Legislature

Minimum wage increase passes in Pa. Senate; bigger test will come in House
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/minimum-wage-increases-passes-in-state-senate-bigger-test-will-come-in-state-house.html

A $9.50 minimum wage by 2022? The Pa. Senate just passed it. Now it’s up to the House.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/a-9-50-minimum-wage-by-2022-the-pa-senate-just-passed-it-now-its-up-to-the-house/

Senate sends fight over Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to House
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/senate-sends-fight-over-pennsylvanias-minimum-wage-to-house/

Down syndrome abortion ban passes Pa. Senate; Gov. Wolf has promised a veto
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/down-syndrome-abortion-ban-passes-pennsylvania-senate-gov-wolf-has-promised-a-veto.html

Pa. Senate approves bills concerning child sex abuse crimes, abortion and minimum wage
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/11/20/Pa-Senate-approves-bills-concerning-child-sex-abuse-crimes-abortion-and-the-minimum-wage/stories/201911200173

Pennsylvania lawmakers near finish on church scandal bills
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-lawmakers-near-finish-on-church-scandal-bills/

Pennsylvania moves closer to overhauling child sex crime laws after Senate passes ‘historic’ reforms
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/pennsylvania-takes-one-step-closer-to-overhauling-child-sex-crime-laws-approves-ballot-measure-to-open-way-for-retroactive-window.html

Senate sends Wolf long-sought lawsuit reforms for clergy sexual abuse victims
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/senate-sends-wolf-long-sought-lawsuit-reforms-for-clergy-sexual-abuse-victims/

Senate committee passes Boscola bill to further protect bald and golden eagles
https://www.tnonline.com/senate-committee-passes-boscola-bill-further-protect-bald-and-golden-eagles

Pa. looking to address transportation funding for PennDOT, Turnpike in next year’s budget
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/11/20/Pennsylvania-Legislature-transportation-funding-PennDOT-Pennsylvania-Turnpike/stories/201911200162

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

Judy Schwank, Mark Rozzi to host Affordable Care Act signup event in Muhlenberg
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/schwank-rozzi-to-host-affordable-care-act-signups

Markie’s Law passes state House committee
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20191121/markies-law-passes-state-house-committee/1

Stephens PFAS bill awaits Wolf’s signature
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20191121/stephens-pfas-bill-awaits-wolfs-signature

Political bait, switch
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/political-bait-switch-1.2561947

Halt straw buys
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/halt-straw-buys-1.2561951

Pa. needs to expand access to this life-saving drug that fights opioid abuse — not restrict it | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-needs-to-expand-access-to-this-life-saving-drug-that-fights-opioid-abuse-not-restrict-it-opinion/

Pennsylvania is crawling into the 21st century but more reform is needed | John Baer
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/pennsylvania-is-crawling-into-the-21st-century-but-more-reform-is-needed-john-baer.html

Crime/Punishment

Bowers defense: Some evidence from electronic devices so far ‘missing’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/20/Robert-Bowers-defense-Tree-of-Life-evidence-missing/stories/201911200112

No jail time for Elizabeth Boro ex-police chief who stole heroin from evidence room
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/no-jail-time-for-elizabeth-boro-ex-police-chief-who-stole-lots-of-heroin-from-evidence-room/

Initial autopsies finds no signs of trauma for SCI/Mahanoy inmate
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/initial-autopsies-finds-no-signs-of-trauma-for-sci-mahanoy-inmate-1.2562003

Education

New school resource officer among those serving lunch at Kiski Area Upper Elementary
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-school-resource-officer-among-those-serving-lunch-at-kiski-area-upper-elementary/

Proposed Scranton School District 2020 budget calls for 3.4% tax increase
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/proposed-scranton-school-district-2020-budget-calls-for-3-4-tax-increase-1.2561985

Haverford School District alerts parents of social media threat
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/haverford-school-district-alerts-parents-of-social-media-threat/article_89e1954e-0c04-11ea-a25b-eb5e0a29c12f.html

Gun violence scars victims long after the wounds have healed, Penn study finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/gunshot-victims-study-ptsd-psychological-harm-penn-hospital-20191120.html

Rattled Syracuse students leave campus after racist and anti-Semitic incidents
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/11/20/Syracuse-University-students-racist-incidents/stories/201911200184

Duquesne names founding dean for its new osteopathic medical school
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/11/20/Duquesne-University-dean-osteopathic-school-medicine/stories/201911200125

Elections/Politics

Buttigieg keeps rising, Warren gets an easier ride, and more takeaways from the fifth Democratic debate
https://www.inquirer.com/news/fifth-democratic-presidential-debate-20191121.html

Democrat launches campaign to represent Reading in Harrisburg
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/democrat-launches-campaign-to-represent-reading-in-harrisburg&template=ourcityart

Gaming

Mount Airy’s mini-casino proposal near Ohio border denied by Pa. Gaming Control Board
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-mount-airy-mini-casino-denied-big-beaver-20191121-azkq5yiy6bccdclnpycjnoo2ym-story.html

Health Care

Nurses gearing up for contract fight with Scranton hospital, staffing levels key battleground
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nurses-gearing-up-for-contract-fight-with-scranton-hospital-staffing-levels-key-battleground-1.2562106

Employer-sponsored health insurance increasingly unaffordable, study finds
https://www.inquirer.com/health/consumer/employer-sponsored-health-insurance-unaffordable-20191121.html

Fewer CHOICES: First Hospital is ending inpatient detox/rehab program
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763198/fewer-choices-first-hospital-is-ending-inpatient-detox-rehab-program

Local News

W-B earns praise in LGBTQ equality index report
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-earns-praise-in-lgbtq-equality-index-report-1.2562013

PFM a no show, Wilkes-Barre council and administration to answer questions on proposed sewer sale
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763224/pfm-a-no-show-wilkes-barre-council-and-administration-to-answer-questions-on-proposed-sewer-sale

SWB Pinstripes Foundation hosts 200 students for Thanksgiving meal
https://www.timesleader.com/news/763228/swb-pinstripes-foundation-hosts-200-students-for-thanksgiving-meal

Cummings making late push to add Jesus Christ’s name to Lackawanna County Courthouse Square monument
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cummings-making-late-push-to-add-jesus-christ-s-name-to-lackawanna-county-courthouse-square-monument-1.2561903

Taylor borough on track to have 113-unit senior housing complex by February
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/taylor-borough-on-track-to-have-113-unit-senior-housing-complex-by-february-1.2561934

Giving thanks for new beginnings
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/washington/2019/11/21/Giving-thanks-for-new-beginnings/stories/201911210001

Leechburg considers 24% tax hike
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/leechburg-considers-24-tax-hike/

Tarentum awards contract for 23 building demolitions
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/tarentum-awards-contract-for-23-building-demolitions/

Medical marijuana dispensary proposed for Reading hits a bump
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/medical-marijuana-dispensary-proposed-for-reading-hits-a-bump

United Way of Berks celebrates $11 million campaign
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/united-way-of-berks-celebrates-11-million-campaign

Harrisburg will pay new fee to keep stormwater, sewage from Susquehanna River
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/11/harrisburg-will-pay-new-fee-to-keep-stormwater-sewage-from-susquehanna-river.html

Police called out five times in five days to KidsPeace for groups of runaway juveniles, straining law enforcement resources
https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-nws-kidspeace-runaways-state-police-20191120-25ljguywzfayvmlp2z3f4exmoe-story.html

Closer Look: Gentrification ‘isn’t a real thing,’ York City official says
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2019/11/20/blanda-nace-york-city-chief-opportunity-development-officer-earlier-month-asserted-gentrification-my/2575522001/

Seven inducted into Chester County Sports Hall of Fame
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/seven-inducted-into-chester-county-sports-hall-of-fame/article_246a43ea-0bc4-11ea-bd78-e31c9f9b8d28.html

National News

Charles Barkley apologizes to a female reporter after his ‘joke’ about hitting women
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/celebrities/2019/11/20/Charles-Barkley-apologizes-female-reporter-joke-threatening-hit-women/stories/201911200185

The NTSB recommends a redesign of a Boeing 737 engine part after a fatal accident
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/11/20/Boeing-NTSB-recommend-737-NG-engine-redesign-Southwest-flight-fatal-accident/stories/201911200155

Opioid Crisis

Settling it right: $48 billion deal must help victims of opioid crisis
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/11/21/Opioid-crisis-settlement-Josh-Shapiro-billions-treatment/stories/201911160018

Philly

Cancer in the classroom
https://www.inquirer.com/education/a/mesothelioma-philadelphia-school-district-lea-dirusso-cancer-20191121.html

Inspector General: Philadelphia developer backed by Council President Darrell Clarke ‘took advantage’ of flawed city process for ‘private gain’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/shawn-bullard-philadelphia-land-deal-temple-darrell-clark-rd-20191120.html

Historic preservation gets a bit easier in Philly as mayor signs incentives into law
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mayor-kenney-signs-historic-preservation-bills-law-squilla-parking-zoning-adus-20191120.html

Philly’s Free Library system poised to eliminate fines for overdue books
https://www.inquirer.com/news/free-library-philadelphia-overdue-fines-late-city-council-20191120.html

Changes to Philly’s 10-year tax abatement could come before the end of the year
https://www.inquirer.com/news/tax-abatement-philadephia-darrell-clarke-kenney-reform-city-council-20191120.html

With financial incentives and extra support, Philly and Pa. plan to recruit more teachers of color
https://www.inquirer.com/education/pennsylvania-black-teacher-diversity-philadelphia-20191120.html

Philly marks 20th Transgender Day of Remembrance with flag raising at City Hall
https://www.witf.org/2019/11/20/philly-marks-20th-transgender-day-of-remembrance-with-flag-raising-at-city-hall/

Preventing suicide on the rails — and trauma later | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/suicide-septa-subway-trains-operators-engineers-mental-health-20191121.html

Working Families Party bumped a Republican from City Council. Will that actually serve workers or families? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/kendra-brooks-city-council-working-families-party-philadelphia-20191120.html

As Jewelers’ Row is demolished, where was Mayor Kenney’s leadership? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/jewelers-row-historic-preservation-toll-brothers-mayor-jim-kenney-20191120.html

Pitt

City’s director of permits, licenses and inspections leaving for Amazon
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/11/20/Permits-licenses-inspections-Maura-Kennedy-director-Amazon-economic-development/stories/201911200129

Pittsburgh appoints acting director of Permits, Licenses and Inspections
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-appoints-acting-director-of-permits-licenses-and-inspections/

Auditor General accuses Pittsburgh schools of ‘runaway travel costs’ amid budget woes, proposed tax hike
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/auditor-accuses-pittsburgh-schools-of-runaway-travel-costs-amid-budget-woes-proposed-tax-hike/

Wagner trial ends with hung jury on felony; not guilty of misdemeanor
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/11/20/Wagner-trial-Verdict-decided-on-misdemeanor-no-decision-on-felony/stories/201911200119

Chelsa Wagner acquitted of disturbing peace, jury hung on felony charge
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/chelsa-wagner-acquitted-of-disturbing-peace-jury-hung-on-felony-charge/

‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ debuts in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/red-carpet-out-as-mister-rogers-movie-makes-pittsburgh-debut/

5 Pittsburgh things in the new Mister Rogers movie
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/5-pittsburgh-things-in-the-new-mister-rogers-movie/

Penn American settles with Carrick homeowners displaced by water main break
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-american-settles-with-carrick-homeowners-displaced-by-water-main-break/

Pittsburgh region’s manufacturing employment at lowest point in modern history
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-regions-manufacturing-employment-at-lowest-point-in-modern-history/Content?oid=16214596

State News

Cancer fears near Delaware County landfill prompt EPA public meeting Thursday
https://www.inquirer.com/science/climate/epa-norwood-landfill-cancer-multiple-sclerosis-20191120.html

Montgomery County couple and daughter found dead in ‘family tragedy,’ DA says
https://www.inquirer.com/news/robery-mcintyre-sheila-dolan-julia-mcintyre-deaths-springfield-townsip-20191120.html

Child porn suspect wins password fight at Pa. high court
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/child-porn-suspect-wins-password-fight-at-pa-high-court-1.2561960

Big crowd expected for SCI-Retreat hearing tonight
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/big-crowd-expected-for-sci-retreat-hearing-tonight-1.2562011

DEP finds run-off violations at Flack Field
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/dep-finds-run-off-violations-at-flack-field-1.2562038

Southwestern Pa. projects get DEP funding for clean energy vehicles
https://triblive.com/local/regional/southwestern-pa-projects-get-dep-funding-for-clean-energy-vehicles/

Court ponders discipline against Penn State case prosecutor Frank Fina
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/court-ponders-discipline-against-penn-state-case-prosecutor-frank-fina/

EPA to address health concerns over former Norwood Landfill
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/epa-to-address-health-concerns-over-former-norwood-landfill/article_6a58a0de-0be4-11ea-8955-17a5caae53cc.html

Transportation

Transportation projects for Western Pa. prioritized
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/transportation-projects-for-western-pa-prioritized/

Route 183 road, bridge upgrades in Bernville area nearly complete
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/route-183-road-bridge-upgrades-in-bernville-area-nearly-complete

Washington

Carolyn Maloney will be the 1st woman to lead the House Oversight Committee
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/11/20/Carolyn-Maloney-to-lead-House-Oversight-Committee/stories/201911200180

‘Monumental’ day for cannabis in U.S. Congress; key committee votes to make marijuana federally legal
https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/more-act-cannabis-legalization-judiciary-committee-vote-madeline-dean-dwight-evans-bonnie-watson-coleman-mary-gay-scanlon-20191120.html

Pennsylvania Republicans: Tariffs bringing ‘incredible challenges’ for hardwood lumber companies
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/11/20/Glenn-Thompson-timber-hardwoods-trade-war-China-exports-Trump/stories/201911200097

Here’s how Pa. lawmakers are waging a multifront war against PFAS contamination
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/heres-how-pa-lawmakers-are-waging-a-multifront-war-against-pfas-contamination/