WASHINGTON (AP) — The largest firefighters union is preparing this week to endorse Joe Biden’s expected bid for the presidency. The former vice president is the most high profile Democratic contender who has not yet jumped in the crowded primary. He is expected to launch a campaign this week. Harold Schaitberger, general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, says the union’s board is meeting this week to vote on an endorsement. They expect to formally announce the decision next week.

NORTH BRADDOCK, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say a Pennsylvania teenager who was playing with a gun shot a 16-year-old girl in the face. The shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. Monday in a North Braddock apartment. Authorities say a 16-year-old boy brought the gun to the apartment and was “horseplaying” with it when it discharged. The wounded girl remains hospitalized. But her name and further details on her condition have not been disclosed. No other injuries were reported in the shooting.

THE HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP COMMISSIONERS HIRED NEW MANAGERS…AND HEARD SOME ROAD COMPLAINTS…AT THEIR MEETING LAST NIGHT. BEAVER COUNTY RADIO NEWS CORRESPONDENT SANDY GIORDANO HAS DETAILS. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

According to this week’s Triple-A East Central Gas price report, the average price of gasoline across Western Pennsylvania is a penny cheaper this week at $3.03 per gallon. The price is lower in Beaver at 3.00 a gallon. A year ago prices in Western Pennsylvania averaged 2.97 a gallon.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is taking issue with the Harrisburg School District. DePasquale says the district isn’t cooperating with auditors working for the Department of Education. DePasquale added that he’s deeply troubled over the board’s vote October 15th to not cooperate, given their past financial scandals and budget issues. The district has been under state-imposed financial recovery status since 2012.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that former Vice-President Joe Biden will visit Pittsburgh on Monday. But whether or not he’ll officially be in the presidential race by then remains a mystery. The P-G says that Biden will hold an event at the Teamsters Local 249 hall in Lawrenceville at 4 p.m., according to a source with direct knowledge of the booking. The event won’t be officially hosted by the labor council, which hasn’t yet endorsed a candidate in the Democratic presidential primary. Biden was expected to launch his campaign for president this week, though his specific plans on the roll-out are still up in the air.

Airport Security are reminding travelers to not bring loaded guns with them through checkpoints. Allegheny County Police were called to Pittsburgh International Airport yesterday morning after a woman visiting from West Virginia had a loaded green camouflage-designed handgun. The Transportation Security Administration spotted the gun in the woman’s carry-on bag and stopped her. She was taken by police for questioning and cited on weapons violations.

New Brighton’s K-9 cop is calling it a career. Faust worked his last shift on April 6th and officially retired from police work Monday. The Belgian Malinois – German shepherd mix will spend the rest of his days with the family of his former partner and handler, Matt Montagazzi.

The investigation continues into a deadly crash in Harmony Township. In the meantime, the Beaver County Coroner has released the names of the victims from the fatal crash. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano has the update. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

WEATHER FORECAST FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 23RD, 2019

TODAY – SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS, ESPECIALLY
DURING THE AFTERNOON HOURS. GUSTY WINDS
AND SMALL HAIL ARE POSSIBLE. HIGH – 72.

TONIGHT – CLOUDY WITH A SLIGHT CHANCE OF A RAIN
SHOWER. LOW – 44.

WEDNESDAY – MOSTLY SUNNY SKIES IN THE MORNING
WILL GIVE WAY TO MOSTLY CLOUDY SKIES
IN THE AFTERNOON. HIGH – 66.