Harrisburg, PA — Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his 2024-25 budget proposal will include his plan for the first increase in the state share of public transit funding in over a decade. Governor Shapiro’s proposal will increase the state share of public transit funding by 1.75% – a $282.8 million investment, and nearly $1.5 billion in new state funding over five years, in transit systems that Pennsylvanians rely on in his 2024-25 budget proposal.

“Hundreds of thousands of people across our Commonwealth rely on public transit every day to commute to work, go to school, and get to where they need to go – and Pennsylvanians deserve clean, safe, cost-effective ways to travel throughout our cities and towns,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “That’s true all across our Commonwealth, whether you’re traveling to work in Philadelphia on SEPTA or you’re a student in Pittsburgh using PRT to get to school. Investing in and improving our public transit systems is a commonsense way to create good-paying jobs, spur economic development, and help Pennsylvanians reach their destinations safely. For months, my Administration has worked with local public transit leadership and elected officials to understand their needs and I now call on the General Assembly to join me in making the first significant investment in Pennsylvania’s public transit systems in over a decade.”

Governor Shapiro knows millions of Pennsylvanians rely on public transit every single day to get to work, go to school, see their families, and travel – and clean, safe, on-time public transit is a key driver of economic development. Well-run buses, trains, and trolleys help attract new companies to Pennsylvania, make it easier for folks to get to work and do business, and will be critical as millions of visitors come to Pennsylvania for America’s 250^th anniversary, the FIFA World Cup, and the MLB All Star Game in 2026, and many other exciting events in Pennsylvania in the years to come.

That’s why Governor Shapiro’s upcoming budget will include a significant investment in transit systems to support Pennsylvanians’ travel needs and spur economic growth. This is a statewide investment benefiting multiple regions across the Commonwealth.

“As the son of a union bus driver, I know firsthand how public transit connects our communities, opens up doors of opportunity for working families, and drives economic growth,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “Pittsburgh Regional Transit helps tens of thousands of people in Southwest Pennsylvania every day, and I’m proud the Shapiro-Davis plan would enable PRT and other public transit systems to better serve their riders and communities.”

Governor Shapiro knows that funding for public transit is especially critical in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Over the last several months, the Governor and his Administration have been working closely with SEPTA, the General Assembly, local leadership, and public transit partners to assess their needs and prepare a serious proposal to address them.

As part of the discussions around this proposal, the Governor insisted SEPTA address concerns about cleanliness and safety on the system – and he has asked local counties in Southeastern Pennsylvania whose residents benefit from the system to meet this moment with additional support.

“Ever since I was a State Representative and County Commissioner in Montgomery County, I have supported SEPTA and the critical services it offers to hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians every day. SEPTA has presented plans to address safety and cleanliness throughout their system, and county officials have entertained a willingness to step up to the plate and increase their support – as a result, my Administration is prepared to make a major investment in SEPTA,” said Governor Shapiro.

Governor Shapiro and his Administration have orchestrated conversations between SEPTA and the five counties that rely on and benefit from SEPTA service to discuss how they can also contribute to the system’s funding needs – and they have entertained a willingness to meet this moment with additional financial support.

The Governor’s plan would deliver the funding needed to avoid immediate service cuts or fare increases on SEPTA and would create a more balanced and stable funding structure for SEPTA for the future.

“I want to thank Governor Shapiro – who has been proactively engaged with SEPTA and our partners for months in order to construct this strong funding proposal to address our most pressing needs and enable SEPTA to continue serving our communities. The Governor knows how critical public transit is for Southeastern Pennsylvania, and his proposal would deliver the critical funding we need – providing additional support for SEPTA for the first time in over a decade,” said SEPTA CEO and General Manager Leslie S. Richards. “In these discussions, the Governor has also made clear his expectations that we at SEPTA step up to address our community’s serious concerns about cleanliness and safety. We are committed to addressing these concerns so that all SEPTA riders can feel safe as they travel where they need to go. I appreciate the Governor’s hard work of bringing people together to forge a proposal that delivers real solutions – and I look forward to working with the General Assembly and local leaders to get this done.”

Governor Shapiro looks forward to working with members of the General Assembly, local leaders, and public transit partners to get this done for Pennsylvania.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Pennie – PA’s official health insurance marketplace – announced that a record nearly 435,000 Pennsylvanians are now covered with affordable, high-quality health coverage through Pennie. This represents a 17% increase compared to this time last year, far exceeding the average annual increase of 1%. Marketplace enrollment has increased by over 150,000 in the four years since Pennsylvania took over ownership and operations from the federal marketplace (healthcare.gov) – a 56% increase.

“We are beyond thrilled to see Pennie’s enrollment numbers skyrocket for 2024, knowing this means so many more Pennsylvanians have chosen to protect their health and their savings this year,” said Pennie Executive Director Devon Trolley. “Pennie strives to ensure every Pennsylvanian has the benefits of health coverage, and we will continue to serve as a trusted and objective source for affordable and high-quality coverage.”

The record high enrollment numbers are proof that the increased federal premium subsidies through the Inflation Reduction Act are helping more Pennsylvania families than ever to enroll in coverage. Across Pennie customers, the increased subsidies reduce premiums by an additional 45%, compared to the baseline subsidies alone. Pennie is the only place where Pennsylvanians can get these financial savings to reduce the cost of coverage and care. Nine in 10 enrollees qualify and save more than $500 a month on average.

“The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) is here to help our consumers – and we aim to make sure all Pennsylvanians are protected through fair and effective regulation of the marketplace. This record-breaking number in enrollment is a tremendous milestone because it means more Pennsylvanians than ever have secured an affordable plan through Pennie, benefitting from one of many options in our competitive and robust marketplace,” said Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys. “PID and Pennie will continue working together to ensure that we reach Pennsylvanians who are still without health insurance and help them access and find affordable and high-quality coverage through Pennie.”

The recent success is also due in part to Pennie’s collaboration with Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) to ensure individuals who are no longer eligible for Medicaid have a clear path to enroll through Pennie.

“As a physician, I have seen firsthand how lack of access to high-quality, affordable health coverage can take a toll on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. That is why DHS and Pennie have worked together for over a year to ensure that Pennsylvanians stay covered amid major federal changes to Medicaid and CHIP,” said DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity of knowing they can go to the doctor or fill a prescription when they need it, and it is a huge accomplishment that more Pennsylvanians than ever have the peace of mind that comes with having coverage to keep themselves and their families healthy.”

Although the annual Pennie Open Enrollment period is now closed until November 1, 2024, any Pennsylvanian looking for coverage before then will need a qualifying life event to enroll through Pennie. Qualifying life events – such as losing other coverage (including job coverage or Medicaid), moving to Pennsylvania, having a baby, and more – will allow for a time-limited Special Enrollment Period. Those still without coverage may qualify to enroll through Path to Pennie this tax season while filing their Pennsylvania tax return. Learn more at pennie.com/pathtopennie.

Current Pennie customers should update their Pennie account throughout the year, especially if their household size or income changes.

If any Pennsylvanian finds themselves or a household member without health coverage during the year, they should explore their affordable, quality health coverage options through pennie.com or Pennie Customer Service at 1-844-844-8040.

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A Washington state man who made over 20 “swatting” calls around the country and in Canada, prompting emergency responses to his fake reports of bombs, shootings or other threats, has pleaded guilty to four crimes. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman says 21-year-old Ashton Garcia pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to two counts of extortion and two counts of threats and hoaxes regarding explosives. Prosecutors recommend that Garcia, of Bremerton, serve four years in prison. Federal prosecutors say Garcia used voice-over-internet technology to conceal his identity during the calls in 2022 and 2023. He also broadcast them on the social media platform Discord.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Two men accused of racing on a public highway in western Pennsylvania have been ordered to stand trial on charges in a crash involving a school van that left a teenage girl dead. Three other students and two adults were also injured in the Sept. 20 crash in Dravosburg. An Allegheny County judge on Friday upheld all 15 counts against 43-year-old William Soliday II, including homicide. She dismissed the only felony charge against 37-year-old Andrew Voigt and a charge of failing to stop and render aid, but held for court other charges including reckless endangering. Defense attorneys say there is no evidence that their clients were racing.

CENTER TOWNSHIP, PA — On Wednesday, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) visited and toured a Primary Health Network Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Rochester, Beaver County, PA. There, he met with providers and healthcare professionals to discuss ongoing efforts to better serve underserved patients, including many on Medicaid and Medicare. Congressman Deluzio supports funding for community health centers and has consistently voted to do so over the past year.

Primary Health Network, Pennsylvania’s largest community health center, is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care across a wide range of medical specialties. With a team of dedicated providers and staff, Primary Health Network offers comprehensive services aimed at promoting overall well-being and empowering patients to lead healthy lives. Last year, Primary Health Network reached tens of thousands of patients in 16 counties across Pennsylvania.

“It was great to be in Rochester this week and visit this Primary Health Network community health center and speak with staff,” said Rep. Deluzio. “Healthcare should not be a luxury in America, and we need to make sure that folks in Western Pennsylvania can get the high-quality healthcare coverage and care they need without breaking the bank.”

This FQHC in Rochester provides adult behavioral health care, child and adolescent behavioral health care, dental care, and has an on-site contracted pharmacy for area patients. Other nearby PHN facilities provide additional medical services. Plans are underway to renovate their space to increase services and capacity. Additionally, PHN’s mobile health unit was in Darlington, Pennsylvania last year, caring for people close to the toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical spill who experienced adverse health impacts.

Photos of the visit are available for download here.

Congressman Deluzio’s visit comes after the announcement that in the most recent Open Enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), 21 million people signed up for coverage, breaking all previous ACA enrollment period records. Many of these new enrollees were in states that have not expanded Medicaid and show how the ACA is filling a need and helping Americans access health care.

Last Congress, Democrats strengthened the Affordable Care Act by passing the American Rescue Plan and later the Inflation Reduction Act, bringing down the cost of health care, expanding coverage and helping our nation’s uninsured rate reach a historic low, with nearly nine million more people insured. Meanwhile, House Republicans have proposed repeals and rollbacks to the ACA, ripping away protections for more than 100 million Americans with pre-existing conditions and raising health care costs for working families and seniors. House Democrats will never allow that to happen.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A federal judge has found two Western Pennsylvania men guilty of three counts  related to the unlawful killing of migratory birds, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced  today.  

Robert Yost, 52, of New Galilee, Pennsylvania, and Jacob Reese, 27, of Enon Valley,  Pennsylvania, were tried before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy in Pittsburgh in late October 2022.  

The evidence presented at trial established that, in June 2020, Yost—as operator of Yost  Farms in Beaver County, Pennsylvania—and one of his employees, Reese, conspired to kill  migratory birds present on leased farmland operated by Yost Farms using carbofuran, a registered  restricted-use pesticide. The Environmental Protection Agency concluded no later than 2009 that  the dietary, worker, and ecological risks for all uses of carbofuran were unacceptable and that all  products containing carbofuran generally caused unreasonable adverse effects on humans and the  environment. As part of the conspiracy, Yost directed Reese to spread whole kernel corn coated in  carbofuran in and around a leased field used for soybean cultivation to which children had access.  The tainted corn attracted protected migratory birds that were killed within a short distance of where  they ingested the corn. Yost and Reese thereafter took steps to conceal their efforts to poison and  kill the migratory birds, including destroying the feed bag containing the carbofuran-laced whole  corn kernel. When confronted by officials from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and  Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Reese and Yost also lied about their use of poisoned corn  to kill the birds. In total, Yost and Reese were responsible for killing approximately 17 Canada  geese, 10 red-winged blackbirds, and one mallard duck.  

“Robert Yost and Jacob Reese used corn laced with an extremely toxic, banned pesticide to  poison over two dozen migratory birds,” said U.S. Attorney Olshan. “The defendants’ indiscriminate  criminal conduct also put the safety and health of the farm’s neighbors—including small children  and a man suffering from Alzheimer’s disease—at risk. Protecting wildlife and the people who live  in our communities from the illicit use of dangerous chemicals is, and will remain, a priority of this  office and our dedicated partners in state and local law enforcement.” 

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“The deliberate application of a highly toxic pesticide, whose use is restricted due to the  unreasonable risks to public health and the environment, threatened the health and well-being of the  community and the children who played in the poison area, and resulted in the intentional killing of  numerous migratory birds,” said Allison Landsman, EPA-CID Acting Special Agent in Charge. 

“The conviction of Robert Yost and Jacob Reese demonstrates EPA’s resolve to vigorously, with its  federal and state partners, investigate, prosecute, and hold accountable those who criminally apply  toxic pesticides and target species protected under federal law.” 

Judge Hardy scheduled both sentencing hearings for May 29, 2024, with the defendants each facing a total maximum term of imprisonment of 13 months and a total fine of $31,000. The actual  sentence imposed would be based upon a consideration of statutory sentencing factors and the prior  criminal history, if any, of the defendants.  

Assistant United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Brown and Special Assistant United States  Attorney Perry D. McDaniel are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Office of Law Enforcement, Environmental Protection  Agency – Criminal Investigation Division, and Pennsylvania Game Commission conducted the  investigation that led to the prosecution of Yost and Reese, with assistance from the Pennsylvania  Department of Agriculture. 

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published January 26, 2024 1:53 P.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) Beaver Falls Police, along with the Beaver Falls Fire Department were back on scene Friday afternoon near the area where a female was found dead just over two weeks ago. Other unmarked vehicles were also present. Beaver County Radio witnessed investigation activity approximately a quarter mile north of where the scene for the body found was. It is a wooded area along train tracks directly behind and down the hill of where Geneva College is located. The first officer Beaver County Radio encountered was retrieving brown paper bags from a police cruiser and did not have any comment to what was going on. Another set of officers at the scene were spotted walking through the woods. They told Beaver County Radio that the area is private property and to leave the scene immediately. Other activity could be seen further down the tracks. Two additional police cruisers arrived and stopped Beaver County Radio on the way out, saying that the Chief had requested they inform us that entering the area again would result in being arrested.

Two weeks after the body was found, Beaver Falls Police have yet to confirm any details other than a deceased missing female was discovered and insisting there is no danger to the community. A week after the incident, Beaver Falls Police put out a request for help from the community, asking for surveillance footage in specific areas.  There has also been no word from the coroner. Sources say the victim was 41 year old Rebecca Miller of Beaver Falls, and that she had suffered multiple stab wounds. She was last known to be going on a walk with a male friend. Her body was discovered along a walking trail in the woods near the Geneva campus. A painted cross with the name “Becky Miller” is now present at the entrance to the trail. Beaver County Radio observed that the fence along the trail has multiple holes in it large enough for people to go through, however we have no confirmed details that suggest any of the breached fence may have played a role in the incident.

Photos from the scene: