FILE – A pedestrian walks past the New York Stock Exchange in New York City, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/J. David Ake, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are rising as investors grow more convinced the Federal Reserve will keep downshifting the size of its rate hikes and as Wall Street’s most influential companies prepare to report their latest results. The S&P 500 was 1.3% higher Monday. Tech companies were leading the way in a widespread rally. This upcoming week, several big-name companies are scheduled to report their results for the last three months of 2022, including Microsoft and Tesla. Investors are also growing more convinced the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next week by just half the size of its prior hike.

FILE – Richard Barnett, an Arkansas man who was photographed with his feet on a desk in former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol riot, arrives at federal court in Washington, Jan. 10, 2023. A jury deliberated for approximately two hours before unanimously convicting Barnett on all eight counts in his indictment, including felony charges of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — An Arkansas man who propped his feet up on a desk in then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office during the U.S. Capitol riot has been convicted of joining a mob’s attack on the building two years ago. A jury on Monday unanimously convicted Richard “Bigo” Barnett on all eight counts in his indictment including felony charges of civil disorder and obstruction of an official proceeding. Barnett lounging at a desk in Pelosi’s office made him one of the most memorable figures from the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, the day when Congress convened a joint session to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral victory. Barnett told reporters that he intends to appeal his conviction, calling it an “injustice.”

FILE – President Joe Biden drives a Cadillac Lyriq through the showroom during a tour at the Detroit Auto Show, Sept. 14, 2022, in Detroit. Biden persuaded Democrats in Congress to provide hundreds of billions of dollars to fight climate change. Now comes another formidable task: enticing Americans to buy millions of electric cars, heat pumps, solar panels and more efficient appliances. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden persuaded Democrats in Congress to provide hundreds of billions of dollars to fight climate change. Now comes another formidable task: enticing Americans to buy millions of electric cars, heat pumps, solar panels and more efficient appliances. Biden faces a public relations challenge that could determine whether the country achieves his ambitious goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. One analyst says the battle will be waged “one household at a time.” Officials hope consumers will respond to tax credits and rebates when they make purchasing decisions — if they are aware of them.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks after taking the oath of office to become Pennsylvania’s 48th governor, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Josh Shapiro says he’ll keep in place a ban on executive-branch employees receiving gifts of influence that is stricter than state law, but relax some provisions under his predecessor. Under Shapiro’s new executive order signed Friday, the roughly 80,000 executive-branch employees are banned from soliciting or accepting anything above minimal value from people seeking to influence them, such as lobbyists or government contractors. But Shapiro’s order allows employees to accept smaller items of hospitality or thanks without paying for it, such as an infrequent meal, bottle of water, cup of coffee, plaque or mug. That relaxes a stricter ban put in place in 2015 by former Gov. Tom Wolf.

HARRISBURG – In working to develop public policies to address Pennsylvania’s most critical issues and open the discussion on the caucus’ goals, House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) today set the vision of the Republican Policy Committee and announced 14 of his colleagues will serve as deputy chairs for the 2023-24 Legislative Session.

Kail said in order to properly address the diverse challenges across the Commonwealth, the Policy Committee will be an incubator of solutions that positively impact all Pennsylvanians.

“The Policy Committee will use our ability as problem solvers to find real market driven solutions because we care about this Commonwealth and her successes,” said Kail. “I am proud to have this incredible team and I know they will do a fantastic job in learning from industry experts, small businesses, families and our constituents on how we can put Pennsylvania in a position to thrive.”

The new deputy Policy Committee chairs include:

• Rep. Torren Ecker (R-Cumberland/Adams), Vice Chair.
• Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks).
• Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington).
• Rep. Mike Jones (R-York).
• Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks).
• Rep. Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Westmoreland).
• Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana).
• Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland).
• Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Juniata/Mifflin/Union).
• Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Bradford/ Tioga).
• Rep. Rob Mercuri (R-Allegheny).
• Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Cambria/Somerset).
• Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Mercer).
• Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton).

The House Republican Policy Committee conducts hearings and roundtable discussions about important statewide and regional issues that matter most to Pennsylvania citizens; gathers testimony and information from key stakeholders; and works within the House Republican Caucus to develop policies to address those issues.

The Policy Committee also works in tandem with the Republican leader to examine and refine critical pieces of legislation in advance of floor consideration.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published January 23, 2023 9:00 A.M.

(Beaver Falls, PA) The Beaver County Humane Society is offering a reward of $500 for information in regards to a puppy found in the woods Thursday.  The puppy was weak and malnourished when it was found and brought to the humane society. It is unclear how long the puppy had been a stray.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the Beaver County Humane Society at 724-775-5801 ext. 110.

A burned police car sits on the street following a violent protest, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Atlanta, in the wake of the death of an environmental activist killed after authorities said the 26-year-old shot a state trooper. (AP Photo/Alex Slitz)

ATLANTA (AP) — A protest turned violent in downtown Atlanta in the wake of the killing of an environmental activist by authorities. Officials say a 26-year-old shot and wounded a state trooper. Masked activists dressed in all black threw rocks and lit fireworks in front of a skyscraper that houses the Atlanta Police Foundation on Saturday evening. They lit a police cruiser on fire and vandalized other buildings with anti-police graffiti. Authorities say they made six arrests, and halted the violence. The activist, who went by Tortuguita, was killed Wednesday as authorities cleared protesters from the site of a planned public safety training center. Authorities say the trooper fired in self-defense, but activists question that account.
3 people who were arrested in the protest are said to be Pittsburgh residents Spencer Liberto, Matthew Macar and Sarah Wasilewski

Photos courtesy of Conway Volunteer Fire Department
Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 23, 2023 7:50 A.M.

(Conway Borough, PA) If you took a drive through New Brighton early Sunday afternoon, you might have caught a sneak peak at a vintage fire engine on its way home. The Conway Volunteer Fire Department is excited to announce the return of their 1938 Darley Fire Engine after 50 years. The department donated the truck when it replaced it in the 1970s. According to a statement made on the Conway Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page, Chief Daniel Byrne said Lisa Davis from the Satellite Beach Fire Department reached out to them to track down the original owners. Byrne told her it was theirs and he went on to talk with Satellite Beach Fire Chief Dave Abernathy. Conway offered to buy the truck back and Satellite Beach told them they wanted to donate it as long as Conway covered the expenses to have it transported. Tow-Tegrity ultimately doubled down on the deal and offered to haul the fire engine home for free, and it arrived at the Tow-Tegrity lot early Sunday. The fire engine was escorted to the Conway Volunteer Fire Department Fire House shortly after 2pm. The truck is still in good condition and the county can expect to see it in parades.