Legislature
Democrat Pam Iovino takes the oath of office, is one of 13 women serving in the state Senate
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/democrat-pam-iovino-takes-the-oath-office-becoming-the-13th-woman-to-serve-in-the-state-senate/
Fetterman reports high support for cannabis legalization, decriminalization
https://www.penncapital-star.com/civil-rights-social-justice/fetterman-reports-high-support-for-marijuana-legalization-decriminalization/
Philly DA’s Office won’t prosecute cannabis DUIs; Krasner calls current law ‘dumb’
https://www.philly.com/news/marijuana-pennsylvania-district-attorneys-against-legalizating-recreational-use-20190429.html
District attorneys’ organization opposes legal recreational pot
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/district-attorneys-organization-opposes-legal-recreational-pot/
Local lawmakers rally to end puppy mills
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/local-lawmakers-rally-to-end-puppy-mills/article_5b01f96c-6ac9-11e9-a890-07f982c36744.html
Good-government groups join forces to push open primaries to top of Pennsylvania’s reform agenda
https://www.penncapital-star.com/government-politics/good-government-groups-join-forces-to-push-open-primaries-to-top-of-pennsylvanias-reform-agenda/
Pennsylvania’s public workers don’t have workplace safety protections. This bill would change that
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/pennsylvanias-public-workers-dont-have-workplace-safety-protections-this-bill-would-change-that/
At Capitol rally, educators call for charter school funding reform, better oversight
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/at-capitol-rally-educators-call-for-charter-school-funding-reform-better-oversight/
Lawmakers push police reform measures following Rosfeld acquittal
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/lawmakers-to-rally-in-support-of-reform-measures-following-rosfeld-acquittal/
Bill changing makeup of Allegheny County Airport Authority advances to full House
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-state/2019/04/29/Allegheny-County-Airport-Mike-Turzai-Rich-Fitzgerald-Commitee-Pa-House/stories/201904290123
Pa. lawmakers push bigger tax credits for private school scholarships; public ed advocates object
https://www.philly.com/news/pennsylvania-private-school-choice-education-tax-credits-turzai-vouchers-20190430.html
House panel passes boost to private school aid
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/04/house-panel-passes-boost-to-private-school-aid/
Speaker Mike Turzai calls for boost in tax credits for private schools
https://triblive.com/news/pennsylvania/speaker-mike-turzai-calls-for-boost-in-tax-credits-for-private-schools/
Pennsylvania’s secret school tax is about to get raised again | Editorial
https://www.philly.com/opinion/editorials/education-tax-credits-turzai-pennsylvania-vouchers-20190430.html
School choice is a necessary complement to public schools | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/earned-income-tax-credit-catholic-schools-house-bill-800-20190503.html
Attorney buys $3,500 gun safe in response to Pa.’s new domestic abuse law
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/pa-attorney-buys-3500-gun-safe-in-response-to-pas-new-domestic-abuse-law.php
One state, two disparate visions for natural gas
https://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/2019/04/one-state-two-disparate-visions-for-natural-gas.php
Langerholc to head education committee
http://www.altoonamirror.com/news/local-news/2019/04/langerholc-to-head-education-committee/
Inmates don’t vote, but count
https://www.citizensvoice.com/opinion/inmates-don-t-vote-but-count-1.2476217
Administration
Gov. Tom Wolf: Pa. should cut carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050
https://www.philly.com/news/tom-wolf-pennsylvania-carbon-emission-reductions-80-percent-2050-20190429.html
Wolf Administration’s new climate action goals include nuclear preservation, carbon cap-and-trade, renewables growth
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/wolf-administrations-new-climate-action-goals-include-nuclear-preservation-carbon-cap-and-trade-renewables-growth.html
Gov. Wolf announces PA climate action plan, climate alliance membership
https://www.timesonline.com/news/20190429/gov-wolf-announces-pa-climate-action-plan-climate-alliance-membership
Gov. Tom Wolf honored as a ‘true friend of animals’ for signing anti-cruelty and neglect laws
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/gov-tom-wolf-honored-as-a-true-friend-of-animals-for-signing-anti-cruelty-and-neglect-laws.html
Pipelines
Uwchlan residents interrupt construction on Mariner East project
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/local/uwchlan-residents-interrupt-construction-on-mariner-east-project/article_2278963c-6aa6-11e9-9aa4-1f84ca6dcb96.html
Business
Sunoco’s $200 million expansion at Marcus Hook terminus in Delaware County to create 1,200 construction jobs
https://www.philly.com/business/energy/sunoco-plans-new-marcus-hook-construction-mariner-east-pipeline-20190429.html
Takeover bid launched for Kennywood’s owner
https://www.post-gazette.com/business/money/2019/04/29/Takeover-bid-Kennywood-Parques-Reunidos-Steelers-theme-park/stories/201904290101
Crime/Punishment
Alleged bad cop Icker now facing charges in Lackawanna County
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741606/alleged-bad-cop-icker-now-facing-charges-in-lackawanna-county
Westmoreland jail guards and staff undergo autism training
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-jail-guards-and-staff-undergo-autism-training/
Police: Thursday’s shooting in Scranton part of a random violence “rampage’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/police-thursday-s-shooting-in-scranton-part-of-a-random-violence-rampage-1.2476162
Education
Deadline looms for Scranton School District financial recovery plan
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/deadline-looms-for-scranton-school-district-financial-recovery-plan-1.2476321
W-B Area Superintendent: Increase in state money would mean property tax cut
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741625/w-b-area-superintendent-increase-in-state-money-would-mean-property-tax-cut
W-B Area still proceeding with plan for new school
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/w-b-area-still-proceeding-with-plan-for-new-school-1.2476324
Penn Hills sent 35 furlough letters but none announced so far
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/penn-hills-sent-35-furlough-letters-but-none-announced-so-far/
Old Forge superintendent resigns to take top job in Jim Thorpe district
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/old-forge-superintendent-resigns-to-take-top-job-in-jim-thorpe-district-1.2476249
Conrad Weiser seniors lauded for registering to vote
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/conrad-weiser-seniors-lauded-for-registering-to-vote
I-LEAD optimistic despite charter, tax challenges
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/i-lead-optimistic-despite-charter-tax-challenges
Wyomissing schools approve purchase of STEAM equipment
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wyomissing-schools-approve-purchase-of-steam-equipment
Harrisburg School District finances, threat of receivership is unprecedented: attorney
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/harrisburg-school-district-finances-threat-of-receivership-is-unprecedented-attorney.html
Bullying and how to stop it: Central Pa. students, attorney general hold sit-down to discuss the causes
https://www.pennlive.com/news/2019/04/bullying-and-how-to-stop-it-central-pa-students-attorney-general-hold-sit-down-to-discuss-the-causes.html
Where are the best high schools in the country? Not in Pa. or South Jersey, according to U.S. News ranking.
https://www.philly.com/education/top-highschools-pennsylvania-newjersey-20190430.html
In visit to Kutztown University, Pa.’s state system chancellor calls for transforming higher education
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/kutztown-university-hosts-visit-by-state-system-chancellor
Swarthmore students sit in to stand up to frat violence
https://www.delcotimes.com/news/swarthmore-students-sit-in-to-stand-up-to-frat-violence/article_c9e055ce-6aa4-11e9-9ba2-1b333b82d8b2.html
Dr. Phil apologizes to Slippery Rock for comments: ‘I was unaware of your school’
https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/tv-radio/2019/04/29/Dr-Phil-apologizes-to-Slippery-Rock-for-calling-university-antithesis-of-a-trophy-school/stories/201904290141
Dr. Phil apologizes to Slippery Rock, says didn’t know it was real
https://triblive.com/local/regional/dr-phil-apologizes-to-slippery-rock-says-didnt-know-it-was-real/
Dr. Phil wrong on ‘the Rock’
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/dr-phil-wrong-on-the-rock-1.2476208
Local News
Wilkes-Barre to hire seven new officers
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/wilkes-barre-to-hire-seven-new-officers-1.2476246
Tuskegee Airman, county native to make return visit to area
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/tuskegee-airman-county-native-to-make-return-visit-to-area-1.2476310
Rap legend Snoop Dogg coming to Mohegan Sun Arena
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741573/snoop-dogg-friends-tour-at-mohegan-sun-arena-sept-26
Windmill hearings continue tonight
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/windmill-hearings-continue-tonight-1.2476266
Open house tonight at No. 9 Coal Mine
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/open-house-tonight-at-no-9-coal-mine-1.2476216
Cleanup continues: Career Center students hauled rubbish from along Club 40 Road
https://www.standardspeaker.com/news/cleanup-continues-career-center-students-hauled-rubbish-from-along-club-40-road-1.2476261
Lackawanna County fair plans begin to unfold
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/lackawanna-county-fair-plans-begin-to-unfold-1.2476323
Scranton planners to review proposal for addiction treatment facility
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-planners-to-review-proposal-for-addiction-treatment-facility-1.2476401
Work on West Scranton splash park may start soon
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/work-on-west-scranton-splash-park-may-start-soon-1.2476437
Scranton to renovate former Serrenti Army Reserve Center
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-to-renovate-former-serrenti-army-reserve-center-1.2476440
Scranton council asks for emergency demolition of buildings owned by tax, trash fee scofflaw
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/scranton-council-asks-for-emergency-demolition-of-buildings-owned-by-tax-trash-fee-scofflaw-1.2476319
Newly formed Allegheny Valley Regional Police Commission to begin meeting
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/newly-formed-allegheny-valley-regional-police-commission-to-begin-meeting/
Leechburg namesake David Leech to receive Pennsylvania historic marker
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/leechburg-namesake-david-leech-to-receive-pennsylvania-historic-marker/
Harrison Earth Day cleanup reports results
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/harrison-earth-day-cleanup-reports-results/
9-year-old was bullied, attempted suicide, and now will be mayor for a day
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/9-year-old-was-bullied-attempted-suicide-and-now-will-be-mayor-for-a-day/
Westmoreland County visitor center at New Stanton hopes to drive tourism, repeat trips
https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/westmoreland-county-visitor-center-at-new-stanton-hopes-to-drive-tourism-repeat-trips/
City Council president demands meeting with Reading Parking Authority
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/city-council-president-demands-meeting-with-reading-parking-authority
Retired attorney Donald Smith Jr. has become an advocate for Berks County’s evicted tenants
https://www.readingeagle.com/business-weekly/article/in-his-retirement-attorney-donald-smith-jr-has-become-an-advocate-for-berks-countys-evicted-tenants
Jewish Federation of Reading to hold service in honor of California synagogue attack
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/jewish-federation-of-reading-to-hold-service-in-honor-of-california-synagogue-attack
Wernersville corrections center hearing presents state case, frustrates South Heidelberg residents
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/wernersville-corrections-center-hearing-presents-state-case-frustrates-south-heidelberg-residents
Penn supervisors grant waivers to allow farm market to expand
https://www.readingeagle.com/news/article/penn-supervisors-grant-waivers-to-allow-farm-market-to-expand
Fame Fire Company breaks ground for $2.6 million addition
https://www.dailylocal.com/news/fame-fire-company-breaks-ground-for-million-addition/article_dea19626-6ab8-11e9-b2ba-63c8e8de3fa6.html
Marijuana
Fetterman bringing marijuana ‘listening tour’ to Wilkes-Barre
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/fetterman-bringing-marijuana-listening-tour-to-wilkes-barre-1.2476231
Lt. governor’s recreational marijuana listening tour coming to Bucks
https://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/news/20190429/lt-governors-recreational-marijuana-listening-tour-coming-to-bucks
National News
Experts say video shows human error may be the cause of the Seattle crane collapse
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/04/29/Seattle-construction-crane-collapse-video-four-people-killed-new-Google-building/stories/201904290153
FBI got tips minutes before the California synagogue attack
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2019/04/29/Poway-California-synagogue-shooting-one-woman-killed-parents-evil-suspect/stories/201904290130
A European plant burns trash for energy in West Virginia. Will it further upend coal?
https://www.philly.com/business/trash-electricity-energy-coal-west-virginia-20190429.html
Opioid Crisis
Report: Fentanyl scares some opioid users, but others seek it
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/region/2019/04/29/Pennsylvania-Research-fentanyl-varied-effect-opioid-heroin-drug-users-behaviors/stories/201904260107
Philly
Robocaller ‘Will’ really wants to buy your Philly home. Here’s what happened when we called him back.
https://www.philly.com/business/robocall-scam-philadelphia-home-buying-selling-20190430.html
Will the next big worker protection bill — against unfair firing — pass in Philly?
https://www.philly.com/news/just-cause-legislation-parking-lot-attendants-seiu-32bj-20190430.html
For second year, outreach teams are connecting with Philly’s homeless
https://www.philly.com/news/homeless-center-city-district-philadelphia-police-project-home-20190429.html
Judge refuses to vacate state sentence in AK-47 gunman’s case, but raises concerns about double jeopardy
https://www.philly.com/news/judge-rayford-means-district-attorney-larry-krasner-gunman-jovaun-patterson-hearing-20190429.html
Mayoral candidates talk about plans to cut poverty
https://www.phillytrib.com/news/local_news/mayoral-candidates-talk-about-plans-to-cut-poverty/article_c0c2d088-b30d-5d31-9164-b2b628972220.html
Could the Philly City Council elections determine fate of the soda tax?
https://www.philly.com/news/soda-tax-election-city-council-repeal-mayor-philadelphia-20190429.html
A timeline of Philadelphia’s soda tax
https://www.philly.com/news/timeline-philadelphias-soda-tax-20190429.html
Police probing incident that sent students at West Philly elementary to hospital after eating treats from classmate
https://www.philly.com/news/martha-washington-elementary-students-hospitalized-laced-rice-krispie-treat-20190429.html
DA Krasner should take a page from Reagan’s playbook: Cut budgets to enshrine your legacy | Opinion
https://www.philly.com/opinion/commentary/larry-krasner-city-council-budget-criminal-justice-reform-20190429.html
Pitt
Biden starts presidential run with focus on union support at Lawrenceville rally
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/04/29/Joe-Biden-president-2020-democrat-union-endorsement-pittsburgh/stories/201904290121
Biden says Pittsburgh is where a successful run for president will begin in first campaign stop
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/biden-says-pittsburgh-is-where-a-successful-run-for-president-will-begin-in-first-campaign-stop/
Under new Fed rating system, 8 nursing homes in Allegheny County lauded, 3 in worst category
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/aging-edge/2019/04/29/Nursing-Home-Compare-website-ratings-Allegheny-County-Pittsburgh-update-methodology-federal/stories/201904290012
Police, Human Relations Commission call for vigilance following attacks on religious communities
https://www.post-gazette.com/local/city/2019/04/29/Police-Human-Relations-Commission-vigilant-attacks-religious-communities-Poway-Tree-of-Life/stories/201904290122
Peduto not ready to endorse, but he has special bond with ‘Mayor Pete’
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/politics-nation/2019/04/28/Peduto-not-ready-to-endorse-but-he-has-special-bond-with-Mayor-Pete/stories/201904280053
Enough: Since Tree of Life, nothing has changed
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/04/30/Tree-of-Life-antisemitism-hate-mass-shooting-California-synagogue-Chabad-Poway/stories/201904300211
Nurses in demand: City needs to lure workers from other U.S. metros
https://www.post-gazette.com/opinion/editorials/2019/04/30/Pittsburgh-needs-lure-workers-nurses-US-metros-labor/stories/201904300212
Whole Foods to become anchor tenant of Pittsburgh Penn Plaza development
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/whole-foods-to-become-anchor-tenant-of-pittsburgh-penn-plaza-development/
Pittsburgh’s new North Side fountain dedication set for Thursday
https://triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-allegheny/pittsburghs-new-north-side-fountain-dedication-set-for-thursday/
Here’s what Pittsburgh discovered about self-driving vehicle testing
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/heres-what-pittsburgh-discovered-about-self-driving-vehicle-testing.php
State News
In a Fayette County town where some 2/3 of kids are in poverty, the informal safety net provides soup and lasagna — but may not deliver a future.
https://newsinteractive.post-gazette.com/blog/growing-up-through-the-cracks-saltlick-fayette-county/
Plan to build housing on contaminated Bishop Tube site in Chester County faces major setback
https://www.philly.com/science/climate/bishop-tube-east-whiteland-frazer-constitution-drive-partners-20190429.html
Transportation
Pennsylvania motorists urged to use caution around farm vehicles
https://triblive.com/local/valley-news-dispatch/pennsylvania-motorists-urged-to-use-caution-around-farm-vehicles/
Landslide costs add to PennDOT’s funding challenges
https://triblive.com/local/regional/landslide-costs-add-to-penndots-funding-challenges/
NEPA rail projects get state funding
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-rail-projects-get-state-funding-1.2476198
Pa. and other states focus state police efforts on distracted driving
https://www.witf.org/news/2019/04/pa-and-other-states-focus-state-police-efforts-on-distracted-driving.php
Washington
Casey hears advocates demand action on domestic violence legislation
https://www.timesleader.com/news/741650/casey-hears-advocates-demand-action-on-domestic-violence-legislation
Casey pushes to reauthorize the domestic violence act
https://www.citizensvoice.com/news/casey-pushes-to-reauthorize-the-domestic-violence-act-1.2476243
Deputy AG Rosenstein submits his letter of resignation to Trump
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/nation/2019/04/29/Deputy-Attorney-General-Rod-Rosenstein-submits-letter-resignation-Trump-May-11/stories/201904290128
Trump wants to charge asylum-seekers to apply
https://www.philly.com/politics/nation/president-donald-trump-asylum-seekers-fee-application-profess-migrants-20190430.html