Legislature
State grants just start; help restaurants
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/state-grants-just-start-help-restaurants/article_32ca79da-c0a1-5e41-80b9-bf78eaf8d7b3.html
CapStar Q+A: Pa. House Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton on bipartisanship, redistricting
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/capstar-qa-pa-house-democratic-leader-joanna-mcclinton-on-bipartisanship-redistricting/
Eliminating the “Hastert Rule in PA | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/12/eliminating-the-hastert-rule-in-pa-pennlive-letters.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
21 HOURS IN UNIONTOWN HOSPITAL’S RED ZONE: TEARS, FRUSTRATION AND GRIT
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/21-hours-in-uniontown-hospitals-red-zone-tears-frustration-and-grit/
After no cases or deaths for months, virus rages in personal care home
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/12/27/After-no-cases-or-deaths-for-month-personal-care-home-gets-hit-quickly/stories/202012240173
152 cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/152-cases-of-covid-19-reported-in-luzerne-county-on-sunday/article_1dd87aa3-b8d1-5b18-888a-ef6d61eaace0.html
Regional COVID-19 death total breaks 1,000
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/regional-covid-19-death-total-breaks-1-000/article_470910bd-6ce3-5a08-8f5f-7669e21093f7.html
Coronavirus cases trending downward; Cambria adds 79 cases and no deaths
https://www.tribdem.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-trending-downward-cambria-adds-79-cases-and-no-deaths/article_b6fc2b08-486b-11eb-8706-5f72bd79c15b.html
Despite virus’ terrible toll, worst may lie ahead thanks to holiday travel, Fauci warns
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/12/27/COVID-19-coronavirus-US-cases-deaths-Christmas-holiday-travel-AAA-TSA-Dr-Anthony-Fauci/stories/202012270151
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout is a mess. Blame the U.S. health-care system l Analysis
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-distribution-operation-warp-speed-20201228.html
With COVID-19 vaccines arriving, life could return to ‘normal’ by summer … maybe
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/with-covid-19-vaccines-arriving-life-could-return-to-normal-by-summer-maybe.html
Trump abruptly signs COVID-19 relief bill after holding up $600 checks, jobless aid for days
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/12/27/President-Donald-Trump-COVID-19-coronavirus-relief-bill-stimulus-aid-unemployment-expiration-government-shutdown/stories/202012270142
Nurses are reaching their COVID-19 breaking point. It didn’t have to be this way. | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/covid-hospital-staffing-nurses-standard-of-care-20201228.html
Business
‘I can’t be six feet away from you while I’m waiting on you’
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/12/28/covid-19-coronavirus-toll-economic-restaurants-bars-workers-health-food/stories/202012290006
Businesses use COVID-19 testing and other tools to stay open during the pandemic.
https://www.inquirer.com/business/covid-pandemic-businesses-health-testing-vybe-college-20201228.html
Retailers expand options for returns as they brace for avalanche of unwanted holiday gifts
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/12/26/Retailers-expand-options-for-returns-as-they-brace-for-avalanche-of-unwanted-holiday-gifts/stories/202012270041
10X Fitness centers open despite state shutdown order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/10x-fitness-centers-open-despite-state-shutdown-order/article_d10f8658-242c-5e16-8850-b0dcbbfa6ebd.html
51 central Pa. businesses that opened in 2020 despite the COVID-19 pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/12/51-central-pa-businesses-that-opened-in-2020-despite-the-covid-19-pandemic.html
Rise Erie to open 2nd medical marijuana dispensary in Erie County
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/healthcare/2020/12/28/rise-erie-open-another-medical-marijuana-dispensary/4006486001/
Crime/Punishment
How outrage over police-involved deaths brings rare look at use-of-force policies in PA
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/12/28/pennsylvania-state-police-use-of-force-standards-transparency-reform/6318104002/
Education
Online form open to complaints of schools not following health requirements
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-edu/2020/12/26/Online-form-to-receive-complaints-of-schools-not-following-health-requirements/stories/202012260006
Pa. education groups say stimulus deal just one step for schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/12/28/pennsylvania-education-groups-districts-federal-stimulus-deal-money-funding-more-needed/stories/202012260008
Environmental task force provides guidance to Scranton School District
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/environmental-task-force-provides-guidance-to-scranton-school-district/article_48814440-ac4c-599a-8c57-75aedfc7014d.html
Group of Greensburg Salem students call for end of senior projects
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/group-of-greensburg-salem-students-call-for-end-of-senior-projects/
Long ignored, private online schools see golden opportunity in pandemic
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/27/long-ignored-private-online-schools-see-golden-opportunity-in-pandemic/
McCaskey hoopsters struggling finding places to play since city, school district remove outdoor rims
https://lancasteronline.com/sports/mccaskey-hoopsters-struggling-finding-places-to-play-since-city-school-district-remove-outdoor-rims/article_c820b5c2-48b9-11eb-adf1-93cb6558389c.html
Villanova coach Jay Wright tests positive for COVID-19, resulting in pause of all men’s basketball team activities
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/villanova/coronavirus-covid-19-jay-wright-villanova-basketball-xavier-20201227.html
Gaming
Casino revenues decreased across state last month, report shows
https://triblive.com/local/regional/casino-revenues-decreased-across-state-last-month-report-shows/
Health Care
Living donors help fill lifesaving need for kidney transplants
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/living-donors-help-fill-lifesaving-need-for-kidney-transplants/article_0b28d5d8-3b23-11eb-b9fe-0b2c1f33b192.html
Local News
Lackawanna County officials detail use of millions in federal COVID-19 relief funds
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/lackawanna-county-officials-detail-use-of-millions-in-federal-covid-19-relief-funds/article_bd32c3d6-3730-50c9-b0e0-32e82800a90e.html
Potential LCTA/COLTS merger still on county council agenda
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/potential-lcta-colts-merger-still-on-county-council-agenda/article_cf431ecd-c54a-5f41-b5b6-f418c76d35a4.html
Monday Update: Scranton eyes reviving defunct Nay Aug Park pool
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/monday-update-scranton-eyes-reviving-defunct-nay-aug-park-pool/article_cce262aa-f4d4-5b73-bd63-ecbab7c72ccd.html
Outdoor activities in high demand despite First Day Hike cancellation
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/outdoor-activities-in-high-demand-despite-first-day-hike-cancellation/article_b4aa604a-2d56-5f7e-90ef-79201ab6ef22.html
Editorial: Decision to end Reading’s DID program poorly timed
https://www.readingeagle.com/opinion/editorials/editorial-decision-to-end-readings-did-program-poorly-timed/article_4c17a740-4523-11eb-9561-b7cc025a7787.html
YMCA of Bucks County outlines expansion plans for new year
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/12/27/bucks-county-ymca-outlines-expansion-plans-new-year/4016506001/
National News
Officials: Nashville bombing suspect Anthony Q. Warner died in blast, appears to have acted alone
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/12/27/Nashville-police-Officers-harrowing-account-RV-bombing-Christmas/stories/202012270143
Army Green Beret charged in Illinois bowling alley shooting that killed 3
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/12/army-green-beret-charged-in-illinois-bowling-alley-shooting-that-killed-3.html
1 killed, 5 wounded in shooting during music video filming
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/1-killed-5-wounded-in-shooting-during-music-video-filming.html
New Jersey
New Jersey’s use-of-force reforms can guide police in Pa. and beyond | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/police-use-of-force-reform-new-jersey-attorney-general-20201228.html
Philly
History shows canceling the New Year’s Day parade will not stop the Mummers from marching
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-mummers-parade-protest-coronavirus-jim-kenney-20201227.html
Why Philadelphia’s business community rarely gets its way in City Hall
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-business-community-political-power-progressive-movement-20201228.html
Philly’s new commerce director seeks a better path for Philly employers
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philly-city-commerce-director-mayor-kenney-economic-development-pandemic-20201225.html
Six innovative Philly museums are forging a future through COVID-19 pact
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-museums-covid-19-collaboration-20201226.html
Next up for Four Seasons Total Landscaping: A surf and turf ‘gala’ to raise money for ALS awareness
https://www.inquirer.com/news/four-seasons-total-landscaping-als-fundraiser-20201227.html
Argument over parking spot led to shooting that killed a father, his 15-year-old son, and injured a nephew, family says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fatal-shooting-father-son-nephew-family-fight-christmas-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20201226.html
Philly and Camden police search for killers in weekend shootings
https://www.inquirer.com/crime/homicides-philadelphia-camden-shootings-crime-20201227.html
A Philly developer shirked a deal to build affordable homes as housing officials stood by
https://www.inquirer.com/business/chris-rahn-property-flipping-philadelphia-affordable-housing-development-20201227.html
From a pandemic, to police shootings, to protests, the city needs to adjust
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/from-a-pandemic-to-police-shootings-to-protests-the-city-needs-to-adjust/article_49f0b28b-a774-51dd-ba9f-7b908049b712.html
Pitt
“It was absolutely incredible:” Foster Love Project receives largest-ever donation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/12/28/Foster-Love-Project-rue21-christmas-donation-free-store-headquarters-clothes-style-children-kids/stories/202012240145
UPMC study adapts well known Brazilian program to prevent teen sexual violence
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/science/2020/12/27/UPMC-study-adapts-well-known-Brazilian-program-to-prevent-teen-sexual-violence/stories/202012230154
A timely relief effort
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/12/28/A-timely-relief-effort/stories/202012100063
State News
With Oct. 1 deadline looming, state expects surge in Real ID applications
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/12/27/Real-ID-PennDOT-driver-s-license-ID-card-Department-of-Homeland-Security-airport-security-federal-buildings/stories/202012250005
Illegal dumping up more than 200 percent across Pennsylvania
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/12/27/Illegal-dumping-up-more-than-200-percent-across-Pennsylvania/stories/202012270030
State police seek donated horses for mounted patrol unit
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/state-police-seek-donated-horses-for-mounted-patrol-unit/
Pa.’s natural gas industry is powering the economy and leading on climate change | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pennsylvanias-natural-gas-industry-is-powering-the-economy-and-leading-on-climate-change-opinion/
Transportation
Federal Railroad Administration orders plans to fix dangerous rail crossings
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/12/26/Federal-Railroad-Administration-PennDOT-dangerous-rail-crossings-improvement-plan-14-months/stories/202012250022
Washington
Rep. Conor Lamb thinks Democrats (and Republicans) will unite together behind Biden’s version of ‘America first’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/12/28/Conor-Lamb-Joe-Biden-America-first-infrastructure-federal-research-energy-fracking-sean-parnell/stories/202012060004
Joe Biden will cut tariffs, change immigration policy and rebuild infrastructure, Moodys’ Mark Zandi predicts
https://www.inquirer.com/business/biden-trump-economic-virus-pandemic-climate-infrastructure-moodys-20201227.html