TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — China says it believes Iran was “forced” to reduce its commitment to the 2015 nuclear deal and says the “recent military adventures by the U.S. violated the basic norms governing international relations.” Iran on Sunday abandoned the remaining limits of the agreement in response to the U.S. airstrike that killed its top military commander. The country mourned him Monday. The Chinese foreign ministry spokesman added that “there is no way out by military means, and extreme pressure will not work.” China is among the countries that signed the nuclear deal.

Pennsylvania has fined Transfer Energy more than 30 million dollars, but will allow it to resume construction of natural gas pipelines. The state said the Texas based energy company had violated several environmental regulations during the construction of the Revolution pipeline in Western Pennsylvania. A 2018 methane explosion in Beaver County destroyed a home and barn, as well as prompted an evacuation. The halt on construction was lifted after the company promised to improve its construction practices.

COLUMBIA, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say there were no working smoke alarms in a Lancaster County row home where two people and two dogs died in a fire Saturday. Columbia Borough Fire Chief Douglas Kemmerly says two people were found in the home’s second floor after the 9:30 a.m. fire. He says one person died at the scene and the other at a hospital. Officials say the blaze was contained in about 45 minutes. The American Red Cross is helping displaced residents while authorities investigate the cause.

UNDATED (AP) — Officials in Pennsylvania say five people have been killed and dozens hospitalized in an early morning crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. State police report around 60 were injured with the victims ranging from 7 to 67 years old. Their conditions are not considered life threatening. State Police spokesman Stephen Limani described the crash as a “chain-reaction” involving a bus, three tractor-trailers and a passenger car. UPS says two of its drivers were killed in the crash. The bus was traveling from Rockaway, New Jersey, to Cincinnati, Ohio. The National Transportation Safety Board says it dispatched a team to investigate. Officials say it’s too early to determine if weather was a factor.

The new year brings with it a new scam, and police everywhere are urging citizens to stop abbreviating. Writing the year as 1/6/20, leaves documents suseptible to forgery, as the year can be changed to reflect any year an individual chooses. According to a message sent to USA today, scammers can use this method to establish an unpaid debt or attempt to cash an old check. The solution is easy though, just write the full year.

Now that Ellwood City Medical is closed indefinitely, a new hospital is looking to step in to fill the void. The Butler Health System, which owns Butler Memorial Hospital and recently acquired Clarion Hospital in Clarion County, posted a message on its Facebook social media page last week that it is opening a facility in Franklin Township. No announcements have been made about services offered, but it was announced that more information would be made available soon.

A Ledger review of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture records found that three local restaurants had violations that landed them out of compliance. The restaurants that failed inspections are the Loyal Order of Moose along Factory Avenue in Ellwood City, Subway along Route 288 in Franklin Township and Shakespeare’s Restaurant along Mercer Road in North Sewickley Township. After a follow-up visit, Subway and Shakespeare’s were found to be in compliance. An additional 10 establishments were cited for noncritical violations.

Weather Report 1/6/20

Today- Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 41.

Tonight- Some clouds. Low 26

Tomorrow- Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 41.

Last week, 3 of the longest tenured Row Officers in Beaver County retired. They were Recorder of Deeds Janice Beall, Treasurer Connie Javens and Prothonotary Nancy Werme. Between the 3 of them, they had 72 years of service to Beaver County. All 3 women stated that a desire for more family time is what prompted their retirement.