Inmate Escapes From Work Detail: 5 Must-Read PA Stories

Good evening, Pennsylvania Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories from Pennsylvania:

1. A measure banning ski masks, balaclavas, and other full face coverings in Philadelphia has been approved by the City Council. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Three Pennsylvania restaurants were named among the 50 best new eateries in America this year by Esquire, a men’s fashion, style and culture magazine. Esquire noted that authenticity was a major theme this year among the restaurants. (Read more on Patch.)

3. Patch got a sneak peek of a new Wegmans being built in Lower Bucks County, touring the 88,000-square-foot store ahead of a scheduled opening next year. (Read more on Patch.)

4. The family of a Pennsylvania man serving a lengthy prison sentence in Russia is asking people to send him Christmas cards to lift his spirits as he spends the holiday behind bars. (Read more on Patch.)

5. A Philadelphia prison inmate escaped custody while out on work duty Thursday, and authorities launched a manhunt to find him. The escapee is reportedly a 34-year-old man who was imprisoned for violating probation after being convicted of drug, theft, and burglary charges. (Read more on Patch.)