Legislatura
After a year of political fights, a Pennsylvania state budget is closing with minimal fuss. Really.
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/after-a-year-of-political-fights-a-pennsylvania-state-budget-is-closing-with-minimal-fuss-really.html
Divided Pennsylvania House gives approval for audit of 2020 election
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/19/Divided-Pennsylvania-House-gives-approval-for-audit-of-2020-election/stories/202011190148
Pa. legislative committee to audit county election data
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/19/pa-legislative-committee-to-audit-county-election-data/
Wolf to veto bills on carrying, selling guns amid disasters
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/19/wolf-gets-bills-to-protect-selling-guns-during-disasters/
Republicans and Democrats should find common ground on prison reform | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/11/republicans-and-democrats-should-find-common-ground-on-prison-reform-opinion.html
Coronavirus - COVID-19
COVID-19 in Pa.: Why the state is handling the fall surge differently than the spring
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/19/covid-19-pa-why-state-handling-fall-surge-differently/6328417002/
Contact tracing offers a grim preview of Pa.’s looming COVID-19 crisis
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/11/contact-tracing-offers-a-grim-preview-of-pas-looming-covid-19-crisis.html
State health officials ready to distribute COVID-19 vaccine, with focus on high-risk populations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/19/pennsylvania-health-department-vaccine-distribution-plan-levine/stories/202011190098
Pa. Department of Health says coronavirus vaccine distribution could begin in December
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pa-department-of-health-says-coronavirus-vaccine-distribution-could-begin-in-december/article_5b502596-2a5e-11eb-95d7-6f3a31048a5e.html
Levine expects mask order to remain well into 2021
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/levine-expects-mask-order-to-remain-well-into-2021/article_7e7cfeb4-24df-5352-89d7-e380506f3ad2.html
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: Record shattered with 7,126 new cases as health secretary predicts hard times ahead
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-nov-19-update-20201119-vtit7piiwvdm5lbzrfwxeogrs4-story.html
More than 7,000 new COVID-19 cases in Pa.; Delco, South Jersey say hospitals are filling
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-surge-nj-philly-hospitals-vaccine-delco-masks-20201119.html
These ZIP codes had the most new COVID-19 cases this week. Is yours on the list?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/11/these-zip-codes-had-the-most-new-covid-19-cases-this-week-is-yours-on-the-list.html
Health commissioner says the coronavirus is surging in Philadelphia
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/health-commissioner-says-the-coronavirus-is-surging-in-philadelphia/article_e7f98f84-70da-5444-a5af-a74d7cac45ad.html
Covid cases in Allegheny County continue to spike
https://triblive.com/local/covid-cases-in-allegheny-county-continue-to-spike/
Berks County adds 194 new coronavirus cases on another record-setting day for Pa.
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-adds-194-new-coronavirus-cases-on-another-record-setting-day-for-pa/article_315d573e-2a8d-11eb-8e6b-4f7bfec48ffc.html
Pandemic fatigue and the holidays threaten to swamp Pa. hospitals with COVID-19 cases
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-second-wave-threatens-to-overwhelm-hospitals-pennsylvania-20201120.html
Region’s cases and hospitalizations climbing, but ICU beds not a worry, top doctors say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/19/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-surge-1/stories/202011190105
Contact tracer jobs dry up just as WCCC launches training program
https://triblive.com/local/regional/contact-tracer-jobs-dry-up-just-as-wccc-launches-training-program/
Brighton’s Plight: Staffing concerns
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/brighton/part5-agency-staffing.php
Doctors, CDC caution against holiday family gatherings
https://observer-reporter.com/series/coronavirus/doctors-cdc-caution-against-holiday-family-gatherings/article_c6f4c9ec-2909-11eb-9c91-331ce6efb043.html
Mnuchin rejects renewal of some Fed emergency loan programs
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/11/mnuchin-rejects-renewal-of-some-fed-emergency-loan-programs.html
Elecciones/Política
Court strikes down counting of 2,349 ballots in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/19/Nicole-Ziccarelli-PA-state-Senate-vs-Brewster-election-ballots-Commonwealth-Court/stories/202011190151
State Sen. Brewster now tied with challenger Ziccarelli in 45th District race
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/state-sen-brewster-now-tied-with-challenger-ziccarelli-in-45th-district-race/
How Joe Biden won Erie County: City, ‘burbs, mail support; competitive in some rural areas
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/20/erie-county-election-joe-biden-won-city-suburban-mail-votes/6308983002/
Georgia hand tally of votes is complete, affirms Biden’s lead over Trump
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/georgia-recount-joe-biden-trump-20201119.html
Trump legal team pushes conspiracy theories of hacked voting machines — claims it called ludicrous four years ago in court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/giuliani-press-conference-trump-lawsuits-election-results-pennsylvania-20201119.html
Trump campaign lawyer in Philadelphia withdraws from federal election suit
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/19/trump-campaign-lawyer-in-philadelphia-withdraws-from-federal-election-suit/
More claims of wrongdoing, still no evidence: Trump asks judge to throw out questioned ballots or the entire election in Pennsylvania
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/20/trump-lawsuit-pennsylvania-claims-fraud-but-provides-no-evidence/6342961002/
Second gentleman, first Jew, Jersey-raised: Doug Emhoff is making history
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/kamala-harris-husband-doug-emhoff-joe-biden-20201120.html
Defund The Police’ became a Republican weapon in suburban Philly | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/defund-the-police-campaign-attacks-pennsylvania-trump-biden-maria-panaritis-20201120.html
Trump supporters plan ‘election integrity’ rally in Greensburg
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/trump-supporters-plan-election-integrity-rally-in-greensburg/
Critique of Luzerne County election continues
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810458/critique-of-luzerne-county-election-continues
Election board member will not sign off on election results, cites ballot problems
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/election-board-member-will-not-sign-off-on-election-results-cites-ballot-problems/article_61ccd643-9b28-52e0-a2d5-ec19f1446ff1.html
Election Day problems still in dispute at council inquiry meeting
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/election-day-problems-still-in-dispute-at-council-inquiry-meeting/article_7215bfae-6f4f-5bdc-bf08-ab083b2905ff.html
EDITORIAL: Keep the voting momentum going
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2020/11/20/editorial-keep-voting-momentum-going/3775581001/
Empresas
U.S. jobless claims rise to 742,000; millions to lose aid
https://www.inquirer.com/economy/us-unemployment-aid-jobless-claims-rise-amid-pandemic-economy-20201119.html
Staffing company hiring for more than 600 jobs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/business/staffing-company-hiring-for-more-than-600-jobs/article_ba20d7be-bf68-51c5-8ae1-2dfef5de8f89.html
Delito/Castigo
Allegheny County police investigating shooting in Glassport
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/19/Glassport-shooting-Delaware-Avenue-man-shot-Allegheny-County-police-investigate/stories/202011190157
Educación
Westmoreland, Allegheny tech schools get grants for new equipment
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/eastern-westmoreland-ctc-gets-50000-grant-to-buy-equipment/
Crestwood authorizes support staff furloughs, extends superintendent contract
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810438/crestwood-authorizes-support-staff-furloughs-extends-superintendent-contract
Glen Mills adopts Pennsylvania audit recommendations
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/glen-mills-adopts-pennsylvania-audit-recommendations/article_1ff2cc0c-29e5-11eb-8cbe-23b540f65fae.html
Should Montco schools go all virtual? Amid a lawsuit and protests, a parent and teacher debate. | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/montgomery-county-pennsylvania-coronavirus-school-closing-val-arkoosh-20201119.html
During pandemic, cyber charter schools are an important alternative for parents, kids | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/during-pandemic-cyber-charter-schools-are-an-important-alternative-for-parents-kids-opinion/
College students are getting tested before returning home for Thanksgiving to ensure they don’t take the coronavirus with them
https://www.inquirer.com/education/thanksgiving-college-coronavirus-test-rowan-penn-state-penn-20201119.html
Juegos
Sports betting, internet gaming hit new records at Pennsylvania casinos in October
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/11/20/pennsylvania-sports-betting-internet-gaming-new-records-casinos/3775637001/
Noticias locales
Scranton’s 2021 budget still evolving, now includes $4.6 million shortfall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scrantons-2021-budget-still-evolving-now-includes-4-6-million-shortfall/article_04d40705-5e49-5caf-8e54-b1a291ca6c9c.html
Dickson City zoning board upholds citations against Circle Drive-In
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dickson-city-zoning-board-upholds-citations-against-circle-drive-in/article_9ca37bab-4216-5a67-bd06-1e96d32fd214.html
County fees wages of undue secrecy
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/county-fees-wages-of-undue-secrecy/article_36bfa0cc-86bc-55d6-bd46-c01174be4993.html
Reading LGBT Center leader to serve on Pennsylvania commission for LGBTQ Affairs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-lgbt-center-leader-to-serve-on-pennsylvania-commission-for-lgbtq-affairs/article_6a971138-2a9d-11eb-8d5f-a39d32641e63.html
Berks County commissioners unveil 2021 budget proposal with no tax increase
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-commissioners-unveil-2021-budget-proposal-with-no-tax-increase/article_8717ad22-28ef-11eb-b9a8-27782cd8e579.html
United Way of Berks County campaign raises $10.5 million; surpasses goal
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/united-way-of-berks-county-campaign-raises-10-5-million-surpasses-goal/article_ac72f2c2-2aa5-11eb-9519-1b37ace68359.html
Delco Strong helps nearly 200 businesses and 42 non-profits
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/coronavirus/delco-strong-helps-nearly-200-businesses-and-42-non-profits/article_aa5f3c38-2aa6-11eb-96b5-b79ce8b87064.html
Chester County families urged to apply for COVID childcare financial relief
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-families-urged-to-apply-for-covid-childcare-financial-relief/article_52e16946-2a73-11eb-b00a-f73748f382b9.html
Women of Alle Kiski Engaging distribute items collected for HOPE, HAVIN domestic violence shelters
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/women-of-alle-kiski-engaging-distribute-items-collected-for-havin-hope/
Wilkes-Barre City Council opposes Brown’s budget
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810444/wilkes-barre-city-council-opposes-browns-budget
Courthouse halts non-emergency operations
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/courthouse-halts-non-emergency-operations/article_6b3e42f5-72bf-5ea4-bff2-b65376715fb6.html
Carbon County presents $62.2M budget with no tax increase
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/carbon-county-presents-62-2m-budget-with-no-tax-increase/article_3f79bf35-514d-5fab-87c9-70a6417fc861.html
Nueva Jersey
Legal weed bill advances as N.J. lawmaker says state needs to act quickly after voter referendum
https://www.pennlive.com/marijuana/2020/11/legal-weed-bill-advances-as-nj-lawmaker-says-state-needs-to-act-quickly-after-voter-referendum.html
Filadelfia
SEPTA Key card costs continue to balloon with an additional $14.4M spending increase
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-key-card-14-million-regional-rail-handheld-readers-20201119.html
Philly start-ups pivot and scramble, trying to survive and thrive amid pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/news/university-science-center-startups-humanature-stel-life-dineable-tozuda-20201120.html
Philly Dept. of Revenue workers accused of taking bribes for erasing debts
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-revenue-department-charged-bribes-taxes-20201119.html
Pennsylvania approves 5.2% PGW rate increase, but offers some relief to gas customers hit by pandemic
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-gas-works-rate-increase-approved-covid-climate-pennsylvania-puc-20201119.html
New city law aims to crack down on real estate ‘wholesalers,’ seen as exploiting underinformed property owners
https://www.inquirer.com/news/real-estate-wholesalers-flippers-regulation-realtors-philadelphia-law-20201119.html
Joe Biden has an administration to build. Will any local politicians join his White House team?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/president-elect-joe-biden-donald-trump-white-house-staffing-20201120.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh cuts without pandemic relief would be ‘disastrous,’ council members told
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-cuts-without-pandemic-relief-would-be-disastrous-council-members-told/
City’s Gender Equity Commission offers free salary negotiation training in first step to address pay gap
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/19/City-s-Gender-Equity-Commission-offers-free-salary-negotiation-training-in-first-step-to-address-pay-gap/stories/202011190101
Workshops will help women interested in serving on Pittsburgh’s civic boards
https://triblive.com/local/workshops-will-help-women-interested-in-serving-on-pittsburghs-civic-boards/
Data-driven police reform
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/11/20/Data-driven-police-reform-Pittsburgh-Community-Change-Disparities/stories/202010220049
19 Neighbors: The masked man of Penn Mac won’t take no for an answer
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/19-neighbors/2020/11/20/19-Neighbors-Carl-Dozzi-Pennsylvania-Macaroni-Pittsburgh-COVID-19-masks/stories/202011170095
Former judge Mark Tranquilli sanctioned by state’s Court of Judicial Discipline
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/19/pittsburgh-allegheny-county-judge-mark-tranquilli-sanctions-court-discipline-racist-statements-misconduct/stories/202011180142
Allegheny County Judge Tranquilli denied back-pay; barred from seeking judicial office
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-judge-tranquilli-denied-back-pay-barred-from-seeking-judicial-office/
Penguins add four Hill residents to former Civic Arena site redevelopment squad
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/11/19/Pittsburgh-Penguins-Hill-District-Civic-Arena-redevelopment-Buccini-Pollin-Intergen-Ellis-Byrd-E-Holdings/stories/202011190118
Hill District residents, firms tapped to guide $1B redevelopment of former Civic Arena in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/4-hill-district-residents-firms-tapped-to-guide-1b-redevelopment-of-former-civic-arena-in-pittsburgh/
Ex-Pitt star Dorin Dickerson ‘can’t wait to start working’ for Penguins on Lower Hill project
https://triblive.com/sports/ex-pitt-star-dorin-dickerson-cant-wait-to-start-working-for-penguins-on-lower-hill-project/
Noticias del Estado
‘Dick Thornburgh Award’ established to honor top federal prosecutors
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/19/Dick-Thornburgh-Award-US-attorney-brendan-conway-scott-brady-prosecutor/stories/202011190133
PLCB waives 2021 fees for manufacturers
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2020/11/19/plcb-waives-winery-brewery-distillery-fees-2021/3776868001/
Transporte
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport gaining Washington DC and Orlando service
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/wilkes-barre-scranton-international-airport-gaining-washington-dc-and-orlando-service/article_022a97be-e4b4-5a33-8446-ddb03f5eddc9.html
Washington
Trump tax write-offs ensnared in 2 New York fraud investigations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/11/19/Trump-tax-write-offs-ensnared-in-2-New-York-fraud-investigations/stories/202011190156