Legislature
Pa. legislators looking to reform police procedures
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/04/16/Pennsylvania-legislators-legislation-reform-police-shootings-procedures-Antwon-Rose/stories/201904160122
Lawmakers hope to change Pennsylvania’s rules on police shootings
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/lawmakers-hope-to-change-pennsylvanias-rules-on-police-shootings/
PA’s Legislative Black Caucus wants to improve police, community relations
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/04/pas-legislative-black-caucus-wants-to-improve-police-community-relations.php
Battle flares over proposal to add state oversight to airport authority board
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/16/Airport-Authority-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-Mike-Turzai-Jay-Costa-Wayne-Fontana/stories/201904160066
State Sen. Vogel seeking delay in emissions equipment upgrade mandate
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190416/state-sen-vogel-seeking-delay-in-emissions-equipment-upgrade-mandate
Local lawmakers take aim at measures to improve environment
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-lawmakers-take-aim-at-measures-to-improve-environment/article_0c34e5ea-6085-11e9-9b53-0b2cddb7fedf.html
Olympic medal winners could keep their winnings all to themselves
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/olympic-medal-winners-could-keep-their-winnings-all-to-themselves.html
Minors could perform music in Pa. bars under bill that won state House approval
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/minors-could-perform-music-in-pa-bars-under-bill-that-won-state-house-approval.html
100 protesters call for gerrymandering fixes
http://www.ncnewsonline.com/news/protesters-call-for-gerrymandering-fixes/article_70537a8a-178a-51f7-a224-584e847d9753.html
Klunk reintroduces ban on Down syndrome-based abortions
https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/16/klunk-reintroduces-ban-down-syndrome-based-abortions/3485392002/
Let nurse practitioners expand access
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/let-nurse-practitioners-expand-access-1.2471050
Administration
Governor backs Shapiro’s efforts in UPMC-Highmark dispute, even as key departments stay on sidelines
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/04/16/Attorney-General-Josh-Shapiro-UPMC-Highmark-Supreme-Court-consent-decrees/stories/201904160121
Sen. Casey throws supports behind Gov. Wolf’s Restore PA plan
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190416/sen-casey-throws-supports-behind-gov-wolfs-restore-pa-plan
Business
Lawsuits filed over coke pollution include class action on Clairton
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/04/16/Two-lawsuits-filed-over-coke-oven-pollution-clairton-us-steel-pittsburgh-air-quality/stories/201904160112
Deemer’s Discount Groceries opens on Coal Street in WB
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740282/deemers-discount-groceries-opens-on-coal-street-in-wb
Crime/Punishment
Clairton police charge 18 juveniles, one adult after violent protest
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/16/clairton-students-protest-charges-police-michael-rosfeld-antwon-rose/stories/201904160132
Alleged bad cop granted bail reduction; civil case stayed
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740330/alleged-bad-cop-granted-bail-reduction-civil-case-stayed
Police: Motorcyclist tried to run down state trooper near Fort Pitt Tunnel
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/unlicensed-motorcyclist-accused-of-trying-to-run-down-state-trooper-near-ft-pitt-tunnels/
New Kensington police crack down on speeding
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-traffic-enforcement-results-in-citations-warnings/
Police: Wrestler was shot by officers after he attacked his mother with sword, gun
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/17/Wrestler-shot-by-police-had-attacked-his-mother-with-sword/stories/201904170070
More than 70 drivers cited in speed details on Routes 222 and 61
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/more-than-70-drivers-cited-in-speed-details-on-routes-222-and-61
Education
Equity advocates criticize Wolf’s plan to boost teacher salaries in Pa.
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/equity-advocates-criticize-wolfs-plan-to-boost-teacher-salaries-in-pa.php
Deer Lakes school board member resigns citing problems with leadership
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/deer-lakes-school-board-member-resigns-citing-problems-with-leadership/
Hazleton Area School District has no plan yet for changes
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-area-school-district-has-no-plan-yet-for-changes-1.2471163
Elections/Politics
Berks County faces shortage of poll workers
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/berks-county-faces-shortage-of-poll-workers
Gaming
Rivers Casino’s $12M leads sharp uptick in Pa. sports betting in March
https://triblive.com/sports/rivers-casinos-12m-leads-sharp-uptick-in-pa-sports-betting-in-march/
Health Care
Uniontown Hospital delays $32 million campus upgrade as it struggles with UPMC’s departure
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/04/16/Uniontown-Hospital-delays-32-million-campus-upgrade-upmc-partnership-ending/stories/201904150110
Local News
Penalties temporarily waived for unpaid residential stormwater bills
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740375/penalties-temporarily-waived-for-unpaid-residential-stormwater-bills
New deadline issued for stormwater bills
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/new-deadline-issued-for-stormwater-bills-1.2471195
Red Cross honors everyday heroes for extraordinary courage
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740358/red-cross-honors-everyday-heroes-for-extraordinary-courage
Three-wheeling to a dream come true
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740371/three-wheeling-to-a-dream-come-true
Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority close to securing mortgage for garage purchase
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740366/wilkes-barre-parking-authority-close-to-securing-mortgage-for-garage-purchase
National Weather Service confirms tornado in Lackawanna County
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/national-weather-service-confirms-tornado-in-lackawanna-county-1.2471133
Basalyga’s vacant Scranton factory to become apartments
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/basalyga-s-vacant-scranton-factory-to-become-apartments-1.2471296
Another water line plan pitched for Tresckow
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/another-water-line-plan-pitched-for-tresckow-1.2471087
Schuylkill County, SWIC join to aid crime victims
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/schuylkill-county-swic-join-to-aid-crime-victims-1.2471102
Harrison commissioners may cut back to 1 meeting per month
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-commissioners-may-cut-back-to-1-meeting-per-month/
After 11 years of ‘delays and setbacks,’ developer Carl Dranoff unveils apartment building in Ardmore
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/one-ardmore-dranoff-aimco-apartments-lower-merion-cricket-20190416.html
Falls Twp. schedules vote on controversial wastewater plant
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/falls-township-wastewater-plant-bucks-county–20190417.html
Reading Area Water Authority happy Birdsboro power plant is starting up
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rawa-happy-birdsboro-power-plant-is-starting-up
Editorial: County belatedly comes out in favor of transparency
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-county-belatedly-comes-out-in-favor-of-transparency
UGI announces natural gas line work in 21 Lehigh Valley neighborhoods
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/04/ugi-announces-natural-gas-line-work-in-21-lehigh-valley-neighborhoods.html
Marijuana
Fetterman hears support to legalize recreational marijuana in State College
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/overwhelming-support-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-at-listening-tour-stop-in-state-college.php
Chester County residents offer views on legalizing recreational marijuana
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/chester-county-residents-offer-views-on-legalizing-recreational-marijuana/article_96647de0-607e-11e9-9523-8ba39ea592a0.html
National News
Denver-area schools closed as FBI searches for armed woman ‘infatuated’ with Columbine shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/16/FBI-investigating-woman-threat-Columbine-High-lockdown-20-Denver-area-schools/stories/201904160144
Charlotte officials release video of a police shooting that sparked demonstrations
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/16/Charlotte-released-video-fatal-police-shooting-Danquirs-Franklin-gun-Burger-King/stories/201904160166
Pregnant women less likely to get depression treatment, may turn to substance use, study finds
https://www.philly.com/health/pregnant-women-depression-treatment-mental-health-addiction-20190417.html
Natural Gas
Washington Township OKs another gas well near Beaver Run Reservoir
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/washington-township-oks-another-gas-well-near-beaver-run-resevoir/
Opioid Crisis
In year 2 of ‘war on opioids,’ Highmark touts lower prescribing, takes on stigma
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/04/16/war-on-opioids-Highmark-stigma-Allegheny-Health-Network/stories/201904160104
How repealing Obamacare could worsen the opioid crisis | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/opioid-use-disorder-insurance-aca-20190416.html
Philly
When it comes to putting women in charge, the Sixers are way ahead of the game
https://www.philly.com/sixers/sixers-76ers-front-office-staff-women-leaders-20190417.html
Philly’s 2020 assessments are out. Here’s how to calculate your new tax bill.
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-tax-rate-bill-calculate-assessment-property-real-estate-20190417.html
Driver runs down pedestrians in North Philly
https://www.philly.com/news/car-pedestrians-assault-north-philadelphia-20190416.html
Layoffs at the Historical Society have been a long time coming
https://www.philly.com/arts/layoffs-historical-society-pennsylvania-philadelphia-finances-atwater-kent-history-museum-20190416.html
Mastery Charter Schools suspended 13-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted, suit says
https://www.philly.com/news/mastery-charter-school-philadelphia-pastorius-sexual-assault-20190416.html
8 hurt in crash involving SEPTA bus, 2 other vehicles
https://www.philly.com/news/septa-bus-accident-northeast-philadelphia-20190416.html
Philly’s street cleaning pilot has launched in these 6 neighborhoods
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia/philadelphia-street-sweeping-cleaning-pilot-program-20190416.html
Lawyers argue ex-Philly cop Ryan Pownall can’t get a fair trial in front of a city jury
https://www.philly.com/news/ryan-pownall-philadelphia-larry-krasner-police-shooting-trial-venue-change-20190416.html
In Philly, are we comfortable with doing ‘just okay’? | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/pew-philadelphia-growth-chamber-of-commerce-20190417.html
Scam or sheriff’s sale? When a man with a badge shows up asking for property taxes. | Solomon Jones
https://www.philly.com/opinion/sheriff-sale-gentrification-home-ownership-philadelphia-20190416.html
A week away from the mayor brings fresh perspective | Stu Bykofsky
https://www.philly.com/opinion/stu-bykofsky-jim-kenney-texts-primary-election-sanctuary-city-real-estate-tax-20190416.html
Pitt
PWSA continues adding lead-reducing chemical to lead water lines
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/16/PWSA-adds-lead-lines-reducing-chemical-pittsburgh-water-orthophosphate/stories/201904160082
City online permitting portal to launch this summer
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/16/Pittsburgh-online-permitting-licensing-permits-licenses-portal-OneStopPGH-online-transparent/stories/201904160128
Convention Center terrace work gets go ahead after minority participation increased
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/16/David-L-Lawrence-Convention-Center-Mascaro-Construction-Sala-Udin-Downtown/stories/201904170048
Picklesburgh 2019 to expand beyond Roberto Clemente Bridge
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/food/2019/04/16/Picklesburgh-2019-expands-beyond-Roberto-Clemente-Bridge-Pittsburgh-July/stories/201904160120
Double the dill: Picklesburgh food festival to expand
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/double-the-dill-picklesburgh-food-festival-to-expand/
City Council approves settlement to man beaten by police officer outside Heinz Field
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/16/Council-unanimously-approves-77-500-settlement-to-victim-of-excessive-police-force/stories/201904160091
Pittsburgh can look forward to sunny days when ‘Sesame Street’ comes to town for festival in June
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2019/04/16/Sesame-Street-50th-anniversary-festival-tour-Pittsburgh-June-15-Schenley-Park/stories/201904140161
Pittsburgh losing two flights — at least temporarily — as Boeing 737 woes continue
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/17/Southwest-Airlines-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-Los-Angeles-Cancun-Las-Vegas-Boeing-737-Max-8/stories/201904170064
Three Rivers Arts Festival announces details of 60th anniversary
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/three-rivers-arts-festival-announces-details-of-60th-anniversary/
State News
The giant rubber duck floats back to Erie this summer … with her baby
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/recreation/2019/04/16/The-big-rubber-duck-floats-into-Erie-this-summer-with-her-baby/stories/201904160095
Danger, beauty, and grief at the end of Carbon County’s Glen Onoko Falls trail
https://www.philly.com/news/glen-onoko-falls-jimthorpe-hiking-outdoors-camping-carbon-20190417.html
State will close beautiful but dangerous Glen Onoko Falls trail May 1
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-glen-onoko-trail-20190416-iqnee4cukfahjnjcoceodapleq-story.html
Western Pa. gets a shout-out on ‘SNL’s’ Weekend Update
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/western-pa-gets-a-shout-out-on-snls-weekend-update/
Shapiro visits West Pittston to discuss drug take-back
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740364/shapiro-visits-west-pittston-to-discuss-drug-take-back
Washington County farm among the latest protected from non-agricultural uses
https://triblive.com/local/regional/washington-county-farm-among-the-latest-protected-from-non-agricultural-uses/
USDA revamps website to help farmers manage loans, hire workers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/usda-revamps-farmers-gov-website-for-managing-farm-loans-seasonal-workers/
Transportation
Train cars derail, spill trash in Wyomissing
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/train-cars-derail-spill-trash-in-wyomissing
Washington
Fox’s Sanders town hall is the most-watched candidate event in the race so far
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2019/04/16/Sen-Bernie-Sanders-Fox-town-hall-Democratic-presidential-2020-Trump-tax-Medicare/stories/201904160133