Legislature
Amid residency uncertainty, state senator-elect Lindsey Williams makes herself at home in new office
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/12/11/Lindsey-Williams-Pennsylvania-senator-transition-residency-requirement-harrisburg/stories/201812110133
GOP remains skeptical in residency dispute with Senate Democrat
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/gop-remains-skeptical-in-residency-dispute-with-senate-democrat.html
Facing criticism for remaining in office, convicted Pa. lawmaker resigns
http://www2.philly.com/news/vanessa-lowery-brown-resigns-from-office-bribery-under-protest-20181211.html
State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown resigns her seat, averting a House floor showdown in January
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/state-rep-vanessa-lowery-brown-resigns-her-seat-averting-a-house-floor-showdown-in-january.html
State Rep. Vanessa Lowery Brown resigns ‘under protest’
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/state-rep-vanessa-lowery-brown-resigns-under-protest/article_5c340f92-f688-57d9-9b62-03e2918e096c.html
Pa. lawmakers need to try again on real reform in 2019 | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/12/pa-lawmakers-need-to-try-again-on-real-reform-in-2019-opinion.html
Law lacks clarity on insurance
http://www.altoonamirror.com/opinion/editorials/2018/12/law-lacks-clarity-on-insurance/
Redistricting
EDITORIAL: Redistricting panel is a long overdue correction
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2018/12/12/editorial-redistricting-panel-long-overdue-correction/2279345002/
Budget
Pa. government’s finances present good-news, bad-news picture at year’s halfway point
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/half-way-home-states-finances-present-good-news-bad-news-picture.html
Business
Discount clothing/furniture stores depart Marketplace at Steamtown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/discount-clothing-furniture-stores-depart-marketplace-at-steamtown-1.2420759
Crime/Punishment
Superior Court removes Allegheny County judge from another sex offender case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/11/Superior-Court-Allegheny-County-Judge-Donna-Jo-McDaniel-sex-offender-Bernal-removal/stories/201812110127
Feds seek more time to review death penalty option for Tree of Life shooting defendant
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/11/robert-bowers-tree-of-life-mass-shooting-pittsburgh-death-penalty-justice-department/stories/201812110090
200 elderly lifers got out of prison en masse. Here’s what happened next.
http://www2.philly.com/news/juvenile-lifers-sb-parole-recidivism-mass-incarceration-20181212.html
Ex-Leechburg police chief who lost arm, wife, career sentenced to jail for sex crime
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/11/michael-diebold-sentenced-sex-crime-leechburg-police-chief-westmoreland-county-lost-arm-fireworks/stories/201812110137
Diebold’s estranged wife ‘livid’ about short sentence in sex solicitation case
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14395673-74/diebolds-estranged-wife-livid-about-short-sentence-in-sex-solicitation-case
Leechburg mayor: Convicted police chief Diebold to be fired soon
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14394323-74/leechburg-mayor-convicted-police-chief-diebold-to-be-fired-soon
‘Bored’ volunteer firefighter charged with starting fires at 2 homes in Munhall
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14397309-74/bored-volunteer-firefighter-charged-with-starting-fires-at-2-homes-in-munhall
Bill Cosby lawyers detail 11 alleged trial errors as they appeal
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14394830-74/bill-cosby-lawyers-detail-11-alleged-trial-errors-as-they-appeal
Education
Scranton elementary school celebrates blue ribbon award
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-elementary-school-celebrates-blue-ribbon-award-1.2420746
Filling staffing recommendations could push Scranton School District deficit over $6 million
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/filling-staffing-recommendations-could-push-scranton-school-district-deficit-over-6-million-1.2421029
Cooperation no longer an option
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/cooperation-no-longer-an-option-1.2420872
Refreshing step back
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/refreshing-step-back-1.2420874
Penn Hills to host parade to celebrate PIAA Class 5A football title
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14394685-74/penn-hills-to-host-parade-to-celebrate-piaa-class-5a-football-title
Supreme Court gives Lower Merion district a second chance to defend tax hikes
http://www2.philly.com/news/lowermerion-schools-tax-case-supremecourt-20181211.html
Wilson forfeits its state title in boys soccer
https://www.readingeagle.com/sponsored-content/article/wilson-forfeits-its-state-title-in-boys-soccer
Editorial: District 3 championships a big boost for Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-district-3-championships-a-big-boost-for-reading
PIAA standing behind Act 219 in public vs. private battle
https://www.citizensvoice.com/sports/piaa-standing-behind-act-219-in-public-vs-private-battle-1.2420194
Temple trustees condemn controversial remarks by Marc Lamont Hill, but affirm his right to free speech
http://www2.philly.com/news/marc-lamont-hill-temple-trustees-20181211.html
West Chester University professor found dead in Ohio
http://www2.philly.com/news/west-chester-university-professor-dead-ohio-20181211.html
Penn basketball snaps Villanova’s Big 5 streak, wins, 78-75, in a Palestra classic
http://www2.philly.com/college-sports/penn/penn-villanova-recap-score-upset-college-basketball-upenn-big-five-palestra-20181212.html
Parents of late Lafayette freshman sue his classmates over his death
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-lafayette-college-student-mccrae-williams-lawsuit-20181211-story.html
Another student challenges method Penn State uses to handle sexual misconduct complaints
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/12/another_student_challenges_met.html
Elections/Politics
Expo features new state-mandated voting systems; officials concerned with potential costs
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/expo-features-new-state-mandated-voting-systems-officials-concerned-with-potential-costs-1.2420944
Health Care
WB General nurses union votes to authorize strike notice if deemed necessary
https://www.timesleader.com/news/727351/wb-general-nurses-union-votes-to-authorize-strike-notice-if-deemed-necessary
W-B General nurses authorize strike notice
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-general-nurses-authorize-strike-notice-1.2421017
Local News
Luzerne County Council opts for no tax hike in 2019; update on trip probe
https://www.timesleader.com/news/727337/luzerne-county-council-opts-for-no-tax-hike-in-2019
No county property tax hike in 2019 budget
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/no-county-property-tax-hike-in-2019-budget-1.2421006
Law firm will look into Crispell’s ties to county vendor
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/law-firm-will-look-into-crispell-s-ties-to-county-vendor-1.2421023
More than 600 children to receive Toys from Heidi this Christmas
https://www.timesleader.com/news/727346/more-than-600-children-to-receive-toys-from-heidi-this-christmas
City to distribute free Naloxone
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-to-distribute-free-naloxone-1.2421008
TL celebrates ‘Best Places to Work’ awards
https://www.timesleader.com/news/727354/tl-celebrates-best-places-to-work-awards
Flanagan resigns as police commissioner of Wyoming
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/flanagan-resigns-as-police-commissioner-of-wyoming-1.2420943
Keller, Swartz, Tighe honored with NeighborWorks’ Casey award
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/keller-swartz-tighe-honored-with-neighborworks-casey-award-1.2421104
No more commenting on Monroeville’s Facebook page, council says
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2018/12/11/No-more-commenting-on-Monroeville-s-Facebook-page/stories/201812110173
Apollo, Kiski Township to discuss police merger
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14395393-74/apollo-kiski-township-to-discuss-police-merger
Look who’s bidding to buy Berks Heim
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/look-whos-bidding-to-buy-berks-heim
Berks County works to be ready for an emergency
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-works-to-be-ready-for-an-emergency
Longswamp residents question 175 percent increase for Topton Ambulance Service
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/longswamp-residents-question-175-percent-increase-for-topton-ambulance-service
Free parking at Christmastime in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/free-parking-at-christmastime-in-reading
National News
Google CEO’s says yes to privacy laws, no to political bias and maybe to China
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/12/11/Google-CEO-Sundar-Pichai-testify-House-no-bias-data-privacy-China-search-engine/stories/201812110169
Natural Gas
PennEast notches ‘milestone’ in push to begin building pipeline in 2019
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2018/12/penneast-notches-milestone-in-push-to-begin-building-pipeline-in-2019.html
Philly
Poverty among older Philadelphians on the rise
http://www2.philly.com/news/older-philadelphians-poverty-social-security-food-stamps-seniors-20181212.html
Philly home values are rising. Will taxes keep rising with them?
http://www2.philly.com/news/property-assessment-taxes-philadelphia-20181212.html
After talk with Philly congressman, Amtrak says it may keep flipboard at 30th Street Station
http://www2.philly.com/news/amtrak-flipboard-th-street-station-saffron-20181212.html
SEPTA gets $15M to modernize 30th Street El station
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/septa-gets-m-to-modernize-th-street-el-station/article_fc9a4ff4-1800-5616-b0f5-1d2f939ab9f4.html
Philly’s new fight against white poverty should serve as a catalyst to help people of color, too | Solomon Jones
http://www2.philly.com/columnists/poverty-new-census-figures-philadelphia-neighborhoods-whites-opioids-20181211.html
Teachers, staff at Northeast Philly charter school ratify contract; $5,700 average raises this school year
http://www2.philly.com/news/philadelphia-charter-school-union-contract-new-foundations-20181211.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh City Council plans program aimed at reducing gun violence
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14395492-74/pittsburgh-city-council-plans-program-aimed-at-reducing-gun-violence
Pittsburgh council bill would permit residents to recycle junk electronics in 2019
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14395471-74/pittsburgh-council-bill-would-permit-residents-to-recycle-junk-electronics-in-2019
Parents of Antwon Rose II sue Pitt police for not terminating Michael Rosfeld
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/11/Antwon-Rose-II-Pitt-police-Michael-Rosfeld-East-Pittsburgh-homicide-lawsuit-parents/stories/201812110147
Antwon Rose’s parents sue Pitt for not disciplining, divulging record of officer Michael Rosfeld
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14394869-74/antwon-roses-parents-sue-pitt-for-not-disciplining-officer-michael-rosfeld
From modular to affordable, housing dominates Pittsburgh URA agenda
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/12/12/From-modular-to-affordable-housing-dominates-URA-agenda/stories/201812120094
Pittsburgh police’s Zone 4 cars get ‘Stronger Than Hate’ decals
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/12/11/Pittsburgh-police-Zone-4-vehicles-Stronger-than-Hate-logo-emblem-decals/stories/201812110121
Achieva names annual award after brothers killed in Tree of Life shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/12/12/Tree-of-Life-Cecil-David-Rosenthal-shooting-Achieva-disabilities-award-of-excellence/stories/201812110164
Ex-chemist in Allegheny County medical examiner’s office gets prison for Xanax theft
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/12/11/allegheny-county-medical-examiner-matthew-ieraci-xanax-theft-sentenced/stories/201812110153
Pittsburgh student shot while riding school bus
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/12/11/New-Academy-Charter-School-student-shot-while-riding-school-bus-in-Arlington/stories/201812110168
Braddock Council considering 6 candidates to replace Mayor Fetterman
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14395097-74/braddock-council-considering-six-candidates-to-replace-john-fetterman
State News
A new coal mine is opening in Schuylkill County. Is Trump to thank?
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/12/a-new-coal-mine-is-opening-in-pennsylvania-is-trump-to-thank.php
Broadband access not available everywhere in PA
http://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2018/12/-draft-on-the-tuesday.php
Auditor general report urges changes to increase oversight of pharmacy benefit managers
http://www.timesonline.com/news/20181211/auditor-general-report-urges-changes-to-increase-oversight-of-pharmacy-benefit-managers
Transportation
New ways sought to combat distracted driving, as survey shows 75 percent of locals use phone in car
http://www2.philly.com/news/distracted-driving-texting-smartphone-insurance-20181211.html
Pilot flying infant remains to family makes emergency landing on Spring Brook Twp. Road
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/pilot-flying-infant-remains-to-family-makes-emergency-landing-on-spring-brook-twp-road-1.2420676
Washington
Rejecting curbs on food stamps, the Senate passes a compromise farm bill
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/12/11/Senate-passes-compromise-farm-bill-rejects-food-stamps-SNAP-work-requirements/stories/201812110177
Nancy Pelosi shows her spunk — and glimpse of future — in confrontation with Trump
http://www2.philly.com/politics/nancy-pelosi-donald-trump-manhood-border-wall-government-shutdown-20181212.html
As partial shutdown looms, Berks delegation comments on federal budget
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/as-partial-shutdown-looms-berks-delegation-comments-on-federal-budget