Legislature
State senator again seeks to release some ‘lifers’
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/state-senator-again-seeks-to-release-some-lifers/article_07157192-a797-52ef-b242-040ca272c729.html
Officials and unions urge enforcement of tax laws in construction industry
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/15/contractor-tax-fraud-rally-labor-unions-pittsburgh-market-square/stories/201904150098
Union: Construction tax fraud costs governments $450B annually
http://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/union-construction-tax-fraud-costs-governments-450b-annually/
Pa. public employees convicted of sex crimes could lose pensions
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/pa-public-employees-convicted-of-sex-crimes-could-lose-pensions.html
Petrarca bill would enhance caseworkers’ access to information in child abuse cases
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/petrarca-bill-would-enhance-caseworkers-access-to-information-in-child-abuse-cases/
With Pennsylvania leading the U.S. in Lyme disease cases, state and local officials are taking action
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/pennsylvania-taking-on-ticks-and-lyme
Legalize e-scooters to expand transportation in Pennsylvania | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/e-scooters-uber-lyft-pennsylvania-20190415.html
Raise state’s legal tobacco age to 21
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/raise-state-s-legal-tobacco-age-to-21-1.2470448
Pass ‘GI Bill’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/pass-gi-bill-1.2470450
Senator taking cautiously open-minded approach to legalizing marijuana | Opinion
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/04/senator-taking-cautiously-open-minded-approach-to-legalizing-marijuana-opinion.html
Redistricting/Gerrymandering
Voters’ voices needed to end gerrymandering: Kathy Dahlkemper
https://www.goerie.com/opinion/20190416/voters-voices-needed-to-end-gerrymandering-kathy-dahlkemper
Business
Owner of Ruffsdale market shares business thoughts with President Trump at tax reform roundtable
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/owner-of-ruffsdale-market-shares-business-thoughts-with-president-trump-at-tax-reform-roundtable/
Rutter’s is planning to replace Sittler Golf on Route 222 with a convenience store and gas station
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/rutters-plans-store-on-sittler-golf-site-in-maxatawny
Shell, CCBC to hold hiring expo aimed at military vets
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190415/shell-ccbc-to-hold-hiring-expo-aimed-at-military-vets
Crime/Punishment
The guy who pointed a gun at kids in a small-town park? Police say it was the mayor
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/15/Derry-Borough-Kevin-Gross-accused-pointing-gun-at-children-Westmoreland-County-park/stories/201904150065
Westmoreland warden wants public apology from Commissioner Gina Cerilli
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-warden-wants-public-apology-from-commissioner-cerilli/
Investigation continues in police shooting of former Canon-McMillan wrestling champ
https://triblive.com/local/regional/investigation-continues-in-police-shooting-of-canonsburg-teen/
Judge: No basis to dismiss charges against Sheriff Jonathan Held
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/judge-no-basis-to-dismiss-chargesagainst-sheriff-jonathan-held/
Westmoreland prison inmate population down
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-prison-inmate-population-down/
Civil rights suit against cop accused of sex assault stayed indefinitely
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/civil-rights-suit-against-cop-accused-of-sex-assault-stayed-indefinitely-1.2470500
Police partner with Pennsylvania agencies to prevent deaths from domestic violence | PennLive Editorial
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2019/04/police-partner-with-pennsylvania-agencies-to-prevent-deaths-from-domestic-violence-pennlive-editorial.html
Education
Lake-Lehman won’t close Ross Elementary — for now
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740263/lake-lehman-wont-close-ross-elementary-for-now
Carbondale Area could cut nine teacher positions in bid to save money
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/carbondale-area-could-cut-nine-teacher-positions-in-bid-to-save-money-1.2470622
Midstate school board passes ‘biological sex’ policy for locker rooms
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/midstate-school-board-passes-biological-sex-policy-for-bathrooms-locker-rooms.php
University of Scranton scoops up former funeral home for $950,000
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/university-of-scranton-scoops-up-former-funeral-home-for-950-000-1.2470458
Elections/Politics
Deadline to register to vote in May primary fast approaching
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/04/15/Pennsylvania-deadline-register-registraton-vote-May-primary-fast-approaching/stories/201904150068
Health Care
UPMC says Highmark is to blame for spurring confusion, prompting prepay rule
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/upmc-says-highmark-is-to-blame-for-spurring-confusion-prompting-prepay-rule/
Grand jury: State’s Medicaid program vulnerable to fraud
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/state/2019/04/15/Grand-jury-State-s-Medicaid-program/stories/201904150113
Local News
Solomon Creek project delay a campaign issue in Wilkes-Barre mayor’s race
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740266/solomon-creek-project-delay-a-campaign-issue-in-wilkes-barre-mayors-race
W-B mayor, challenger speak out over flood wall project delay
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-mayor-challenger-speak-out-over-flood-wall-project-delay-1.2470504
County councilman’s remarks under scrutiny
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/county-councilman-s-remarks-under-scrutiny-1.2470583
Children’s Service Center honors Moses at awards event
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740246/childrens-service-center-honors-moses-at-awards-event
Water main replacement project to begin in Hanover Twp.
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/water-main-replacement-project-to-begin-in-hanover-twp-1.2470498
National Weather Service to investigate ‘tornadic activity’ in Scranton
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/national-weather-service-to-investigate-tornadic-activity-in-scranton-1.2470609
Part of downtown Scranton parking garage crumbles
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/part-of-downtown-scranton-parking-garage-crumbles-1.2470454
City Councilman Evans recommends Scranton complete top-priority City Hall improvements
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/city-councilman-evans-recommends-scranton-complete-top-priority-city-hall-improvements-1.2470611
Twin trees honoring fallen police officers to be planted in Scranton and Ballina, Ireland
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/twin-trees-honoring-fallen-police-officers-to-be-planted-in-scranton-and-ballina-ireland-1.2470688
Trout to be stocked Saturday at Kunkle Park in Washington Township
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/trout-to-be-stocked-saturday-at-kunkle-park-in-washington-township/
Reading City Council interviews candidate for vacant city auditor position
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/reading-city-council-interviews-candidate-for-vacant-city-auditor-position
Program aims to teach seniors techniques to help them prevent falls
https://www.readingeagle.com/life/article/program-aims-to-teach-seniors-techniques-to-help-them-prevent-falls
Editorial: Team a great local asset, no matter what you call it
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/editorial-team-a-great-local-asset-no-matter-what-you-call-it
National News
Measles reaches 2nd-highest level in U.S. in 25 years
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/health/2019/04/15/number-reported-measles-US-2019-WHO-global-cases-New-York-outbreak-vaccination/stories/201904150128
Natural Gas
Eliza Griswold, who documented the impact of fracking in Washington County, wins Pulitzer Prize
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/books/2019/04/15/fracking-southwestern-Pennsylvania-Pulitzer-Prize-Nonfiction-Amity-Prosperity/stories/201904150111
Philly
Group home operator shut down for ‘gross incompetence’ to sell Chestnut Hill property for $4 million
https://www.philly.com/business/blossom-philadelphia-property-sale-chestnut-hill-20190416.html
Who’s running for Philadelphia City Council?
https://www.philly.com/politics/inq/philadelphia-city-council-candidates-election-20190416.html
Free Library leaders grilled on bias during budget hearing before City Council
https://www.philly.com/news/free-library-full-funding-budget-hearing-city-council–20190415.html
Woman, 18, critical after Wissinoming shooting
https://www.philly.com/news/woman-shot-wissinoming-philadelphia-20190416.html
Inquirer’s ‘Toxic City’ investigation named Pulitzer finalist
https://www.philly.com/news/toxic-city-inquirer-pulitzer-finalist-20190415.html
Sen. Williams calls for more transparency of taxpayer dollars at budget hearing
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/sen-williams-calls-for-more-transparency-of-taxpayer-dollars-at/article_d728b5c5-3610-5f57-a43b-cadf4f7a38bf.html
How Philly reacted to the great tornado alert of 2019
https://www.philly.com/news/tornado-alert-philadelphia-reaction-20190415.html
Saint Benjamin Brewing Co. closing in early Ma
https://www.philly.com/food/saint-benjamin-brewing-closing-kensington-beer-20190415.html
Carlyle Group part of partnership paying $30M for Center City apartments in historic office building
https://www.philly.com/real-estate/commercial/commonwealth-apartments-sale-carlyle-alterra-invesco-center-city-20190415.html
UArts students protest professor Camille Paglia for comments on transgender people, sexual assault survivors
https://www.philly.com/news/camille-paglia-u-arts-professor-philadelphia-protest-petition-transgender-survivors-sexual-assault-david-yager-20190415.html
What’s going into the new Fashion District Philadelphia, former Gallery mall
https://www.philly.com/business/retail/fashion-district-gallery-market-east-new-shopping-construction-philadelphia-20190415.html
Cancel your tax abatement, help Philly schools, and check your privilege | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/philadelphia-tax-abatement-real-estate-home-ownership-20190415.html
Pitt
Pittsburgh swears in first woman, minority to EMS Deputy Chief rank
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-swears-in-first-woman-minority-to-ems-deputy-chief-rank/
Pittsburgh police officers honored for their bravery
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburgh-police-officers-honored-for-their-bravery/
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wins Pulitzer Prize for Tree of Life coverage
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/15/PG-Pulitzer-Prize-Tree-of-Life-breaking-news-coverage/stories/201904150106
Monongahela Incline to remain out of service until May
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/04/15/Monongahela-Incline-pittsburgh-closed-until-may-Port-Authority-mt-washington-flooding/stories/201904150117
Original midfield terminal architect: Airport’s $1.1 billion modernization ‘doesn’t make sense’
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/development/2019/04/15/Pittsburgh-International-Airport-Tasso-Katselas-Midfield-Terminal/stories/201904140068
U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Pittsburgh rapper’s free-speech case
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/15/jamal-knox-mayhem-mal-rap-threats-supreme-court-first-amendment-free-speech/stories/201904150093
Commuters using Castle Shannon park-and-ride must temporarily find new place to park
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/south/2019/04/15/Commuters-using-Castle-Shannon-park-and-ride-have-to-find-new-place-to-park-temporarily/stories/201904150143
Judge dismisses popular Oakland vendor’s suit against Pittsburgh over parking tickets
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/15/charles-bonasorte-pittsburgh-stop-shop-oakland-street-vendor-lawsuit-dismissed-truck-parking-tickets/stories/201904150090
Mary Ann Meloy: Time for Raja to go
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/Op-Ed/2019/04/16/Mary-Ann-Meloy-Time-for-D-Raja-to-go-Allegheny-County-Republican-Party-Committee/stories/201904160046
Pitt football and local shop spar over ‘412’ trademark
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pitt-football-and-local-shop-spar-over-412-area-code-trademark/
Pirates donate $20,000 to improve youth baseball fields in Pittsburgh
https://triblive.com/sports/pirates/pirates-donate-20000-to-improve-youth-baseball-fields-in-pittsburgh/
State News
Pa. officials plan to regulate and test for PFAS — but residents want faster results
https://www.philly.com/news/pfas-pennsylvania-mcl-regulation-military-drinking-water-contamination-20190416.html
Frustrated Pa. residents get updated on water-testing plans for PFAs
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/wolfs-pfas-action-team-gives-update-on-water-testing-plans-to-frustrated-pa-residents.php
DEP talks water contamination; residents remain critical
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190416/dep-talks-water-contamination-residents-remain-critical
For women, Tourette’s syndrome means added burdens, and also rewards
https://www.philly.com/health/tourette-syndrome-women-females-20190416.html
How far underwater would you be? New map predicts Susquehanna River flooding
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740268/how-far-underwater-would-you-be-new-map-predicts-susquehanna-river-flooding
Pa. has more millionaires, but they’re not all where you’d expect them to live
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/pa-has-more-millionaires-and-you-may-be-surprised-where-they-live.html
Transportation
National survey shows support for stronger drunken driving, speed laws
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/transportation/2019/04/15/National-Safety-Council-traffic-safety-laws-drunk-driving-speeding-seat-belts-stronger-laws/stories/201904100064
LCTA public forum on FB Live today
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lcta-public-forum-on-fb-live-today-1.2470478
Washington
Bernie Sanders, at Pa. town hall hosted by Fox News, defends newfound status as millionaire
https://www.philly.com/news/bernie-sanders-town-hall-fox-news-pa-20190415.html
Sanders releases 10 years of tax returns as his campaign attacks a Dem-leaning think tank
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/04/15/Vermont-Sen-Bernie-Sanders-tax-returns-think-tank-Democratic-presidential/stories/201904150142
Sanders stumps at casino, focusing on healthcare reforms
https://www.timesleader.com/news/740227/sanders-stumps-at-casino-focusing-on-healthcare-reforms
Sanders talks health care in speech to local nurses
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/sanders-talks-health-care-in-speech-to-local-nurses-1.2470570
Bernie Sanders faces lively audience in Bethlehem town hall
https://www.pennlive.com/politics/2019/04/bernie-sanders-faces-lively-audience-in-bethlehem-town-hall.html
Bernie Sanders states his case at Fox News Town Hall in Bethlehem
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/mc-nws-pa-fox-town-hall-bernie-sanders-20190416-5rfiaybplbb7rlbavgtb6fne5q-story.html
Key takeaways from Bernie Sanders’ town hall in Bethlehem
https://www.mcall.com/news/pennsylvania/capitol-ideas/mc-nws-pa-bernie-sanders-town-hall-bethlehem-takeaways-20190415-dlakn23m5fdcvjsghdig422t4e-story.html
U.S. Sen. Bob Casey pushing to raise eligibility age for ABLE accounts to 46
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/us-sen-bob-casey-pushing-to-raise-eligibility-age-for-able-accounts-to-46.html
Trump targets legal, illegal immigration in latest push
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/trump-targets-legal-and-illegal-immigration-in-latest-push-20190415.html
World News
Notre Dame will be rebuilt, Macron says; donations flow in as crews assess damage
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/world/2019/04/16/Notre-Dame-Cathedral-rebuilt-Macron-donations-flow-in-crews-assess-damage/stories/201904160077