HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry is sharing the following information and assurance regarding allegations of fraudulent voter registration forms surfacing in multiple Pennsylvania counties.

Apparent attempts to submit fraudulent voter registration forms in Berks, Lancaster, Monroe, and York counties have been defeated. The Office of Attorney General is working with the respective county officials to investigate those responsible for this conduct. Our office shares jurisdiction with county district attorneys to investigate violations of the state Election Code, and we are taking a collaborative approach to these matters.

While we will not be divulging sensitive information about these investigations, we want to clarify that the investigations regard voter registration forms, not ballots.

These attempts have been thwarted by the safeguards in place in Pennsylvania. We are working every day with our partners to ensure a fair, free, and safe election.

The investigations are ongoing, and offenders who perpetrated acts of fraud will be held accountable under the law.

Pennsylvanians who registered to vote before the deadline should expect to be able to vote on Election Day. Anyone who believes they properly registered to vote and is not on the books on Election Day is entitled to fill out a provisional ballot.

File photo from the PA DHS

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced a Request for Applications (RFA) seeking managed care organizations to administer services for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) program – Pennsylvania’s program to provide health coverage to uninsured children and teens through age 19.

First established in Pennsylvania, CHIP is a national program that allows parents to purchase commercial insurance for their children.

“Pennsylvania’s CHIP program is a resource to make high quality, comprehensive health insurance accessible to families around our Commonwealth. This program was the foundation for what is now a national model for comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for children,” said DHS Secretary Arkoosh. “We look forward to this opportunity to build on this program’s successes for children and families.”

CHIP was first established in 1992 when Governor Robert P. Casey signed the Children’s Health Insurance Act into law. The program was designed to help families who do not qualify for Medicaid (also known as Medical Assistance in PA) and could not afford to purchase private insurance for their children. The program expanded to a national model in 1997. Today, CHIP covers more than 195,000 children in Pennsylvania, making regular check-ups, screenings, vaccines, and care when a child is sick or injured affordable and accessible for families. CHIP offers no cost or low cost, and affordable plans depending on a family’s income.

Potential applicants should consult the RFA on the Commonwealth’s eMarketplace for a detailed explanation of the services the Department is attempting to procure for the CHIP program. Responses are due by October 18, 2024.

All information regarding the RFA is available online through eMarketplace.

(Story written by Snady Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondant, Published on September 30, 2024 at 10:09 A.M.)

(Hopewell Township, PA) Hopewell Township is having an annual pumpkin carving contest. The Community Outreach Committee and the township are sponsoring the contest.  Take a photo of your pumpkin and send  it to  communityoutreach@hopewelltwp.com by Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 9:47 A.M.)

(Pittsburgh, PA) The race was on for runners at the 47th annual Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race on Sunday. Pittsburgh natives from all over the country came back for this event, according to organizers. The Great Race accepts donations to support medical research, with the funds every year going to the Richard S. Caliguiri Amyloidosis Fund.

Source for Photo: FILE – This April 2, 2021, file photo shows bridges spanning the Allegheny River in downtown Pittsburgh. Republicans in Congress are making the politically brazen bet that it’s more advantageous to oppose President Joe Biden’s ambitious rebuild America agenda than to lend support for the costly $2.3 trillion undertaking for roads, bridges and other infrastructure investments. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 9:26 A.M.)

(Pennsylvania) The moon will temporarily have a next-door neighbor called a “mini moon.” This moon is actually an asteroid called 2024 PT5 that started orbiting Earth on Sunday and will do so for about 57 days, even though it will not complete a full orbit. Astronomers at Complutense University of Madrid used a telescope from Sutherland, South Africa to find the asteroid, which is about the size of a school bus, in August. 2020 was the last time one of these “mini moons” was spotted, and will leave Earth to travel through space on November 25, and will not pass by Earth again until 2055. 

Source for Photo: FILE – Impact craters cover the surface of the moon, seen from Berlin, Germany, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. The moon is about to get walloped by 3 tons of space junk, a punch that will carve out a crater that could fit several semitractor-trailers. A leftover rocket is expected to smash into the far side of the moon at 5,800 mph (9,300 kph) on Friday, March 4, 2022, away from telescopes’ prying eyes. It may take weeks, even months, to confirm the impact through satellite images. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 8:49 A.M.)

(Crescent Township, PA) Authorities have confirmed that a propane tank was the cause of an explosion in a Crescent Township home that killed 89-year-old David Mitchell and 87-year-old Helen Mitchell. A spokesperson for the Allegheny County fire marshal’s office told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the investigation of the explosion that happened on March 12 in Crescent Township had been closed. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s safety division said Tuesday it had concluded its probe and found no evidence linking the blast to natural gas service under public utility jurisdiction. The home had no public utility natural gas service, and while Columbia Gas has natural gas mains in the general area, there were no utility gas mains in the immediate vicinity and no utility gas leaks were found, the commission said. 

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 30, 2024 at 8:03 A.M.)

(West Mifflin, PA) Kennywood partnered with Animal Friends, a full-service companion animal welfare organization in Pittsburgh, to host their third annual Dogtober Fest Halloween Parade & Costume Contest on Sunday. Over one-hundred dogs walked past the Jack Rabbit, Merry Go Round, and more, capping off with a Halloween costume contest. There were also prizes awarded for the best costume in categories such as Cutest, Creepiest, and Most Creative.  

(Story written by Noah Haswell of Beaver County Radio, Published on September 27, 2024 at 9:54 A.M.)

(Harrisburg, PA) $635,352 in federal funding was awarded to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to help improve women’s access to critical health benefits across the state.

A $9 million Expanding Access to Women’s Health grant program is also included with the funding from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services that the Biden-Harris Administration has in place to further advance and support women’s health. According to a release, the state will launch a multifaceted campaign focused on awareness and education about the importance of preventive care, including contraception. The funding was given to Pennsylvania and thirteen other states.

Source for Photo FILE – Twenty dollar bills are counted on June 15, 2018, in North Andover, Mass. The number of Americans who do not have a bank account fell to a record low last year, as the proliferation of online-only banks and an improving economy is bringing more Americans into the traditional financial system, according to a report Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola, File)

(Story written by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondant, Published on September 27, 2024 at 9:46 A.M.)

On Monday, September 30, 2024, hydrants will be flushed in West Aliquippa, the Industrial Park, Logstown, McDonald Heights, Plan 6/ Franklin Avenue/Sheffield Avenue, and Kennedy Boulevard to the gas station. On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, hydrants will be flushed in Green Street,  Plan 11 and the Extension, Plan 12 to the Hollywood Bridge. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, hydrants will be flushed in Linmar, Linmar Terrace, Sheffield Terrace, and the Hollywood area. On Thursday, October 3, 2024, hydrants will be flushed in the DiMattia area, Hospital Drive area streets,  and the streets in proximity to Sheffield Lanes. The flushing will occur from 2 p.m. to midnight on those days listed, according to the information provided to Beaver County Radio.

Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services

Monaca, PA –  Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined Representative Robert Matzie and Congressman Chris Deluzio on Thursday at the  Beaver County Career & Technology Center (BCCTC) to meet with students and staff, tour the center, and talk about how the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s investments in workforce development — including career and technical education (CTE), apprenticeship programs, and job training — are giving Pennsylvanians the freedom to chart their own course.

The 2024-25 budget provides a $30 million increase for career and technical education (CTE) and equipment, along with an additional $2 million for the first time ever for nursing apprenticeships. The Shapiro-Davis Administration is focused on investing in all paths to success for students – from college and continuing education to vo-tech and apprenticeship programs – opening the doors of economic opportunity and building on critical investments made last year. Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis have worked with a bipartisan group of legislators to increase funding for workforce development by $61 million in their first two years in office – a more than 50 percent increase.

“Since day one, I have been committed to delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania by addressing our most pressing challenges and bringing together Democrats and Republicans to get stuff done,” said Governor Shapiro. “I’m proud of the historic investments we’ve made in job training, apprenticeship programs, and career and technical education, as these initiatives pave the way to economic opportunity and empower Pennsylvanians to shape their own futures. My Administration values skills and experience, recognizing that everyone’s path is different, and ensuring that every Pennsylvanian has the opportunity to succeed.”

“Every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to chart their own course and achieve their dreams, whether they live in Beaver or Bucks County, whether they want to attend college, start their own business, or pursue an apprenticeship,” said Lieutenant Governor Davis. “Over the past two years, I’ve visited career and technical schools in Altoona, Aston and today in Monaca, and I’ve heard over and over again how much these programs are in demand. That’s why the Shapiro-Davis Administration has invested $61 million in the last two state budgets for apprenticeships, career and technical education and workforce development. The bipartisan state budget showed that we can come together to get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania.

BCCTC provides 17 different training programs – from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to design and information technology – to more than 800 students in 11th and 12th grades from 14 school districts in the region. BCCTC serves as an extension to the learning that students receive in their high school classes – preparing them for careers in automotive technology, cosmetology, construction and building trades, culinary arts, graphic arts, health occupations, machine tool technology, veterinary technician, and more.

Karleigh Matscherz is a full-time student at BCCTC studying for a career in cosmetology and joined the Governor for his tour of their campus.

“The staff at the BCCTC prioritize our growth, treating us as young adults on our chosen pathways. They instill values of respect and responsibility while providing the resources we need for successful futures,” said Matscherz. “By attending the BCCTC, we gain valuable real-world experience without the burden of heavy student debt. I stand here today on behalf of my fellow students to express our love for this school, the dedicated staff, and the friendships we’ve built during our time here.”

BCCTC has seen increased enrollment in recent years, with more students looking to enroll than they can often accommodate. BCCTC receives grant funding for equipment through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) for mental health and school safety resources.

“We believe that workforce development leads to economic development, and we are committed to giving our students the tools to build their futures. Our center is not a dead end, but a steppingstone – a place where all types of learners can find a career pathway that suits them best,” said Laura DelVecchio, Administrative Director at BCCTC. “Together, with leaders like Governor Shapiro, we will continue to empower the next generation to succeed and thrive in an ever-evolving economy.”

“A skilled carpenter not only knows how to shape wood, but also how to shape the mind to solve problems. In carpentry, patience and precision are the greatest tools. This is why career and technical education (CTE) is so important — it equips students with practical skills and real-world experience, preparing them for meaningful careers and lifelong learning. CTE isn’t just about building structures — it’s about building futures,” said David Liptak, Carpentry Instructor at BCCTC.

Since day one, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has been focused on creating real opportunity for hardworking Pennsylvania workers to obtain good-paying jobs. The Shapiro-Davis Administration has approved over 50 new apprenticeship programs — with 15,935 registered apprentices currently active — and enrolled nearly 10,000 new apprentices since taking office.

The Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO) also currently supports 877 unduplicated registered apprenticeship program sponsors and 1,556 occupation-specific programs across the Commonwealth. Additionally, there are 121 registered pre-apprenticeship programs and 1,166 pre-apprentices currently active.

“We all have big dreams for Western PA, and we know that to make those dreams come true, we’ve got to have the well-trained workforce to get stuff done,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Governor Shapiro’s vision for the Commonwealth, much like mine, focuses on creating good jobs, boosting our local economy, and investing in the people who do the hard work. With partnership from leaders on the state, local, and federal level, we can keep creating real opportunities for working people.”

“We put a lot more money into the budget this year to enhance education and enhance programs,” said Senator Elder Vogel. “Here in Beaver County, the CTC has been a great school for many, many years. It’s expanding — classes are full. They’re busting at the seams here, because kids know this is a pathway to come and get a good education without having to go to a four-year college. And we need to do a bit more work here, because the school needs to expand.”

“Our efforts have brought about the largest investment in workforce development since I can remember. I will continue to do everything in my power to help the Governor to expand upon these initiatives,” said Representative Robert Matzie. “We already know that Pennsylvania, and specifically Beaver County, have the best workers in the world. Now we’re helping to provide a path so that they may continue to thrive and prove it now and into the future.”

The 2024-25 bipartisan budget makes investments in all paths to success, from vo-tech and apprenticeship programs to continuing education:

• Expanding CTE and Vo-Tech: Building on critical investments made last year, the 2024-25 budget includes a $30 million increase for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programming and equipment and continues $7 million in support of dual enrollment.
• Registered Apprenticeships: To help fill much needed healthcare positions across the Commonwealth, this budget includes $2 million in first-time funding for nursing apprenticeships.
• Student Teacher Stipends: After Governor Shapiro last year signed into law Act 33 establishing the $10 million Educator Pipeline Support Grant Program, which provides up to $15,000 to eligible student teachers in Pennsylvania, this budget includes a $10 million increase – double last year’s investment – to fund student teacher stipends, helping to address the teacher shortage in Pennsylvania.