FILE – This July 8, 2018, file photo shows Tesla 2018 Model 3 sedans sitting on display outside a Tesla showroom in Littleton, Colo. The U.S. government has opened a formal investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot partially automated driving system, saying it has trouble spotting parked emergency vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the action Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, in a posting on its website. (AP Photo/David Zalubowsi, File)

DETROIT (AP) — Tesla is recalling nearly 363,000 vehicles with its “Full Self-Driving” system to fix problems with the way it behaves around intersections and following posted speed limits. The recall came after U.S. safety regulators expressed concerns about the way Tesla’s system responds in four areas along roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says in documents posted Thursday on its website that Tesla will fix the concerns with an online software update in the coming weeks. The documents say Tesla is doing the recall but does not agree with an agency analysis of the problem.

FILE – Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the South Carolina Statehouse, Jan. 28, 2023, in Columbia, S.C. Trump and his allies have been put on notice by a prosecutor, but the warning didn’t come from anyone at the Justice Department. It’s from a Georgia prosecutor who indicates she is likely to seek criminal charges soon in a two-year election subversion probe. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

ATLANTA (AP) — A special grand jury that investigated efforts by then-President Donald Trump and his allies to overturn his election loss in Georgia is expressing concerns that “one or more witnesses” called to testify may have lied under oath. The panel recommends that the district attorney “seek appropriate indictments for such crimes where the evidence is compelling.” But the report does not name the people who are alleged to have lied. In addition to the section on perjury, the report’s introduction and conclusion were released Thursday. But any recommendations on potential criminal charges for specific people will remain under wraps for now.

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for spring break travelers and offers a few travel tips for the most efficient checkpoint experience. The spring break travel season begins around Feb. 17 and continues through April 21. TSA anticipates that its Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) will screen increasing numbers of passengers at airport checkpoints as travel volumes may exceed pre-pandemic levels.

“In January, we experienced our first full month where travel volumes exceeded the same month in 2019. We fully expect to see an upward trend in travel volumes throughout 2023, including during the spring break period,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “We coordinate closely with airports and air carriers to prepare for the projected increase in travel volumes and we expect to meet our wait time standards of 30 minutes or less in standard lanes and 10 minutes or less in TSA PreCheck^® lanes. However, there may be some situations where the capacity of a checkpoint is exceeded.”

TSA continues to make progress on investments and policies that enhance security, advance checkpoint efficiency and improve the passenger experience, including:

• Maintaining a near constant recruiting effort to hire and train new officers on the frontline, needed to accommodate growing passenger volumes.
• Increasing signage, public awareness and civil penalties of up to nearly $15,000 in an effort to reduce the number of firearms at TSA checkpoints.
• Investing in technology deployments that improve identity verification, prohibited items detection and an algorithm update on the Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) that will substantially reduce false alarms and the number of unnecessary pat-downs.

TSA recommends the following top six travel tips to help spring break travelers arrive prepared for the most efficient TSA checkpoint experience:

Tip 1: Pack smart – start with an empty bag and ensure you do not have any prohibited items. Do not attempt to bring a firearm through a TSA checkpoint; doing so compromises the safety and security of other passengers and our officers in the checkpoint. Passengers who attempt to bring a firearm through a checkpoint will receive a civil penalty (fines may be as high as $15,000) and lose eligibility for TSA PreCheck. Additionally, local law enforcement will be called and because these passengers may present additional risk beyond the firearm, they may receive enhanced screening. Other prohibited items include explosives, flammables, knives, razors, replica weapons and more. To avoid delays, passengers should view TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page and begin packing with a bag that is empty.        

Tip 2: Remember the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule. Passengers may bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less. Liquids over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Sunscreen in a container larger than 3.4 ounces is commonly available, but is not considered to be medically necessary as a carry-on item. Larger quantities of sunscreen are allowed in checked bags. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening.

Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol are limited in checked bags to five liters (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations in checked bags. For carry-on bags, passengers are limited to containers of 3.4 ounces or less that can fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag.  FAA regulations prohibit travelers from consuming alcohol on an aircraft unless served by a flight attendant. Additionally, flight attendants are not permitted to serve a passenger who appears to be intoxicated.

Medically necessary liquids, gels and aerosols over 3.4 ounces are allowed in reasonable quantities, but they must be declared at the checkpoint for inspection. TSA allows one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. These containers will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to the checkpoint screening experience.

Tip 3: Enroll in TSA PreCheck. First trip without the parents? Get your own TSA PreCheck membership. In January 2023, 92% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than five minutes at TSA checkpoints nationwide. Traveling with the kids? Children 12 and under may join a parent/guardian with TSA PreCheck in the dedicated lanes. Most new enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number (commonly referred to as “KTN”) within five days, and membership lasts for five years. The enrollment fee for five years is $78; online renewals are $70. Don’t delay, enroll in TSA PreCheck today.

Tip 4: Ask TSA before you travel. Contact TSA’s travel security experts over social media by sending a message to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Passengers may also send a text directly to 275-872 (“AskTSA”) on any mobile device. An automated virtual assistant is available 24/7 to answer common questions and AskTSA staff is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST daily, including holidays and weekends for more complicated questions. Travelers may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on weekends/holidays. An automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Tip 5: Arrive early and carry on kindly. Spring break travelers should give themselves plenty of time to account for traffic, parking, rental car returns, airline check-in, security and making any airport purchases before boarding a flight. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol prior to boarding, as flight attendants and gate agents may deny boarding to intoxicated passengers. Passengers who engage in unruly behavior at the checkpoint or inflight may face substantial penalties and possible prosecution on criminal charges.

Tip 6: Be checkpoint ready. Arrive at the checkpoint lane with a mobile or printed boarding pass and valid ID readily available. When approaching the screening area, remember to empty pockets and place the contents in a bin or carry-on bag. Those without TSA PreCheck must remove large electronics and 3-1-1 liquids from carry-ons. All travelers will be asked to remove outerwear prior to screening. Listen closely and follow instructions of the TSA officer for guidance through the screening process.

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something®. Those traveling abroad for spring break should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation.

For more information about TSA screening procedures, visit the customer service page and read the frequently asked questions or watch TSA’s travel tips videos.

HARRISBURG – State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) issued the following statement on the recent train derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border:

“The accident that took place just over the border in Ohio has been the topic of much discussion in our area and now across the country. The immediate response and coordination from PEMA, Beaver County Emergency Services, Lawrence County Public Safety, and the brave first responders has been excellent. We want to thank all first responders for all they do and continue to do to keep us as safe as possible.

“With the safety of our residents the priority, efforts are ongoing by environmental, health, and safety officials from Pennsylvania, Ohio, and multiple federal agencies to continually monitor air quality in the region impacted by the train derailment. The data from the EPA was released to the public, showing that the air in the community is safe, but monitoring will continue. DEP will also be testing the water quality in the affected area along with the tests being conducted by Norfolk Southern. Conversations are continuing to be had, including the productive meeting with Governor Shapiro yesterday, about what we can do as a Commonwealth to help.

“The federally protected railroad must be held accountable for their liability in this accident. Discussions are already underway in what can be done to make sure Norfolk Southern understands what is expected of them while we try to plan for recovery of the affected area.

“We recommend those with questions or concerns contact your county emergency services or the DEP. We will continue to be transparent in an effort to keep the public aware of everything being done to help with this tragedy.”

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing gas line work on Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County will begin Monday, February 20 weather permitting.

A single-lane closure will occur on Route 65 in the southbound direction between the McKees Rocks Bridge and the Route 19/Marshall Avenue/Beaver Avenue off-ramp weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday, March 3. Crews from Peoples Natural Gas will conduct gas line replacement work.

Please use caution well traveling through the corridor.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 16, 2023 1:00 P.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Congressman Chris Deluzio came to Aliquippa Elementary School earlier this week  because they were chosen to do a project supporting veterans. Deluzio worked with the fourth grade students in making valentines for those in homes or hospitals. The cards read “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICES AND HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY MR. VETERAN!! and Thank you for keeping us safe! He was able to deliver them to the veterans after the event. Students were able  to ask questions  such as “What do you do  to help our community?

FILE – Josh Kail in the Beaver County Radio Studios

HARRISBURG— Following a hearing on emergency first responders in crisis within our Commonwealth, House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) and House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) held a press conference to push House Speaker Mark Rozzi (D-Berks) and Democrat lawmakers to get back to work immediately so the chamber can pass legislation that eases the burdens on our local heroes.

“At a time when the Speaker of the House has refused to take the steps necessary to do the work of the people, Chairman Kail and his committee are refusing to take ‘no’ for an answer,” said Cutler. “The Policy committee continues to work diligently, in different parts of our Commonwealth to better understand what Pennsylvanians are truly experiencing. That is our job as elected leaders, and I hope the Speaker and House Democrats will learn from Chairman Kail’s example and finally allow our chamber to get back to work.”

Kail expressed that the chamber can create meaningful change, but it comes down to Democrats having a similar mindset as Republicans.

“Our emergency first responders go above and beyond to ensure our communities are safe, and we must act swiftly to alleviate the obstacles they face,” said Kail. “While the Democrats have played political mind games and wasted precious time, my colleagues and I have been proactive in learning how we can accomplish the people’s work.”

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published February 16, 2023 9:45 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, PA) Hopewell School Board held their monthly work session Tuesday night and accepted Olivia Veights resignation as a paraprofessional at Independence Elementary School. The board approved the hiring of Nina Hodges  High school paraprofessional. Matt McClain resigned, and was replaced by Rachel Santamaria. Twelve teachers were approved for the After School Learning program which  begin son February 28 and ends on march 30,2023. Mia blakeslee was hired as a lifeguard for the high school swimming pool. The board meets in regular session on Tuesday, February 28, 2023. at 7 p.m.

Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio. Published February 16, 2023 9:18 A.M.

(East Palestine, Ohio) A massive crowd showed up at the town hall meeting at the East Palestine high school gym last night, with a line forming going as far as the eye could see. Beaver County Radio spoke to residents waiting in line to find out what their concerns were, and audio of their answers can be heard below. As the meeting got underway, East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway announced that a group of people within the evacuation zone, forced to leave their homes will receive $1000 checks as a start of the recovery process. Some residents did not seem happy with this response, and the mayor said that there will be more aside from this. It was not clearly stated who was issuing these checks. Mayor Conaway and experts stressed that according to their tests, the water and air is safe for resident. Wells will be installed to monitor any currently undetected contamination that could arise. The mayor was questioned about Norfolk Southern absence from the meeting, and he went on to explain that even though, they reorganized the meeting to better fit their preferences, they called and said they felt unsafe to attend. The mayor assured that there would be more meetings in the near future.
Public concerns audio:

Video:

East Palestine Mayor, Trent Conaway, speaking to media during the event

 

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio Mews Director. Published February 15, 2023 4:40 P.M.

(Monaca, PA) Monaca based Steve & Benny’s Chicken Shack Mobile Unit was ordered to close on February 8th. The Allegheny County Health Department issued the closure following an inspection revealing that the food truck was operating without a valid health permit or license issued by the ACHD or PA Department of Agriculture. They also state the truck had an inoperable water supply, and lacked a thermometer to monitor food temperature.