Category: News

Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again

Protective gear for medical workers begins to run low again
By GEOFF MULVIHILL and CAMILLE FASSETT Associated Press
The personal protective gear that was in dangerously short supply during the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis in the U.S. is running low again. That’s according to doctors, nurses and some lawmakers. The new shortages come as the virus resumes its rapid spread and the number of hospitalized patients climbs. Deborah Burger is president of National Nurses United. She says there are shortages of gowns, hair covers, shoe covers, masks and N95 masks. Democratic members of Congress want the Trump administration to devise a national strategy to acquire and distribute gear in anticipation of the crisis worsening into the fall.

Harbor Freight Recalls 3 and 6 Ton Pittsburgh Brand Jack Stands

(Beaver County, Pa.) Harbor Freight a National Tool Supply Chain with a store in Beaver County at the Beaver Valley Mall is recalling a Jack stand that was used to replace a previously recalled Jack stands. The Pittsburgh 3-ton steel jack stands (SKU 56373) that replaced the recalled Pittsburgh 3 ton and 6 ton steel jack stands (SKUs 56371, 61196 and 61197) due to a manufacturer’s defect is being added to the list for a manufacturing weld defect in a small number of the Units.

If you own these jack stands or any of the jack stands in our original recall, whether or not you have had an issue with them, please stop using them immediately and bring them back to your local Harbor Freight Store for a full cash refund or store credit

Eric Smidt Owner and Founder  said in a statement that “We have investigated all of our other Pittsburgh 3 ton steel jack stands (SKUs 56371, 56372 and 57308) as well as the Pittsburgh 6 ton steel jack stands (SKUs 56368, 56369 and 56370) and Pittsburgh 12 ton steel jack stands (SKUs 56374 and 56375) and did not find the defect. Although none of these other jack stands are being recalled, if you own any of them and have any concern whatsoever, please bring them back and we’ll give you a full cash refund or store credit for those as well.”

“I want to apologize to all of our customers. While we’ve dramatically grown our team of engineers and inspectors, and intensified our tests and inspections, I assure you that the lessons learned from this will drive further improvement.”

“As the owner and founder of Harbor Freight, I want you to know that we stand behind every product we sell, and that safety will always be our number one priority”

Pa. Department of Human Services Extends Eligibility for Aftercare Services for Former Foster Youth to Age 23

Department of Human Services Extends Eligibility for Aftercare Services for Former Foster Youth to Age 23

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that older Pennsylvania youth exiting the foster-care system will now be eligible for aftercare services until age 23 – a policy change that will offer myriad supportive services to a particularly vulnerable population of youth as they transition to adulthood. Previously, youth became ineligible for aftercare services on their 21st birthday.

DHS estimates that the extension of aftercare services to age 23 will benefit about 1,500 former foster youth in fiscal year 2020-21.

“Every child deserves a safe and healthy environment to grow up, and every person deserves a stable support system to help them transition from childhood to adulthood,” DHS Secretary Teresa Miller said. “For former foster youth aging out of the system, the traditional family support system may not be there for them. I’m proud that Pennsylvania is stepping up to fill that gap and provide the types of services these young adults need to go on to lead happy, healthy and productive lives.”

DHS convened a workgroup to study the possibility of extending aftercare services to age 23 for former foster youth after the federal Family First Prevention Services Act gave states the option of doing so. After studying the issue in collaboration with stakeholders, DHS has opted into this provision effective July 1, 2020.

In Pennsylvania, child welfare is a county-administered and state-supervised system. Counties provide aftercare services that meet the needs of the youth who exit foster care on or after their 14th birthday – and now until age 23 – that can include: needs assessment/case planning, life skills training, prevention services, education, support services, employment, location of housing, room and board, retreats and camps, indirect services, and program administration. Some services require youth to meet other eligibility criteria.

This policy change to extend aftercare services to age 23 ensures that all former foster youth, including those who remain in foster care to age 21 have access to aftercare services to help them safely and successfully transition to independence and adulthood after they’ve exited the formal foster-care system.

Research shows that youth who age out or leave foster care without a permanent family/connection experience worse outcomes than that of their peers in the general population. Former foster youth are disproportionately represented among young adults entering the mental health and substance use disorder systems, homeless services, employment services and criminal justice systems. This policy change is a critical step forward in serving older youth and preventing the outcomes seen nationally for foster youth who age out of the foster-care system.

In addition, beginning July 1, 2020, DHS has extended eligibility for the Chafee Education and Training Voucher program — known as Education and Training Grants (ETG) in Pennsylvania — to youth up until their 26th birthday. This program provides eligible youth financial support to attend post-secondary education and training classes for up to five years (consecutive or non-consecutive). The previous cutoff age was 23.

ETG eligibility includes youth who are in foster care or discharged from foster care on or after age 16, including those youth have exited foster care to adoption or permanent legal guardianship. The ETG application for the 2020-21 academic year is available online.

Youth applying for ETG will be evaluated to determine if they also qualify for the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd). The FosterEd program requires Pennsylvania post-secondary institutions to waive tuition and mandatory fees for Pennsylvania youth who meet Chafee ETG eligibility requirements and who have applied for all available federal and state grants.

Stocks slink back as virus outbreaks Dim Recovery Hopes

Stocks slink back as virus outbreaks dim recovery hopes
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks are dipping modestly in early trading Tuesday as expanding coronavirus outbreaks dim hopes for a speedy recovery. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average followed benchmarks in France, Germany and Britain lower after the European Union slashed its economic forecasts for 2020 and 2021. Investors worry that recovery from the global recession and the lockdowns on businesses will take longer than expected. Stocks also fell in Tokyo, Seoul and Hong Kong, while the Shanghai Composite index advanced. Precious metals and crude oil prices also fell, as did the 10-year Treasury yield.

Duquesne Light Preparing for More Outages Due to the Heat and Provides Safety Tips if Power Failure Happens

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Duquesne Light issued a statement yesterday that they understand it’s challenging to be without power , especially during a heatwave. With extremely high temperatures expected to continue this week, the utility is preparing for an influx of power outages. To address these outages as quickly and as safely as possible, we are increasing our staffing and adding extra shifts in all of our Field Operation work groups.

Customers who experience an outage should report it by calling 412-393-7100 or by visiting DuquesneLight.com. All current outages can be viewed on their website, and additional updates will be made  on  their Facebook and Twitter pages as needed.
In the event of an outage, they suggest steps people can take to be safe and cool. Ensure thast cell phones and other electronic devices are fully charged, have ice handy for cooling packs,  keep supplies in an emergency preparedness kit, including bottled water, non-perishable food, first-aid supples, flashlights, and s battery-powered radio,  Drink plenty of water , avoid opening your refrigerator and freezer doors. Food will stay frozen in a fully loaded freezer 36-48 hours with the doors remaining closed.
As crews work hard throughout the week in this extreme het , we remind customers to keep their distance.  We’re practicing social distancing to keep pur employees  healthy so we can continue to provide our customers with safe and reliable power.

Update On Yesterday’s Beaver Falls Accident

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Beaver Falls Police reported a short time ago that the accident in front of the post office  on 11th Street  that knocked out the power for several hours on Monday July 6, 2020 was due to a vehicle’s mechanical failure . Chief Dave Johnson said that a female driver was operating  a  van  and when she came around the corner she struck a pole  shearing it off . She also struck the mailboxes in front of the post office. No injuries were reported, and no charges were filed.

How risky is dining out during the COVID-19 pandemic?

How risky is dining out during the COVID-19 pandemic?
By The Associated Press undefined
How risky is dining out during the COVID-19 pandemic? There is some risk, but health officials say you can take precautions to minimize your exposure to the virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says ordering takeout or delivery poses the least risk if you want restaurant food. If you do decide to eat at a restaurant, the agency says it’s best to sit outside where seating capacity is reduced and tables are at least 6 feet apart. Dining inside a restaurant that hasn’t reduced its capacity or safely distanced tables poses the most risk.

Gov Wolf: More Research Points to Importance of Masks, Mandatory Mask-Wearing Order Remains in Effect

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Wolf Administration highlighted recent research studies that further point to the importance of wearing masks to stop the spread of COVID-19.

“The recent uptick in cases in southwest Pennsylvania have been traced to people not wearing masks in public places such as bars and restaurants,” Gov. Wolf said. “Research tells us that masks, while not perfect, make a difference in the spread of COVID-19 and are a simple and effective way to help protect ourselves and others.”

According to a recent, comprehensive study published in The Lancet and funded by the World Health Organization, which identified 172 observational studies across 16 countries and six continents, face mask use could result in a large reduction in risk of infection from COVID-19, in particular when combined with social distancing.

A study by a team of researchers led by a Texas A&M University professor has found that not wearing a face mask dramatically increases a person’s chances of being infected by the COVID-19 virus. The findings were published in the PNAS (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). According to the study’s findings, “not wearing a face mask dramatically increases a person’s chances of being infected by the COVID-19 virus.”

And a recent modeling study by the Royal Society A notes that wearing masks in public could have a major impact toward reducing the spread of COVID-19. According to the modeling, “Under certain conditions, when lock-down periods are implemented in combination with 100% facemask use, there is vastly less disease spread, secondary and tertiary waves are flattened, and the epidemic is brought under control. The effect occurs even when it is assumed that facemasks are only 50% effective at capturing exhaled virus inoculum with an equal or lower efficiency on inhalation.”

“Study after study indicates the effectiveness of mask-wearing to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to keep the curve of cases flattened,” Gov. Wolf said. “That’s why we are requiring masks when in public. It is the most simple, effective way to protect yourself and others during our ongoing efforts to mitigate COVID-19.”

Sec. of Health Dr. Rachel Levine signed an order mandating mask-wearing on July 1. It remains in effect. Frequently Asked Questions about the mask-wearing order can be found here.

AAA: Pennsylvania Gas Prices Stable; National Demand Dips

(File Photo)
The average price of gasoline across Western Pennsylvania is steady this week at $2.475 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

Most states in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast region saw minimal gas price fluctuation this week. Eight states saw no change at the pump, while others only experienced a one to two cent increase or decrease.

Pennsylvania ($2.43) and Washington, D.C. ($2.34) rank among the top 10 most expensive states/territories in the country. Virginia ($1.98) is the only state in the region with a less than $2/gallon average.

Regional inventory held above 75 million barrels, with the Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) report showing a small dip from 75.4 to 75.2 million barrels. The mostly stable hold on stocks helped to keep gas price fluctuation to a minimum in the past week.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                  $2.475
Average price during the week of June 29, 2020                                       $2.479
Average price during the week of July 8, 2019                                          $2.920

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$2.490      Altoona
$2.477      Beaver
$2.499      Bradford
$2.484      Brookville
$2.464      Butler
$2.449      Clarion
$2.480      DuBois
$2.480      Erie
$2.433      Greensburg
$2.473      Indiana
$2.473      Jeannette
$2.467      Kittanning
$2.509      Latrobe
$2.492      Meadville
$2.515      Mercer
$2.372      New Castle
$2.495      New Kensington
$2.499      Oil City
$2.473      Pittsburgh
$2.491      Sharon
$2.486      Uniontown
$2.505      Warren
$2.412      Washington

On the National Front
The national gas price average increased just one cent to $2.18 on the week, despite a dip in U.S. demand for gasoline and gasoline stocks increasing by 1 million barrels. The slight drop in demand – 47,000 barrels-per-day – amid the increase in inventory comes as many states report increases in COVID-19 cases, potentially causing Americans to reconsider outings.

For motorists who hit the road for the Independence Day holiday, gas prices were nearly 60 cents cheaper than last year and the most inexpensive prices for the holiday since 2004.

At the end of Friday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by 83 cents to settle at $40.65 per barrel. Domestic crude prices increased after the EIA’s weekly report revealed that total domestic crude inventories fell by 7.2 million barrels to 533.5 million barrels.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at GasPrices.AAA.com.

AAA East Central is a not-for-profit association with 78 local offices in Kentucky, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia serving 2.7 million members.  News releases are available at news.eastcentral.aaa.com.  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

New rules: Foreign pupils must leave US if classes go online

New rules: Foreign pupils must leave US if classes go online
By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer
New federal guidelines say international students will be forced to leave the U.S. or transfer to another college if their schools offer classes entirely online this fall. The guidelines provide additional pressure for campuses to reopen even amid growing concerns about the recent spread of COVID-19 among young adults. President Donald Trump has insisted that schools and universities return to in-person instruction as soon as possible. The rules say international students must take at least some of their classes in person. New visas will not be issued to students at schools or programs that are entirely online.