Legislature
Pa. hourly minimum wage would rise to $9.50 in compromise bill
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/11/19/Pennsylvania-hourly-minimum-wage-would-rise-to-9-50-in-compromise-bill-wolf-15-overtime/stories/201911190142
Local lawmakers introduce bills to deter bullying
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/local-lawmakers-introduce-bills-to-deter-bullying-1.2561351
New funding ahead for PFAS drinking water cleanup as legislature passes bill that will help Montco, Bucks
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pfas-pa-funding-water-contamination-military-cleanup-todd-stephens-20191119.html
Pa. legislators to fight Wolf’s carbon cap proposal with bills and a lawsuit
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/11/19/Pennsylvania-House-and-Senate-bills-RGGI-carbon-Turzai-lawsuit/stories/201911190125
Western Pa. lawmakers fight Gov. Wolf on Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
https://triblive.com/local/regional/western-pa-lawmakers-fight-gov-wolf-on-regional-greenhouse-gas-initiative/
State Senate eyes measure to aid sex-abuse victims
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/state-senate-eyes-measure-to-aid-sex-abuse-victims/article_8d8f12fc-0af6-11ea-81bd-830c0e04e2b2.html
Rep. Mark Rozzi’s bills to aid child sex abuse victims teed up for key vote
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rep-mark-rozzis-bills-to-aid-child-sex-abuse-victims-teed-up-for-key-vote
Bill limiting gifts to public officials moves in Pa. Legislature
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/11/19/Pennsylvania-Bill-limiting-gifts-public-officials-moves-Legislature/stories/201911190091
Why it’s so hard to force people to get mental-health treatment in Pennsylvania
https://www.inquirer.com/health/mental-health-law-involuntary-commitment-pennsylvania-west-philadelphia-quadruple-homicide-maurice-louis-20191120.html
Asbestos in Philly schools demands action from district – plus the city and state | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/toxic-schools-asbestos-hite-school-district-editorial-20191120.html
Local state legislators back fetal remains bill
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191119/local-state-legislators-back-fetal-remains-bill
Life, death, big money cited as lawmakers debate certifying prescribers of opioid abuse-fighting medicine
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-certify-prescribers-20191119-4sz2ea3qmjbcnp3d43bt5fim4e-story.html
Pa. House bill mandating burial of fetal remains unfairly polices pregnant women | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/fetal-remains-miscarriage-pennsylvania-house-bill-20191119.html
Room left to be gifted
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/room-left-to-be-gifted-1.2561502
Suicide is a leading cause of death, and it’s preventable | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/11/suicide-is-a-leading-cause-of-death-and-its-preventable-opinion.html
Longtime state Rep Steve Barrar retiring, will not seek re-election
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/longtime-state-rep-steve-barrar-retiring-will-not-seek-re/article_f448c55e-0b02-11ea-8eef-07511035e222.html
Top Senate GOP staffer Drew Crompton nominated to Pa.’s Commonwealth Court
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/top-senate-gop-staffer-drew-crompton-nominated-to-pas-commonwealth-court.html
As senior Senate GOP aide Crompton looks to a future on state court, critics have questions
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/as-senior-senate-gop-aide-crompton-looks-to-a-future-on-state-court-critics-have-questions/
Yudichak: Switch from Democrat to Independent a ‘deeply personal decision’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763166/yudichak-switch-from-democrat-to-independent-a-deeply-personal-decision
Yudichak leaves Democratic Party
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-leaves-democratic-party-1.2561563
Swift reaction to Yudichak’s switch
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763164/swift-reaction-to-yudichaks-switch
Yudichak’s decision prompts anger from Dems, GOP praise
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/yudichak-s-decision-prompts-anger-from-dems-gop-praise-1.2561616
Business
GE’s Charleroi plant poised for an influx of 100 new employees
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/11/19/GE-s-Charleroi-plant-poised-for-an-influx-of-100-new-employees/stories/201911190136
New Kensington O’Reilly store opening in early 2020, company says
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-oreilly-store-opening-in-early-2020-company-says/
Scranton toymaker broadens scope of little green army women project
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/scranton-toymaker-broadens-scope-of-little-green-army-women-project-1.2561484
30 set to lose jobs in Valmont plant closure
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/30-set-to-lose-jobs-in-valmont-plant-closure-1.2561498
Crime/Punishment
New Kensington cop killer’s cousin charged with hiding murder weapon
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/19/new-kensington-police-officer-brian-shaw-killing-rahmael-holt-gun-lisa-harrington-charges/stories/201911190137
Police: Demanding the land back, gunmen stormed Pike County clubhouse and took a hostage
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/police-demanding-the-land-back-gunmen-stormed-pike-county-clubhouse-and-took-a-hostage-1.2561418
Education
Tulpehocken School Board retires policy that banned girls from competing on boys teams
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/tulpehocken-school-board-decides-to-allow-girls-to-compete-on-boys-teams
Officials: 2 students arrested after gun found on Seneca Valley school campus
https://triblive.com/local/regional/officials-2-students-arrested-after-gun-found-on-butler-county-high-school-campus/
High school football injuries can have lifelong consequences. For many families in Pennsylvania, the sport is worth the risk
https://www.witf.org/2019/11/20/high-school-football-injuries-can-have-lifelong-consequences-for-many-players-in-pennsylvania-the-sport-is-worth-the-risk/
Kids need to hear that learning often requires struggling to some degree
https://www.inquirer.com/life/character-lab-angela-duckworth-lessons-20191120.html
Herb Magee becomes second NCAA hoops coach to win 1,100
https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/herb-magee-1100-jefferson-ncaa-mike-krzyzewski-20191120.html
Wilkes students win America250PA marketing competition
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763145/wilkes-students-win-america250pa-marketing-competition
Elections/Politics
Pa. starts testing new election auditing procedures
https://papost.org/2019/11/20/pa-starts-testing-new-election-auditing-procedures/
City Controller Michael Lamb to run for state auditor general
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/11/19/Pittsburgh-Controller-Michael-Lamb-pennsylvania-auditor-general-campaign/stories/201911190085
Oakmont councilwoman to seek state House seat next year
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/oakmont-councilwoman-to-seek-state-house-seat-next-year/
Health Care
Medicare for All is dividing a key Democratic constituency
https://www.inquirer.com/news/unions-labor-medicare-for-all-split-bernie-sanders-joe-biden-elizabeth-warren-politics-2020-20191120.html
Local News
Newport, Hanover townships get funds to expand forest land
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/newport-hanover-townships-get-funds-to-expand-forest-land-1.2561640
Rates to increase with proposed WB sewer system sale
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763155/rates-to-increase-with-proposed-sewer-system-sale-wilkes-barre-city-council-wants-more-info-on-lease
Financial adviser: Sewer fees will likely increase for W-B residents
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/financial-adviser-sewer-fees-will-likely-increase-for-w-b-residents-1.2561642
Wyoming Valley Levee freeboard deficiency may be studied to avoid flood insurance rate hike
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763150/wyoming-valley-levee-freeboard-deficiency-may-be-studied-to-avoid-flood-insurance-rate-hike
Downtown Scranton parking fees and tickets to rise in 2020
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/downtown-scranton-parking-fees-and-tickets-to-rise-in-2020-1.2561582
Scranton hears consultant on zoning update
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-hears-consultant-on-zoning-update-1.2561675
Transportation among top concerns at independent living forum
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/transportation-among-top-concerns-at-independent-living-forum-1.2561475
Upper Dublin Christmas ‘Light Up a Life’ canceled this year
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/christmas-light-up-your-life-butler-pike-ambler-upper-dublin-cancelled-pennsylvania-20191119.html
Reading officials say no tax increase needed for next five years
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-officials-say-no-tax-increase-needed-for-next-five-years
National News
FDA urged to investigate use of unapproved anti-opioid implant on prisoners and the homeless
https://www.inquirer.com/health/biocorrx-opioid-implant-louisiana-prisoners-naltrexone-homeless-20191120.html
A Georgia teen detailed her plot for an attack on a black church, police say
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/19/Georgia-church-plot-predominantly-black-white-teen-girl-attack-police/stories/201911190163
147 Indiana school districts canceled classes as teachers protested at the state Capitol
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/11/19/Indiana-teachers-protest-Statehouse/stories/201911190161
As Others See It: California school shooting demonstrates (once again) the folly of too-easy access to guns
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/11/20/As-Others-See-It-California-school-shooting-demonstrates-once-again-the-folly-of-too-easy-access-to-guns/stories/201911190019
Natural Gas
Shale gas stymies efforts to combat climate change
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/11/19/Shale-gas-development-stymies-efforts-to-combat-climate-change/stories/201911190146
Philly
Under pressure, Philly School District touts new environmental safety plan
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-school-environmental-hazard-asbestos-lead-hite-20191119.html
Amid parent backlash, Philly schools unveil $12M asbestos plan
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/amid-parent-backlash-philly-schools-unveil-m-asbestos-plan/article_31be563e-ddcc-5050-bd60-54d730bdaf51.html
A call went out to black men in response to shootings of kids. Hundreds responded, warming my heart. | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.inquirer.com/columnists/manupphl-child-shot-philly-gun-violence-solomon-jones-jenice-armstrong-20191120.html
‘This could be my son’: In Philadelphia, Black men gather in an effort to help reduce city’s gun violence
https://www.penncapital-star.com/paforward/this-could-be-my-son-in-philadelphia-black-men-gather-in-an-effort-to-help-reduce-citys-gun-violence/
1 dead, 5 injured in shootings across city
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-shootings-logan-kingsessing-east-mount-airy-oxford-circle-20191120.html
Pitt
City Council wants more transparency, audits on existing agreements with Parks Conservancy
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/11/19/Pittsburgh-City-Council-transparency-audits-existing-agreements-contracts-leases-Parks-Conservancy/stories/201911190116
Pittsburgh council members request documents, audit related to park tax
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-council-members-request-documents-audit-related-to-park-tax/
Pittsburgh receives perfect score for LGBTQ protections
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-receives-perfect-score-for-lgbtq-inclusivity/
Lawsuit alleges sexual abuse by now-deceased priest
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/19/Lawsuit-alleges-sexual-abuse-by-now-deceased-priest/stories/201911190144
Detroit jury sent home for the night after deliberations begin in Chelsa Wagner trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/19/Chelsa-Wagner-Detroit-arrest-hotel-trial-testimony-police-aggressive/stories/201911190113
Pirates pitcher Vazquez held on sex charges involving teen; 21 counts added
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/19/felipe-vazquez-sex-assault-charges-westmoreland-county/stories/201911190132
O’Hara officials unhappy about bus stop elimination near RIDC Park
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/11/14/O-Hara-Port-Authority-RIDC-Park-bus-stop-elimination/stories/201911080150
John Dziak: What will Rich Fitzgerald’s legacy be?
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/11/20/John-Dziak-Rich-Fitzgerald-higher-education-CCAC/stories/201911200024
Why former Pirates star Andrew McCutchen stays involved with Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/sports/pirates/the-cutch-connection-why-the-former-pirates-star-stays-involved-with-pittsburgh/
FlixBus, with Pittsburgh line to D.C., Ohio, hopes to ‘make the bus cool again’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/flixbus-with-pittsburgh-line-to-d-c-and-ohio-hopes-to-make-the-bus-cool-again/
State News
Chadds Ford exec who was handcuffed in his own driveway by a Pa. state trooper wins in court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/rodney-gillespie-pennsylvania-state-police-driving-while-black-chadds-ford-trooper-christopher-johnson-20191119.html
Actor Mark Ruffalo calls for federal action on PFAS as the chemicals come to the big screen
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pfas-dark-waters-mark-ruffalo-water-contamination-pfoa-rob-bilott-20191119.html
Toxic PFAS chemicals, found across Pennsylvania, get the Hollywood treatment
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/toxic-pfas-chemicals-found-across-pennsylvania-get-the-hollywood-treatment.html
Pa. must get real about the cost of cleaning up climate change disasters | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/climate-change-cost-taxes-disaster-clean-up-20191119.html
State Parks plan: More pet-friendly campsites, elevated tree house-like cottages and no Wi-Fi
https://triblive.com/local/regional/state-parks-plan-more-pet-friendly-campsites-elevated-tree-house-like-cottages-and-no-wi-fi/
Pennsylvanians want more from their state parks, report says
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvanians-want-more-from-their-state-parks-report-says
Opioid epidemic boosts organ donations in Pa.: ‘He lost his battle … but he could help save and heal’
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2019/11/opioid-epidemic-boosts-organ-donations-in-pa-he-lost-his-battle-but-he-could-help-save-and-heal.html
Age-old Amish death rituals disrupted by organ donation requirements, Pa. funeral director says
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2019/11/age-old-amish-death-rituals-disrupted-by-organ-donation-requirements-pa-funeral-director-says.html
Human Harvest: Skin, bone & tissue donation takes giving to extremes
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2019/11/human-harvest-skin-bone-tissue-donation-takes-giving-to-extremes.html
Federal watchdog says 60 Pa. Superfund sites are threatened by climate change
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/federal-watchdog-says-60-pa-superfund-sites-are-threatened-by-climate-change/
4th sinkhole forms along Mariner East route at Sleighton Park
https://www.dailylocal.com/business/th-sinkhole-forms-along-mariner-east-route-at-sleighton-park/article_0fa7bc06-0ae0-11ea-a431-172b09829f5f.html
Transportation
Airport’s departure record streak ends
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/airport-s-departure-record-streak-ends-1.2561524