US consumer spending fell 0.2% in December in face of virus
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumers slowed their spending by 0.2% in December, cutting back for a second straight month in a worrisome sign for an economy struggling under the weight of a still out-of-control pandemic. The decline reported Friday by the Commerce Department followed a seasonally adjusted 0.7% drop in November. It was the latest sign that consumers, whose spending is the primary driver of the U.S. economy, are hunkered down and avoiding traveling, shopping and dining out. Since making a brief bounce-back from the viral pandemic last spring, consumer spending has barely grown. Sales at retailers have declined for three straight months.

(Aliquippa, Pa.) A single lane of traffic has reopened on southbound Route 51 after a rockfall on southbound Route 51 closed the road between Franklin Avenue in the City of Aliquippa and Hill Road in Hopewell Township. The slide happened in between the Aliquippa exit and the Ambridge Bridge. That area has been famous for rockslides in the past. Northbound Route 51 remains open. Southbound traffic was being detoured since the beginning of this week. Crews will continue work to clear the drop zone next week before completely reopening southbound Route 51.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) A Former longtime Beaver Falls Businesswomen has recently died. Mary McAllister who operated Mary’s Bride and Formal on 7^th Ave In Beaver Falls for over 58 years passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 in Good Samaritan Hospice in Beaver. . A private service was held. Mary McAllister was 92 years old.

Grove Announces Updated State Government Committee Election Oversight Hearing Schedule

HARRISBURG ­– House State Government Committee Chairman Seth Grove (R-York) today released an updated election hearing schedule the committee is undertaking, per a request from Department of State Secretary Kathy Boockvar. The new schedule is as follows:

• Feb. 11: Review of Election Audits.
• Feb. 25: Voter registration.
• March 4: Certification of voting machines.
• March 11: Operation of voting machines with demonstrations.
• March 18: Mail-in and absentee ballots.
• March 25: Contracted vendors.
• April 1: County election day operations and satellite offices.
• April 8: Election integrity and accessibility policies.
• April 15: Overview of how other states conduct elections.
• April 22: Stakeholders.
• April 29: Proposed election legislation and member testimony.
• May 5: Any further election matters.

To hear from Pennsylvanians, Grove will soon announce a means in which residents can submit their comments to the committee on the election process.

“It is vitally important the committee hears from all stakeholders in the election process, whether they be election officials, or voters,” Grove said. “Secretary Boockvar asked for some date changes so she can fully participate in these important hearings. The committee looks forward to continuing to work with all our partners to develop much needed comprehensive reforms to our election laws.”

The next hearing will be held Feb.11 in room G-50, Irvis Office Building in the Capitol Complex. The hearing will be livestreamed at www.RepGrove.com and www.PAHouseGOP.com.

Story by Beaver County Radio News correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center Twp.,Pa) Center Township Water Authority manager Bill DiCioccio, Jr.  reported Thursday night that crews were called to the scene of two seperate water line breaks during the day on Thursday.  The first break occurred  around 8:00 a.m. on Lincoln Drive across from Snowy White Cleaners.

Biden faces scrutiny over reliance on executive orders
By AAMER MADHANI Associated Press
President Joe Biden and aides are showing touches of prickliness amid growing scrutiny of his reliance on executive orders in his first days in office. The president in just over a week has already signed more than three dozen executive orders and directives aimed at addressing the coronavirus pandemic as well as a gamut of other issues, including environmental regulations, immigration policies and racial justice. Biden has also sought to use the orders to erase foundational policy initiatives by former president Donald Trump. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell says Biden’s reliance on executive action in the early going conflicts with the Democrat’s pledge as a candidate to be a consensus builder.

(McKees Rocks, Pa.) A Shooting outside Club Erotica on Island Ave. in Mckees Rock overnight has left two men dead and three others shot.

Two Victims were pronounced Dead at the scene and the other three adults were transported to local hospitals for treatment .

Homicide detectives are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.