By ALEXANDRA JAFFE, RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR and JONATHAN LEMIRE Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration has announced sweeping new pandemic rules for federal workers and some contractors. It is requiring that any federal civilian worker who does not attest to being fully vaccinated will be subject to universal masking, weekly testing, physical distancing from other employees and restrictions on official travel. The guidelines are aimed at boosting vaccination rates among the millions of Americans who draw federal paychecks and to set an example for private employers around the country.  Biden said, “This is an American tragedy. People are dying who don’t have to die.”

(Hermitage, Pa.) The owner of Penn-Ohio Roofing and Siding hid more than $3.5 million from the federal government. Dusitn Golub was sentenced in federal court to 18 months in federal prison for tax evasion. Golub who operated the business out of Hermitage, Mercer County provided services to many people in Beaver County and throughout the area. Through the investigation authorities found that Golub spread receipts into nine different bank accounts and kept deposits under $10,000 to keep his banks from mandatory reporting to the IRS. following his prison term Golub will serve 18 months of supervised release.

He has also been ordered to pay back $510,000 to the IRS along with a fine of $10,000.

Tornadoes spur injuries, damage in eastern Pennsylvania
BENSALEM, Pa. (AP) — At least five people were injured when severe weather struck homes and businesses in eastern Pennsylvania. The National Weather Service says two tornadoes touched down in Bucks County on Thursday, sending trees falling and debris flying. The thunderous downpour flooded streets and roadways. News outlets report one of the tornadoes damaged a Bensalem auto dealership and a mobile home park. Authorities say four people were injured at the dealership and a fifth was hurt at a nearby business. All injuries are considered non-life-threatening. Crews say they plan to work into the early hours of Friday to secure housing for local residents, restore power and clear debris from roads.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf announced today the approval of $37,500 in new funding through the Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) to the City of Aliquippa for an environmental site assessment in the city’s East End Redevelopment Site in Beaver County.

“ISRP funding is critical for ensuring that any potentially harmful chemicals can be identified and addressed at this site before moving forward in bringing new life to the property and its surrounding community,” said Gov. Wolf.

The East End Redevelopment Site contains 52 contiguous parcels centered along Franklin Avenue in Aliquippa, totaling approximately 4.5 acres owned and controlled by the city and the Beaver County Redevelopment Authority. In addition, the site is located immediately adjacent to vehicular ramps that provide access and egress to Route 51, a major highway corridor along the Ohio River. Two remaining commercial structures were recently demolished.

This funding supports a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment on six of the parcels and will include any soil borings and groundwater sampling necessary to address the identified environmental conditions at the site. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommends the addition of a second round of groundwater sampling be incorporated into the scope of work for proper groundwater characterization. The site is also within 200 yards of the Aliquippa Industrial Park, containing 25 active warehousing, light manufacturing, and wholesale operations. Given the site location, the end use is likely to be commercial.

“These environmental assessments are crucial first steps to take in bringing a new appeal to formerly underutilized or unused spaces—making sure they are safe and destined to spur economic development in the region,” said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin.

The ISRP provides loans and grants for environmental assessments and remediation carried out by eligible applicants who did not cause or contribute to the contamination. The program is designed to foster the cleanup of environmental contamination at industrial sites, thereby bringing blighted land into productive reuse.

“The funds provided through the IRSP will allow DEP to begin the revitalization of these sites and keep efforts of environmental justice active across our communities,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

For more information about the Industrial Sites Reuse program or DCED, visit www.dced.pa.gov.