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
