“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency invites your comments on a proposed hazardous waste permit for Heritage Thermal Services, Inc. in East Liverpool, Ohio. The permit would set air emission standards for equipment leaks, tanks, containers, and other miscellaneous units at the Heritage site. The comment period runs from August 28th to October 16th of this year. For more information, contact U.S. EPA Project Manager Jae Lee at 312-886-3781 or email at lee-dot-jae, that’s j-a-e, at epa-dot-gov.”

Laura gains power, could come ashore as Category 4 hurricane
By JEFF MARTIN, JOHN MONE and STACEY PLAISANCE Associated Press
GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — Laura is rapidly gaining strength and raising fears that it could come ashore as a Category 4 hurricane in Texas and Louisiana. Forecasters say the system could deliver a 20-foot storm surge that would be “unsurvivable” and capable of sinking entire communities. Authorities implored coastal residents to flee. The storm grew nearly 70% in power in just 24 hours to reach Category 3 status, and it continued to draw energy from the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Laura was on track to arrive late Wednesday or early Thursday as the most powerful hurricane to strike the U.S. so far this year.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(South Beaver Twp., Pa.) Tuesday  morning’s fire  in the  700 block of Old Blackhawk Road in South Beaver Twp.  that destroyed a home is under investigation . South Beaver Police Chief Daniel Petrich said that the investigation of the cause has been turned over to the Pa State Police Fire Marshall.

AP Exclusive: Inmate beaten to death at federal lockup
By JIM MUSTIAN Associated Press
The FBI is investigating the killing of an inmate who was beaten to death at a federal lockup in Indiana. An autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press shows the May death of 59-year-old Jose Nieves-Galarza was a homicide caused by “blunt-force injuries” that caused him to bleed to death in his cell. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons did not respond to questions about whether any inmates or staff have been disciplined in the attack, which nearly ruptured the man’s aorta. The killing is at least the third in recent months inside a federal prison. The killings are among the latest security issues for the federal Bureau of Prisons, which has been plagued by chronic violence, serious misconduct and persistent staffing shortages.

Wolf asks lawmakers to legalize pot, spend virus funds
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s governor is urging lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana and spend down much of the remaining $1.3 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday outlined his priorities for the fall legislative session. His proposal on the federal funding includes extra hazard pay for workers on the front lines of handling the pandemic, as well as financial support for small businesses, child care needs, protective equipment and utility shut-offs. House Republican Leader Kerry Benninghoff is dismissive of the governor’s proposals, calling them unaffordable and a taxpayer bail out of mandates.

On THURSDAY, AUGUST 27th, Pennsylvania and national agricultural commodity leaders will hold a virtual town hall to discuss the future of Pennsylvania agriculture, with a focus on trade and supply chains. The conversation, which is part of the AgTalks town hall series focusing on key U.S. ag states, comes at a time when Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in agriculture is being impacted by the trade war, COVID-19, and an increase in non-US trade agreements with overseas customers that Pennsylvania has traditionally served. Panelists will discuss these emerging developments and opportunities, as well as take questions from conversation participants. The event will be sponsored by Pennsylvania Farm Country Radio Network, and its host, Dave Williams, will provide welcoming remarks. Members of the media are encouraged to join. Panelists are: