Mayor criticizes group ‘protecting’ Columbus statue
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A group of people gathered around a statue of Christopher Columbus in south Philadelphia over the weekend, saying they intended to protect it from vandals amid the recent protests but drawing criticism from the city’s mayor. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that about 100 people clustered around the statue of the explorer at Marconi Plaza on Saturday, some with guns and baseball bats. Thomas Easterday said the goal was “protecting the statue from these rioters who want to take it down.” On Sunday, Mayor Jim Kenney said on Twitter “All vigilantism is inappropriate, and these individuals only bring more danger to themselves and the city.”

Story and Photo by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center Twp., Pa.) A single family frame home  was destroyed by fire on  Main Street in Center Township Friday night Firefighters were alerted at 7 :55 p.m..  Fire Chief Bill Brucker said an external source caused the fire that made its way into the home., the family’s border collie alerted the husband and wife who made it out of the structure safely.   A firefighter went into the burning structure and rescued the dog., and  efforts to save the dog  were  applied.  The residents took the border collie  to a veterinary clinic, where it passed away Chief Brucker said

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19, 336 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 78,798

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., June 14, that there are 336 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 78,798.

There are 6,215 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 4 new deaths.

Locally in Beaver County we do not have any new cases and remain at 611. 592 Cases Confirmed and 19 probable. 4781 people have tested negative and the county stands at 75 deaths.

In the 3 Nursing homes in the county that are reporting positive cases there are 391 positive cases. 42 employees have tested positive, and the death toll remains at 82.

Ashley Marina, a multifaceted 12-year old American singer-songwriter and  Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School student will perform on America’s Got Talent on NBC Tuesday June 16th, 2020.  Ashley has performed in Lincoln Park productions and has sung at Light-Up night in Beaver among many other appearances throughout the Pittsburgh area.  While the show is well known to recruit talent from around the world, Ashley who resides with her parents in Kennedy Twp.,  is believed to be only the second solo act to make it onto the America’s Got Talent stage from the Pittsburgh area in the 15 year history of the show, with now world renowned Jackie Evancho being the first a decade ago. This season’s celebrity judges consist of the creator Simon Cowell, award winning actress Sofía Vergara, international fashion icon Heidi Klum, and veteran comedian Howie Mandel with host actor Terry Crews.  The show airs at 8:00pm ET/7:00pm CT. Tune in and show Ashley your support.

Atlanta officer fired after fatal shooting of black man
By RUSS BYNUM and BRYNN ANDERSON The Associated Press
ATLANTA (AP) — An Atlanta police officer has been fired following the fatal shooting of a black man and a second officer was placed on administrative duty. The move announced by police early Sunday comes on the heels of the resignation of Atlanta’s police chief following the killing of 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks. Police identified the fired officer as Garrett Rolfe. Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said she doesn’t believe the shooting was justified. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says Brooks resisted arrest after he failed a field sobriety test and a struggle ensued over a Taser. Police say 36 people were arrested at Saturday night protests. Police have released body camera and dash camera footage.

Minneapolis officers quit in wake of George Floyd protests
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — At least seven Minneapolis polices have quit and another seven are in the process of resigning, citing a lack of support from department and city leaders as protests over George Floyd’s death escalated. Current and former officers told The Minneapolis Star Tribune that officers are upset with Mayor Jacob Frey’s decision to abandon the Third Precinct station during the protests. Demonstrators set the building on fire after officers left. Protesters also hurled bricks and insults at officers. Numerous officers and protesters have been injured. Mylan Masson, a retired Minneapolis officer and use-of-force expert, says officers don’t feel appreciated.