Phishing ploy targets COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort
By FRANK BAJAK AP Technology Writer
BOSTON (AP) — IBM security researchers say they have detected a cyberespionage effort that used targeted phishing emails to try to collect vital information associated with a U.N. initiative for distributing coronavirus vaccine to developing countries. IBM says it can’t be sure who is behind the campaign. But it says that the precise and careful targeting _ of companies in countries including Germany, Italy, South Korea and Taiwan _ suggest a nation-state is behind the campaign. Targets that included solar panel and petrochemical companies got phishing emails from someone posing as an executive with a key Chinese supplier.

US lawmakers unveil anti-slavery constitutional amendment
By AARON MORRISON Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Democrats in the House and Senate introduced a joint resolution Wednesday aimed at amending the 13th Amendment’s ban on chattel enslavement. The move would expressly prohibit the use of involuntary servitude as a punishment for crime. The original amendment has permitted exploitation of labor by convicted felons for over 155 years since the abolition of slavery. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon tells The Associated Press that the 13th Amendment is in part responsible for the historic mistreatment of Black Americans through the nation’s penal systems. Constitutional amendments are rare, and require approval by two-thirds of the House and Senate, as well as ratification by three-quarters of state legislatures.

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.

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.

(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.

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’
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.