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Pa. Health Dept.: WATCH - Pennsylvania Moms Support Governor Shapiro's Proposal for Universal Postpartum Depression Screenings
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news on April 21, 2025:
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WATCH: Pennsylvania Moms Support Governor Shapiro's Proposal for Universal Postpartum Depression Screenings
'Moms matter. I think it's essential that we give moms the opportunity to determine if they're experiencing more than Baby Blues.'
Governor Shapiro's budget proposal calls for postpartum depression screenings for all Pennsylvania mothers and faster referrals to care.
Harrisburg, PA - Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal continues to invest in the
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news on April 21, 2025:
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WATCH: Pennsylvania Moms Support Governor Shapiro's Proposal for Universal Postpartum Depression Screenings
'Moms matter. I think it's essential that we give moms the opportunity to determine if they're experiencing more than Baby Blues.'
Governor Shapiro's budget proposal calls for postpartum depression screenings for all Pennsylvania mothers and faster referrals to care.
Harrisburg, PA - Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal continues to invest in thehealth of mothers and babies, and directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) to work with health providers to implement universal postpartum screenings for moms, and ensure doctors and nurses can identify signs of pregnancy-related depression more quickly, speeding up referrals to mental health professionals.
Postpartum depression affects one in eight mothers across the country. It not only impacts the well-being of Pennsylvania mothers, but also profoundly influences their families and communities.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has charged his Administration with finding ways to improve the health of mothers and babies. The Administration has prioritized using data and recommendations from the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), feedback from a statewide survey, and regional listening sessions to develop a multi-agency Maternal Health Strategic Plan.
Mothers have voiced their support for Governor Shapiro's efforts to provide universal postpartum depression screenings.
Click here to watch Jessica Tucker, and click here to watch Ta'lor Pinkston, talk about the importance of postpartum depression screenings, or read the transcripts below.
TRANSCRIPT - Jessica Tucker, Western Pennsylvania mom
"As someone who gave birth in August of last year, I noticed that during a lot of my OB appointments, I was not being screened, and that was, I don't want to say alarming, but I was experiencing depression that I had never experienced depression before.
"Thankfully, I was connected with a psychiatrist for a pre-existing anxiety condition.
"I was somebody who was tracked and able to get help via this program, but if I otherwise had not been in connection with my provider, I fear I might have been one of the people that was unable to get help.
Having screenings at OB appointments, at pediatrician appointments, whatever that might look like, is vital because you don't want to have someone, your loved one, your sister, your partner, be someone that does not -- is not able to get a screening and then be able to find help."
TRANSCRIPT - Ta'lor Pinkston, Western Pennsylvania mom
"Moms matter.
"I think it's essential that we give moms the opportunity to determine if they're experiencing more than Baby Blues.
"And by screening moms in the postpartum period for depression and comorbid anxiety, we're able to determine faster if those major depression disorder symptoms are present so that we can begin the treatment process.
"I'm a mom that struggled with prenatal depression and getting screened helped me to get the support I needed to prevent postpartum depression moving forward.
"I think it's just really essential to prioritize the screening of mothers in that way.
"It's really important that we are trying to catch people because we know that untreated mental health illnesses can lead to a lifetime of mental health issues, as well as children potentially having developmental issues or their own mental health issues."
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/newsroom/watch--pennsylvania-moms-support-universal-postpartum-depression.html
PUC Announces Public Input Hearings for Proposed Rate Changes by Philadelphia Gas Works
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22 -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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PUC Announces Public Input Hearings for Proposed Rate Changes by Philadelphia Gas Works
In-Person and Telephonic Hearings Scheduled in Early May to Gather Public Testimony
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a series of public input hearings - including two in-person hearings and two telephonic hearings - to gather public comment on a proposed natural gas rate increase by Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW).
These hearings
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 22 -- The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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PUC Announces Public Input Hearings for Proposed Rate Changes by Philadelphia Gas Works
In-Person and Telephonic Hearings Scheduled in Early May to Gather Public Testimony
HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced a series of public input hearings - including two in-person hearings and two telephonic hearings - to gather public comment on a proposed natural gas rate increase by Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW).
These hearingsare part of the PUC's investigation into PGW's request to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by approximately $105 million (15.7%). PGW serves approximately 518,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the City of Philadelphia.
In-Person Public Input Hearings
Two in-person public input hearings will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the following locations:
* 1 PM - Betsy Ross Conference Center
801 Market Street, 6th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
* 6 PM - Philadelphia High School for Girls, Auditorium
1400 W. Olney Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19141
Telephonic Public Input Hearings
Two telephonic public input hearings will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at:
* Hearing #1 begins at 1 PM
* Hearing #2 begins at 6 PM
PUC Administrative Law Judge Eranda Vero will preside over the public input hearings.
Participating in a Telephonic Public Input Hearing
Pre-registration is required for Telephonic Hearings. Interested parties should register by 4 PM on Monday May 5, 2025.
Interested individuals can pre-register by emailing the PUC judge's legal assistant, Pamela McNeal, at pmcneal@pa.gov, or calling the legal assistant's office phone at 215-560-2105 and providing the information:
* Your first and last name.
* The phone number you will be using to call into the public input hearing.
* A phone number where you can be reached prior to the hearing if we need to contact you.
* Your email address, if you have one.
Assistance with Registration
If you need assistance pre-registering to testify, you may have someone register for you, but they will need to provide the PUC judge all the information listed above. Additionally, if more than one person in your household would like to testify, one person may pre-register for other individuals in the same household by providing the PUC judge's legal assistant with the above-listed information for each individual.
Hearing Exhibits
If you have any hearing exhibits to which you will refer during the hearing, please email them to the PUC judge's legal assistant at pmcneal@pa.gov. The PUC judge will forward the exhibits to all the parties.
Exhibits for the public input hearing must be received by the PUC judge by Noon on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Requests for Interpreters
If you require an interpreter, please pre-register as soon as possible to allow time to arrange for an interpreter. If you request an interpreter, the PUC will make reasonable efforts to have one present. TTY-based telecommunications relay service number for people who are deaf or hard of hearing is 711.
Offering Testimony at a Public Input Hearing
If you plan to offer testimony, consider the following tips:
* Prepare your remarks ahead of time - writing them out may be helpful.
* All public input will become part of the formal record in this case.
* Participants may be asked follow-up questions by parties to the case.
PGW's Proposed Rate Request
On March 27, 2025, the PUC voted to suspend and investigate PGW's proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by approximately $105 million (15.7%). Under that proposal, the average monthly bill for a PGW residential customer using 61 Mcf per year would increase from $92.60 to $104.61 - or about 13%.
The filing has been assigned to the PUC's Office of Administrative Law Judge for further proceedings, including evidentiary hearings and a recommended decision. A final determination is due by November 28, 2025.
More information on the PUC's ratemaking process is available on the Commission's website.
About the PUC
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.
Visit the PUC's website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. Search for the "Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" or "PA PUC" on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.
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Docket No.: R-2025-3053112
Contact:
Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
Press Secretary
717-418-2701
nhagen-fre@pa.gov
David Hixson
Deputy Press Secretary
717-772-2766
dhixson@pa.gov
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Original text here: https://www.puc.pa.gov/press-release/2025/puc-announces-public-input-hearings-for-proposed-rate-changes-by-philadelphia-gas-works-04212025
N.Y. MTA Launches Spring 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey
NEW YORK, April 22 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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MTA Launches Spring 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey
Customers Encouraged to Take Online Survey Available from Monday, April 21 Through Sunday, May 4
Take the Survey Here
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced its Spring 2025 Customers Count Survey launched on Monday, April 21, for New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad customers. The results of the online survey will identify key service attributes
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NEW YORK, April 22 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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MTA Launches Spring 2025 Customer Satisfaction Survey
Customers Encouraged to Take Online Survey Available from Monday, April 21 Through Sunday, May 4
Take the Survey Here
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced its Spring 2025 Customers Count Survey launched on Monday, April 21, for New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad customers. The results of the online survey will identify key service attributesthat are priority issues for customers and provides the MTA with a better understanding of how customers currently rate the service and where to direct future resources for the best possible improvements in the transit system.
"These surveys are essential for the MTA to understand what is working and where we can focus on to improve the customer journey," said MTA Chief Customer Officer Shanifah Rieara. "We look forward to hearing from thousands of riders throughout our service region."
"Customer input is crucial for the MTA to improve its service in a targeted fashion," said MTA Chief of Strategic Initiatives Jon Kaufman. "The results of this survey are poured over by all parts of our management team to focus on improvements across all modes - subways, buses, commuter railroads and paratransit. Riders' views on their routes and stations help us tremendously."
Customers can take the survey online today through Sunday, May 4, here. The Spring survey is available in nine languages with a telephone option available for customers in need of assistance. The MTA continues to make the survey experience more focused and shorter to ensure it is intuitive for customers. Respondents who complete the survey can enter for a chance to win one of fifty $100 OMNY cards.
Results of the survey will be available in the summer. The Customers Count Survey is conducted twice a year, in the spring and fall.
The Fall 2024 Customers Count Survey received responses from 82,222 customers. The results showed increased overall satisfaction for LIRR and Metro-North riders and increases in feeling safe on subways and buses. Overall satisfaction on the LIRR reached 76%, a six-point increase from Spring 2024. Focusing on on-time performance through Jamaica Station and the transfer experience are key factors in the improvement. Satisfaction with the transfer experience, a very important key driver, is up six points to 63%.
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Original text here: https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-launches-spring-2025-customer-satisfaction-survey
N.D. A.G. WRIGLEY ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH DELTA 8 RESELLERS OVER ILLEGAL SALE OF VAPING PRODUCTS
BISMARCK, North Dakota, April 22 -- North Dakota Attorney Drew Wrigley issued the following news on April 21, 2025:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL WRIGLEY ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH DELTA 8 RESELLERS OVER ILLEGAL SALE OF VAPING PRODUCTS.
BISMARCK, ND - Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley today announced that he has reached a settlement with Vando Holdings Corp., K & L Products, LLP, Kristen Doka, and Ryan Doka, the owners and operators of the website www.delta8resellers.com (Delta 8 Resellers), resolving claims that they sold and shipped illegal vaping products to North Dakota residents, including to minors.
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, April 22 -- North Dakota Attorney Drew Wrigley issued the following news on April 21, 2025:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL WRIGLEY ANNOUNCES SETTLEMENT WITH DELTA 8 RESELLERS OVER ILLEGAL SALE OF VAPING PRODUCTS.
BISMARCK, ND - Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley today announced that he has reached a settlement with Vando Holdings Corp., K & L Products, LLP, Kristen Doka, and Ryan Doka, the owners and operators of the website www.delta8resellers.com (Delta 8 Resellers), resolving claims that they sold and shipped illegal vaping products to North Dakota residents, including to minors.The Settlement is filed with the Burleigh Country District Court and is pending court approval.
Delta 8 Resellers is based in the state of New Jersey, and advertises, sells, and ships hemp, THC, Delta 8 THC, kratom, or mushroom products, including vapes, vape cartridges, gummies, snacks, chocolates, and other edibles, nationwide through its website. The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division commenced an investigation into Delta 8 Resellers when the Division received information that the company unlawfully sold electronic smoking devices to a North Dakota minor. The investigation revealed that the company also offers products that, pursuant to North Dakota law, are unlawful hemp products, adulterated or misbranded products, or contain a controlled substance. The settlement resolves alleged violations of the North Dakota Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act, North Dakota's consumer fraud law, the Hemp law, and the prohibition against selling electronic smoking devices to individuals under twenty-one years of age.
Delta 8 Resellers denied the Attorney General's allegations that it engaged in unlawful conduct, however, has agreed to resolve the Attorney General's investigation and claims through an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance. As part of this settlement, the company has agreed to cease any sales to North Dakota for a year, and if the company resumes sales in North Dakota after a year, the company is required to implement commercially reasonable age-verification technology to prevent sales to minors, as well as refrain from selling any products that are prohibited from sale by North Dakota law. The company has also agreed to pay a consumer refund and a civil penalty of $10,000, of which $5,000 is suspended if the company complies with the settlement agreement.
"The products sold by this company may be dangerous, and this settlement aims to stop this company from selling and shipping such products into our state that can harm North Dakotans," Wrigley said. Some of the products sold on Delta 8 Resellers website are known to likely contain controlled substances and the product labels fails to disclose or indicate the true content.
The misleading name, packaging, and description of these types of products not only make the products appear legal and harmless but also make the products appealing to minors. "The company's complete lack of meaningful age verification before selling and shipping its products is unlawful, careless, and offensive," said Wrigley. If the company decides to resume business in the state, the company will no longer be allowed to sell electronic smoking devices or other products to North Dakotans without first using age-verification technology to ensure the purchaser is twenty-one years of age.
A copy of the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance is attached.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/attorney-general-wrigley-announces-settlement-with-delta-8-resellers-over-illegal-sale-of-vaping-products/
Miss. State Board of Education Selects Semifinalists for 2025-26 State Board Student Rep Program
JACKSON, Mississippi, April 22 -- The Mississippi State Board of Education issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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State Board of Education selects semifinalists for 2025-26 State Board Student Rep Program
JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) has selected 10 semifinalists for the SBE junior student representative in the 2025-26 school year.
The SBE student representative program includes one high school junior and one high school senior who serve as non-voting SBE members and provide input on policy decisions that affect Mississippi public schools.
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JACKSON, Mississippi, April 22 -- The Mississippi State Board of Education issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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State Board of Education selects semifinalists for 2025-26 State Board Student Rep Program
JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) has selected 10 semifinalists for the SBE junior student representative in the 2025-26 school year.
The SBE student representative program includes one high school junior and one high school senior who serve as non-voting SBE members and provide input on policy decisions that affect Mississippi public schools.The current junior SBE representative, Crosby Parker of Gulfport High School, will serve as the senior representative in 2025-26.
The eligible applicant pool for the rising junior representative included 30 students.
SBE student representatives are responsible for attending monthly SBE meetings and any standing committees or subcommittees to which they are assigned. Student representatives are excused from school to attend SBE meetings as official school business.
The SBE adopted a policy in 2018 outlining the criteria for adding student representatives to the State Board.
Semifinalists will be interviewed and up to four finalists will be named. The SBE will interview the finalists and appoint one rising junior.
The 10 semifinalists are as follows:
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Name ... District ... School
Isaiah Barbour ... Tupelo School District ... Tupelo High School
Amy Choi ... Starkville Oktibbeha School District ... Starkville High School
Katie Chung ... Starkville Oktibbeha School District ... Starkville High School
Price Denham ... Lamar County School District ... Oak Grove High School
Thad Garner ... Chickasaw County School District ... Houston High School
Avani Pacharne ... Starkville Oktibbeha School District ... Starkville High School
Abigail Ratcliffe ... Gulfport School District ... Gulfport High School
Angelina Tan ... Starkville Oktibbeha School District ... Starkville High School
Hayes Tyler ... Kosciusko School District ... Kosciusko High School
Michelle Xie ... Lamar County School District ... Oak Grove High School
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Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.
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Original text here: https://mdek12.org/communications/2025/04/21/state-board-of-education-selects-semifinalists-for-2025-26-state-board-student-rep-program/
Metro Selects Developer for Future Mixed-Use Buildings at Deanwood Metro Station
WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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Metro selects developer for future mixed-use buildings at Deanwood Metro Station
Metro announced today the selection of Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures (NREUV) and the Nix Development Company (NixDev) as the development team for the Deanwood joint development. The team also includes local architect Cunningham Quill, and general contractor, Bozzuto Construction Company.
The future development will bring new housing and retail options to the community just
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WASHINGTON, April 22 -- The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority issued the following news release on April 21, 2025:
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Metro selects developer for future mixed-use buildings at Deanwood Metro Station
Metro announced today the selection of Northern Real Estate Urban Ventures (NREUV) and the Nix Development Company (NixDev) as the development team for the Deanwood joint development. The team also includes local architect Cunningham Quill, and general contractor, Bozzuto Construction Company.
The future development will bring new housing and retail options to the community juststeps away from the station entrance in Northeast D.C.
Today's milestone is the result of several years of planning and engagement with community leaders. To enable development at the Deanwood station, Metro held a Compact Public Hearing and received Board approval in 2023 to close the surface parking lot, as well as rezoned the property from production, distribution, and repair to medium density mixed-use in September 2024.
The mixed-use development will be complemented by a new 20,000 square foot DC Public Library, which Metro's Board approved in April 2024. The DC Public Library, which has allocated $24 million in funding for the project, is working with Metro separately on developing an agreement.
"We look forward to this site getting a fresh start by transforming an underutilized space into a vibrant, mixed-use hub of housing and amenities for Ward 7," said Mayor Muriel Bowser. "We have a world-class public transit system, we have a world-class library system, and this project will bring them together and deliver jobs, housing, and more for DC residents."
Metro has worked hard to make sure land near its stations are fully utilized to drive new ridership and bring new community amenities.
"Deanwood station is a fantastic example of Metro working with the city and the local community to replace a mostly empty parking lot with a development that will enhance the neighborhood," said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. "Transit-oriented development is a key component of Metro's Regional Opportunity and Partnership strategic goal and Metro remains a national leader in cultivating livable communities near our stations that create new transit users and connect people to economic opportunities."
The NREUV and NixDev team was competitively selected based on their track record of completing mixed-income developments in the area and commitment to community engagement and economic empowerment. The proposed development includes 169 mixed-income residential units (approximately 50% affordable), ground floor retail and services including a teen tech center. Metro received proposals from three other development teams--Mosaic Development Partners JV LLC, Gragg Cardona Souadi, LLC-Foundation Housing Inc. and the NHP Foundation.
"The NREUV-NIXDEV Team is incredibly excited for the opportunity to reimagine and responsibly revitalize the Deanwood Metro Station as a vibrant, people-centered hub with a world-class, mixed-use transit-oriented development - always keeping the community in mind," said Dr. Gina Merritt and Ray Nix of NREUV and NIXDEV. "Our team is committed to working with communities and building a future that celebrates the community's heritage and fosters meaningful connections through high-quality residential and an ecosystem that economically empowers the local communities."
Staff will commence negotiations on the joint development agreement in anticipation of bringing it to Metro's Board of Directors later this year for approval to execute the agreement. Specific development timelines are still being determined and subject to obtaining financing, however, NREUV and NixDev proposed a closing and construction start by 2028.
Since issuing its 10-year Strategic Plan for Joint Development in April 2022, Metro and its joint development partners have broken ground on seven developments throughout the region (five have been completed), totaling approximately 1,900 units including 1,100 affordable units. Leveraging Metro's real estate holdings helps to foster regional partnerships to generate revenue, build ridership, connect people to more jobs and create new tax revenues for local and state partners.
To learn more about Metro's joint development program visit wmata.com/realestate.
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Original text here: https://www.wmata.com/about/news/Metro-selects-developer-for-future-mixed-use-buildings-at-Deanwood-Metro-Station.cfm
Ky. PSC: Kentucky PSC Rejects KU's Initial Bid for Streamlined Rate Hike
FRANKFORT, Kentucky, April 22 -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has turned down the initial request from Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), along with Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E), for permission to use a condensed newspaper notice regarding KU's upcoming electric rate adjustment application. The PSC issued its order on April 21, 2025, citing a lack of sufficient detail in the utilities' proposal to deviate from standard public notification rules.
KU and LG&E (jointly LG&E/KU) had argued that a shorter notice would save customers significant costs compared to publishing
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FRANKFORT, Kentucky, April 22 -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC) has turned down the initial request from Kentucky Utilities Company (KU), along with Louisville Gas and Electric Company (LG&E), for permission to use a condensed newspaper notice regarding KU's upcoming electric rate adjustment application. The PSC issued its order on April 21, 2025, citing a lack of sufficient detail in the utilities' proposal to deviate from standard public notification rules.
KU and LG&E (jointly LG&E/KU) had argued that a shorter notice would save customers significant costs compared to publishingthe full, lengthy legal notice in numerous newspapers. They pointed to approximately $6.6 million in savings from using abbreviated notices in previous rate cases and proposed a notice with key rate increase information and website links for further details.
However, the PSC deemed the proposed abbreviated notice "generic" and lacking specific information about the proposed changes to KU's electric rates and tariffs. While acknowledging the potential for cost reduction, the Commission emphasized the necessity of a more comprehensive public notice to ensure transparency and allow for informed public participation.
The PSC's order does grant LG&E/KU the opportunity to refile their motion. To gain approval, the Commission instructed the utilities to include specific details about the proposed changes to KU's rate schedules, tariff provisions, and service terms. The PSC also recommended following the more detailed notice format used in past cases, which included breakdowns of current and proposed rates for different customer classes. A direct and easily navigable website link to the complete notice is also expected.
Furthermore, the PSC denied LG&E/KU's request to incorporate by reference certain financial documents already filed with federal regulatory bodies like the SEC and FERC. While understanding the desire for efficiency, the Commission stated that the utilities had not demonstrated sufficient cause to deviate from the requirement of directly filing these documents with the PSC.
This decision means KU will need to revise its public notification strategy for its upcoming electric rate adjustment application, which is anticipated to be filed by May 30, 2025. The case will proceed as KU considers how to address the PSC's concerns regarding public notice.
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Docket: Case No. 2025-00113
Original text here: https://psc.ky.gov/order_vault/Orders_2025/202500113_04212025.pdf
