Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published July 10, 2024 7:56 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) Aliquippa police were called to the scene of a shooting in the 1000 block of Irwin Street at 4:56 a.m. this morning. State Police were called in to take over the investigation and remain on scene, according to a state police official.
No other details are available at this time.

Danielle Smith – Keystone State News Connection

Pennsylvania’s landscape is being transformed through billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which support numerous large-scale projects.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., emphasized the multifaceted benefits Pennsylvania has reaped from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. He pointed to record-breaking investments in roads, bridges, water systems and transportation across the state.

Casey pointed out $13 billion was allocated to Pennsylvania for roads and bridges.

“For example, in Pittsburgh, raising the flood wall that protects the Parkway East and in downtown Pittsburgh, including the so-called bathtub section of interstate 376,” Casey outlined. “That often floods during heavy storms. That’s a $6.6 million project that will help ensure that it can stay open and allow for traffic to flow through.”

According to Casey’s website, progress has been made on key provisions in the Senate’s initial fiscal year 2024 funding bills. The provisions cover a range of issues, from anti-drug efforts to economic development, and include more than $172 million for Pennsylvania community projects.

Casey noted a significant investment in the infrastructure bill provides funding for removing and replacing aging lead service lines in the water system in Pennsylvania.

“In Pittsburgh, that amounts to, in terms of the current funding, amounts to 4,900 homes and businesses in the city or surrounding communities,” Casey explained. “That funding level is over $30 million.”

Casey emphasized the infrastructure bill allocates significant funding to improve internet connectivity across Pennsylvania, particularly in rural areas where up to 30% of residents lack access. He added the investment in high-speed internet will also address urban dead spots and is expected to be one of the most transformative aspects of the legislation.

MONACA, July 8 – State Rep. Rob Matzie will host a license plate replacement event on Friday, July 19 to help motorists learn whether they need a new license plate and, if so, to help them apply for a free replacement.

Matzie, D-Beaver, said the event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, July 19 in the parking lot of the Community College of Beaver County Dome, located on Campus Drive.

“We’re teaming with local police to help folks address an important but sometimes overlooked issue,” Matzie said. “State law prohibits driving with a license plate that is illegible – meaning that it’s blistered, peeling or discolored; has lost reflectivity; or has at least one number or letter that can’t be recognized from 50 feet away. Plates with any of these problems qualify for free replacement, and our event will make the whole process easier.

“I encourage anyone who suspects their plate might qualify for replacement to stop by.”

Matzie said motorists must bring their unexpired PA driver’s license and current vehicle registration card in order to apply for a replacement plate.

The new plates will not be distributed at the event. Matzie said that after PennDOT has processed the applications, his office will notify motorists that it is time to pick up their new plates and surrender their old ones.

Gas prices are a penny lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.759 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                         $3.759
Average price during the week of July 1, 2024                                                 $3.764
Average price during the week of July 10, 2023                                               $3.623

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

$3.645      Altoona
$3.876      Beaver
$3.802      Bradford
$3.595      Brookville
$3.728      Butler
$3.674      Clarion
$3.655      DuBois
$3.737      Erie
$3.698      Greensburg
$3.659      Indiana
$3.800      Jeannette
$3.855      Kittanning
$3.821      Latrobe
$3.756      Meadville
$3.918      Mercer
$3.719      New Castle
$3.650      New Kensington
$3.859      Oil City
$3.743      Pittsburgh
$3.690      Sharon
$3.831      Uniontown
$3.898      Warren
$3.749      Washington

Trend Analysis:
In the wake of the Independence Day holiday, gas prices are up a penny since last week to $3.50. Even though pump prices increased slightly, Americans still saw the lowest gasoline prices in three years over the July Fourth weekend. Today’s national average is five cents more than a month ago but three cents less than a year ago.

Oil prices are edging lower so far this week even as traders monitor the potential effect of Tropical Storm Beryl on U.S. production and operations. Major ports in Texas closed operations and vessel traffic as Beryl strengthened after making landfall along the Gulf Coast near Houston.                      

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at gasprices.aaa.com.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) today released the results of its annual Independence Day weekend enforcement detail, which aimed to strengthen roadway safety across the Commonwealth.

The PSP investigated 774 vehicle crashes resulting in 11 fatalities and 244 injuries July 3-7. Intoxicated driving was a factor in 64 crashes, including four fatal crashes.

During the five days, troopers arrested 556 motorists for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and issued 28,429 citations, including:

• 7,975 for speeding;
• 876 for failing to wear a seat belt;
• 225 for not securing children in safety seats.

Table 1: Independence Day Weekend Crash Statistics

Table 2: Independence Day Weekend Enforcement Statistics

More information on 2024 Memorial Day enforcement, broken down by Troop, is available here.

These statistics cover only those incidents investigated by the state police and do not include incidents to which other law enforcement agencies responded.

For more statistical information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.

Harrisburg, PA – After Independence Day and following his launch of Pennsylvania’s Great American Getaway tourism brand, Governor Josh Shapiro today unveiled new Pennsylvania license plates and “Welcome to Pennsylvania” highway signs. The “Let Freedom Ring” designs celebrate Pennsylvania as the birthplace of American democracy and highlight the state’s leading role in the celebrations of the United States in 2026.

“Pennsylvania is the birthplace of our democracy, and as Governor, I have been focused on advancing real freedom across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “With all eyes on Pennsylvania as we prepare to host our country’s 250th birthday in 2026, our new license plates and welcome signs will celebrate the best of what the Commonwealth has to offer and show the country why Pennsylvania is the Great American Getaway and the birthplace of American freedom.”

The new designs complement the Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway brand, underscoring that tourism is a key priority within the Governor’s economic development strategy. A report unveiled by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office in March shows Pennsylvania’s tourism industry generated $76.7 billion in economic impact, supported 486,871 jobs, contributed $4.7 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 192.4 million visitors in 2022 – and the nearly 72 million people who live within a four-hour drive of thousands of getaways and experiences in Pennsylvania will now see the new designs upon entering the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania is a premier weekend getaway destination within close driving proximity to major hubs along the East Coast – and our main streets and small towns, world class restaurants and bars, renowned historical sites, thrilling outdoor recreation, and top tier events and sports can be experienced in a single weekend.

The new welcome signs installed at state-border entry points invite visitors and residents to celebrate Pennsylvania’s legacy of and commitment to advancing real freedom. The first eight signs have been installed on U.S. 15 in Adams County; I-295 in Bucks County; I-90/the Ohio line in Erie County; I-70 in Fulton County; I-80 in Monroe County; Route 449 in Potter County; I-81 in Susquehanna County; and Route 1015 in Tioga County. Another 29 signs will be installed in the coming months.

Pennsylvanians can also now sign up to receive an email update when the new license plates are ready to order in spring 2025. When the plates become available, an email will be sent explaining how vehicle owners can request one for their vehicle from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Military, special organization, special fund, and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design.

When the plates become available, fee information will be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. The department and its partners will use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new plate design.