Legislature
Shutdown avoided: State finds money to fund PennDOT projects through February
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/12/01/pennsylvania-PennDOT-temporary-funding-Gov-Tom-Wolf-Republican-leaders-shutdown-avoided-road-and-bridge-projects/stories/202012010138
Pa. treasurer offers loan to fund highway projects
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/pa-treasurer-offers-loan-to-fund-highway-projects.html
Pa. GOP lawmaker calls for repealing state’s newly expanded mail-in voting option
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/pa-gop-lawmaker-calls-for-repealing-states-newly-expanded-mail-in-voting-option.html
State election review nixed
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/12/02/State-election-review-nixed-Pennsylvania-Vote/stories/202011250089
Immunity promotes bad conduct
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/immunity-promotes-bad-conduct/article_99ae75f6-89b2-5e4d-b564-1b0732100b8b.html
After White House visit, Pa. state Sen. Doug Mastriano calls covid-19 case mild
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/after-white-house-visit-pa-state-sen-doug-mastriano-calls-covid-19-case-mild/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to surge in rural Pennsylvania as the state expands testing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/12/01/COVID-19-surge-rural-Pennsylvania-testing-AMI-Expeditionary-Healthcare/stories/202012010153
Pa. to administer free covid tests in counties without health departments
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-to-administer-free-covid-tests-in-counties-without-health-departments/
State plans new COVID-19 free testing as cases keep rising
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/state-plans-new-covid-19-free-testing-as-cases-keep-rising/article_0a1cb3ed-8721-5de9-92b8-2c182e128bc1.html
Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf announces coronavirus testing ‘strike teams’; Northampton among first counties to host one
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-virus-dec1-updates-20201201-xrwpdm7tcvft5hgsmerlkiwgwu-story.html
Pa. looks to expand free COVID-19 testing, and Philly implements a few business-aid measures
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-philly-nj-surge-fall-testing-business-relief-tracing-20201201.html
Community spread explained: How Pa. determines coronavirus risk for counties
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/community-spread-explained-how-pa-determines-coronavirus-risk-for-counties/article_a4d5c6fe-33e5-11eb-a9b7-ff8dead4bd37.html
Berks and all Pennsylvania counties but one have substantial risk of community spread of coronavirus
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-and-all-pennsylvania-counties-but-one-have-substantial-risk-of-community-spread-of-coronavirus/article_76ee6814-33df-11eb-bb02-87280261f3f7.html
Allegheny County reports 603 new coronavirus cases, 5 new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-reports-603-new-coronavirus-cases-5-new-deaths/
126 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Luzerne County; 12 new deaths
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811579/126-new-cases-of-covid-19-confirmed-in-luzerne-county-12-new-deaths
COVID in Bucks County: ‘Anybody you know can be potentially infected’
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/12/01/bucks-county-covid-november-deaths-coronavirus-pennsylvania/6476318002/
Carbon employees undergo testing as county virus numbers spike
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/carbon-employees-undergo-testing-as-county-virus-numbers-spike/article_5f8e3654-d8bc-5550-b6d8-c09cdfc7abbc.html
Berks County adds 109 coronavirus cases; Reading Hospital up to record 125 patients
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-adds-109-coronavirus-cases-reading-hospital-up-to-record-125-patients/article_cee2618c-33cc-11eb-ab1f-a7952f5bbae7.html
Nearly 90% of residents at Centre County nursing home test positive for COVID-19
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/01/nearly-90-of-residents-at-centre-county-nursing-home-test-positive-for-covid-19/
A day in the life of a Philadelphia-area contact tracer | 5 Questions
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/contact-tracer-montgomery-county-what-i-do-20201202.html
Advisory group targets health workers, nursing home residents for first doses of COVID-19 vaccine
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-priority-health-workers-nursing-home-residents-20201201.html
For health-care workers during COVID, the burnout is real, and it’s getting worse | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/covid-coronavirus-healthcare-workers-mental-health-support-20201201.html
CDC to shorten guidance for quarantining after COVID-19 exposure to 10 days, 7 with a negative test
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/ct-nw-coronavirus-quarantine-guidelines-20201201-lfoi7omsavgb5i3b5owffk4gqq-story.html
In battling COVID-19, Biden eyes stricter OSHA enforcement of workplaces
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/12/02/COVID-19-Joe-Biden-OSHA-complaints-David-Michaels-United-Steelworkers/stories/202012020010
UK authorizes Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for emergency use
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-meds/2020/12/02/UK-authorizes-Pfizer-coronavirus-vaccine-for-emergency-use/stories/202012020119
Administration
Pa. officials share mental health resources for pandemic and holiday season
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-officials-share-mental-health-resources-for-pandemic-and-holiday-season/
Business
Hussey Copper charged with polluting Ohio River
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/12/01/Hussey-Copper-charged-criminally-polluting-Ohio-River-Pittsburgh-oil/stories/202012010158
A place for working together
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811644/a-place-for-working-together
Lehigh Valley’s economic recovery has outpaced the state. But there’s still a long way to go
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-october-unemployment-rate-20201201-lxlipfvdmvcr5bizgezgucw7re-story.html
Medical marijuana dispensary to open this week in Harrisburg
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/12/medical-marijuana-dispensary-to-open-this-week-in-harrisburg.html
Crime/Punishment
Diverse panel set to work with Pa. commission on new sentencing guidelines
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/12/02/pennsylvania-commission-on-sentencing-pa-criminal-justice-reform-new-sentencing-guidelines/6316889002/
COVID-19 outbreak infects more than half of inmates at Pa. prison for elderly and infirm
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-doc-covid-outbreak-sci-laurel-highlands-somerset-20201202.html
Ex-Penn State president Graham Spanier’s conviction is reinstated by a federal appeals court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/graham-spanier-jail-conviction-sandusky-penn-state-appeal-third-circuit-mcqueary-20201201.html
As Bill Cosby’s conviction is debated before Pa.’s highest court, justices question testimony from other women
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bill-cosby-supreme-court-appeal-pennsylvania-andrea-constand-janice-dickinson-20201201.html
Education
Nearly all Pa. public schools recommit to COVID-19 mitigation strategies to allow for in-person instruction
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/12/nearly-all-public-schools-commit-to-doubling-down-on-covid-19-mitigation-strategies-to-allow-for-in-person-instruction.html
Norwin reports 12 more cases of coronavirus; closing in on 100
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/norwin-reports-12-more-cases-of-coronavirus-closing-in-on-100/
Beloved Jeannette football coach Joe Mucci dies of coronavirus at age 86
https://tribhssn.triblive.com/beloved-jeannette-football-coach-joe-mucci-dies-of-coronavirus-at-age-86/
More than 400 workers temporarily laid off at 3 Pa. colleges
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/more-than-400-workers-temporarily-laid-of-at-3-pa-colleges.html
Despite coronavirus restrictions, universities declare a safe and successful semester
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/despite-coronavirus-restrictions-universities-declare-a-safe-and-successful-semester/article_a16275fc-3418-11eb-8f9d-531d9dcefc8c.html
Elections/Politics
Trump’s Pa. allies appeal legal bid to overturn the election to SCOTUS, even as Barr says there’s no evidence of widespread fraud
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-election-lawsuits-mike-kelly-supreme-court-trump-barr-20201201.html
How outreach to Latino voters helped drive turnout for the 2020 election
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/how-outreach-to-latino-voters-helped-drive-turnout-for-the-2020-election/article_47ef7f34-2daf-11eb-aa3c-0bf5deeec940.html
Could a coup plotter become Pa. governor? | Will Bunch Newsletter
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/attytood/doug-mastriano-pennsylvania-governor-covid-trump-biden-20201201.html
Election director: Ballot mailing leads to higher costs
https://www.timesleader.com/news/811636/election-director-ballot-mailing-leads-to-higher-costs
Eugene DePasquale files to run against Perry in 2022. But it’s not what you think
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/eugene-depasquale-files-to-run-against-perry-in-2022-but-its-not-what-you-think/
Our View: Kelly again picks the wrong fight
https://www.timesonline.com/story/opinion/editorials/2020/12/02/mike-kelly-again-picks-wrong-fight/6471782002/
Gaming
Casino gambling revenue increased across Pennsylvania in October, report shows
https://triblive.com/local/regional/gaming-revenue-increased-across-state-in-october-report-shows/
Health Care
With new program, Temple Health helps doctors and nurses cut their massive student loan burdens
https://www.inquirer.com/news/temple-health-student-loan-forgiveness-pheaa-fedloan-pslf-savi-20201202.html
Local News
Scranton City Council introduces tax legislation, rates hold steady in 2021
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-council-introduces-tax-legislation-rates-hold-steady-in-2021/article_b7b07399-b97f-5064-ac38-b6b48c828e59.html
Commissioners OK $138.2M Lackawanna County budget
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commissioners-ok-138-2m-lackawanna-county-budget/article_e141f032-1bb1-5a54-93b7-2a936697c05d.html
Landfill responds to DEP technical deficiency letter on 42-year expansion, begins countdown for final decision
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/landfill-responds-to-dep-technical-deficiency-letter-on-42-year-expansion-begins-countdown-for-final/article_0bdbcb1d-7cd5-5ca8-9425-4b6feb8c3d23.html
Tarentum Night Market organizers cite covid stay-home advisory in canceling December event
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-night-market-organizers-cite-covid-stay-home-advisory-in-canceling-december-event/
Josefoski announces resignation from Tarentum Council
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/josefoski-announces-resignation-from-tarentum-council/
Bearded cops raise money for charity
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bearded-cops-raise-money-for-charity/article_3e3bdae4-1ad5-5567-b96d-8a81ddbb1214.html
Philly
A Philly jobs program lost 6 to a year of violence. Can it still help young people thrive?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/power-corps-mural-arts-guild-philadelphia-youth-gun-violence-20201202.html
Philly is set to create a new construction tax and cut a big property tax break in a win for Council President Darrell Clarke
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/philadelphia-construction-tax-abatement-city-council-kenney-20201201.html
Kenney offers new tax relief for businesses; head of Black Chamber says it’s ‘overdue’
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/kenney-offers-new-tax-relief-for-businesses-head-of-black-chamber-says-its-overdue/article_baf17693-8892-5952-9a50-cc99b5e43eb6.html
Philly’s new homeowner protection law is a useful tool for neighborhoods facing gentrification | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/gentrification-real-estate-wholesalers-new-philadelphia-regulations-20201202.html
Philly’s Four Seasons Total Landscaping dishes the dirt on the news conference heard ’round the world: ‘It was nothing we anticipated’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/trump-four-seasons-total-landscaping-what-happened-20201201.html
SEPTA doubles down on commitment to $2B King of Prussia Rail project
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-king-of-prussia-rail-extension-20201202.html
William Penn and Mellon foundations give $8 million to Philly arts and culture groups hit by COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-arts-groups-8-million-william-penn-mellon-foundation-covid-19-20201202.html
Sixers’ Doc Rivers wants to see NBA continue pushing for equality
https://www.inquirer.com/sixers/philadelphia-sixers-doc-rivers-joe-biden-donald-trump-social-justice-human-rights-nba-20201201.html
Should the Philly School Board be elected instead of appointed? A parent and city official debate. | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-school-board-elected-appointed-william-hite-mayor-jim-kenney-20201201.html
Closing the country’s first all-girls Catholic school is a mistake | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/hallahan-catholic-high-school-closing-20201201.html
Philly Latinos call on community to get involved in fight against gun violence
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/02/philly-latinos-call-on-community-to-get-involved-in-fight-against-gun-violence/
Pitt
Pittsburgh unemployment rate fell to 7.2% in October
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/12/01/Pittsburgh-MSA-unemployment-rate-October-Pennsylvania-Department-of-Labor-and-Industry-COVID-19/stories/202012010114
Crowdfunding campaigns becoming a backup plan for medical emergencies
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/11/30/Crowdfunding-campaigns-becoming-a-backup-plan-for-medical-emergencies/stories/202011290025
Pittsburgh Promise gives 10,000th scholarship
https://triblive.com/news/education-classroom/pittsburgh-promise-gives-10000th-scholarship/
Community Foundation of Westmoreland County director moving to Pittsburgh Foundation
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/community-foundation-of-westmoreland-county-director-moving-to-pittsburgh-foundation/
Operation Better Block, First Commonwealth Bank provide solutions to housing issues in Homewood
https://triblive.com/news/partner-news/operation-better-block-first-commonwealth-bank-provide-solutions-to-housing-issues-in-homewood/
Transportation
Thanksgiving brings airports their busiest days since March
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/12/02/Thanksgiving-airports-COVID-19-Pittsburgh-International-Airport/stories/202012020081
Washington
U.S. probing potential bribery, lobbying scheme for pardon
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/12/01/Justice-Department-investigated-potential-bribery-for-pardon-scheme-involving-Trump-White-House-in-August/stories/202012010170
Trump threatens to veto major defense bill unless it repeals shield for tech giants
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/12/02/Trump-threatens-to-veto-major-defense-bill-unless-it-repeals-shield-for-tech-giants-div/stories/202012020115