Polls are open in a special election for a vacant state Senate seat in politically divided suburban Pittsburgh where the sides are testing some national themes ahead of 2020’s presidential election. Tuesday’s contest pits Republican D. Raja against Democrat Pam Iovino for a seat largely controlled by Republicans the past half-century, but the district is viewed as increasingly friendly to Democrats. On Monday, Republicans issued a robocall by Donald Trump Jr., urging listeners to vote for Raja.

The Pittsburgh City Council has given final approval to gun restrictions proposed after last year’s synagogue massacre. The legislation places restrictions on military-style assault weapons like the AR-15 rifle that authorities say was used in the rampage at Tree of Life Synagogue that killed 11 and wounded seven. It also restricts armor-piercing ammunition and high-capacity magazines. Pro-gun advocates say they’ll sue to block the laws from taking effect.

Nancy Pelosi says Joe Biden should keep his distance from women as his team scrambles to contain any political damage over his past behavior. The Democratic House speaker said Tuesday at a Politico event in Washington that the former vice president should keep handshakes at arms’ length and stop being touchy-feely while he considers running for president. Biden has been accused of kissing the back of one woman’s head and rubbing noses with another but says he never meant to cause any discomfort.

Prosecutors have dropped all charges against a woman in a robbery-related western Pennsylvania shooting that killed three people, including a 10-year-old girl. The New Castle News reports that the Lawrence County district attorney’s office and New Castle police withdrew charges against 41-year-old Jody Hammer. District Attorney Joshua Lamancusa declined comment. Charges remain against 19-year-old Steven Procopio and 19-year-old Anthony Lavon Cooper Jr.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says President Donald Trump’s new pledge to produce a health care overhaul plan after he’s re-elected next year means he will “hold Americans hostage through 2020” on an issue that affects millions of people. The New York Democrat says that when Trump “insists he has a magic plan that we can see if only the American people re-elect him,” it isn’t true. Trump tweeted that Congress will vote on a GOP plan after the elections.

GOVERNOR TOM WOLF’S ‘RESTORE PENNSYLVANIA’ TOUR RECENTLY STOPPED IN HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. BEAVER COUNTY RADIO NEWS CORRESPONDENT SANDY GIORDANO HAS MORE. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

Over 1.8 million Pennsylvanians carry an estimated 68 billion dollars in student loan debt. Legislation is being introduced that would save thousands for those paying off student loans. Don Rooney has more…

Beaver County’s Planning Commisison Director has received the Supporter of Development Award. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano has more. Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

A fire broke out this morning at a house in Rochester. The fire was reported shortly before 4:30 a.m. on Harmony Road. Thick smoke poured from the home as firefighters responded. Emergency dispatchers said people were home when the fire started, but no injuries have been reported.

BEAVER COUNTY COMMISSIONER DAN CAMP WILL APPEAR BEFORE A U-S HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE TODAY. THE COMMITTEE IS SCHEDULED TO MEET AT 10:00 THIS MORNING FOR THE HEARING ON “LESSONS FROM ACROSS THE NATION: STATE AND LOCAL ACTION TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE”. CAMP – A REPUBLICAN RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION THIS YEAR – PLANS TO DISCUSS THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY’S ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE COUNTY.