Legislature
In Pa. House, Democrats from Philly and suburbs gain political muscle
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/in-pa-house-democrats-from-philly-and-suburbs-gain-political-muscle-20181113.html
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
House Dem leadership shifts southeast, GOP stays status quo
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2018/11/house-dem-leadership-shifts-southeast-gop-stays-status-quo.php
Rep. Bryan Cutler to succeed Dave Reed as state House majority leader
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2018/11/13/Rep-Bryan-Cutler-chosen-pennsylvania-House-majority-leader-reed/stories/201811130109
Who is Bryan Cutler, and why should you care?
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2018/11/who-is-bryan-cutler-and-why-should-you-care.html#incart_river_index
Benninghoff Elected House Majority Whip
http://www.statecollege.com/news/local-news/benninghoff-elected-house-majority-whip,1478465/
Justice for victims: Diocesan funds shouldn’t replace abuse legislation
http://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2018/11/14/Justice-for-victims-Diocesan-funds-shouldn-t-replace-abuse-legislation/stories/201811140045
Administration
Smart start
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/smart-start-1.2410271
Business
A finalist but not the winner: Amazon officially says it won’t put HQ2 in Pittsburgh
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2018/11/13/finalist-winner-Amazon-officially-HQ2-Pittsburgh-Virginia-New-York-jobs/stories/201811130079
Pennsylvania offered up to $4.6 billion to Amazon for HQ2
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2018/11/13/State-offered-up-to-4-6-billion-to-Amazaon-for-HQ2/stories/201811130153
Gov. Tom Wolf says Pennsylvania offered $4.6B in incentives for Amazon
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14289172-74/gov-tom-wolf-says-pennsylvania-offered-46b-in-incentives-for-amazon
From direct flights to diversity, why Amazon may have passed on Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14288547-74/from-direct-flights-to-diversity-why-amazon-may-have-passed-on-pittsburgh
Steelworkers ratify contract with U.S. Steel
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14289598-74/steelworkers-ratify-contract-with-us-steel
Pittsburgh already looking to move on from missed Amazon HQ2
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14288715-74/pittsburgh-already-looking-to-move-on-from-missed-amazon-hq2
Peduto wants to see winning Amazon HQ2 bids before releasing Pittsburgh’s
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14287924-74/pittsburgh-mayor-peduto-wants-to-release-amazon-hq2-bid-within-48-hours
Carvana offers Northeastern Pennsylvania ‘new way to buy a car’
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724731/carvana-offers-northeastern-pennsylvania-new-way-to-buy-a-car
Online retailer has sights set on Lackawanna County
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/online-retailer-has-sights-set-on-lackawanna-county-1.2410263
Catholic Church
U.S. bishops taking a close look at Pa. grand jury report on abuse
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/11/13/Lay-group-that-advises-U-S-bishops-will-review-Pa-grand-jury-report-church-coverup/stories/201811130097
Philadelphia Archdiocese opens claims process for sex abuse victims compensation fund
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/philadelphia-archdiocese-victims-compensation-reparations-chaput-feinberg-biros-20181113.html
Timlin among two controversial figures at national bishops conference
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/timlin-among-two-controversial-figures-at-national-bishops-conference-1.2410439
Crime/Punishment
Former Lackawanna County coach sentenced for child sex crimes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-lackawanna-county-coach-sentenced-for-child-sex-crimes-1.2410204
54 people have been shot so far this year in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/54-people-have-been-shot-so-far-this-year-in-reading
‘Most dangerous person in the DOC’: Prosecutors want extra restraints on razor attack suspect
https://www.tribdem.com/news/most-dangerous-person-in-the-doc-prosecutors-want-extra-restraints/article_6e979baa-e796-11e8-8f65-3bdf3b7c46cf.html
Education
In Schuylkill County, debate flares over arming teachers
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/11/in-schuylkill-county-debate-flares-over-arming-teachers.php
Why are we the worst state for student loan debt?| Editorial
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/editorials/student-loan-debt-crisis-pennsylvania-editorial-20181113.html
International students have choices. Are some now looking past the U.S.?
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2018/11/13/International-Students-Pitt-Penn-State-Open-Doors-enrollment-visa-Duquesne-education-immigrant/stories/201811120105
Man wandered into a Penn State fraternity, threatened to grab his gun, police say
https://triblive.com/state/pennsylvania/14288108-74/man-wandered-into-a-penn-state-fraternity-threatened-to-grab-his-gun
Elections/Politics
Cook’s lead narrows to 14 votes in 49th Legislative race
https://observer-reporter.com/news/election/cook-s-lead-narrows-to-votes-in-th-legislative-race/article_aaed8a48-e768-11e8-b03f-f7220be50abd.html
ACLU sues over Pa.’s tight absentee ballot deadlines
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/pennsylvania-absentee-ballot-deadlines-unconstitutional-aclu-lawsuit-20181113.html
GOP candidates should learn from Brian Fitzpatrick’s LGBT-inclusive campaign | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/gop-republican-candidates-lgbt-gay-issues-brian-fitzpatrick-20181113.html
Rep. Tom Marino gets apology, drops defamation lawsuit over election email
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/marino_gets_an_apology_drops_d.html#incart_river_index
Congresswoman-elect Susan Wild heads to Capitol Hill to learn the ropes
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-susan-wild-heads-to-congress-pa-7-story.html
Health Care
Polio-like illness strikes 10 more, CDC says
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/polio-afm-acute-flaccid-myelitis-cases-cdc-20181113.html
At least 6 cases of ‘modern polio’ disease confirmed in greater Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14288829-74/at-least-6-cases-of-modern-polio-disease-confirmed-in-greater-pittsburgh
Local News
Consultant eyed for proposed Luzerne County 911 radio upgrade
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724750/consultant-eyed-for-proposed-luzerne-county-911-radio-upgrade
Luzerne County soon could hire planner for 911 upgrades
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/luzerne-county-soon-could-hire-planner-for-911-upgrades-1.2410374
Loan secured to construct 1.078 million-square-foot distribution center at former Techneglas site
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/724645/loan-secured-to-construct-1-078-million-square-foot-distribution-center-at-former-techneglas-site
Construction of distribution building begins on the former Techneglas site
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/construction-of-distribution-building-begins-on-the-former-techneglas-site-1.2410380
Dickson City police to hire sergeants, lieutenants; pave portion of LHVA trail
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/dickson-city-police-to-hire-sergeants-lieutenants-pave-portion-of-lhva-trail-1.2410311
Downtown Scranton building sold for taxes
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/downtown-scranton-building-sold-for-taxes-1.2410436
Hearing set on linking Lackawanna River Heritage Trail to downtown Scranton
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/hearing-set-on-linking-lackawanna-river-heritage-trail-to-downtown-scranton-1.2410411
Discounts for residents only
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/discounts-for-residents-only-1.2410269
Art rejuvenating city’s downtown
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/art-rejuvenating-city-s-downtown-1.2410325
Proposed city budget has 5.6 percent property tax hike
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/proposed-city-budget-has-5-6-percent-property-tax-hike-1.2410313
Leechburg isn’t paying Diebold, despite rumors, mayor says
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14289090-74/mayor-says-leechburg-isnt-paying-diebold-despite-rumors
McCandless mum on probe into alleged misconduct by two cops put on paid leave
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14289079-74/mccandless-mum-on-probe-into-alleged-misconduct-by-two-cops-put-on
Sheriff Held’s attorney wants judge to bar potential witnesses in public corruption trial
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14288891-74/sheriff-helds-attorney-wants-judge-to-bar-potential-witnesses-in-public-corruption
New program to help grief-stricken children in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14288588-74/new-program-to-help-grief-stricken-children-in-westmoreland-county
Tarentum set to hire new, experienced code enforcement officer
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14289359-74/tarentum-set-to-hire-new-experienced-code-enforcement-officer
Kiski Watershed Association needs volunteers for Parks Township litter cleanup
https://triblive.com/local/valleynewsdispatch/14289258-74/kiski-watershed-association-needs-volunteers-for-parks-township-litter-cleanup
Animal Rescue League asks Reading to levy $2 per-capita tax
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/animal-rescue-league-asks-reading-to-levy-2-per-capita-tax
Spring Township awaits details on shopping center project
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/spring-township-awaits-details-on-shopping-center-project
Perry supervisors drop idea of starting fire company
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/perry-supervisors-drop-idea-of-starting-fire-company
Harrisburg wants to borrow $2 million to repave streets, remove commuter short-cut
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/11/harrisburg-wants-to-borrow-2-million-to-repave-streets-remove-commuter-short-cut.html#incart_river_index
National News
The Florida election supervisor at the center of GOP attacks has a history of controversy
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/11/13/Broward-County-Florida-elections-supervisor-Brenda-Snipes-controversy-recount/stories/201811130194
Trump calls on Florida Democrat to concede, implies fraud
http://www2.philly.com/wires/ap/florida-recount-chugs-along-more-irregularities-surface-20181113.html-3
Homeland Security chief expected to leave; more churn likely
http://www2.philly.com/wires/ap/ap-sources-dhs-secretary-nielsen-expected-leave-20181113.html-2
An abandoned taxpayer-funded project in Iowa is spotlighted amid the scrutiny of Whitaker
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2018/11/13/acting-attorney-general-Matthew-Whitaker-abandoned-taxpayer-funded-Iowa-project/stories/201811130195
Maryland to challenge legality of Whitaker’s appointment as acting U.S. attorney general
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/maryland-blocking-donald-trumo-matthew-whitaker-appointment-acting-u-s-attorney-general-20181113.html
The death toll in the deadliest, most destructive blaze in California history rises to 48
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2018/11/13/Coroners-search-those-killed-in-california-wildfires/stories/201811130085
Juul halts store sales of some flavored e-cigarettes to deter use by kids
http://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2018/11/13/flavored-e-cigarette-Juul-halts-stores-sales-youth-use-stops-social-media/stories/201811130161
Opioid Crisis
Some pharmacies thwart efforts to improve access to the opioid overdose reversal drug
http://www2.philly.com/philly/health/some-pharmacies-thwart-efforts-to-improve-access-to-the-opioid-overdose-reversal-drug-20181114.html
Philly
When is killing ‘murder’? Philly DA Larry Krasner rethinks homicide prosecutions.
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/larry-krasner-murder-cases-philadelphia-district-attorney-20181114.html
Will fights over soda taxes in other states impact Philly?
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/soda-tax-philadelphia-american-beverage-association-ballot-question-20181114.html
Philly flush with cash thanks to business and real estate tax revenues
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/philadelphia-budget-surplus-spending-pensions-capital-projects-20181113.html
Woman in wheelchair barred from boarding SEPTA bus
http://www2.philly.com/philly/business/transportation/woman-wheelchair-barred-from-boarding-septa-bus-disability-access-20181114.html
We could populate Pittsburgh with our hungry | Mike Newall
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/mike_newall/hunger-deep-poverty-st-francis-inn-amazon-mike-newall-20181114.html
It never gets easy, says mom who just lost her third son to gun violence | Jenice Armstrong
http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/jenice_armstrong/mother-killed-roquan-gardner-jenice-armstrong-20181113.html
Public corruption charges for former City Rep Desiree Peterkin Bell
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/politics/philadelphia-desiree-peterkin-bell-public-corruption-michael-nutter-mayors-fund-theft-20181113.html
Desiree Peterkin-Bell, former Nutter senior official, accused of misusing city money
http://www.phillytrib.com/news/desiree-peterkin-bell-former-nutter-senior-official-accused-of-misusing/article_d7e561d2-cb7a-5bd8-b7fd-b0f265fb8c5f.html
Police: armed man shot by officer in Northeast Philly
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/crime/man-shot-by-police-in-northeast-philly-20181113.html
What Philly gained from Amazon’s HQ2 process | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/amazon-hq2-philadelphia-pitch-virginia-new-york-20181113.html
Common-sense changes to make Philly’s Fair Workweek law truly fair | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/fair-workweek-philadelphia-city-council-legislation-employees-restaurants-workers-20181113.html
For death row survivors, the fight against capital punishment starts in Philly | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/death-row-life-incarceration-philadelphia-prison-20181113.html
A solution to Philadelphia’s gun violence that might actually work | Opinion
http://www2.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/gun-violence-philadelphia-mayor-jim-kenney-richard-ross-20181113.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh nearing major announcement with nonprofit, corporate sectors, Peduto says
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/11/13/OnePGH-Pittsburgh-UPMC-Carngie-Mellon-nonprofits-funding-strategy/stories/201811130148
Pittsburgh Mayor Peduto’s proposed budget has no tax increase
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny/14288884-74/pittsburgh-mayor-pedutos-proposed-budget-has-no-tax-increase
Jewish Federation readying to distribute donations to Tree of Life shooting victims
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2018/11/13/Jewish-Federation-readying-to-distribute-donations-to-Tree-of-Life-shooting-victims-Jewish-Federation-of-Greater-Pittsburgh-funds-money/stories/201811130176
Company sued over foul-ball injury at Pirates game cries foul about judge
http://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2018/11/13/pirates-foul-ball-improper-communication-allegheny-county-judge-della-vecchia-wendy-camlin/stories/201811130151
Allegheny County volunteer fire departments will receive $4.57M in state aid
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2018/11/13/Allegheny-County-volunteer-fire-departments-state-aid-auditor-general/stories/201811130106
Pittsburgh police chief, officers meet with community in trust-building effort
http://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2018/11/13/pittsburgh-police-trust-reconciliation-people-color-leon-ford-justice-implicit-bias-scott-schubert/stories/201811130132
State News
Lawsuit in Nadia Malik’s death ends in $10 million judgment against boyfriend
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/nadia-malik-death-lawsuit-decision-family-boyfriend-20181114.html
Person killed by hit-run driver in Bucks County
http://www2.philly.com/philly/news/pennsylvania/person-killed-by-hit-run-driver-in-bucks-county-20181113.html
EQT Production fined for polluting Mon River
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/14288812-74/eqt-production-fined-for-polluting-mon-river
Red Cross issues immediate call for blood and platelet donations
https://www.timesleader.com/news/724746/red-cross-issues-immediate-call-for-blood-and-platelet-donations
State AG’s office gives $55M to help volunteer firefighters
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-ag-s-office-gives-55m-to-help-volunteer-firefighters-1.2410300
Pa. settles lawsuit by agents who claimed retaliation by ex-AG Kathleen Kane
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-kathleen-kane-porn-email-settlement-20181113-story.html
People with serious mental illnesses in Pa. face long wait for treatment
http://www.witf.org/news/2018/11/people-with-serious-mental-illnesses-in-pa-face-long-wait-for-treatment.php
Pipeline risk assessment pondered
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/pipeline-risk-assessment-pondered/article_47730c66-e783-11e8-a976-87847514408c.html
Pennsylvania’s farming economy soaked by Trump tariffs, rain and low prices
https://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pennsylvania-farming-economy-trump-20181112-story.html