(New Brighton, PA) Aiken Refuse will begin garbage collection in New Brighton Borough starting next Monday, July 3. Independence Day will not affect refuse collection. Aiken will provide daily service on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday following the new collection schedule. A revised map has been created and published online at www.NewBrightonPA.org/maps illustrating the collection routes. Recycling collection will begin the week of Monday, July 10.

FILE – Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference following the collapse of an elevated section of Interstate 95 after a tanker truck caught fire, June 11, 2023, in Philadelphia. Shapiro is trying to wrap up his first budget by the start of the new fiscal year on Saturday, July 1, as the Democrat works to balance Pennsylvania’s politically divided Legislature in perhaps his biggest test yet of his political skills under the Capitol dome. (AP Photo/Joe Lamberti, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Josh Shapiro is trying to wrap up his first budget by Saturday’s start of the new fiscal year, as the Democrat works to balance Pennsylvania’s politically divided Legislature. The last few days have become contentious, as public school advocates have organized to oppose an emerging agreement between Shapiro and Senate Republicans. The bone of contention is what Republicans call “lifeline scholarships,” using taxpayer dollars to pay for schoolchildren to go to private schools. But top Democratic lawmakers oppose what they call “private school vouchers.” Meanwhile, the state has billions in reserve to ease spending decisions while Democratic lawmakers are pushing for more money for public schools.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — High school seniors in Pennsylvania would be required to fill out a form that determines eligibility for financial aid for postsecondary programs under a bill passed by the state Senate. The bill passed 46 to 4 on Wednesday and now goes on to the state House. The measure would direct all high school seniors to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA is a universal application that determines a student’s financial need and eligibility for federal, state and school financial aid to enroll in higher education, career and technical education and certificate programs.

Norfolk Southern Railroad ceo Alan Shaw speaks during an interview Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

ATLANTA (AP) — Norfolk Southern’s CEO has spoken often of safety and better service since he took the job over a year ago, but it’s safety that has dominated discussions after one of his trains derailed and caught fire in February in Ohio. Alan Shaw has said his plans include adding more detectors to spot mechanical problems and has hailed cooperation with unions. But labor leaders remain skeptical. Shaw has told The Associated Press in an interview of details on his plans for the railroad. He says, “I need all 20,000 voices at Norfolk Southern pushing for safety. And that’s what you’re going to see.”

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published June 29. 2023 9:55 A.M.

(Beaver, PA) A local doctor lost on Jeopardy Wednesday night. Dr. Chris Ban, who is an oral and facial surgeon who works with Heritage Valley Health System in Beaver made an appearance for two nights on the long running game show. He started out Tuesday with a win, ending the night with $13,000 in earnings. He plans on donating the money to the North Allegheny Rowing Association’s boathouse, in honor of his late brother.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 29, 2023 9:53 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Alex Scott submitted his resignation to take a job at the cracker plant. He will work part time until a replacement is named.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 29, 2023 9:48 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Anthony George Karas, 42, listed as homeless, set 8 fires in West Aliquippa. 2 on Main Avenue on May 27, 2023, 3 on Erie Avenue on Saturday, June 3, 2023, and 1 on Beaver, 1 on Allegheny Avenue and one on Main Avenue on June 16, 2023. Multiple fire departments responded to assist at the scenes.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

Beaver County citizens are experiencing highs and lows, and the final work session of June for the Beaver County Commissioners reflected that.

The highs coming from the Beaver County BOOM over the past weekend were still resonating, as Parks & Recreation director Tony Caltury lauded everyone who assisted and help put the BOOM–along with the first-ever “BOOM on The Bridge” concert–together with smooth and spectacular results. Caltury was praised in return by the Commissioners for organizing the event, along with EMS services and other security units for ensuring that there were minimal incidents throughout the evening.

More (mostly) highs came from Controller Longo presented an update on the county’s spending for the first half of 2023. She noted that despite rough numbers in the head count, the majority of statistics show the county in good shape for the remainder of the year. She also announced that the county has built up a capital fund reserve of 10 million dollars.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published June 28, 2023 2:45 P.M.

(Hopewell Township, PA) The school district and the police departments of Hopewell, Independence, and Raccoon Townships were approved by the commissioners for procedures to be followed when specific incidents occur on school property, at any school sponsored activity, or any public conveyance providing transportation to or from a school or school sponsored activity.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) today announced that all driver license and photo centers, including its full-service center in Harrisburg, will be closed Tuesday, July 4, 2023, in observance of Independence Day.

A complete listing of PennDOT driver and photo license center closings in 2023 is available online. If you are planning to visit one of PennDOT’s On-Line Messenger Service Centers, please call ahead for hours of operation during holidays.