Elections/Politics
New Monmouth poll shows Biden with 5-point lead over Trump in Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/02/New-Monmouth-poll-biden-trump-presidential-election-pennsylvania/stories/202011020072
Pa. will be in spotlight Monday as Biden plans Pittsburgh-area visits, Trump to rally in Scranton
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/11/01/Biden-Pittsburgh-Beaver-County-campaign-Trump-Scranton-rally-2020-election/stories/202011010199
Biden going Gaga for Pa. on Monday: Campaign events feature pop songstress and John Legend
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/11/01/biden-campaign-flooding-pennsylvania-monday-election-eve-lady-gaga-john-legend/6117306002/
Biden, Harris work to push Black turnout on campaign’s final weekend
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/11/01/Election-Day-2020-Joe-Biden-campaign-message-Philadelphia-Detroit-Flint-Kamala-Harris-Barack-Obama/stories/202011010175
Harris to campaign in Luzerne County Monday morning; Trump in the afternoon
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/harris-to-campaign-in-luzerne-county-monday-morning-trump-in-the-afternoon/article_d953c787-9fb5-588d-bb71-d79169acbe6a.html
Joe Biden, Lady Gaga expected to visit Pittsburgh on election eve
https://triblive.com/local/joe-biden-expected-to-visit-pittsburghs-north-shore-on-election-eve/
VP candidate Kamala Harris coming to Lehigh Valley on Monday, campaign says
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-kamala-harris-coming-to-lehigh-valley-20201101-nu7lagblqbbghnjevoo7keufcm-story.html
Biden and Trump campaign entourages to be here, there and everywhere in Pa. today
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/campaign-entourages-to-be-here-there-and-everywhere-in-pa-today.html
Focusing on Luzerne County votes in the presidential election
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/focusing-on-luzerne-county-votes-in-the-presidential-election/article_972fe570-4036-5f16-abd1-62203f0db6d3.html
10 Pennsylvania counties to watch closely as election results come in
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-counties-2020-election-trump-biden-20201102.html
Biden implores Philly voters to ‘put an end to this presidency’ as Trump signals plans to discredit votes
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/biden-philadelphia-pennsylvania-campaign-stops-trump-polls-20201101.html
Voters across Pennsylvania are bracing for ‘an incredibly nerve-racking several days’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/presidential-election-pennsylvania-anxiety-results-voters-20201101.html
Citing Pa., Trump says campaign will be ‘going in with our lawyers’ when polls close
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/11/01/Trump-campaign-Pennsylvania-ballots-2020-election-lawyers/stories/202011010195
Some of Trump’s most ardent Philly-area critics include those grieving losses to COVID-19
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/trump-covid-19-virus-pennsylvania-new-jersey-biden-election-20201102.html
Harassment, anger, and misinformation plague Pa. county officials as they struggle to keep 2020 election on track
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pennsylvania-election-county-officials-stress-misinformation-anger-20201030.html
Climate activists are turning out Pa. voters to flip the state House — and boost Biden
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-climate-change-voters-biden-trump-20201101.html
Democrats eyeing Pennsylvania House may gain boost from Biden
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/10/31/Pennsylvania-House-Democrats-majority-race-2020-general-election-Cook-Political-Report-Chatham-University/stories/202010310027
How the surging virus has crashed into campaigning in every imaginable way
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/insight/2020/11/01/How-the-Surging-Virus-Has-Crashed-Into-Campaigning-in-Every-Imaginable-Way/stories/202011010024
‘A rough, rough year’: Our Pa. Election Day will be one of fear met by determination | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/election-pennsylvania-mail-ballots-turnout-delaware-county-maria-panaritis-20201101.html
Aftermath of Trump rally in Butler was ‘nothing like Omaha’ owner of bus company says
https://triblive.com/local/regional/aftermath-of-trump-rally-in-butler-was-nothing-like-omaha-owner-of-bus-company-says/
Eric Trump greets dad’s supporters at rally outside Wyoming Valley Mall
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808237/eric-trump-greets-dads-supporters-at-rally-outside-wyoming-valley-mall
Women-powered grassroots efforts support Biden, Trump in Western Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/women-powered-grassroots-efforts-support-for-biden-trump-in-western-pennsylvania/
Police: Sean Parnell’s house, Rep. Mike Doyle’s South Side office vandalized with graffiti message
https://triblive.com/local/police-sean-parnells-house-rep-mike-doyles-south-side-office-vandalized-with-graffiti-message/
Party leaders proud of campaign volunteers in 2020 election
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/party-leaders-proud-of-campaign-volunteers-in-2020-election/article_dd3e4b92-6f8d-5ed5-8001-f6e199823ade.html
One day more: county, voters prepare for Tuesday election
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/one-day-more-county-voters-prepare-for-tuesday-election/article_7d59b2f2-afe1-5ac9-b8e6-d46bfa80b242.html
Four voters were asked to reflect on four years of Trump. Here is what they had to say.
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/four-voters-were-asked-to-reflect-on-four-years-of-trump-here-is-what-they/article_073b317a-732e-574f-b5f3-fa139db8b75d.html
How covid-19 did and didn’t affect the election in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/how-covid-19-did-and-didnt-affect-the-election-in-pennsylvania/
Hazleton crowd touts Trump despite Eric’s absence during stop
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/election/hazleton-crowd-touts-trump-despite-erics-absence-during-stop/article_d288ad60-73e0-5053-9834-60fe866501b4.html
Threat odd way to seek votes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/threat-odd-way-to-seek-votes/article_618fb89d-0477-501d-a9dc-cf7e693fbbc4.html
Voters should feel safe heading to the polls on Election Day, local police say
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/voters-should-feel-safe-heading-to-the-polls-on-election-day-local-police-say/article_03e94436-1933-11eb-8944-c3a74aea72da.html
President Trump threatens to fire Dr. Fauci after election
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/president-trump-threatens-to-fire-dr-fauci-after-election.html
GOP tries to save its Senate majority, with or without Trump
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/gop-tries-to-save-its-senate-majority-with-or-without-trump.html
Laughlin, Slomski raise more than $1.5 million each, spend hundreds of thousands on ads
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/01/pa-49th-district-senate-candidates-raise-more-than-1-5-million-each/3759125001/
Here are some of the Pa. legislative races that could flip in Tuesday’s election
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/here-are-some-of-the-pa-legislative-races-that-could-flip-in-tuesdays-election.html
Three face off in contentious 10th District race for state house
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/state/2020/11/02/three-face-off-contentious-10th-district-race-state-house/6110905002/
Thousands of volunteers to help Pa. voters, protect against intimidation on Election Day
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/02/thousands-of-volunteers-to-help-pa-voters-protect-against-intimidation-on-election-day/
Here’s what you need to know to vote on Election Day: Questions and answers
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/heres-what-you-need-to-know-to-vote-on-election-day-questions-and-answers.html
What’s on Pa.’s mind before Election Day? A new poll points the way | The Numbers Racket
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/whats-on-pa-s-mind-before-election-day-a-new-poll-points-the-way-the-numbers-racket/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
In Pennsylvania, COVID-19 is now a rural, urban, and suburban problem
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pennsylvania-rural-increase-20201102.html
A pandemic pause: COVID-19 creates vacancies at housing units designed for victims of domestic violence
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/11/01/Domestic-violence-COVID-19-pandemic-vacancies-housing-victims/stories/202010280067
No hoax: October marks pandemic’s deadliest month to date in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/no-hoax-october-marks-pandemics-deadliest-month-to-date-in-westmoreland-county/
Westmoreland County election employee tests positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-election-employee-tests-positive-for-coronavirus/
Will the pandemic shrink your Thanksgiving turkey? Don’t count on it.
https://www.inquirer.com/food/thanksgiving-turkey-coronavirus-smaller-birds-fresh-frozen-20201102.html
79 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/79-new-cases-of-covid-19-reported-in-luzerne-county-on-sunday/article_395f3959-0253-5db8-990c-9cc26a609e58.html
Honey Brook nurse who cared for coronavirus patients dies of COVID-19, leaving behind a daughter
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/honey-brook-nurse-who-cared-for-coronavirus-patients-dies-of-covid-19-leaving-behind-a/article_d2e0b8e1-7325-58c9-826d-e4bcb2c5f4ba.html
England coronavirus lockdown may be extended beyond December
https://triblive.com/news/england-coronavirus-lockdown-may-be-extended-beyond-december/
Budget
State budget picture not as bleak as feared
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/11/02/State-budget-picture-not-as-bleak-as-feared/stories/202010290163
Business
Mall-owner PREIT files for bankruptcy in restructuring bid amid COVID-19 headwinds
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail/preit-pei-bankruptcy-capter-11-retail-mall-covid-fashion-district-20201101.html
Philly region’s small-biz owners plead for $225 million in Pa. state grant money
https://www.inquirer.com/business/small-business/pennsylvania-small-business-grants-loans-ppp-covid-coronavirus-closure-money-unused-20201101.html
Education
Online learning a ‘full-time job’ for parents
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/02/schools-education-Pittsburgh-online-learning-parents-distractions-students-pandemic/stories/202010300140
Ambridge Area School District closes Highland Elementary after covid-19 case
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ambridge-area-school-district-closes-highland-elementary-after-covid-19-case/
Norwin sees another covid-19 case
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/norwin-sees-another-covid-19-case/
Swatara Middle School closed Monday due to new COVID-19 case
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/swatara-middle-school-closed-monday-due-to-new-covid-19-case.html
‘This is frightening’: Lancaster elementary school students return for in-person instruction despite COVID-19 resurgence
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/this-is-frightening-lancaster-elementary-school-students-return-for-in-person-instruction-despite-covid-19/article_aa54f256-1add-11eb-bdf7-2bba6fb11940.html
Peters Township School District investigates allegations of marching band members wearing blackface
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/01/Peters-Township-School-District-blackface-allegations-marching-band-members/stories/202011010196
Monday update: Scranton School District hopes for agreement with IRS by end of year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/monday-update-scranton-school-district-hopes-for-agreement-with-irs-by-end-of-year/article_a571cb3c-2029-561d-8d20-6aba3e4a95ad.html
Reading middle school teacher collects smoke detectors for students
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-middle-school-teacher-collects-smoke-detectors-for-students/article_4ad9a346-1b9e-11eb-beac-636b4454b792.html
Cultural proficiency in schools
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/11/02/Cultural-proficiency-in-schools/stories/202009230079
Some local colleges are still holding in-person classes. Can they make it to Thanksgiving?
https://www.inquirer.com/education/thanksgiving-testing-colleges-st-josephs-villanova-ursinus-finish-20201102.html
Baby Boomers and high earners now carry the most student loan debt: Fidelity study
https://www.inquirer.com/news/student-debt-babyboomers-college-loan-fidelity-401k-brookings-20201031.html
Health Care
Seniors waiting for Trump’s $200 debit card may not get the prescription help they hope for
https://www.inquirer.com/business/drugs/medicare-drug-debit-card-trump-20201102.html
Local News
$7M settlement eyed in class-action lawsuit against Scranton Sewer Authority over 600 missing easements
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/7m-settlement-eyed-in-class-action-lawsuit-against-scranton-sewer-authority-over-600-missing-easements/article_9e53ab33-7ff9-5845-b2a6-e1636ddc20f8.html
Lawsuit alleges judge pressured Lackawanna County prosecutors to file false charges
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/lawsuit-alleges-judge-pressured-lackawanna-county-prosecutors-to-file-false-charges/article_12f8ed15-39a9-5f99-8e20-caa492978422.html
West Deer establishes property tax deferral program for low-income residents, seniors
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/west-deer-establishes-property-tax-deferral-program-for-low-income-residents-seniors/
The Luzerne Foundation Awards $120,000 in grants to area nonprofits
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808286/the-luzerne-foundation-awards-120000-in-grants-to-area-nonprofits
Allentown partnership offers low-income residents access to banking and path to financial stability
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-low-income-bank-access-20201102-urbqcunqrneh7ng5ho5l6f53li-story.html
Training, body cams among 21st Century Police report recommendations
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/training-body-cams-among-21st-century-police-report-recommendations/article_d42a7406-1962-11eb-adae-3ff2f2b3fb39.html
National News
New study shows roots of LGBTQ poverty and need for government data | Analysis
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/new-study-shows-roots-of-lgbtq-poverty-and-need-for-government-data-analysis/
A divided nation agrees on one thing: Many people want a gun
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/11/01/gun-sales-recent-first-time-more-US-election-Black/stories/202011010202
Plasma company, with Rick Santorum as part-owner, awaits as much as $65M in emergency virus funding
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/11/plasma-company-with-rick-santorum-as-part-owner-awaits-as-much-as-65m-in-emergency-virus-funding.html
Philly
Calls to ‘defund the police’ intensify after Philadelphia police killing of Walter Wallace Jr.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/defund-the-police-philadelphia-walter-wallace-killing-20201102.html
Philly’s mayor and top elections official call for calm ahead of Election Day
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/philadelphia-presidential-election-trump-fairness-integrity-access-accuracy-20201102.html
Philly church’s leader doesn’t want fire to be used ‘as a weapon on the political battlefield’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia/vietnamese-baptist-church-fire-arson-protest-philadelphia-20201031.html
Korean American business owners, among hardest hit by looters, feel victimized and alone
https://www.inquirer.com/business/looters-korean-american-businesses-philadelphia-beauty-supply-armed-protection-mayor-kenney-20201031.html
Philadelphia students tackle gun violence in the midst of a pandemic, election and racial reckoning | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/philadelphia-school-district-gun-violence-walter-wallace-police-election-covid-helen-ubinas-20201030.html
Pitt
Port Authority prepares for $11.2 million upgrade at light-rail maintenance center
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/11/02/Port-Authority-light-rail-maintenance-center-11-2-million-upgrade/stories/202011010025
‘All Are Welcome’ signs to be placed in various Pittsburgh parks
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/11/02/Pittsburgh-Parks-Conservancy-All-are-welcome-signs-inclusivity-inclusiveness-inclusion/stories/202011020011
Pittsburgh Obama’s facility closes after 2 employees test positive for COVID-19
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/01/Pittsburgh-Obama-Academy-public-school-facility-closure-staff-coronavirus-PPS/stories/202011010193
Pittsburgh Public Schools closes Obama Academy after second staff covid-19 case
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-public-schools-closes-obama-academy-after-second-staff-covid-19-case/
Allentown shooting claims third fatality after victim dies at hospital
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/01/Allentown-Beltzhoover-shooting-victims-three-dead-Edgemont/stories/202011010159
State News
Gaping loopholes and vague state guidance leave some Pa. families out of a home despite federal ban on evictions
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/spl/pa-eviction-cdc-ban-loophole-renters-despair-20201102.html
With 200,000 customers in the region behind on utility bills, help available for many
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/11/02/Help-is-there-for-low-income-utility-customers-as-winter-looms/stories/202011020013
Wolf Administration announces start of LIHEAP program
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808288/wolf-administration-announces-start-of-liheap-program
Crawford County accepts $1.5M grant for development of Erie to Pittsburgh Trail system
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/11/01/Crawford-County-accepts-1-5M-grant-for-development-of-Erie-to-Pittsburgh-Trail-system/stories/202011010036
Life jacket now required for paddlers, boaters on all state waters
https://triblive.com/local/regional/life-jacket-now-required-for-paddlers-boaters-on-all-state-waters/
Transportation
Doubling up: Three-state coalition tests ‘truck platooning’ using connected vehicles
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/11/01/Automated-trucks-Pennsylvania-Ohio-Michigan-Smart-Belt-Coalition-technology-test-state-rules/stories/202011010043