-wrong-community-legal-services-pa-child-protective-services-law/stories/202012020020
Data systems not up to emergency
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/data-systems-not-up-to-emergency/article_3a849741-a77b-5c82-b7de-9c2597bfc1da.html
Piano-playing Pa. reps put up Christmas tree in Capitol building at night
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/pennsylvania-you-deserve-a-tree-state-reps-put-up-christmas-decoration-in-capitol-building.html
Coronavirus - COVID-19
Pa. reports 11,000 new cases of COVID-19 in one day, and asks public to help protect hospitals from filling
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-surge-hospitals-nj-philly-record-cases-20201203.html
Staffing shortages threaten Western Pa. hospitals
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/staffing-shortages-threaten-western-pa-hospitals/
COVID-19 Update: Southwest Pa. hospitals could see staffing shortages in a week
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19/2020/12/03/covid-19-pittsburgh-southwest-pennsylvania-coronavirus-hospital-staff-shortage/stories/202012030137
COVID-19 surge puts Harrisburg region hospitals on brink of staffing crisis
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/covid-19-surge-puts-harrisburg-region-hospitals-on-brink-of-staffing-crisis.html
Pa. hospitals are running out of ICU beds and health care workers as COVID-19 cases soar
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/03/pa-hospitals-are-running-out-of-icu-beds-and-health-care-workers-as-covid-19-case-soar/
‘A significant concern’: Some Pa. counties have run out of ICU beds; daily COVID cases top 11,000
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2020/12/03/some-pa-counties-have-run-out-icu-beds-daily-covid-cases-top-11-000/3809595001/
St. Luke’s and LVHN say they are OK as Pennsylvania coronavirus surge leaves some counties without ICU beds
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-levine-hospitals-dec3-20201203-geuif6n2cvhlpozp3bnd3v6ypm-story.html
Record 362 new COVID-19 cases in county, death toll tops 300
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/record-362-new-covid-19-cases-in-county-death-toll-tops-300/article_d0959c67-75b6-5f2a-8e7c-e0da66f80743.html
COVID-19 hospitalizations hit record high
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-hospitalizations-hit-record-high/article_f918dfed-5941-51c6-a055-216fe68e14a2.html
Pa. sets coronavirus pandemic record with 11,406 new cases in a single day
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-sets-coronavirus-pandemic-record-with-11-406-new-cases-in-a-single-day/article_a1061784-3586-11eb-b124-2f75d21d6277.html
Hazleton spared on day of record spike in COVID-19 cases
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/coronavirus/hazleton-spared-on-day-of-record-spike-in-covid-19-cases/article_467bb407-0dfb-5bcb-88fe-9a0a1c646e04.html
Pennsylvania’s Capitol Complex to close for covid concerns
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvanias-capitol-complex-to-close-for-covid-concerns/
Pa. lifts some COVID-19 restrictions on energy marketers, but door-to-door sales is still a no-no
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-energy-marketers-covid-sales-restrictions-relaxed-20201204.html
Eastern Pa. companies partner in development of ingestible vaccine
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/eastern-pa-companies-partner-in-development-of-ingestible-vaccine/
A COVID-19 vaccine that you drink? That’s what a company expanding in Allentown is working on
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-us-specialty-formulations-vaxform-covid-vaccine-expansion-20201203-erkz3cikyzf2rhslmymj5abmlm-story.html
Westmoreland County sees record 400 new covid-19 cases, surpasses 10,000 total cases
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-sees-record-400-new-covid-19-cases-surpasses-10000-total-cases/
Valley Points YMCA closes Allegheny Valley branch after positive covid case
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/valley-points-ymca-closes-allegheny-valley-branch-after-positive-covid-case/
Among first acts, Biden to call for 100 days of mask-wearing
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/among-first-acts-biden-to-call-for-100-days-of-mask-wearing/
Empresas
Moosic location of ShopRite opens its doors in former Kmart
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811853/moosic-location-of-shoprite-opens-its-doors-in-former-kmart
From big screens to circuit boards: Former Sony plant in Westmoreland County gets $2.25 million state grant for possible expansion
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/12/04/Sony-Volkswagen-Westmoreland-County-Intervala-RIDC-possible-expansion-circuit-boards/stories/202012040094
Lackawanna County employers benefit from $96 million in pandemic aid
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-employers-benefit-from-96-million-in-pandemic-aid/article_d2bcba03-2820-505b-8fc1-b9b51655022e.html
Woman fired for medical marijuana use appeals dismissal of lawsuit
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/woman-fired-for-medical-marijuana-use-appeals-dismissal-of-lawsuit/article_d9ebdc98-28a6-5e35-a588-eab081517c9b.html
Stores, businesses on frontline of mask mandates
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/stores-businesses-on-frontline-of-mask-mandates/article_11f18878-75f6-53b2-a81e-d54533318501.html
Delito/Castigo
A new Bucks County program aims to pair police officers with social service workers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bucks-county-police-social-workers-diversion-program-20201203.html
Bucks County pilots a ‘humanity-based’ policing approach with social workers
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/03/bucks-county-pilots-a-humanity-based-policing-approach-with-social-workers/
Former DeSales University priest indicted on child porn charges, allegedly collected images of children being ‘tortured’
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-desales-priest-child-porn-indictment-20201203-4am4cyqiirajxpuv66gh3pzuo4-story.html
Tiroteos
A 2-year-old boy was shot in the head in a Bucks apartment and his father is charged in his death
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bucks-county-boy-dies-from-gunshot-wound-middletown-township-father-charged-20201203.html
Teen fatally wounded in North Philly shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/north-philadelphia-teen-fatal-shooting-20201203.html
Pittsburgh police: Man in stable condition after being shot in Arlington neighborhood
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-police-man-in-stable-condition-after-being-shot-in-arlington-neighborhood/
Educación
Pa. school districts will face higher pension costs in 2021-22
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/pa-school-districts-will-face-higher-pension-costs-in-2021-22.html
‘It’s not boo-boos and Band-Aids’: COVID-19 thrust school nurses onto the frontline
https://www.inquirer.com/education/school-nurse-coronavirus-nj-education-screenings-health-pandemic-20201204.html
Greater Nanticoke Area furloughs aides, cleaners, cafeteria workers
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811832/greater-nanticoke-area-furloughs-aides-cleaners-cafeteria-workers
Scranton School District plans $74 million in capital improvement projects
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-school-district-plans-74-million-in-capital-improvement-projects/article_27cab2e5-6a55-5e86-82fc-63323e9eba66.html
Reading School District closes administration building due to coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-school-district-closes-administration-building-due-to-coronavirus/article_0b0ec35e-3584-11eb-9876-f70a322aeb8d.html
Drexel receives $9 million gift to establish new center on racism and health
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/drexel-receives-9-million-gift-to-establish-new-center-on-racism-and-health/article_26c79db9-4571-5a23-a61c-a9b57c4e169d.html
Elecciones/Política
Supreme Court again asked to block Biden win in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/supreme-court-again-asked-to-block-biden-win-in-pennsylvania/
Luzerne County Election Inquiry Committee takes a heated turn
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811847/luzerne-county-election-inquiry-committee-takes-a-heated-turn
Juegos
New sportsbook with sports pub opens at Pa. casino
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/12/new-sportsbook-with-sports-pub-opens-at-pa-casino.html
Sanidad
AHN nurses featured in new Marvel comic book: ‘The Vitals’
https://triblive.com/local/ahn-nurses-featured-in-new-marvel-comic-book/
Noticias locales
Blighted no more, Lackawanna County Land Bank and NeighborWorks mark completion of vacant lot cleanup
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/blighted-no-more-lackawanna-county-land-bank-and-neighborworks-mark-completion-of-vacant-lot-cleanup/article_37d19f96-8db8-5ba7-ad92-e8fa628a9e00.html
Scranton Mayor Cognetti self-quarantining
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/scranton-mayor-cognetti-self-quarantining/article_f4c4c563-cda7-5da2-a8ad-eeab490453de.html
Berks County gives five grants to Main Street organizations
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-gives-five-grants-to-main-street-organizations/article_ffc15d44-3593-11eb-85e3-b3bc145f3497.html
Berks County officials push for direct relief in next coronavirus stimulus package
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-officials-push-for-direct-relief-in-next-coronavirus-stimulus-package/article_039dbd20-3582-11eb-be2e-6be3987f83fe.html
Westmoreland County to award additional pandemic grants
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/westmoreland-county-to-award-additional-pandemic-grants/
Lower Merion moves forward with new “Health in all Policies” policy
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/mainlinetimes/lower-merion-moves-forward-with-new-health-in-all-policies-policy/article_c8362ce4-3596-11eb-a330-93fed73f3c3a.html
South Wilkes-Barre safer with completion of flood-control project
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/south-wilkes-barre-safer-with-completion-of-flood-control-project/article_64f67d6a-54c9-5d4c-be70-9fb2e8afeea2.html
Wilkes-Barre budget kept off agenda, still the focus of city council’s meeting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811849/wilkes-barre-budget-kept-off-agenda-still-the-focus-of-city-councils-meeting
Wilkes-Barre mayor orders more COVID-19 protocols, restrictions
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/wilkes-barre-mayor-orders-more-covid-19-protocols-restrictions/article_3cb641ba-4d3b-5998-9aea-502999fb11d3.html
Matzie: Nearly $210,000 in funding awarded to support region’s museums county historic societies
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/politics/government/2020/12/04/matzie-grants-support-regions-museums-county-historic-societies/3818577001/
Filadelfia
Facing a grim budget, Philadelphia School District may need to lay off employees
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-coronavirus-layoffs-budget-20201203.html
Philly schools form virtual gender and sexuality alliance
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/philly-schools-form-virtual-gender-and-sexuality-alliance/
Jefferson Health will help test travelers for COVID-19 starting Friday at Philadelphia International Airport
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-international-airport-covid-virus-test-travel-jefferson-caribbean-flights-20201203.html
Philly’s Eviction Diversion Program shows some early success
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/eviction-diversion-program-philadelphia-mediation-renter-landlord-20201204.html
Report: Center City retail is being decimated by the pandemic. ‘It’s horrible.’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/center-city-philadelphia-retailed-rittenhouse-shoes-clothes-walnut-chestnut-street-20201204.html
Say goodbye to your favorite restaurants. There’s no relief coming. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-restaurant-closing-covid-coronavirus-dining-20201203.html
Pitt
PennDOT delays six Allegheny County projects worth $15.5 million to $28.5 million
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/12/04/PennDOT-funding-crunch-six-projects-delayed-Allegheny-County/stories/202012030174
Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese pays $19.2 million to settle 224 clergy abuse claims
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pittsburgh-catholic-diocese-pays-19-2-million-to-settle-224-clergy-abuse-claims/
Allegheny County passes 30,000 coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-pass-30000-coronavirus-cases/
Pittsburgh ranked among top cities for LGBTQ inclusivity
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-ranked-among-top-cities-for-lgbtq-inclusivity/
Pittsburgh museums receive state grants for support during pandemic
https://triblive.com/aande/museums/pittsburgh-museums-receive-state-grants-for-support-during-pandemic/
10% of City of Pittsburgh’s employees are in covid quarantine, officials say
https://triblive.com/local/10-of-pittsburghs-employees-are-in-covid-quarantine-officials-say/
Pittsburgh council tweaking covid-related sick leave legislation before final vote
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-council-tweaking-covid-related-sick-leave-legislation-before-final-vote/
EPA grant will go toward electric Port Authority buses in Allegheny County
https://triblive.com/local/epa-grant-will-go-toward-electric-port-authority-buses-in-allegheny-county/
Allegheny County Jail announces new programs to expand access to books, technology
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-jail-announces-new-programs-to-expand-access-to-books-technology/
Noticias del Estado
Pa. approves Peco plan to offer hourly rates to encourage customers to shift energy use to off-peak periods
https://www.inquirer.com/business/pennsylvania-peco-default-service-tou-rates-time-of-use-20201204.html
Show your support for Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/12/show-your-support-for-pennsylvania-to-join-the-regional-greenhouse-gas-initiative-pennlive-letters.html
Washington
Putting more food on more tables is job for Congress | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/hunger-pandemic-snap-trump-biden-philabundance–20201204.html