Trump pardons ex-strategist Steve Bannon, dozens of others
By JONATHAN LEMIRE, ERIC TUCKER and JILL COLVIN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pardoned former chief strategist Steve Bannon as part of a late flurry of clemency action benefiting nearly 150 people, including rap stars and former members of Congress. The pardons and commutations for 143 people, including Bannon, were announced after midnight Wednesday in the final hours of Trump’s White House term. Trump did not pardon himself, despite speculation that he would, in the face of potential federal investigations. He had previously asserted that he had the authority to do so. He also did not pardon his children or his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center Twp., Pa.) A mobile home park owner  in Center Township  has appealed the zoning hearing board’s decision  concerning issues at the park that have been ongoing.  Solicitor Nicholas Urick told the supervisors at Tuesday night’s meeting  the case now goes to trial  in Beaver County Court in April.

Biden’s first act: Orders on pandemic, climate, immigration
By The Associated Press undefined
In his first official acts as president, Joe Biden is signing executive orders on a broad range of issues, from the coronavirus pandemic to climate change and immigration, to fulfill campaign promises. He’ll require that masks be work in federal buildings to try to slow the spread of coronavirus. He’s directing the U.S. to rejoin the World Health Organization and the Paris climate accords. And he’s stopping construction of the border wall and reversing President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration. Biden will sign the executive orders Wednesday after taking the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol.

AAA: Gas Prices Jump in Western Pennsylvania This Week
The average price of gasoline across Western Pennsylvania is 10 cents higher this week at $2.708 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                  $2.708
Average price during the week of January 11, 2021                                  $2.605
Average price during the week of January 21, 2020                                  $2.838

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$2.750      Altoona
$2.759      Beaver
$2.802      Bradford
$2.795      Brookville
$2.678      Butler
$2.721      Clarion
$2.670      DuBois
$2.756      Erie
$2.635      Greensburg
$2.762      Indiana
$2.644      Jeannette
$2.705      Kittanning
$2.574      Latrobe
$2.783      Meadville
$2.711      Mercer
$2.508      New Castle
$2.720      New Kensington
$2.799      Oil City
$2.678      Pittsburgh
$2.679      Sharon
$2.759      Uniontown
$2.798      Warren
$2.587      Washington

Trend Analysis:
Since the beginning of the year, the national gas price average has increased 13 cents. Today’s average is $2.38. That is a nickel more than last week. However, still cheaper year-over-year by 17 cents.

The last time the nation saw a substantial January pump price increase was in 2009. That year, the national gas price average jumped 23 cents inside of the first 3 weeks of the year. At that time U.S. gasoline demand and supply were lower and crude oil prices had been increasing, similar to today.

Gas prices have been rising this year as crude oil prices continue to increase — last week pricing as high as $53/barrel. The latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports show gasoline demand remains low at 7.5 million b/d, which contributed to a 4.4-million-barrel increase to gasoline supply, for a total of 245 million barrels.

The higher price of crude oil is outweighing sustained low gasoline demand and a build in inventory. Should these trends continue, motorists can expect to see prices continue to climb through at the least the end of the month.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 73 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver Pa.) Melinda R. Crisci, 31 0f Aliquippa is  on trial in Beaver County Court   in connection with the overdose death of Stephen Naim, 54 of New Brighton on Christmas Eve 2019.  According to court records Crisci supplied the  deceased with heroin and fentanyl , causing his death.

Today, Governor Tom Wolf released the followed statement on Dr. Rachel Levine’s nomination to serve as assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rachel Levine on her appointment by President-Elect Biden to serve as his assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Dr. Levine is a highly skilled and valued member of my administration and she will be greatly missed.  She has been a wise and dedicated partner during this pandemic and throughout her career with the commonwealth. I couldn’t be prouder of the tireless work she’s done to serve Pennsylvanians and protect the public health.

“During her tenure at the Department of Health, Dr. Levine was instrumental in establishing the state’s medical marijuana program, bringing national awareness to opioid use disorder, and highlighting and promoting the need for adequate medical care and access for the LGBTQ community. Over the past year, her steady hand and calm approach were critical to managing Pennsylvania’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Her work for our commonwealth has been transformational and I appreciate it more than I can say. I and the people of Pennsylvania owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership, strength and dedication to protecting every person’s health amid unprecedented circumstances – and, at times, amid hateful distractions. Dr. Levine is both competent and compassionate, and never lets the anger or fear of others sway her from her goals.

“Thank you, Dr. Levine, for your commitment, your example, and your legacy.”

The governor expects to make an announcement regarding Dr. Levine’s replacement later in the week.