FILE – Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers and others strike against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) in a rally at Fox Plaza in Los Angeles’ Century City district on Nov. 9, 2007. Television and movie writers on Monday, May 1, 2023, declared that they will launch an industrywide strike for the first time since 2007, as Hollywood girded for a shutdown in a dispute over fair pay in the streaming era. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — Television and movie writers soured by Hollywood’s low pay in the streaming era went on strike for the first time in 15 years on Tuesday, meaning late-night and variety shows would be the first programs to go dark. The Writers Guild of America said that its 11,500 unionized screenwriters would head to the picket lines. Negotiations between studios and the writers, which began in March, failed to reach a new contract Monday. The labor dispute could have a cascading effect on TV and film productions depending on how long the strike goes on.

HARRISBURG – State House Democrats today blocked an effort by Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) to drastically expand educational freedom in Pennsylvania.

Bernstine offered an amendment to an education bill being considered by the House that would have ensured all families have equal access and maximum flexibility in schooling options.

If adopted, it would have been one of the most transformative school choice bills in the nation.

Instead, House Democrats used a parliamentary maneuver to block Bernstine’s amendment to House Bill 688 from debate and vote.

Bernstine expressed disappointment in his House colleagues:

“No child should be forced to attend a certain school just because of their ZIP code. Too many kids are trapped in schools that aren’t working for them. Adopting this amendment would have given those kids the resources and schooling options to succeed. I’m beyond disappointed that my Democrat colleagues chose to play partisan games with our kids’ futures by shutting down debate and blocking a vote.

“I firmly believe that parents are the best equipped to make decisions about their children’s education. School choice is not about favoring one school over another, it’s about letting families choose the education that best suits their child. I will continue to advocate for policies that expand school choice options and provide all children with the opportunity to receive an excellent education, regardless of their ZIP code or family income. House Democrats today voted against giving every single child in Pennsylvania the chance to attend a school that fits their needs.”

Idlewild released the following statement in celebration of their 145th Anniversary. They open for the 2023 season May 20th.

On May 1, 1878, William Darlington wrote to Thomas Mellon:

“I will and do hereby agree to grant to the Ligonier Valley Railway Company the right and privilege to occupy for picnic purposes or pleasure grounds that portion of my land in Ligonier Township…”

As the park gets ready to begin Season 146 in less than three weeks, Idlewild is proud to have stayed true to Mr. Darlington’s wishes to maintain the land’s natural beauty.

With park-wide cosmetic improvements on the way in 2023 alongside refurbishments to the Carousel and Loyalhanna Limited Railroad, rediscover Idlewild with unlimited visits all year long for under $100! See you May 20!

Check out some vintage photos on Idlewild’s Facebook page.

Harrisburg, PA – In keeping with Governor Josh Shapiro’s commitment to serve Pennsylvanians more effectively and efficiently, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that over 20 driver licensing and motor vehicle forms are now available for electronic submission to provide faster and more efficient customer service to our residents. This announcement comes just one week after Governor Shapiro signed an Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA) to improve online services and make it easier for Pennsylvanians to connect with the vital resources provided by the Commonwealth.

“Anything we can do to make our services more convenient for our customers is a win,” said Acting PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “PennDOT is committed to modernizing our operations, shorter wait times and giving customers new ways to complete services from the comfort of their homes – without having to visit a driver license center.”

Over 20 commonly-used driver licensing and motor vehicle forms that require a signature can now be completed, signed, and submitted online, including the self-certification form for commercial driving, the statement of non-operation of vehicles form, several medical forms, and more. Allowing customers to submit these forms electronically will allow PennDOT staff to start processing them more quickly, cutting down on customer wait times.

Forms that are available for electronic submission will be listed on the Forms, Publication and Maps website page with a “DS” suffix in their document number. When these forms are selected, instructions for secure submission will be provided. Printable/downloadable versions of these forms will continue to be available. PennDOT will continue to add more forms for electronic submission as they become available.

Additionally, customers who have a Person with Disabilities Parking Placard have the option to renew, receive a replacement or update their address on their permanent Persons with Disabilities Parking Placard online. Customers with Temporary Person with Disabilities Parking Placards will also be able to update their address and request replacement identification credentials through this online service. To renew a placard online or to obtain additional information on services provided, including how to obtain a placard, please visit the Person with Disabilities Information page on the Driver and Vehicle Services website. Placard holders will continue to receive a renewal form by mail approximately 60 days prior to their expiration.

Below is the full list of documents that are now available for electronic submission:

DL-11CD: Self-Certification Form

DL-17: Statement of Non-Ownership of Vehicle(s)

DL-16LC: Acknowledgment of Suspension/Revocation/Disqualification/Cancellation

MV-221: Statement of Non-Operation Of Vehicle(s)

MV-401: Safety Inspection Category Removal Request

MV-421: County of Residence Verification

MV-450: Application For Waiver of Hours

MV-591: Application for Certification as Official Speedometer Testing & Calibration

MV-700: Application For Refund of Motor Vehicle/Driver License Products

DL-13: Initial Reporting Form

DL-102: Report of Eye Examination

DL-104: School Bus General Psychiatric Form

DL-120: Medical Cardiovascular Form

DL-121: School Bus Seizure Reporting Form

DL-122: Diabetic Form

DL-122B: School Bus Driver Diabetic Waiver

DL-123: General Medical Form

DL-123A: School Bus General Medical Form

DL-124: General Neurological Form

DL-124A: School Bus General Neurological Form

DL-126: Orthopedic Form

DL-126A: School Bus Orthopedic Form
DL-128: Substance Use Form

DL-128A: School Bus Substance Abuse Form

DL-129: Loss of Consciousness

DL-129SB: School Bus Driver Loss of Consciousness

DL-131: Cognitive Impairment Form

(Hopewell Township, PA) On Saturday, May 6, 2023 the annual Youth fishing derby will be held at Hopewell ‘s Community Park from 8 am to noon.

(Bridgewater, PA) Norfolk Southern is being blamed for blocking a railroad crossing in Bridgewater. Residents and first responders are frustrated with trains sitting at the crossing to the Bridgewater Crossing condo complex that opened not too long ago. Trains stop on the tracks and block the tracks for up to hours long periods of time, waiting to approach the Conway yard just over 2 miles away. Bridgewater officials, along with property owner and developer Chuck Betters are looking to come to terms with Norfolk Southern on a solution, but one has not been discussed yet. Betters has said he has begun the process of filing a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern. The tracks were in place long before the development on the property took place, and discussions over the accessibility of the complex have been in talks previously. The bipartisan Railway Safety Act, which is supported by Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, looks to prevent blocked railroad crossings.

Gordon Lightfoot performs during the evening ceremonies of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, in Ottawa, Ontario, on July 1, 2017. The legendary folk singer-songwriter, whose hits including “Early Morning Rain,” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” told a tale of Canadian identity that was exported worldwide, died on Monday, May 1, 2023, at a Toronto hospital, according to a family representative. He was 84. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

TORONTO (AP) — Legendary folk singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot has died. He was one of the most renowned voices to come from Toronto’s Yorkville folk club scene in the 1960s. He penned hundreds of songs, including “Carefree Highway,” “Early Morning Rain” and “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Once called a “rare talent” by Bob Dylan, Lightfoot wrote deeply autobiographical lyrics and explored issues surrounding the Canadian national identity. His works have been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Harry Belafonte and Johnny Cash. A family representative said Lightfoot died at a Toronto hospital Monday. He was 84. The cause of death wasn’t immediately available.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s state Senate is approving legislation to ban so-called safe injection sites, where opioid users could legally inject heroin and other drugs under supervision as a way to reduce overdoses. The bill passed Monday, 41-9, with every Republican in favor and nine of 22 Democrats against it. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Christine Tartaglione, says she supports recovery efforts, but not what she called “programs that perpetuate addiction without a path to recovery.” Sen. Nikil Saval said efforts to ban the centers are based on misconceptions and that they save lives. Gov. Josh Shapiro opposes safe injection sites. The bill goes to the state House of Representatives.

Gas prices are two cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.790 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Lower oil prices are causing pump prices to fall, with the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropping a nickel since last week to hit $3.61. Today’s national average is 11 cents more than a month ago but 57 cents less than a year ago.

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate decreased by $2.77 to settle at $74.30. Oil prices fell amid ongoing market concerns that low consumer confidence could contribute to a recession this year. Additionally, the EIA reported that total domestic commercial crude inventories decreased by 5.1 million barrels to 460.9 million barrels last week.

The average price in Beaver County is currently $3.820.

 (Ambridge, PA) The inaugural Season of Ambridge Turtle Racing will begin Saturday, May 20th. The fun and unique community event will kick off at P.J. Cual Park on 11th and Merchant Street and continue once a month, June 10th , July 8th , August 12th and the series Championship is set for September 9th.

Other activities will include Food Trucks, a bounce house, games, mascots, celebrity appearances, Family Fun and excitement.

Headline Sponsor is Off The Hook Exotic Pet Shop and will ensure that all of our racers are handled professionally and humanely. The event was created by 321 Creative Studios LLC and is hosted by The Ambridge Regional Chamber of Commerce.