Legislature

Pa. Victim Advocate Jennifer Storm says personal vendetta foiled her bid for another term
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/pa-victim-advocate-jennifer-storm-says-personal-vendetta-foiled-her-bid-for-another-term.html

‘I spoke truth to power’: Ousted Pa. Victim Advocate Storm slams Senate GOP over vote to deny her another term
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/i-spoke-truth-to-power-ousted-pa-victim-advocate-storm-slams-senate-gop-over-vote-to-deny-her-another-term/

Pa. Victim Advocate criticizes Senate “no” vote as “political vendetta”
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/17/pa-victim-advocate-criticizes-senate-no-vote-as-political-vendetta/

Two women just made history in the Pa. legislature. Will that be the last thing they have in common?
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-legislature-women-leaders-history-divided-government-20201118.html

Counties need partnership, not partisanship for meaningful improvements to election policies | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/counties-need-partnership-not-partisanship-for-meaningful-improvements-to-election-policies-opinion/

Bridge (toll) too far? Not if it works
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/bridge-toll-too-far-not-if-it-works/article_51d32552-0427-550b-9100-9b3c002f24bc.html

Coronavirus – COVID-19

With dire report from the White House, state issues four new COVID-19 orders to limit spread
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2020/11/17/COVID-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-western-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-surge-hospitalizations/stories/202011170130

Pa. imposes a broader mask mandate as officials try to stem a surge in virus hospitalization
https://www.inquirer.com/news/coronavirus-covid-19-pa-nj-philly-masks-required-levine-hospitals-surge-schools-travel-test-20201117.html

Pennsylvania expands mask mandate as coronavirus cases rise
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-strengthens-mask-mandate-as-covid-cases-rise/

Levine adds travel, mask and testing restrictions as COVID-19 surges
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/levine-adds-travel-mask-and-testing-restrictions-as-covid-19-surges/article_65969b21-0fda-5cbd-887f-e8c3e8f92e44.html

Pennsylvania intensifies efforts to contain coronavirus pandemic
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/pennsylvania-intensifies-efforts-to-contain-coronavirus-pandemic/article_033d2fb4-28da-11eb-9de3-77130c8a4bf6.html

Pennsylvania’s new COVID travel restrictions and mask requirements: What you need to know
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/mc-nws-coronavirus-new-travel-restrictions-mask-mandates-20201117-74yor376q5cxrloitn6tl52d5u-story.html

Pennsylvania sets another record for new covid-19 cases, nearly 6,000 cases reported
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-sets-another-record-for-new-covid-19-cases-nearly-6000-cases-reported/

Allegheny County reports 288 new covid-19 cases
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-reports-288-new-covid-19-cases-down-from-recent-counts/

223 new COVID-19 cases reported in Luzerne County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/223-new-covid-19-cases-reported-in-luzerne-county/article_370a5db0-266e-547f-8f6d-379ebf1a2e58.html

Berks County records 191 new coronavirus cases as longer-term trends reach new highs
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/berks-county-records-191-new-coronavirus-cases-as-longer-term-trends-reach-new-highs/article_83d178aa-28f9-11eb-b0d4-5faefcd95b61.html

Bucks County reports 12 deaths, record 1,676 new coronavirus cases
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2020/11/17/bucks-county-reports-12-deaths-record-covid-cases/6336810002/

Despite skyrocketing coronavirus cases, no new restrictions for Chester County
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/coronavirus/despite-skyrocketing-coronavirus-cases-no-new-restrictions-for-chester-county/article_7409a3b4-290a-11eb-8fec-2b5773f52803.html

Montgomery County records 1,828 new coronavirus cases, 7 deaths over 7-day period
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-1-828-new-coronavirus-cases-7-deaths-over-7-day-period/article_39267892-cbcf-5307-bc23-50f59ac8b5aa.html

Hospitals preparing for surge of COVID-19 patients as state announces new measures
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/hospitals-preparing-for-surge-of-covid-19-patients-as-state-announces-new-measures/article_60226fb8-4a4e-57d8-87db-58a2e3491438.html

National Guard personnel stationed at Ridgeview facility in Shenandoah
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/coronavirus/national-guard-personnel-stationed-at-ridgeview-facility-in-shenandoah/article_4df324f2-5b7c-53f4-b5d8-c930a779fc11.html

Messiah Village nursing home does things right experts say, but still takes a big hit from COVID-19
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2020/11/messiah-village-a-nursing-home-industry-leaders-and-government-inspectors-say-does-things-right-takes-a-big-hit-from-covid-19.html

People are still engaging in risky behavior, despite rising COVID-19 cases. Psychologists explain why.
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/covid-19-risk-behaviors-case-increases-psychology-20201118.html

FDA allows 1st rapid virus test that gives results at home
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/11/17/FDA-allows-1st-rapid-virus-test-that-gives-results-at-home/stories/202011170207

Gov. DeWine imposes 10 p.m. curfew for most Ohioans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2020/11/17/Ohio-Gov-DeWine-curfew-effect-coronavirus-COVID-19/stories/202011170180

Elections/Politics

Pa. election turnout may set record, nearly all provision ballots counted
https://www.pennlive.com/elections/2020/11/pa-election-turnout-may-set-record-nearly-all-provision-ballots-counted.html

Allegheny County judge to weigh mail-in ballot issue in Nicole Zicarelli challenge
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/allegheny-county-judge-to-weigh-mail-in-ballot-issue-in-zicarelli-challenge/

Pa. Supreme Court affirms decision to set distance limits for watchers of ballot canvassers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/17/Pa-Supreme-Court-affirms-decision-to-set-distance-limits-for-watchers-of-ballot-canvassers/stories/202011170166

Trump legal effort championed by Giuliani in court as another suit is dismissed
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2020/11/17/Pennsylvania-election-lawsuit-2020-Trump-campaign-lawsuit-Williamsport-Giuliani/stories/202011170182

Rudy Giuliani and Trump’s last-stand push to overturn Pa.’s election results get a frosty reception in court
https://www.inquirer.com/news/trump-pennsylvania-lawsuit-election-results-rudy-giuliani-hearing-case-williamsport-20201117.html

Luzerne County Election Board wraps up its review of Nov. 3 ballots
https://www.timesleader.com/news/810216/luzerne-county-election-board-wraps-up-its-review-of-nov-3-ballots

Michigan GOP backtracks after refusing to certify election results
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/11/17/Detroit-area-county-certifies-presidential-vote-after-first-blocking-it/stories/202011170198

Administration

Advice for Tom Wolf on dealing with the Legislature during the pandemic … from Tom Wolf | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/advice-for-tom-wolf-on-dealing-with-the-legislature-during-the-pandemic-from-tom-wolf-opinion/

Business

Shoppers stock up on supplies as covid-19 cases climb again
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/shoppers-stock-up-on-supplies-as-covid-19-cases-climb-again/

Restaurant owners concerned over high COVID-19 numbers
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/restaurant-owners-concerned-over-high-covid-19-numbers/article_7c7e5876-66c6-5516-99ba-3c6fa067794d.html

Detractors fume over negative impact of pipeline
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/local/detractors-fume-over-negative-impact-of-pipeline/article_2a38980b-9507-5818-85d9-7f485a1c23f1.html

Some Lancaster restaurants to voluntarily close dining rooms after spike in COVID-19
https://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/some-lancaster-restaurants-to-voluntarily-close-dining-rooms-after-spike-in-covid-19/article_bbea6b38-2922-11eb-9670-27e4bf7203e4.html

Crime/Punishment

Woman hospitalized after Monessen shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/17/Monessen-shooting-Summit-Avenue-6th-Street-woman-hospitalized/stories/202011170210

Mass testing at Berks County Prison reveals no coronavirus infections among inmates
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/mass-testing-at-berks-county-prison-reveals-no-coronavirus-infections-among-inmates/article_757c4402-28e4-11eb-b34d-33646e97bef1.html

Education

WPIAL disciplines Peters Township for marching band costumes
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/17/wpial-board-of-directors-peters-township-marching-band-woodland-hills-football-playoffs/stories/202011170129

Riverside, Carbondale Area, DV report COVID-19 cases
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/riverside-carbondale-area-dv-report-covid-19-cases/article_6c84732c-79ad-58d2-88f8-7be2bb1f464a.html

Some Montgomery County parents oppose two-week virtual school mandate by health officials
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/some-montgomery-county-parents-oppose-two-week-virtual-school-mandate-by-health-officials/article_6baf5fb3-778f-59ee-bf02-ca6bf07f4d62.html

Area colleges reviewing new COVID-19 testing recommendation; Misericordia switches to remote for rest of semester
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/coronavirus/area-colleges-reviewing-new-covid-19-testing-recommendation-misericordia-switches-to-remote-for-rest-of/article_2135bec1-ab4d-5cfd-8f21-957b91c4f8c9.html

Gaming

Live! Casino holds ribbon-cutting ceremony
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/live-casino-holds-ribbon-cutting-ceremony/

Health Care

As coronavirus cases rise, 800 Bucks County nurses go on strike over ‘dangerous’ staffing levels
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/nurses-strike-bucks-county-coronavirus-st-mary-medical-trinity-health-20201117.html

Local News

Scranton City Council introduces budget, seeks details on plans to close shortfall
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-introduces-budget-seeks-details-on-plans-to-close-shortfall/article_2c7337c4-5e14-5437-ad42-f2b0212bd6ab.html

Scranton parking revenue expected to lag into 2021 from pandemic
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/scranton-parking-revenue-expected-to-lag-into-2021-from-pandemic/article_83d20e36-eb13-5357-bd79-353eec2fac87.html

Chris Kelly: Welcome to Mr. Bond’s Neighborhood
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/columnists/chris-kelly/chris-kelly-welcome-to-mr-bonds-neighborhood/article_6749a024-3153-5c01-a4f4-5b932ffcc018.html

Thousands of toys seized during fraud investigation donated to charities to benefit Berks children
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/thousands-of-toys-seized-during-fraud-investigation-donated-to-charities-to-benefit-berks-children/article_c6287574-290c-11eb-a59c-fb3375f16236.html

Reading will not avoid a tax increase for 2021, the city’s financial overseer predicts
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/reading-will-not-avoid-a-tax-increase-for-2021-the-citys-financial-overseer-predicts/article_642212a8-287c-11eb-aaf6-eba1e3ec4a46.html

Revitalization efforts continue in Coatesville
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/revitalization-efforts-continue-in-coatesville/article_b0178248-292a-11eb-86c7-4ffb04a44814.html

Philly

Six-week shutdown could mean a ‘year without Christmas’ for Philly businesses
https://www.inquirer.com/business/retail-philadelphia-christmas-restaurants-closures-economy–20201118.html

District Attorney Larry Krasner replaces his top homicide prosecutor
https://www.inquirer.com/news/anthony-voci-homicide-district-attorney-larry-krasner-chelsey-lightsey-20201117.html

Nearly 750K votes later, Philly’s ballot counting is officially over
https://www.witf.org/2020/11/18/nearly-750k-votes-later-phillys-ballot-counting-is-officially-over/

Peco pulls the plug on Smart A/C program, which saved power during heat waves
https://www.inquirer.com/business/peco-discontinues-smart-a-c-saver-energy-conservation-program-20201118.html

‘Weight of Death’ docuseries illustrates the depth and breadth of Philly’s gun violence | Helen Ubiñas
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/weight-of-death-philadelphia-homicides-guns-documentary-helen-ubinas-20201117.html

Penn to donate $100 million to Philadelphia School District to help with asbestos, lead abatement
https://www.inquirer.com/education/penn-gift-school-district-asbestos-millions-20201117.html

Two men shot inside Germantown barbershop
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-germantown-barbershop-shooting-20201117.html

As COVID restrictions resume, Philly restaurant owners are again denied a seat at the table | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-coronavirus-restrictions-restaurants-shutdown-20201117.html

Local restaurants are being pushed to the brink. The love of strangers can save them. | Maria Panaritis
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/food-workers-coronavirus-relief-bill-restaurants-maria-panaritis-20201117.html

Do Black lives matter only after someone’s death? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/black-lives-matter-invisibility-systemic-racism-20201118.html

Police killed my mentally ill stepbrother. Now, we have to call police again. | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/walter-wallace-jr-police-killing-mental-health-services-20201117.html

Pitt

‘Marshall Plan for Middle America’ calls for billions to be spent to help Western Pa. go green
https://triblive.com/local/marshall-plan-for-middle-america-calls-for-billions-to-be-spent-to-help-western-pa-go-green/

Judge Tranquilli resigns ahead of misconduct trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2020/11/17/pittsburgh-judge-mark-tranquilli-misconduct-trial-racist-statements/stories/202011170131

Allegheny County Judge Tranquilli resigns before misconduct trial
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-judge-tranquilli-resigns-before-misconduct-trial/

Pittsburgh Innovation District sees $1.9B in investments for office, residential and campus projects
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/tech-news/2020/11/17/Innovation-District-Oakland-InnovatePGH-investment-in-tech-life-sciences/stories/202011170178

100 Pittsburgh police officers quarantining for possible COVID-19 exposure
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/17/Pittsburgh-100-police-officers-quarantining-possible-COVID-19-exposure-health-public-safety/stories/202011170168

Pitt chosen to lead NIH trials in covid-19 care for patients with blood clots
https://triblive.com/local/pitt-chosen-to-lead-nih-trials-in-covid-19-care-for-patients-with-blood-clots/

Pittsburgh, partner encouraging women to seek spots on city’s boards and commissions
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2020/11/17/Pittsburgh-united-we-offer-training-women-interested-in-joining-boards-commissions/stories/202011170165

No tax hike sought in PPS 2021 budget proposal
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2020/11/17/No-tax-hike-sought-in-PPS-2021-budget-proposal-pittsburgh-public-schools/stories/202011170154

Mattress Factory museum sues insurer over $600,000 in lost revenue
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/art-architecture/2020/11/18/Mattress-Factory-sues-Cincinnati-Insurance-lost-revenue-COVID-19-2020/stories/202011170156

Port Authority, transit workers reach tentative union contract
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2020/11/17/Port-Authority-Amalgamated-Transit-Union-bus-drivers-maintenance-workers-office-staff/stories/202011170151

Foundations against racism
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2020/11/18/Foundations-against-racism-Pittsburgh-Inequality/stories/202009240059

Police: 1 killed, 1 injured after being shot in Pittsburgh’s Hill District
https://triblive.com/local/1-killed-1-injured-after-being-shot-in-pittsburghs-hill-district/

Steelers stars distribute holiday meals to area families
https://triblive.com/local/steelers-stars-distribute-holiday-meals-to-area-families/

Community partners to broadcast free Wi-Fi for schoolchildren from top of Cathedral of Learning
https://triblive.com/local/regional/community-partners-to-broadcast-free-wi-fi-for-schoolchildren-from-top-of-cathedral-of-learning/

State News

Thousands in Pa. are put on a child-abuse registry with no hearing. They say it’s ruining their lives.
https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania-child-abuse-registry-community-legal-services-20201118.html

Washington

Trump fires agency head who vouched for 2020 vote security
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/vote2020/2020/11/17/Trump-fires-agency-head-who-vouched-for-2020-vote-security/stories/202011170187

Trump cuts troop levels to 2,500 in Iraq and Afghanistan
https://triblive.com/news/world/pentagon-to-cut-troop-levels-to-2500-in-iraq-afghanistan/

Rep. Kelly unveils bill to overhaul elections, requiring states count mail-in votes ahead of Election Day
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2020/11/17/Pennsylvania-butler-rep-mike-kelly-legislation-requires-mail-in-vote-count-before-Election-Day/stories/202011170116