HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s 2024 primary election would be moved up five weeks under bipartisan legislation approved by the state Senate last week, said Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47).

Senate Bill 224 would move the 2024 primary election to March 19.

In many presidential elections, the outcome is largely decided before Pennsylvania voters have a chance to cast a ballot. Moving up the spring election date would give voters in the fifth-largest state a better chance of weighing in on the presidential primary.

The current primary date also conflicts with Passover, during which observant Jewish Pennsylvanians are prohibited from writing, driving, or using electricity.

“Last week the Pennsylvania Senate stood unified in wanting to ensure all Pennsylvanians have an equal opportunity to cast their vote, especially with next year being a presidential election year,” Vogel added. “It is now in the hands of the House of Representatives where we hope they will take swift action in getting this to the Governor’s desk.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 26, 2023 10:26 A.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) A man has been found guilty in the attack of an Aliquippa Police Officer. On the night of July 28-29, 2022 PA State Trooper Johnnie Schooley was attacked and severely injured by Damian Bradford in front of and inside the Franklin Avenue Mini Mart in Aliquippa. At 4:30 p.m. on Monday, September 25, 2023 after the jury deliberated for six hours, Bradford was found guilty of attempted homicide, multiple counts of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and other charges.
Judge Mitchell Shahen will sentence Bradford on the charges on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. Assistant DA’s Chad Parks and Steven Necaster represented the Commonwealth . District Attorney Lozier’s staff, Trooper Schooley, Trooper Palmer, their families and fellow troopers all thanked the jury.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published September 25, 2023 10:06 A.M.

(New Brighton, Pa) Pizza Joe’s in New Brighton has apparently abruptly closed, at least temporarily. The restaurant has had an empty parking lot recently and google lists them as permanently closed. An automated message can be heard when trying to call their phone number, stating that the pizza shop has suspended operations citing staffing issues and the struggling economy.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published September 25, 2023 9:39 A.M.

(Zelienople, Pa) Young’s Custard Stand has officially closed its window after 75 years. The longtime custard and food stand shut down Sunday evening. A long line of people were all served their final frozen treat when they decided to stay open past closing to ensure everybody got what they wanted. The present owners of Young’s, which was a family run business, cited their closing as a chance to finally take a break after years of growing up and working at the business.

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published September 25, 2023 9:40 A.M.  

(New Brighton, Pa) Two apartments have been deemed uninhabitable following a fire late last night in New Brighton. Shortly after midnight, fire crews were called out to Brightwood Manor apartments. According to the fire marshal, the cause of the fire is under investigation. There were not any injuries reported.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing work to inspect the I-376 (Beaver Valley Expressway) Vanport Bridge over the Ohio River in Vanport Township, Beaver County, will begin Monday, September 25 weather permitting.

Single-lane restrictions will occur on the Vanport Bridge in each direction weekdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through early October to allow crews to conduct routine bridge inspection activities.

Crews from Mackin Engineering and the Sofis Rigging Company will conduct the inspection work.

Please use caution if traveling in this area. Remember, work zone safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett gives his glove to a fan in the stands after a win over the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ charter flight home following a Sunday night win in Las Vegas made an emergency landing in Kansas City early Monday. Team spokesman Burt Lauten posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that every one on the plane is safe and the team is making plans to arrive in Pittsburgh later in the day. The team was originally scheduled to arrive in Pittsburgh around 5:30 a.m. EDT after improving to 2-1 by holding off the Raiders.

East Palestine Train Derailment  (Curtis Walsh)

President Joe Biden ordered federal agencies to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for its February derailment in eastern Ohio and appoint a FEMA official to oversee East Palestine’s recovery, but he stopped short of declaring a disaster. The lack of a disaster declaration has been a key concern for many residents of the area where the derailment happened near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Officials have said this situation doesn’t easily fit the definition of a disaster because Norfolk Southern is paying to clean up the mess and help the town recover. Still, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine requested a disaster declaration back in July to make sure any unmet needs would be covered.