A sign outside a Target store is seen Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Target is removing certain items from its stores and making other changes to its LGBTQ+ merchandise nationwide ahead of Pride month after an intense backlash from some customers including violent confrontations with its workers. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Activists in the LGBTQ+ community are calling for new ways to mobilize against threats to their long fight for equality. This comes after Target announced last week that it removed some products and relocated its Pride displays to the back of certain stores in the South after protestors confronted workers in stores. Activists have said new campaigns are needed to convince corporate leaders not to cave to anti-LGBTQ+ groups. Target is the latest company to face backlash over its support for the community. Nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures around the country this year and at least 18 states have enacted laws restricting or banning gender-affirming care for transgender minors.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The suspect in a 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue massacre is going on trial before a jury that could decide whether he will face the death penalty in the nation’s deadliest antisemitic attack. The federal trial of Robert Bowers comes four and a half years after the shooting deaths of 11 worshipers from three congregations meeting at the Tree of Life synagogue. Bowers could face the death penalty if he is convicted of some of the 63 counts he faces. These include 11 counts each of hate crimes resulting in death. The trial follows a month-long jury selection process. Twelve jurors and six alternates will hear the case.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver announced the appointment of Norman Bristol Colón as the Commonwealth Chief Diversity Officer to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across Commonwealth agencies. Bristol Colón is currently the chief diversity officer for the Department of Community and Economic Development and is the chair and founder of the Pennsylvania Latino Convention (PALC).

 

“No matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to, you have a place here in Pennsylvania, and I am building an Administration that represents the entire Commonwealth and brings Pennsylvanians together,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Norman Bristol Colón has years of experience working to advance equity and inclusion in government, and together, we will work to make sure no community in our Commonwealth is left behind as we continue bringing people together to deliver real results for Pennsylvania.”

 

“As both a government leader and community advocate, I am confident Norman is the right choice to lead diversity, equity, and inclusion for the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Weaver. “Norman’s working knowledge of Commonwealth operations and our workforce, combined with a proven history of working collaboratively across departments, have prepared him to succeed in this new role in the Shapiro Administration.”

 

The Commonwealth chief diversity officer (CDO) will partner with senior leaders and employees across the Commonwealth to continue to build a capable, accessible, and diverse Administration that represents all Pennsylvanians. The CDO will develop recruitment, performance management, leadership development, and employee engagement strategies to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Commonwealth’s workforce and work with department staff to incorporate these priorities into their programs, policies, and decision making. The CDO will also collaborate with state agencies and the Governor’s commissions to develop relationships with key partners and advance opportunity for small diverse businesses.

 

A growing body of research links diversity, equity, and inclusion to organizational success. Companies with diverse leadership teams tend to be more profitable than their competitors, and diverse teams within organizations make better decisions than individuals. Additionally, employees are more likely to stay with, or accept a job offer from, organizations they perceive as inclusive.

 

“It is truly an honor to serve the Shapiro Administration in such a transcendental role as we collectively work to transform our state government into a world-class place to work, serve, and formulate innovative policy, initiatives, and programs,” said Norman Bristol Colón, chief diversity officer. “Pennsylvania is more diverse than ever before. In moving forward to a shared prosperity, embracing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging values is fundamental to our Commonwealth’s future. The vision of the Governor is for a Commonwealth where everyone is respected and valued. I am looking forward to working with members of the cabinet, fellow state employees, partners, and stakeholders in translating that vision into a government that truly represents its people.”

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 30, 2023 10:23 A.M.

(New Brighton, PA) New Brighton Police responded to a domestic violence call to Brightwood Manor on Monday night. The county’s ESU unit was called in to assist, the victim is safe, according to DA David J. Lozier. The DA reported the ESU was on scene from 11:45 pm to 2:30 am.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published May 30, 2023 10:21 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Firefighters responded to a fire in the 200 block of Main Avenue in West Aliquippa where a triplex and single family home, both frames, were on fire. Fire Captain Tim Firich reported that the 2 structures were unoccupied.  The single family home at 225 Maine Avenue was destroyed. The triplex at 221 & 223 Main Avenue was heavily damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation, according to Fire Captain Tim Firich.

Address correction 11:41 A.M. – Maine Avenue, Aliquippa changed to Main Avenue, West Aliquippa

(Story and Photos by Frank Sparks)

(New Brighton, Pa.) The weather presented a beautiful back drop for the Borough of New Brighton to pay tribute to our fallen heroes Monday morning. The New Brighton and Riverside bands marched down Third Avenue along with public officials, civic groups and the stars of the day our veterans, as they paid homage to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

You can see all of the photos below:

 

People walk among the headstones as they visit Section 60 at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2023, in Arlington, Va. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has lauded the sacrifice of generations of U.S. troops who died fighting for their country as he marked Memorial Day with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. Biden has taken pride that his administration has overseen a time of relative peace for the U.S. military after two decades of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. It’s been nearly 21 months since the Democratic president ended the United States’ longest war in Afghanistan. Biden made good on a campaign promise to end a 20-year-old war that cost the lives of 2,400 U.S. service members. Biden and his wife plan to spend the rest of the holiday at their home near Wilmington, Delaware.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published May 29, 2023 11:49 A.M.

(Homewood, PA) State Police in Beaver say they were dispatched to Big Beaver Boulevard in Homewood on May 8th shortly after 10pm. After arriving on scene, Troopers say they located a 16 year old male from Darlington who was in possession of suspected marijuana.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published May 29, 2023 11:36 A.M.  

(Aliquippa, PA) An Aliquippa woman was scammed out of $5,000 while trying to sell her antique vehicle. PA State Police report that 64 year old Nancy Fooks arranged the sale with an unknown person who requested the car be shipped to them. The actors sent a fraudulent check to Fooks, who proceeded to pay for the shipping through PayPal before realizing she was being scammed and ultimately reporting it.