Category: News

PennDOT, PA DUI Association Highlight Impaired Driving Awareness During the Holiday Season

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and PA DUI Association discussed public safety during the holiday season and provided a brief demonstration of how law enforcement train to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST) to protect everyone on the road from impaired drivers.

 

“Over the years, impaired driving has continued to be a very serious crime that law enforcement faces much too often,” said Craig Amos, Regional DUI Program Administrator with the PA DUI Association. “It’s an extremely dangerous behavior and as long as there are impaired drivers on the road, we will continue to train and be vigilant.”

 

The safety partners warned motorists to the dangers of operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol and explained such substances weaken a person’s judgement, balance, vision, reaction time and decision-making abilities, creating a dangerous situation on the roadway.

 

Usually, this time of year brings holiday parties, family gatherings and large community celebrations. Although people may not gather the same way this season, impairment may still be an option. If drinking becomes part of the plan for celebrating, it is important to never get behind the wheel impaired.

 

Law enforcement will continue to patrol throughout the holiday season, looking to take impaired drivers off the road and save lives. In order to do this in the safest way, officers participate in SFST training. The training is conducted to prepare law enforcement and other qualified personnel to safely and effectively identify individuals suspected of operating a vehicle while under the influence.

 

“The holiday season is historically a time when impaired driving increases,” said Amos. “We want to change this trend in order to save lives and allow everyone to focus on positive behaviors.”

 

According to 2019 PennDOT data, there were 1,361 crashes in Allegheny, Beaver, and Lawrence counties during the month of December. Of these crashes, at least 127 were drug- or alcohol-related.

 

Motorists practicing responsible driving is key to significantly reducing impaired driving crashes and fatalities, which are 100 percent preventable. There is no excuse for driving under the influence.

 

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.PennDOT.gov/Safety.

 

For regional twitter updates, visit www.twitter.com/511PAPittsburgh.

Transformer Issue at Commercial Office Building in Moon Twp. Causes Power Outage

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Moon Twp., Pa.) Duquesne Light  experienced issues with 2 transformers  at office buildings on Rouser Road in Moon Township.  The utility company said  in  a statement,”Our crews are working quickly to restore service to the 2 office buildings that lost power. Ashley  Macik, associate manager of external communications  said in a statement, “We expect service to be fully restored by 6 p.m. tonight.  No residential customers have been impacted. The volunteer fire department couldn’t be reached for comment.

Ambridge Borough announces new trash pickup info

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Borough officials yesterday that details have been finalized   for the  pickup of garbage and recycling.  Beginning  Monday, January 4, 2021 Waste management will pickup all trash and recycling in the borough. Everyone can place their trash and recycling at the curb on Sunday starting at noon for Monday pickup. All garbage and recycling containers  must be returned to their  stored location by Tuesday at noon, according to a press release issued by the borough.

Violators of the ordinance  will be subject to a citation and fine.
Officials said they believe  going to a single day pickup will help in the efforts  to clean-up the borough  by reducing the aesthetics of having trash placed curbside 5 days throughout the neighborhoods.

PennDOT Extends Expiration Dates on Commercial Driver Licenses, Commercial Learner’s Permits

PennDOT Extends Expiration Dates on Commercial Driver Licenses, Commercial Learner’s Permits

 

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that expiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

 

The following products’ expiration dates will be extended:

  • The expiration date for a commercial learner’s permit scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through December 31, 2020, is extended through December 31, 2020.
  • The expiration date for commercial driver licenses scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through December 31, 2020, is extended through December 31, 2020.

 

Expiration extension deadlines on non-commercial driver license, photo identification cards, learner’s permits and camera cards ended on August 31.

 

For a list of open driver license and photo license centers and the services provided, as well as their hours of operation, please visit www.dmv.pa.gov.  

 

Customers may continue to complete various transactions and access multiple resources online at www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and schedule a driver’s exam. There are no additional fees for using online services.

 

PennDOT will continue to evaluate these processes and will communicate any changes with the public.

 

Additional COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.

People magazine reveals its ‘2020 People of the Year’

People magazine reveals its ‘2020 People of the Year’
By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr. AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — People magazine has named George Clooney, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Selena Gomez and Regina King as the “2020 People of the Year.” The magazine revealed its list Wednesday morning as part of a year-end double issue with four covers. The four will be celebrated for their positive impact in the world during a challenging 2020. Clooney, Fauci, Gomez and King will be separately featured on the magazine covers of the issue, which is out Friday. Clooney is lauded for his advocacy work. Fauci for the fight against COVID-19, Gomez for aiding mental health initiatives and King for her support of marginalized communities.

Senator Hughes announces forthcoming proposal for no-cost COVID-19 vaccine coverage in PA 

(PHILADELPHIA, Pa) Pointing to the need to protect public health and to ensure Pennsylvanians have access to the COVID-19 vaccine it becomes available to the public, state Senator Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) announced plans for a new proposal to cover the costs of COVID-19 for individuals.

Under Sen. Hughes proposal, insurance companies would be required to provide the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to policyholders, which would be similar to the coverage insurance companies have provided for COVID-19 testing. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) would also be required to cover the cost of the vaccine. Sen. Hughes proposal also calls on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to cover the costs of the vaccine for anyone who is not insured.

“The people did not cause this pandemic,” Sen. Hughes said. “Covering the cost of the vaccine is the least we can do for those who have suffered so much. The people should not be obligated to pay for the vaccine that can save their lives from an infection they did not create and from an incompetent and irresponsible federal response.”

Sen. Hughes was motivated to address vaccine costs because of the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on poor, Black and brown communities. Seeing the promising early results from Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca also spurred the senator to introduce the legislation before the vaccine was made available to the public, so that the legislature can adequately prepare to assist the people of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health has created a three-phased vaccination plan for the commonwealth, however that plan does not address costs members of the general public would incur by getting the virus. Sen. Hughes is hopeful that his proposal will help increase vaccinations after the administration’s vaccination plan goes into place and will compliment actions taken by the federal government.

Since the beginning of the pandemic Sen. Hughes and the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus have pushed to help working individual families since the beginning of the pandemic through the PA CARES Plan and through initiatives to aid with hand sanitizer, personal protection equipment (PPE) production, small business aid and other critical legislative initiatives.

Walmart drops $35 minimum for its members’ online orders

Walmart drops $35 minimum for its members’ online orders
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Retail Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers on Walmart.com who pay a $98-a-year membership fee will get free shipping on orders of any size starting Friday. Walmart announced the membership perk on Wednesday, doing away with a previous requirement that orders amount to at least $35 to qualify for free shipping. The perk comes two months after Walmart launched its membership service called Walmart+, which it hopes will compete with Amazon’s Prime membership program. Walmart+ members will receive free next-day and two-day shipping on non-perishable items shipped by Walmart, no matter the purchase amount. The move builds on the retailer’s pledge to continue adding benefits to its membership program, which also includes unlimited free grocery deliveries and fuel discounts.

Letter to UN Alleges Misconduct by Philly Police

Keystone State News Connection

December 2, 2020

Letter to UN Alleges Misconduct by Philly Police

Andrea Sears

PHILADELPHIA – Civil-rights groups have sent a written complaint to the United Nations over what they call violence and excessive force by Philadelphia police officers against Black Lives Matter protesters.

The letter says police violence against demonstrators peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights in the demonstrations in May and June was a violation of international law.

According to Mary Catherine Roper, deputy legal director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, the police violence and use of nonlethal weapons was not directed at people engaged in looting or vandalism.

“The violence we recorded was aimed at people who were protesting and in West Philadelphia, honestly, it was just aimed at the entire neighborhood,” said Roper.

In October, the Philadelphia City Council passed a bill banning the use of tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray against people engaged in First Amendment-protected activities.

But Roper said none of the actions taken so far establish the accountability that’s needed. She noted that UN Special Rapporteurs could issue a finding that use of excessive force by the Philadelphia police violated the protesters’ human rights.

“Requesting that the city take very specific steps to redress the harm that they have caused,” said Roper. “And to change their practices and their structures to make sure that this kind of thing can’t happen again.”

She added the UN also could confirm that the police violence was a violation of treaties and conventions that the United States is party to.

Roper pointed out the use of violence against protesters in West Philadelphia in May and June took place less than a mile from where police firebombed the Move house in 1985.

“No one has forgotten that,” said Roper. “And it was a particularly terrorizing day because of that history of violence between the Philadelphia police and the Black community.”

The letter to the UN contains a series of recommendations, including hiring an independent investigator to examine police violence against protesters.

Matzie: More than $1.3 million to address pandemic-related shelter needs

AMBRIDGE, Nov. 30 – Grant funding of $1.308 million will help ensure residents in Beaver and Allegheny counties do not have to face the harsh realities of winter and a pandemic without a safe place to call home, state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, announced today.

Matzie said the grant funding under the CARES Act includes $85,000 to The Cornerstone of Beaver County and an additional $1.22 million in combined grants to three additional relief entities in Allegheny County.

“Life during the pandemic has been especially harsh, but the hardship and risk are tenfold for Pennsylvanians facing life without the promise of a warm, secure place to call home,” Matzie said. “Securing this funding will help ensure those who are homeless or are facing the prospect of homelessness will not have to face the triple threat of winter, flu season and COVID-19 without a safe secure place to go.”

In addition to The Cornerstone, Matzie said Allegheny County shelter providers ACTION Housing/Team PSBG, Community Human Services and Pittsburgh Mercy will share in approximately $1.22 million.

Pennsylvania received a second allocation of nearly $20 million in Emergency Solution Grant CARES Act funding allocated by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Of that amount, the state Department of Community and Economic Development prioritized the use of nearly $3 million to address emergency winter shelter and temporary shelter needs related to the pandemic.

This funding is part of that package and is going to 15 providers in 20 counties.

AG Shapiro: Watch Out For Increased Scams This Holiday Season

HARRISBURG—Attorney General Josh Shapiro is today issuing a warning to Pennsylvanians of common online scams that may increase in frequency this holiday season.

“Because of the pandemic, this holiday season looks and feels different than those in the past,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “These scams are present all year long and it is important that Pennsylvanians remain on guard. Make sure you know what these scams look like in order to protect your money, your identity, and your personal information.”

Here are some common scams the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is aware of:

  • Email and Text Phishing – In a phishing email or text scheme, you may receive an email or text message directing you to enter personal information on a fraudulent website. These fraudulent emails or texts can appear to be from a shipping/delivery company or retailer that may claim to be an order confirmation you didn’t place.
  • Delivery Stealing – If no one is home when deliveries are made, try to make arrangements with a trusted neighbor to hold your deliveries until you arrive home, or ask your employer if your deliveries can be dropped off at your place of employment.
  • Credit Card Skimming – Be vigilant of credit card skimmers that steal your credit and debit card information at the ATM, gas pump, or other payment kiosks. Instead of inserting your credit or debit card into the slot of a merchant’s payment processing machine, consider using a payment app on your smartphone. For Pennsylvanians without smartphones, keeping track of your bank statements and transactions is also crucial to any lost money taken by skimmers.
  • Romance Scams – Romance scammers strike up what appears to be a serious relationship, then ask their victims to pay for plane tickets, customs fees, visas. In addition, they may appear to transfer a large sum of money to a victim’s checking account, but the money transfer turns out to be fake.
  • Online Pet Scams – Pet sale scammers pose as online retailers, charging hundreds or thousands of dollars for the puppy or kitten, plus airline and transport fees. A common twist is the scammer notifies you the animal is at the airport, but additional fees are needed from you before the animal will be delivered. Check with your local animal rescues or shelters for particular breeds or sizes, or only deal with a seller in person where you can visit and meet the parents of the puppy or kitten, and inspect the premises.
  • Online Pop-up Advertisements – While on your computer or mobile device, you may see pop-up ads claiming you’ve won a gift card or a valuable prize. Never click on these links, as they may contain a virus or make your device susceptible to being hacked.
  • Online Marketplace Deals – Be suspicious of sellers promising deals on peer-to-peer apps and online marketplaces, offering the latest popular toys and games that are difficult to find.

AG Shapiro is reminding Pennsylvanians that there are preventative efforts they can make to protect themselves from online retail scams:

  • Set up email or text alerts with your credit card company or bank, so you’ll be alerted quickly to all purchases, including fraudulent purchases.
  • Install the latest security updates and run virus scans regularly on your computer or mobile device.
  • Never use your home’s smart device, such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Home, to find a customer support number for any company, and have the system dial it for you. Go directly to the company’s website, call the number on the back of your credit or debit card, or the number on your billing statement.
  • Never pay with a prepaid gift card, CashApp, or Venmo or wire someone money when you’re trying to buy a gift online. Use your credit card, not a debit card, for better protection.

Anyone who believes they may have been scammed should file a police report and should file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General by visiting https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/submit-a-complaint/.