School to end abortion coverage

SCRANTON — The University of Scranton plans to end employee health care coverage for abortions in cases of rape, incest and to preserve the life of the mother. The Roman Catholic university notified faculty and staff of the proposed change last week.

The university’s president, the Rev. Kevin Quinn, told faculty and staff that church teaching on abortion does not include any exceptions, “however serious or tragic” the circumstances of the pregnancy.

Harrisburg fund to fight gun suits

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s capital city has started a legal defense fund to help fight lawsuits filed by gun rights groups looking to dismantle local firearms ordinances.

The mayor announced the Protect Harrisburg Legal Defense Fund on Wednesday. He said the city could be forced to pay up to $250,000 per lawsuit before insurance kicks in.

Harrisburg is the defendant in two suits filed under a new state law designed to give gun owners a better chance at throwing out firearms ordinances.