Gov. Tom Wolf announced the Pennsylvania Redistricting Advisory Council’s redistricting principles. Here is the Playbook. 

News

‘GOP field in Pennsylvania’s Senate race heads for reshuffle’: The Associated Press reports that “the Republican field of candidates aiming to capture Pennsylvania’s open U.S. Senate seat in next year’s election is churning anew, with the candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump out and intriguing new candidates possibly in.”

‘Wolf signals readiness for congressional district map talks’: The Associated Press reports that “Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday released the priorities for drawing Pennsylvania’s new congressional districts given to him by the panel he picked, signaling that he is ready to start discussions with Republicans who control the Legislature.”

‘How state Sen. Jake Corman’s lifetime in Pennsylvania politics led him to the 2022 governor’s race’: The Caucus reports that “jumping into the crowded GOP primary, Corman brings not just a year’s worth of experience atop the legislative ladder but a lifetime in Pennsylvania politics and a nearly 23-year legislative record.”

‘To prevent future toll ‘leakage,’ Pa. Sen. Marty Flynn introduces Turnpike reform package’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “after more than $104 million in Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls went uncollected last year, a state senator says he’s come up with a way to prevent future losses.”

‘Municipalities want to limit carbon emissions. Pa. utilities want to preempt them’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “mirroring a sudden national trend, legislation to ban municipalities from regulating utility hook-ups within their boundaries is advancing in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.”

‘With Parnell exit, Senate race an ‘open event’ for GOP’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “the abrupt exit of one of the leading Republican candidates in next year’s U.S. Senate race — Sean Parnell, a military veteran backed by former President Donald Trump — could push GOP influence-peddlers to seek a fresh face instead of putting the party’s clout behind someone already running, experts and Republican officials say.”

‘Central Pa. lawmaker making push to put regulations on cryptocurrencies’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “lawmakers want to clarify how cryptocurrencies are regulated by the federal government, and the latest push is spearheaded by rural Pennsylvania’s ranking Republican on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee.”

‘Report: Pa. ranks 39th nationwide for the condition, cost-effectiveness of its highways’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “Pennsylvania ranks 39th nationwide for the condition and cost-effectiveness of its highway system, according to new research by the Libertarian-leaning Reason Foundation.”

‘Immigration protections in Biden’s domestic bill face test in the Senate; Pa. lawmakers react’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “nearly 100 House Democrats are pushing the Senate to expand immigration protections in President Joe Biden’s massive social spending and climate bill, and advocates say that it may be a last opportunity for years to advance any reform.”

‘Pa. Capitol Christmas tradition returns with the arrival of a tree in the Rotunda’: PennLive reports that “after a year’s suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tradition of having a tall evergreen standing in the Capitol Rotunda returned on Wednesday.”

‘Advocates hope federal infrastructure money will spur people to buy EVs’: StateImpactPA reports that “Pennsylvania is slated to receive billions of dollars from the new federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act over the next several years. The plan includes funding to install electric vehicle charging stations.”

‘Wawa leads all Pennsylvania private companies with $11B in revenue, tops rival Sheetz’: The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that “cross-state rivals Wawa and Sheetz are two of the three largest private companies in Pennsylvania, according to new rankings by Forbes.”

‘CMU Professor Joins White House Office Of Science And Technology Policy’: KDKA reports that “Dr. Costa Samaras is taking a job in the new White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.”

‘Gainey names transition team members, offers current city appointees a chance to remain’: WESA reports that “Mayor-elect Ed Gainey announced a transition team that includes some of his staunchest backers — including key figures in a health care union that was a critical ally in his election bid. But he is also offering appointees of the outgoing administration a chance to be part of the city going forward.”

‘Harrisburg mayor-elect Wanda Williams announces transition team chairs’: PennLive reports that “Harrisburg’s incoming mayor Wanda Williams announced the chairs of her incoming transition team on Friday.”

‘Don’t believe the hype: Critics call ‘Parents Bill of Rights’ a ‘nothing burger,’ but Pa. congressman disagrees’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “fresh off a party win in Virginia where the culture war over America’s classrooms became a high-profile talking point, congressional Republicans have rolled out a so-called “Parents Bill of Rights,” a proposal that aims to expand federal oversight of public schools to guarantee parents’ “God-given right to make decisions for their children.””

‘Marriott promises to unmask ‘resort fees’ in settlement with Pennsylvania attorney general’: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that “in what’s being hailed as a win for consumers nationwide, Pennsylvania’s attorney general announced a settlement with Marriott International under which the hotel chain agreed to include any mandatory “resort fees” in advertised room rates nationwide so consumers can better compare prices of a hotel stay.”

‘Data correction drops COVID vaccine rates in Pennsylvania’: The Associated Press reports that “the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week dropped its percentage of vaccinated adults in Pennsylvania by nearly five percentage points in what apparently was a data correction to weed out duplicates. The agency on Wednesday adjusted the percentage to 68.9%, after a day earlier putting the percentage at 73.7% of Pennsylvanians 18 and older.”

‘Mayor Kenney calls on state lawmakers to allow Philly to pass firearm restrictions’: PhillyVoice reports that “with Philadelphia nearing its all-time record for annual homicides, Mayor Jim Kenney is urging the state legislature to give the city the ability enact stricter gun control laws.”

‘The tension and political movement that rose from Pa.’s school board elections might be here to stay’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “after a campaign season that featured deep divides over masking, feuds related to teaching about racism, and an unprecedented influx of cash to candidates running under the banner of keeping schools open, there was no Republican sweep of school board races in the Philadelphia suburbs. But the attention and controversy that surrounded those campaigns is unlikely to go away.”

‘Restaurants left out of Philly’s ‘streeteries’ legislation worry it will be impossible to get approval’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “City Council is expected to pass a bill in December making outdoor dining structures permanent in the city, but only in some areas.”

‘Pa. electricity prices will be rising by as much as 50% this week. Here’s how you can save.’: The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that “energy charges are set to increase on Dec. 1, reflecting the higher cost to produce electricity. There are ways to save. But beware the risks.”

‘Montgomery County is offering its employees a $150 incentive to get fully vaccinated’: WHYY reports that “Montgomery County’s Salary Board has approved a one-time $150 financial incentive to encourage vaccination among employee holdouts.”

‘Philadelphia’s budget shows bright spots amid ongoing struggles’: KYW Newsradio reports that “Philadelphia’s budget is still recovering from COVID-19, but there were some healthy signs this week at a City Council hearing on city finances.”

‘Pennsylvania struggles to get handle on drug crisis as overdose deaths soar’: The Allentown Morning Call reports that “Pennsylvania is the fifth-largest contributor to a national drug overdose death count that has surpassed 100,000 in a single year, but the state continues to struggle to get a handle on the crisis. Veteran Republican and Democrat lawmakers — thrust into a leadership role in dealing with the crisis after the expiration of Gov. Tom Wolf’s opioid disaster declaration — have not agreed on an overall strategy for attacking the problem.”

‘Pa. attorney general and Berks police chiefs discuss staffing woes’: The Reading Eagle reports that “a roundtable in Reading explores ways to combat staffing shortages.”

‘U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser gets in touch with Main Street during visit to Kutztown’: The Reading Eagle reports that “Congressman Dan Meuser is keenly aware of the importance of touching base with his constituency. That’s what brought him to Kutztown on a brisk afternoon earlier this week.”

‘Supporters rally, demanding ‘justice for Christian Hall’’: WFMZ reports that “lawmakers and supporters rallied Saturday in East Stroudsburg in remembrance of a teen that the Monroe County district attorney said was justifiably shot and killed by police.”

‘Pennsylvania orders review of medical marijuana vape products’: The Express-Times reports that “regulators of Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana program have ordered a review of “all vaporized medical marijuana products containing additional ingredients,” the state Department of Health says.”

‘Bill seeks to boost Pa. economy by increasing job creation tax credits’: WJET reports that “seeking to help the economy in the commonwealth, Pennsylvania Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has introduced legislation that would increase tax credits for jobs created in the state’s Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ).”

‘Crawford County certifies Meadville’s first woman mayor’: WJET reports that “for the first time in the history of Meadville, the city has a female mayor. On Wednesday, Crawford County election officials certified the 2021 general election results, and Democratic nominee Jaime Kinder has officially been elected mayor.”

‘West Chester officials mull forbidding mayors from serving at two positions’: The Daily Local News reports that “Borough Council will likely consider whether to change the way it fills vacancies on council and also to prevent office holders from holding two elected positions simultaneously, at December’s meeting.”

‘Preliminary Bucks County operating budget projects no tax increase for 2022’: The Bucks Local News reports that “Bucks County on Nov.  24 released its preliminary 2022 operating budget of $474.1 million representing a 1.1 percent increase over 2021.”

‘Proposed contract would deliver translation services for Scranton government’: The Scranton Times-Tribune reports that “to serve an increasingly diverse population, Scranton plans to hire a firm to provide translation and interpretation services for city government.”

‘Business grants, gun violence reduction in county’s initial $9M in federal COVID aid’: The Erie Times-News reports that “more than $9 million of federal COVID-19 relief has been disbursed in Erie County to date, Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper said.”

‘5 places learn about indigenous people in Pa. this Native American Heritage Month’: The Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports that “while there are far more places to learn about Pennsylvania’s native peoples than are on this list, here are a handful of places across the commonwealth where history buffs can go to learn more about Pennsylvania’s first inhabitants this Native American Heritage Month.”

‘Pa. Supreme Court says worker was still on job, even at work-sponsored happy hour’: Pittsburgh City Paper reports that “a recent ruling by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court said a traveling salesperson for corporate apparel company Cintas Corporation was still eligible for workers compensation after he was injured in a car crash following a work-sponsored happy hour at the Tilted Kilt restaurant in Allentown, Pa. in 2015.”

‘Chester County Controller satisfied county payroll problems behind office’: The Daily Local News reports that “months after an unanticipatedly glitch-filled rollout of a new payroll system for Chester County government employees left workers scratching their heads and grumbling about paycheck problems, staff with the county Controller’s Office are confident they have corrected the problems, according to Controller Margaret Reif.”

‘Luzerne County government vacancies blamed on low compensation and competition’: The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader reports that “Luzerne County 911 Executive Director Fred Rosencrans said low pay and competition are hampering his efforts to attract and retain crucial 911 telecommunicators.”

‘Will Erie City Council get rid of garbage, sewer fee hikes in the proposed 2022 budget?’: The Erie Times-News reports that “sewer and garbage fee increases are key revenue-generating components of Erie Mayor Joe Schember’s proposed 2022 city budget. If Erie City Council President Ed Brzezinski gets his way, those fee hikes will disappear.”

Opinion  
Colin McNickle: PASSHE must do more to reform itself 
John Baer: Toll the I-83 South Bridge? How about no? 
Ginny Marcille-Kerslake: Shapiro, stop the Mariner East pipeline
John L. Micek: Senate hopeful Arkoosh: Toppling Roe would have ‘horrific’ consequences | Wednesday Morning Coffee
Patrick Beaty: The Pa. GOP’s attack on executive power is an undemocratic attack on our system
Flora Cardoni, Steph Lee, and Maya Ragavan: How Pa. can get charged up for an electric vehicle future
Seth Williams: Fighting Philly’s scourge of gun homicides
Paul Muschick: Republicans think this Pennsylvania congressman is a traitor. Why he’s really a hero. 
Mark Singel: Grateful for Biden and bees
York Dispatch Editorial Board: ‘Audit’ choice: Good money after bad idea
Inquirer Editorial Board: In Philly prisons, a crisis marked by violence and dismal conditions is worsened by inaction 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Helping to solve the state’s nursing shortage
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: Dirty Dollars report indicts lax, naive legislators 
Post-Gazette Editorial Board: The Penguins’ buyer has the right stuff
PennLive Editorial Board: We must find the money to stop raw sewage from flowing into the Susquehanna River – now 
PennLive Editorial Board: Why we should be thankful on Thanksgiving Day 2021 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: In the wake of menorah vandalism and white nationalist rally here, Lancaster County residents must show solidarity with the Jewish community 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: The postmaster general has purposely slowed down mail delivery. The Postal Service, and Americans, deserve better.  
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: The story of Thanksgiving may be more complicated than we were taught, but gratitude is easy to understand 
LNP | LancasterOnline Editorial Board: Everyone benefits when we shop locally on Small Business Saturday 
Jabari K. Jones: Instead of recounting votes, it’s time for Harrisburg to jump-start Pa. businesses 
Becky Bennett: Across the Divide: Using guns for self-gratification undermines the 2nd Amendment
Carla Messinger: Racist U.S. history curriculums omit important stories of America’s First People 
Aarushi Dedhiya: We can solve the opioid crisis that COVID-19 has only made worse 
Ruth Ann Dailey: Dropping the news app addiction
Nancy Eshelman: What’s this world coming to? The news makes me wonder 
Paul Muschick: How to avoid this Amazon scam. It cost a Bethlehem area woman $4,000
Paul Muschick: I was diagnosed with skin cancer in September. Lessons from my experience  
Lucy and Clyde Bittner: This Thanksgiving, people are hurting real bad; let’s set aside our differences to help them 
Tony Norman: After a shooting, there is time for Restorative Justice
Keith C. Burris: Our 30-day niceness challenge
Mark Edwards: To end hunger, we have to play the long game 
Richard M. Gordon IV: 3 ways to preserve your integrity even when the world feels like it’s in turmoil 
Mindy Isser: Reminder: Every gift you order online has to be delivered by someone who is already working 12 hours a day 
Will Bunch: The dangerous extremism that’s killing the Democrats is extreme centrism 
John Cole: About that gas price spike | Editorial Cartoon 
Bruce Ledewitz: Maybe deficits do matter after all