Pennsylvania Senate OKs bill to halt plans to toll bridges
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republicans in Pennsylvania’s Senate are trying to make Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration start over on its plans to toll up to nine major bridges. They approved a bill Tuesday to require PennDOT to first secure approval from the Legislature. The bill passed 28-19, with the backing of every Republican and one Democrat. Republicans contend that the process leading to PennDOT’s announcement in February has lacked transparency and was never envisioned by lawmakers when they created the Public-Private Transportation Partnership Board in 2012. Democrats say Republicans are failing their obligations to fund transportation needs and say PennDOT’s initiative was squarely within the scope of 2012’s law. Wolf’s administration opposes the bill.
Steelers sign QB Mason Rudolph to extension through 2022
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed backup quarterback Mason Rudolph to a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season. The team made the move just moments before the start of the 2021 draft, indicating they will not be shopping for veteran Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement with the 24th overall pick. Rudolph is 5-3 as a starter, completing 176 of 283 passes for 1,765 yards and 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Rudolph was entering the final year of his rookie contract. The extension gives the Steelers a bit of continuity at the position with Roethlisberger perhaps entering the final season of his career.
Steelers turn to Alabama star Harris to jump-start run game
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to Alabama star Najee Harris to give their running game a jolt. The Steelers selected Harris with the 24th overall pick in the NFL draft. They hope he can help a rushing attack that finished dead last in the NFL in yards rushing in 2020. Pittsburgh is looking to maximize whatever time left it has with veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The 39-year-old restructured his contract to ensure he would be back for an 18th season. Harris provided the opportunity to grab a player who could make an immediate impact.
Guentzel wins it in OT as Pens, Caps clinch playoffs
By IAN NICHOLAS QUILLEN Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Jake Guentzel scored his 22nd goal 2:11 into overtime to lift the Pittsburgh Penguins to a 5-4 victory over the Washington Capitals in a result that clinched both teams’ place in the playoffs. Guentzel’s winner on a one-time redirection of John Marino’s pass came after Washington’s Tom Wilson forced overtime with 14.3 seconds to play. The result, combined with the New York Islanders’ regulation win over the New York Rangers, ensures both teams will be among the Eastern Division’s four playoff teams.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania officials say employees of a vendor paid to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing may have compromised the private information of at least 72,000 people. The state Health Department said Thursday it recently learned workers at Atlanta-based Insight Global disregarded security protocols established in its state contract. The company has been directed to secure the records and has hired third-party specialists to conduct a forensic examination. Insight Global acknowledged it mishandled sensitive data and apologized. The Health Department plans to drop Insight Global once its contract expires in three months.
Colleges merging, the platform of social media, and the Pens battling for first…all that and more as Matt Drzik opens up the phone lines at (724) 843-1888 and (724) 774-1888 beginning at 6:30 AM tomorrow on Beaver County Radio.
On Friday’s Teleforum program, host Eddy Crow welcomes President/CEO of Heritage Valley Health Systems Norm Mitry to get the latest updates on the vaccine distribution in Beaver County. And Because it’s Friday, Eddy will probably coast into the weekend with very little consistent focus. The fading attention span can actually be heard-if you listen close enough. Listen to Teleforum every weekday from 9 till noon on AM1230WBVP, AM1460WMBA, and 99.3FM presented by St. Barnabas.
Pennsylvania sending COVID-19 vaccines to more providers
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania is sending COVID-19 vaccine to more providers, widening its distribution network this week to include doctors, small pharmacies and others as part of its effort to overcome lingering hesitancy among residents who have yet to get the shot. The Health Department said Wednesday it allocated more than 295,000 doses to 383 providers, up from 225 providers that received shipments last week. The state is gradually adding providers after having directed the state’s weekly allotment to hospitals and other larger providers that could swiftly administer the shots. State officials say they are are shifting focus to hard-to-reach areas and populations.
State university system advances consolidation plan a step
By MARC LEVY Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The board of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is advancing a plan to merge six of its 14 universities into two new institutions, as the system struggles with sinking enrollment and stagnant state aid. Wednesday’s nearly unanimous board vote launches a 60-day public comment period. A final vote could be scheduled for July, with implementation in time for the 2022-23 school year. Under the plans, Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities in northern Pennsylvania would merge into one institution and California, Clarion and Edinboro in western Pennsylvania would merge to become another. All six campuses would remain open, with integrated faculty, curriculum and enrollment strategies.
