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NEW: CMU Professor Dr. Uju Anya, explained to me why she wished Queen Elizabeth II excruciating pain: “I am the child and sibling of survivors of genocide. From 1967-1970, more than 3 million civilians were massacred when the Igbo people of Nigeria tried to form the independent
nation of Biafra. Those slaughtered included members of my family. I was born in the immediate aftermath of this genocide, which was directly supported and facilitated by the British government then headed by the monarch Queen Elizabeth II. This support came through political
cover, weapons, bombs, planes, military vehicles, and supplies the British government sent to kill us and protect their interests in the oil reserves on our land. My people endured a holocaust, which has shadowed our entire lives and continues to affect it, because we're still
DELTA VARIANT THREAD:
If you're like me, you've seen many seemingly contradictory reports about the Delta variant.
We took our questions to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease doctor.
Number 1 question we got: Are the vaccines effective?
Short answer: So far, yes.
#WTAE
If you're like me, you've seen many seemingly contradictory reports about the Delta variant.
We took our questions to Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease doctor.
Number 1 question we got: Are the vaccines effective?
Short answer: So far, yes.
#WTAE
Dr. Adalja says the Pfizer & Moderna vaccines are showing to be highly effective.
Preliminarily, he says J&J is also showing that it's effective at preventing the Delta variant.
"The vaccines, if you’re fully vaccinated, I think you’re fine from the Delta Variant perspective."
Preliminarily, he says J&J is also showing that it's effective at preventing the Delta variant.
"The vaccines, if you’re fully vaccinated, I think you’re fine from the Delta Variant perspective."
But what about some of these reports we're seeing?
Australia is locking down cities. The World Health Organization is encouraging fully vaccinated people to wear masks. What's going on?
Adalja says, to put it bluntly, the U.S. is more vaccinated than other parts of the world.
Australia is locking down cities. The World Health Organization is encouraging fully vaccinated people to wear masks. What's going on?
Adalja says, to put it bluntly, the U.S. is more vaccinated than other parts of the world.
HAPPENING NOW: Former Pittsburgh Police Officer Tony Moreno says he will accept the Republican nomination for mayor of Pittsburgh. News conference about to begin here in Homewood where he’ll lay out his vision for Pittsburgh. #WTAE 
Here’s the release in which he said he and his wife “ceremonially” changed their party registration to Republicans, saying the Democratic Party establishment rejected him for “another career policitian that wants to divide this city.” #WTAE
Moreno says his campaign is focused on uniting 90 neighborhoods and getting city out of “corrupt mess”. “I will protect you, Pittsburgh.”
#BullhornLady #PinkHatLady UPDATE per @BMayo_WTAE
Among what FBI says they found in Rachel Powell's home during a search last week:
-Several destroyed phones
-2 "go bags": 1 w/ rope, duct tape, ammo-1 with ninja stars, knives, lighters.
-2 AK47 magazines and hand gun magazine
Among what FBI says they found in Rachel Powell's home during a search last week:
-Several destroyed phones
-2 "go bags": 1 w/ rope, duct tape, ammo-1 with ninja stars, knives, lighters.
-2 AK47 magazines and hand gun magazine
More from @BMayo_WTAE
FBI agent testified Powell's husband got a call from her 1/30 saying she was going to leave for some time and needed to drop kids off. Husband told FBI agent she didn't say where she was going when she dropped the kids off.
FBI agent testified Powell's husband got a call from her 1/30 saying she was going to leave for some time and needed to drop kids off. Husband told FBI agent she didn't say where she was going when she dropped the kids off.
Here is a picture that was Exhibit 14 today in court of the phones FBI agents said they discovered inside the home.
#WTAE
#WTAE
The Pennsylvania State Senate begins its new legislative session of the people's business with.....
An argument about masks and whether or not Senators on the floor should be required to wear them.
#WTAE
An argument about masks and whether or not Senators on the floor should be required to wear them.
#WTAE
They're taking a vote now to require senators on the floor to wear masks for today's session.
They DID NOT call on Jim Brewster for this roll call.
Some context:
wtae.com/article/pennsy…
They DID NOT call on Jim Brewster for this roll call.
Some context:
wtae.com/article/pennsy…
OK.
Democratic Senator Steve Santarsiero from Bucks County has requested a delay in swearing in Senators pending resolution of the judicial challenge to Brewster's win.
Critical of Ziccarelli's "specious" actions, and says she didn't go through proper procedure in courts.
Democratic Senator Steve Santarsiero from Bucks County has requested a delay in swearing in Senators pending resolution of the judicial challenge to Brewster's win.
Critical of Ziccarelli's "specious" actions, and says she didn't go through proper procedure in courts.
Additional reporting on all things COVID-19 distribution. The big question: "When can I get it?" State Health Department says plans to distribute & vaccinate healthcare workers/care facility residents ongoing, and plans are being made for general public.
wtae.com/article/pennsy…
wtae.com/article/pennsy…
We're on TV at 5 and 6 tonight.
2 key requests from Levine.
1.) To actually receive stimulus funding that was recently passed to be able to plan for vaccinations for the public.
2.) For you to please be patient and keep practicing mitigation measures: Hand wash/Mask/etc.
2 key requests from Levine.
1.) To actually receive stimulus funding that was recently passed to be able to plan for vaccinations for the public.
2.) For you to please be patient and keep practicing mitigation measures: Hand wash/Mask/etc.
More on 1.) above.
Levine says once things are ready for widespread vaccination, they will still want to avoid settings where people are congregating/waiting in huge lines to get vaccinated.
Will likely create a portal for people to sign up and make appointments to vaccinate.
Levine says once things are ready for widespread vaccination, they will still want to avoid settings where people are congregating/waiting in huge lines to get vaccinated.
Will likely create a portal for people to sign up and make appointments to vaccinate.
JUST IN:
Commonwealth court orders a Friday hearing on the Mike Kelly/Sean Parnell lawsuit asking to throw away all mail-in ballots.
Also says to pause all activity as it relates to certification.
Unclear what this means, since PA election has formally been certified.
#WTAE
Commonwealth court orders a Friday hearing on the Mike Kelly/Sean Parnell lawsuit asking to throw away all mail-in ballots.
Also says to pause all activity as it relates to certification.
Unclear what this means, since PA election has formally been certified.
#WTAE
Here's my thread Saturday which gives some context and color to what the lawsuit is about.
As to potential impacts:
We told you yesterday about additional certifications that take place on county levels as judges rule.
For example, Allegheny County Elections Board certified yesterday, but was set to meet at 2 today to certify additional ballots that courts ruled on.
We told you yesterday about additional certifications that take place on county levels as judges rule.
For example, Allegheny County Elections Board certified yesterday, but was set to meet at 2 today to certify additional ballots that courts ruled on.
THREAD
Just finished a chat with Republican Elections Board member Sam DeMarco to ask about his "no" vote on Allegheny County Elections certification.
He is calling it a protest vote. Not because of fraud or any wrongdoing, he says ALL voters should have faith in the results.
Just finished a chat with Republican Elections Board member Sam DeMarco to ask about his "no" vote on Allegheny County Elections certification.
He is calling it a protest vote. Not because of fraud or any wrongdoing, he says ALL voters should have faith in the results.
DeMarco is critical of the Republican legislature AND Democratic Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar.
His key point: No one worked together to pass things that would have contributed to a smooth election administration.
His key point: No one worked together to pass things that would have contributed to a smooth election administration.
DeMarco says the legislature should have passed something. The governor should have worked with the legislature instead of going through the courts. That the courts rulings yielded changes NOT in Act 77, and Kathy Boockvar's guidance to counties created more confusion.
Happy Monday Morning!
I'm monitoring an Allegheny County Board of Elections meeting happening now regarding certification of the November 3 election.
Meeting just called into order.
I'll post relevant updates into a thread here.
I'm monitoring an Allegheny County Board of Elections meeting happening now regarding certification of the November 3 election.
Meeting just called into order.
I'll post relevant updates into a thread here.
43 Emails in Public Comment:
5 urging to certify
19 urging to certify
4 saying thank you
11 with complaints
1 about provisional ballots
This meeting is strictly about certification, Fitzgerald says, adding they'll talk about improvements at a later date.
5 urging to certify
19 urging to certify
4 saying thank you
11 with complaints
1 about provisional ballots
This meeting is strictly about certification, Fitzgerald says, adding they'll talk about improvements at a later date.
There's a move to certify everything SANS ballots that are still being litigated.
Sam DeMarco, Republican on the board, asks what happens if any litigation requires changes to tally.
Solicitor says they'd have to reconvene and have a separate vote to amend the certification.
Sam DeMarco, Republican on the board, asks what happens if any litigation requires changes to tally.
Solicitor says they'd have to reconvene and have a separate vote to amend the certification.
1:30 P.M. FEDERAL HEARING THREAD
Trump campaign lawsuit trying to prevent Pennsylvania from not certifying it's results.
Spoke to a constitutional law expert last week who walked me through the 2 key components in *this* case.
#WTAE
wtae.com/article/simpli…
Trump campaign lawsuit trying to prevent Pennsylvania from not certifying it's results.
Spoke to a constitutional law expert last week who walked me through the 2 key components in *this* case.
#WTAE
wtae.com/article/simpli…
Penn Law professor Kermit Roosevelt basically says Trump campaign needs to prove widespread voter fraud
and/or
The election was administered so poorly that it favored one candidate over another and that it wasn't fundamentally fair.
and/or
The election was administered so poorly that it favored one candidate over another and that it wasn't fundamentally fair.
Thus far, no proof of widespread, malicious voter fraud in Pa, nor has any been laid out in the court doc filed by the Trump team.
Election administration claims center largely around 'curing' of ballots. But no evidence that R's or D's were given different opps w/in a county.
Election administration claims center largely around 'curing' of ballots. But no evidence that R's or D's were given different opps w/in a county.
ELECTION-RELATED HEARING DAY IN PENNSYLVANIA
10:00: Allegheny County hearing on whether or not to count about 2,000 ballots received on time, had everything right, except the person signed, but didn't date their ballot.
1:30: Trump campaign lawsuit in PA, federal court.
10:00: Allegheny County hearing on whether or not to count about 2,000 ballots received on time, had everything right, except the person signed, but didn't date their ballot.
1:30: Trump campaign lawsuit in PA, federal court.
I'll have a separate thread for the federal case.
But some context for this first hearing.
The Allegheny County Elections Board voted 2-1 to count these unsigned ballots.
The campaign for Nicole Ziccarelli (R) filed an appeal. She & Jim Brewster (D) are dozens of votes apart.
But some context for this first hearing.
The Allegheny County Elections Board voted 2-1 to count these unsigned ballots.
The campaign for Nicole Ziccarelli (R) filed an appeal. She & Jim Brewster (D) are dozens of votes apart.
Elections Board voted 2-1 to count these ballots.
Lone dissenter was Republican Sam DeMarco, who said "sadly, no" when he voted.
Letter of the law says declarations must be signed AND DATED, which is why he voted no.
Rich Fitzgerald and Bethany Hallam voted yes.
Lone dissenter was Republican Sam DeMarco, who said "sadly, no" when he voted.
Letter of the law says declarations must be signed AND DATED, which is why he voted no.
Rich Fitzgerald and Bethany Hallam voted yes.
Back in the Allegheny County Elections Warehouse. Just got confirmation on something I wanted to share: NONE of the ballots postmarked last Tuesday or earlier that were received by last Friday at 5 p.m. have been added as part of the tally here.
947 ballots still set aside.
947 ballots still set aside.
Additionally, here's a breakdown of what's to be counted.
Some important numbers: 6,500--500--7,000--17,000.
6,500- Ballots set aside that have some sort of issue.
500- The number of those ballots that are more likely be counted, but more research required before counting
Some important numbers: 6,500--500--7,000--17,000.
6,500- Ballots set aside that have some sort of issue.
500- The number of those ballots that are more likely be counted, but more research required before counting
7,000-- Remaining ballots in that group of 29k sent to wrong voters that still need verification. These are mostly folks who sent the incorrect ballot and not the correct one. These need to be double checked against provisionals and surrendered ballots to ensure 1 person 1 vote.
Cumberland County, Pa, where President won by 17.8 points in 2016, decides to start counting mail-in ballots on Nov. 4th, the day after the general election.
No precanvassing means smaller counties need to figure out how to allocate resources, this is how Cumberland is doing so.
No precanvassing means smaller counties need to figure out how to allocate resources, this is how Cumberland is doing so.
Republicans agree.
Democrats agree.
Counties unanimously asked for the ability to precanvass.
There's a simple fix, and politics is getting in the way.
Democrats agree.
Counties unanimously asked for the ability to precanvass.
There's a simple fix, and politics is getting in the way.
Governor Wolf said Tuesday that Republicans offered a deal that he accepted, then they pulled the offer.
Republicans say what Wolf is describing absolutely never happened.
wtae.com/article/gov-wo…
Republicans say what Wolf is describing absolutely never happened.
wtae.com/article/gov-wo…
JUST IN:
Governor Wolf says he offered concessions to legislative Republicans last week in order to try and reach a pre-canvassing deal. Indicated he and legislative Republicans had reached an agreement and then Republicans then took the deal off the table.
#WTAE
Governor Wolf says he offered concessions to legislative Republicans last week in order to try and reach a pre-canvassing deal. Indicated he and legislative Republicans had reached an agreement and then Republicans then took the deal off the table.
#WTAE
Wolf said he offered concessions specifically on reducing the number of days after the election that counties could count ballots post-marked on Nov. 3 from 3 to 2, additional security measures for dropboxes, and allowing poll watchers from outside a given county.
Wolf just said, "It was their deal and they walked away from it."
I reached out to a House GOP Spokesman yesterday, who characterized this differently.
"There was no deal or firm concessions put on the table by the governor," the spokesman said.
#WTAE
I reached out to a House GOP Spokesman yesterday, who characterized this differently.
"There was no deal or firm concessions put on the table by the governor," the spokesman said.
#WTAE
THREAD: Some fresh election reporting tonight surrounding mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania.
First thing's first: Top of mind still among elections officials are 'naked ballots'. You HAVE to put your ballot in the secrecy envelope. Story here:
wtae.com/article/theyre…
First thing's first: Top of mind still among elections officials are 'naked ballots'. You HAVE to put your ballot in the secrecy envelope. Story here:
wtae.com/article/theyre…
Next: If you haven't applied for a mail-in ballot already, request one NOW.
Officials recommend putting your email address in application for automated updates on your ballot.
Want the link to do that? We've got it and other relevant links here:
wtae.com/article/heres-…
Officials recommend putting your email address in application for automated updates on your ballot.
Want the link to do that? We've got it and other relevant links here:
wtae.com/article/heres-…
Ok. Bear with me here. I spoke with elections officials in two counties today who say they’re getting inundated with calls tied back to Box number 7 on the mail-in ballot application form.
Here are the locations and times where you will be able to vote-by-mail-in-person. If that phrase is confusing to you, I'll explain it all tonight at 6. #WTAE
Need to be very clear on a few things:
-Officials say their computer systems will be active at each location, so they'll submit info in real time to ensure people don't vote twice (It's a felony to try).
-Officials say their computer systems will be active at each location, so they'll submit info in real time to ensure people don't vote twice (It's a felony to try).
-They also say it'll take about 10-15 minutes per person.
-The quickest way to vote in person is to show up at your precinct on election day. As of now, every precinct is going to be open on Election Day.
-The quickest way to vote in person is to show up at your precinct on election day. As of now, every precinct is going to be open on Election Day.
Tonight at 5 and 6, we're 50 days from the election. By the letter of the law, mail-in ballots CAN go out today. But they will not.
The reason: Ongoing litigation in Harrisburg about finalizing the ballot.
apnews.com/522d38d81a4401…
The reason: Ongoing litigation in Harrisburg about finalizing the ballot.
apnews.com/522d38d81a4401…
The ballot needs to be "finalized", approved by a court before going to voters. Right now, Pa. Democrats are saying the Green Party didn't do the necessary work to ensure their Presidential and VP candidates should be on the ballot.
No exact word on what's next in the case.
No exact word on what's next in the case.
President Donald Trump's 2016 margin in Pennsylvania: 44,292 votes.
Number of votes Green Party candidate Jill Stein got: 49,941
Number of votes Green Party candidate Jill Stein got: 49,941
INBOX
Allegheny County Elections board to CONSIDER a proposal that would open up locations to allow for secure in-person mail in ballot drop off OR "over the counter" voting.
The "over the counter" voting would take longer than going to a normal polling place on Election Day.
Allegheny County Elections board to CONSIDER a proposal that would open up locations to allow for secure in-person mail in ballot drop off OR "over the counter" voting.
The "over the counter" voting would take longer than going to a normal polling place on Election Day.
This PROPOSAL will be discussed at a meeting next Thursday.
It has not been approved yet.
It would occur at the places and times attached.
Mail-In drop-off would be quick, the release says, but to actually VOTE will take some time.
#WTAE
It has not been approved yet.
It would occur at the places and times attached.
Mail-In drop-off would be quick, the release says, but to actually VOTE will take some time.
#WTAE
Allegheny County official tells me right now there are about 209,000+ mail-in ballots requested and climbing.
For people who don't want to mail, this proposal would allow them to roll up to one of these sites and drop it off.
#WTAE
For people who don't want to mail, this proposal would allow them to roll up to one of these sites and drop it off.
#WTAE
City of Pittsburgh announcing a plan to figure out what the next 20 years of land use in the city looks like. Called Forging PGH. Driven by residents, meant to get input for neighborhood plans and how to continue building Pittsburgh out. #WTAE
Part of this will be a housing assessment to take stock of housing market and issues and go that’s impacted the city and it’s residents.
ForgingPGH.org is where you can find more info to give input on what’s going on in the city regarding land use and see where things are now.
@JoeBiden has arrived in Pittsburgh. Here he is getting off plane at Allegheny County airport. He’s now in Hazelwood preparing to speak.
The event is closed to the public but dozens have shown up to catch a glimpse of the former Vice President.
Contrast the scene here to @realDonaldTrump rally set for Thursday in Latrobe. Indications are the President’s event will be a rally in a hangar where people can get tickets and come.
Allegheny County Mail-In Voting latest:
Number of ballots requested: 200,024
Democratic voter ballots requested: 151,224
Republican voter ballots requested: 38,896
Total voters in county: ~906,000
County elections board expecting 2/3 of voters to cast mail-in ballots.
#WTAE
Number of ballots requested: 200,024
Democratic voter ballots requested: 151,224
Republican voter ballots requested: 38,896
Total voters in county: ~906,000
County elections board expecting 2/3 of voters to cast mail-in ballots.
#WTAE
One of the biggest things elections officials across the state want is the ability to start counting these mail-in ballots earlier.
Rich Fitzgerald says it would help alleviate the stress placed on elections officials after election day and help move the counting along.
Rich Fitzgerald says it would help alleviate the stress placed on elections officials after election day and help move the counting along.
Currently, the state law only allows mail-in ballots to be counted when the polls open on election day.
Last week, I spoke with democratic senator Wayne Fontana, who authored a bill to try and address these issues, but ran into headwinds in Republican controlled legislature.
Last week, I spoke with democratic senator Wayne Fontana, who authored a bill to try and address these issues, but ran into headwinds in Republican controlled legislature.
On scene of what’s being called a domestic situation that resulted in a homicide. We are told by police that there are two bodies in the home, though. A male and female. Allegheny county police are headed to the scene and will lead investigation. #WTAE
Police coming in and out of home. Canvassing to try and speak with neighbors. This is the 100 block of Thousand Oaks Drive in Upper St. Clair. #WTAE
Police calling this "apparent murder-suicide."
67 year old says he killed his wife and intended to kill himself. SWAT went in and found both dead.
Couple recently estranged, when woman went inside to grab her things, she was shot and killed, police say.
67 year old says he killed his wife and intended to kill himself. SWAT went in and found both dead.
Couple recently estranged, when woman went inside to grab her things, she was shot and killed, police say.
BREAKING: Mayor Bill Peduto tells Pittsburgh's Action News 4 there will be "changes" to police command and "It's going to involve higher-ups". He says he was angry with the protester arrest on Saturday, and angrier when police got into confrontation with protesters Wednesday.
Peduto said he had a conversation with Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) on Sunday and expressed his anger. Then Wednesday happened.
I asked if police recognized something needed to change.
"Apparently not," Peduto answered.
I asked if police recognized something needed to change.
"Apparently not," Peduto answered.
Peduto called SERT actions "inappropriate" and says it damaged long-term police/community relations.
Got one of those assignments from my boss you never know how to tackle right away.
"How many businesses have closed due to COVID in our area?" They asked for a data-driven story.
Challenge accepted.
I've spoken with so many bar and restaurant owners, how do I find numbers?
"How many businesses have closed due to COVID in our area?" They asked for a data-driven story.
Challenge accepted.
I've spoken with so many bar and restaurant owners, how do I find numbers?
First thing I did: text @kpelechrinis. Helped me w/ a story in march. He was using cell phone data to determine how much people are moving and where they're going. He could do a similar thing with "SafeGraph". "I believe it might be possible".
#WTAE
wtae.com/article/resear…
#WTAE
wtae.com/article/resear…
He said to text him in the morning. I did. "I've got great stuff," he told me.
On top of that, I reached out to Yelp, and Open Table. Yelp reported similar data last week, Open Table keeps this type of data too.
#WTAE
On top of that, I reached out to Yelp, and Open Table. Yelp reported similar data last week, Open Table keeps this type of data too.
#WTAE
