Legislature

21 ways Pa. lawmakers changed your life for 2021 and beyond
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/21-ways-pas-lawmakers-changed-your-life-in-2021-and-beyond.html

Good decision by Fidelity, but by state?
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/good-decision-by-fidelity-but-by-state/article_0a08f116-3f86-58e9-9139-a2b7da32ec95.html

Sen. Mastriano is endangering our communities in a pandemic | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/12/sen-mastriano-is-endangering-our-communities-in-a-pandemic-pennlive-letters.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

COVID-19 update: State reaches another grim milestone, as deaths surpass 15,000
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/12/28/covid-coronavirus-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-allegheny-new-cases-deaths-shutdown/stories/202012280056

Pennsylvania becomes 7th state to top 15K coronavirus deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-becomes-7th-state-to-top-15k-coronavirus-deaths/

Allegheny County attributes low number of new covid cases to limited testing
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-attributes-low-number-of-new-covid-cases-to-limited-testing/

Westmoreland County adds 258 new covid cases, 7 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-258-new-covid-cases-7-deaths/

Berks County adds 17 more COVID deaths
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-adds-17-more-covid-deaths/article_24843ba8-4929-11eb-8fc6-2336c76b8ad5.html

Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 3,779 additional cases reported as Gracedale to begin vaccinations Tuesday
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-dec28-update-20201228-25oimcba5zdb7na626qzo7pu7u-story.html

COVID-19 vaccinations begin for Pa., N.J. nursing home residents, but logistical hurdles still loom
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-vaccine-seniors-residential-pennsylvania-phoenixville-20201228.html

Covid vaccines arriving at Pennsylvania nursing homes
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/covid-vaccines-arriving-at-pennsylvania-nursing-homes/

Over 120 nursing facilities in Pa. to administer COVID vaccine this week
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/2020/12/28/over-120-nursing-facilities-pa-administer-covid-vaccine-week/4061254001/

Westmoreland Manor residents, staff start receiving coronavirus vaccine
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-manor-residents-staff-start-receiving-coronavirus-vaccine/

New COVID-19 cases down, but restaurant restrictions stay for New Year’s
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/new-covid-19-cases-down-but-restaurant-restrictions-stay-for-new-years/article_884ee16b-5777-5e3f-8a29-aca50ed3b473.html

COVID-19 is making ER physician burnout worse than ever. Jefferson, UArts researchers seek ways to help.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/physician-burnout-emergency-department-design-jefferson-20201229.html

Pandemic hits home for Allegheny Valley Hospital physician and his wife
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/pandemic-hits-home-for-allegheny-valley-hospital-physician-and-his-wife/

Unemployment benefits and one-time checks: What to know about the new stimulus in Pa.
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/28/unemployment-benefits-and-one-time-checks-what-to-know-about-the-new-stimulus-in-pa/

Fla. senator accuses Anthony Fauci of lying about masks, herd immunity during Twitter rant
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/12/fla-senator-accuses-anthony-fauci-of-lying-about-masks-herd-immunity-during-twitter-rant.html

Business

Thousands of Pa. workers may have to wait several weeks for unemployment benefits to resume
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2020/12/28/Unemployment-PUA-PEUC-FPUC-LWA-stimulus-package-COVID-19-economic-relief/stories/202012280118

Pa. preparing for federal pandemic unemployment extensions: L&I
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/12/pa-preparing-for-federal-pandemic-unemployment-extensions-li.html

State says federal jobless aid could be delayed several weeks
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/state-says-federal-jobless-aid-could-be-delayed-several-weeks/

Unemployment cash won’t be curtailed despite late Trump signature, official says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/unemployment-benefits-gap-trump-pennsylvania-new-jersey-20201228.html

Some local restaurants continue to defy Gov. Wolf’s pandemic restrictions
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2020/12/28/restaurants-defy-Covid-pandemic-ban-on-indoor-dining-Gov-Wolf/stories/202012240151

Fired Tyson boss says COVID office pool was a ‘morale boost’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/814533/fired-tyson-boss-says-covid-office-pool-was-a-morale-boost

Already facing citations, Danko’s again reopens gyms despite shutdown order
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/already-facing-citations-dankos-again-reopens-gyms-despite-shutdown-order/article_720fa500-2d19-5a4b-81a7-4bcecfaa8fec.html

Specialty truck manufacturer coming to Schuylkill County
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/specialty-truck-manufacturer-coming-to-schuylkill-county/article_068c1f05-b016-56bc-a07a-a7a5c95036d5.html

The Westy Bar & Grill, one of 10 Berks restaurants defying state closure order, temporarily shuts down due to COVID case
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/the-westy-bar-grill-one-of-10-berks-restaurants-defying-state-closure-order-temporarily-shuts/article_0719bd68-4924-11eb-90f0-237ebc8b04f0.html

Crime/Punishment

Bucks County investigators are seeking clues in the Christmas Eve killing of man in Bristol Township
https://www.inquirer.com/news/bristol-township-shaquille-love-murder-christmas-eve-bucks-county-20201228.html

Luzerne County records 16 homicides in 2020
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-records-16-homicides-in-2020/article_0a2ee9c0-b662-5932-b3c2-c08f826b8c52.html

Ciavarella seeks ‘compassionate release’ from prison
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/ciavarella-seeks-compassionate-release-from-prison/article_98f732f0-5c71-5878-a22c-f052562824b4.html

27 new positive inmate coronavirus cases at Westmoreland County Prison
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-prison-awaiting-results-of-120-covid-tests-among-inmates/

Pa. Dept. of Corrections recognizes staff members for adapting to COVID-19 restrictions
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/pa-dept-of-corrections-recognizes-staff-members-for-adapting-to-covid-19-restrictions.html

Education

Teacher’s unions ‘hypocritical’ to blame schools for COVID-19 violations, local solicitor says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/12/29/pennsylvania-pittsburgh-allegheny-Teachers-unions-hypocrisy-blame-school-districts-COVID-19-violations/stories/202012280067

The list: Pittsburgh-area school districts extend remote learning as COVID-19 cases surge
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/12/28/Pittsburgh-western-pennsylvania-schools-education-closings-remote-virtual-learning-COVID-19-cases-3/stories/202012280073

In central Pa. school district, the debate over Native American team nicknames comes home
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/in-central-pa-school-district-the-debate-over-native-american-team-nicknames-comes-home/

Will college students rally against inferior remote teaching? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/colleges-coronavirus-spring-2021-reopening-remote-learning-20201228.html

Pitt coach Jeff Capel recounts his trying experience with COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2020/12/29/pitt-panthers-basketball-covid-19-pandemic-jeff-capel/stories/202012290058

Mother on hunger strike says she will continue pressing Duquesne for answers in son’s death
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/28/mother-on-hunger-strike-says-she-will-continue-pressing-duquesne-for-answers-in-sons-death/

Local News

Scranton mayor refuses to sign city’s amended 2021 budget, objecting to council’s changes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-mayor-refuses-to-sign-citys-amended-2021-budget-objecting-to-councils-changes/article_1e761fcd-55bd-5a14-a78a-e9bab402bd65.html

Study looks at patterns of racial segregation, poverty in NEPA
https://www.timesleader.com/news/814560/study-looks-at-patterns-of-racial-segregation-poverty-in-nepa

COVID makes fundraising harder, but Berks County nonprofits figuring out new ways to help those in need
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/covid-makes-fundraising-harder-but-berks-county-nonprofits-figuring-out-new-ways-to-help-those/article_729f7fa0-455f-11eb-bad5-2be67fa56b9f.html

Reading Downtown Improvement District issue sets off shouting match at City Council meeting
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-downtown-improvement-district-issue-sets-off-shouting-match-at-city-council-meeting/article_c987747c-498c-11eb-bb6c-53c1ac6c51b3.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

Latrobe eyes 2% hike in residential garbage rates
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/latrobe-eyes-2-hike-in-residential-garbage-rates/

‘It looked like a choppy river’: South Allentown homeowners contend with sinkholes, flooded properties after water main break ravages neighborhood
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-allentown-water-main-break-ravages-neighborhood-20201228-jsd4m4uehrg6jorxmozuregfye-story.html

‘It’s a great job:’ York County Judge Michael Bortner to retire after more than 17 years
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/local/2020/12/29/york-couny-judge-michael-e-bortner-to-retire-after-more-than-17-years-on-the-bench/3921236001/

Judge issues order allowing DELCORA sale to Aqua
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/judge-issues-order-allowing-delcora-sale-to-aqua/article_21bae492-4949-11eb-8178-9b71a9fcd425.html

New Britain Township woman named 2020 Bucks County Poet Laureate
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/12/29/new-britain-woman-named-bucks-poet-laureate/4061174001/

National News

Ohio police officer fired in fatal shooting of Black man
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/12/29/Columbus-police-shooting-Officer-Adam-Coy-fired-killing-Black-Ohio-man/stories/202012290080

Religion, abortion, guns and race. Just the start of a new Supreme Court menu
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/29/religion-abortion-guns-and-race-just-the-start-of-a-new-supreme-court-menu/

New Jersey

N.J.’s cannabis industry is set to take off. Who can play? What do employers need to know?
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/new-jersey-legalization-cannabis-bill-caruso-archer-law-marijuana-20201229.html

Philly

20 years later, families remember those killed in Philly’s worst mass shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-lex-street-massacre-anniversary-20201228.html

Philly DA says bodycam footage of fatal police shooting in Kensington should not be released as probe continues
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-shooting-christmas-kensington-father-son-nephew-20201228.html

I’m a Mummer. If our culture doesn’t change, I’ll quit. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/mummers-parade-2021-canceled-coronavirus-controversy-racism-20201228.html

Philly nonprofit wants students reading at grade level by age 8. But it needs volunteers
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/29/philly-nonprofit-wants-students-reading-at-grade-level-by-age-8-but-it-needs-volunteers/

Climate change is affecting us all, increasingly those of us in Philadelphia | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/climate-change-is-affecting-us-all-increasingly-those-of-us-in-philadelphia-opinion/

In Philly, organizations partner to assist minority-owned businesses in applying for federal funding
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/in-philly-organizations-partner-to-assist-minority-owned-businesses-in-applying-for-federal-funding/

Pitt

Penguins defend accepting $4.8 million loan through pandemic-related government loan
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2020/12/28/Penguins-defend-accepting-4-8-million-loan-through-pandemic-related-government-loan/stories/202012280070

Court approves $200M settlement in Scaife trust fund case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/12/28/richard-david-jennie-scaife-trust-fund-settlement-approve-court-case-allegheny-pittsburgh/stories/202012280097

Black, police-accountability orgs announce ‘concrete commitments’ from Peduto on reform
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/12/28/Pittsburgh-police-reform-Black-Political-Empowerment-Project-commitments-Peduto-B-PEP/stories/202012280120

Helping restaurants and the needy
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/12/29/Helping-restaurants-and-the-needy/stories/202012180072

Some in Pittsburgh’s South Hills waited days for city snowplow, councilman says
https://triblive.com/local/some-in-pittsburghs-south-hills-waited-days-for-a-city-plow-councilman-says/

Pittsburgh council creates fund for controversial parks tax
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-council-creates-fund-for-controversial-parks-tax/

PWSA: Forklift pulled from Strip District sinkhole caused by water line break
https://triblive.com/local/pwsa-forklift-pulled-from-strip-district-sinkhole-caused-by-water-line-break/

State News

DEP approves permit for Tri-County Landfill In Mercer County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2020/12/28/Tri-County-Landfill-permit-approved-DEP-Pennsylvania-Mercer-Grove-City/stories/202012280099

Freed announces resignation as U.S. Attorney for Middle District
https://www.timesleader.com/news/814525/814525

Pa. advocates hail federal judge’s order halting Trump’s anti-LGBTQ executive order
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/pa-advocates-hail-federal-judges-order-halting-trumps-anti-lgbt-executive-order/

Lancaster County projects get more than $12 million in state grants, including $2.5 million for Rock Lititz
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/state-awards-10-large-projects-in-lancaster-county-more-than-12-million-including-25-million-to-rock-lititz.html

State awards $4M in grants to Cumberland County projects, including Allenberry, West Shore Theatre
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/resort-medical-marijuana-facility-theater-more-state-awards-projects-in-cumberland-county-more-than-4-million-combined.html

State awards $5M in grants in Dauphin County, but skips project at former Bishop McDevitt school
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/state-awards-projects-in-dauphin-county-more-than-5-million-combined-citys-8-million-request-comes-back-empty.html

Biden and Harris know energy development is a winning issue in Pennsylvania | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/12/biden-and-harris-know-energy-development-is-a-winning-issue-in-pennsylvania-opinion.html

Transportation

2021 should mean smoother rides in the Lehigh Valley as PennDOT focuses on paving projects
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/mc-biz-lehigh-valley-2021-penndot-projects-20201228-7tnzhvuf6bb6tbulh2bmghprjy-story.html

Washington

House overrides Trump’s veto of defense-spending bill, OKs increased $2,000 direct payments
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/12/28/2000-stimulus-check-House-vote-direct-payments-COVID-19-relief-bill-Senate-Trump/stories/202012280100

Biden warns of Trump officials’ ‘roadblocks’ to transition
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/12/29/Biden-Trump-transition-roadblocks/stories/202012290085