Legislature
Senate axes second term for Pa.’s victim advocate, who angered GOP leader
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-victim-advocate-jennifer-storm-senate-republicans-rejected-20201116.html
Pa. Senate rejects another term for Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/pa-senate-rejects-another-term-for-victim-advocate-jennifer-storm.html
Facing opposition on two fronts, the state Senate declines to give Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm another term
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/facing-opposition-on-two-fronts-the-state-senate-declines-to-give-victim-advocate-jennifer-storm-another-term/
OP-ED: Pa. Republicans are claiming election fraud, even while they celebrate their own election victories – By Sen. Jay Costa
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/op-ed-pa-republicans-are-claiming-election-fraud-even-while-they-celebrate-their-own-election-victories/Content?oid=18383514
Hearings on Pennsylvania election unlikely in Harrisburg this year; Republicans eye 2021 for election law changes
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-election-hearings-unlikely-20201116-7d272nzrqrad3mxki6dot6t3ga-story.html
State Sen. Muth announces virtual health care enrollment
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/muth-announces-virtual-health-care-enrollment/article_70fbee96-2786-11eb-8325-3b9848d6690f.html
Utilities shutoffs during the pandemic are a nightmare Pa. should end | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-utilities-moratorium-covid-payments-20201116.html
Community solar energy will create jobs and help farmers in Pennsylvania | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/11/community-solar-energy-will-create-jobs-and-help-farmers-in-pennsylvania-opinion.html
Pa. needs to fix child abuse registry errors that turn into permanent barriers to employment | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-needs-to-fix-child-abuse-registry-errors-that-turn-into-permanent-barriers-to-employment-opinion/
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Health secretary: Despite surge in COVID-19, no new statewide restrictions planned
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/11/16/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-levine-wolf/stories/202011160079
Levine plans no new Pennsylvania restrictions as covid cases continue to rise
https://triblive.com/local/regional/levine-plans-no-new-pennsylvania-restrictions-as-covid-case-continue-to-rise/
Levine: Avoid gathering with extended family for holidays to stem COVID-19 spread
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/levine-avoid-gathering-with-extended-family-for-holidays-to-stem-covid-19-spread/article_7335ee86-a2c6-51fb-bad0-2f6d32ad27aa.html
Will Pa. follow its neighbors in rolling out new statewide coronavirus restrictions?
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/11/will-pa-follow-its-neighbors-in-rolling-out-new-statewide-coronavirus-restrictions.html
Pennsylvania adds 9,675 new covid cases in 2 days, 51 new deaths
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-adds-9675-new-covid-cases-in-2-days-51-new-deaths/
New COVID-19 restrictions in Philly and N.J. as city officials warn of potential for more deaths
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-philly-nj-pa-restrictions-shutdown-indoor-gatherings-thanksgiving-dining-gyms-museums-20201116.html
Risk of community spread of coronavirus now substantial in most Pennsylvania counties, including Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/risk-of-community-spread-of-coronavirus-now-substantial-in-most-pennsylvania-counties-including-berks/article_f09a7bb2-282c-11eb-949b-e32c319dd164.html
As Thanksgiving approaches, coronavirus rates continue to increase
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/as-thanksgiving-approaches-coronavirus-rates-continue-to-increase/article_ce9ad0b6-2868-11eb-9268-5b4d7b447abc.html
Philadelphia bans indoor gatherings, broadens virus rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/16/Philadelphia-bans-indoor-gatherings-broadens-virus-rules-coronavirus-covid-19/stories/202011160103
Allegheny County adds 500 new covid cases, 1 new death
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-adds-500-new-covid-cases-1-new-death/
Westmoreland County back in ‘substantial’ virus risk category as cases skyrocket statewide
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-back-in-substantial-virus-risk-category-as-cases-skyrocket-statewide/
Berks County adds 168 new coronavirus cases, passing 11,500 total cases.
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-adds-168-new-coronavirus-cases-passing-11-500-total-cases/article_0380da06-2831-11eb-be3d-0b5f0dc95465.html
Coronavirus numbers tallied for Penn-Trafford area
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/coronavirus-numbers-tallied-for-penn-trafford-area/
Coronavirus cases jump almost 22% in Norwin area
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/coronavirus-cases-jump-almost-22-in-norwin-area/
Most of Poconos seeing ‘substantial’ COVID transmission as holidays approach
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/coronavirus/2020/11/16/poconos-seeing-substantial-covid-transmission-holidays-approach/6314753002/
If there was only a way to stop this current coronavirus spike …
https://www.delcotimes.com/opinion/if-there-was-only-a-way-to-stop-this-current-coronavirus-spike/article_b6eed7c0-56ba-59b7-8189-aae8863d29dd.html
COVID-19 tests town-gown relationship in Hill Section
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/covid-19-tests-town-gown-relationship-in-hill-section/article_9354ea11-1acd-5f13-9f07-0649498f60de.html
National Guard called in to assist Mechanicsburg nursing home with more than 80 COVID-19 cases
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2020/11/national-guard-called-in-to-assist-mechanicsburg-nursing-home-with-more-than-80-covid-19-cases.html
Regional coalitions assisting Pennsylvania long-term care with COVID-19 prevention, outbreaks
https://www.timesonline.com/story/news/2020/11/17/covid-19-pennsylvania-long-term-care-health-pandemic/6314752002/
Wayne Memorial deploys robots in fight against COVID-19
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/wayne-memorial-deploys-robots-in-fight-against-covid-19/article_e669a175-5b5c-5869-ba38-96de37d05bce.html
Pa. Treasury releases COVID-19 debt reduction review, offers policy recommendations
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/pa-treasury-releases-covid-19-debt-reduction-review-offers-policy-recommendations.html
Testing must be comprehensive
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/11/17/Testing-must-be-comprehensive-Virus-Nursing-Homes-COVID-Coronavirus/stories/202011030043
Pennsylvania nurses deserve better protection fro COVID-19 | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2020/11/pennsylvania-nurses-deserve-better-protection-fro-covid-19-opinion.html
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim announces that he has tested positive for coronavirus
https://www.pennlive.com/sports/2020/11/syracuse-coach-jim-boeheim-announces-that-he-has-tested-positive-for-coronavirus.html
Elections/Politics
More Trump lawyers drop out as lawsuit over Pennsylvania vote heads to court
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/11/17/Trump-campaign-lawsuit-Pennsylvania-vote-court-election-biden/stories/202011170105
Trump’s legal push to disrupt Pa.’s election results is on its last legs. What’s his campaign still fighting in court?
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-lawsuits-pennsylvania-election-results-supreme-court-federal-judge-20201116.html
Trump vote challenge hearing to go as scheduled Tuesday; COVID-19 to keep public out
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/trump-vote-challenge-hearing-to-go-as-scheduled-tuesday-covid-19-to-keep-public-out.html
A cheat sheet for the Trump election lawsuits still alive in Pa.
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/17/a-cheat-sheet-for-the-trump-election-lawsuits-still-alive-in-pa/
U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb on Pennsylvania politics and the future of the Democratic Party
https://www.inquirer.com/news/us-rep-conor-lamb-pennsylvania-2020-democrats-20201117.html
Major and Champ Biden are about to make the White House warm and furry again
https://www.inquirer.com/news/joe-biden-donald-trump-animals-dogs-presidential-election-20201116.html
Kamala Harris is not the first person of color to become vice president
https://www.inquirer.com/news/kamala-harris-vice-president-charles-curtis-kaw-native-american-indigenous-indian-20201117.html
Lackawanna County finishes count of Nov. 3 election
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/lackawanna-county-finishes-count-of-nov-3-election/article_aaffa65a-7b95-5702-b2e9-c3355d9ff8c6.html
Berks County elections officials completing unofficial 2020 election vote tally
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/elections/berks-county-elections-officials-completing-unofficial-2020-election-vote-tally/article_2a252f4e-283c-11eb-828e-4b2fa30a2bff.html
Budget
Reform charter funding in new budget
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/reform-charter-funding-in-new-budget/article_120c85a0-5a70-5bae-9729-3d8fe3abb32b.html
Pa. is in the throes of a COVID-19 recession. Wolf, lawmakers need to step up for working families | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-is-in-the-throes-of-a-covid-19-recession-wolf-lawmakers-need-to-step-up-for-working-families-opinion/
Business
PNC’s $11.6 billion deal seen as another move to keep Pittsburgh bank independent
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2020/11/16/PNC-acquisition-BBVA-Demchak-West-Coast-Texas-Blackrock/stories/202011160082
More online sales during COVID-19 are driving more fraud. Here’s what small businesses can do to avoid taking a hit
https://www.inquirer.com/business/covid-online-sales-small-business-fraud-reputation-risk-20201117.html
Power companies pledge carbon neutrality by 2050 — with some time to figure out natural gas’s place in the mix
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2020/11/16/Power-companies-pledge-carbon-neutrality-by-2050-natural-gas/stories/202011120147
Benny Brewing Co. apologizes after party flouts pandemic protocols
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/benny-brewing-co-apologizes-after-party-flouts-pandemic-protocols/article_e8300531-38bd-5321-8b05-101c92f26196.html
Crime/Punishment
Pittsburgh man charged with illegally trafficking invasive fish, including snakehead
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/16/Pittsburgh-man-Anthony-nguyen-charged-trafficking-invasive-fish-asian-arowana-snakehead/stories/202011160105
Education
Berks County schools secure $178,618 in safe school grants
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/education/berks-county-schools-secure-178-618-in-safe-school-grants/article_0930ae8e-2833-11eb-8565-5f724b711919.html
Decline in Scranton School District enrollment could affect finances, school closures
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/education/decline-in-scranton-school-district-enrollment-could-affect-finances-school-closures/article_24598386-a715-5ccf-bca6-dd5addb7f266.html
As COVID-19 cases increase, teachers union asks for remote learning in some counties
https://observer-reporter.com/series/coronavirus/as-covid-19-cases-increase-teachers-union-asks-for-remote-learning-in-some-counties/article_6f001c26-25aa-11eb-b767-932c28cc3ed5.html
More Pittsburgh-area school districts move back to remote learning as COVID-19 cases surge
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/16/western-pennsylvania-allegheny-county-school-districts-reacting-learning-surge-COVID-19-cases/stories/202011160088
More area schools shifting to virtual learning amid surge in COVID-19 cases
https://www.inquirer.com/education/nj-education-schools-virtual-learning-shift-coronavirus-spike-remote-hybrid-20201116.html
With COVID-19 surging, most area schools moving online
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/with-covid-19-surging-most-area-schools-moving-online/article_6366dbd5-14c8-50ba-a6ca-9f22845a284b.html
Archdiocesan schools will follow Montgomery County remote learning mandate
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/archdiocesan-schools-will-follow-montgomery-county-remote-learning-mandate/article_eb5a842e-a118-5b94-b24e-3a8fdcbae8b0.html
Lake-Lehman won’t stop in-person education unless state orders
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810106/lake-lehman-wont-stop-in-person-education-unless-state-orders-it
Plum students who attended a parent-sponsored homecoming party Saturday should not come to school
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/plum-students-who-attended-a-parent-sponsored-homecoming-party-saturday-should-not-come-to-school/
Penn State students leave campus on Friday; some decline free coronavirus tests
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/penn-state-students-leave-campus-on-friday-some-decline-free-coronavirus-tests/
Medical experts worry college students on winter breaks could increase coronavirus spread
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/medical-experts-worry-college-students-on-winter-breaks-could-increase-coronavirus-spread/article_65428cc0-25bc-11eb-b518-5bd82c0b2770.html
At Misericordia, flags and flowers mark cuts in staff and faculty
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810127/at-misericordia-flags-and-flowers-mark-cuts-in-staff-and-faculty
Edinboro University president announces departure amid merger study
https://triblive.com/local/regional/edinboro-university-president-announces-departure-amid-merger-study/
Health Care
Report: Larger segment of Pennsylvania kids going without health insurance
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2020/11/16/Pennsylvania-children-health-insurance-rates-decline-Obamacare/stories/202011110160
Jefferson says it will take several years to return to pre-COVID-19 profit levels
https://www.inquirer.com/business/thomas-jefferson-university-covid-19-losses-20201117.html
Highmark CEO pay climbs to $8.15M, triple what he made in 2016
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/highmark-ceo-pay-climbs-to-8-15m-triple-what-he-made-in-2016/
Lung cancer getting less deadly in Pa., but advocates say it’s still caught too late for many
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/lung-cancer-getting-less-deadly-in-pa-but-advocates-say-its-still-caught-too-late-for-many.html
St. Mary Medical Center strike: 3 things you need to know
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/11/17/st-mary-medical-center-strike-3-things-you-need-know/6321704002/
Local News
United Way still $500,000 short of campaign goal
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/united-way-still-500-000-short-of-campaign-goal/article_0d572602-7f96-537c-849e-aff928c86d4e.html
Reading hires human resources director
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/reading-hires-human-resources-director/article_4c21d8d6-285a-11eb-b08e-0733b45ba78c.html
Hazleton council approves $700k Community Development action plan
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-council-approves-700k-community-development-action-plan/article_c12d47cc-016e-5d25-af6d-b0987a75a340.html
Fox Chapel votes to remove Squaw name from borough streets, trail
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/fox-chapel-votes-to-remove-squaw-name-from-borough-streets-trail/
Harrisburg mayor, police chief call for more communication with community after shootings
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/16/harrisburg-mayor-police-chief-call-for-more-communication-with-community-after-shootings/
Philly
It’s all on the line for SEPTA and its riders, from service cuts to layoffs
https://www.inquirer.com/transportation/septa-service-cuts-layoffs-covid-pandemic-philadelphia-20201117.html
Don’t count out office buildings yet. Philly developers push ahead with new, pandemic-resistant designs.
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/schuylkill-yards-ucity-square-innovation-district-west-philadelphia-brandywine-wexford-labs-life-science-20201117.html
Restaurant owners see Philly’s new indoor-dining ban as the final blow
https://www.inquirer.com/food/philadelphia-restaurants-indoor-dining-outdoor-coronavirus-epidemic-20201116.html
No bail relief for Virginia QAnon follower who came to Philly to ‘straighten out the vote’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-qanon-hummer-stop-the-steal-joshua-macias-antonio-lamotta-bail-20201116.html
Man, 21, fatally wounded in Center City shooting
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-center-city-clothespin-male-shot-20201116.html
PREIT in deal to sell Center City space, possibly for new Giant supermarket
https://www.inquirer.com/business/preit-alterra-strawbridges-giant-heirloom-fashion-district-bankcruptcy-20201117.html
Philly should allow gyms to stay open during COVID shutdown | Expert Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-coronavirus-restrictions-gyms-fitness-health-20201116.html
Philadelphia may breathe a sigh of postelection relief, but we’re still barely surviving | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/election-2020-philadelphia-organizers-progressive-movement-biden-20201116.html
Pitt
Judge urged to drop out of Columbus statue case in Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/16/pittsburgh-columbus-statue-remove-lawsuit-italian-sons-daughters-isda-peduto-judge-mcvay-schenley/stories/202011160089
Hill District woman donates her tree to Pittsburgh for decorative display
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/16/Nona-Lee-donates-tree-decorative-display-Hill-District-tradition-holiday-Christmas-Pittsburgh/stories/202011160096
Mike Gable, DPW director and longtime city employee, announces retirement
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/16/Mike-Gable-Pittsburgh-public-works-DPW-director-longtime-city-employee-announced-retirement/stories/202011160094
A+ Schools report shows bright spots among many challenges facing PPS
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/16/A-Plus-Schools-Report-to-the-Community-2020-Pittsburgh-PPS/stories/202011160086
2 Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh schools temporarily closing
https://triblive.com/local/2-catholic-diocese-of-pittsburgh-schools-temporarily-closing/
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces plans for virtual First Night
https://triblive.com/aande/music/pittsburgh-cultural-trust-announces-plans-for-virtual-first-night/
State News
New treatment suggested for those hard-to-reach spotted lanternfly egg masses
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/new-treatment-suggested-for-those-hard-to-reach-spotted-lanternfly-egg-masses/article_6d789fa1-1227-5306-aa31-7420ed41ae2c.html
Transportation
North Cross Valley Expressway lighting enhancement underway
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810117/north-cross-valley-expressway-lighting-enhancement-underway
Washington
Trump sought options last week for attacking Iran to stop growing nuclear program, sources say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2020/11/16/Iran-Trump-asked-options-attacking-nuclear-site-last-week-report/stories/202011160135
Trump rushes environmental regulations that could ‘make more work for the people coming in’
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2020/11/trump-rushes-environmental-regulations-that-could-make-more-work-for-the-people-coming-in.html