Legislature
Pa. Senate returns leadership teams for 2019-20 session
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/pa-senate-returns-leadership-teams-for-2019-20-session.html#incart_river_index
Senate Republicans, Democrats re-elect leaders with little fanfare
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/11/senate-republicans-democrats-re-elect-leaders-with-little-fanfare.php
Meet the Pennsylvania Legislature’s leadership teams
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvnaia-house-leadership-20181114-story.html
Legislative session ends without reform to laws for child sex abuse victims
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/legislative-session-ends-without-reform-to-laws-for-child-sex-abuse-victims.html#incart_river_index
In Pa. House, Philly-area Democrats gain political muscle, Allegheny County loses clout
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/11/14/In-Pa-House-Democrats-from-Philly-area-gain-political-muscle-while-Allegheny-County-loses-clout/stories/201811140125
Pa. House Democrats revamp leadership team with Philly tilt
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/pa-house-democrats-revamp-leadership-team-with-philly-tilt.html#incart_river_index
State Sen. Kim Ward, ‘red-blooded woman,’ went for gun to ward off intruder
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/state-sen-kim-ward-red-blooded-woman-went-for-gun/article_fe0bee02-e760-11e8-b6a6-3783a8019cb8.html
Lauren Book: Shame on senators for failing sexual abuse victims
https://triblive.com/opinion/featuredcommentary/14291915-74/lauren-book-shame-on-senators-for-failing-sexual-abuse-victims
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf, state officials keep stiff upper lip on Amazon defeat amid some calls for self-examination
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/gov-tom-wolf-state-officials-keep-stiff-upper-lip-on-amazon-defeat-amid-some-calls-for-self-examination.html#incart_river_index
Business
Biomanufacturing: These 30 gene-therapy firms employ more than 3,000 in Philly area
http://www2.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/biomanufacturing-these-33-gene-therapy-firms-employ-more-than-3000-in-philly-area-20181114.html
The farce is over: Amazon played everyone
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/11/15/The-farce-is-over-Amazon-HQ2-played-Pittsburgh-everyone/stories/201811150039
Here’s the Lehigh Valley HQ2 pitch Amazon dismissed
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-amazon-hq2-lehigh-valley-pitch-20181114-story.html
Siemens boosts efficiency at consolidated East Huntingdon plant
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14293308-74/siemens-boosts-efficiency-at-consolidated-east-huntingdon-plant
Catholic Church
Catholic bishops acknowledge credibility issues while releasing statement against racism
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/11/14/Catholic-Bishops-statement-against-racism-credibility-Theodore-McCarrick/stories/201811140139
U.S. Catholic bishops leave Baltimore conference without acting on sex abuse reforms
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/catholic-bishops-baltimore-sex-abuse-cardinal-theodore-mccarrick-20181114.html
Cambria County man joins federal suit that says Catholic hierarchy covered up abuse
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/14/Cambria-county-shaun-dougherty-federal-suit-against-Catholic-hierarchy-pedophile-priests/stories/201811140143
Archbishop Charles Chaput: ‘You saw the job they tried to do on me?’ My run-in with the peeved prelate. | Maria Panaritis
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/maria-panaritis/archbishop-charles-chaput-bishops-conference-sex-abuse-reform-baltimore-persico-malesic-maria-panaritis-20181114.html
Timlin’s stunning tone-deafness
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/timlin-s-stunning-tone-deafness-1.2410743
Crime/Punishment
W.Va. man indicted in Western Pa.’s largest-ever meth seizure
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/14/Durrell-Jones-indicted-Western-Pennsylvania-largest-ever-methamphetamines-seizure-crime-drugs/stories/201811140135
After prison board meeting, officials respond to corrections union’s vote of no confidence
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/after-prison-board-meeting-officials-respond-to-corrections-union-s/article_942299f4-e842-11e8-ac2c-3bb38fca1efa.html
Experts disagree over Melvin Knight’s mental capacity to face death penalty
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14293031-74/experts-disagree-over-melvin-knights-mental-capacity-to-face-death-penalty
Berks Connections/Pretrial Services helps those coming out of prison to acclimate
https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/berks-connectionspretrial-services-helps-those-coming-out-of-prison-to-acclimate
Hate crimes rose sharply in 2017, FBI says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/hate-crimes-rose-sharply-in-2017-fbi-says.html#incart_river_index
Education
Union sues Tamaqua school district over armed teachers policy
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/tamaqua-armed-teachers-sue-union-school-20181114.html
Tamaqua teachers say no to guns
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/tamaqua-teachers-say-no-to-guns-1.2410791
Beaver County school district debunks fake paper tax after confusion over class assignment
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/11/14/Beaver-County-school-district-debunks-fake-paper-tax-after-confusion-over-class-assignment-stamp-act/stories/201811140144
Amid black landscape, site of new Wilkes-Barre Area high school takes shape
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724849/amid-black-landscape-site-of-new-wilkes-barre-area-high-school-takes-shape
Suspended Scranton baseball coach ‘Skip’ Roskos sues district
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/suspended-scranton-baseball-coach-skip-roskos-sues-district-1.2410714
Advocates for separate playoffs meet resistance from PIAA, non-boundary schools
https://www.readingeagle.com/sports/article/equity-summit-organizers-meet-resistance-from-piaa-non-boundary-schools
Elections/Politics
Winner in 6th District state Senate race will come down to overseas, military ballots
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20181113/winner-in-6th-district-state-senate-race-will-come-down-to-overseas-military-ballots
Cook, Toprani separated by a dozen votes; election board to judge validity of 19 challenged provisional ballots
https://observer-reporter.com/news/election/cook-toprani-separated-by-a-dozen-votes-election-board-to/article_c8d1bf12-e839-11e8-a6dd-cfc2bfea78e1.html
County vendor probing problems with some electronic polling books
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724844/county-vendor-probing-problems-with-some-electronic-polling-books
Scanlon is first woman in Pennsylvania delegation since 2014
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14291693-74/scanlon-is-first-woman-in-pennsylvania-delegation-since-2014
Editorial: Reading must build on improvement in voter turnout
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-reading-must-build-on-improvement-in-voter-turnout
Absentee ballots missing birth dates must be counted in Georgia, a federal judge orders
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/11/14/Absentee-ballots-counted-in-Georgia-Abrams-Kemp-election-race-judge/stories/201811140226
Health Care
State cites WB General Hospital for staffing, other violations
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724821/state-cites-wb-general-hospital-for-staffing-other-violations
W-B General cited over staffing issues
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-general-cited-over-staffing-issues-1.2410817
State insurance laws for breast screenings fall short
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-insurance-laws-for-breast-screenings-fall-short-1.2410864
Local News
George won’t approve federal plan unless city board moves up sprinkler project
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/george-won-t-approve-federal-plan-unless-city-board-moves-up-sprinkler-project-1.2410803
Fate of developer’s Blue Ridge project will be decided next month
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724862/fate-of-developers-blue-ridge-project-will-be-decided-next-month
Ali Baba Liquor Lounge management scrutinized at hearing
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ali-baba-liquor-lounge-management-scrutinized-at-hearing-1.2410741
Metal detectors coming to arena early next year
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/metal-detectors-coming-to-arena-early-next-year-1.2410816
Wyoming borough manager resigns
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wyoming-borough-manager-resigns-1.2410804
New planning, zoning director named for Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-planning-zoning-director-named-for-luzerne-county-1.2410802
City budget takes shape, EIT hike a go
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-budget-takes-shape-eit-hike-a-go-1.2410779
Safe sidewalk coming to connect Lackawanna River trail to downtown
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/safe-sidewalk-coming-to-connect-lackawanna-river-trail-to-downtown-1.2410764
Black Creek supervisors to apply for $250K grant
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/black-creek-supervisors-to-apply-for-250k-grant-1.2410723
Developer postpones Marywood South proposal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/developer-postpones-marywood-south-proposal-1.2410701
County announces Lackawanna Winter Market plans
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/county-announces-lackawanna-winter-market-plans-1.2410697
Archbald bans tobacco in parks, playgrounds
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/archbald-bans-tobacco-in-parks-playgrounds-1.2410855
Plum Council to hold the line on property taxes in 2019
https://triblive.com/local/plum/14294708-74/plum-council-to-hold-the-line-on-property-taxes-in-2019
Allegheny Township community building expansion included in next year’s budget
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14293507-74/allegheny-township-building-expansion-included-in-next-years-budget
Tarentum facing $12K increase in dues as electric association eyes bigger role
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14292500-74/tarentum-facing-12k-increase-in-dues-as-electric-association-eyes-bigger-role
Before gentrification, there’s opportunity in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/before-gentrification-theres-opportunity-in-reading
Reading City Council divided on proposal to fill vacancies
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-divided-on-proposal-to-fill-vacancies
United Way of Berks County raises more than $10.9 million
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/united-way-of-berks-county-raises-more-than-109-million
Customers Bank gives $250,000 to support Alvernia’s literacy initiative in south Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/customers-bank-gives-250000-to-support-alvernias-literacy-initiative-in-south-reading
National News
Man tied to synagogue shooting suspect arrested
http://www2.philly.com/wires/ap/man-tied-synagogue-shooting-suspect-arrested-20181114.html-2
The death toll rises to 56 in Northern California’s Camp wildfire
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/11/14/weather-firefighters-Northern-California-Camp-Fire-search-missing/stories/201811140162
Philly
It’s official: Alan Butkovitz is running for mayor of Philadelphia
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/alan-butkovitz-running-mayor-election-jim-kenney-philadelphia-20181115.html
What the triumphant return of Philly’s former Metropolian Opera House means for North Broad Street | Inga Saffron
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/inga_saffron/metropolitan-opera-house-north-philadelphia-blumenfeld-hammerstein-20181115.html
Former Nutter aide Peterkin Bell loses board memberships, teaching gig after felony charges
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/peterkin-bell-nutter-aide-charges-penn-boards-memberships-20181114.html
Feds charge retired Philly cop after alleged sexual assault while on duty
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/retired-philadelphia-police-officer-sexual-assault-20181114.html
District school? Charter? Private? Philly school-choice advocates want streamlined applications
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/philadelphia-school-choice-charter-applications-unified-enrollment-20181114.html
Public corruption: In Philly, it’s déjà vu all over again | Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-desiree-peterkin-bell-public-corruption-michael-nutter-mayors-fund-theft-20181114.html
Philly dodged a ‘prosperity bomb’ when Amazon didn’t pick us. Be very grateful | Will Bunch
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/will_bunch/amazon-hq2-philadelphia-pitch-virginia-new-york-20181114.html
If Philadelphia wants to protect kids from lead, it should join lawsuits against paint companies | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-lead-poisoning-children-lawsuits-paint-companies-20181115.html
Gerry Lenfest, Philly’s greatest philanthropist of all time | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/gerry-lenfest-philadelphia-philanthropy-charity-20181115.html
A landowner who’s an ally, not a bully? In Philly? | Ronnie Polaneczky
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/ronnie_polaneczky/south-philly-land-owner-property-license-and-inspection-20181114.html
Pitt
Allegheny County DA withdraws charges in Pagans bar brawl with police
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/14/Pagans-bar-brawl-charges-withdrawn-police-pittsburgh/stories/201811140148
Charges dropped against Pagans in bar brawl with undercover cops, FBI investigating
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14292696-74/charges-dropped-against-pagans-in-bar-brawl-with-undercover-cops
In Pittsburgh, cancer professionals and survivors are working to eliminate racial disparities in treatment
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2018/11/14/African-American-breast-cancer-survival-ACCURE-Hillman-Pitt-racism/stories/201811080162
Painted stones, crayon drawings, heartbreaking messages – all moved inside Tree of Life
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/11/14/Tree-of-Life-Rauh-Jewish-Archives-Laurie-Eisenberg-Dory-Levine-pittsburgh/stories/201811140119
CMU, Duquesne add graduate programs to its offerings for Pittsburgh Promise alumni
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/11/14/Carnegie-Mellon-Duquesne-university-scholarship-Pittsburgh-Promise-college-financial-aid-graduate-masters/stories/201811140109
Cirque du Soleil will return to Pittsburgh in January
https://triblive.com/aande/theaterarts/14295167-74/cirque-du-soleil-will-return-to-pittsburgh-in-january
30-foot inflatable cheese sculpture floats rivers for hunger awareness
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14293020-74/30-foot-inflatable-cheese-sculpture-floats-rivers-for-hunger-awareness
Another Democrat to challenge Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce Kraus
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14293441-74/another-democrat-to-challenge-pittsburgh-city-council-president-bruce-kraus
Pittsburgh preparing for first winter weather blast
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14293301-74/pittsburgh-preparing-for-first-winter-weather-blast
Pittsburgh suspends employee ‘tobacco surcharge’ until 2020
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14293362-74/pittsburgh-suspends-employee-tobacco-surcharge-until-2020
State News
Army Corps of Engineers: $500 million Parks Township nuclear waste removal project is a ‘go’
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14294779-74/army-corps-of-engineers-says-500-million-parks-twp-nuclear-waste-removal
Officials don’t know what caused explosion that leveled 9,000-square-foot Pa. mansion
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14291917-74/officials-dont-know-what-caused-explosion-that-leveled-9000-square-foot-pa-mansion
Medical marijuana in Pennsylvania: 4 steps to get access to the drug
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/how-to-get-medical-maijuana-in-pennsylvania
Special investigation: Worst nursing homes continue to fail the frail despite lawsuit, promises
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/pennlive-special-investigation-still-failing-the-frail.html#incart_river_index
Transportation
North Washington Street bridge replacement in Wilkes-Barre still years away
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724840/north-washington-street-bridge-replacement-in-wilkes-barre-still-years-away
Bridge work timeline infuriates W-B residents
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bridge-work-timeline-infuriates-w-b-residents-1.2410818
Washington
Democrats have a majority and wave of new members from Pa. and N.J. What will they do with it?
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/democrats-new-majority-agenda-pa-nj-20181115.html
Bob Casey enters third term with eye on infrastructure, preserving Mueller investigation
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/11/14/bob-casey-term-congress-senate-donald-trump-matthew-whitaker-health-care-infrastructure-pennsylvania/stories/201811140181
Flake won’t vote for Trump’s judicial nominees until the Senate acts on a Mueller bill
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/11/14/Senate-Jeff-Flake-Trump-judicial-nominees-Mueller-bill-McConnell/stories/201811140187
Trump endorses bipartisan criminal-justice reform bill
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/donald-trump-first-step-act-bipartisan-criminal-justice-reform-bill-20181114.html
Aide who crossed the first lady is removed from White House role
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/11/15/Aide-ricardel-Removed-From-White-House-Role-First-Lady-melania-trump/stories/201811150090