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York officials weigh park tobacco ban 05/09/2008
Scott Detrow
(York) -- A measure before York City Council would ban both smoking and smokeless tobacco from the city's parks. Smoking is already prohibited in city buildings, but Councilwoman Toni Smith's bill would extend that ban. The measure would carry a fine for people caught smoking in parks. York Health Bureau Director Dr. David Hawk supports the initiative. He says while he respects people's right to use tobacco, parks are public settings and it's important to make sure a good example is being set there.

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Hawk says he's happy the measure also covers smokeless tobacco, because while it doesn't carry the danger of secondhand smoke, it's still something youth should be discouraged from using. Some officials are raising the question of whether the city has the right to ban smoking in an outdoor setting. A Council committee will discuss the smoking ban on Tuesday evening.

Measure would tack fee on to child support payments 05/09/2008
Taunya English
(Harrisburg) -- A bill that's been approved by the state Senate and is now under consideration in the House would require a $25 annual fee from some parents who receive child support. The fee would target moms and dads who use the Commonwealth as an intermediary to transfer money from one parent to another. Pennsylvania is facing a federal mandate that requires it to return about $2 million in child support enforcement dollars back to the U.S. government. Representative Kate Harper proposed an amendment to have the state pick up the tab. She says the $25 is money working parents need badly. But others, including Majority Whip Keith McCall, argued the urgency of the federal mandate means the bill should be sent to Governor Rendell's desk as soon as possible.

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As the bill stands now, parents who rely on public assistance would be exempt.

Wine Week events on tap across PA 05/09/2008
Scott Gilbert and Radio Pennsylvania
(Harrisburg) -- From chardonnay to pinot noir, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is holding a series of events as part of its annual "Wine Week." This year's celebration comes as the PLCB looks to bolster its image and modernize its stores. PLCB Chairman Patrick "P.J." Stapleton says part of that effort involves seeking out those rare varieties.

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For example, Stapleton says some new wines from Chile and Argentina will soon be unveiled at Wine and Spirit Shoppes as the result of a recent trip to Latin America. The first "Wine Week" festival was held Wednesday in Hershey. Others are planned for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

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