Legislature
Pa.’s $500M nuclear rescue bill: A giveaway to one industry, or a clean-energy salvation?
https://www.philly.com/business/new-pennsylvania-nuclear-rescue-bill-would-steer-some-money-renewables-20190403.html
Should Pennsylvanians pay more to subsidize TMI and other nuclear plants?
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/reactor-reactions-new-bill-emerges-to-subsidize-pennsylvanias-nuclear-fleet.html
State Senate introduces nuclear bailout bill, similar to $500 million House plan
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/state-senate-introduces-nuclear-bailout-bill-similar-to-500-million-house-plan.php
Officials hail announcment of e-commerce tenant for Nanticoke site
https://www.timesleader.com/news/local/739180/e-commerce-tenant-announced-for-nanticoke-site
E-commerce company coming to Nanticoke
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/e-commerce-company-coming-to-nanticoke-1.2465891
Officials discuss ways to help financially strapped Scranton School District
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/officials-discuss-ways-to-help-financially-strapped-scranton-school-district-1.2465839
How Democrat Pam Iovino flipped a Pittsburgh area state senate district
https://www.pghcitypaper.com/pittsburgh/how-democrat-pam-iovino-flipped-a-pittsburgh-area-state-senate-district/Content?oid=14477465
Pa. senate questions college enrollment numbers
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pa-senate-questions-college-enrollment-numbers/
Argall details struggles trying to abolish school property taxes
https://www.republicanherald.com/news/argall-details-struggles-trying-to-abolish-school-property-taxes-1.2466048
Rep. Quinn introduces bills to regulate pipelines
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/rep-quinn-introduces-bills-to-regulate-pipelines/article_4a5bd05e-5653-11e9-b338-3ba4fbfd73e3.html
O’Neal seeking answers about potential cancer cluster
https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/o-neal-seeking-answers-about-potential-cancer-cluster/article_f17eda90-561f-11e9-8b87-0f17fdff57ed.html
We must make sexual extortion illegal in Pennsylvania | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/04/we-must-make-sexual-extortion-illegal-in-pennsylvania-opinion.html
Business
Wawa is undergoing a huge expansion, from grain bowls to fair-trade coffee to catering
https://www.philly.com/business/retail/wawa-coffee-hoagies-bowls-philadelphia-pennsylvania-new-jersey-florida-20190404.html
Walmart wants to give Pa. patrons ‘affordable way’ to buy alcohol. Sheetz and Wawa seem to want same.
https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2019/04/walmart-wants-to-give-pa-patrons-affordable-way-to-buy-alcohol-sheetz-and-wawa-seem-to-want-same.html
Sheetz seeks to sell alcohol at store near Norwin elementary school
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/sheetz-seeks-to-sell-alcohol-at-store-near-norwin-elementary-school/
Arconic to cut health care benefits to retirees
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/arconic-to-cut-health-care-benefits-to-retirees/
Star Barn venue bars gay weddings over owner’s religious beliefs
https://www.pennlive.com/business/2019/04/popular-wedding-venue-bars-gay-weddings-ignites-a-social-media-storm.html
Operator of Mariner East 1 pipeline agrees to $200,000 fine for leak in Berks County
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/operator-of-mariner-east-1-pipeline-agrees-to-200000-fine-for-leak-in-berks-county
State low-interest loan approved for DelGrosso’s
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-business/2019/04/state-low-interest-loan-approved-for-delgrossos/
Catholic Church
Pope names moderate successor to Cardinal Wuerl as Washington, D.C., archbishop
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2019/04/04/Pope-names-moderate-Gregory-as-Washington-DC-archbishop/stories/201904040066
Crime/Punishment
Jail time for Penn State frat brothers in hazing death surprises experts: ‘It is very, very rare’
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/jail-time-for-penn-state-frat-brothers-in-hazing-death-surprises-many-legal-experts-weigh-in.html
Education
Scranton School District recovery officer suggests school closures, other options
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-school-district-recovery-officer-suggests-school-closures-other-options-1.2465948
Hempfield schools get clean report in new state audit
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/hempfield-schools-get-clean-report-in-new-state-audit/
W-B Area sets groundbreaking
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-area-sets-groundbreaking-1.2465981
Get union out of coaches’ box
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/get-union-out-of-coaches-box-1.2465878
1st parent agrees to plead guilty in college bribery scandal
https://www.philly.com/news/nation-world/first-parent-agrees-to-plead-guilt-in-college-bribery-scandal-20190403.html
Education Department rejects vast majority of applicants for temporary student loan forgiveness program
https://www.philly.com/education/education-department-rejects-applicants-temporary-student-loan-forgiveness-program-20190403.html
Tuition reform at state system schools moves along
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2019/04/03/State-System-of-Higher-Education-tuition-pricing-state-owned-universities-financial-aid/stories/201904030179
Elections/Politics
Mixed results on candidate challenges for primary
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/mixed-results-on-candidate-challenges-for-primary-1.2465902
Montgomery County to hold voting machine demonstrations
http://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-to-hold-voting-machine-demonstrations/article_57d259bb-9cb0-541c-8934-f65c88ce0d82.html
Health Care
Pa. Court rules UPMC-Highmark consent decrees end June 30
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/healthcare-business/2019/04/03/UPMC-Highmark-consent-decrees-Commonwealth-Court-expiration-Shapiro/stories/201904030130
UPMC-Highmark agreement can’t be extended, judge rules
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/judge-rules-upmc-highmark-consent-decrees-june-30-expiration-cant-be-extended/
Hahnemann University Hospital announces 175 layoffs. CEO describes shaky financial condition
https://www.philly.com/business/hahnemann-hospital-layoffs-freedman-paladin-20190403.html
New drugs allow safe transplant of hearts and lungs from donors with hepatitis C, could boost supply of organs by 25 percent
https://www.philly.com/health/heart-lung-transplant-surgery-donations-hepatitis-c-safe-study-20190403.html
Local News
Wilkes-Barre Police get to the bottom of all the buzz
https://www.timesleader.com/news/739229/wilkes-barre-police-get-to-the-bottom-of-all-the-buzz
Sugar Notch officials: Disbanding police force not on the table
https://www.timesleader.com/news/739231/sugar-notch-officials-disbanding-police-force-not-on-the-table
Sugar Notch not disbanding police department
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sugar-notch-not-disbanding-police-department-1.2465979
City officials oust residents from ‘unfit’ apartment building
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/city-officials-oust-residents-from-unfit-apartment-building-1.2465907
Dinners for Kids charity honors Metz family
https://www.timesleader.com/news/739214/dinners-for-kids-charity-honors-metz-family
Commissioners appoint former Keystone Mission director to county post
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/commissioners-appoint-former-keystone-mission-director-to-county-post-1.2465831
Pantuso absent at commissioners meeting after reporting on unpaid taxes, trash fees
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/pantuso-absent-at-commissioners-meeting-after-reporting-on-unpaid-taxes-trash-fees-1.2465841
Police chief staying put … but for how long?
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/police-chief-staying-put-but-for-how-long-1.2465919
Four Mon Valley communities start path to consolidate police forces
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/03/Four-Mon-Valley-communities-start-path-to-consolidate-police-forces/stories/201904030160
Cheswick to vote on police merger with Springdale Township
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/cheswick-to-vote-thursday-on-police-merger-with-springdale-township/
New Kensington approves liquor license for planned bed and breakfast
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-approves-liquor-license-for-planned-bed-and-breakfast-lcb-approval-still-needed/
PPG, DEP reach $1.2 million settlement on cleanup of Ford City disposal site
https://triblive.com/local/regional/ppg-dep-reach-1-2-million-settlement-on-cleanup-of-ford-city-disposal-site/
Reading Parking Authority board, executive director debate parking spots
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-parking-authority-board-executive-director-debate-parking-spots
Group looking to change Reading’s charter is told to take petitions to the county government
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/community-group-looking-to-change-readings-charter-told-to-file-petitions-with-berks-county
Editorial: A welcome conclusion to Berks Heim debate
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-a-welcome-conclusion-to-berks-heim-debate
Allentown budgeted $300,000 for legal fees in 2018. It spent more than $1.1 million.
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-nws-allentown-legal-fees-budget-transfer-20190404-5i5an6atpbartkzytbryhanxym-story.html
Syrians protest Allentown’s refusal to raise flag at City Hall
https://www.mcall.com/news/local/allentown/mc-nws-allentown-syrian-flag-raising-protest-20190404-5hnylwmv2rgp7kvhmxn4k7mdqa-story.html
State awards $100,000 to enhance Pottstown safety, streetscapes
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/state-awards-100000-to-enhance-pottstown-safety-streetscapes
National News
Joe Biden: ‘I will be more mindful, respectful of people’s personal space’
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/joe-biden-news-video-twitter-women-touching-allegations-20190403.html
Bernie Sanders to appear in Fox News town hall meeting in Pa.
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/bernie-sanders-to-appear-in-fox-news-town-hall-meeting-in-pennsylvania-20190403.html
Opioid Crisis
Alle-Kiski Valley people affected by drug overdoses tell their stories
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/alle-kiski-valley-people-affected-by-drug-overdoses-tell-their-stories/
Philly
Philly to begin offering new photo ID cards, following NYC, other cities
https://www.philly.com/news/municipal-id-philadelphia-phillies-lyft-immigrant-philly-20190403.html
Philadelphia Community College and its faculty union reach tentative labor agreement
https://www.philly.com/news/community-college-contract-negotiations-strike-20190404.html
Supervised injection site supporters countersue feds, saying their Philly mission comes from religious and medical imperatives
https://www.philly.com/health/supervised-injection-site-religious-beliefs-safehouse-lawsuit-philadelphia-20190403.html
Why Philly skyline turns police blue Wednesday night; and how Israel and Ireland diplomats rally local business folks for the old world
https://www.philly.com/business/philadelphia-israelis-irish-chamber-commerce-trade-20190403.html
Philly Democrats revoke endorsement recommendation for Sheriff Jewell Williams
https://www.philly.com/news/philadelphia-democratic-party-sheriff-jewell-williams-endorsement-sexual-harassment-primary-20190403.html
Williams, Butkovitz talk policies at mayoral debate; Kenney a no-show
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/williams-butkovitz-talk-policies-at-mayoral-debate-kenney-a-no/article_ce80c10f-0109-56bc-878b-e5ddbcad2140.html
Suspect arrested in shooting death of Philly police commander’s son in FDR Park
https://www.philly.com/news/nicholas-flacco-murder-fdr-park-arrest-christopher-flacco-penn-state-phillies-20190403.html
Bill, Hillary Clinton to visit Philly for event with former Eagle Nnamdi Asomugha
https://www.philly.com/news/bill-hillary-clinton-nnamdi-asomugha-philadelphia-20190403.html
Street congestion is bad, but solutions exist | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/congestion-pricing-philadelphia-transportation-funding-20190404.html
Supervised injection sites being forced upon people, neighborhoods that don’t want them | Dom Giordano
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/opioids-supervised-injection-sites-harrowgate-kensington-philadelphia-epidemic-drugs-dom-giordano-20190404.html
Pitt
Port Authority limits boarding at busiest bus route’s popular Downtown stop
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/04/03/Port-Authority-P1-Smithfield-Street-Sixth-Avenue-Pittsburgh-passenger-limits-improve-service-efficiency/stories/201904030134
Hill House Association wants to dissolve operations by June
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/03/Hill-House-dissolve-nonprofit-social-services-Hill-District/stories/201904020150
Law firm files suit against another firm in dispute over malpractice case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/03/Firm-files-suit-against-another-firm-in-malpractice-dispute/stories/201904030198
PNC commits $150 million to its Grow Up Great initiative for preschool education
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/04/PNC-Grow-Up-Great-150-million-preschool-early-learning-education/stories/201904030155
Health officials say region’s need for blood is now an ongoing shortage
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/04/03/Vitalant-blood-bank-shortage-Pittsburgh-region-hospitals-campaign-crisis/stories/201904030163
Remembering Stanton Heights tragedy 10 years later
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/remembering-stanton-heights-tragedy-10-years-later/
Families of three slain officers remember “good men” lost in Stanton Heights
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/04/Families-of-three-slain-officers-remember-stanton-heights/stories/201904030062
For families of fallen Pittsburgh officers, Stanton Heights anniversary marks ‘void that you can’t fill’
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/for-families-of-fallen-pittsburgh-officers-stanton-heights-anniversary-marks-void-that-you-cant-fill/
Council gives tentative approval to final fixes on Thunderbird Cafe renovation
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/03/Pittsburgh-Council-tentative-approval-final-fixes-Thunderbird-Cafe-renovation-Lawrenceville/stories/201904030123
State News
A politically connected law firm complained to Gov. Wolf’s cabinet about a Philly judge. Three months later, the judge was fired.
https://www.philly.com/news/pond-lehocky-law-firm-judge-andrea-mccormick-fired-tom-wolf-pennsylvania-governor-20190404.html
Delco cop injured rescuing man from apartment fire
https://www.philly.com/news/ridley-park-police-fire-rescue-hanly-20190403.html
Firefighter from West Chester on the mend after falling through floor in house blaze
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania/david-smiley-west-chester-minquas-firefighter-homecoming-20190403.html
Upper Bern Township egg farm owner vows to rebuild hen house after fire kills 28,000 chickens
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/upper-bern-township-egg-farm-owner-vows-to-rebuild-hen-house-after-fire-kills-28000-chickens
56 immigrants from 16 countries become official U.S. citizens at Berks ceremony
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/a-celebration-of-citizenship-in-berks
Paul Muschick: Could there be other Grace Packers? Let’s fix the frayed system
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-grace-packer-murder-child-welfare-system-muschick-20190403-hdyurvi4pnabtkmgcdydsvyezu-story.html
Transportation
Pa. has second-most deficient bridges in U.S.
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190403/pa-has-second-most-deficient-bridges-in-us
Washington
Kushner identified as White House official denied security clearance
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/jared-kushner-security-clearance-denied-foreign-influence-senior-white-house-official-20190404.html
Ad touts Conor Lamb’s support for Obamacare
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/ad-touts-conor-lambs-support-for-obamacare/
SAVE Act would help Pa. and NJ residents with preexisting conditions | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/healthcare-save-act-andy-kim-brian-fitzpatrick-20190403.html
Somerset dairy farmer urges Congress to bring whole milk back to schools
https://triblive.com/local/regional/somerset-dairy-farmer-urges-congress-to-bring-whole-milk-back-to-schools/
Reschenthaler votes against releasing Mueller report to Congress
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/reschenthaler-votes-against-making-full-mueller-report-available-to-congress.php