Legislature
Collett hosts ACA enrollment events in Hatfield, Warminster
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191203/collett-hosts-aca-enrollment-events-in-hatfield-warminster
Bill Tracker: Freezing property taxes for senior citizens
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-freezing-property-taxes-for-senior-citizens/article_86b87d36-0887-5ba8-88fb-ca5d31770151.html
West Philadelphia lawmaker Movita Johnson-Harrell expects to be charged with crimes, sources say
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-attorney-general-movita-johnson-harrell-election-20191203.html
Criminal charges filed against Philadelphia official: attorney general
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/12/shapiro-to-announce-multiple-charges-filed-against-philadelphia-official.html
A looming cliff: It’s time to fund our roads right
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/12/04/Pennsylvania-road-turnpike-funding-transportation/stories/201911230010
Eyes of Texas on surprise medical bills
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/eyes-of-texas-on-surprise-medical-bills-1.2567249
Business
Chesco D.A. files more criminal charges linked to Mariner East pipeline
https://www.dailylocal.com/business/chesco-d-a-files-more-criminal-charges-linked-to-mariner/article_abc3e0b2-fbb1-573e-872d-0142eb03fc37.html
Elliott Group begins transforming former Jeannette Glass into new plant, jobs
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/elliott-group-begins-transforming-former-jeannette-glass-into-new-plant-jobs/
Dollar General in Pittston to celebrate grand opening on Saturday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/764606/dollar-general-in-pittston-to-celebrate-grand-opening-on-saturday
Crime/Punishment
SCI Mercer inmate charged with killing cellmate, claims preemptive strike
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/12/03/pennsylvania-prison-homicide-mercer-county-cellmate/stories/201912030123
Westmoreland DA drops charges against key witness in New Kensington cop killing case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/12/03/Westmoreland-charges-dropped-tavon-harper-witness-Rahmael-Holt-officer-Brian-Shaw-death-penalty/stories/201912030092
Union: Assaults up at crowded SCI-Dallas; DOC defends stats, practices
https://www.timesleader.com/news/764673/union-assaults-up-at-crowded-sci-dallas-doc-defends-stats-practices
Union has safety concerns at SCI-Dallas
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/union-has-safety-concerns-at-sci-dallas-1.2567386
Alleged kidnapper died of multiple gunshot wounds
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/alleged-kidnapper-died-of-multiple-gunshot-wounds-1.2567385
Family of inmate who died at county jail files lawsuit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/family-of-inmate-who-died-at-county-jail-files-lawsuit-1.2567350
Education
Pennsylvania can turn its higher education disaster around | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/student-debt-tuition-pennsylvania-cost-of-college-20191203.html
The PISA test scores cast doubt on U.S. education efforts
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/12/03/PISA-test-results-education-scores/stories/201912030177
Community mourns sudden death of West Mifflin student-athlete
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/community-mourns-sudden-death-of-west-mifflin-student-athlete/
Scranton School Board reorganizes with Gilmartin as president
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-board-reorganizes-with-gilmartin-as-president-1.2567343
Elections/Politics
Rep. Sue Helm plans to seek an eighth term in the Pa. House of Representatives; ‘I like what I’m doing’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/12/rep-sue-helm-plans-to-seek-an-eighth-term-in-the-pa-house-of-representatives-i-like-what-im-doing.html
Gaming
By the numbers: How Pa. uses slot machine revenue to subsidize the horse racing industry
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/watchdog/2019/12/04/horse-racing-subsidy-more-than-some-programs-pa-state-budget/2592888001/
Health Care
State declares whooping cough outbreak in Indiana County
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/12/03/State-declares-whooping-cough-outbreak-indiana-county/stories/201912030150
Restrict ‘junk plans’: Search engine fixes don’t solve the problem
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/12/04/Restrict-junk-plans-Search-engine-fixes-don-t-solve-the-problem/stories/201911190007
Local News
Lackawanna County sued over use of prisoners at recycling center
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-sued-over-use-of-prisoners-at-recycling-center-1.2567007
Minora’s departure means new solicitor for Scranton City Council
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/minora-s-departure-means-new-solicitor-for-scranton-city-council-1.2567426
Nearly 50 graduate from county’s reentry program after completing drug and alcohol treatment
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/764643/nearly-50-graduate-from-countys-reentry-program-after-completing-drug-and-alcohol-treatment
Graphic graffiti gets city’s attention, potholes filled in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/764709/graphic-graffiti-gets-citys-attention-potholes-filled-in-wilkes-barre
County council approves 911 upgrade, new voting machines
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-approves-911-upgrade-new-voting-machines-1.2567382
W-B council will consider projects for gaming grant applications
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-council-will-consider-projects-for-gaming-grant-applications-1.2567286
$571K in CRIZ fundscoming to Tamaqua
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/571k-in-criz-fundscoming-to-tamaqua-1.2567317
Councilman: City property tax hike could be less than projected
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/councilman-city-property-tax-hike-could-be-less-than-projected-1.2567337
Lower Burrell receives $91,000 in grants for parks
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-receives-91000-in-grants-for-parks/
New Kensington proposes tax increase to combat blight
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-proposes-tax-increase-to-combat-blight/
Reading City Council proposes zoning changes that would aid Alvernia’s downtown expansion
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-proposes-zoning-changes-that-would-aid-alvernias-downtown-expansion
Coats for Christmas bring warmth to Hope Rescue Mission in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/coats-for-christmas-bring-warmth-to-hope-rescue-mission-in-reading&template=ourcityart
National News
Carbon emissions will hit yet another record high this year, experts project
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/12/03/carbon-emissions-global-climate-record/stories/201912030168
Gun background checks are on pace to break record in 2019
https://www.witf.org/2019/12/04/gun-background-checks-are-on-pace-to-break-record-in-2019/
New Jersey
New Jersey legislator introduces bill that would require students to learn cursive
https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/new-jersey-cursive-requirement-mcknight-bill-20191204.html
NJ’s new DUI strategy a chance for even bigger change | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/drunken-driving-mandatory-ignition-lock-new-jersey-pennsylvania-20191204.html
Philly
Why Mayor Kenney could threaten to pull a water bill discount for Philly’s ‘eds and meds’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/security-guards-prevailing-wage-32bj-seiu-penn-temple-water-discount-20191204.html
Philadelphia City Council advances bill to reduce controversial 10-year tax abatement
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tax-abatement-10-year-philly-change-hearing-vote-20191203.html
Philadelphia’s Fair Workweek law gets delayed. Advocates call it ‘embarrassing.’
https://www.inquirer.com/business/fair-workweek-delayed-enforcement-philadelphia-20191203.html
During meeting with students, PAFA president vows to ‘do better’ in handling sexual-assault cases
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pafa-ceo-david-brigham-do-better-town-hall-students-faculty-20191203.html
Thousands of jobs in Philadelphia and other waterfront cities revolve around the Delaware River, everything from canoe rentals to fishing guides to cargo shipping and handling.
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/a/river-watershed-delaware-schuylkill-newyork-bay-20191204.html
17th and Pulaski: Residents of a Tioga block decry deadly violence
https://www.inquirer.com/news/17th-pulaski-tioga-philadelphia-fatal-shootings-20191203.html
Vox Media shuts down Curbed Philly
https://www.inquirer.com/news/curbed-philly-vox-media-shutting-down-philadelphia-20191203.html
German grocer Lidl to open first Philly store next week in Port Richmond
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/commercial/lidl-first-philadelphia-store-port-washington-butler-aramingo-20191203.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh police officer whose K-9 partner was killed in 2014 advances to sergeant
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/03/Pittsburgh-police-officer-K-9-rocco-killed-2014-sergeant-philip-lerza/stories/201912030136
First Night will greet 2020 with fireworks, a parade and a few new (year) tricks
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/03/First-Night-Pittsburgh-2020-fireworks-parade-music-New-Years-Eve-Downtown/stories/201912030107
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh invites people to share their vision for the future
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/highmark-first-night-pittsburgh-invites-people-to-share-their-vision-for-the-future/
City councilwoman’s reptile-regulation ordinance approved
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/12/03/Pittsburgh-councilwoman-Darlene-Harris-reptile-regulation-ordinance-passes/stories/201912030126
Pitt basketball’s black and gold jerseys receive mixed reviews
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/Pitt/2019/12/03/Pitt-basketball-black-gold-jerseys-mixed-reviews-Duck-Hodges/stories/201912030167
Point Park promises to address student concerns over diversity, inclusivity and equity
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2019/12/03/Point-Park-will-take-action-to-address-student-concerns-over-diversity-inclusivity-and-equity/stories/201912030162
Superintendent Anthony Hamlet announces new strategic plan for city schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/12/04/Superintendent-Anthony-Hamlet-new-strategic-plan-pittsburgh-public-schools-imagine-pps/stories/201912030160
Terrelle Pryor says he ‘stared death in the eye’ in hospital after stabbing
https://triblive.com/sports/terrelle-pryor-says-he-stared-death-in-the-eye-in-hospital-after-stabbing/
Allegheny County Council approves 2020 budget
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-council-approves-2020-budget/
Pittsburgh man accused of ethnic intimidation, harassing 2 off-duty EMTs in Murrysville
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/pittsburgh-man-accused-of-ethnic-intimidation-harassing-two-off-duty-emts-in-murrysville/
Petition wants to bring back giant rubber duck in honor of Steelers’ Devlin Hodges
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/petition-wants-to-bring-back-giant-rubber-duck-in-honor-of-devlin-hodges/
‘A complete breakdown’: Pittsburgh charter school’s case is still stuck before state appeals board
https://www.penncapital-star.com/education/a-complete-breakdown-pittsburgh-charter-school-remains-stuck-before-state-appeals-board/
State News
FBI warns of holiday scams as Western Pa. victims cheated out of $1M in 2019
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/fbi-warns-of-holiday-scams-as-western-pa-victims-cheated-out-of-1m-in-2019/
West Penn warns of utility bill scam
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/west-penn-warns-of-utility-bill-scam/
Aliquippa football coach Mike Warfield tapped as feds’ new law enforcement coordinator
https://triblive.com/local/regional/aliquippa-football-coach-mike-warfield-tapped-as-feds-new-law-enforcement-coordinator/
Survey: Pa. greenhouse gas emissions dropped 19% from 2005 to ’16
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/survey-pa-greenhouse-gas-emissions-dropped-from-2005-2016/
Liquor enforcement agency’s aim is compliance in Berks, across state
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/liquor-enforcement-agencys-aim-is-compliance-in-berks-across-state
How a Berks County Christmas tree farmer keeps the spotted lanternfly at bay
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/christmas-tree-farmer-keeps-the-spotted-lanternfly-at-bay
Washington
Pa. lawmakers: Where they stand on impeachment
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/pa-lawmakers-where-they-stand-on-impeachment-1.2567311
As Trump impeachment inquiry enters new phase, Reschenthaler calls it ‘broken’ beyond repair
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/12/03/House-Judiciary-Committee-impeachment-inquiry-Republican-Guy-Reschenthaler-opinion-Trump/stories/201912030124
Trump suggests Americans look beyond the DOJ inspector general’s Russia report
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/12/03/inspector-general-report-Barr-Trump-Russia-FBI-key-finding/stories/201912030156
New Trump tariffs feed fears for Pa. steel, port jobs
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/steel-trump-toomey-tariffs-port-20191203.html
Impeachment hearing: Start time, witnesses, how to watch and stream
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/impeachment-hearing-date-time-tv-channel-streaming-donald-trump-ukraine-jerry-nadler-20191204.html
Create DOJ digital bureau
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/create-doj-digital-bureau-1.2567251