A key legislative panel has approved a $30.8 billion state spending plan as well as changes to the state’s public employee pension plan. The plan’s prospects with lawmakers remain unclear. House Republicans scheduled – and then postponed – meetings yesterday to debate a less costly alternative plan.
Category: News
House Fire Kills Elderly Woman
A fire in a Washington Township mobile home has left an 81-year-old woman dead. An autopsy will be done today on Shirley Cole, whose body was found by firefighters in a bedroom. There is no word on what might have caused the fire.
Bill Clinton to host Pittsburgh fundraiser for HIllary
Former President Bill Clinton is set to host a fundraiser for his wife, presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, in Pittsburgh this Thursday. Billed as “A Conversation with President Bill Clinton,” the $500-per-person event is set to take place between noon and 2 p.m., according to invitations and a page on the Clinton campaign website. The precise location is not clear, but word is it would be taking place “in the Downtown Pittsburgh area.” Those who contribute $2,700 will have a photo taken with Bill Clinton, according to the invitation.
PIAA Semis
It will be the Western Finals this weekend for the two remaining PIAA Football Playoffs. In Quad A Pittsburgh Central Catholic will face Cumberland Valley at Mansion Stadium in Altoona. The kickoff is Saturday at 1pm. The Aliquippa Quips will face Martinsburg Central at Hempfield High School Friday night. WBVP-WMBA airtime is 6:30. Kickoff is at 7pm. The winners of these games will advance to the PIAA Championships Decenber 18-19 in Hershey.
Concealed Weapons Permits Flood Beaver County Sheriff’s Office After San Bernardino Shooting
A day after the deadly attack in San Bernardino, California, dozens of people lined up inside the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office to apply for permits to carry concealed firearms. Beaver County Sheriff George David tells Beaver County Radio’s Pat Septak that his office has been overwhelmed with permit requests for weeks after the recent terrorist attack in Paris. Sheriff David says concealed weapons permits have nearly tripled in the last three weeks…with between 60 and 70 applications a week, up from 15 to 20 a week.
Christiana Criticizes Governor Wolf On Spending During Budget Impasse
Republican lawmakers gathered in Harrisburg yesterday to voice their dissatisfaction with the spending practices of the Wolf Administration during the protracted budget impasse. According to a report issued on Thursday, more than $30 Billion were spend in the first four months of the fiscal year, with only $4 Billion having been reported to the PennWATCH website, a portal which allows public scrutiny of all state government spending. State Rep. Jim Christiana of Beaver County is among those questioning the governor’s spending and transparency during the budget impasse.
Toomey’s Gun Control Measure Rejected In Senate
The Senate has again refused expanding background checks for more gun purchases. Senator Patrick Toomey and West Virginia’s Joe Manchin co-authored the measure, which was identical to a proposal also rejected in early 2013, shortly after the Sandy Hook school massacre.
Detailed Agreement on A State Budget Remains Elusive
A detailed agreement on a state budget to end a five-month impasse remains elusive, with legislative leaders saying they expect to hear details today as they meet with Governor Wolf. The spending plan is being negotiated alongside major changes to state pension benefits and state wine and liquor sales.
Steelers Injuries for Colts Game
The Steelers may have to start a rookie at tight end Sunday Night against the Indianapolis. Penn State graduate Jesse James may start. Tight End Heath Miller did not practice Thursday. He suffered a rib injury during the Seahawks Game last Sunday. Matt Spaeth is nursing a knee injury. James played a little on Sunday . Also not practicing was safety Will Allen (ankle) and linebacker Sean Spence (hamstring). Ben Roethlisberger and linebacker Ryan Shazier who are in the NFL concussion protocol. They were concussed in the Seattle. Both practiced on Thursday. The Steelers and Colts game is on WBVP-WMBA. The pregame is 6:30
Beaver County Commissioners Say Their Last Words on ‘Ask The Commissioners’ on Beaver County Radio
Beaver County Commissioners Tony Amadio, Joe Spanik and Dennis Nichols made their final appearance together as a board on the Ask The Commissioners segment on Beaver County Radio this morning with Mike Romigh. Next month, a new board will be in place. Amadio will still be there, but Spanik and Nichols will be replaced with the GOP team of Sandie Egley and Dan Camp. Amadio said he’s going to miss his fellow commissioners, Spanik questioned why the two new Republican commissioners haven’t made an attempt to make a smooth transition (or any kind of transition, for that matter) and Dennis Nichols said he’s proud of his work with this board because despite all their political differences on any number of issues, they were always able to come together and compromise. No word on whether Egley and Camp will come on the show for future Ask the Commissioner segments on Beaver County Radio.