Legislature
Group of GOP lawmakers seek to ban Pa.’s transgender student athletes from playing women’s sports
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-legislature-transgender-sports-ban-bill-20210405.html
Pa. Republican bill would block transgender athletes from competing in girls’ school sports; Democrats blast it as solution looking for a problem
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-republicans-sports-gender-20210405-4xwuyecbzvbdnkb4m5ahq24e5i-story.html
Several female GOP lawmakers seek to ban transgender girls, women from all-girls sports teams
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/cadre-of-all-female-gop-lawmakers-seek-to-ban-transgender-girls-women-from-all-girls-sports-teams.html
Legislation would ban transgender athletes from competing on cisgender female sports teams
https://www.witf.org/2021/04/05/legislation-would-ban-transgender-athletes-from-competing-on-cisgender-female-sports-teams/
To honor Dr. King, fully fund Pa. schools, officials say
https://www.inquirer.com/education/public-school-funding-philadelphia-pennsylvania-mlk-20210405.html
Bill would block PennDOT toll plan for 9 bridges, including one in Berks
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/transportation/bill-would-block-penndot-toll-plan-for-9-bridges-including-one-in-berks/article_9b8be7c0-962f-11eb-b2eb-afd33268e942.html
South Fayette, Bridgeville officials formally oppose PennDOT bridge toll plan
https://triblive.com/local/carlynton/south-fayette-bridgeville-officials-formally-oppose-penndot-bridge-toll-plan/
The deciding vote in Pa.’s high-stakes political redistricting could be yours, if lawmakers agree
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-redistricting-house-senate-political-maps-applications-chair-transparency-20210406.html
Former Gov.’s son tours Pa. in VW van to raise redistricting awareness
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/former-gov-s-son-tours-pa-in-vw-van-to-raise-redistricting-awareness/
Pa. House passes bill seeking an end to changing clocks, keeping state on Daylight Saving Time
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/pa-house-passes-bill-seeking-an-end-to-changing-clocks-keeping-state-on-daylight-saving-time.html
Time for a change? Pa. House passes bill making Daylight Saving Time permanent. What’s next
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/04/06/daylight-saving-time-permanent-pennsylvania/7096721002/
Speed to fix flawed state radar bill
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/speed-to-fix-flawed-state-radar-bill/article_e50d42a1-806a-5d5f-bd79-41ae7cf42437.html
Reduce the Pennsylvania Legislature, the nation’s largest full-time body
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/04/06/Reduce-the-Pennsylvania-Legislature-the-nation-s-largest-full-time-body/stories/202102250082
Drivers holding cell phones behind the wheel are a danger to everyone | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2021/04/drivers-holding-cell-phones-behind-the-wheel-are-a-danger-to-everyone-opinion.html
State lawmaker recovering from kidney transplant
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/state-lawmaker-recovering-from-kidney-transplant.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
Vaccine eligibility expands across Philly, Pa., and N.J.; Del. opens to all adults Tuesday
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/vaccine-eligible-pennsylvania-philadelphia-new-jersey-workers-20210405.html
Vaccine eligibility, distribution expands across region
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/04/05/covid-19-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-phase-1a-1b-1c-eligibility-vaccinations-data-deaths-cases/stories/202104050070
Covid cases continue to rise, but the pace appears to be easing
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/covid-cases-continue-to-rise-but-the-pace-appears-to-be-easing/
45 Pa. counties have substantial spread of COVID-19; positive test rate rises for third week in a row
https://www.pennlive.com/coronavirus/2021/04/45-pa-counties-have-substantial-spread-of-covid-19-positive-test-rate-rises-for-third-week-in-a-row.html
Coronavirus positivity rate surges in Montgomery County and SE Pa.
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/coronavirus-positivity-rate-surges-in-montgomery-county-and-se-pa/article_c9cf5ad4-f891-5910-843b-1cc5a8f7dbff.html
Deaths dropped as COVID-19 cases climbed
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/deaths-dropped-as-covid-19-cases-climbed/article_fbf6237b-081e-5783-813d-8bb2ad2d2099.html
The latest COVID surge continues in Berks County, with no signs of a slowdown
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/the-latest-covid-surge-continues-in-berks-county-with-no-signs-of-a-slowdown/article_ee1561c4-963e-11eb-b441-ef363008ef32.html
When can you get the COVID vaccine? Bucks, Montgomery counties open 1B registration
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/04/05/bucks-montgomery-county-covid-vaccine-registration-phase-1-b/7091485002/
Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority to kick off COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Lincoln Plaza
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1213443/wilkes-barre-housing-authority-to-kick-off-covid-19-vaccination-clinics-at-lincoln-plaza
Stress, anxiety, depression, addiction: The mental health toll of the coronavirus pandemic
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/stress-anxiety-depression-addiction-the-mental-health-toll-of-the-coronavirus-pandemic.html
What it means to get a COVID vaccine
https://www.readingeagle.com/coronavirus/what-it-means-to-get-a-covid-vaccine/article_2b3b82b2-9226-11eb-bb86-a35dd0c63942.html
Business
NLRB will file complaint against Amazon if it doesn’t settle with fired tech workers
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/04/06/NLRB-complaint-against-Amazon-settle-with-fired-tech-workers/stories/202104060044
Increased capacity not much help for downtown Wilkes-Barre restaurants
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/business/increased-capacity-not-much-help-for-downtown-wilkes-barre-restaurants/article_68dc3ff4-c166-5d0c-b05c-66075b16db27.html
With eyes on revitalization, business owners band together in Vandergrift
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/business-association-takes-shape-in-vandergrift-area/
Casinos
Plan to open a ‘mini casino’ near Shippensburg moves forward
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/04/05/shippensburg-mini-casino-township-grants-conditional-use-permit/7089302002/
Crime/Punishment
Coronavirus cases slow at Westmoreland County Prison
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/coronavirus-cases-slow-at-westmoreland-county-prison/
Education
Pennsylvania revises school reopening guidelines
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-revises-school-reopening-guidelines/
CDC says schools don’t need daily disinfection to prevent the spread of coronavirus
https://www.mcall.com/coronavirus/ct-aud-nw-cdc-school-guidelines-20210405-rtlmleqe4fcc7ambwx6eakugh4-story.html
Reading School District college-credit program gains national recognition
https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/reading-school-district-college-credit-program-gains-national-recognition/article_1e56f06e-9644-11eb-b736-4f5b631eb46b.html
‘I just want to make my daughter proud of me’: How Bucks County Community College is helping moms stay in school
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/04/06/bucks-county-community-college-salute-mothers-scholarship-second-chances/4842062001/
Free college programs can enable more students to go to college, but it all depends on how the program is designed | Opinion
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/free-college-programs-can-enable-more-students-to-go-to-college-but-it-all-depends-on-how-the-program-is-designed-opinion/
Elections/Politics
Republicans want Flynn removed from state Senate ballot
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/election/republicans-want-flynn-removed-from-state-senate-ballot/article_82950e8c-7a7d-5624-988b-d474d8445f1c.html
Montgomery County Commissioner Val Arkoosh launches run for U.S. Senate seat
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2021/04/06/Montgomery-County-Commissioner-Val-Arkoosh-launches-run-for-U-S-Senate-seat-pennsylvania/stories/202104060021
Valerie Arkoosh, Montgomery County commissioner, physician, jumps into Pennsylvania’s 2022 Senate race
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/valerie-arkoosh-montgomery-county-commissioner-physician-jumps-into-2022-senate-race.html
Local News
Scranton chamber to host block party
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/scranton-chamber-to-host-block-party/article_0d4574ce-41fa-5746-88f0-e10d636068ff.html
Reading delays gun buyback program until April 24
https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/reading-delays-gun-buyback-program-until-april-24/article_b90c2ccc-9668-11eb-b8d5-ff547a9ba8a3.html
Reading urban agriculture project is in the running for a $5,000 grant
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/reading-urban-agriculture-project-is-in-the-running-for-a-5-000-grant/article_3339086a-9639-11eb-9b9c-6f8271744f26.html
Neighbors object to use of New Kensington building for mental health, substance abuse services
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/neighbors-object-to-use-of-new-kensington-building-for-mental-health-substance-abuse-services/
Holiday Park VFD Junior Fire Academy to return in June after year-long covid hiatus
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/holiday-park-vfd-junior-fire-academy-to-return-in-june-after-year-long-covid-hiatus/
DPW cleans up illegal dump site in South Wilkes-Barre
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1213376/dpw-cleans-up-illegal-dump-site-in-south-wilkes-barre
Finding Common Ground: Pocono religious leaders to discuss pandemic, racism
https://www.poconorecord.com/story/news/local/2021/04/06/monroe-county-united-religious-leaders-present-panel-discussion/7090729002/
National News
Corporations have given more than $50 million to lawmakers who back voting restrictions, report says
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/voting-restrictions-georgia-corporations-donations-20210405.html
Sarah Peck and James Alan Fox: Proposed policy would help mayors respond to a mass shooting
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2021/04/06/Proposed-policy-would-help-mayors-respond-to-a-mass-shooting-Pittsburgh-Boulder-Colorado/stories/202104060012
Arkansas governor says he favors ‘more restrained approach’ in vetoing transgender youth treatment ban
https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2021/04/arkansas-governor-says-he-favors-more-restrained-approach-in-vetoing-transgender-youth-treatment-ban.html
Philly
Police investigating Chinatown assault that some Asian American community leaders say adds to ‘climate of fear’
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-police-assault-chinatown-anti-asian-violence-20210405.html
Attorney Richard A. Sprague — the ‘fearless, fearsome, and feared’ giant of the Philadelphia legal world — has died at 95
https://www.inquirer.com/news/richard-sprague-obit-death-philly-20210405.html
Philadelphia Cricket Club removes sign with Native American logo that a neighboring church called offensive
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-cricket-club-native-american-imagery-signs-logos-mascots-20210405.html
Philadelphia’s latest rental and utility assistance program is now open for tenants and landlords
https://www.inquirer.com/real-estate/housing/rental-assistance-philadelphia-apply-pandemic-utilities-20210405.html
School district reopens 23 schools in its second phase for hybrid learning
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/school-district-reopens-23-schools-in-its-second-phase-for-hybrid-learning/article_f740d698-b1d8-50e8-9360-fae2cdd06f61.html
Man killed in triple shooting at Feltonville barbecue
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-homicide-triple-shooting-feltonville-20210406.html
Philly allows more fans into Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center
https://www.inquirer.com/sports/citzens-bank-park-wells-fargo-center-fans-20210405.html
Michael Huang of ESPN named The Philadelphia Inquirer’s top sports editor
https://www.inquirer.com/news/michael-huang-philadelphia-inquirer-espn-sports-editor-20210405.html
Philly may have just revolutionized evictions | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/philadelphia-eviction-diversion-rent-20210405.html
Six months after Walter Wallace Jr.’s death, what have we learned about policing? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/walter-wallace-jr-police-reform-excessive-force-20210405.html
10 things the Kenney administration must do in Kensington | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/somerset-station-septa-kensington-opioids-20210405.html
In 2020, we cheered for poll workers, so why aren’t they now prioritized for vaccines ahead of the primary? | Opinion
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-primary-may-18-poll-workers-vaccines-covid-coronavirus-20210405.html
Cancer Treatment Centers of America to sell Pa. hospital, lay off hundreds
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/cancer-treatment-centers-of-america-to-sell-pa-hospital-lay-off-hundreds.html
Pitt
‘Genuine Pittsburgh’: Hazelwood riverfront plan pumps new life into old industrial relics
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/04/06/Hazelwood-Green-Monongahela-River-Mill-19-LTV-Coke-Works-Pump-House-Coal-Loader-pittsburgh-redevelopment/stories/202104050009
Pittsburgh Public Schools welcoming back students today
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2021/04/06/pittsburgh-public-schools-reopening-plan-spring-2021-pps-pgh-students/stories/202104060060
With legal appeals exhausted, ex-county Councilman Charles McCullough will go to prison
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/04/05/legal-court-appeals-exhausted-former-allegheny-county-Councilman-Charles-McCullough-prison-sentence/stories/202104050102
NYC city planner tapped to manage Pittsburgh Land Bank
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2021/04/05/NYC-city-planner-Greg-Miller-tapped-manage-Pittsburgh-Land-Bank/stories/202104050080
Police launch investigation into racist graffiti on the South Side
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/04/05/racist-graffiti-quarry-field-south-side-slopes-s-18th-st-pittsburgh-police-investigate/stories/202104050105
Pittsburgh firefighter hurt while assisting at blaze in Mt. Oliver
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-firefighter-hurt-while-assisting-at-blaze-in-mt-oliver/
PNC Park welcomes back fans with new safety protocols, food choices
https://triblive.com/sports/pirates/pnc-park-welcomes-back-fans-with-new-safety-protocols-food-choices/
125 trees to be planted on Eliza Furnace Trail in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/125-trees-to-be-planted-tuesday-on-eliza-furnace-trail-in-pittsburgh/
Christmas trees now available as free mulch across Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/local/christmas-trees-now-available-as-free-mulch-across-pittsburgh/
World of Wheels returns to Pittsburgh and it’s ‘pretty much business as usual’
https://triblive.com/lifestyles/more-lifestyles/world-of-wheels-returns-to-pittsburgh-and-its-pretty-much-business-as-usual/
State News
$3.28 million Match 6 lottery ticket sold in Monroeville
https://triblive.com/local/monroeville/3-28-million-match-6-lottery-ticket-sold-in-monroeville/
Amputee and paralyzed veterans pension program available to veterans
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1213459/amputee-and-paralyzed-veterans-pension-program-available-to-veterans
Your View by PPL Electric Utilities: How to avoid ‘bait and switch’ electricity price offers
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-shopping-electricity-suppliers-dudkin-20210405-xbjsp2ztorbv7cwj32gf6ha2zm-story.html
Document: Feds’ proposal refers to expanded “bed space” in Berks detention center
https://www.witf.org/2021/04/05/document-feds-proposal-refers-to-expanded-bed-space-in-berks-detention-center/
Houlahan sees ‘positive energy’ in Kennett Square during tour
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/houlahan-sees-positive-energy-in-kennett-square-during-tour/article_dca7fcc4-964f-11eb-9cb9-7396d7f3a321.html
Transportation
Maintenance work to Allegheny Tunnel could cause turnpike delays in Somerset County
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2021/04/05/Pennsylvania-Turnpike-Allegheny-Tunnel-traffic-delays-Somerset-County-travel-transportation/stories/202104050097
Bridges being repaired on Cross Valley Expressway
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/bridges-being-repaired-on-cross-valley-expressway/article_48331514-dea9-5681-afb7-92c20209823d.html
Washington
Democrats will get an extra chance this year to push legislation without Republicans
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2021/04/06/Senate-parliamentarian-Democrats-filibuster-reconciliation-bills-GOP-Biden-infrastructure/stories/202104060087
Biden’s infrastructure plan should prioritize cleanliness, not just efficiency, for waterways
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/04/06/Biden-infrastructure-plan-should-prioritize-cleanliness-not-just-efficiency-for-waterways/stories/202104030014
Some members of Pa. delegation say Capitol security must increase after attack
https://triblive.com/local/regional/some-members-of-pa-delegation-say-capitol-security-must-increase-after-attack/