A call to improve options and safety measures for the disabled citizens of Beaver County was brought to the attention of the Board of Commissioners, and Matt Drzik has further details:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Senate is poised to hear opening arguments  in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial.  Democratic House managers are set to make their case that Trump abused power and should be removed from office. Trump himself said on Wednesday he wants top aides to testify, but he qualified that by suggesting that “national security” concerns will keep that from happening. Republicans have for now blocked Democratic motions to immediately call witnesses and subpoena documents. On Tuesday, the Senate approved rules for Trump’s trial on two articles of impeachment.

UNDATED (AP) — The days of passengers bringing rabbits, turtles and birds on planes as emotional-support animals could be ending. The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced plans to tighten rules regarding service animals, the biggest change being that only dogs could qualify. Airlines have complained that some passengers are abusing rules that let them bring other animals on board by saying they need the animal for emotional support.

NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein’s rape trial has begun in a landmark moment for the global #MeToo movement. New York prosecutors painted him as a sexual predator who used his movie-magnate stature to abuse women in an opening statement Wednesday, while his lawyers sought to discredit the accusers and argue the encounters were consensual. More than two years after allegations against Weinstein gave rise to #MeToo, the trial is seen as a key point in a global reckoning with sexual misconduct by powerful men. Weinstein said little as he arrived at a Manhattan court Wednesday, though when asked whether he believed he would have a fair trial, he said yes.

The State House Judiciary Committee has passed a bill drafted by State Representative Josh Kail that would provide parents with precious time with their children that was unfairly taken from them. Representative Kail tells Beaver County Radio newsman Pat Septak that House Bill 437 addresses violations of custody orders by giving the courts the power to temporarily modify the schedule without creating a new custody order…

Kail says that if one party keeps the children for an extra week, the bill would allow a judge to award the other party who has missed that time the week that he or she is owed…

Kail says under current law, if one parent breaks the custody order, there is no mechanism to give that time back to the other parent without a new custody order…

The bill now moves to the full House for consideration…and Kail says he’s hopeful it has enough support to pass:

 

Ambridge Area High School hosted a Youth/ Law Enforcement Forum for students yesterday. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano was there. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

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The Center Township Board of Supervisors discussed various topics at their meeting last night…and Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano was there. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing legislation to allow government agencies to charge extra for records that are intended to be used for commercial purposes. The state House on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to send the proposal to the state Senate. It would apply to records intended to be resold and other revenue raising purposes. The fees would have to be reasonable and be approved by the Office of Open Records.

A West Virginia senator is inviting the National Rifle Association to move to his state as lawmakers pursue gun-control measures in neighboring Virginia, where the group now has its headquarters. The invitation came in a Monday letter from Republican Sen. Randy Smith to NRA leadership that said his home state lets residents carry guns without permits and its lawmakers have pushed to allow firearms on college campuses. The NRA did not immediately comment.

GILPIN, Pa. (AP) — Police in western Pennsylvania believe a 14-year-old was high on drugs when she took her mother’s car with four other teens and led officers on a chase before crashing. Gilpin Police Chief Chris Fabec told The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review he pursued the vehicle as it weaved through traffic in no-passing zones at speeds up to 70 mph early Monday. The car veered off the road, went down an incline and stopped in a wooded area. No one was injured. The driver faces juvenile charges including reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs.