Legislature
Tree of Life survivors applaud proposed hate crime bills
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/tree-of-life-survivors-applaud-proposed-bills-that-would-enhance-state-hate-crime-laws/
Pittsburgh Lawmakers To Introduce Hate Crime Legislation
https://www.wesa.fm/post/pittsburgh-lawmakers-introduce-hate-crime-legislation
State lawmakers to float six bills to combat hate
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/05/09/Lawmakers-unveil-legislation-combat-hate-crimes-pittsburgh-pennsylvania/stories/201905090091
Pa. Senate leader calls for selling off lieutenant governor’s residence
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/pa-senate-leader-calls-for-selling-off-state-owned-lieutenant-governors-residence.html
Grass clippings and motorcycles don’t mix; Pa. lawmaker wants grass off roads to protect bikers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/pa-lawmaker-wants-to-keep-grass-clippings-off-the-roads-to-protect-bikers.html
What’s on your mind? Pa. legislators learning it’s best to think twice before sharing
https://www.philly.com/news/pa-house-borowicz-sims-friel-otten-social-media-20190509.html
Johnson-Harrell says fellow state Rep.’s actions show she doesn’t care about Black people
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/johnson-harrell-says-fellow-state-rep-s-actions-show-she/article_e28ba3d4-02d1-55c2-93b2-69ddc69f1fec.html
More controversy surrounds Stephanie Borowicz
http://www.lockhaven.com/news/local-news/2019/05/more-controversy-surrounds-stephanie-borowicz/
Erie County’s state senators discuss wages, taxes
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190509/erie-countys-state-senators-discuss-wages-taxes
House settles on rural-friendly path for updating judicial elections
http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/05/house-settles-on-rural-friendly-path-for-updating-judicial-elections.php
Pittsburgh nurses visit Harrisburg and call for safer staffing ratios
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/pittsburgh-nurses-visit-harrisburg-and-call-for-safe-patient-limits/Content?oid=14939279
Suburban Philly Democrat says Turzai ignored her during debate over Down syndrome abortion ban
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/suburban-philly-democrat-claims-turzai-ignored-her-during-debate-over-down-syndrome-abortion-ban/
New Jersey recognizes secular wedding celebrants under state law. Is Pennsylvania next?
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/new-jesey-recognizes-secular-wedding-celebrants-under-state-law-is-pennsylvania-next/
Burn’s military family tuition bill passes House committee
https://www.tribdem.com/news/burn-s-military-family-tuition-bill-passes-house-committee/article_0c78837a-72d9-11e9-aae2-5f8147fdbe4d.html
Op-ed: Peduto, Philly mayor oppose Pa. Senate gun bill
https://triblive.com/opinion/op-ed-peduto-philly-mayor-oppose-pa-senate-gun-bill/
Three Mile Island to close, but related issues open
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/three-mile-island-to-close-but-related-issues-open-1.2480814
Editorial: State should ban drivers’ hand-held phone use
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-state-should-ban-drivers-hand-held-phone-use
The struggles in Harrisburg’s public schools are a symptom of Pa.’s neglect for education | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-struggles-in-harrisburgs-public-schools-are-a-symptom-of-pa-s-neglect-for-education-opinion/
Business
Dogfish Head to merge with Boston Beer in $300 million deal
https://www.philly.com/food/drink/dogfish-head-brewery-boston-beer-merger-20190509.html
$1 million in small-business grants fund energy-saving projects
https://triblive.com/local/regional/1-million-in-small-business-grants-fund-energy-saving-projects/
Companies receive grants to cut costs and energy consumption
https://www.dailylocal.com/business/companies-receive-grants-to-cut-costs-and-energy-consumption/article_f7492c21-6979-5fcb-b6da-28b089510c24.html
Report: Job growth continues in region
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/report-job-growth-continues-in-region-1.2480928
Judge orders Old Forge junkyard to cease business
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-orders-old-forge-junkyard-to-cease-business-1.2480755
Founded in 1934, iconic Berks County shoo-fly pie maker Wixon’s Bakery has closed
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/iconic-shoo-fly-pie-maker-wixons-bakery-has-closed
Pa. landscaping companies vie for some of added summer work visas
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/pa-landscaping-companies-vie-for-some-of-added-summer-work-visas-1.php
Catholic Church
Pope’s new rules on abuse get mixed response
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/05/09/Pope-Francis-sexual-abuse-Diocese-Pittsburgh-grand-jury-Pennsylvania/stories/201905090158
Crime/Punishment
Bucks Co. physician’s $10 million insurance fraud involved thousands of unnecessary urine tests
https://www.philly.com/business/health/braccia-perkasie-liberation-way-health-care-fraud-20190509.html
New judge on sex offender resentencing metes out less severe penalty
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/05/09/sex-offender-resentencing-allegheny-county-donna-jo-mcdaniel-tranquilli-a-s/stories/201905090152
Education
State ed board backs changes to school start, dropout ages
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/state-ed-board-backs-changes-to-school-start-dropout-ages.html
Grant will save Weatherly $60K for school security
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/grant-will-save-weatherly-60k-for-school-security-1.2480797
As charter school costs grow, Palisades seeks change
http://buckscountyherald.com/as-charter-school-costs-grow-palisades-seeks-change-p1619-175.htm
University of Scranton to create center for humanities
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/university-of-scranton-to-create-center-for-humanities-1.2480792
Penn State conference focuses on best practices under new anti-hazing law
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/penn-state-conference-to-focus-on-best-practices-under-new-anti-hazing-law.php
Elections/Politics
State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro could be Democrats’ best hope to unseat Congressman Mike Kelly
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/05/08/Ryan-Bizzarro-Mike-Kelly-16th-congressional-district/stories/201905080154
Bizzarro considers 2020 congressional run against Kelly
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190509/bizzarro-considers-2020-congressional-run-against-kelly
Democratic Lackawanna County commissioner candidates go at it in lively debate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/democratic-lackawanna-county-commissioner-candidates-go-at-it-in-lively-debate-1.2481015
Republican Lackawanna County commissioner candidates mix it up at debate
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/republican-lackawanna-county-commissioner-candidates-mix-it-up-at-debate-1.2480882
Gaming
Board to vote on Mohegan’s sports betting plan
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/board-to-vote-on-mohegan-s-sports-betting-plan-1.2480803
Health Care
Never mind Highmark/UPMC fight. Area physicians say U.S. health care system is broken.
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/05/09/Health-care-cost-insurance-physicians-patients-Bonfini-Lin-Gates/stories/201905090150
Local News
Luzerne Foundation marks 25th, awards hundreds of thousands in grants
https://www.timesleader.com/news/743008/luzerne-foundation-marks-25th-awards-hundreds-of-thousands-in-grants
Helping hands: Luzerne Foundation marks 25 years of assisting nonprofits
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/helping-hands-luzerne-foundation-marks-25-years-of-assisting-nonprofits-1.2480924
New apartments coming to Sterling Annex in downtown Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/743002/new-apartments-coming-to-sterling-annex-in-downtown-wilkes-barre
Brooks raises preservation concerns about hotel project
https://www.timesleader.com/news/742996/brooks-raises-preservation-concerns-about-hotel-project
PPL Electric Utilities to host appliance recycling event in Dickson City
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/ppl-electric-utilities-to-host-appliance-recycling-event-in-dickson-city-1.2480975
Residents of Butler Twp. invited to comment on park-and-ride proposal
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/residents-of-butler-twp-invited-to-comment-on-park-and-ride-proposal-1.2480890
City authority defends scrap storage methods
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/city-authority-defends-scrap-storage-methods-1.2480863
Closed Lansford church could become historic site
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/closed-lansford-church-could-become-historic-site-1.2480888
Living in her Mercedes with two dogs in a Target parking lot, homeless ex-pharmacist from King of Prussia reconnects with community
https://www.philly.com/news/homeless-target-mercedes-king-of-prussia-dogs-pharmacist-20190509.html
Almost 40 businesses raising money for woman injured in Hempfield crash
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/almost-40-businesses-raising-money-for-woman-injured-in-hempfield-crash/
Greensburg Recreation department introduces four new programs
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-recreation-department-introduces-four-new-programs/
Billboard firm appealing Tarentum’s denial of digital signs near bridge
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/billboard-firm-appealing-tarentum-denial-of-digital-signs-near-bridge/
County pool to open despite worker shortages
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190510/county-pool-to-open-despite-worker-shortages
Olivet clubs in Reading and Pottstown are using a state grant to expand services that keep kids safe
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/olivet-clubs-get-more-cash-for-caring
Reading Redevelopment Authority chairman resigns
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-redevelopment-authority-chairman-resigns
Berks County highlights mental health awareness month
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-highlights-mental-health-awareness-month
Residents, business owners voice concerns about health, dust and environment in Martin Tower implosion meeting
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-martin-tower-public-meeting-20190510-xdnpu6xzuvgh3fgs2luqmskpsu-story.html
Lehigh County commissioners vote to start Cedarbrook renovations while waiting for federal government’s OK
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-lehigh-county-com-20190509-lo6nm6q3irdsbj5q5nqv6h4jom-story.html
Steve Chronister says he refused diversity training and that Grandview women sought $2.5M
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2019/05/09/steve-chronister-says-black-women-from-grandview-golf-incident-wanted-money/1129087001/
National News
U.S. hikes tariffs on Chinese goods, Beijing vows retaliation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/05/10/US-hikes-tariffs-on-Chinese-goods-Beijing-vows-retaliation/stories/201905100089
Amid chaos, Alabama lawmakers delay a vote on a far-reaching abortion ban
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/05/09/Alabama-bill-ban-abortion-state-Senate-chaos-vote-delayed/stories/201905090182
Philly
Ways to combat Philly’s punishing teacher turnover
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-district-schools-teacher-turnover-solutions-20190510.html
Philly expands down-payment assistance program that will give $10,000 to first-time home buyers
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/housing/philadelphia-downpayment-assistance-philly-first-home-10-thousand-dollars-purchase-20190509.html
Supervised injection sites are a hot issue in Philadelphia politics — but does City Council have a say?
https://www.philly.com/health/city-council-supervised-injection-site-philadelphia-primary-20190509.html
Fishtown buzz prompts name change for Port Richmond Village shopping center (which might be in Kensington)
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/fishtown-crossing-port-richmond-village-cedar-realty-trust-nifty-fiftys-20190509.html
‘Legal vagaries and bad habits’: Philly’s political players pen letters to support Ken Smukler in court | Clout
https://www.philly.com/politics/clout/ken-smukler-bob-brady-federal-prison-mayor-jim-kenney-allan-domb-willie-singletary-20190510.html
Talking baby TV ad to promote four Council candidates in last week before election
https://www.philly.com/news/primary-election-philly-for-growth-pac-independent-expenditure-building-developers-20190509.html
Philly man freed from 28 years on death row after finding of prosecutor’s misconduct
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-district-attorney-larry-krasner-roger-king-orlando-maisonet-daniel-silverman-20190509.html
Philly activists run for Council: Can they dismantle political power structures by joining it?
https://www.philly.com/news/primary-politics-philly-at-large-erika-almiron-asa-khalif-activism-social-justice-20190510.html
Primary School: Philadelphia’s rising homicide problem | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/gun-violence-homicide-prevention-philadelphia-primary-election-2019-20190510.html
This year, I’m moving toward a new black motherhood | Perspective
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/mothers-day-black-mothers-criminal-justice-20190509.html
Pitt
Controller: City should seek bids more, buy less through other gov’ts, Amazon
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/09/Controller-City-should-seek-bids-more-rely-less-on/stories/201905090120
Wasted energy: Eliminate summer gas — and all the red tape
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/05/10/Wasted-energy-Eliminate-summer-gas-and-all-the-red-tape/stories/201905100045
‘I was falsely accused.’ Pittsburgh cop was fired, then reinstated. Now he’s suing
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/05/09/robert-kramer-fired-road-rage-lawsuit-pittsburgh-police-joel-sansone-peduto-schubert/stories/201905080129
Fired then reinstated, Pittsburgh cop sues city, Peduto
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/fired-then-reinstated-pittsburgh-police-officer-sues-city-peduto/
Online giving event generates $1.67 million for region’s needy
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/05/09/Online-donations-needy-basic-needs-food-Pittsburgh-Westmoreland-Foundation/stories/201905090102
Pittsburgh adds free financial counseling service
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/09/Pittsburgh-free-financial-counseling-advice-Financial-Empowerment-Centers/stories/201905090149
Why this spring’s pollen counts are bad for allergy sufferers
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/why-this-springs-pollen-counts-are-bad-for-allergy-sufferers/
Goats are back on Pittsburgh’s North Side to clear weeds, invasive species
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/grass-cutting-goats-are-back-on-pittsburghs-north-side/
Massive Etna fire likely destroyed rare, exotic cars worth millions
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/at-least-75-vehicles-inside-etna-storage-facility-that-caught-fire-owner-says/
State News
Drink, bathe and be merry, for soon Aqua Pa. water rates will go up about 10 percent
https://www.philly.com/business/pennsylvania-puc-oks-aqua-2019-water-wastewater-rate-increase-20190509.html
PUC OKs one water utility rate hike, suspends another company’s case involving Lehigh Valley customers
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-puc-vote-water-utilities-20190510-sms4mi4gcvdfrda6yihpngj7hu-story.html
Let cannabis industry use banks, credit cards, Pa., N.J. Attorneys General tell congressional leaders
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/marijuana-banking-cannabis-attorneys-general-shapiro-grewal-letter-congress-20190509.html
Pa. upholds TL records appeal for Crestwood documents
https://www.timesleader.com/news/742999/pa-upholds-tl-records-appeal-for-crestwood-documents
4 Southwestern Pa. trails could be part of coast-to-coast bike route
https://triblive.com/local/regional/four-southwestern-pa-trails-could-be-part-of-coast-to-coast-bike-route/
Vaccines protect you, your family and your community | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/05/vaccines-protect-you-your-family-and-your-community.html
Pipeline protester loses appeal
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/05/pipeline-protester-loses-appeal/
Have you seen Bigfoot? More than 1,300 sightings have been reported in Pa.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/05/have-you-seen-bigfoot-more-than-1300-sightings-have-been-reported-in-pa.html
Officials honor Chester County’s finest who gave ultimate sacrifice
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/officials-honor-chester-county-s-finest-who-gave-ultimate-sacrifice/article_aede0572-72c0-11e9-b423-8b55b99e18b2.html
Transportation
Could it happen? Study into Route 28 expressway expansion to I-80 gets funding
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/money-available-to-study-extending-the-route-28-expressway-to-interstate-80/
I-83 widening means eminent domain for Springettsbury neighborhood
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/2019/05/09/83-widening-means-eminent-domain-springettsbury-neighborhood/1140508001/
Washington
More GOP women want to run for the House, but why now?
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/more-gop-women-want-run-house-why-now-20190509.html