Category: News

AP Exclusive: Inmate beaten to death at federal lockup

AP Exclusive: Inmate beaten to death at federal lockup
By JIM MUSTIAN Associated Press
The FBI is investigating the killing of an inmate who was beaten to death at a federal lockup in Indiana. An autopsy report obtained by The Associated Press shows the May death of 59-year-old Jose Nieves-Galarza was a homicide caused by “blunt-force injuries” that caused him to bleed to death in his cell. The U.S. Bureau of Prisons did not respond to questions about whether any inmates or staff have been disciplined in the attack, which nearly ruptured the man’s aorta. The killing is at least the third in recent months inside a federal prison. The killings are among the latest security issues for the federal Bureau of Prisons, which has been plagued by chronic violence, serious misconduct and persistent staffing shortages.

New virus cases decline in the US and experts credit masks

New virus cases decline in the US and experts credit masks
By CARLA K. JOHNSON and ADAM GELLER Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — The number of Americans newly diagnosed with the coronavirus is falling — a development experts credit at least partly to increased wearing of masks — even as the outbreak continues to claim nearly 1,000 lives in the U.S. each day. About 43,000 new cases are now being reported daily across the country, down 21% since early August. That’s according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

Wolf asks lawmakers to legalize pot, spend virus funds

Wolf asks lawmakers to legalize pot, spend virus funds
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s governor is urging lawmakers to legalize recreational marijuana and spend down much of the remaining $1.3 billion in federal coronavirus relief funds. Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf on Tuesday outlined his priorities for the fall legislative session. His proposal on the federal funding includes extra hazard pay for workers on the front lines of handling the pandemic, as well as financial support for small businesses, child care needs, protective equipment and utility shut-offs. House Republican Leader Kerry Benninghoff is dismissive of the governor’s proposals, calling them unaffordable and a taxpayer bail out of mandates.

Penguins reacquire F Kapanen from Maple Leafs

Penguins reacquire F Kapanen from Maple Leafs
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The retooling of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ roster is underway. The Penguins acquired forward Kasperi Kapanen from Toronto as the centerpiece of a trade between the two clubs that reunites the 24-year-old Kapanen with the team that originally drafted him with the 22nd overall pick in 2014. The Maple Leafs sent Kapanen, well-traveled forward Pontus Aberg and defensive prospect Jesper Lindgren to the Penguins for Pittsburgh’s first-round pick in this year’s draft as well as forward Evan Rodrigues, defenseman David Warsofsky and Swedish forward Filip Hallander.

Wolf: Pennsylvania eviction moratorium to lapse Aug. 31

Wolf: Pennsylvania eviction moratorium to lapse Aug. 31
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM Associated Press
Gov. Tom Wolf says he does not have the legal authority to extend Pennsylvania’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures beyond Aug. 31, meaning that renters will no longer be shielded from losing their homes for failing to pay rent during the pandemic. In a letter to both legislative chambers, released Tuesday, Wolf says the state’s Emergency Services Code prevents him from taking action himself. The Democrat called on state lawmakers in the Republican-controlled General Assembly to pass legislation to extend the statewide moratorium, which has been in place for more than five months.

Pennsylvania Ag Leaders to Hold Virtual Town Hall on the Future of State Ag with Focus on Trade and Supply Chains

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On THURSDAY, AUGUST 27th, Pennsylvania and national agricultural commodity leaders will hold a virtual town hall to discuss the future of Pennsylvania agriculture, with a focus on trade and supply chains. The conversation, which is part of the AgTalks town hall series focusing on key U.S. ag states, comes at a time when Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in agriculture is being impacted by the trade war, COVID-19, and an increase in non-US trade agreements with overseas customers that Pennsylvania has traditionally served. Panelists will discuss these emerging developments and opportunities, as well as take questions from conversation participants. The event will be sponsored by Pennsylvania Farm Country Radio Network, and its host, Dave Williams, will provide welcoming remarks. Members of the media are encouraged to join. Panelists are:

      • Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture
      • Brett Davis, Vice President, New Holland – North America
      • Chris Hoffman, Owner, Lazy Hog Farm
      • Eric Boyle, Director of Dairy Procurement, Hershey’s
      • Kelly Huff, Owner, Enchanted Acres Farm, Inc.
      • Ross Siragusa, Head of Agriculture and Seed, Kraft Heinz

 

  • WHEN: Thursday, August 27th at 11:00 AM Eastern   

 

Hopewell School Board announces staffing changes

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Girodano

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) Hopewell School Board met last night and approved the resignation of Rich Collins, 1st assistant golf coach effective August 23.   Jeff Homziak was hired to replace him effective August 24. He will be paid a $1,500 stipend  subject to completion of the fall sports season  and pro-ration of the salaries if the season is shortened.

The board voted to decrease the size of the  junior high school custodial staff through attrition, and eliminated 1 8 hour position.   There will now be 5 8 hour positions and 2 cleaner positions.
A revision of a shared services agreement with the Laurel School District  to provide business administrator services to the district  was approved retroactive to August 1, 2020.

Center Twp. Man Acquitted on 8 of 11 Charges Involving a 17 Year-Old Girl

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Girodano

(Beaver Pa.) Thompson G. Schiefelbein, 25 was found not guilty on 8 of 11 sexual assault charges filed against him  in connection  with  a case where he picked up a then 17 year-old gorl from BCCTC  in Center Township . he took her to his home and was accused of raping her.

He was  found guilty by  a jury in Beaver County Court yesterday  on charges of aggravated indecent  assault forcible compulsion,,  aggravated indecent  forcible compulsion  both second degree felonies ,  indecent assault without consent. ., a second degree  misdemeanor.  He was acquitted of 8 other charges filed in the case.
He faces  a minimum of  22 months to 6 years  in prison for the 2 felony counts,according to DA David J. Lozier.  Sentencing  by the court is expected in  60 days.

Ambridge Votes to Allow Fall Sports

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Girodano 

(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge School Board voted to  reopen for sports events and extracurricular activities at a reconvened meeting  Monday night.   Addie Lucatorto, athletic director told the board that the WPIAL  met earlier in the day  to discuss sports and school  during the pandemic. The district started classes last Wednesday, and Supt. Dr. Joseph Paquerilla said the district has to follow PDE’s guidelines  for reopening.

McDONALD’S® BRINGING FIRST-EVER SPICY SPIN TO CLASSIC TASTE

McDONALD’S® BRINGING FIRST-EVER SPICY SPIN TO CLASSIC TASTE
Spicy Chicken McNuggets® and Mighty Hot Sauce hitting U.S. menus this fall, along with new McFlurry® flavor to help customers cool off
PITTSBURGH, PA (August 25, 2020) – Spice is in the eye of the beholder…or maybe the taste buds? One person’s taste-bud-singeing swelter is another’s “You call that spicy?” That’s why the folks at McDonald’s are announcing a pair of menu innovations arriving in U.S. restaurants in September: Spicy Chicken McNuggets and Mighty Hot Sauce. Both will be available September 16 for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide.
Breaded with a sizzling tempura coating made of both cayenne and chili peppers, these craveable, dippable and downright-delicious Spicy Chicken McNuggets are joining McDonald’s classic McNugget line up, and pack plenty of spice and flavor into each bite.
For those who care to dial up the heat, Mickey D’s has crafted a new Mighty Hot Sauce, boasting a powerful blend of crushed red peppers and spicy chilis. The new dipping sauce is McDonald’s first new sauce innovation in three years and the hottest one ever available under the Golden Arches.
“This is the first time we’ve introduced a new flavor of our classic Chicken McNuggets in the U.S. since they came to menus in 1983,” said Vice President of Menu Innovation, Linda VanGosen. “As our customers have been asking for Spicy McNuggets for some time now, we couldn’t think of a better time to bring them to our menus.
We can’t wait for McNuggets fans to get a taste of these new spicy options.”
To give fans the sweet, cool relief they might need after experiencing the Spicy Chicken McNuggets heat, McDonald’s is also introducing the new Chips Ahoy!® McFlurry®.
The delicious treat features vanilla soft-serve, caramel topping and Chips Ahoy!® cookie pieces blended throughout. The Chips Ahoy!® McFlurry® will be available in Snack and Regular sizes for a limited time at participating U.S. restaurants nationwide beginning September 16.