Legislature
There were not more votes than voters in Pa. | AP fact check
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/12/there-were-not-more-votes-than-voters-in-pa-ap-fact-check.html
Satellite offices gave Pa. voters more options to cast early ballots in person. Were they worth it?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pennsylvania-election-satellite-offices-counties-2021-20201229.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pennsylvania reports 8,545 new covid cases, 267 deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-8545-new-covid-cases-267-deaths/
COVID-19 Update: Over 1,000 new cases and 41 deaths reported in Allegheny County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/12/29/covid-pennsylvania-pittsburgh-allegheny-coronavirus-cases-deaths-health-department/stories/202012290100
Allegheny County reports 41 new covid deaths, 1,020 cases
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-reports-41-new-covid-deaths-1020-cases/
103 new COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths in Luzerne County on Tuesday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/103-new-covid-19-cases-7-deaths-in-luzerne-county-on-tuesday/article_b551cf01-f34d-5b1f-a492-320916600fda.html
10 more COVID deaths in Berks County; 38 reported since Christmas
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/10-more-covid-deaths-in-berks-county-38-reported-since-christmas/article_4cc918a2-49cb-11eb-b5ff-bb5e1d046459.html
COVID-19 vaccine rollout running ‘very smoothly’ in Philadelphia, city’s top doc says
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-running-very-smoothly-in-philadelphia-citys-top-doc-says/article_1098a84f-723f-56fd-ad4f-7f5a8bd2e392.html
Despite slow vaccine rollout, nursing homes optimistic about distribution
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/despite-slow-vaccine-rollout-nursing-homes-optimistic-about-distribution/
UPMC begins vaccinations in Pittsburgh area senior communities
https://triblive.com/local/upmc-begins-vaccinations-in-pittsburgh-area-senior-communities/
Allegheny County’s Kane Centers to start vaccinating residents, staff next week
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-countys-kane-centers-to-start-vaccinating-residents-staff-next-week/
About 50% of Westmoreland County covid cases, deaths have come in December
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/about-50-of-westmoreland-county-covid-cases-deaths-have-come-in-december/
LVHN and St. Luke’s will give out COVID-19 vaccines for free
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-lvhn-free-vaccine-20201229-tgoj5fnyy5chbbtfcem4456gry-story.html
COVID-19 related deaths are rising. Do you know all of your life-saving options? | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-ecmo-life-saving-technologies-20201230.html
Bus drivers are essential
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/12/30/Bus-drivers-are-essential/stories/202012100062
The COVID-19 pandemic taught us brutal lessons in 2020. Will we heed them in 2021? | Ray E. Landis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-covid-19-pandemic-taught-us-brutal-lessons-in-2020-will-we-heed-them-in-2021-ray-e-landis/
First U.S. case of new coronavirus variant detected in Colorado
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/first-us-case-new-coronavirus-variant-detected-colorado-20201230.html
4-year-old New York boy dies after fighting COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/12/4-year-old-new-york-boy-dies-after-fighting-covid-19.html
Biden vows to accelerate vaccine rollout after data shows current pace would take 10 years
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/biden-criticizes-covid-19-coronavirus-vaccine-distribution-pace-20201229.html
Louisiana congressman-elect Luke Letlow dies from COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/12/29/Louisiana-congressman-Luke-Letlow-dies-from-COVID-19/stories/202012290175
UK approves use of 2nd COVID-19 vaccine with easier storage
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19-meds/2020/12/30/UK-approves-use-of-2nd-COVID-19-vaccine-with-easier-storage/stories/202012300086
Business
33 more Pa. restaurants ordered to close for not following Gov. Wolf’s COVID-19 orders
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/12/29/Pennsylvania-restaurants-33-more-ordered-close-Governor-Wolf-COVID-19-orders/stories/202012290154
8 Berks restaurants among 22 state is petitioning Commonwealth Court to close and fine
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/8-berks-restaurants-among-22-state-is-petitioning-commonwealth-court-to-close-and-fine/article_d617702e-4a1e-11eb-ad2a-03917bbaf8d2.html
Berks County restaurant owners following COVID restrictions frustrated, suffering
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-restaurant-owners-following-covid-restrictions-frustrated-suffering/article_e70a1c88-49f6-11eb-aed2-634d62ba56c5.html
In holiday surprise, laid-off workers at Shop Vac find that their Williamsport plant won’t close, after all
https://www.inquirer.com/business/hangzhou-equipment-greatstar-shopvac-purchase-williamsport-vacuum-20201229.html
These companies suffered the biggest layoffs of the year in Pa., mainly thanks to COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/12/these-companies-suffered-the-biggest-layoffs-of-the-year-in-pa-mainly-thanks-to-covid-19.html
With new restrictions, Bucks County locals rally to support their favorite restaurants
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/lifestyle/2020/12/30/covid-19-restrictions-locals-support-favorite-restaurants-bucks-county/3991604001/
Crime/Punishment
Suspect in shooting of McKeesport police officer arrested in West Virginia
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/12/29/Koby-Lee-Francis-Police-caputure-McKeesport-officer-shooting-Gerasimos-Athans/stories/202012290162
Pennsylvania prisons’ unreliable COVID data hides the true extent of the crisis | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/prison-coronavirus-data-pennsylvania-corrections-covid-dashboard-20201229.html
The COVID-19 outbreak PA doesn’t want you to know about | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/12/the-covid-19-outbreak-pa-doesnt-want-you-to-know-about-opinion.html
Police investigating shooting in Hill Section
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/police-investigating-shooting-in-hill-section/article_c832c268-6dd6-53a0-a073-04495b03d835.html
Defense attorney says his incarcerated client not getting mental health treatment
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/defense-attorney-says-his-incarcerated-client-not-getting-mental-health-treatment/
Education
Former Scranton School District Superintendent facing criminal charges seeks to bar evidence in civil case
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-scranton-school-district-superintendent-facing-criminal-charges-seeks-to-bar-evidence-in-civil-case/article_55921813-f319-5eb3-a808-82da1477ad29.html
New Kensington-Arnold teachers want your help to buy students Chromebooks
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-arnold-teachers-want-your-help-to-buy-students-chromebooks/
Schools nationwide should teach ethnic studies | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/ethnic-studies-curriculum-2020-united-states-universities-k-12-20201229.html
Ridley won’t banish ‘Green Raiders’ nickname
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/ridley-wont-banish-green-raiders-nickname/article_29673d64-4a41-11eb-a340-0ba00adc8417.html
Elections/Politics
Trump asks U.S. Supreme Court to take Wisconsin election case
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/trump-campaign-seeks-supreme-court-wisconsin-election-results-20201229.html
Health Care
What happened to the flu? Mild season in Pittsburgh area could see an uptick, experts say
https://triblive.com/local/regional/what-happened-to-the-flu-mild-season-in-pittsburgh-area-could-see-an-uptick-experts-say/
Construction carries on for new Dickson City hospital
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/construction-carries-on-for-new-dickson-city-hospital/article_8e5277be-2640-56a2-b118-f4dae5c63b3f.html
Local News
Death of Scranton firefighter, 28, under investigation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/death-of-scranton-firefighter-28-under-investigation/article_abdfd6af-7e05-5c72-9b6d-6e501e21b9cf.html
Reading mayor extends closure of City Hall again because of COVID concerns
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-mayor-extends-closure-of-city-hall-again-because-of-covid-concerns/article_c1b66964-4a19-11eb-a564-0b91f917fb7d.html
Reading to amend new trash-collection program
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-to-amend-new-trash-collection-program/article_3422c9be-4a1c-11eb-a06f-632e08b6071f.html
Delaware County judge upholds $276 million sale of the regional sewer system
https://www.inquirer.com/news/delaware-county-sewer-system-sale-aqua-privatization-water-wastewater-20201230.html
Chester County local officials reflect on 2020, offer hope for 2021
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/chester-county-local-officials-reflect-on-2020-offer-hope-for-2021/article_3443f1f6-4135-11eb-ae8e-1ff760921daf.html
Across Lehigh Valley municipalities, the doomsday pandemic tax increases haven’t panned out — yet
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-municipal-budget-roundup-lehigh-valley-covid-impacts-20201230-bfyrxwrvzbbcfjdvm74dbcqnxe-story.html
Five Lehigh Valley leaders reflect on what they’ve learned from the pandemic
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-valley-pandemic-reflections-20201230-drscaflwvbftrlzmuwnyfk3fh4-list.html
Amid pandemic, Lehigh Valley group forms to help Black community
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-african-american-coalition-of-easton-20201230-3y2oszujmrhctp6m2cbyflkd6a-story.html
Coronavirus may delay Luzerne County event for vulnerable residents
https://www.timesleader.com/news/814652/coronavirus-may-delay-luzerne-county-event-for-vulnerable-residents
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Brown, city council at odds again over amended budget
https://www.timesleader.com/news/814638/wilkes-barre-mayor-brown-city-council-at-odds-again-over-amended-budget
County 911 upgrade project on track, no worries over end of support
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-911-upgrade-project-on-track-no-worries-over-end-of-support/article_202950ce-cf8c-5a26-b5c8-008138f42081.html
National News
Nashville man’s girlfriend warned he was building bombs
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/12/30/Nashville-bomber-s-girlfriend-warned-he-was-building-bombs/stories/202012300089
Louisville officer who shot Breonna Taylor, detective who helped plan raid may be fired
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/12/29/Breonna-Taylor-Louisville-police-move-fire-two-officers-involved-shooting/stories/202012290179
The cost of child care has gone from astronomical to ‘terrifying’
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2020/12/30/child-care-cost-pandemic/stories/202012220010
Farmers got a government bailout in 2020, even those who didn’t need it
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/30/farmers-got-a-government-bailout-in-2020-even-those-who-didnt-need-it/
Philly
The path to a more lucrative career could start with this new online tool from the Philly Fed
https://www.inquirer.com/business/path-more-lucrative-career-could-start-with-this-new-online-tool-philly-fed-20201230.html
These Philadelphia-area Latinos had significant achievements in 2020
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-camden-latino-achievements-goals-2020-20201230.html
Donald Outlaw, cleared of murder, is Philadelphia’s 17th exoneree in 3 years
https://www.inquirer.com/news/robert-outlaw-conviction-integrity-unit-exoneration-philadelphia-20201229.html
Listen: Philadelphia’s choral students sing out 2020 with a quiet work that says it all
https://www.inquirer.com/arts/the-year-2020-in-music-twenty-twenty-choral-composition-scott-ordway-20201230.html
5 things that must happen to save Philly’s small businesses | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/small-business-philadelphia-economic-recovery-20201229.html
Philly’s LGBTQ community outraged over whitewashing of Casarez mural
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/phillys-lgbtq-community-outraged-over-whitewashing-of-casarez-mural/
Philadelphia nearing 500 homicides this year as 2020 draws to close
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/12/philadelphia-nearing-500-homicides-this-year-as-2020-draws-to-close.html
New stimulus gives Philly’s struggling music scene its own shot in the arm
https://www.witf.org/2020/12/30/new-stimulus-gives-phillys-struggling-music-scene-its-own-shot-in-the-arm/
Pitt
Pittsburgh’s parks tax to go into effect Jan. 1
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/12/29/Pittsburgh-s-parks-tax-to-go-into-effect-Jan-1/stories/202012290102
Coaches vs. hunger: Basketball fundraiser nets close to $40,000 for Pittsburgh food bank
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/high-school-basketball/2020/12/30/Basketball-coaches-fundraiser-WPIAL-City-League-coaches-Pittsburgh-Food-Bank/stories/202012290103
City, URA receive $7.5M in state development grants
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/12/29/Pittsburgh-URA-receive-millions-funding-pennsylvania-redevelopment-RACP-grants/stories/202012290123
Pittsburgh projects, including Lower Hill development, awarded $7.5M in state grants
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-projects-including-lower-hill-development-awarded-7-5m-in-state-grants/
City, county declare region’s 2020 Census response a success
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2020/12/29/Pittsburgh-Allegheny-County-2020-US-Census-self-response/stories/202012290124
Longtime Black activist feels ‘sense of hope’ regarding police reform in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/longtime-black-activist-feels-sense-of-hope-regarding-police-reform-in-pittsburgh/
‘We’re all going through the same uncertainty and fear’
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/dining/2020/12/30/COVID-19-coronavirus-economic-toll-restaurants-bars-food-workers-Spoon-Pittsburgh/stories/202012210146
Pittsburgh residents encouraged to put their garbage and recycling out for collection Wednesday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-residents-encouraged-to-put-their-garbage-and-recycling-out-for-collection-wednesday/
State News
‘A force for good’: How Black voices say they will carry momentum from 2020
https://triblive.com/local/regional/a-force-for-good-how-black-voices-say-they-will-carry-momentum-from-2020/
Michael Kovach: A more mindful approach to Pa. agriculture and climate change
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/12/30/A-more-mindful-approach-to-Pennsylvania-agriculture-and-climate-change-RGGI/stories/202012300027
Washington
Trump’s $2,000 checks stall in Senate as GOP blocks vote
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/12/29/Senate-GOP-blocks-swift-vote-on-Trump-s-2K-checks/stories/202012290127
Fact-checking Sen. Pat Toomey’s comment that Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf is ‘closing down businesses again’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-coronavirus-shutdown-toomey-wolf-fact-check-20201229.html
What we learned from those we lost in 2020 | Madeleine Dean
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/what-we-learned-from-those-we-lost-in-2020-madeleine-dean/
Pittsburgh-area reps. Mike Kelly and Guy Reschenthaler vote against $2,000 checks for Americans
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-area-reps-mike-kelly-and-guy-reschenthaler-vote-against-2000-checks-for-americans/Content?oid=18643748