Elections/Politics
As counting grinds on, how solid is President-elect Joe Biden’s projected victory in Pennsylvania?
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/as-counting-grinds-on-just-how-solid-is-president-elect-joe-bidens-projected-victory-in-pennsylvania.html
Philly elections officials are getting death threats as Trump targets the city
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadelphia-elections-officials-death-threats-20201109.html
Trump lawsuit seeks to block certification of votes in Allegheny, Philadelphia counties
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/09/presidential-election-2020-Trump-Biden-lawsuit-voter-fraud-Pennsylvania-poll-watchers/stories/202011090110
Trump campaign asks rural Pa. federal judge to block certification of election results
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/trump-campaign-asks-rural-pa-federal-judge-to-block-certification-of-election-results.html
Pa. lawmakers back Trump’s refusal to concede, seek lawyers’ help to challenge results
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/09/Pennsylvania-Republicans-election-ballots-counties-votes-Trump-legal-Mike-Kelly/stories/202011080183
Do Trump’s legal challenges have any hope of changing Pa.’s election results? A look at the suits he hopes can do it.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-lawsuits-election-pennsylvania-philadelphia-giuliani-vote-count-fraud-20201109.html
Pennsylvania Democrats may have saved Biden by knocking the Green Party candidate off the ballot
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/pennsylvania-election-results-green-party-biden-trump-20201109.html
We asked nine legal experts about Trump’s latest lawsuit challenging election results in Pennsylvania. Their verdict: Dead on arrival.
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/09/legal-experts-say-trumps-election-lawsuit-pennsylvania-baseless/6228914002/
Westmoreland debates how to count mail-in ballots that arrived minutes late on Election Day
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-debates-how-to-count-mail-in-ballots-that-arrived-minutes-late-on-election-day/
AG William Barr OKs election probes despite little evidence of fraud
https://triblive.com/news/politics-election/ag-william-barr-oks-election-probes-despite-little-evidence-of-fraud/
Luzerne County Election Board accepts nearly 1,500 more ballots
https://www.timesleader.com/news/809359/luzerne-county-election-board-accepts-nearly-1500-more-ballots
Provisional ballots push Luzerne County vote total over 150,000
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/provisional-ballots-push-luzerne-county-vote-total-over-150-000/article_0866ac32-e4a6-560c-9225-10dfe054e857.html
State, counties meet challenge of unique election
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/state-counties-meet-challenge-of-unique-election/article_c31b5d07-73dd-5720-9a8d-5bc05bc98c25.html
Here’s what Biden’s win, elections mean for Pa. seniors | Ray E. Landis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/heres-what-bidens-win-elections-mean-for-pa-seniors-ray-e-landis/
MAPS: The counties that pushed Biden to the presidency in Pa.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/the-counties-that-pushed-biden-to-the-presidency-in-pa/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Pa. Health Secretary: Fall coronavirus surge likely is not over
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-health-secretary-fall-coronavirus-surge-likely-is-not-over/
Levine warns of more deaths if COVID-19 cases keep rising
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/levine-warns-of-more-deaths-if-covid-19-cases-keep-rising/article_e981380c-e4a5-5d20-9ec4-600e1ca70350.html
Latest COVID-19 data is ‘sobering,’ as Pa. reports 6,300 new cases over the weekend
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/09/COVID-19-Update-allegheny-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-cases-deaths-2/stories/202011090079
With thousands of new infections a day, Pa. says the surge hasn’t peaked and N.J. sets new restrictions
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-surge-cases-rising-vaccine-biden-pfizer-20201109.html
Allegheny County adds 530 new covid cases in 2 days
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-adds-530-new-covid-cases-in-2-days/
Coronavirus cases in Bucks, Montgomery spreading at same rates as in spring
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/11/09/cornoavirus-bucks-county-montogmery-county-cases-rising-covid-19/6223694002/
Coronavirus shows no sign of slowing down as Berks County reports 164 new cases over 2 days
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-shows-no-sign-of-slowing-down-as-berks-county-reports-164-new-cases-over/article_604b8a00-22b0-11eb-ab41-d30a18f6ac70.html
Montgomery County in ‘substantial’ level of coronavirus transmission
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-in-substantial-level-of-coronavirus-transmission/article_ca407c8a-dc41-5b3c-a04f-0bb8596c80a3.html
Norwin area covid cases up almost 10%
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/norwin-area-covid-cases-up-almost-10/
Washington Township nursing home sees outbreak of covid-19
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/washington-township-nursing-home-sees-outbreak-of-covid-19/
Chester closes City Hall after COVID-19 outbreak
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/chester-closes-city-hall-after-covid-19-outbreak/article_51911100-22d4-11eb-8954-a71132dd95e6.html
Officials fight COVID-19 outbreak at Beaver County Courthouse
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/west/2020/11/09/Beaver-County-Courthouse-COVID-19-outbreak/stories/202011090137
As race intensifies, Pitt remains committed to developing a covid vaccine
https://triblive.com/local/as-race-intensifies-pitt-remains-committed-to-developing-a-covid-vaccine/
U.S. allows 1st emergency use of a COVID-19 antibody drug
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-antibody-drug-emergency-use-20201109.html
Biden’s COVID-19 task force includes physicians from Philly and Princeton with long public health resumes
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/biden-coronavirus-covid-19-task-force-ezekiel-emanuel-julie-morita-20201109.html
UPMC study: No clear benefit using hydroxychloroquine to treat covid
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/upmc-study-no-clear-benefit-using-hydroxychloroquine-to-treat-covid/
Legislature
With election results unresolved, General Assembly delays internal leadership elections
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/with-election-results-uncertain-general-assembly-delays-internal-leadership-elections/
Help for an ailing industry
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/11/10/Help-for-an-ailing-industry-Restaurants-COVID-Pennsylvania/stories/202010290089
Business
Giant Eagle hiring 600 people for holiday season
https://triblive.com/local/regional/giant-eagle-hiring-600-people-for-holiday-season/
Rite Aid unveils ‘Store of the Future’ in Northeast Pennsylvania
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/rite-aid-unveils-store-of-the-future-in-northeast-pennsylvania/article_c5535a76-2ac2-54af-9278-6b95db2ae1d8.html
Agriculture secretary: Pa. industry will need 75,000 skilled jobs in the next decade
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/agriculture-secretary-pa-industry-will-need-75000-skilled-jobs-in-the-next-decade/
Pennsylvania expands period for backdated unemployment claims to 52 weeks
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-pa-pandemic-unemployment-compsensation-backdated-20201109-afegzsciv5dihbbopzn5gh4ija-story.html
Crime/Punishment
Hazleton police receive training for use of body cameras
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-police-receive-training-for-use-of-body-cameras/article_bf4dc8d8-92f0-5255-8e0d-fdc3aebdca98.html
Northern Berks Regional Police Department to disband
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/northern-berks-regional-police-department-to-disband/article_ef49517a-22f0-11eb-b213-93880c633751.html
Rash of shootings in Harrisburg due to gangs: police
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/rash-of-shootings-in-harrisburg-due-to-gangs-police.html
Man dies after he and three others are shot in Allentown Sunday
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-allentown-shooting-1108-update-20201109-4aqgbkt42ngbxl2bo3tyb5bxmy-story.html
Education
As COVID-19 cases rise, Pa. doesn’t plan statewide school closure but is advising some to go remote
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/facing-sobering-coivd-19-situation-pa-advising-many-schools-to-shut-down-classrooms.html
More schools may close as COVID-19 numbers rise in counties north of Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/09/education-schools-districts-closures-COVID-19-numbers-rise-health-north-Pittsburgh-western-pennsylvania/stories/202011090109
North Hills reports 6 new covid cases, no instructional changes planned
https://triblive.com/local/north-hills/north-hills-reports-6-new-covid-cases-no-instructional-changes-planned/
School districts mull options as Westmoreland coronavirus rates inch down
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/school-districts-mull-options-as-westmoreland-coronavirus-rates-inch-down/
Are schools going remote now that Lancaster County has reached ‘substantial’ community transmission? Not quite
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/are-schools-going-remote-now-that-lancaster-county-has-reached-substantial-community-transmission-not-quite/article_94051000-22d3-11eb-a8e5-27bcd68e0d14.html
Emmaus and Parkland high schools to be closed this week because of coronavirus cases
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-parkland-emmaus-high-school-coronavirus-20201110-3e2t4uv7pvdz7oybkwi2vc5v2m-story.html
Proposed Scranton School District budget includes 3.9% tax increase
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/proposed-scranton-school-district-budget-includes-3-9-tax-increase/article_0abd534f-23ec-572c-bc82-bb7a336715d9.html
On firm financial footing, St. Joe’s says it is open to partnerships and wants to add programs
https://www.inquirer.com/education/saint-josephs-university-merger-partnership-health-care-20201109.html
King’s Athletic Training Education program to become masters degree
https://www.timesleader.com/news/809363/kings-athletic-training-education-program-to-become-masters-degree
Local News
Cognetti announces increased funding for police training, addresses public posting of confidential police investigation
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cognetti-announces-increased-funding-for-police-training-addresses-public-posting-of-confidential-police-investigation/article_62d4993f-2efd-539e-b2cd-0c7297fbae20.html
Blankets of Hope helps get Berks County kids off the floor and into beds for a good night’s rest
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/blankets-of-hope-helps-get-berks-county-kids-off-the-floor-and-into-beds-for/article_ddd77bf4-1a0f-11eb-9f45-270b5d3477df.html
Reading confirms new managing director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-confirms-new-managing-director/article_aca498f8-22ef-11eb-8294-3f6b9c371b25.html
Reading reintegrates redevelopment authority with community development
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-reintegrates-redevelopment-authority-with-community-development/article_a006b582-22f3-11eb-8296-438ab3c7bd30.html
Bill Hastie, last survivor of Knox Mine Disaster, dies at 101
https://www.timesleader.com/news/809319/bill-hastie-last-survivor-of-knox-mine-disaster-dies-at-101
COVID-19 relief on minds of Wilkes-Barre mayor and city council
https://www.timesleader.com/news/809365/covid-19-relief-on-minds-of-wilkes-barre-mayor-and-city-council
Frati: 25% raises to 7 Wilkes-Barre DPW workers were necessary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/frati-25-raises-to-7-wilkes-barre-dpw-workers-were-necessary/article_1dabafe2-57f4-5b2e-879a-a9a039da0654.html
Philly
Some say police should have shot Walter Wallace Jr. in the leg. Police say that wasn’t an option.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/police-shooting-walter-wallace-tasers-shaka-johnson-danielle-wallace-shoot-to-wound-leg-20201109.html
Philadelphia continues its ‘fragile’ economic recovery with jobs, foot traffic, and home sales gaining strength
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/center-city-philadelphia-economy-fragile-recovery-paul-levy-20201109.html
1 dead on Kingsessing double shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-kingsessing-homicide-shooting-paxon-20201109.html
Suspect in slaying of Philly transgender woman arrested in Los Angeles
https://www.inquirer.com/news/transgender-dominque-fells-akhenaton-jones-arrest-los-angeles-20201109.html
Man, 37, killed by hit-run driver on Roosevelt Boulevard
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-rhawnhurst-roosevelt-boulevard-fatal-hit-run-20201109.html
Lawyer says man in Hummer with QAnon stickers outside Philly vote count never threatened or intended violence
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pa-election-plot-qanon-arrest-election-hummer-philadelphia-virginia-20201109.html
A West Philly activist facing arson charges in the burning of a police car is released from jail
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philly-police-car-fire-anthony-smith-ordered-released-from-jail-20201109.html
At holiday time, donations to many food charities aren’t keeping up with pandemic-fueled need
https://www.inquirer.com/news/hunger-food-pantry-share-philabundance-thanksgiving-coronavirus-20201110.html
Philadelphia names Seth Shapiro as heir apparent as PGW chief
https://www.inquirer.com/business/philadelphia-gas-works-ceo-seth-shapiro-white-kenney-20201109.html
For progressives who helped elect him, Biden’s victory is a doorway, not a destination | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/biden-election-progressives-philadelphia-20201109.html
Pitt
Peduto angles to avoid layoffs in Pittsburgh budget proposal
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/09/Peduto-pittsburgh-2021-budget-no-tax-increase-federal-covid-19-relief-furloughs-layoffs/stories/202011090071
Peduto: Without federal aid, Pittsburgh will cut over 630 jobs
https://triblive.com/local/peduto-without-federal-aid-pittsburgh-will-cut-over-630-jobs/
Fore! Golf is headed to Market Square
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/11/10/PPG-Place-Market-Square-Highwoods-Properties-Five-Iron-Golf/stories/202011100067
A shelter-in-place order at Pitt renews unease about COVID-19 and Thanksgiving
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/09/University-Pittsburgh-COVID-19-Penn-State-shelter-quarantine-thanksgiving-infections-holiday-break/stories/202011090101
African American-owned art gallery Blaqk House Collections in Pittsburgh vandalized
https://triblive.com/local/african-american-owned-art-gallery-blaqk-house-collections-in-pittsburgh-vandalized/
Man critically wounded in McKeesport stabbing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/09/McKeesport-stabbing-Duquesne-Avenue-man-hospitalized-multiple-stab-wounds/stories/202011090139
Man hospitalized after Larimer shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/09/Larimer-shooting-man-hospitalized-Winslow-Street-Pittsburgh-police-investigation/stories/202011090138
Man dies in Brighton Heights shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/09/Man-dies-Brighton-Heights-shooting-Brighton-road-davis-avenue/stories/202011090115
Christmas tree delivery set for Pittsburgh’s City-County Building; traffic restrictions expected
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/09/City-County-Building-Christmas-tree-delivery-Grant-Street-Pittsburgh-Public-Works/stories/202011090108
State News
Pa. Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs creates statewide outreach initiative
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/pa-dept-of-military-and-veterans-affairs-creates-statewide-outreach-initiative.html
Transportation
One road project finished but another continues on Verona Road in Penn Hills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/11/09/Penn-Hills-Nadine-Road-Verona-Road-Allegheny-County-PennDOT/stories/202011090085