Legislature

Pennsylvania Legislators Introduce Break The Cycle Of Violence Act To Get More Funding To Fight Philadelphia Crime – CBS Philly (cbslocal.com)

Pennsylvania Legislators Trying To Get More Money To Prevent Violence In Philadelphia (yahoo.com)

An ‘energy choice’ bill has some lawmakers worried local government could lose power | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Pennsylvania lawmakers consider preempting local utility ordinances | State | theprogressnews.com

Clean energy advocates say industry will slow if lawmakers fail to increase renewable energy goals | StateImpact Pennsylvania (npr.org)

How many violations will be enough for Gov. Wolf to pull the plug on Mariner East? | Editorial (inquirer.com)

Lawmakers need to pass, and Gov. Tom Wolf needs to sign, this cost-effective measure addressing disparities in access to STI prevention and treatment | Opinion | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

State breaks ground on $8.7M project to conserve historic structures and buildings at Washington Crossing Park | News | buckslocalnews.com

Rep. Otten reintroduces pipeline early-warning proposal | Local News | pottsmerc.com

Legislation would keep Pennsylvania government from taking money out of banking fund to pay other expenses | Pennsylvania | thecentersquare.com

Some struggled to adjust to pandemic learning. A Pa. Senate bill could address gaps | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Pennsylvania attorney general aims to make repayment of student loans less punitive | Pennsylvania | thecentersquare.com

Rep. Pennycuik bill would regulate pet sales in Pennsylvania | News | mainlinemedianews.com

See the Pa. lawmakers who spent the most on food, lodging, mileage and more (inquirer.com)

PA legislative expenses: Many details of expenses blocked from taxpayers (goerie.com)

 

Coronavirus – COVID-19

National

Some aren’t ready to give up masks despite new CDC guidance | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

CDC director says mask turnaround based solely on science | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Their view: The CDC’s new mask rules leave kids out. Here’s how to fix that | Times Leader

Workers worried retailers are ditching masks and relying on vaccine honor system – pennlive.com

Will I need to get a COVID-19 booster shot? | WITF

Should my child get the COVID-19 vaccine? 7 questions answered by a pediatric infectious disease expert | Analysis | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

FAQ: Yes, The CDC’s New Mask Guidance Was Based On Science : Shots – Health News : NPR

State

New indoor, outdoor COVID-19 capacity limits take effect today in Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

COVID restrictions easing in Pennsylvania after CDC says vaccinated people can ditch masks – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Mask recommendations are changing, but most places don’t want you to toss them just yet | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pennsylvania Health Department says businesses can still require masks – Philadelphia Business Journal (bizjournals.com)

Pennsylvania relaxes mask requirements following new CDC rules | City & State PA (cityandstatepa.com)

Masks still required at many central Pa. grocery stores, including Giant, Karns and Weis – pennlive.com

The push is on to get the COVID-19 vaccine to PA kids ages 12 to 15 (ydr.com)

Local

Tartaglione Delivers COVID Needle | Philadelphia Public Record (phillyrecord.com)

In Philly’s suburbs, the people who need COVID-19 vaccines the most may be the toughest to reach (inquirer.com)

Should teens get vaccinated? These Philly high schoolers say yes, please | News | phillytrib.com

Allegheny County surpasses 100,000 COVID-19 cases | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mask mandates staying at Philadelphia area stores after CDC indoor guidelines (inquirer.com)

Kennywood, Hersheypark ditch mask requirements for fully vaccinated | TribLIVE.com

Masks still recommended but not required for fully vaccinated Luzerne County employees on the job | Times Leader

Penn State Hazleton to host Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinic May 19 | Times Leader

21 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Luzerne County on Sunday | coronavirus | citizensvoice.com

Masking remains mandatory at all Geisinger properties | coronavirus | citizensvoice.com

NEPA reports fewest new COVID-19 cases since Oct. 6 | Coronavirus | thetimes-tribune.com

Dispute over masks derails Blue Mountain School Board meeting | South Schuylkill News | readingeagle.com

Plunging COVID case numbers for Berks and Pa. in the state’s weekly report | Coronavirus | readingeagle.com

Knoebels, Dutch Wonderland join Hersheypark in allowing vaccinated park-goers to go maskless – pennlive.com

Montgomery County sees downturn in new coronavirus cases | News | mainlinemedianews.com

COVID vaccine provider adds community outreach team | Business | delcotimes.com

Vaccine hesitancy in Beaver County: why locals aren’t getting the vaccine. (timesonline.com)

Bucks and Montgomery County loosen mask rules on new CDC guidelines (theintell.com)

 

Business/Jobs

Weekly unemployment claims in Pennsylvania increased last week (poconorecord.com)

King of Prussia-based Maxona Pharmaceuticals raises $5.6M – Philadelphia Business Journal (bizjournals.com)

Philly came closer to being selected for Amazon’s ‘HQ2’ office expansion than previously known, new book reveals (inquirer.com)

Is extra $300 in federal unemployment assistance stopping people from applying for jobs? | TribLIVE.com

Help wanted: Western Pa. businesses hurting from lack of worker interest to fill open jobs | TribLIVE.com

Job fair scheduled for Live! Casino Pittsburgh ahead of new restaurant opening | TribLIVE.com

Lower Burrell and public works employees reach deal on new contract | TribLIVE.com

Proposed ban on menthol cigarettes would impact retailers | Business | citizensvoice.com

Restaurants adapt to capacity change | News | thetimes-tribune.com

Utz to acquire Michigan company for $41 million – pennlive.com

Bucks County vacations are rebounding, but finding workers at tourist hot spots proves difficult (theintell.com)

Pandemic-induced cycling boom drying up supply at local bike shops; ‘Nobody has it’ | Local Business | lancasteronline.com

Big companies in Lancaster County bounce back with robust Q1 profits, survey finds | Local Business | lancasteronline.com

AT&T, in Abrupt Turn, Will Shed Media Business in Deal With Discovery – The New York Times (nytimes.com)

 

Crime/Punishment

Carlisle Borough Council names seven to its Truth and Reconciliation Commission | Carlisle | cumberlink.com

Two candidates vying to become Washington County’s next judge | Local News | observer-reporter.com

Jerry Sandusky might have gotten a $95K break from a Pa. appeals court | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Danko summary trial continued | coronavirus | citizensvoice.com

White Haven police force tackles new territory | Cops and Courts | standardspeaker.com

Prison Board approves raises for officers at Schuylkill County Prison | News | standardspeaker.com

Gettysburg College grad hopes for rape arrest after receiving Facebook confession – pennlive.com

‘So I raped you.’ Facebook message renews fight for justice for former Gettysburg College student | WITF

Swatara Township’s new police vehicle can go down stairs and into the woods – pennlive.com

Pgh controller’s audit shows select number of city cops rack up a disproportionate amount of complaints | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Pittsburgh Controller audit shows select police officers rack up disproportionate amount of complaints | News | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper (pghcitypaper.com)

Down 11 officers Lower Merion rejects bid to hire 7 ends up going with 6 instead | Mainlinetimes | mainlinemedianews.com

 

Education

The nagging question: How much more is Pennsylvania willing to spend on higher ed? | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Penn State professor accuses university of racial discrimination in federal lawsuit | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In a dark year on campus, students find some surprising glimmers of light | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Fifty years ago, rivals became friends with the creation of Carlynton School District | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Western Pa. universities weigh covid vaccine requirements for fall | TribLIVE.com

Virus testing strategies, opinions vary widely in US schools | National News | thetimes-tribune.com

After year of COVID disruptions, Berks schools want to provide summer help | Local News | readingeagle.com

Bloomsburg University slaps immediate ban on fraternities, sororities – pennlive.com

Bethlehem elementary school creates ‘Zen Zone’ for teachers to de-stress – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Catholic students call for pants to be added to dress code policies (theintell.com)

Erie School District, custodians sign new contract: no outsourcing (goerie.com)

Mount Aloysius College, UPMC sign contract to support future nursing students | Latest National News | tribdem.com

What’s the deal with Hempfield’s $20K contract for a ‘CFOO suite’? [Lancaster Watchdog] | Local News | lancasteronline.com

 

Elections/Politics

President Biden Endorses Representative Marty Flynn in Pennsylvania Special Election – Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (dlcc.org)

Former U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta announces run for Pennsylvania governor | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Barletta announces run for GOP nomination for governor | Times Leader

Barletta to enter Pennsylvania’s GOP stakes for governor | Pennsylvania State News | lancasteronline.com

A new wave of election directors step in to fill Pa.’s many vacancies — with little training and varying experience · Spotlight PA

PA voters to decide whether to add protection against racial discrimination to state constitution (abc27.com)

Pennsylvania Gov. Wolf Urges Voters To Choose ‘No’ On Ballot Questions That Would Limit Executive Order Powers – CBS Philly (cbslocal.com)

Ballot questions dominate final days of primary election campaign season in Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | thecentersquare.com

Ballot questions on governor’s emergency powers spur intense campaigns to sway voters | Coronavirus | tribdem.com

PEMA director urges voters to reject constitutional amendment on emergency powers | Election | standardspeaker.com

Pa. lawmakers have been promoting May 18 ballot questions. One method is raising eyebrows | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Pennsylvania’s spring primary: ballot issues, judicial races | Local News | phillytrib.com

From the editor: Low turnout looms for Election Day, but the work carries on – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Kelly and Reschenthaler Endorse Parnell for Senate | PoliticsPA

Four ballot questions explained in 60 seconds (abc27.com)

For House members with higher ambitions in 2022, redistricting is a wild card – Roll Call

Kenyatta wants to be the “working people’s” candidate | City & State PA (cityandstatepa.com)

Local Election Guides/News

Larry Krasner—and the Future of the Criminal Justice Reform Movement—Is on Tuesday’s Ballot | The Nation

Carlos Vega’s campaign to be Philadelphia District Attorney started in his mom’s bodega (inquirer.com)

Voters who will choose Philadelphia District Attorney aren’t people with the most at stake (inquirer.com)

Black police officers, firefighters endorse Krasner for DA, breaking from union | Local News | phillytrib.com

Pittsburgh’s mayoral race a referendum on its most livable cities claim | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Harrisburg’s mayoral candidates meet up in last forum before May 18 primary – pennlive.com

Harrisburg’s mayoral candidates take readers’ questions: Privatization of public services – pennlive.com

DeSantis To Headline Allegheny County GOP Dinner | PoliticsPA

Pennsylvania primary 2021 voter’s guide: Candidates, where to vote, ballot questions, and more (inquirer.com)

Election HQ: A voter guide to 2021 primary races | TribLIVE.com

Luzerne County primary ballot includes contests for county judge and state Supreme Court and special election for state Senate | News | citizensvoice.com

The numbers are in: Judge candidates raised more than $650,000 | News | citizensvoice.com

Scranton mayor, school board, state Senate and county judge races highlight local ballot | Election | thetimes-tribune.com

Lehigh Valley election guide: Pennsylvania primary 2021 – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Bucks County primary election: Your guide for what to expect at the polls Tuesday (theintell.com)

Will Erie County turn out? Primary sets stage for key November choices (goerie.com)

‘Black Voters Matter’ bus visits Erie to boost voter turnout in primary election (goerie.com)

Lancaster County business owners, lawmakers’ frustrations with Pa. COVID-19 response boil over onto Tuesday’s ballot | PA Power and Policy | lancasteronline.com

 

Environment

Pennsylvania’s public lands should be protected for everyone, not drilled into oblivion | Opinion (inquirer.com)

Environmental advocacy study group calls for Pa. to speed up transition to electric vehicles | Local News | readingeagle.com

 

Transportation

Rep. Conor Lamb sponsors bipartisan bill to reimburse states for $18 billion in lost transportation funds due to pandemic | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission: Powerful State Agency Shrouded in Secrecy – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Interactive

At the Pa. Turnpike Commission, layoffs and other big business largely decided behind closed doors (inquirer.com)

Kenmawr Bridge closure adds to challenges getting to Kernnywood Park | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

President Biden’s rail agenda offers Pa. opportunity of a lifetime (theintell.com)

First responders participate in Lansdale SEPTA train crash simulation | Local-news | thereporteronline.com

 

Health

Pennsylvania drug treatment center not fined for 28 violations; CEO paid $1 million – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Telemedicine a tool, not replacement for doc’s touch | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

When my son was shot and paralyzed, I learned how broken Pa.’s home care system is | Opinion (inquirer.com)

An employer-driven hospital rating system gains ground (inquirer.com)

Reopening during COVID brings relief to some and anxiety to others; mental health professionals offer coping strategies | Together | lancasteronline.com

New Hope-Solebury’s St. Baldrick’s event surpasses $1 million goal (buckscountycouriertimes.com)

Capital Health and Temple Health University Hospital announce affiliation (buckscountycouriertimes.com)

 

State News

Historic National Highway goes live in rural Pennsylvania push to expand broadband | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PA Public Utility Commission encourages eligible consumers to apply for Emergency Broadband Benefit | Business | delcotimes.com

FBI probe of massive Pa. pension fund seeks evidence of kickbacks or bribery, subpoenas show (inquirer.com)

Legal and financial costs surpass $1 million in pension fund probe (inquirer.com)

Federal judge to leave bench to head Dickinson College | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

As Brood X cicadas emerge, Northeast Pa. awaits their arrival | News | citizensvoice.com

1,000+ pounds of frankenfish removed from Susquehanna River – pennlive.com

In the absence of state and federal demographic data, Pa.’s LGBTQ community conducts its own research | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Trivial Pursuit, the Pa. Edition | The Numbers Racket | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Pennsylvania vacations picking up as Americans emerge from pandemic (timesonline.com)

Wildlife rehabilitators preach strict rabies guidelines with animals (ydr.com)

 

National News

Israeli warplanes stage more heavy strikes across Gaza City | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Israel’s attack on a press building in Gaza draws condemnations | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

What is behind the escalating conflict in Israel and Gaza | Smart Talk (witf.org)

U.N. Security Council Meets Over Israeli-Palestinian Violence : NPR

Israel says Gaza tunnels destroyed in heavy airstrikes | Hosted (ap.org)

Pipeline operator says ‘normal operations’ have resumed | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

For many: No congregation, no problem | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Houses of worship grapple with the vaxxed and unvaxxed divide | WITF

Georgia Sen. Warnock under pressure to meet promises to Black farmers | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Large cy­ber­at­tacks should be han­dled by na­tions, not law­yers | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Fauci says pandemic exposed ‘undeniable effects of racism’ | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pope denounces violence between Israel, Hamas | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Dad takes a stand against school’s anti-racism initiatives | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

NYC Pride parade bans police; gay officers ‘disheartened’ | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Navajos say new Arizona restrictions will complicate voting | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cash windfall helps Newsom shake California recall election | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

$300 monthly checks for kids to begin in July

88% of children covered by monthly payments starting in July | Nation & World Business | lancasteronline.com

Car sales are surging nationally, stressing vehicle manufacturers and delighting salespeople (inquirer.com)

Gas crunch from Colonial Pipeline cyberattack intensifies in Washington, D.C. (inquirer.com)

Are we going to get a 4th COVID-19 stimulus check? Here’s where it stands – pennlive.com

Analyst calls the latest cyberattack on a police department the ‘most serious’ hack he has seen to date – pennlive.com

Second Amendment sanctuaries have been multiplying; now they’ll get their first court test – pennlive.com

More cities are handing people cash with no strings attached. Here’s why | WITF

Vacation redux: British tourists return to Portugal beaches | World News | lancasteronline.com

NPR Poll: Race, Discrimination, Policing, Chauvin Verdict : NPR

As Lumber Prices Climb, Some Mill Their Own : NPR

Elon Musk clarifies that ‘Tesla has not sold any Bitcoin’ (cnbc.com)

 

Local News

Montgomery County officials warn of phone scam demanding money to avoid arrest (inquirer.com)

Highlands students rally behind English teacher battling brain cancer | TribLIVE.com

New bishop presides at first maskless Mass at Saint Vincent Basilica | TribLIVE.com

Fire destroys landmark Murrysville restaurant | TribLIVE.com

$3 million in stimulus money two months away, North Hutingdon officials told | TribLIVE.com

Celebrating in the city | Times Leader

Date set for Luzerne County Cares Commission resource day | Times Leader

Around Town: Slowly but surely getting back to normal | Times Leader

Scranton seeks best depository for $68.7 million American Rescue Plan funds | Coronavirus | thetimes-tribune.com

New welcome signs a small step to revitalizing Dalton | News | thetimes-tribune.com

Strengthening Families Program for parents and youths will be offered virtually to Tamaqua school district residents | Education | standardspeaker.com

Hazle Twp. supervisors replace longtime planning department board member | News | standardspeaker.com

Ban call renewed: Clerk wants Halcovage out of Schuylkill courthouse | News | standardspeaker.com

Development plans pending in Berks include plan for 43 houses in Tulpehocken Township | Local News | readingeagle.com

Life of longtime Leesport mayor, a decorated Korean War veteran, celebrated | Berks and Beyond | readingeagle.com

Gun malfunction kills 1 at Pa. shooting range – pennlive.com

Enrollment is up at summer camps, which are planning for a second pandemic summer – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Allentown fire displaces residents; one man rescued – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Here’s how one Pa. company is giving back during the pandemic with the flip of a switch | Opinion | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Ohioville candidates condemn zoning, promote transparency in office (timesonline.com)

Waterford lawsuit: Borough sues council president in zoning dispute (goerie.com)

SMU football: Defensive tackle Ricky Cole transfers from Wagner (ydr.com)

Raiders off the table in Radnor as nickname fight goes on | Local-news | delcotimes.com

A better ‘Border?’: CSA exploring options to improve secondary water source | News | tribdem.com

In the Spotlight | ‘A peacefulness that you get when you’re on the water’: Indiana County pair prepare to launch kayak, paddleboard rentals at Wilmore Dam | News | tribdem.com

Demand for whole-house generators keeps PECO, installers busy in Bucks County (buckscountycouriertimes.com)

 

Pitt

How Haddad’s grew from a Pittsburgh gas station into an entertainment rental empire | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pirates fans who are fully COVID-19 vaccinated no longer need masks at games | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Pittsburgh’s green fleet bolstered by 9 electric vehicles, including bucket truck | TribLIVE.com

Fully vaccinated parishioners can shed masks in Pittsburgh Diocese churches | TribLIVE.com

Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue, site of 2018 antisemitic violence, hires architect to transform itself – The Morning Call (mcall.com)

Hundreds join Stand in Solidarity with Palestine protest in Oakland | News | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper (pghcitypaper.com)

The 2021 farmers market season in Pittsburgh is here | Food | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh City Paper (pghcitypaper.com)

 

Philly

Philly Council approves resolution opposing Pa. House GOP’s anti-transgender sports bill | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Philly Truce Day defies weather and enters the city’s history books – The Philadelphia Sunday Sun (philasun.com)

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner’s mixed record of reform as he seeks reelection (inquirer.com)

On a Philly street, a campaign to change a name that causes pain in the Black community (inquirer.com)

Philly Mayor Jim Kenney issues ‘next steps’ in MOVE bombing redress and mishandling of victims’ remains (inquirer.com)

City confirms MOVE remains were not destroyed or discarded | Local News | phillytrib.com

The Philadelphia region is re-entering society after the pandemic, and it’s magical (inquirer.com)

City to launch community-led project to develop, test survey of underrepresented cultural resources | Local News | phillytrib.com

Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia marks 70th anniversary | Local News | phillytrib.com

Councilmember, community leaders hold emergency public safety walk | Local News | phillytrib.com

 

Washington

Refugees arriving in U.S. unlikely to exceed cap set by Trump | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Cheney continues lonely ‘battle for the soul of the Republican Party’ | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Meuser, Keller vote to oust Cheney | Election | standardspeaker.com

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler questions U.S. research funding to Wuhan laboratory | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

House panel reaches agreement to create bipartisan Jan. 6 riot investigation commission | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Is Chris Christie pathetic, shrewd, or just pathetically shrewd? | Dick Polman | Pennsylvania Capital-Star (penncapital-star.com)

Georgia, Arizona Senators Show Democrats’ Progressive-Centrist Split : NPR