Sanders Announces $150B Plan to Expand Broadband Access

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bernie Sanders is promising to invest $150 billion to bring high-speed internet to “every household in America” while breaking up and better regulating monopolies he says currently limit access to drive up their profits. The Vermont senator and Democratic presidential candidate unveiled a plan Friday to provide that funding in infrastructure grants and technical assistance to states and municipalities through climate initiatives from the Green New Deal. He also says he’d require all internet service providers to offer a “Basic Internet Plan” providing “quality broadband speeds at an affordable price.”

Once-A-Month Birth Control? Experiment Works in Animals

Birth control pills work great if women remember to take them every day…but missing doses can mean a surprise pregnancy. Now scientists have figured out how to pack a month’s supply into one capsule. The trick: a tiny star-shaped gadget that unfolds in the stomach and gradually releases the drug. The experimental capsule is still years away from drug-stores…but researchers are now reporting that it works as designed in a key test in animals. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is investing 13-million dollars for further development of the once-a-month pill, in hopes of eventually improving family planning options in developing countries.

North Korea Threatens to Resume Insults of President Donald Trump

North Korea is threatening to resume insults of President Donald Trump and consider him a “dotard” if he keeps using provocative language, such as referring to its leader as “rocket man”. Choe Son Hui – the first vice-foreign minister – issued the warning via state media days after Trump spoke of possible military action toward the North and revived his “rocket man” nickname for North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un. The comments come as prospects dim for a resumption of nuclear diplomacy between the two countries. In recent months, North Korea has hinted at lifting its moratoirum on nuclear and long-range missle tests.

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is Tomorrow (Saturday)

(All photos of the display and Lauralee Burnecke and volunteer Rose Marie Kaldon Kendall taken by Sandy Giordano)

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is tomorrow. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports on how the day is being commemorated here in Beaver County. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

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PFAS Water Contamination Not Widespread, Pennsylvania Says

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration says a first round of testing drinking water in Pennsylvania for the toxic chemicals known as PFAS doesn’t indicate widespread contamination. Wolf’s administration said Thursday that one of 96 sites sampled tested above the federal health advisory level for two PFAS chemicals. The administration says that lone site is a manufacturer of electrical resistor components. Sites being tested are near a potential source of PFAS contamination, such as military bases and landfills. In addition to sampling, Wolf’s administration is marshaling millions of dollars to help improve water treatment in areas in suburban Philadelphia with contamination.

Lawmaker Accused of Theft from Charity Announces Resignation

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania lawmaker accused of bilking a charity she founded out of more than a half-million dollars is telling legislative leaders she’s resigning as of next week. Philadelphia Democratic Rep. Movita Johnson-Harrell sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Turzai Thursday saying she disputes many of the allegations against her. She says she’s resigning in part to focus on her criminal defense. State prosecutors allege the 53-year-old freshman’legislator spent charity funds on luxury items, travel and personal expenses. Johnson-Harrell says her resignation will take effect on Dec. 13.

Governor Wolf Commutes Life Sentences of 8 More Prisoners

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Gov. Tom Wolf is commuting the life sentences of eight more people in prison, bringing the total to 19 since he took office in 2015. Wolf’s office said Thursday all eight have used their time in prison to rehabilitate themselves, remained largely free of any incident and shown remorse for their actions and victims. Wolf’s office says those receiving a commutation for a life sentence must go to a halfway house for a year, after which they are under parole supervision for the rest of their lives.

Is Racism a Public Health Crisis in Pittsburgh? One City Councilman Thinks So

A Pittsburgh city councilman wants to declare racism a public health crisis. On Thursday, councilman Ricky Burgess introduced a resolution calling racism a health crisis in Pittsburgh. He is basing this largely on a recent University of Pittsburgh study on racism. The study concluded that black people in Pittsburgh are far worse off here than in other comparable cities. The study revealed that on many benchmarks, including health, education, house, employment and life expectancy, there is a huge gap between white and black people in Pittsburgh. Burgess wants commissions to address racism and money to fund it.

Pittsburgh Teens Go Viral Posting on Social Media While Trapped in Car After Rollover Crash

Pittsburgh teenagers posted on the social media site Tik Tok while trapped in a car after a rollover crash. The passenger told BuzzFeed the lip-syncing post helped them cope while they waited for police to arrive at the crash, which occurred on Coraopolis Heights Road around 3 p.m. Nov. 15. The Moon police chief says the teens seemed like they weren’t taking this very seriously. The teens were not injured. Police believe the 17-year-old driver lost control of the car while going around a curve.