Legislature
Emotional speakers beg for stronger controls on methane emissions
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/environment/2019/04/23/Emotional-testimony-highlights-methane-emission-health-impacts/stories/201904230154
Methane hearing draws concern over state rules
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/methane-hearing-draws-concern-over-state-rules.php
Dinniman to introduce consent education bill
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/dinniman-to-introduce-consent-education-bill/article_7e14ae5a-6681-11e9-bbe0-3b45b7250adf.html
Pa. Sen. Maria Collett introduces two PFAS bills
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190423/pa-sen-maria-collett-introduces-two-pfas-bills
State official visits Berks park to promote tax proposal
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-official-visits-berks-park-to-promote-tax-proposal
Public hearing discusses breweries collecting retail tax on beer
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/04/22/Public-hearing-breweries-6-percent-tax-beer-Pennsylvania-Department-of-Revenue/stories/201904220098
Brewery owners seek ‘clarity and parity’ at beer tax hearing
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/beer-owners-seek-clarity-and-parity-at-beer-tax-hearing/
2-cent fee proposed for single-use plastic bags in Pennsylvania
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/proposed-2-cent-fee-on-single-use-plastic-bags-in-pa/
Bill Tracker: Fish and Boat Commission could raise license fees
https://cumberlink.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/bill_tracker/bill-tracker-fish-and-boat-commission-could-raise-license-fees/article_0b4bea5a-97da-57c6-a0a4-fd09a56c601a.html
PUC commissioner voices opposition to nuclear subsidy bill
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190423/puc-commissioner-voices-opposition-to-nuclear-subsidy-bill
Fitzgerald, Turzai clash over airport authority bill
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/23/Turzai-Fitzgerald-Pittsburgh-International-Airport-Authority-Cassotis-legislation/stories/201904230152
Pennsylvania’s tax on online sales is making millions more than expected. Here’s why.
https://www.philly.com/news/online-sales-tax-pennsylvania-wayfair-etsy-revenue-marketplace-20190424.html
Business
Mariner East 1 pipeline back in service after sinkholes forced two shutdowns
https://www.philly.com/business/energy/sunoco-restarts-mariner-east-me1-pipeline-after-second-sinkhole-shutdown-20190423.html
Company exec says the best way to change the lives of those with disabilities is to hire them.
https://www.philly.com/news/graham-company-mike-mitchell-intellectual-disability-thomasin-justice-20190424.html
Western Pennsylvania’s first rebranded Dunkin’ opens in Pleasant Hills
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/western-pennsylvanias-first-dunkin-opens-in-pleasant-hills/
Ubiquity to bring about 400 jobs to Hanover Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/ubiquity-to-bring-about-400-jobs-to-hanover-twp-1.2474065
How did Weyerbacher Brewing get to this point?
https://www.mcall.com/business/mc-biz-how-did-weyerbacher-brewing-get-to-bankruptcy-20190424-4xqxg2bqtfdz5jjagxceqraqcy-story.html
Crime/Punishment
‘It was a horrific scene’: Mother dies protecting infant in grisly Delaware County murder-suicide
https://www.philly.com/news/murder-suicide-baby-sharon-hill-shekierrah-adams-raquill-holland-20190423.html
Former Trump advisor Manafort housed at federal prison in Wayne County
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/former-trump-advisor-manafort-housed-at-federal-prison-in-wayne-county-1.2473729
State police arrest nearly 400 for DUI over holiday weekend
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-police-arrest-nearly-400-for-dui-over-holiday-weekend
Convicted in pay-to-play scheme with ties to Allentown corruption, ex-Reading Mayor Vaughn Spencer faces sentencing
https://www.mcall.com/news/police/mc-nws-reading-mayor-vaughn-spencer-corruption-sentencing-20190424-nkh2alw4vfg4xbrd7d5pduu24u-story.html
Cash grab: As asset forfeiture quietly expands across Pa., abuses follow
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/cash-grab-as-asset-forfeiture-quietly-expands-across-pa-abuses-follow.php
Education
Charges dismissed against former Glen Mills counselor; another awaits trial
https://www.philly.com/news/glen-mills-schools-charges-dismissed-patrick-raquet-abuse-20190423.html
McKeesport Area School District disputes allegations in black student union case
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/east/2019/04/23/McKeesport-Area-School-District-black-student-union-lawsuit/stories/201904230140
McKeesport school officials say they did not block Black Student Union
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/mckeesport-school-officials-say-they-did-not-block-black-student-union/
Bereaved mom’s emotional presentation warns Nanticoke students about distracted driving
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741125/bereaved-moms-emotional-presentation-warns-nanticoke-students-about-distracted-driving
Vote to replace Roenigk bus company at Highlands comes up short
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/vote-to-replace-roenigk-bus-company-at-highlands-comes-up-short/
Pa. students, library patrons have access to new digital archives
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-students-library-patrons-have-access-to-new-digital-archives/
Old Forge hires new solicitor
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-hires-new-solicitor-1.2473995
No Ewing sarcoma cluster in the Canon-McMillan School District, state says
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/04/23/Ewing-sarcoma-cluster-Canon-McMillan-Pennsylvania-Health-Department/stories/201904230128
Study: Ewing sarcoma rate not higher than expected in Canon-McMillan School District
https://triblive.com/local/regional/study-ewing-sarcoma-rate-not-higher-than-expected-in-canon-mcmillan-school-district/
Hazleton Area making strides, still work to be done
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/hazleton-area-making-strides-still-work-to-be-done-1.2474053
Lawsuit charges Valley Forge Military Academy looked the other way on hazing, abuse
https://www.philly.com/education/valley-forge-military-academy-hazing-abuse-lawsuit-20190423.html
SSD’s issue not just money
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/ssd-s-issue-not-just-money-1.2473954
Pitt and Penn State football linked to college basketball corruption trial
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2019/04/23/college-basketball-corruption-trial-pitt-penn-state-marty-blazer/stories/201904230137
Two Penn programs get $80 million in gifts, including a new Walnut Street building
https://www.philly.com/business/energy/two-penn-energy-programs-vagelos-kleinman-get-donations-20190423.html
First-generation college graduates lack the affluent’s connections to find their first jobs
https://www.philly.com/news/first-generation-college-student-rich-admissions-low-income-inequality-20190424.html
Elections/Politics
Westmoreland approves multiple polling location changes for primary
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-approves-multiple-polling-location-changes-for-primary/
Editorial: Participate in democracy — as a poll worker if you can
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-participate-in-democracy–as-a-poll-worker-if-you-can
Gaming
Is gambling a problem in Pa.? It’s ranked among top 15 gambling-addicted states
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2019/04/is-gambling-a-problem-in-pa-its-ranked-among-top-15-gambling-addicted-states.html
Local News
Bridge deal, delinquent fees discussed at Wilkes-Barre council work session
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741122/bridge-deal-delinquent-fees-discussed-at-wilkes-barre-council-work-session
Deficiencies found in city’s recycling program
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/deficiencies-found-in-city-s-recycling-program-1.2474097
Mayor sought recycling fee hike as $785,000 remained unpaid
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mayor-sought-recycling-fee-hike-as-785-000-remained-unpaid-1.2474093
Luzerne County hires lobbyist firm
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741120/luzerne-county-hires-lobbyist-firm
County council approves contract with lobbying firm
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-council-approves-contract-with-lobbying-firm-1.2474057
Luzerne County DA issues warning about phone scam
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741092/luzerne-county-da-issues-warning-about-phone-scam
‘Our Town Nanticoke’ documentary premieres Thursday
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/our-town-nanticoke-documentary-premieres-thursday-1.2474085
Women’s work release apartments to cost about $72,000
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/women-s-work-release-apartments-to-cost-about-72-000-1.2474183
Chief of Staff Pantuso surrenders claim to tax-and-trash-fee delinquent properties, brother paying debts
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/chief-of-staff-pantuso-surrenders-claim-to-tax-and-trash-fee-delinquent-properties-brother-paying-debts-1.2473851
Harrisburg City Council votes to keep parking after 5 program, but Saturday part of the deal in limbo
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/harrisburg-city-council-agrees-to-parking-after-5-program-extension-excludes-free-parking-code-agreement.html
National News
Alcohol, sex, and violence collided in murder case involving SEALs and Marines
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/murder-case-involves-seals-and-marines-20190423.html
Americans getting more inactive, computers partly to blame
https://triblive.com/news/health-now/americans-getting-more-inactive-computers-partly-to-blame/
Handful of states are poised to legalize sports betting
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/handful-of-us-states-are-poised-to-legalize-sports-betting.php
New Jersey
Former N.J. scout leaders among those in Boy Scouts ‘perversion file’ for alleged sexual abuse of boys, lawyers say
https://www.philly.com/news/new-jersey/boy-scouts-leaders-sexual-abuse-perversion-list-new-jersey-20190423.html
Philly
Can kids stop distracted driving? Philly advocate aims to bring lessons to schools.
https://www.philly.com/news/distracted-driving-texting-schools-parents-20190424.html
Philly area retailer secretly collected data from customers who visited its website, lawsuit alleges
https://www.philly.com/news/harriet-carter-navistone-online-privacy-data-collection-20190424.html
From victim to vigilante: Clergy sex abuse survivor finds accused Philly priest online, working for charter school system in Arizona
https://www.philly.com/news/john-meyers-carolyn-fortney-clergy-sex-abuse-philadelphia-rose-management-tucson-catholics4change-20190423.html
Mayoral challengers spar with Kenney at first forum
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/mayoral-challengers-spar-with-kenney-at-first-forum/article_0c8f34e2-a0ed-5ddd-8365-bba3030c4085.html
Ex-Sheriff John Green admits taking bribes: ‘I have betrayed the confidence’ of Philly citizens
https://www.philly.com/news/sheriff-office-john-green-philadelphia-james-davis-bribery-guilty-20190423.html
Methamphetamine overdoses are on the rise in Philadelphia, health officials say
https://www.philly.com/health/methamphetamine-cocaine-stimulant-overdose-death-philadelphia-20190423.html
Philly area’s largest health insurer is spending less on claims, and why that’s a good thing
https://www.philly.com/business/helath-insurance-premiums-independence-blue-cross-2018-earnings-20190423.html
Taking a school ‘to a new level’: In Kensington, this leader shines
https://www.philly.com/education/lindback-award-principal-winner-kensington-20190423.html
What makes Center City work can also transform the city’s neighborhoods | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/center-city-district-trash-cleanup-neighborhoods-20190424.html
Schuylkill rowing must be saved | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/schuylkill-river-dredging-dad-vail-stotesbury-regatta-20190423.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh region’s air quality gets an ‘F’
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/2019/04/24/Pittsburgh-regional-air-quality-gets-failing-grades-again/stories/201904230099
Protest planned over Pirro speech in Cranberry following her remarks about Muslim congresswoman
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/04/23/Protest-planned-Jeanine-Pirro-speech-St-Barnabas-Charities-Founders-Day/stories/201904230142
Biden planning — again — to announce his candidacy, then visit Pittsburgh next week
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2019/04/23/Joe-Biden-coming-visiting-Pittsburgh-Monday-Lawrenceville-Democratic-presidential-race/stories/201904230101
Planning commission unanimously recommends Lawrenceville affordable housing zoning measure
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/23/Planning-commission-unanimously-recommends-Lawrenceville-affordable-housing-zoning-measure/stories/201904230150
Another new member appointed to Port Authority board of directors
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/04/23/Lori-Mizgorski-replaces-Rob-Vescio-Port-Authority-board-of-directors-transportation-Pittsburgh/stories/201904230127
Eat at your own risk: Allegheny County drops the ball on restaurant inspections
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/04/24/Eat-at-your-own-risk-Allegheny-County-drops-the-ball-on-restaurant-inspections/stories/201904240036
Pittsburgh publicity video gets a seat in Times Square
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-chair-video-to-play-in-times-square-before-mister-rogers-film/
Dalai Lama’s personal doctor visits Pittsburgh, teaches mindfulness
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/dalai-lamas-personal-doctor-visits-pittsburgh-teaches-mindfulness/
State News
Montgomery County film festival, 11 years on, keeps raising the bar for young filmmakers
https://www.philly.com/news/greenfield-youth-film-festival-upper-dublin-montgomery-county-20190423.html
Mixed verdict in air quality report
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mixed-verdict-in-air-quality-report-1.2474094
Erie region among cleanest in air report
https://www.goerie.com/news/20190424/erie-region-among-cleanest-in-air-report
Allentown Diocese launches compensation fund for survivors of clergy sex abuse
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/allentown-diocese-launches-compensation-fund-for-survivors-of-clergy-sex-abuse
PFAS chemicals in drinking water: How one Pa. homeowner took matters into his own hands
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/pfas-contamination-how-one-pa-homeowner-took-matters-into-his-own-hands.html
Beaver reports spike in drug overdose calls
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190423/beaver-reports-spike-in-drug-overdose-calls
Monroe, Pike continue growth
https://www.poconorecord.com/news/20190423/monroe-pike-continue-growth
Transportation
Westmoreland County Transit Authority launches mobile ticketing ability
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-transit-authoritylaunches-mobile-ticketing-ability/
PennDOT schedules road maintenance in Westmoreland County
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/penndot-schedules-road-maintenance-in-westmoreland-county/
$8.7M repaving project begins in Dallas
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/8-7m-repaving-project-begins-in-dallas-1.2474074
Washington
Treasury misses a deadline to turn over Trump’s tax returns
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/04/23/Treasury-Mnuchin-House-Democrats-deadline-turn-over-Trump-tax-returns-Congress/stories/201904230151
Maryland Gov. Hogan says he’s seriously considering a primary challenge to Trump
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/04/23/Maryland-Gov-Larry-Hogan-seriously-considering-primary-challenge-Trump-president/stories/201904230171
Trump says he is opposed to aides testifying to Congress, deepening power struggle with Capitol Hill
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/president-donald-trump-opposed-white-house-officials-testifying-congress-special-counsel-20190424.html
Pennsylvania Congressman John Joyce takes back claims of tuberculosis-infected migrants crossing border
https://triblive.com/news/world/pennsylvania-congressman-john-joyce-takes-back-claims-of-tuberculosis-infected-migrants-crossing-border/
Donald Trump Jr. greeted by big crowd on Penn State’s campus
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/donald-trump-jr-greeted-by-big-crowd-on-penn-states-campus.html