Elections/Politics
Vote count enters final stretch in Pa. as Trump falsely declares win in the state
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/04/donald-trump-pennsylvania-vote-count-joe-biden-presidential-race-2020/stories/202011040142
The ‘blue shift’ is already moving vote margins in the Philly suburbs from Trump to Biden
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-election-results-philadelphia-suburbs-trump-biden-20201104.html
Pennsylvania presidential race: As Trump sues to stop counting mail-in ballots, Wolf vows to ‘fight like hell to protect the vote of every Pennsylvanian’
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-elections-pa-presidential-race-20201104-jt5vxvpsdrdllfsm75l2ff3xdy-story.html
Mail ballot trends suggest Biden on path to victory in Pa
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/05/mail-ballot-trends-suggest-biden-on-path-to-victory-in-pa/
Biden takes the lead in Bucks, with 28,000 mail-in and absentee ballots left to count
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/11/05/joe-biden-donald-trump-bucks-county-pennsylvania/6171491002/
Casey: Trump’s legal challenges to Pa.’s vote counting ‘doomed to fail’
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2020/11/04/casey-says-trump-legal-challenges-pa-doomed-fail/6167977002/
Election experts, officials respond to Trump’s false claims of fraud: ‘I think the president is confused,’ one says
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/election-experts-officials-respond-to-trumps-false-claims-of-fraud-i-think-the-president-is-confused-one-says.html
Republicans on brink of retaining Pa. Senate control as House still in question
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pennsylvania-election-2020-house-senate-legislature-flip-20201105.html
Comitta urges patience as she holds lead in 19th
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/comitta-urges-patience-as-she-holds-lead-in-19th/article_58290de8-1ed2-11eb-a8e1-4f39e2cd6341.html
Election 2020: Judy Schwank closing in on another term in the 11th Senatorial District
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/election-2020-judy-schwank-closing-in-on-another-term-in-the-11th-senatorial-district/article_44578574-1ecd-11eb-afb6-2b52153009c1.html
Votes continue to be counted, with some races tight
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/votes-continue-to-be-counted-with-some-races-tight/article_607e31f4-1efe-11eb-8b4c-a73db9831bd0.html
AP calls race for Devlin Robinson in 37th state Senate district
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/04/Devlin-Robinson-Pam-Iovino-Pennsylvania-District-37-state-Senate-race-results/stories/202011040179
Carroll leading race for 118th state house seat
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/carroll-leading-race-for-118th-state-house-seat/article_e2769592-84b6-52eb-a1dc-7b95e3f27382.html
Mullery tops Chura, according to 119th unofficial results
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/mullery-tops-chura-according-to-119th-unofficial-results/article_0235b643-fef1-51a5-ab78-be90338c1fae.html
Hayes leads Bizzarro in 3rd District House race
https://www.goerie.com/story/news/2020/11/04/hayes-leads-bizzarro-3rd-district-race/6160372002/
State Reps. Kaufer, Toohil declared winners
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/state-reps-kaufer-toohil-declared-winners/article_1cc6e0c6-3f74-52a9-a23b-5ebd7c0bd59b.html
Oakmont’s Carrie DelRosso holds large lead over House Minority Leader Frank Dermody
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/oakmonts-carrie-delrosso-holds-large-lead-over-house-minority-leader-frank-dermody/
Symons concedes to Twardzik in Schuylkill’s 123rd district
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/election/symons-concedes-to-twardzik-in-schuylkills-123rd-district/article_ac31a94e-8563-5d2a-b41b-b0300b7f38c9.html
Shapiro takes lead in attorney general race, but row office contests still up for grabs
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-attorney-general-other-row-offices-still-up-for-grabs-as-mail-in-votes-are-counted/
Will the ‘blue shift’ change Pa. races for ‘row offices,’ attorney general, treasurer and auditor general?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-attorney-general-auditor-treasurer-election-results-2020-20201104.html
Democratic candidates trail in state row office races
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/05/Pennsylvania-row-office-races-Democratic-candidates-trail/stories/202011050094
Incumbent Lamb declares victory in 17th District; Parnell doesn’t concede
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/11/04/conor-Lamb-trails-sean-Parnell-17th-congressional-District-race-western-pennsylvania-mail-in-ballots/stories/202011040108
With narrow lead U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb declares victory over Republican challenger Sean Parnell
https://triblive.com/local/regional/republican-sean-parnells-lead-over-u-s-rep-conor-lamb-shrinks-to-less-than-2000-votes/
Cartwright assumes lead in 8th Congressional District race
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/cartwright-assumes-lead-in-8th-congressional-district-race/article_44993814-3a53-5402-9edf-8376079e1aec.html
Election 2020: Chrissy Houlahan defeats challenger in 6th Congressional District
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/election-2020-chrissy-houlahan-defeats-challenger-in-6th-congressional-district/article_e9ef858e-c6d6-55e7-81da-495131dad6ec.html
GOP U.S. Rep Brian Fitzpatrick retains seat as Democrats struggle to expand House majority
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/brian-fitzpatrick-christine-finello-1st-district-us-house-2020-pa-results-20201104.html
In limbo: Susan Wild, Lisa Scheller await tally of more than 50,000 mail-in ballots
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-election-pa-lehigh-update-stop-ballot-count-4pm-20201105-suneipy3sbgkzeqva22d6ww24y-story.html
Several area races remained up in the air as mail-in count continued
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808758/several-area-races-remained-up-in-the-air-as-mail-in-count-continued
Trump, Republicans sharpen legal attacks on Pa. ballots as count continues
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pennsylvania-election-2020-naked-cured-ballots-trump-campaign-lawsuits-20201104.html
Ex-Pa. governors Ridge, Rendell preach patience during vote count
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/11/04/presidential-election-pennsylvania-rendell-ridge-voting-ballot-countin/stories/202011040100
Berks County and Pennsylvania election 2020 results with current vote tallies
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/berks-county-and-pennsylvania-election-2020-results-with-current-vote-tallies/article_afd4f78a-1eb1-11eb-8a2b-1765c14d6648.html
Greensburg rally: ‘Count all the votes,’ speakers say
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-rally-count-all-the-votes-speakers-say/
Trump campaign vows to halt Pa. vote count in a wave of legal challenges
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/trump-suing-pa-lawsuit-recount-2020-election-20201104.html
Berks County election officials catch up on counting ballots
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/berks-county-election-officials-catch-up-on-counting-ballots/article_5e42f048-1ecf-11eb-b23d-63f0f9ddbbd7.html
Westmoreland vote count continues, showing Trump with expected big lead
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-vote-count-continues-with-30k-mail-in-ballots-remaining/
Mail-in vote counting continues in Montgomery County
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/mail-in-vote-counting-continues-in-montgomery-county/article_81304af0-f6c3-512a-a6e4-cb14001fbe27.html
Beaver County mail-in votes counted, narrow gap between Trump and Biden
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2020/11/04/beaver-county-mail-votes-counted-narrow-gap-between-trump-and-biden/6169531002/
Luzerne County finishes mail ballot counting
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808733/luzerne-county-finishes-mail-ballot-counting
Trump wins Luzerne County; mail-in ballot count is complete
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/trump-wins-luzerne-county-mail-in-ballot-count-is-complete/article_8777aaff-9fa6-5c8a-a4de-ad378e737652.html
There’s a lot of noise around Pennsylvania’s election. These people are keeping their focus on counting votes.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/pennsylvania-2020-election-officials-count-mail-ballots-20201104.html
For some counties, preparation pays off during mail-in ballot count
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/election/for-some-counties-preparation-pays-off-during-mail-in-ballot-count/article_8a0b530f-d058-5585-aa28-1159d6513d0c.html
Why is Lehigh County taking so long to count ballots?
https://www.mcall.com/news/elections/mc-nws-lehigh-county-vote-waits-20201104-4vrqxwdhtfhgrcbjtbogj5g2vu-list.html
There’s no solid evidence of missing mail ballots, USPS court filing shows. Here’s what’s likely skewing the data
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/usps-mail-ballots-court-order-philadelphia-pennsylvania-20201104.html
Vigil: We need to accept results, each other
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2020/11/05/Vigil-Election-Votes-Results-US-America-Vote-Count-President/stories/202011050021
As polls gain more criticism after the 2020 election, should we even pay attention to them?
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/as-polls-gain-more-criticism-after-the-2020-election-should-we-even-pay-attention-to-them.html
An embarrassing failure for election pollsters | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/election-polling-failure-wrong-trump-biden-20201104.html
‘Wait and see’ is an unsatisfying — but accurate — way to present election results | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/wait-see-is-an-unsatisfying-accurate-way-present-election-results-opinion-20201104.html
Democracy wins if every vote counts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/democracy-wins-if-every-vote-counts/article_b11e1e8d-4d40-548c-af90-8964195e1c30.html
Pennsylvania’s unending election reflects our unending challenges | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/pennsylvanias-unending-election-reflects-our-unending-challenges-john-baer.html
VOTE COUNT 2020: Continuous coverage from the Pennnsylvania Capital-Star
https://www.penncapital-star.com/election-2020/vote-count-2020-continuous-coverage-from-the-pennnsylvania-capital-star/
North Dakota candidate died from COVID-19 but won anyway. The governor may not be able to fill his seat.
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/election-north-dakota-house-coronavirus-dead-winner-20201104.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
‘It is everywhere’: As COVID-19 cases surge, Allegheny County health official urges precautions
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19/2020/11/04/Allegheny-County-health-department-COVID-19-precautions-McKeesport-testing-Debra-Bogen-briefing/stories/202011040151
Allegheny County reports 5 new COVID-19 deaths, 200 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/04/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-death-pandemic-data/stories/202011040110
Allegheny County reports 200 new coronavirus cases
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-reports-200-new-coronavirus-cases/
Allegheny County warns of surging covid cases coupled with flu season
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/allegheny-county-warns-of-surging-covid-cases-coupled-with-flu-season/
New COVID-19 cases keep rising in Philly area, including among Montco hockey players
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid19-election-issue-surge-children-trump-biden-20201104.html
67 new COVID-19 cases reported in county
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/67-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-county/article_474fad29-6a5a-5819-a91b-f7bf29fc8b45.html
Westmoreland County adds 90 new coronavirus cases, 2 deaths
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-adds-90-new-coronavirus-cases-2-deaths/
State again sees nearly 3,000 new coronavirus cases; region reports 136 cases, one death
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/state-again-sees-nearly-3-000-new-coronavirus-cases-region-reports-136-cases-one-death/article_f3933ad4-f645-5aed-bbd9-1f1fbbe0408c.html
Legislature
The months-long political saga that guaranteed a long vote count in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/spl/pennsylvania-election-2020-counting-results-delays-mail-ballots-20201104.html
Senate Republican leaders call for Pa. Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar to step down
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/04/Senate-Republicans-jake-corman-joe-scarnati-Pa-Secretary-State-Kathy-Boockvar-pa-election/stories/202011040130
Pennsylvania election officials: Stop bickering and focus on counting the ballots
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-election-results-president-congress-muschick-20201105-aada64v3dnb7vbgrrlgs2o376m-story.html
Business
Pet Valu to close all stores, including two in Berks; blames the pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/pet-valu-to-close-all-stores-including-two-in-berks-blames-the-pandemic/article_41e8e8b4-1ed7-11eb-992a-1b28f5d17586.html
Crime/Punishment
Courtright prison time includes credit for good behavior
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/crime-emergencies/courtright-prison-time-includes-credit-for-good-behavior/article_6ca26d0b-3719-516a-b96e-367f3ebc2886.html
Education
Several area schools impacted by COVID-19 cases
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/covid-19/2020/11/04/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Westinghouse-grab-and-go-meal-site-closed-COVID-19-case-detected/stories/202011040166
2 more covid-19 cases reported at Hempfield Area High School
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/2-more-covid-19-cases-reported-at-hempfield-area-high-school/
WB Area laying off crossing guards, greeters, part-time aides
https://www.timesleader.com/news/808743/wb-area-laying-off-crossing-guards-greeters-part-time-aides
Peters Township School District apologizes for ‘insensitive’ costumes at Woodland Hills game
https://triblive.com/local/peters-school-district-apologizes-for-insensitive-costumes-at-woodland-hills-game/
Local News
Majority commissioners award inmate medical contract to Wellpath
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/majority-commissioners-award-inmate-medical-contract-to-wellpath/article_fdf9d2ce-1ac0-5a3a-898e-4bf5b79a1399.html
Wilkes-Barre mayor wants to borrow funds to help pension fund
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-mayor-wants-to-borrow-funds-to-help-pension-fund/article_8eecd258-5e97-51b6-8aae-2b9585e29305.html
Election 2020: Reading voters appear to favor removing residency requirement for top officials
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/election-2020-reading-voters-appear-to-favor-removing-residency-requirement-for-top-officials/article_ed6b4282-1edb-11eb-b373-277120a1c5de.html
New Jersey
New Jersey bans single-use plastic and paper bags in law hailed as nation’s most stringent of its kind
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/new-jersey-plastic-bag-ban-paper-straws-gov-phil-murphy-20201104.html
Philly
‘You killed my son!’ City releases bodycam footage and 911 calls in Philly police killing of Walter Wallace Jr.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/walter-wallace-jr-philadelphia-police-shooting-bodycam-footage-911-calls-released-20201104.html
Protesters march in Center City amid election demonstrations and release of bodycam footage of Walter Wallace Jr.’s killing by police
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-protests-election-2020-pa-results-vote-count-trump-biden-20201104.html
Philly schools won’t reopen to teachers Monday as planned
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-district-reopen-coronavirus-teachers-20201104.html
5-year-old girl is shot in her North Philly home
https://www.inquirer.com/news/north-philadelphia-5-year-old-girl-shot-20201104.html
Pitt
By ‘impressive’ margin, Citizen Police Review Board’s oversight expanded by Pittsburgh voters
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2020/11/04/Pittsburgh-Citizen-Police-Review-Board-ballot-referendum-approved-voters/stories/202011040197
Election Wednesday: 313,000 mail ballots scanned thus far, Allegheny County officials say
https://triblive.com/local/regional/election-wednesday-anticipation-continues-in-western-pa/
Steelers players buy dinner for Allegheny County vote counters
https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-players-buy-dinner-for-allegheny-county-vote-counters/
State News
NJ just legalized marijuana. Is the rest of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic next?
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2020/11/05/nj-weed-vote-results-marijuana-legalization-ny-pa-andrew-cuomo-tom-wolf/6159572002/