Legislature
Yudichak offers assistance to vets
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-offers-assistance-to-vets-1.2411147
Goodman re-elected to leadership team
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/goodman-re-elected-to-leadership-team-1.2411157
Pennsylvania Senate backs increase in inmates’ restitution payments
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/state_and_region/pennsylvania-senate-backs-increase-in-inmates-restitution-payments/article_ef065323-2a0f-5511-9274-01f72c5b3e95.html
Weather
Surprise! Biggest November snow in three decades snarls region.
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/snow-philadelphia-winter-sleet-latest-20181115.html
Winter weather causes widespead power outages
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/11/15/Winter-weather-causes-widespead-power-outages-duquesne-light-pine-west-deer-o-hara-indiana-township-richland/stories/201811150201
Winter storm aftermath: SEPTA Paoli-Thorndale line suspended, I-78 slowly reopens
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/weather/winter-storm-aftermath-septa-paoli-thorndale-line-suspended-i-78-slowly-reopens-20181116.html
Wintry weather triggers crashes, some power won’t be restored until 11 p.m. Friday
https://triblive.com/local/regional/14299099-74/wintry-weather-cuts-power-triggers-crashes
Snowstorm leads to traffic chaos, driver outrage
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724983/snowstorm-leads-to-traffic-chaos-driver-outrage
Evening commute became a nightmare
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/evening-commute-became-a-nightmare-1.2411328
Surprisingly heavy snowfall leads to major road problems
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/surprisingly-heavy-snowfall-leads-to-major-road-problems-1.2410954
Season’s first storm jams traffic across Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/seasons-first-storm-jams-traffic-across-berks-county
Perfect storm for gridlock: Who do you blame for Thursday’s hourslong commute?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/perfect-storm-for-gridlock-who-do-you-blame-for-thursdays-commute-from-hell.html#incart_river_index
Thousands still without power in the wake of Winter Storm Avery
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/thousands-still-without-power-in-the-wake-of-winter-storm-avery.html#incart_river_index
Buses fail to take school students home due to storm
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/buses-fail-to-take-school-students-home-due-to-storm.html#incart_river_index
Business
Giving Amazon public store
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/giving-amazon-public-store-1.2411165
10 tech jobs could demonstrate effectiveness of Cambria County’s ‘Bridge to Pittsburgh’
https://www.tribdem.com/news/tech-jobs-could-demonstrate-effectiveness-of-cambria-county-s-bridge/article_994403b6-e949-11e8-bcf1-d3bf5be41b97.html
Catholic Church
Twelve suits alleging sexual abuse in Pittsburgh Diocese include 4 priests not previously named
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/11/15/clergy-sex-abuse-catholic-church-grand-jury-alan-perer-lawsuit-allegheny-county/stories/201811150152
14 new lawsuits against Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese in sex-abuse scandal
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14297499-74/14-new-lawsuits-against-pittsburgh-catholic-diocese-in-sex-abuse-scandal
Crime/Punishment
Michael Rosfeld wants a jury from outside Allegheny County for Antwon Rose homicide trial
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/11/15/Officer-in-Antwon-Rose-shooting-wants-a-jury-from-outside-of-Allegheny-County/stories/201811150172
Councilman headed to trial on charges of driving through Antwon Rose protesters
https://sewickley.triblive.com/councilman-headed-to-trial-on-charges-of-driving-through-antwon-rose-protesters/
Feds want $605k seized from accused Westmoreland doctor
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/15/Mamdouth-El-Attrache-federal-seeking-605k-Westmoreland-doctor-pain-clinic-narcotics/stories/201811150159
Hazleton Police continue to crack down on dirt-bike racing problem
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724937/hazleton-police-continue-to-crack-down-on-dirt-bike-racing-problem
Biros gambling suspects waive hearings
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14298129-74/biros-gambling-suspects-waive-hearings
Education
State launches new assessment tool for schools
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-launches-new-assessment-tool-for-schools-1.2411012
How does your district measure up? Pa. issues new tool to evaluate schools
http://www2.philly.com/philly/education/how-does-your-district-measure-up-pa-issues-new-tool-to-evaluate-schools-20181115.html
New test scores? Sure, but that’s no longer the state’s focus
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724959/new-test-scores-sure-but-thats-no-longer-the-states-focus
Steel Valley warns of staff member diagnosed with MRSA
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/11/15/Steel-Valley-wanrs-of-staff-member-diagnosed-with-MRSA/stories/201811150205
Forbes Road vo-tech teachers contract talks to resume after Thanksgiving
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14299242-74/forbes-road-vo-tech-teachers-contract-talks-to-resume-after-thanksgiving
Citations issued over packed school bus
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/citations-issued-over-packed-school-bus-1.2411326
Salary schedule holding up raises for Abington Heights teachers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/salary-schedule-holding-up-raises-for-abington-heights-teachers-1.2411419
Lackawanna Trail to give railway nearly $122,000 to settle tax dispute
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-trail-to-give-railway-nearly-122-000-to-settle-tax-dispute-1.2410995
PENNCREST’s addition of assistant superintendent draws ire of Rep. Roae
https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/penncrest-s-addition-of-assistant-superintendent-draws-ire-of-rep/article_8fef21de-e87b-11e8-8cdf-e38b8010809a.html
Wharton Online receives B-school continuing ed accreditation
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/wharton-online-receives-b-school-continuing-ed-accreditation-20181115.html
Elections/Politics
Democratic challenger in 6th Senate race to file absentee ballot lawsuit
http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20181115/democratic-challenger-in-6th-senate-race-to-file-absentee-ballot-lawsuit
Voter turnout in some Pennsylvania counties neared presidential election levels
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-2018-midterm-turnout-20181115-story.html
Susan Wild wins special congressional election to finish Charlie Dent’s term
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-15-congress-special-election-winner-20181115-story.html
Late Luzerne County absentee ballots add up; 458 could not be counted
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724920/late-luzerne-county-absentee-ballots-add-up-458-could-not-be-counted
Could Gov. Wolf, Sen. Casey be V.P. picks in 2020? | Clout
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/clout-tom-wolf-bob-casey-2020-election-vice-president-20181116.html
I violated Pa. election law — and I’m not ashamed | Michael Smerconish
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/michael_smerconish/pennsylvania-election-law-2018-midterm-20181115.html
Sources: Reilly eyes state GOP post, could step down as Delco Republican leader
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/sources-reilly-eyes-state-gop-post-could-step-down-as/article_fba45edc-e919-11e8-ab2c-031609196a6d.html
Health Care
Report: WB General had higher than expected mortality rates for 3 conditions
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724961/report-wb-general-had-higher-than-expected-mortality-rates-for-3-conditions
Geisinger surgeons want to speed up recovery, lessen reliance on opioids
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/geisinger-surgeons-want-to-speed-up-recovery-lessen-reliance-on-opioids-1.2411223
Local News
Luzerne County statue of historic charity worker remains in limbo
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724940/luzerne-county-statue-of-historic-charity-worker-remains-in-limbo
Dorrance Township to hold line on taxes
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724978/dorrance-township-to-hold-line-on-taxes
Wyoming manager cites hostile work environment for her exit
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wyoming-manager-cites-hostile-work-environment-for-her-exit-1.2411325
$40K grant will help renovate closed park
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/40k-grant-will-help-renovate-closed-park-1.2411179
United Way surpasses $3.25 million fundraising goal, thanks to big push in final week
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/united-way-surpasses-3-25-million-fundraising-goal-thanks-to-big-push-in-final-week-1.2411416
Westmoreland officials lift residency requirement for some county departments
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14298184-74/westmoreland-officials-lift-residency-requirement-for-some-county-departments
Westmoreland County proposed 2019 budget again avoids tax increase
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14298261-74/westmoreland-county-proposed-2019-budget-again-avoids-tax-increase
$4.7 million contract awarded for Westmoreland industrial park construction
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14296898-74/47-million-contract-awarded-for-westmoreland-industrial-park-construction
Vandergrift officials critical of utilities’ street repairs
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14298683-74/vandergrift-officials-critical-of-utilities-street-repairs
Berks County commissioners expect no change in taxes in 2019
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-commissioners-expect-no-change-in-taxes-in-2019
Reading City Council divided on proposal to fill vacancies
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-divided-on-proposal-to-fill-vacancies&template=ourcityart
No tax hike in proposed Montgomery County budget
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/no-tax-hike-in-proposed-montgomery-county-budget
Editorial: Reading Blues Fest makes welcome return to city
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-reading-blues-fest-makes-welcome-return-to-city
National News
Northern California fire death toll hits 63; sheriff says 631 still missing
http://www2.philly.com/news/nation-world/northern-california-wildfire-camp-fire-death-toll-missing-paradise-20181116.html
Federal judge: Florida is ‘laughing stock of the world’
http://www2.philly.com/politics/florida-midterm-election-recount-deadline-governor-senator-20181115.html
Study: More people drink alcohol in darker, colder climates
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/2018/11/15/Data-alcohol-drinking-Pitt-temperatures-sunlight-cold-cirrhosis-liver/stories/201811140176
Meditation helps veterans with PTSD
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14298638-74/meditation-helps-veteans-with-ptsd
New Jersey
N.J. bookmakers report plunge in sports-betting revenue. That’s good for bettors.
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/tourism_casinos/nj-october-2018-increase-gaming-revenue-20181115.html
Opioid Crisis
Naloxone ‘saves’ to be followed with home visits to abusers who OD
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/naloxone-saves-to-be-followed-with-home-visits-to-abusers-who-od
Philly
As snow falls, Philly clears another Kensington heroin encampment
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/addiction/philly-clears-another-kensington-heroin-encampment-20181115.html
The truth about the GoFundMe campaign for a homeless veteran: It was all a scam
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/homeless-gofundme-scam-kate-mcclure-johnny-bobitt-jr-mark-damico-arrests-charges-20181115.html
A doctor who takes medical marijuana sues for the right to own a gun
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/medical-marijuana-gun-nra-doctor-20181116.html
New misconduct claims emerge against former renowned Masterman chess coach
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/philadelphia-chess-coach-stephen-shutt-masterman-complaints-frederick-douglass-elementary-sexual-abuse-20181116.html
Police, city prepare for conservative rally as online tensions swirl
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/patriot-militia-independence-mall-rally-proud-boys-philadelphia-20181115.html
Bob Brady aide ‘deliberately flouted’ campaign laws, prosecutor says as trial opens
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/bob-brady-aide-ken-smukler-trial-campaign-obstruction-20181115.html
West Philly beer deli owner stunned by plea deal for gunman who shot him
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/philly-beer-deli-owner-shooting-gunman-krasner-plea-sentence-20181115.html
Losing Amazon HQ2 underscores where Philly falls short | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/amazon-hq2-philadelphia-long-island-city-queens-virginia-arlington-county-20181115.html
A year after SRC abolished itself, Philly’s new school board is moving forward | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-school-board-education-src-abolish-20181115.html
Chinese restaurant owners sue Philadelphia over ordinance
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/chinese-restaurant-owners-sue-philadelphia-over-ordinance/article_a5eefde8-e99c-11e8-8a24-03d380b1ab87.html
Pitt
See it here: Pittsburgh offered billions in incentives, free land and more in failed Amazon bid
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/11/15/See-it-here-Pittsburgh-officials-release-their-Amazon-HQ2-bid/stories/201811150110
Amazon offered Pittsburgh’s best development sites — for free
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14297903-74/amazon-offered-pittsburgh-best-development-sites-for-free
See what Pittsburgh offered in its failed Amazon HQ2 bid
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14296254-74/officials-to-release-pittsburghs-failed-amazon-hq2-bid-details-today
Amazon lessons: City, county abrogated their duty to taxpayers
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/11/16/Amazon-lessons-City-county-abrogated-their-duty-to-taxpayers/stories/201811160046
PWSA looks to build on system improvements over the next 12 years
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/11/15/PWSA-Pittsburgh-Water-Sewer-Authority-releases-12-year-plan-2030-improvement/stories/201811150109
PWSA 12-year plan includes replacement of all lead lines
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14296989-74/pwsa-12-year-plan-includes-replacement-of-all-lead-lines
Light Up Night brings Downtown road closures, rerouted buses
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/11/15/Light-Up-Night-Port-Authority-road-closures-Downtown-Pittsburgh/stories/201811150156
Police: ‘Zero-tolerance’ for Light Up Night shenanigans
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14297076-74/police-zero-tolerance-for-light-up-night-shenanigans
Joy interrupted by terror: Baby-naming ceremony coincided with the synagogue shootings
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/11/14/Jason-Lauren-Ella-Silver-baby-naming-ceremony-Tree-of-Life-shooting-Temple-Sinai/stories/201811140167
Port Authority will put capital projects on hold while it awaits PennDOT funds
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2018/11/15/Port-Authority-delays-capital-projects-funds-PennDOT-Turnpike-Commission/stories/201811150112
Community organizers call for support in push for countywide police oversight
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/15/Allegheny-County-police-review-board-civilian-oversight-community-support-council/stories/201811150165
‘Stand Together,’ Pittsburgh all-stars’ song for Tree of Life fund, will be released Friday
http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2018/11/15/Stand-Together-Pittsburgh-all-star-song-for-Tree-of-Life-synagogue-fundraiser-wpxi-holiday-parade/stories/201811150162
Allegheny County sheriff’s ex-clerk admits to leaking raid details to West End gang members
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/15/erika-romanowski-greenway-boy-killaz-allegheny-county-sheriff-pittsburgh-raid-fbi-leak/stories/201811150102
Pitt, UPMC get $6 million grant from NFL for brain injury study
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14297560-74/pitt-upmc-get-6-million-grant-from-nfl-for-brain-injury-study
State News
Pa. American acquires Steelton water system for $22.5M
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/energy/pa-american-acquires-steelton-dauphin-water-system-aqua-20181115.html
Pa. AG’s office fines 20 car dealerships for Craigslist ads
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2018/11/15/AG-s-office-fines-20-car-dealerships-for-false-advertising/stories/201811150121
Pennsylvania attorney general takes action against 20 auto dealers, including 4 in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-attorney-general-takes-action-against-20-auto-dealers-including-4-in-berks-county
Seeking cash long after predators escape
http://www2.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/shapiro-chaput-catholic-settlement-fund-abuse-20181116.html
Pa. Auditor General plans to review nursing home oversight
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/pa-auditor-general-plans-to-review-nursing-home-oversight.html#incart_river_index
New plan calls for 10 percent solar power in Pa. by 2030
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/11/new-plan-calls-for-10-percent-solar-power-in-pa-by-2030.php
Pennsylvania’s economic outlook: $1 billion+ deficits
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-ifo-economic-outlook-20181115-story.html
Washington
A judge delays ruling on Acosta’s White House credential
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2018/11/15/judge-delays-ruling-CNN-Jim-Acosta-credential-Trump-White-House/stories/201811150197
Doctors, you are in your lane on gun violence. Keep driving it home. |Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/hey-doctors-nra-gun-violence-public-health-editorial-20181115.html