>>Court Ruling: Employers Obligated To Reimburse Cost Of CBD Oil For On-Job Injuries
(Harrisburg, PA) -- A state appellate court has ruled that an employer is obligated to reimburse an employee for the costs of CBD oil to treat a workplace injury. That's if the treatment has been prescribed by a doctor. The 5-2 decision by Commonwealth Court overturns a ruling by an administrative appeals board. Workplace injury lawyer Mark Schmidt had brought the original suit, reportedly because he saw the issue as a test case on whether insurers would pay for many different kinds of over-the-counter medicines and treatments. There was previously no case law on the issue. The two appellate judges who dissented in the ruling argued that the benefits of CBD oil are unproven and that its legal status is in flux.
>>State House Moves Bill On Jobless Benefits for Striking Workers to Senate
(Harrisburg, PA) -- Pennsylvania House lawmakers have voted to extend jobless benefits to workers who are on strike. House Bill 1481 passed the House on a vote of 106-97. It would make workers who are unemployed due to a labor dispute eligible for compensation, alongside others who haven't voluntarily quit their jobs. Opponents say it likely won't pass in the Senate. They say it would use taxpayer money to support union strikes.
>>Bill Approved To Exempt Casinos, Bars From Pennsylvania's Indoor Smoking Law
((Harrisburg, PA) -- Legislation to expand Pennsylvania's indoor smoking laws has taken a step forward. The House Health Committee approved House Bill 1657 Wednesday. The measure essentially would allow local governments to enact tougher anti-smoking ordinances if they want. That would end a state law preemption ban for local governments under the existing law. It would also exempt casinos, bars, and private clubs and other places that are currently covered under the Clean Indoor Air Act.
>>Local Bank Merger Complete
((Harrisburg, PA) -- Journey Bank is the name of a new Bloomsburg-based institution that's been formed from the merger Muncy Bank and First Columbia. The two banks announced the merger in April and closed the all-stock deal this month. The combined institution has assets of a little over one-and-a-half-billion-dollars. It's 22 branches are in Clinton, Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Sullivan, and Union counties.
>>Abandoned Dog Found Tied To Pole In Airport Parking Garage
(Harrisburg, PA) -- Police are looking for the person who allegedly tied a dog to a pole at Pittsburgh International Airport and abandoned it. Allegheny County Police found the small dog early Thursday afternoon tied to a pole in the short-term parking garage. They say it appeared to be in good condition but isn't microchipped. Police have provided photos of a man seen with the dog in the airport - those are available on their website. It's the second time in recent months a dog's been abandoned at the airport.
>>76ers At Hawks Tonight For In-Season Tournament Game
(Atlanta, GA) -- The 76ers tip off against the Hawks tonight as the NBA's In-Season tournament continues in Atlanta. The team is coming off a tough loss to the Celtics wiith Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey leading the team with 20 points apiece. Philadelphia dropped to second in the Atlantic Division at 8-and-3 and is third in Group A of the tournament with a 1-and-1 record.