Legislature
GOP accuses Wolf administration official of playing politics with food assistance benefits
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/gop-accuses-wolf-administration-official-playing-politics-with-food-assistance-benefits.html
Pa. lawmaker wants to compel Wolf administration to release details of wasted COVID-19 vaccine doses
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/spl/pa-coronavirus-covid-vaccine-wasted-doses-public-information-legislation-20210409.html
State lawmakers talk effect of coronavirus restrictions
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/coronavirus/state-lawmakers-talk-effect-of-coronavirus-restrictions/article_839c7fa9-5384-5c01-88c0-16ae29bda581.html
Pa.’s horrible anti-transgender sports bill is horrible in dozens of other states, too | Friday Morning Coffee
https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/pa-s-horrible-anti-transgender-sports-bill-is-horrible-in-other-states-too-friday-morning-coffee/
Should the Pa. Senate pass a bill to expand nurse practitioner care? | Pro/Con
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/primary-care-pennsylvania-shortage-nurse-practitioners-senate-bill-20210408.html
Heads must roll at big pension system
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/editorial/heads-must-roll-at-big-pension-system/article_8d1c0c25-95e3-5f80-810b-b7fdf67f3e45.html
Coronavirus – COVID-19
COVID-19 update: Pa. nears 6 million vaccinations, but drops in national ranking
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/covid-19-update-pa-nears-6-million-vaccinations-but-drops-in-national-ranking.html
Eligibility expands for Friday, Saturday COVID vaccine clinics in Monroeville as thousands of appointments remain
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/04/08/thousands-appointments-covid-vaccine-ahn-monroeville-1c-1a-1b-pittsburgh/stories/202104080185
Allegheny Health Network expands eligibility for weekend vaccine clinics to include Phase 1C
https://triblive.com/local/regional/allegheny-health-network-expands-eligibility-for-weekend-vaccine-clinics-to-include-phase-1c/
DOH and Islamic leaders discuss vaccine hesitancy at St. Luke’s Sacred Heart campus
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2021/04/09/doh-and-islamic-leaders-address-vaccine-hesitancy-among-muslims/7138953002/
Delta Medix to host COVID-19 vaccine clinic this Saturday
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1231079/delta-medix-to-host-covid-19-vaccine-clinic-this-saturday
Exchanging clippers for syringes, about 200 get first COVID-19 shot at Jessup barbershop
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/coronavirus/exchanging-clippers-for-syringes-about-200-get-first-covid-19-shot-at-jessup-barbershop/article_b6cf8bc1-8b1c-5e52-bcae-7a9b2aaa37a5.html
Allegheny County cases dip below 400
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/04/08/covid-19-coronavirus-allegheny-county-pennsylvania-cases-deaths-data-pandemic-vaccinations-fourth-wave-surge/stories/202104080126
Reading Hospital holds memorial for those in Berks who died of COVID
https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/reading-hospital-holds-memorial-for-those-in-berks-who-died-of-covid/article_110f69d4-989e-11eb-9e8f-9f1ca8495d11.html
Montgomery County records 268 new coronavirus cases, 2 deaths in daily report
https://www.mainlinemedianews.com/news/region/montgomery-county-records-268-new-coronavirus-cases-2-deaths-in-daily-report/article_54034675-7484-5a2e-8cd4-8403496eaa0f.html
Administration
Pa. unemployment system poised for long-awaited update
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/04/08/Pennsylvania-unemployment-system-update-compensation-covid-19-pandemic/stories/202104080132
Pa.’s move to new unemployment compensation computer system set for June 8
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/pas-move-to-new-unemployment-compensation-computer-system-set-for-june-8.html
Business
These employers got $70M in federal coronavirus bailout money and still laid off 4,200 Pa. workers
https://www.inquirer.com/news/ppp-loans-layoffs-pennsylvania-businesses-20210409.html
State College construction company charged with stealing workers’ wages in biggest case of its kind
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/career-workplace/2021/04/08/State-College-Glenn-O-Hawbaker-attorney-general-Josh-Shapiro-prevailing-wage/stories/202104080172
Major Pennsylvania state contractor accused of fleecing employees to pump up profits
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/spl/pennsylvania-state-college-contractor-charged-attorney-general-prevailing-wage-act-20210408.html
PNC is offering banking services to low-income families; others should follow suit
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/04/09/PNC-is-offering-banking-services-to-low-income-families-others-should-follow-suit/stories/202104060029
Job seekers in the driver’s seat at Navient job fair
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1232707/job-seekers-in-the-drivers-seat-at-navient-job-fair
Casinos
Live! Casino to host free table games dealer school
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/live-casino-to-host-free-table-games-dealer-school/
Crime/Punishment
Authorities attempt to unravel double shooting in Jeannette that injured two juveniles
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/authorities-attempt-to-unravel-double-shooting-in-jeannette-that-injured-two-juveniles/
Execution date set for York County man who admitted to killing 5 family members
https://www.pennlive.com/crime/2021/04/execution-date-set-for-york-county-man-who-admitted-to-killing-5-family-members.html
Education
Allentown School District administrators hit the pavement to promote attendance as district prepares for hybrid learning
https://www.mcall.com/news/education/mc-nws-allentown-attendance-door-knocking-campaign-20210408-mn5xjcco6vcuplgh4q7ezbo2yy-story.html
Several area schools deemed best communities for music education by national group
https://triblive.com/local/regional/several-area-schools-deemed-best-communities-for-music-education-by-national-group/
Colleges prepare for a freshman class unlike any other after a pandemic year
https://triblive.com/local/regional/colleges-prepare-for-a-freshman-class-unlike-any-other-after-a-pandemic-year/
Universities should make vaccines available for students, but not mandatory
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2021/04/09/Universities-should-make-vaccines-available-for-students-but-not-mandatory/stories/202103300039
Elections/Politics
Berks County election officials discuss storage options for voting system
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/local/berks-county-election-officials-discuss-storage-options-for-voting-system/article_188b226c-987f-11eb-b9af-2758809d63dd.html
Health Care
Caron Treatment Centers cuts readmissions under unusual contract with Independence Blue Cross
https://www.inquirer.com/business/health/caron-ibc-opioid-addiction-treatment-lower-readmissions-20210409.html
Local News
Scranton Counseling Center moves from downtown to South Side
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-counseling-center-moves-from-downtown-to-south-side/article_775d8f82-9116-54c4-ae47-7075e7091453.html
Cartwright touts American Rescue Plan in Wilkes-Barre
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/cartwright-touts-american-rescue-plan-in-wilkes-barre/article_9dd140aa-e6c9-52e6-947a-e071db769788.html
New Kensington Downtown Partnership wants to build on city’s revitalization efforts
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/new-kensington-downtown-partnership-wants-to-build-on-citys-revitalization-efforts/
Why dead Peregrine falcons in Reading signal a return of the species
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/environment/why-dead-peregrine-falcons-in-reading-signal-a-return-of-the-species/article_6da41fda-96e8-11eb-8cd3-c78506503eab.html
Reading girl’s leadership earns her Olivet Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year award
https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/reading-girls-leadership-earns-her-olivet-boys-girls-club-youth-of-the-year-award/article_688cbe42-97bc-11eb-8547-374c4e3d0e90.html
Reading Housing Authority receives $230,621 federal grant
https://www.readingeagle.com/local-news/reading-housing-authority-receives-230-621-federal-grant/article_68ccd024-989b-11eb-b432-cff81bd72309.html
Chester County gets $34 million for emergency rent assistance
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/chester-county-gets-34-million-for-emergency-rent-assistance/article_1c338d24-986f-11eb-ab3a-37bb08d5625c.html
Lower Makefield approves mixed use Prickett Preserve plan with Wegmans, apartments and retail space
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/story/news/2021/04/08/lower-makefield-approves-prickett-preserve-wegmans/7108631002/
Daughter reveals story behind lost man’s 350-mile journey to NEPA in antique truck
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/daughter-reveals-story-behind-lost-mans-350-mile-journey-to-nepa-in-antique-truck/article_610effec-b961-5ecd-b0dd-0d3da35882c0.html
Wilkes-Barre vs. Scranton: Whose rents are cheaper?
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1232340/wilkes-barre-vs-scranton-whose-rents-are-cheaper
Wampole praises White Haven facility, but backs WB station for tourism office
https://www.timesleader.com/news/1232643/wampole-praises-white-haven-facility-but-backs-wb-station-for-tourism-office
Peyton Manning checks up on namesake dog who escaped a bear’s jaws
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/peyton-manning-checks-up-on-namesake-dog-who-escaped-a-bears-jaws-2/
Murrysville will wait on more-specific figures for earned income tax ordinance
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/murrysville-will-wait-on-more-specific-figures-for-earned-income-tax-ordinance/
National News
Stereotypes of larger Black men still persist at the Derek Chauvin trial
https://www.inquirer.com/news/derek-chauvin-trial-larger-black-men-20210409.html
W.Va. Senate narrowly passes bill banning transgender females from competing in women’s sports
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/highschool/2021/04/09/west-virginia-Senate-narrowly-passes-bill-banning-transgender-females-from-competing-women-s-sports/stories/202104090075
1 killed, 5 wounded in shooting at Texas business: police
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2021/04/police-multiple-people-hurt-in-shooting-in-texas.html
Philly
Philly’s U.S. attorney and other federal law enforcement leaders unveil new plan to combat the city’s gun violence
https://www.inquirer.com/news/philadelphia-federal-law-enforcement-initiative-to-combat-violence-20210408.html
Feds, Philly police team up to tackle city’s gun violence crisis
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/feds-philly-police-team-up-to-tackle-citys-gun-violence-crisis/article_3c542845-7012-5cbe-8805-c203ab2d2c70.html
Phillies opened Veterans Stadium 50 years ago, but getting to South Philly was a long trip
https://www.inquirer.com/sports/phillies-veterans-stadium-opening-dome-northeast-philly-20210409.html
Philly police say the man officers killed in a traffic stop was a fugitive who said he couldn’t go back to jail
https://www.inquirer.com/news/officer-involved-shooting-danielle-outlaw-fatal-philadelphia-bail-jumping-logan-police-department-alexander-20210408.html
Pa. Congress members seek White House help to keep Philly’s largest vaccine provider open
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-fema-vaccine-clinic-white-house-20210408.html
As expanded eligibility looms, Philadelphia races to vaccinate more than half its senior population
https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/philadelphia-vaccine-seniors-65-eligibility-20210408.html
Wells Fargo Center and indie venues announce full-capacity fall shows
https://www.inquirer.com/entertainment/wells-fargo-center-philadelphia-fall-2021-eric-church-20210408.html
Philly plans expanded summer school, open to all; will administer most state tests this spring
https://www.inquirer.com/education/philadelphia-summer-school-district-pssa-20210408.html
Philadelphia district offers universal summer school to fight academic ‘regression’
https://www.witf.org/2021/04/09/philadelphia-district-offers-universal-summer-school-to-fight-academic-regression/
Philadelphia school district announces plans for summer learning
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/philadelphia-school-district-announces-plans-for-summer-learning/article_b379e0fc-83b0-5033-a6f4-537c076cf949.html
Legislators to investigate city landmarks, monuments for vestiges of racism
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/legislators-to-investigate-city-landmarks-monuments-for-vestiges-of-racism/article_ae603e4a-f8cf-575c-b59e-eecf1e4eb59f.html
Prominent Philadelphia pianist held for trial on charges he sexually assaulted a Temple student on campus
https://www.inquirer.com/news/mikhail-yanovitsky-piano-sex-assault-temple-instructor-20210408.html
Transitioning away from fossil fuels means transitioning away from housing injustice | Editorial
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/editorials/pennsylvania-philadelphia-solar-panels-renewable-energy-climate-change-20210409.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh mayoral candidates discuss policing, economic development in 2nd public forum
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2021/04/08/pittsburgh-mayoral-race-candidates-peduto-gainey-moreno-thompson-pgh-united-common-cause/stories/202104080188
Pittsburgh mayoral candidates take on issues during virtual forum
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-mayoral-candidates-take-on-issues-during-virtual-forum/
Duquesne University, Dannielle Brown settle claims over her son’s death
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/04/08/Duquesne-U-Dannielle-Brown-settle-claims-over-her-son-s-death/stories/202104080181
Students, survivors find bond at annual Holocaust remembrance
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/faith-religion/2021/04/08/Yom-HaShoah-holocausst-center-Jewish-remembrance-virtual-ceremony-students-survivors-bond-Pittsburgh-Nisan/stories/202104080153
Allegheny County says fine particulate levels near Clairton Coke Works are ‘moderate’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2021/04/08/Allegheny-County-fine-particulate-levels-us-steel-Clairton-Coke-Works-moderate-liberty-monitor/stories/202104080162
Allegheny County Council names members of Sustainability and Green Initiatives Committee
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-local/2021/04/08/Allegheny-County-Council-names-members-Sustainability-and-Green-Initiatives-committee-climate/stories/202104080137
Allegheny County Councilwoman Prizio to lead committee on green initiatives
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-councilwoman-prizio-to-lead-committee-on-green-initiatives/
A sure wager: Sports-style betting lounge getting ready to open at PPG Paints Arena
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2021/04/08/PPG-Paints-Arena-Pittsburgh-Penguins-Rivers-Casino-Sports-BetRivers-Lounge-betting/stories/202104080143
Cops patrolling in North Side find two victims after hearing volley of gunfire
https://triblive.com/local/cops-patrolling-in-north-side-find-two-victims-after-hearing-volley-of-gunfire/
Frick Park snake identified as native black rat snake
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-animal-care-and-control-searching-for-large-snake-spotted-in-frick-park/
Allegheny County Jail inmates can get vaccinated next week
https://triblive.com/local/allegheny-county-jail-inmates-can-get-vaccinated-next-week/
Turtle Creek Valley COG receives $125,000 grant to finish code enforcement software tool
https://triblive.com/local/penn-hills/turtle-creek-valley-cog-receives-125000-grant-to-finish-code-enforcement-software-tool/
State News
Pennsylvania Supreme Court flips on signature rules for nominating petitions
https://www.witf.org/2021/04/09/pennsylvania-supreme-court-flips-on-signature-rules-for-nominating-petitions/
Bees, butterflies and other pollinators to get a $5 million lift in Western Pa.
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2021/04/09/monarch-butterflies-bumblebees-pollinators-Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania-conservation-grants/stories/202104080145
Fishing Report: Trout slow in cold waters, stockings throughout the region
https://www.post-gazette.com/life/outdoors/2021/04/08/trout-fishing-pittsburgh-pennsylvania-2021-1/stories/202104080174
Crews battle 2 forest fires in Ohiopyle State Park overnight
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2021/04/08/forest-fire-Ohiopyle-State-Park-fayette-county-pennsylvania/stories/202104080182
Matt Gaetz money gets messy and Brian Fitzpatrick wants nothing to do with it
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/matt-gaetz-brian-fitzpatrick-campaign-donation-20210409.html
Evidence that gun background checks work: Pennsylvania blocked 1,325 purchases in just 3 months
https://www.mcall.com/opinion/mc-opi-gun-background-checks-pennsylvania-muschick-20210409-txoctsnmfjd7pm52psmcut33om-story.html
‘How many of us will be left?’ Catholic nuns in Pennsylvania and other states face loss, pain
https://www.witf.org/2021/04/09/how-many-of-us-will-be-left-catholic-nuns-in-pennsylvania-and-other-states-face-loss-pain/
Child advocates train community members on recognizing and reporting abuse
https://www.witf.org/2021/04/08/child-advocates-train-community-members-on-recognizing-and-reporting-abuse/
Valley Creek fouled at Mariner pipeline construction site
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/valley-creek-fouled-at-mariner-pipeline-construction-site/article_fd9928e8-98a4-11eb-9666-d3962ad30f74.html
Washington
Some see Biden’s MLB remark made recently in Pittsburgh as an unforced error
https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pirates/2021/04/09/Biden-support-All-Star-Game-boycott-MLB-divided-Democrats-Georgia-pittsburgh-comment/stories/202104090076
Biden targets ‘ghost guns’ and ‘red flag’ laws in gun control executive actions
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2021/04/08/Biden-gun-control-s-violence-atf-executive-order-tighten-restrictions/stories/202104080134
Democrat Joe Manchin won’t vote to abolish the Senate filibuster, dealing a blow to Biden’s agenda
https://www.inquirer.com/politics/nation/joe-manchin-senate-filibuster-democrats-joe-biden-20210408.html