Legislature

A program that keeps people with addiction out of prison is ‘extremely underused.’ A Senate bill could change that
https://www.penncapital-star.com/criminal-justice/a-program-that-keeps-drug-offenders-out-of-prison-is-extremely-underused-a-senate-bill-could-change-that/

‘There’s a water crisis in Pennsylvania’: Environmental advocates call for clean water funding
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/theres-a-water-crisis-in-pennsylvania-environmental-advocates-call-for-clean-water-funding/

State Sen. Vogel’s tax-credit bill promoting new farmers passes Senate committee
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190501/state-sen-vogels-tax-credit-bill-promoting-new-farmers-passes-senate-committee

Democratic, Republican Lawmakers Team Up On Bill To Abolish Death Penalty In PA
https://www.wesa.fm/post/democratic-republican-lawmakers-team-bill-abolish-death-penalty-pa

Muhlenberg School Board resolution supports funding reform for cybercharter schools
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/muhlenberg-school-board-resolution-supports-funding-reform-for-cybercharter-schools

Lackawanna County Commissioners pass resolution opposing privatization of ride-share programs
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/lackawanna-county-commissioners-pass-resolution-opposing-privatization-of-ride-share-programs-1.2477394

Pa. GOP leaders trumpet soaring state revenue, caution against spending
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/pa-gop-leaders-trumpet-soaring-state-revenue-caution-against-spending/

Pa. lawmaker’s ‘nazis’ tweet about Sunoco pipeline workers sparks fury, and rightly so | Maria Panaritis
https://www.philly.com/news/columnists/sunoco-pipeline-nazi-danielle-friel-otten-chester-county-maria-panaritis-20190502.html

Chester County state rep. faces backlash for bringing Nazis into pipeline debate
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/chester-county-state-representative-faces-backlash-for-bringing-nazis-into-pipeline-debate.php

Ripe fruit for health savings
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/ripe-fruit-for-health-savings-1.2477223

Pa. lawmakers should consider this Senate alternative to a nuke bailout | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-lawmakers-should-consider-this-senate-alternative-to-a-nuke-bailout-opinion/

This Pa. House bill would make building inspections less reliable and more expensive | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/working-the-economy/this-pa-house-bill-would-make-building-inspections-less-reliable-and-more-expensive-opinion/

Redistricting

State panel to take comment on redistricting Thursday
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/05/01/Redistricting-Pennsylvania-David-Thornburgh-Tom-Wolf-public-hearing/stories/201905010144

Business

No means no, says DuckDuckGo as it pushes to make ‘Do not track’ the law of the land
https://www.philly.com/business/duckduckgo-online-privacy-legislation-do-not-track-browser-setting-20190501.html

Pa. light bulb plant closure will impact nearly 200 workers
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/pa-light-bulb-plant-closure-will-impact-nearly-200-workers.php

More than 100 Pa. businesses close for May Day
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/more-than-100-pa-businesses-close-for-may-day.php

Wabtec bosses: Future of Erie plant rides on 2-tier wages
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190502/wabtec-bosses-future-of-erie-plant-rides-on-2-tier-wages

Crime/Punishment

Pennsylvania AG: Lancaster County doctor sexually assaulted student
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/lancaster-county-doctor-charged-sexual-assault-pennsylvania-vollmar-20190501.html

Trooper arrested, suspended over alleged DUI with kids in car
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741849/trooper-arrested-suspended-over-alleged-dui-with-kids-in-car

Education

Pennsylvania teacher salaries rank 10th in the nation
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-teacher-salaries-rank-10th-in-the-nation/

Most Luzerne County high schools get middling ranks in new list
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741874/most-luzerne-county-high-schools-get-middling-ranks-in-new-list

Area school districts nab chunk of state safety grants
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741884/area-school-districts-nab-chunk-of-state-safety-grants

$464K in grants to help Western Pa. schools boost security efforts
https://triblive.com/local/regional/464k-in-grants-to-help-area-school-boost-security-efforts/

Hazleton Area mulls proposal to hire extra teachers to fill in
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/hazleton-area-mulls-proposal-to-hire-extra-teachers-to-fill-in-1.2477254

Special needs students relish Daniel Boone’s special athletic competition
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/daniel-boone-athletic-competition-is-extra-special

DePasquale moves up Old Forge School District audit over concerns of dysfunction
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/depasquale-moves-up-old-forge-school-district-audit-over-concerns-of-dysfunction-1.2477148

Allentown school board to try again to borrow $10 million to avert financial crisis
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-school-board-special-meeting-20190501-kb34uiko3ra35daq7dkzvcrrni-story.html

Ousted Temple Fox Business School dean fights back, plans $25 million lawsuit
https://www.philly.com/education/temple-fox-business-dean-rankings-scandal-20190502.html

Swarthmore College’s fraternities disband amid protests
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/05/01/Swarthmore-College-fraternities-disband-protests-LGBTQ-sex-assaults/stories/201905010106

Pa. AG vows to appeal federal judge’s ruling that spared ex-Penn State president Graham Spanier from jail
https://www.philly.com/news/graham-spanier-conviction-jail-josh-shapiro-appeal-jerry-sandusky-penn-state-20190501.html

Ruling on Spanier conviction could open the door to renewed defamation suit against Louis Freeh
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/ruling-on-spanier-conviction-could-open-the-door-to-renewed-defamation-suit-against-louis-freeh/

Former Penn State president richly paid as he fought charges
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190501/former-penn-state-president-richly-paid-as-he-fought-charges

Florida university administrator named president of Pitt-Greensburg
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/florida-university-administrator-named-president-of-pitt-greensburg/

Elections/Politics

Wilkes-Barre mayoral candidates square off at Times Leader Media Group debate
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/741914/wilkes-barre-mayoral-candidates-square-off-at-times-leader-media-group-debate

Polling site changes set for primary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/polling-site-changes-set-for-primary-1.2477269

Republicans snub Cummings, endorse Giannetta, Chermak
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/republicans-snub-cummings-endorse-giannetta-chermak-1.2477062

Health Care

UPMC defends controversial prepay rule for seniors
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-defends-controversial-prepay-rule-for-seniors/

Health-care costs are straining us financially and emotionally, study finds
https://www.philly.com/health/consumer/health-care-costs-financial-toxicity-20190502.html

Kristen Laney O’Toole: My MS worsened while waiting for MRI authorization
https://triblive.com/opinion/kristen-laney-otoole-my-ms-worsened-while-waiting-for-mri-authorization/

Fitness challenge helps Penn State Health St. Joseph employees boost their physical and mental health
https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/penn-state-health-st-joseph-employees-take-on-fitness-challenge

If you think you have measles, do not go to the doctor or ER
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/if-you-think-you-have-measles-do-not-go-to-the-doctor-or-er.php

Local News

Commercial properties’ WVSA bills at $1.4M for first quarter of 2019
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/commercial-properties-wvsa-bills-at-1-4m-for-first-quarter-of-2019-1.2477352

WVSA waives late payment penalties
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvsa-waives-late-payment-penalties-1.2477342

WVSA plans to host information session
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wvsa-plans-to-host-information-session-1.2477343

Strauss Lane bridge in Wilkes-Barre ready for rehab
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741870/strauss-lane-bridge-in-wilkes-barre-ready-for-rehab

City receives $250K grant to rehabilitate closed bridge
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-receives-250k-grant-to-rehabilitate-closed-bridge-1.2477275

Ashley officials consider police options
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ashley-officials-consider-police-options-1.2477351

Empowered: Attendees at women’s leadership conference urged to take risks
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/empowered-attendees-at-women-s-leadership-conference-urged-to-take-risks-1.2477336

Keystone Sanitary Landfill attempts to change Dunmore zoning ordinance
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/keystone-sanitary-landfill-attempts-to-change-dunmore-zoning-ordinance-1.2477331

Scranton planning commission recommends rejection for special exception for drug treatment facility
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-planning-commission-recommends-rejection-for-special-exception-for-drug-treatment-facility-1.2477401

Long ‘to-do’ list remains for Cheswick, Springdale Township police merger
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/long-to-do-list-remains-for-merging-cheswick-springdale-township-police/

Protect PT to hold pollution monitoring workshop
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/protect-pt-to-hold-pollution-monitoring-workshop/

Officials: Oil leak spreads to Youghiogheny in South Huntingdon
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/officials-oil-leak-spreads-to-youghiogheny-in-south-huntingdon/

Water companies in Reading, Berks County crack down on would-be cheaters
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-area-water-authority-cracks-down-on-would-be-cheaters

Harrisburg’s five-year financial plan will be accessible to public next week: mayor
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/harrisburgs-five-year-financial-plan-will-be-accessible-to-public-tuesday-mayor.html

Marijuana

Lt. Gov. Fetterman’s legalization listening tour stops in WB Sunday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741872/lt-gov-fettermans-legalization-listening-tour-stops-in-wb-sunday

National News

A 16-year-old migrant boy dies in U.S. custody at a Texas shelter
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/05/01/16-year-old-unaccompanied-Guatemalan-migrant-boy-dies-US-custody-Texas/stories/201905010180

Florida lawmakers pass bill allowing more armed teachers
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/florida-lawmakers-pass-bill-allowing-more-armed-teachers.html

Natural Gas

CNX reveals cause of well failure near Beaver Run Reservoir
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/powersource/2019/05/01/CNX-reveals-the-cause-of-its-well-failure-near-Beaver-Run-Reservoir/stories/201905010075

Appalachian Basin’s methane emissions fall despite increase in gas production
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/areas-methane-emissions-fall-despite-increase-in-gas-production/

Philly

Schuylkill Yards development may rest on the Quaker dead
https://www.philly.com/arts/schuylkill-yards-quaker-cemeteries-philadelphia-history-brandywine-drexel-20190502.html

Schuylkill to be dredged this summer after donors kicked in millions, Philadelphia officials announce
https://www.philly.com/science/climate/schuylkill-navy-dredge-philadelphia-st-joes-penn-villanova-temple-rowing-20190501.html

Philly cops jailed after altercation with Florida deputies
https://www.philly.com/news/crabby-bills-philadelphia-police-seeger-bonett-caine-pinellas-20190502.html

May Day: Immigration activists march for an end to big-tech contracts with ICE
https://www.philly.com/news/immigration-tech-march-amazon-nec-arrests-deportations-20190501.html

Now in high school, Philly girls revisit earlier kindness, donating tampons, other items
https://www.philly.com/news/tampons-low-income-teenagers-philanthropy-donations-high-school-20190502.html

Philadelphia’s Jefferson University gets another $2 million for cannabis research
https://www.philly.com/business/weed/rich-australian-barry-lambert-donates-millions-more-to-namesake-cannabis-research-center-at-jefferson-university-20190501.html

Feds won’t retry former U.S. Rep. Chaka Fattah on bribery counts, but he likely won’t get out of prison any sooner
https://www.philly.com/news/chaka-fattah-retrial-bribery-philly-herbert-vederman-corruption-20190501.html

15 years after winning Kentucky Derby, Philadelphia’s Smarty Jones still wins hearts
https://www.philly.com/sports/smarty-jones-2004-kentucky-derby-triple-crown-15th-anniversary-20190501.html

Philly city controller says she will block payment for controversial new voting machines
https://www.philly.com/news/philly-voting-machines-city-controller-rebecca-rhynhart-20190501.html

Philly tech startup with app that gives patients rides to hospitals raises $5.1 million
https://www.philly.com/news/round-trip-app-venture-capital-patient-transportation-20190501.html

People shouldn’t be in jail because they can’t afford bail | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/cash-bail-crimiinal-justice-reform-krasner-editorial-20190502.html

Radicalizing the vote: 10 ideas that just might just save democracy | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/voting-election-solutions-ideas-change-20190502.html

Ethan Okula’s foster mother was sentenced in his tragic death. So many more are to blame | Mike Newall
https://www.philly.com/opinion/ethan-okula-sentencing-dhs-philadelphia-foster-child-death-20190501.html

Germantown High a sad sign of Philly’s building neglect | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/germantown-high-school-tax-sale-building-preservation-20190501.html

Pitt

Controller: City in “very strong financial position”
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/01/Controller-City-in-very-strong-financial-position/stories/201905010153

Pittsburgh ended 2018 in ‘strong financial position,’ controller says
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-ended-2018-in-strong-financial-position-controller-says/

Little concern that lone measles case here will lead to widespread outbreak
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/05/01/Little-concern-lone-measles-case-will-lead-to-outbreak-Pittsburgh-Allegheny/stories/201905010135

Could the market be ripe for the former Civic Arena redevelopment?
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/05/01/Civic-Arena-Pittsburgh-Penguins-EQT-Corp-First-National-Bank-FNB-Downtown/stories/201904290027

Former county councilman still seeking new trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/05/01/Chuck-McCullough-has-hearing-still-seeking-new-trial/stories/201905010166

Port Authority begins issuing photo ConnectCards to senior citizens for free rides
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/04/30/Port-Authority-senior-citizens-new-photo-ID-free-rides/stories/201904300324

Grant Street rebuilding project begins Monday in Downtown Pittsburgh
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/05/01/Grant-Street-Pittsburgh-brick-replacement-multi-year-project-traffic-restrictions/stories/201905010145

PennDOT inspects Fort Duquesne Bridge after pieces of concrete fall
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/05/01/Fort-Duquesne-Bridge-PennDOT-falling-concrete-emergency-inspection/stories/201905010120

Star-spangled banner: American flag replaces Sprint on controversial Mount Washington billboard
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/05/01/Sprint-billboard-Mount-Washington-Lamar-National-Flag-Foundation-Bayer-Peduto/stories/201905010129

State News

Lawsuit alleges abuses at Pa. youth development centers
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2019/05/01/Federal-lawsuit-alleges-abuses-at-PA/stories/201905010125

A ‘small city’ in farm country: Amish and Mennonite farmers question proposed development
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/manheim-oregon-village-development-amish-mennonite-farmers-20190502.html

Deer season Saturday opener to be reconsidered
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2019/05/01/Pennsylvania-deer-hunting-Saturday-start-reconsider-Game-Commission/stories/201905010148

Pa. state police increasing patrols at places of worship
https://triblive.com/local/regional/acts-of-violence-prompt-pennsylvania-state-police-to-increase-patrols-at-places-of-worship/

Not 1 but 2 Harmar eaglets have their day in the sun
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/not-1-but-2-harmar-eaglets-have-their-day-in-the-sun-wednesday/

Study: Elder fraud costs Pennsylvanians an estimated $1.2 billion per year
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/study-elder-fraud-costs-pennsylvanians-an-estimated-1-2-billion-per-year/

State police honor fallen troopers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/state-police-honor-fallen-troopers-1.2477349

State police remember troopers killed in line of duty
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/state-police-remember-troopers-killed-in-line-of-duty-1.2477303

Pa. gets 2 tornadoes in a typical April. This year, it got 14 – all in the same week
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/pa-gets-2-tornadoes-in-a-typical-april-this-year-it-got-14-all-in-the-same-week.html

Editorial: Recalling Holocaust a civic duty
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/recalling-holocaust-a-valuable-exercise-of-civic-duty

Your View: State should find alternative to closing Glen Onoko Falls trail
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/readers-react/mc-opi-glen-onoko-falls-closing-20190502-5rmybqw6xzhlriayzbnw6ghhem-story.html

Washington

House committee to face an empty chair instead of AG William Barr
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/05/02/House-committee-attorney-general-william-barr-mueller-report-trump/stories/201905020098

Taking aim at Biden’s firefighter support, Trump fires off 58 retweets
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/05/01/Trump-Joe-Biden-retweets-firefighters-dozens-union-morning-endorsement-campaign/stories/201905010167