Phishing ploy targets COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort
By FRANK BAJAK AP Technology Writer
BOSTON (AP) — IBM security researchers say they have detected a cyberespionage effort that used targeted phishing emails to try to collect vital information associated with a U.N. initiative for distributing coronavirus vaccine to developing countries. IBM says it can’t be sure who is behind the campaign. But it says that the precise and careful targeting _ of companies in countries including Germany, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan _ suggest a nation-state is behind the campaign. Targets that included solar panel and petrochemical companies got phishing emails from someone posing as an executive with a key Chinese supplier.

US lawmakers unveil anti-slavery constitutional amendment
By AARON MORRISON Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats in the House and Senate introduced a joint resolution Wednesday aimed at amending the 13th Amendment’s ban on chattel enslavement. The move would expressly prohibit the use of involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. The original amendment has permitted exploitation of labor by convicted felons for over 155 years since the abolition of slavery. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon tells The Associated Press that the 13th Amendment is in part responsible for the historic mistreatment of Black Americans through the nation’s penal systems. Constitutional amendments are rare, and require approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate, as well as ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and PA DUI Association discussed public safety during the holiday season and provided a brief demonstration of how law enforcement train to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) to protect everyone on the road from impaired drivers.

“Over the years, impaired driving has continued to be a very serious crime that law enforcement faces much too often,” said Craig Amos, Regional DUI Program Administrator with the PA DUI Association. “It’s an extremely dangerous behavior and as long as there are impaired drivers on the road, we will continue to train and be vigilant.”

The safety partners warned motorists to the dangers of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol and explained such substances weaken a person’s judgement, balance, vision, reaction time and decision-making abilities, creating a dangerous situation on the roadway.

Usually, this time of year brings holiday parties, family gatherings and large community celebrations. Although people may not gather the same way this season, impairment may still be an option. If drinking becomes part of the plan for celebrating, it is important to never get behind the wheel impaired.

Law enforcement will continue to patrol throughout the holiday season, looking to take impaired drivers off the road and save lives. In order to do this in the safest way, officers participate in SFST training. The training is conducted to prepare law enforcement and other qualified personnel to safely and effectively identify individuals suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence.

“The holiday season is historically a time when impaired driving increases,” said Amos. “We want to change this trend in order to save lives and allow everyone to focus on positive behaviors.”

According to 2019 PennDOT data, there were 1,361 crashes in Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties during the month of December. Of these crashes, at least 127 were drug- or alcohol-related.

Motorists practicing responsible driving is key to significantly reducing impaired driving crashes and fatalities, which are 100 percent preventable. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.

For regional twitter updates, visit www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Moon Twp., Pa.) Duquesne Light  experienced issues with 2 transformers  at office buildings on Rouser Road in Moon Township.  The utility company said  in  a statement,”Our crews are working quickly to restore service to the 2 office buildings that lost power. Ashley  Macik, associate manager of external communications  said in a statement, “We expect service to be fully restored by 6 p.m. tonight.  No residential customers have been impacted. The volunteer fire department couldn’t be reached for comment.

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Borough officials yesterday that details have been finalized   for the  pickup of garbage and recycling.  Beginning  Monday, January 4, 2021 Waste management will pickup all trash and recycling in the borough. Everyone can place their trash and recycling at the curb on Sunday starting at noon for Monday pickup. All garbage and recycling containers  must be returned to their  stored location by Tuesday at noon, according to a press release issued by the borough.