Legislature
Today is Equal Pay Day. Here’s what policymakers are doing (and not doing) to fix the wage gap.
https://www.philly.com/news/equal-pay-day-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-salary-history-bans-20190402.html
New state rep visits Riverside Elementary, boosts seat belts in school buses
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/new-state-rep-visits-riverside-elementary-boosts-seat-belts-in-school-buses-1.2464874
Lawmaker calls for Constitutional amendment to help victims of clerical abuse
https://www.tribdem.com/news/lawmaker-calls-for-constitutional-amendment-to-help-victims-of-clerical/article_c65d6ce3-2f56-5ddf-90ad-1e5073c9bdc1.html
Local officials take aim at sexual assault, child abuse and victims’ rights
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-officials-take-aim-at-sexual-assault-child-abuse-and/article_8c192d4a-54bc-11e9-ba47-879c4c02cbca.html
Power plant generates idea
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/power-plant-generates-idea-1.2464885
Term limits for legislators and a Pension forfeiture update is signed into law
https://www.witf.org/smart-talk/2019/04/term-limit-and-pension-forfeiture-bills.php
Lawmakers sign Bernstine letter requesting exemptions from anti-discrimination regs for faith-based adoption, foster care groups
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190401/lawmakers-sign-bernstine-letter-requesting-exemptions-from-anti-discrimination-regs-for-faith-based-adoption-foster-care-groups
Pennsylvania’s nuclear industry doesn’t want a bailout — it wants a handout | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/04/pennsylvanias-nuclear-industry-doesnt-want-a-bailout-it-wants-a-handout-opinion.html
Editorial: Long road to Topton creek fix a bad sign for Legislature
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/long-road-to-topton-creek-fix-a-bad-sign-for-legislature
Business
Sungard plans bankruptcy reboot; hedge funds to replace buyout artists
https://www.philly.com/columnists/sungard-plans-bankruptcy-reboot-hedge-funds-replace-buyout-artists-20190402.html
A loan services business gone bust, lawsuits filed and fingers are pointed all around
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/01/loan-modifications-Urban-Lending-Solutions-bank-of-america-Charles-Sanders-steelers/stories/201903240008
Walmart looks for expansion into Pa. alcohol sales in Fayette
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/walmart-looks-for-expansion-into-pa-alcohol-sales-in-fayette/
Study finds Pennsylvania women lose more than $10k a year through gender wage gap
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/study-finds-pennsylvania-women-lose-more-than-10k-a-year-through-gender-wage-gap/
Chamber hosting job expos today, Thursday
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/chamber-hosting-job-expos-today-thursday-1.2464868
Education
Riverview School District to host cyber security/bullying seminar with Allegheny County DA officials Wednesday
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/riverview-school-district-to-host-cyber-security-bullying-seminar-with-allegheny-county-da-officials-wednesday/
Scranton School District to keep preschool, change enrollment process
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-to-keep-preschool-change-enrollment-process-1.2465023
Agency investigating bias at Hazleton Area schools under fire for discrimination suit
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/agency-investigating-bias-at-hazleton-area-schools-under-fire-for-discrimination-suit-1.2464976
Bus firm hopes to avoid litigation with Crestwood
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/bus-firm-hopes-to-avoid-litigation-with-crestwood-1.2464928
Wilson parents, teachers pack board meeting, oppose outsourcing preschool, after-school programs
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wilson-parents-teachers-pack-board-meeting-oppose-outsourcing-preschool-after-school-programs
Hazleton Area Career Center students learn the do’s and don’ts of drones
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-area-career-center-students-learn-the-do-s-and-don-ts-of-drones-1.2464981
New enrollment manager coming to King’s College this month
https://www.timesleader.com/news/739021/new-enrollment-manager-coming-to-kings-college-this-month
Pitt names new president for Bradford-Titusville campuses
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pitt-names-new-president-for-bradford-titusville-campuses/
Elections/Politics
Voters head to the polls in special election to fill Pa. Senate seat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/04/02/special-election-37th-District-Pennsylvania-Senate-seat-pam-iovino-raja-Allegheny-Washington-county/stories/201904020058
Democrat Pam Iovino, Republican D. Raja vie for 37th state Senate seat
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/democrat-pam-iovino-republican-d-raja-vie-for-37th-state-senate-seat/
Democrats pass on endorsements for Westmoreland primary election; GOP likely to follow suit
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/democrats-pass-on-endorsements-for-westmoreland-primary-election-gop-likely-to-follow-suit/
Gaming
A casino in Amish country? A potential onslaught of slots divides a rural Pa. community.
https://www.philly.com/business/casino-pennsylvania-penn-national-amish-gambling-morgantown-20190401.html
Health Care
How long does it take to see a doctor in a nursing home? Some patients never do, Penn study finds.
https://www.philly.com/health/penn-nursing-home-doctor-death-readmission-20190401.html
Measles count in U.S. this year already more than all of 2018
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/measles-count-in-us-this-year-already-more-than-all-of-2018
Ellwood City Medical Center hourly workers again paid minimum wage
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190402/ellwood-city-medical-center-hourly-workers-again-paid-minimum-wage
Local News
Wilkes-Barre loses revenue as it considers what to do on higher recycling fee
https://www.timesleader.com/news/739013/wilkes-barre-loses-revenue-as-it-considers-what-to-do-on-higher-recycling-fee
Luzerne County seeking proposals for 911 emergency radio upgrade
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738982/luzerne-county-seeking-proposals-for-911-emergency-radio-upgrade
Entrepreneur to start business accelerator in former GUARD Insurance buildings
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/entrepreneur-to-start-business-accelerator-in-former-guard-insurance-buildings-1.2464988
Swoyersville mayor makes April 1 splash with mock campaign post
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738992/swoyersville-mayor-makes-april-1-splash-with-mock-campaign-post
Nanticoke to sell former personal care home; new tenants already lined up
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738956/nanticoke-to-sell-former-personal-care-home-new-tenants-already-lined-up
Movie magic hits streets of Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/movie-magic-hits-streets-of-scranton-1.2464927
Scranton council wants explanation of trash-fee delinquencies
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-wants-explanation-of-trash-fee-delinquencies-1.2465009
Jessup council ratifies deal to let power plant discharge wastewater into sewer system
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/jessup-council-ratifies-deal-to-let-power-plant-discharge-wastewater-into-sewer-system-1.2465081
West Pittston council reviewing firms for independent flood study
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/west-pittston-council-reviewing-firms-for-independent-flood-study-1.2464898
Defamation lawsuit filed against mayor of Shickshinny
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/defamation-lawsuit-filed-against-mayor-of-shickshinny-1.2464911
Freeland working to solve stormwater runoff issues
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/freeland-working-to-solve-stormwater-runoff-issues-1.2464925
AGH honors Tarentum teen and fallen officer Sciullo as organ donors, lifesavers
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/agh-honors-organ-donors-eli-bussotti-and-paul-sciullo-for-saving-lives/
West Newton couple continue battling legal hurdles to regain custody of infant daughter
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/west-newton-couple-continue-battling-legal-hurdles-to-regain-custody-of-infant-daughter/
Lower Burrell looking for full-time police officer candidates
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/lower-burrell-looking-for-full-time-police-officer-candidates/
Group trying to impose term limits on Reading officials hits road block
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/group-trying-to-impose-term-limits-on-reading-officials-hits-road-block
Former special assistant to Vaughn Spencer sentenced to house arrest, probation
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/former-special-assistant-to-vaughn-spencer-sentenced-to-house-arrest-probation
Reading’s Daniel Torres Hispanic center names new chief operating officer
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/readings-hispanic-center-names-new-operating-officer
Should Bethlehem ban single-use plastic bags?
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/bethlehem/mc-nws-bethlehem-plastic-bag-ban-20190402-f2ik5nzrwna63pvwdykihsiyda-story.html
Councilwoman targets Erie Coke Corp.
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190401/councilwoman-targets-erie-coke-corp
Crystal meth on rise, again, in Erie region
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190402/crystal-meth-on-rise-again-in-erie-region
Marijuana
John Fetterman headed to Allentown in pot legalization listening tour
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-marijuana-legalization-john-fetterman-lehigh-northampton-20190401-story.html
National News
The FAA says Boeing needs more time on its 737 Max software fix
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/pittsburgh-company-news/2019/04/01/FAA-Boeing-needs-more-time-737-Max-8-jet-aviation-software-fix-crash-flights/stories/201904010129
Photo of Joe Biden touching then-defense secretary’s wife went viral. Now she’s speaking out.
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/joe-biden-ash-carter-wife-stephanie-photo-lucy-flores-20190401.html
Natural Gas
DEP investigating gas well for water supply complaint in Pittsburgh suburb
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/dep-investigating-gas-well-for-water-supply-complaint-in-pittsburgh-suburb.php
New Jersey
As overdoses rise, New Jersey removes a barrier to treatment for opioid addiction
https://www.philly.com/health/new-jersey-opioid-addiction-medication-assisted-treatment-barriers-20190402.html
New Jersey moves to enact tougher drinking water standards for PFAS
https://www.philly.com/news/pfas-new-jersey-drinking-water-limit-pfoa-pfos-20190401.html
Philly
Philly Democratic leaders back Sheriff Jewell Williams for third term amid ‘me too’ trouble
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-democrats-primary-endorsements-jim-kenney-alan-butkovitz-tony-williams-bob-brady-20190401.html
Unspent borrowings from jilted W. Philly Police HQ project eyed by city for other repairs
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-police-headquarters-bond-city-repair-maintenance-projects-20190401.html
Philadelphia Orchestra conductor has created a playlist of classical music for animals at the SPCA
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-orchestra-yannick-nezet-seguin-spca-playlist-shelter-animals-20190401.html
Two international artists have come to Philly to sing songs about work with strangers
https://www.philly.com/news/sound-art-philadelphia-remote-viewing-hong-kai-wang-bill-dietz-20190402.html
High-stakes contract negotiations at Community College of Philadelphia end for the evening, will continue Tuesday morning
https://www.philly.com/education/community-college-philadelphia-talks-contract-strike-20190401.html
How many lawyers does it take to shut down a failing charter school? | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/aspira-olney-philadelphia-charter-schools-20190401.html
Metal detectors in schools are ugly reminders of violence — and failure of our leaders | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/metal-detector-school-shooting-safety-20190402.html
Pitt
Hazelwood Green streets, trail open site to public for the first time in a century
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/01/Hazelwood-Green-streets-trail-opens-to-public-for-the-first-time-in-decades/stories/201904010057
Hiking and biking trail, roads open at Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green site
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/hiking-and-biking-trail-roads-open-at-pittsburghs-hazelwood-green-site/
Growing up through the Cracks: Pa.’s fix for distressed communities hasn’t worked for Duquesne’s families
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/social-services/2019/04/01/pennsylvania-distressed-municipalities-act-47-Duquesne-families/stories/201903250064
Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner faces April 11 hearing in Detroit
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/01/Allegheny-County-Controller-Chelsa-Wagner-preliminary-hearing-Detroit-Westin-Book-Cadillac/stories/201904010076
Allegheny County Controller Chelsa Wagner scheduled for preliminary hearing in Detroit April 11
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/allegheny-county-controller-chelsa-wagner-scheduled-for-preliminary-hearing-in-detroit-april-11/
City to study, redesign five-point intersection in Larimer used by ‘vulnerable’ pedestrians
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/01/City-to-study-redesign-dangerous-five-point-intersection-in-Larimer/stories/201904010096
Community input sought for redesign of dangerous Pittsburgh intersection
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/community-input-sought-for-redesign-of-dangerous-pittsburgh-intersection/
Giving away money: A Pittsburgh program seeding philanthropy in the next generation
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/04/01/Philanthropy-next-generation-Pittsburgh-Foundation-Westmoreland/stories/201903310036
City revamps its trash and recycling rules
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/01/City-revamps-its-trash-and-recycling-rules/stories/201904010078
No better than before: Revised gun bills still exceed the city’s authority
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/04/02/Pittsburgh-gun-control-bills-exceed-city-council-authority-law-Tree-Life-shooting/stories/201904020026
Pittsburgh police injured in Tree of Life shooting throw first pitch at Pirates home opener
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-injured-in-tree-of-life-shooting-throw-first-pitch-at-pirates-home-opener/
Pittsburgh ranks in top 10 for highest number of Chipotle restuarants
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-ranks-in-top-10-for-highest-number-of-chipotle-restuarants/
State News
Warrendale postal facility remains closed after mercury spill
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/north/2019/04/01/Warrendale-post-office-remains-closed-after-mercury-spill/stories/201904010127
Pa. caseworkers missed ‘red flags’ before teen’s brutal death in Bucks
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/grace-packer-red-flags-social-workers-child-welfare-abuse-rape-murder-sara-jacob-sullivan-bucks-20190401.html
Three local winners share in $400,000 Cash 5 jackpot
https://triblive.com/local/regional/three-local-winners-share-in-400000-cash-5-jackpot/
Burlco paratrooper, Ambler Marine killed in separate training accidents
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/matthew-wiegand-marine-pilot-killed-helicopter-crash-arizona-20190401.html
Group pitches minelands cleanup
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/group-pitches-minelands-cleanup-1.2464921
Census 2020’s citizenship question could pose ‘a challenge’ to getting a complete count, state official says
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/census-2020s-inclusion-of-citizenship-question-could-present-a-challenge-to-getting-a-complete-count-state-official-says.html
Should citizenship matter on the census? PA officials say no.
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/04/should-citizenship-matter-on-the-census-pa-officials-say-no.php
Pa. cities with the most homeowners ‘under water’ on their mortgages in 2019
https://expo.pennlive.com/news/g66l-2019/04/566b7a66172397/pa-cities-with-the-most-homeowners-under-water-on-their-mortgages-in-2019.html
Capitol Roundup: Study shows Pa. seniors account for negative economic impact
https://www.timesleader.com/news/738952/capitol-roundup-study-shows-pa-seniors-account-for-negative-economic-impact-2
141 millions pounds of trash collected along Pennsylvania roads, shorelines, trails
https://www.pennlive.com/life/2019/04/141-millions-pounds-of-trash-along-pennsylvania-roads-shorelines-trails.html
Transportation
AAA campaign focuses on Distracted Driving Awareness Month
https://triblive.com/local/regional/aaa-campaign-focuses-on-distracted-driving-awareness-month/
Another report calls state levies on Pennsylvania Turnpike unsustainable
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/second-report-calls-state-levies-on-pennsylvania-turnpike-unsustainable/
Fees on Uber trips and hybrid vehicles: Where the state might look to pay for public transportation
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/fees-on-uber-trips-and-hybrid-vehicles-where-the-state-might-look-to-pay-for-public-transportation.html
New technology and better background checks recommended for Uber in Pennsylvania
https://www.philly.com/transportation/uber-puc-pennsylvania-background-check-safety-20190401.html
Detours loom on Route 309 in Wilkes-Barre Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/detours-loom-on-route-309-in-wilkes-barre-twp-1.2465008
Road Warrior: What will New York’s congestion tax mean for Lehigh Valley commuters?
https://www.mcall.com/business/transportation/road-warrior/mc-nws-road-warrior-nyc-congestion-tax-20190401-story.html
Washington
National briefs: Disaster relief bill fails in Senate amid Puerto Rico funding fight
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/04/01/National-briefs-Disaster-relief-bill-fails-Senate-Puerto-Rico-funding-fight/stories/201904020064
‘Commander in Cheat’? New book recounts golf misdeeds by Trump
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/donald-trump-golf-cheating-rick-reilly-tiger-woods-sports-illustrated-commander-in-cheat-20190401.html
Toomey’s aim
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/toomey-s-aim-1.2464887