Biden Administration restricts travel amid new COVID-19 variant
Restrictions to South Africa and seven additional countries—Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi—started on November 29 after the discovery of a new COVID-19 variant, B.1.1.529, otherwise known as Omicron. The Biden administration announced on November 26 that measures would be taken to limit entry of noncitizens from these countries into the United States. Details on the new variant are limited at this time, but the World Health Organization says that its transmission rates are possibly higher than previous versions of COVID-19. (The White House)

Single-used Plastic bags could be banned in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh City Council is considering a proposal introduced on November 22 that would eliminate single-use plastic bags in the city.The legislation proposed that single-use plastic bags would be banned and leave retailers to offer customers “recycled paper bags for a minimum of 15 cents.” The council says it must think about the potential environmental impacts on waterways and waste while looking into the economic effects of the consumption and costs of paper bags. (KDKA)

38% of Breakthrough COVID-19 cases counted amongst vaccinated Alleghany residents
According to data collected from October to November of this year, nearly 38% of the 20,000 COVID-19 cases reported within that time span in Allegheny County have been among those who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Although reinfection of the virus has been low, cases continue to rise within the county, with over 300 new cases reported on a weekly basis. (TribLive)

Sean Parnell drops out of U.S. Senate Race for Pennsylvania seat
After losing primary custody of his children after a legal battle with his estranged wife, Laurie Snell, Sean Parnell officially withdrew his candidacy from the U.S. Senate race on November 22. A spokesperson from his campaign stated that Parnell will continue to challenge the judge’s order and withdrew to focus on getting custody of his children. (WPXI)

Deadly Christmas parade accident in Waukeshaleaves five dead and 48 injured
Wisconsin native Darrell Brooks is currently facing five counts of first-degree intentional homicide after he drove a red SUV into a crowd of patrons during a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Currently, there are five people dead and over 40 who were injured during the incident. It is unclear as to the motive behind the initial incident and an investigation is ongoing. (New York Times)