Legislature
Pa. House approves novel education benefit for families of National Guard members
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/pa-house-approves-novel-education-benefit-for-families-of-national-guard-members.html
Effort to reform charter school law on the move in the Pa. House
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/effort-to-reform-charter-school-law-on-the-move-in-the-pa-house.html
House takes first step toward charter school overhaul
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/05/house-takes-first-step-toward-charter-school-overhaul.php
Three top officials leave Pa. human services agency
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2019/05/13/Pennsylvania-Department-Human-Services-deputy-secretaries-turnover-leadership/stories/201905090160
Pa. lawmakers move to bar local gun laws in wake of Pittsburgh measures
https://www.philly.com/news/pittsburgh-local-gun-regulation-ban-nra-philadelphia-jim-kenney-20190513.html
How one Republican lawmaker is trying to balance gun rights and due process in Pennsylvania
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/how-one-republican-lawmaker-is-trying-to-balance-gun-rights-and-due-process-in-pennsylvania/
Eckman family, pols call for DUI law changes after fatal crash
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/eckman-family-pols-call-for-dui-law-changes-after-fatal/article_bca75b0a-75c6-11e9-a38d-5ba797d0a92c.html
Turnpike CEO: Agency is holding down costs
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/05/13/Turnpike-CEO-Agency-holding-down-costs/stories/201905120123
Deal with total watershed
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/deal-withtotal-watershed-1.2482164
Toohil appointed to leadership position for national women’s organization
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/toohil-appointed-to-leadership-position-for-national-women-s-organization-1.2482172
Equal pay for women | PennLive letters
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/05/equal-pay-for-women-pennlive-letters.html
The Down syndrome abortion ban has nothing to do with protecting women | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/the-down-syndrome-abortion-ban-has-nothing-to-do-with-protecting-women-opinion/
Administration
Wolf’s staff may have been underpaid for years, but we need the facts | PennLive Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/05/wolfs-staff-may-have-been-underpaid-for-years-but-we-need-the-facts-pennlive-editorial.html
Business
Bottle recycler to open $80 million facility in Muhlenberg Township, bringing more than 100 jobs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/bottle-recycler-to-build-plant-in-muhlenberg
Snyder County cabinet manufacturer closes; nearly 1,000 people are out of work
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/snyder-county-cabinet-manufacturer-closes-nearly-1000-people-are-out-of-work.html
Employees shocked by suddenness of Wood-Mode closure
https://www.dailyitem.com/news/employees-shocked-by-suddenness-of-wood-mode-closure/article_8fcd6f86-75b5-11e9-9512-53f816754c04.html
Teva orchestrated a massive price fixing scheme with generic competitors, states allege
https://www.philly.com/business/generics-teva-pennsylvania-new-jersey-drugs-price-fixing-20190513.html
Don’t be bullied if a company tries to stop you from posting a bad review
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/05/12/Consumer-Review-Fairness-Act-Waldron-FTC-bad-review/stories/201905120034
Walmart ups the delivery game with next-day shipping
https://www.readingeagle.com/money/article/walmart-ups-the-delivery-game-with-next-day-shipping
Larimer to bring brewing back to Chester
https://www.delcotimes.com/business/larimer-to-bring-brewing-back-to-chester/article_abf47f50-75d4-11e9-9546-0f3bcd214049.html
Catholic Church
Greensburg Diocese priest placed on leave after sexual abuse allegation
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/05/13/andrew-kawecki-greensburg-priest-sexual-abuse-suspended-st-john-joseph/stories/201905130137
Crime/Punishment
Police: Castle club shooting likely involved more than one gunman
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/police-castle-club-shooting-likely-involved-more-than-one-gunman-1.2482126
Scranton City Council asks DA to look into closing Castle
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-city-council-asks-da-to-look-into-closing-castle-1.2482242
Education
Highlands budget proposal raises property tax to the maximum
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/highlands-budget-proposal-raises-property-tax-to-the-maximum/
Communications could improve with new app at Hempfield schools
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/communications-could-improve-with-new-app-at-hempfield-schools/
Nobel Prize-winner returns to Allderdice, where she used to cut class
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/05/13/Frances-Arnold-Allderdice-graduate-Nobel-Prize-students-Life-Sciences-Week/stories/201905130103
It took 36 years, but a girl has won the Pennsylvania middle school math championship
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/05/13/pennsylvania-mathcounts-vivian-loh-girl-win-state-champion-po-shen-cmu/stories/201905130010
Collecting pledges leads to new garden at South Scranton school
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/collecting-pledges-leads-to-new-garden-at-south-scranton-school-1.2482154
Colleges discount sticker price by more than 50 percent, as competition for students rises
https://www.philly.com/business/college-university-tuition-discount-tops-50-percent-20190513.html
Commencement or championship baseball game? 12 Gwynedd Mercy U Seniors decided: Play Ball!
https://www.philly.com/news/university-commencement-baseball-gwynedd-mercy-20190513.html
Elections/Politics
12th District candidates agree jobs, health care are issues but differ on how to address them
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2019/05/12th-district-candidates-agree-jobs-health-care-are-issues-but-differ-on-how-to-address-them.html
Westmoreland County Democratic judicial candidates outspend Republican opponents
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-democratic-judicial-candidates-outspend-republican-opponents/
Absentee ballot deadline is today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/absentee-ballot-deadline-is-today-1.2482218
Gaming
Analyst: Pennsylvania’s online sports betting market could become the nation’s biggest
https://www.mcall.com/sports/mc-spt-pennsylvania-online-sports-betting-20190514-5zqdi2hlnjbk7fgtfvarzbcwly-story.html
Sports betting became legal one year ago, and some experts think New Jersey could someday overtake Las Vegas
https://www.philly.com/sports/sports-betting-legalization-one-year-new-jersey-pennsylvania-las-vegas-20190514.html
Health Care
One in six kids who get a concussion will have another within two years, CHOP study finds
https://www.philly.com/health/concussion-head-injury-sports-chop-athlete-risk-20190514.html
Report: Geisinger Wyoming Valley posts positive margin, Wilkes-Barre General negative
https://www.timesleader.com/news/743331/report-geisinger-wyoming-valley-posts-positive-margin-wilkes-barre-general-negative
Report: Commonwealth hospitals struggling financially
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/report-commonwealth-hospitals-struggling-financially-1.2482317
LVH-Hazleton costs cut, revenue up, report says
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/lvh-hazleton-costs-cut-revenue-up-report-says-1.2482263
Hospital shows another big loss after competitor opens nearby, but leader says it’s not as bad as it looks
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/central-pa-hospital-shows-another-big-loss-leader-says-its-not-as-bad-as-it-looks.html
Allegheny Health Network opens cancer center in Beaver County
https://triblive.com/local/regional/allegheny-health-network-opens-cancer-center-in-beaver-county/
Local News
Stormwater officials answer questions about program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/stormwater-officials-answer-questions-about-program-1.2482289
CASA swears in more than a dozen child advocates
https://www.timesleader.com/news/743308/casa-swears-in-more-than-a-dozen-child-advocates
Former Lucky’s Sporthouse gutted for new Chick-fil-A
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/743333/former-luckys-sporthouse-gutted-for-new-chick-fil-a
Wilkes-Barre City police adds three new officers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-city-police-adds-three-new-officers-1.2482323
Chris Matthews to host show in Hanover Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/chris-matthews-to-host-show-in-hanover-twp-1.2482214
Natural gas replacement project begins in Kingston
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/natural-gas-replacement-project-begins-in-kingston-1.2482285
Food drive helps area pantries with bare shelves
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/food-drive-helps-area-pantries-with-bare-shelves-1.2482247
Hazle continues hearing on commerce park
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazle-continues-hearing-on-commerce-park-1.2482231
Greensburg dissolves Historic and Architectural Review Board
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/greensburg-dissolves-historic-and-architectural-review-board/
City of Renting: The challenges of owners and tenants in Reading
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/city-of-renting-the-challenges-of-owners-and-tenants-in-reading
In Allentown, more people would rather rent than buy
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/in-allentown-more-people-would-rather-rent-than-buy
With help from the Berks DUI Treatment Court, an artist commits to his long-neglected craft — and to his sobriety
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/his-masterpiece
Reading City Council potentially torpedoes Hillside Pool purchase
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-potentially-torpedoes-hillside-pool-purchase
Reading Country Club in the red, but officials expect it to become profitable soon
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-country-club-in-the-red-but-officials-expect-it-to-become-profitable-soon
Editorial: It’s important to recognize efforts of local heroes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/its-important-to-recognize-efforts-of-our-local-heroes
Fame Fire Co. expansion in West Chester to be completed by autumn
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/fame-fire-co-expansion-in-west-chester-to-be-completed/article_a208a46a-75a9-11e9-b3ee-17b4ef4886ae.html
National News
The overruling of a Supreme Court precedent stirs fear of what’s next
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/05/13/Supreme-Court-conservative-justices-overturn-precedent-ruling-state-sued-cases/stories/201905130139
America needs more mental health providers. Nurses want to help, if states let them.
https://www.philly.com/health/nurses-mental-health-worker-psychiatrist-shortage-20190513.html
New Jersey
Gov. Murphy signs bill easing limit on NJ sex abuse lawsuits
https://www.philly.com/politics/new-jersey/governor-murphy-signs-bill-easing-limit-on-nj-sex-abuse-lawsuits-20190513.html
Philly
Mayor Jim Kenney spars with two Democratic challengers in primary’s lone televised debate
https://www.philly.com/news/mayor-jim-kenney-sen-anthony-hardy-williams-alan-butkovitz-primary-debate-nbc10-20190513.html
Want cheap flights out of Philly? Wharton graduate’s startup wants to help.
https://www.philly.com/news/moonfish-cheap-flights-philadelphia-international-airport-20190514.html
Brett Brown to return as coach of the Sixers
https://www.philly.com/sixers/brett-brown-sixers-76ers-support-jimmy-butler-joel-embiid-jj-redick-20190513.html
Bernie Sanders: America’s criminal justice revolution can start with Philadelphia’s primary | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/end-cash-bail-philadelphia-judge-elections-bernie-sanders-20190513.html
$6K reward offered in SEPTA conductor’s shooting
https://www.philly.com/news/septa-reward-regional-rail-conductor-shooting-carpenter-station-chestnut-hill-west–20190513.html
Philly-area factories are feeling the heat from China tariffs, and they can’t find enough workers
https://www.philly.com/business/china-tariffs-philadelphia-new-jersey-steel-manufacturing-trump-20190513.html
How do taxpayers benefit, when Pa. helps send the Philadelphia Orchestra to China, amid a trade war?
https://www.philly.com/business/china-trade-trump-philadelphia-orchestra-wharton-20190513.html
5 more Philly schools getting more resources, ‘community schools’ label with soda tax proceeds
https://www.philly.com/education/community-schools-philadelphia-kenney-soda-tax-richard-wright-20190513.html
Are teachers prepared enough for the reality of Philly classrooms? | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/teacher-turnover-philadelphia-school-district-20190513.html
Philly gin maker in the crosshairs as China raises tariffs on thousands of U.S. products
https://www.philly.com/business/chinese-us-trade-war-impact-philadelphia-20190514.html
Pitt
Some who were towed, cited before marathon to get refunds
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/13/Mayor-Peduto-meets-with-police-towing-representatives-after-marathon-towing-confusion/stories/201905130098
Pittsburgh will waive fines, pay towing cost for cars towed before marathon
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-will-waive-fines-pay-towing-cost-for-cars-towed-before-marathon/
Pittsburgh Public to review administrators’ trip to Cuba
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/05/13/Pittsburgh-Public-Schools-Anthony-Hamler-Cuba-trip-Miami-Flying-Classroom/stories/201905130126
County levies fine against U.S. Steel for ongoing emissions issues at Clairton Coke Works
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/05/13/Allegheny-County-health-fine-US-Steel-emissions-pollution-issues-Clairton-Coke-Works-Mon-Valley/stories/201905130092
Allegheny County Jail spends $237K on 4,600 suicide prevention blankets for all inmates
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/05/13/Allegheny-County-Jail-Pittsburgh-suicide-prevention-thick-heavy-blankets-inmates/stories/201905100133
‘Breathing life into Braddock’: Crazy Mocha founder still has plans for vacant Cuda Building
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/05/12/Braddock-popcorn-cafe-Crazy-Mocha-Ken-Zeff-Heritage/stories/201905120033
Labor Relations Board to hear objections in Pitt graduate workers union election
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/labor-relations-board-to-hear-objections-in-pitt-graduate-workers-union-election/
13th person this year caught with gun by Pittsburgh airport security
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/13th-person-this-year-caught-with-gun-by-pittsburgh-airport-security/
Western Pennsylvania’s Shirley Jones to receive Pittsburgh Opera honor
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/western-pennsylvanias-shirley-jones-to-receive-pittsburgh-opera-honor/
State News
USDA funds available to communities trying solve stormwater runoff problems
https://triblive.com/local/regional/usda-funds-available-to-communities-trying-solve-stormwater-runoff-problems/
Researchers discover natural predator that can kill spotted lanternflies
https://kywnewsradio.radio.com/articles/news/researchers-discover-natural-predator-can-kill-spotted-lanternflies-mass-quantities
Washington
Elizabeth Warren talks to teachers, students in first campaign stop in Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/05/13/Elizabeth-Warren-talks-to-teachers-students-in-first-campaign-stop-in-Pa/stories/201905130130
Trump announces Pennsylvania rally May 20
https://www.philly.com/news/trump-rally-pennsylvania-montoursville-20190513.html
Keller to join Trump for primary eve rally in Montoursville
https://www.timesleader.com/news/743252/keller-to-join-trump-for-primary-eve-rally-in-montoursville
Title X gag rule hurts families in Pa. and beyond | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/title-x-planned-parenthood-family-planning-congress-20190513.html
Fitzpatrick, New York colleague tour Bucks County Technical High School
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190514/fitzpatrick-new-york-colleague-tour-bucks-county-technical-high-school