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Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Two people have been charged, arrested, and jailed in connection with an Aliquippa infant’s death last fall.

According to the criminal complaint Aliquippa Police and firefighters were called to a Sheffield Road home on  October 30, 2021 at 7:21 p.m.. for an unresponsive seven month old baby. Vincent Edward Owens, 44 was in the room with the child when firefighters arrived. The infant was taken to the hospital where it was pronounced dead.

He was reportedly watching the child while its mother, Melinda S. Cecchi, 34, was at work, according to  the criminal complaint. The  home and the room where the child was being treated  was in deplorable condition  with drug paraphernalia, and also in a room where 2 other  children, ages 10 and 5 had been . Holes in the second floor bathroom were noted where the children could have fallen through

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Aliquippa, Pa.) The Aliquippa School District sent a memo to families of junior/senior high school students due to the excessive amounts of snacks being brought to the school. The memo was also posted on the school district website and Facebook Page. A district official stated they will now be limiting what a student can bring to school.
Beginning, Monday, April 4, 2022, each student will only be permitted. one bag (up to 4 oz. in size, of such items as chips, Cheetos, Doritos, etc. and one bottle or canned beverage (up to 20 oz.) If these items are opened or the student has more than the permitted quantities, and none are allowed to be opened. They will be disposed of by security, administration, or other designated school staff members. In addition, if a student packs a lunch, these same guidelines are to be followed and lunches will also be searched.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing single-lane restrictions on southbound Interstate 79 in Sewickley Hills Borough and Aleppo Township, Allegheny County will occur Friday night through Saturday evening, April 1-2 weather permitting.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing shoulder restrictions on I-279 (Parkway North) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, will occur Monday, April 4 weather permitting.

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Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent

(Center Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano is reporting that Dr.Nick Perry, Central Valley Superintendent said an issue at the middle school concerning some students is under investigation and those involved will be disciplined. The issue was brought to the administration’s attention , according to Dr. Perry
No other information is being released at this time.
Reports are saying that the incident revolves around accusations of a yearlong problem with some black children being the target of offensive racial gestures and names by white students.
It’s also alleged that a list was circulated last week that has the names of primates next to the names of students.

Keystone State News Connection

Jonah Chester

Advocacy groups in Pennsylvania are calling on lawmakers to redistribute billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid to Commonwealth residents.

Pennsylvania received more than $7 billion through the American Rescue Plan, and $2.2 billion has not yet been allocated. Nick Pressley, director of campaigns for the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, said investing federal aid directly with working families would help the state’s economy continue to recover from the pandemic.

“The best way to help Pennsylvania families and small businesses,” he said, “is to send them direct checks to help offset the costs that are coming as a result of an economic recovery that was faster than expected.”

Pressley said one approach supported by some lawmakers calls for one-time rebate checks to low-income renters and homeowners, low-to-moderate-income families, and individuals or small businesses that own vehicles below a certain size. They also want to see grants to small businesses affected by the pandemic. Republicans have advised saving the relief aid, pointing to future operating deficits outlined in a
report by the nonpartisan Independent Fiscal Office.

Most of the proposals are included in Gov. Tom Wolf’s “Brighter Pennsylvania” plan. GOP lawmakers have suggested the federal relief be used for a gas-tax holiday, which would cut the state’s gas tax by one-third through the end of this year. Pressley argued that kind of tax cut would mostly benefit large corporations, who use the roads for shipping.

“The record is very clear,” he said. “When gas taxes go down, wealthy oil companies do not reduce prices at the pump at the same rate, if at all. ”

All told, Pressley said, the proposed rebate checks and small-business grants would cost more than $3 billion, which is more than the state technically has left in federal funds. But Pressley said lawmakers placed most of the Rescue Plan dollars in the state’s general fund, which is on track to have a roughly $4.7 billion surplus at the end of the fiscal year. Some advocates and lawmakers believe Pennsylvania should pull from that fund to support the stimulus programs.

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By ZEKE MILLER and JOSH BOAK Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is ordering the release of 1 million barrels of oil per day from the nation’s strategic petroleum reserve for six months in a bid to control energy prices. Biden says it’s not known how much gasoline prices could decline as a result of his move, but he’s suggesting it might be “anything from 10 cents to 35 cents a gallon.” Gas is averaging about $4.23 a gallon, compared with $2.87 a year ago, according to AAA. Prices have spiked as the U.S. and allies have imposed steep sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Biden also is calling out oil companies that he says are focused on profits instead of putting out more barrels.