On Tuesday, Matt Drzik will be talking to Jodie McGovern, a therapist working with the Women’s Center of Beaver County. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Jodie will discuss the different types and availability of therapy offered by the Women’s Center.
(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)
Users around the world tried to reset their internet connection and restart their devices Monday morning when they couldn’t access Facebook. A global outage occurred shortly before noon that left Facebook and their other owned platforms, Instagram and WhatsApp, inaccessible to both users and the company itself. Facebook released a statement on Twitter saying “We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible, and we apologize for any inconvenience.” It is currently unclear what caused the outage. The sites appeared back online around 6pm Monday with some limited functionality. This came a day after a TV segment was aired about Facebook being under allegations of knowingly spreading violence and misinformation. Stocks for the company plummeted 5% Monday morning shortly before the outage as well. Have no fear, you can always get all your Beaver County news right here on beavercountyradio.com.
(Photo Courtesy of the National Aviary)
(Pittsburgh, Pa) National Aviary officials this morning announced that Kodiak, or Kody, the Steller’s Sea Eagle, has safely returned to the National Aviary, where he has thrived for 15 years. National Aviary staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring Kody back home after he got out through a gap in the heavy gauge wire roof of his habitat last Saturday. Kody was recovered from a residence in Pine Township late Sunday afternoon and is doing well. “Since Saturday, September 25, our team has worked tirelessly towards this moment when we can finally say that Kodiak is home safe and sound,” said Cheryl Tracy, Executive Director of the National Aviary. “We are relieved and elated that Kody is in good health, and we have immense gratitude for the support we have received from our community during this stressful time. Your sightings and well wishes were invaluable in our efforts, and we are so appreciative.”
Kodiak initially stayed close to Pittsburgh’s Northside before gradually traveling further north, where he found green spaces to rest. Hundreds of phone calls from community members assisted the National Aviary’s team in locating Kody. A tip from a homeowner Sunday afternoon led the team to a residence in Pine Township. Kodiak recognized one of his caregivers who was able to maintain eye contact with the bird, as a team of trained aviculturists used soft netting to safely hold Kody’s position. Additional soft netting and a towel were used to ensure the safety of both Kody and the aviculturists working to bring him home.
“Kodiak is so beloved by the National Aviary’s staff, volunteers, and visitors, and we are so relieved that he is back home where he has thrived for 15 years. He is resting and eating well—a sign that he is relaxed and comfortable,” said Cathy Schlott, Director of Animal Programs and Experiences at the National Aviary. “Kody has a trusting relationship with his caregivers, and that relationship helped our team immensely in the effort to bring him back home.”
Now back at the National Aviary, Kodiak is resting in a comfortable habitat behind the scenes. He received an initial visual exam upon his return from Dr. Pilar Fish, the National Aviary’s Senior Director of Zoological Advancement and Avian Medicine, who found that Kody is in good health.
It will be several weeks before visitors will be able to see Kody at the National Aviary due to supply delays for materials used for his habitat repairs. Kody is in a comfortable space behind the scenes while the National Aviary makes repairs to his usual habitat. Repairs will include an even stronger material for the roof and an additional net for added safety. All of the habitats at the National Aviary are designed with the comfort and safety of the birds as the highest priority, and this is the first time an incident of this nature has occurred. It is still unclear how Kodiak was able to get out of his habitat, and we may not have additional information. The entire team is incredibly relieved and grateful for Kody’s safe return, and his welfare continues to be our unwavering focus.
The National Aviary will reopen to the public on Thursday, October 7. The Aviary will be closed until then to allow the staff time for rest and recover following this exhaustive effort to bring Kody home safely.
On Tuesday’s Teleforum program host Eddy Crow welcomes Rob Mulvilhill, event director of RecruitMilitary. Rob will have all the info you need about the Pittsburgh Veterans Job Fair happening Thursday at Heinz Field, an event to empower veterans and their families with new career opportunities. Teleforum happens every weekday from 9:10 till noon on am1230, am1460, and 99.3fm presented by St. Barnabas.
Back on September 14, it was reported that the PA Turnpike Commission had lost $104 million in revenue over the course of the last year, as 11 million rides through the toll areas generated no net revenue from its users. This drew the ire of the Senate Transportation Committee, who held hearings with the PTC over what the issues were that led to such a loss.
Senator Elder Vogel (R-47th) is one of two Senators representing Beaver County to serve on the STC, and he joined Matt Drzik on A.M. Beaver County to discuss his take on the Turnpike situation. Vogel spoke about the disappointment that he had with the PTC over the system that has been created, and he suggested a possible aid to help in generating revenue by adding a front license plate to vehicles in Pennsylvania.
To hear the full interview with Senator Vogel, click on the player feed below.
(Washington, D.C.) The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that it will lower the online renewal fee for TSA PreCheck® from $85 to $70. The new lower fee went into effect on Friday, October 1.
“TSA PreCheck was launched 10 years ago to provide expedited airport security screening for low-risk travelers,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “Our TSA PreCheck program improves overall security and we will continue to look for ways to enhance the benefits of this program for our trusted travelers.”
This fee change represents a $15 reduction in the cost of renewing online, while still allowing TSA to cover the costs of operating the program, which includes performing a security threat assessment and adjudicating applications. Over 95 percent of renewals occur online, as most travelers find this to be a quick and easy way to maintain membership in the program. The cost for an initial enrollment and in-person renewal will continue to be $85.
TSA PreCheck allows low-risk travelers to enjoy a streamlined screening experience at more than 200 U.S. airports and with 80 participating airlines. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts or light jackets. This past month, 96% of passengers in TSA PreCheck lanes waited less than five minutes to go through airport security checkpoints.
For more information, read the frequently asked questions about TSA PreCheck.
(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Kodiak the Steller’s Sea Eagle is home safe and healthy. The National Aviary has worked tirelessly to get Kody home safely after he got out of his habitat on September 25. The afternoon of October 3, the Aviary’s team of animal care experts spotted Kody at a residence in Pine Township. Kody had been spotted earlier that day nearby, and thanks to the overwhelming support and helpful sightings of community members, and the commitment of the Aviary team, they were able to locate the bird and bring Kody back home safely. Using professional falconry techniques and equipment, the National Aviary’s team was able to safely retrieve Kody and bring him back home to the Aviary. Upon an initial veterinary exam, Kody appears to be in excellent health and body condition. He is currently resting in a behind the scenes area of the National Aviary and enjoying healthy meals of fresh meat. The entire team at the National Aviary is extremely relieved to have Kody back.
Kail’s Pizza and Policy Event Rescheduled for Oct. 21
HARRISBURG – Rep. Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) announced today Pizza and Policy, which was scheduled for Oct. 7 in Claysville, has been rescheduled for Thursday, Oct. 21.
“Due to a scheduling conflict, the event is being pushed back by two weeks,” Kail said. “Having these events has been very beneficial to me as I have learned how I can better represent you. I look forward to seeing you there and continuing our discussion on issues that mean the most to you!”
Kail’s event is scheduled to take place at noon at the Claysville Municipal Building on 117 Main St.
For more information, please call Kail’s district office at 724-728-7655.
Star Trek’s Captain Kirk rocketing into space next week
By MARCIA DUNN AP Aerospace Writer
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Star Trek’s Captain Kirk is rocketing into space this month. Actor William Shatner will blast off from West Texas on Oct. 12. Jeff Bezos’ space travel company, Blue Origin, announced Monday that Shatner will join the flight with three others. It will be the company’s second crew flight to space. Bezos was on the debut crew in July. At age 90, Shatner will become the oldest person in space. The up-and-down space hop will last 10 minutes and reach no higher than about 66 miles.
U.S. Steel Tower stands tall 50 years after its dedication
By MARK BELKO, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette undefined
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Fifty years later, it’s still the king of the Downtown skyline. The U.S. Steel Tower remains Pittsburgh’s tallest building as it marks the golden anniversary of its dedication. Over the years, the brawny 64-story skyscraper has survived the hometown collapse of the very industry that brought it life, not to mention the recessions; the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks; the vagaries of the real estate market; and a pandemic that virtually emptied its offices. It has celebrated six Super Bowl championships, two World Series titles and five Stanley Cups.