Elections/Politics
Pennsylvania’s pandemic presidential election is here. Is the state ready?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-2020-election-day-coronavirus-mail-ballots-trump-20201103.html
Wolf responds to Trump hours before Election Day: ‘Pennsylvanians will not be intimidated’
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/03/pa-gov-wolf-trump-pennsylvanians-not-intimidated/6135079002/
Pa. Secretary of State: Election will not be called by Tuesday
https://triblive.com/local/regional/pa-secretary-of-state-election-will-not-be-called-by-tuesday/
These Pa. counties won’t start counting mail ballots until Wednesday, possibly skewing early results
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pa-election-2020-mail-ballots-precanvassing-20201102.html
Pa. voters who plan to turn over mail ballots and vote in-person add to concerns about Election Day waits
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/voting-mail-in-person-pennsylvania-election-2020-polling-place-lines-20201102.html
Pa. Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar had a big job overseeing election reform in Pa. Then COVID hit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2020/11/02/PA-Secretary-of-State-Kathy-Boockvar-election-reform-Pennsylvania-COVID-19/stories/202011010037
York County triples election workers, plans to scan all ballots on Election Day
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2020/10/30/york-county-triples-election-workers-plans-scan-all-ballots-election-day/6073587002/
Montgomery County officials prepared to count ballots
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-officials-prepared-to-count-ballots/article_bc908b68-b4c9-5003-ae22-8bd0b23233f0.html
A new wave of Pa. poll workers will face a major test Tuesday
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pa-election-2020-poll-workers-training-provisional-ballots-20201102.html
On Election Day, here are some Pa. counties worth watching
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/on-election-day-here-are-some-pa-counties-worth-watching.html
Are you ready? Last-minute Election Day reminders
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808456/are-you-ready-last-minute-election-day-reminders
Election officials brace for large turnout, flood of mail-in ballots
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/election-officials-brace-for-large-turnout-flood-of-mail-in-ballots/article_6afe09de-10d5-5d78-8788-4032d7dcb0ed.html
Polls open to long lines of voters in some precincts in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/polls-open-to-long-lines-of-voters-in-some-precincts-in-nepa/article_58aa0424-fe66-5c21-99f6-215a3ffdc1a1.html
Nearly 62% of Luzerne County registered voters are 45 and up
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/nearly-62-of-luzerne-county-registered-voters-are-45-and-up/article_f745d18a-386c-53e6-b5c9-ae3fc0598bb1.html
Safety measures in place at Westmoreland polls
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/safety-measures-in-place-at-westmoreland-polls/
A pandemic, massive mail-ins, a divided nation, this is an election like no other
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/a-pandemic-massive-mail-ins-a-divided-nation-this-is-an-election-like-no-other/article_645896bc-968e-5694-be45-6ae80347216c.html
Covid infection doesn’t halt Westmoreland County’s Election Day preparations
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/covid-infection-doesnt-halt-westmoreland-countys-election-day-preparations/
Pa. voter registration database offers breakdown of Berks County voters
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/pa-voter-registration-database-offers-breakdown-of-berks-county-voters/article_18dc1bf0-1d1d-11eb-a0a0-6f2131e8d65c.html
More than 2.4 million Pennsylvania mail-in ballots returned by Monday morning
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-elections-mail-boockvar-20201102-6awkgylir5dwxlwpklrclhk6su-story.html
Pennsylvanians spike search volume for emergency absentee ballots. Here’s what to know about them.
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-pennsylvania-emergency-absentee-ballots-what-to-know-20201102-qsfnbywgsreshlzwcx6qb2j2de-story.html
Large Delaware County turnout predicted for Election Day
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/large-delaware-county-turnout-predicted-for-election-day/article_104102da-1d5e-11eb-8b90-0fd6dcbb3e76.html
The results are in: New Hampshire towns cast traditional first votes just after midnight; Election 2020 officially underway
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/the-results-are-in-new-hampshire-towns-cast-traditional-first-votes-just-after-midnight-election-2020-officially-underway.html
LIVE COVERAGE: Election Day 2020 in Pennsylvania
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/live-coverage-election-day-2020-in-pennsylvania/
Live Updates: Election Day in the Lehigh Valley
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-live-election-day-lehigh-valley-rawhtml-20201103-fphvn2ktkba5fnngfd2lqebqoy-htmlstory.html
Biden to visit Scranton on Election Day
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/biden-to-visit-scranton-on-election-day/article_ea367dba-15cb-5952-9be0-3076e7e8eb36.html
Biden makes last pitch for ‘soul of America’ during campaign events in Pittsburgh area
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/11/02/Joe-Biden-reaches-out-laborers-unions-campaign-event-Beaver-County-election-vote/stories/202011020106
On eve of election, Joe Biden delivers pro-labor message in Western Pa.
https://triblive.com/local/regional/biden-delivers-pro-labor-message-in-beaver-county/
Pa. ends the 2020 campaign at the center of the action as Trump raises specter of ‘violence in the streets’
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-2020-election-even-campaign-stops-20201102.html
It’s here: Today is Election Day and polls open at 7 a.m.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/11/03/Election-Day-guide-pittsburgh-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-what-need-to-know-polls/stories/202011020086
The USPS is putting all resources toward delivering ballots. But the rest of the mail is piling up.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/usps-mail-packages-tracking-ballots-delays-philadelphia-20201102.html
Judge rejects GOP effort to throw out 127,000 drive-thru votes in Texas
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/presidential-election-gop-houston-ballots-20201102.html
How Facebook, Twitter plan to handle Election Day disinformation
https://triblive.com/business/technology/how-facebook-twitter-plan-to-handle-election-day-disinformation/
Election Day: Let’s be civil out there
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/editorial/election-day-lets-be-civil-out-there/article_19ca2247-6a21-5e08-8935-b9e151ba1e7b.html
A fracking ban isn’t ‘political suicide’ in Pennsylvania | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/fracking-ban-election-2020-biden-trump-20201102.html
With all eyes on Pa. on Election Day, just think what’s possible! | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/with-all-eyes-on-pa-on-election-day-just-think-whats-possible-john-baer.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Many covid positive Pennsylvanians ignoring contact tracing questions
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/many-covid-positive-pennsylvanians-ignoring-contact-tracing-questions/
Pennsylvania coronavirus update: 2,060 cases added on Monday; Lehigh County now has ‘substantial’ virus transmission
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-virus-nov2-stats-20201102-zr5zv77y7jg2xhijero25wsrjq-story.html
Rising percentages of people testing positive in Philly, Pa., and N.J., but amid COVID-19 surge, ‘it is safe to vote’ in person
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-pandemic-voting-quarantine-surge-cases-20201102.html
Pennsylvania reports nearly 4,000 new covid cases over past 2 days
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-reports-nearly-4000-new-covid-cases-over-past-2-days/
COVID-19 Update: Allegheny County tops 16,000 cases and 264 new infections in past 2 days
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/02/COVID-19-Allegheny-County-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-data-deaths-cases-1/stories/202011020088
Allegheny County adds 264 covid cases over past 2 days, no new deaths
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-adds-264-covid-cases-over-past-2-days-no-new-deaths/
50 new COVID-19 cases, 1 death reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/50-new-covid-19-cases-1-death-reported-in-county/article_0fe2587c-0720-564b-bcb4-f0c8320361d1.html
State’s daily COVID-19 spikes are highest since pandemic’s beginning; 101 new cases in NEPA
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/states-daily-covid-19-spikes-are-highest-since-pandemics-beginning-101-new-cases-in-nepa/article_a1a0172f-7b64-5def-a076-0dee4cafc4c9.html
Coronavirus cases fall slightly in Berks County but longer-term trends are still on the rise
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/coronavirus-cases-fall-slightly-in-berks-county-but-longer-term-trends-are-still-on-the/article_5666907c-1d4f-11eb-97d3-7fc6c7e62f7b.html
Montgomery County and neighbors record increases in coronavirus positivity rates
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-and-neighbors-record-increases-in-coronavirus-positivity-rates/article_3ab68704-e2a0-54bd-94f9-88e9c0858256.html
Election board chairman is symptomatic after COVID exposure
https://observer-reporter.com/news/election/election-board-chairman-is-symptomatic-after-covid-exposure/article_f5fd83b4-1d51-11eb-82b9-af2769129d2a.html
Business
Two mall owners, including owner of Monroeville and Westmoreland malls, file for bankruptcy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/11/02/Two-mall-owners-CBL-PREIT-including-owner-of-Monroeville-and-Westmoreland-malls-files-for-bankruptcy/stories/202011020099
‘A long way to go’: Hotels devastated by COVID-19 struggle to regain their footing
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2020/11/03/hotels-Allegheny-Butler-Rivers-Casino-Westin-Omni-William-Penn-Ace-Best-Western-Cranberry/stories/202010300167
West Chester’s business district is fighting COVID hard, but winter is a looming threat
https://www.inquirer.com/business/west-chester-pennsylvania-restaurants-takeout-university-gay-street-bars-coffee-ice-cream-economy-20201102.html
Education
Peters investigates controversial band outfits at football game with Woodland Hills
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/02/Woodland-Hills-Peters-High-Achool-football-blackface-race/stories/202011020105
Peters Township school district investigating allegations of ‘blackface’ by band before football game
https://triblive.com/local/regional/peters-school-district-investigating-allegations-of-blackface-by-band-drum-majors-before-football-game/
Reports of new COVID case spur North Hills High to transition to online-only learning
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/02/North-Hills-High-School-COVID-19-case-student-online-classes-virtual-learning/stories/202011020129
North Hills teacher tests positive for covid-19, 5th active case at the high school
https://triblive.com/local/north-hills/north-hills-teacher-tests-positive-for-covid-19-5th-active-case-at-the-high-school/
New COVID-19 case prompts weeklong shutdown at Mars Area High School
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/02/New-COVID-19-case-prompts-weeklong-shutdown-at-Mars-Area-High-School/stories/202011020111
Saucon Valley High School closed for two weeks after five COVID-19 cases reported
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-saucon-valley-covid-closure-20201102-hwy4stnq2bf6dbouk4wfielrym-story.html
New Kensington-Arnold elementary student tests positive for coronavirus
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-arnold-elementary-student-tests-positive-for-covid-district-says/
Scranton students to remain at home for now
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/scranton-students-to-remain-at-home-for-now/article_7c08bb0e-7222-5d99-a059-585bbff5a7d6.html
California University of Pennsylvania to offer some classes in person this spring
https://triblive.com/local/regional/california-university-of-pennsylvania-to-offer-some-classes-in-person-this-spring/
Local News
Popular Jessup playground to receive much-needed overhaul next year
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/popular-jessup-playground-to-receive-much-needed-overhaul-next-year/article_2442323f-b586-5c9e-938a-325c414f040e.html
Fire union president: Scranton violated contract when selecting benefits consultant
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/fire-union-president-scranton-violated-contract-when-selecting-benefits-consultant/article_bacbf5ab-c2d0-579e-9f18-e2e218cfac9e.html
Luzerne County Head Start to open 2 Wyoming County classrooms
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808443/luzerne-county-head-start-to-open-2-wyoming-county-classrooms
Philly
A Philly fight over faith and foster parents heads to the Supreme Court, pitting religious freedom against LGBTQ rights
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fulton-v-philadelphia-supreme-court-oral-arguments-foster-care-catholic-social-services-20201103.html
Let’s show Trump that good things happen in Philadelphia by voting him out | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/president-trump-joe-biden-election-vote-philadelphia-jenice-armstrong-20201102.html
Please be patient on Election Day, Philadelphia | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-vote-jim-kenney-lisa-deeley-city-commissioners-election-2020-20201102.html
City Tavern, the colonial-theme restaurant in Old City, has closed
https://www.inquirer.com/food/city-tavern-revolutionary-war-restaurant-philadelphia-walter-staib-chef-old-city-20201102.html
I was a police chief. Here’s one way I would reform police in Philly and beyond. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/walter-wallace-police-shooting-reform-philadelphia-20201102.html
Philadelphia officials boost police staffing, resources for Election Day
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphia-officials-boost-police-staffing-resources-for-election-day/article_984c7c87-349e-530c-ab3d-e06fda14f95d.html#/questions
Pitt
Allegheny County Councilwoman Hallam says she won’t resign over ‘riot against fascism’ tweet
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/11/02/Bethany-Hallam-Allegheny-County-Council-tweet-riot-against-fascism-wont-resign/stories/202011020122
Allegheny County Councilwoman Bethany Hallam ripped over controversial retweet
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-councilwoman-hallam-ripped-over-controversial-retweet/
Despite efforts for change, disparities between city’s Black and white students in key categories
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/02/Pittsburgh-public-schools-students-black-white-disparities-test-scores-advanced-placement-suspension-rates/stories/202011020101
Cuts, furloughs likely in Pittsburgh’s ‘toughest’ budget season since 2003
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/02/Bill-Peduto-cuts-furloughs-pittsburgh-budget-balanced-covid-19-relief/stories/202010300059
Money transfers may offer needed push for stalled Brookline, Lawrenceville urban farm projects
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/02/Money-transfers-funding-Brookline-urban-farm-project-Pittsburgh-Anthony-Coghill-Deb-Gross/stories/202011020097
Voters to decide if Pittsburgh’s police review board’s powers should be expanded
https://triblive.com/local/voters-to-decide-if-pittsburghs-police-review-boards-powers-should-be-expanded/
Joe Biden has strong, emotional ties to Rooney family
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers/joe-biden-has-strong-emotional-ties-to-rooney-family/
ALCOSAN awards $15 million in GROW funding
https://triblive.com/local/alcosan-awards-15-million-in-grow-funding/
So far, 81% of Allegheny County mail-in ballots have been returned. Here’s how to get the rest in
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/so-far-81-of-allegheny-county-mail-in-ballots-have-been-returned-heres-how-to-get-the-rest-in/Content?oid=18296094
State News
FirstEnergy to spinoff West Penn Power transmission business; allows for faster rate hikes
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/firstenergy-to-spinoff-west-penn-power-transmission-business-allows-for-faster-rate-hikes/