• Pa. legislature approves university funding: The bill provides $603 million to Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln universities and Penn College. It does not increase funding for the first three, which Republicans oppose without a guarantee that tuition won’t increase. (Source: AP)
• Busy Bodies Play Cafe to open downtown: The childcare site debuts from noon to 5 p.m. today at Ewell Plaza. (Source: ABC 27)
• State lawmakers at odds over 911 surcharge: The fee added to phone bills, which funds county 911 call centers, is set to expire at the end of January. (Source: WGAL)
• Salvation Army kicks off annual Red Kettle campaign: The charity drive has a history stretching back 130 years. (Source: CBS 21)
• Pa. Republicans propose laws on sexual harassment in government: The bills would expand victims’ confidentiality protections and allow the commonwealth to seek restitution from perpetrators whose actions cost taxpayers’ money. (Source: WGAL)
• Nation/world: Congress passes stopgap spending bill, which Biden is expected to sign. (Source: NBC News) Hamas agrees to hostage deal. (Source: Washington Post) Biden, Xi agree to cooperation to fight fentanyl. (Source: USA Today) Seven more women join suit against Texas abortion law. (Source: Texas Tribune) Starbucks union workers stage walkout. (Source: UPI)
