Legislature
As March on Harrisburg approaches, lawmakers take stock of gift laws
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/05/as-march-on-harrisburg-approaches-lawmakers-take-stock-of-gift-laws.php
The PA crisis in senior care and its funding is intensifying, Berks officials told
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-crisis-in-senior-care-its-funding-intensifying-berks-officials-told
Southeast Republicans, unified Dems in the House find common ground: opposing mandatory regulation slashing
https://www.penncapital-star.com/energy-environment/southeast-republicans-unified-dems-in-the-house-find-common-ground-opposing-mandatory-regulation-slashing/
Brown pushes legislation to ban handheld cellphone use while driving
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190502/brown-pushes-legislation-to-ban-handheld-cellphone-use-while-driving
State Rep. Bernstine says his bill will repeal law that’s a ‘legislative time bomb’
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190502/state-rep-bernstine-says-his-bill-will-repeal-law-thats-legislative-time-bomb
Vaccine exemptions should be limited
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/2019/05/03/Vaccine-exemptions-should-be-limited/stories/201905030037
Paul Muschick on measles in Pennsylvania: We need a vaccine against ignorance
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-measles-vaccine-muschick-20190503-fkqmgkveqnaptjeksmy5ccwlyi-story.html
Use good surprise as tax template
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/use-good-surprise-as-tax-template-1.2477667
Editorial: Fuel taxes should go toward road, bridge repairs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/fuel-taxes-should-go-toward-road-and-bridge-repairs
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Reform advocates: Citizens panel should draw political lines
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/05/02/Reform-advocates-Citizens-panel-should-draw-political-lines/stories/201905020191
Administration
Gov. Wolf’s methane proposal falls short | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/pennsylvania-methane-regulations-natural-gas-industry-20190502.html
CCBC’s Shell Center for Process Technology Education ‘really a good thing,’ says Gov. Wolf
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190502/ccbcs-shell-center-for-process-technology-education-really-good-thing-says-gov-wolf
Business
U.S. Steel to spend $1 billion on Mon Valley Works
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2019/05/02/U-S-Steel-to-spend-1-billion-on-Mon-Valley-Works/stories/201905020023
U.S. Steel: $1B in upgrades to plants near Pittsburgh will help with air pollution
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/us-steel-1b-in-upgrades-to-plants-near-pittsburgh-will-help-with-air-pollution-efficiency.php
Elwyn raises pay for direct support workers, as $15 minimum wage trend spreads
https://www.philly.com/business/health/elwyn-15-minimum-direct-support-workers-20190503.html
Ali Baba denied liquor license renewal
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ali-baba-denied-liquor-license-renewal-1.2477802
Pennsylvania unemployment – there’s never been a time we were this low
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/05/pennsylvania-unemployment-theres-never-been-a-time-we-were-this-low.html
Crime/Punishment
Police: PennDot workers misused disability parking placards
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/penndot-disability-parking-permit-worker-theft-20190502.html
Education
Harrisburg School District missed hiring long-needed financial officer over $5K salary difference: candidate
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/harrisburg-school-district-failed-hire-to-cfo-for-longtime-vacancy-over-5k-salary-difference-candidate.html
Grants will fund identification systems for schools
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/grants-will-fund-identification-systems-for-schools-1.2477748
Riverside, Mid Valley school districts to receive safety, security grants
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/riverside-mid-valley-school-districts-to-receive-safety-security-grants-1.2477665
Westmoreland County schools score nearly $1.4 million in state security grants
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-schools-score-nearly-1-4-million-in-state-security-grants/
Dress rule dropped: Norwin girls can wear pants to graduation
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/dress-rule-dropped-norwin-girls-can-wear-pants-to-graduation/
Zoning change in Clifton Heights could keep Upper Darby from building new school in the borough
https://www.philly.com/education/clifton-heights-upper-darby-middle-school-field-of-dreams-20190503.html
Mars school board OKs agreement with Adams for ‘hybrid’ school police force
https://triblive.com/local/regional/mars-school-board-oks-agreement-with-adams-for-hybrid-school-police-force/
South Fayette High School student suspended after retaliating against classmate for racial slur, father says
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/05/02/Lawyer-criticizes-son-s-school-district-after-classmate-s-alleged-racial-slur/stories/201905020138
Auditor General urges state to invest in cybersecurity for school districts
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/auditor-general-urges-state-to-invest-in-cybersecurity-for-school-districts/
School lunch could get more white bread in response to Trump rollback
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/05/school-lunch-could-get-more-white-bread-in-response-to-trump-rollback.html
Ousted Temple business school dean’s lawsuit blames administrators, employees, and oversight group for rankings scandal
https://www.philly.com/news/temple-fox-business-moshe-porat-lawsuit-rankings-scandal-20190502.html
Ceremony at Misericordia made more haunting with ages of Holocaust victims
https://www.timesleader.com/news/742002/ceremony-at-misericordia-made-more-haunting-with-ages-of-holocaust-victims
Doc has foot in mouth disease: Dr. Phil must do more to apologize to Slippery Rock
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/05/03/Dr-Phil-McGraw-Slippery-Rock-University-apology/stories/201905030049
Hungry, homeless and in college | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/hungry-homeless-college-students-temple-study-editorial-20190502.html
Elections/Politics
‘Shame on you’: Midstate congressional candidates clash at debate
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/shame-on-you-midstate-congressional-candidates-clash-at-debate.php
Luzerne County needs election day poll workers, director said
https://www.timesleader.com/news/742006/luzerne-county-needs-election-day-poll-workers-director-said
Gaming
Court strikes down $4 million grant for Presque Isle Downs
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190502/court-strikes-down-4-million-grant-for-presque-isle-downs
Health Care
UPMC sees $41 million drop in first quarter operating income
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/05/02/UPMC-first-quarter-operating-income-Children-s-Hospital-10th-anniversary/stories/201905020182
UPMC: Highmark patients won’t lose access to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-highmark-patients-wont-lose-access-to-childrens-hospital-of-pittsburgh/
UPMC for all (kids)?: Let’s get that guaranteed in writing
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/05/03/UPMC-Children-Hospital-kids-Highmark-health-care/stories/201905030052
Congressman Mike Doyle: Romoff is a shark
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/05/03/Karen-Kane-Jeffrey-Romoff-UPMC-Mike-Doyle-health-care-Children-Hospital-charity-Highmark-consent-decree/stories/201905030057
Seeing red: First adult case of measles reported in Pa.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/seeing-red-first-adult-case-of-measles-reported-in-pa-1.2477794
Local News
Ashley PD ready to fight for their jobs
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ashley-pd-ready-to-fight-for-their-jobs-1.2477731
Area Jewish population remembers Holocaust victims, along with more recent attacks
https://www.timesleader.com/news/742028/area-jewish-population-remembers-holocaust-victims-along-with-more-recent-attacks
George: ‘I’m happy with the way the city’s moving’
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/george-i-m-happy-with-the-way-the-city-s-moving-1.2477770
Planners reject Keystone landfill request after landfill officials fail to show for meeting
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/planners-reject-keystone-landfill-request-after-landfill-officials-fail-to-show-for-meeting-1.2477734
Scranton residents can join or skip class-action lawsuit challenging annual $300 trash fee
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-residents-can-join-or-skip-class-action-lawsuit-challenging-annual-300-trash-fee-1.2477934
Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority offers extension on coffee shop lease
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-municipal-recreation-authority-offers-extension-on-coffee-shop-lease-1.2477800
Judge threatens Old Forge junkyard owner with jail
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/judge-threatens-old-forge-junkyard-owner-with-jail-1.2477538
HCA solicits another round of bids for renovation project
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hca-solicits-another-round-of-bids-for-renovation-project-1.2477745
Pottstown’s rise in violent crime spurs more than 100 to meet with police chief
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pottstown-residents-talk-about-crime-with-police-chief
Lower Burrell’s Anti-Bullying Awareness Day offers free events, picnic
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrells-anti-bullying-awareness-day-offers-free-events-and-picnic-saturday/
Harmar sheet metal union gets $500K for training, renovations
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harmar-sheet-metal-union-gets-500k-for-training-renovations/
Harmar ordinance would set rules for cell towers, antennas
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harmar-ordinance-would-set-rules-for-cell-towers-antennas/
Northwestern Westmoreland County first target for regional plans
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/northwestern-westmoreland-county-first-target-for-regional-plans/
Supervisors OK revisions needed for sewer-main construction
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/supervisors-ok-revisions-needed-for-sewer-main-construction
Allentown NIZ diverted record amount of subsidies to developers in 2018, while returning less money to state coffers
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-niz-city-center-revenue-20190502-zxeq5jub2zduhbfajtq2blylr4-story.html
National News
Peter Mayhew, Chewbacca in the ‘Star Wars’ films, dies at 74
https://www.philly.com/obituaries/peter-mayhew-chewbacca-in-the-star-wars-films-dies-20190502.html
Philly
The forces behind Philly’s high teacher turnover
https://www.philly.com/news/philadephia-district-schools-teacher-turnover-solutions-20190503.html
Philly’s new payroll system is sending out thousands of inaccurate paychecks and no one knows why
https://www.philly.com/news/one-philly-lawsuit-labor-unions-philadelphia-city-hall-payroll-paycheck-20190502.html
‘Philadelphia Badlands’ label on Google Maps latest controversy over neighborhood names
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-badlands-google-maps-neighborhood-names-20190502.html
Could Pa. Supreme Court ruling in Philly man’ s DUI affect hundreds of criminal cases?
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania-supreme-court-joe-kelly-marc-perfetto-dui-traffic-court-municipal-compulsory-joinder-statute-20190502.html
Dark money under spotlight as campaign finance law changes right before Philly primary
https://www.philly.com/news/primary-politics-campaign-finance-gauthier-blackwell-third-district-west-philly-philly-30-dark-money-20190502.html
Philly home warranty company defrauded at least 160 consumers, Pa. attorney general says
https://www.philly.com/business/secure-home-warranty-scam-pennsylvania-attorney-general-20190502.html
Philly city commissioners race 2019: Meet the 13 Democrats — 13! — who want to run elections
https://www.philly.com/news/city-commissioners-election-2019-primary-20190502.html
From potholes to preservation, how has Mayor Kenney lived up to his original campaign promises?
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/inga-saffron/mayor-kenney-campaign-promises-philadelphia-potholes-bike-lanes-preservation-20190502.html
Dorney Park settles racial profiling suit filed by black Philly teacher
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/dorney-park-benjamin-slater-racial-profiling-lawsuit-settled-20190502.html
She’s black, female, Muslim, covered — and licensed to carry | Jenice Armstrong
https://www.philly.com/opinion/muslim-gun-concealed-carry-glock-philly-jenice-armstrong-20190502.html
Jane’s Walk helps Philadelphians find our place in this city | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/janes-walk-philadelphia-jane-jacobs-urban-planning-20190502.html
With new evidence from backlog of rape kits, Philly DA ready to prosecute
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/05/armed-with-new-evidence-from-backlog-of-rape-kits-philly-da-ready-to-prosecute.php
Pitt
Holocaust remembrance service in Pittsburgh honors victims and protectors
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/05/02/Holocaust-remembrance-service-honors-victims-and-protectors/stories/201905020179
Resident alleges arrest after comment about Trump, files suit against Pittsburgh police
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/02/Resident-alleges-First-Amendment-rights-violated-for-comment-about-Trump-files-suit-against-Pittsburgh-police/stories/201905020146
With her service dog, a Navy vet with PTSD will run the Pittsburgh Marathon
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pittsburgh-marathon/2019/05/02/service-dog-running-pittsburgh-marathon-ptsd-military-sexual-trauma/stories/201904260137
Health Department reports 4 more cases of measles in Allegheny Co.
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/05/02/Health-Department-holds-press-conference-on-additional-measles-cases/stories/201905020187
4 more cases of measles confirmed in Allegheny County
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/4-more-cases-of-measles-confirmed-in-allegheny-county/
Union claims unfair labor practice by University of Pittsburgh in election effort
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/05/02/University-of-Pittsburgh-Pitt-Steelworkers-graduate-assistants-union-labor-PLRB-appeal-unfair/stories/201905020171
Use public transportation? Here’s what you need to know this marathon weekend
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/05/02/Pittsburgh-2019-marathon-traffic-travel-commute-streets-closures-bus-light-rail-incline/stories/201905020149
Pittsburgh police has a new comfort dog for the bureau and of course there are adorable photos of him
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/02/meet-pittsburgh-police-dog-zane-comfort/stories/201905020141
Volunteers still working to save the Old Stone Tavern
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/05/02/Old-Stone-Tavern-Pittsburgh-Revolutionary-War-Whiskey-Rebellion/stories/201905020183
American flag flies on controversial Mt. Washington billboard
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/american-flag-flies-atop-controversial-mt-washington-billboard/
Hand cyclist pushing his limits in Pittsburgh Marathon
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/hand-cyclist-pushing-his-limits-in-pittsburgh-marathon/
Pittsburgh police charge Hilltop gang members in connection with 2014 trash collector killing
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-take-down-hilltop-gangs-in-arrests-for-2014-trash-collector-killing/
State News
Two years in, Chester County residents maintain fight against Toll Bros. over Revolution-era farmland
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/crebilly-farm-toll-brothers-development-chester-county-pa-commonwealth-court-20190503.html
Preserving open space fueling Chester County economy, report says
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/preserving-open-space-fueling-chester-county-economy-report-says/article_bafe8fac-6d25-11e9-ab8d-abc82ddae1f6.html
Transportation
City road closures will begin Monday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-road-closures-will-begin-monday-1.2477766
No flights at Lehigh Valley International Airport for 52 hours in the coming days. Here’s why.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/lehigh-county/2019/03/no-flights-at-lehigh-valley-international-airport-for-1-weekend-in-may-heres-why.html
Washington
Tiger Woods will receive the Medal of Freedom from Trump at White House on Monday
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/golf/2019/05/02/Tiger-Woods-visit-White-House-Monday-receive-Presidential-Medal-Freedom-Trump/stories/201905020208
Tensions rise on Capitol Hill as Barr skips hearing, infuriating Democrats
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/attorney-general-william-barr-nancy-pelosi-donald-trump-richard-nixon-contempt-impeachment-20190503.html
Trump easing offshore drilling safety rules from Deepwater
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/trump-administration-deepwater-horizon-oil-gas-companies-flexibility-20190502.html