1 shot in grocery robbery

An employee of a West Philly grocery store is in critical condition after being shot twice during a robbery Tuesday night, police said. A gunman entered the Venture Papi Grocery Store, 58th Street and Washington Avenue, and asked the employee to lead him to where the laundry detergent is stored, police said. When the 35-year-old employee turned back to head to the counter, the robber opened fire, striking the man in the back and arm, police said.

The robber then stole an undisclosed amount of cash and fled. The victim was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital.

Laborers' golf classic May 26

The Laborers' District Council Charity Fund will hold its 10th Annual Charity Golf Classic on May 26 at Spring Mill Country Club in Ivyland. The event will honor longtime labor leader Samuel Staten Sr.'s long-standing commitment and dedication to the charity fund. Proceeds from the event will benefit, among others, the Fox Chase Mesothelioma Fund, the Jenkintown Day Nursery and the Q'aid Staten Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Reading canine unit is out

Reading Police Chief William Heim is disbanding his department's canine unit, citing a dispute with the police union. Heim said the dispute is over what qualifications a police officer must have to handle a police dog.

Heim says he had an unwritten agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police that officers must meet certain qualifications. But FOP vice president Thomas MacDougal says other than a physical exam, seniority should be the only factor in determining who gets to handle dogs.

Brandywine Mansion renewal

The Graystone Society of Coatesville has announced the beginning of what will be the renovation of the Brandywine Mansion, the home of industrialist and Lukens' Steel pioneer Rebecca Webb Pennock Lukens.

Lukens lived in the mansion until her death in 1854. The home was once owned by Moses Coates, for whom Coatesville is named, and in 1794 hosted President George Washington.

Funding for the job comes from private individuals, not taxes.

Prison for sex with girl, 13

A 41-year-old central Pennsylvania man will spend 37 to 74 months in prison for having sex with a 13-year-old girl he says he turned to for companionship during his troubled marriage.

Blair County prosecutors say the victim was the daughter of a longtime family friend. Michael Beam, of Claysburg, a father of three, told authorities his wife didn't communicate with him as well as the girl did.

Why female lawyers depart

A study by Rutgers University's Center for Women and Work has found that New Jersey female lawyers leave their jobs more often because of limited advancement than because of workload pressures or low job security. The report says "unsupportive work environment" was the most common reason cited for leaving. This includes perceived gender bias that curtails promotions, a lack of mentoring and a lack of encouragement.

Shrine damaged in theft try

Police say a man tried to rob the donation box at the St. Padre Pio Shrine in Buena by ramming his truck into it.

Police say surveillance video shows an older Ford pickup twice backing into the concrete casing that protects the safe holding donations at the shrine Friday night. The effort failed, but police said the man caused $10,000 in damage to the shrine.

- Staff and wire reports