Legislature
COLUMN: Municipal police training commission gains new perspective
https://www.meadvilletribune.com/opinion/column-municipal-police-training-commission-gains-new-perspective/article_a8c587dc-f192-11e8-9289-07b0eb74a321.html
$1.5 million in funding secured for open space preserve in Southern Chester County
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/million-in-funding-secured-for-open-space-preserve-in-southern/article_062367ce-f88b-11e8-a630-4f6cc5a9fe52.html
West Chester seniors age 90 and up honored
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/west-chester-seniors-age-and-up-honored/article_074f774e-f801-11e8-b51d-9f116125e80e.html
Court decision limits fireworks sales from roadside tents
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14369633-74/court-decision-limits-fireworks-sales-from-roadside-tents
Court douses part of Pennsylvania’s new fireworks law
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-court-fireworks-ruling-20181204-20181204-pctqyab6cnbwhec6iod2uhonze-story.html
Penn State study says most of Pa. lacks access to high-speed broadband
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/12/penn-state-study-says-most-of-pa-lacks-access-to-high-speed-broadband.php
Um, it’s a little too soon to party just yet, Vanessa Lowery Brown | Jenice Armstrong
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/jenice_armstrong/state-rep-vanessa-lowry-brown-convicted-sting-operation-party-jenice-armstrong-20181204.html
A new word for ‘shameful’: Probations in Harrisburg, Traffic Court sting | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/opinion/editorials/vanessa-lowery-brown-kathleen-kane-seth-williams-probation-20181205.html
Sen. David Argall calls Bush an inspiration for Americans
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/sen-david-argall-calls-bush-an-inspiration-for-americans
Redistricting
Gov. Wolf’s redistricting reform v. political reality | John Baer
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/john_baer/pa-gerrymandering-gov-wolf-david-thornburgh-joe-scarnati-mike-turzai-charlie-dent-20181204.html
Administration
Wolf: County farmers may be eligible for disaster relief funding
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wolf-county-farmers-may-be-eligible-for-disaster-relief-funding-1.2418358
Gov. Tom Wolf’s idea to lower Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls might not work right away
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/gov-tom-wolfs-idea-to-lower-pennsylvania-turnpike-tolls-might-not-work-right-away
Business
Appeals court shows openness to clergy abuse lawsuit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/12/04/Sexual-abuse-Catholic-priests-fraud-Diocese-Altoona-Johnstown-PA-Superior-Court/stories/201812040163
Catholic Church
Why is Pennsylvania concealing the identities of 11 accused priests?
https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-nws-court-priests-secret-20181204-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Police break up alleged fentanyl ring operating in Hazleton
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726685/police-break-up-alleged-fentanyl-ring-operating-in-hazleton
Former Allentown Mayor Ed Pawlowski arrives at prison that inspired ‘Orange is the New Black’
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-fbi-ed-pawlowski-prison-moved-20181204-story.html
County may enlist inmates’ assistance
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2018/12/county-may-enlist-inmates-assistance/
SCI-Somerset inmate sentenced for attack on corrections officer
https://www.tribdem.com/news/sci-somerset-inmate-sentenced-for-attack-on-corrections-officer/article_212ffdd4-f80e-11e8-9def-8ff19d0f8a54.html
Education
Upper Darby teachers overwhelmingly reject contract offer, plan protest
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/upper-darby-teachers-overwhelmingly-reject-contract-offer-plan-protest-20181204.html
Two McKeesport students arrested after bringing gun onto school bus
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/04/McKeesport-student-arrested-after-bringing-gun-onto-school-bus/stories/201812040192
Environmental Charter teachers join other charter school educators in call for union representation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/12/04/Environmental-Charter-School-teachers-union-American-Federation-of-Teachers-Randi-Weingarten/stories/201812040135
W-B Area credit rating improves as district plans to borrow for new school
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-area-credit-rating-improves-as-district-plans-to-borrow-for-new-school-1.2418348
Pennsylvania teacher says Catholic school fired her over her pregnancy
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14369048-74/pennsylvania-teacher-says-catholic-school-fired-her-over-her-pregnancy
Questions linger after boy, 7, is hit and killed at school bus stop
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/questions-linger-after-boy-7-is-hit-and-killed-at-school-bus-stop.html#incart_river_index
Elections/Politics
Judge to hear Toprani’s challenge to Cook’s 11-vote margin of victory in 49th District
https://observer-reporter.com/news/election/judge-to-hear-toprani-s-challenge-to-cook-s-/article_8bbd150e-f7e8-11e8-954a-e779b595a3e9.html
Gaming
Big Beaver mini-casino: 750 slots and 500 jobs, residents told
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/12/04/Mount-Airy-mini-casino-Big-Beaver-public-hearing-Pennsylvania-gaming-board/stories/201812040161
Sands Bethlehem casino isn’t winning as much of your money as it did last year
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-sands-bethlehem-casino-revenue-decline-20181204-story.html
Residents, officials weigh in on proposed Big Beaver casino
http://www.timesonline.com/news/20181204/residents-officials-weigh-in-on-proposed-big-beaver-casino
Local News
Luzerne County Council approves proposed budget cuts that may reduce tax hike
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726707/luzerne-county-council-approves-proposed-budget-cuts-that-may-reduce-tax-hike
Grant applications awaiting Wilkes-Barre city council’s approval
https://www.timesleader.com/news/726689/grant-applications-awaiting-wilkes-barre-city-councils-approval
City will apply for funding for various projects
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-will-apply-for-funding-for-various-projects-1.2418304
Dallas Twp. supervisors approve ‘fire tax’ to pay two firefighters
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dallas-twp-supervisors-approve-fire-tax-to-pay-two-firefighters-1.2418305
First Lackawanna County departments slated to move to Globe soon
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/first-lackawanna-county-departments-slated-to-move-to-globe-soon-1.2418194
Project to connect Abingtons residents to public water complete
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/project-to-connect-abingtons-residents-to-public-water-complete-1.2418274
Attorney: Dunmore police chief suspended with pay
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/attorney-dunmore-police-chief-suspended-with-pay-1.2418135
Parking cost to double in West Hazleton
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/parking-cost-to-double-in-west-hazleton-1.2418294
Hazleton lights Christmas tree at City Hall
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-lights-christmas-tree-at-city-hall-1.2418288
Suspended Aliquippa assistant police chief to stand trial on some charges
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/04/aliquippa-police-chief-joseph-perciavalle-donald-couch-grand-jury-rachael-deltondo-homicide/stories/201812040168
Construction of Wesley Family Services building to start next year
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14369361-74/construction-of-wesley-family-services-building-to-start-next-year
Harrison sets public meeting on projects to reduce stormwater flooding
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14368882-74/harrison-sets-public-meeting-on-projects-to-reduce-stormwater-flooding
Reading Parking Authority to install new gates by June 1
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-to-install-new-gates-by-june-1
Economist predicts slower growth in 2019 during Berks business event
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/economist-sees-slower-growth-in-2019
Marijuana
Does smoking marijuana cause teen behavior problems or vice versa?
http://www2.philly.com/health/marijuana-behavioral-conduct-problems-20181205.html
National News
Joe Biden says he’s ‘the most qualified person in the country to be president’
http://www2.philly.com/politics/nation/joe-biden-president-election–20181204.html
GOP campaign committee reports ‘cyber intrusion’
http://www2.philly.com/politics/gop-campaign-committee-reports-cyber-intrusion-20181204.html
Natural Gas
New zoning laws approved limiting natural gas operations in Dallas Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-zoning-laws-approved-limiting-natural-gas-operations-in-dallas-twp-1.2418309
$500 million project to expand natural gas pipeline proposed
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/500_million_project_planned_to.html#incart_river_index
Philly
Report: Phila. School District lost $62 million in revenue in 2017 to tax abatements
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/phila-schools-lost-62-million-development-tax-breaks-2017-20181204.html
Philly gas commission approves PGWs plan for gas venture, despite insinuations of Russian ties
http://www2.philly.com/news/city-panel-approves-pgw-gas-plant-lng-liberty-energy-russian-ties-20181204.html
Groceries price comparison finds that Whole Foods, Acme are the most expensive in Philly area
http://www2.philly.com/news/grocery-store-price-comparison-philadelphia-whole-foods-acme-wegmans-walmart-20181204.html
James F. Kenney Sr., Philly firefighter and mayor’s father, dies at 83
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/james-kenney-sr-dies-father-philadelphia-mayor-20181204.html
How two brothers are using the Land Bank to build homes working Philadelphians can afford
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/real_estate/residential/west-poplar-frankel-enterprises-workforce-housing-ami-philadelphia-land-bank-vacant-lots-20181204.html
Help wanted: Teachers for Philly district, charter and private schools
http://www2.philly.com/news/philly-teaching-public-charter-private-jobs-20181204.html
No homicide charge against Kensington woman in deadly driving lesson
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/port-richmond-deadly-driving-lesson-kensington-20181204.html
City Council to vote on higher fines for tow trucks
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/city-council-to-vote-on-higher-fines-for-tow-trucks/article_a4e7985e-040a-5aee-b5c2-e00c77de1d5a.html
Former Deputy Sheriff Detective Malika Rahman announces candidacy for Philadelphia sheriff
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/former-deputy-sheriff-detective-malika-rahman-announces-candidacy-for-philadelphia/article_4451cb7f-30ff-5a20-b533-eb655d000a07.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh’s cool, says National Geographic Traveller
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/12/04/Pittsburgh-National-Geographic-Travelier-2019-Cool-List-UK/stories/201812040134
Sam Nover, longtime WPXI sportscaster, dies at 77
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/12/04/Sam-Nover-longtime-WPXI-sportscaster-dies-at-77/stories/201812040178
Northview Heights public safety center opens, staffed by Pittsburgh police
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/12/04/Northview-Heights-Pittsburgh-police-public-safety-center-housing-buhl-foundation-hissrich/stories/201812040119
Allegheny County Council passes Fitzgerald’s nearly $1 billion 2019 operating budget
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2018/12/04/allegheny-county-council-budget-billion/stories/201812040177
City youth baseball players heading to Cuba
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/12/04/City-youth-baseball-cuba-14th-ward-pittsburgh-city-council/stories/201812040150
Pittsburgh sports venues, convention center secure new $800K pot of taxpayer money
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14369928-74/pittsburgh-sports-venues-convention-center-secure-new-800k-pot-of-taxpayer-money
Chanukah and menorah parade brings light to Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14370153-74/the-festival-of-chanukah-and-menorah-parade-brings-light-to-the-region
Lyft announces most popular Pittsburgh destinations for 2018
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14368219-74/lyft-announces-most-popular-pittsburgh-destinations-for-2018
State News
Our Towns: From Ambridge to Zelienople, explore the small towns of Western Pennsylvania
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/small-towns/
Draft version of carbon-cutting plan envisions a dramatic shift in Pa.’s energy mix
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2018/12/04/Climate-action-plan-carbon-nuclear-gas-coal-solar-Pennsylvania-DEP/stories/201812040158
Murrysville backyard webcam ranked among YouTube’s top 20 in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14368771-74/murrysville-backyard-wildlife-webcam-on-youtube-video-ranked-in-top-20-in
Rural areas in Fayette and Somerset counties to benefit from federal infrastructure loans
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14369238-74/rural-areas-in-fayette-and-somerset-counties-to-benefit-from-federal-infrastructure
Pa. Supreme Court to rule on secrecy of state police social media policy
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14368703-74/pa-supreme-court-to-rule-on-secrecy-of-state-police-social-media
Carbon commissioners question fill use at NJ Zinc site
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/carbon-commissioners-question-fill-use-at-nj-zinc-site-1.2418224
Some Pa. state government offices to close early on Wednesday for National Day of Mourning
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/some-pa-state-government-offices-to-close-early-for-national-day-of-mourning.html#incart_river_index
Pennsylvania has yet to carry out many suggestions for drug-treatment reform
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-has-yet-to-carry-out-many-suggestions-for-drug-treatment-reform
Authority: DEP’s ruling could lead to expensive mandates, modifications
https://www.tribdem.com/news/authority-dep-s-ruling-could-lead-to-expensive-mandates-modifications/article_51e76d0c-f833-11e8-bd63-6b415f5b3e63.html
Transportation
PennDOT announces major Parkway East closure
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14371491-74/penndot-announces-major-parkway-east-closure
Hamburg seeks traffic solution
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/hamburg-seeks-traffic-solution
Washington
Mueller recommends no prison for Flynn, citing his ‘substantial’ cooperation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/12/04/Mueller-recommend-no-prison-former-Trump-adviser-Michael-Flynn-cooperation/stories/201812040172
Trump associate Roger Stone pleads the Fifth in the Senate’s Russia probe
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/12/04/Trump-associate-Roger-Stone-invoked-Fifth-Amendment-Senate-Russia-probe/stories/201812040190
AP FACT CHECK: Trump exaggerates cost of illegal immigration
http://www2.philly.com/politics/nation/ap-fact-check-trump-exaggerates-cost-illegal-immigration-20181205.html