HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania lawmakers are sending a bill to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk that they say will save lives by helping patients diagnose breast cancer more quickly. The bill passed the state House unanimously Wednesday after it won unanimous Senate approval last month. Shapiro, a Democrat, says he’ll sign it. Under the bill, health insurers must cover out-of-pocket costs for patients who are deemed to be at risk for breast cancer when they undergo a second screening during a coverage year. Insurers also must cover patients’ costs for genetic counseling and genetic testing for the gene mutations that raise the risk of breast cancer. Those out-of-pocket costs can run into the thousands.

FILE – An historical marker at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa., is seen on Feb. 21, 2023. Democrats advanced four gun-control bills in Pennsylvania’s state House of Representatives on Wednesday, April 26, after years of a virtual standstill on legislation amid a politically divided government. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Democrats advanced gun-control bills in the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives, after years of a virtual standstill on legislation amid a politically divided government. The bills passed through committee on party lines on Wednesday, and they could come before the floor as early as next week. Democrats tout the bills as relatively moderate gun-control bills and an effort to reduce gun violence, trafficking, suicides and accidents. Republicans, who voted jointly against the measures, have concerns about who the bills ultimately impact.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published April 27, 2023 8:18 A.M.

(Aliquippa, PA) Aliquippa City Council held its work session Wednesday night  approved a lease between the city and the post office for the land formerly occupied by Shiflet Enterprises at 475,465, and 457 Franklin Avenue.  The annual rental is $12,000 a year for 3 years.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

With warmer days ahead (allegedly), the Beaver County Commissioners are on the cusp of seeing several new additions to the county officially become a reality.

One of those realities took place over the weekend, as the Maple Syrup & Music Festival returned to Brady’s Run following a multi-year absence. Commissioner Jack Manning praised the “exceptional effort” for all parties involved, including all volunteers and PUSH Beaver County (in their first year running the festival). Parks and Recreation director Tony Caltury said that the numbers for attendance were still not yet finalized due to the last stages of “breakdown mode” from the weekend, but said that he was “pleasantly surprised” by the turnout over the two-day festival.

Two more anticipated happenings in the near future are the opening of the Old Economy Pool and the grand opening of the new Beaver County Men’s Shelter in Vanport. The Old Economy Pool will be opening this summer in conjunction with the Beaver County YMCA, who will be employing lifeguards and other staff to operate the facilities following no operation of the facility in 2022. The Men’s Shelter is tentatively scheduled to open in June of 2023, with a change order request sent to the County Commissioners for approval. County solicitor Garen Fedeles introduced these two resolutions, along with 45 others, as submitted for approval at Thursday’s public meeting.

Additionally, Emergency Management Services director Eric Brewer spoke about the latest updates on the installation of new radio communication devices for the county, with Brewer hoping that the new equipment would be installed before fall. “I’m yelling,” Brewer stated. “I’m jumping up and down every day just to get this done.” Brewer added that he is pressuring to get a deadline date for the operations to be done.

Commissioner Tony Amadio was not in attendance for the April 26 work session.

The next work session is scheduled for May 3 at 10:00 AM.

FILE – A statue of Walt Disney and Micky Mouse stands in front of the Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., Jan. 9, 2019. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ oversight board of Disney World has voted to claw back authority over the company’s theme park properties. The vote Wednesday, April 26, 2023, by the governor’s appointees voids a last-minute deal that placed control of theme park design and construction decisions Disney’s hands. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Disney is suing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over the Republican’s takeover of its theme park district, alleging Wednesday that the governor waged a “targeted campaign of government retaliation” after the company opposed a law critics call “Don’t Say Gay.” The suit was filed minutes after a Disney World oversight board appointed by DeSantis voted to void a deal that placed theme park design and construction decisions in the company’s hands. The DeSantis board said Disney’s move to retain control over their property was effectively unlawful and performed without proper public notice.

FILE – The New York Stock Exchange is seen in New York, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

NEW YORK (AP) — A big rally for Microsoft and other Big Tech stocks is helping to prop up Wall Street. The S&P 500 was 0.2% higher in midday Wednesday trading. A day earlier, it fell to its worst drop in a month on worries about the strength of U.S. banks. Microsoft jumped after reporting stronger profit for the first three months than analysts expected. Facebook’s parent company was also pushing the market higher ahead of its earnings report, which will arrive after trading closes for the day. First Republic Bank is continuing to slide after nearly halving the day before. Treasury yields rose.

President Joe Biden speaks at the North America’s Building Trades Union National Legislative Conference at the Washington Hilton in Washington, Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is casting himself as a defender of freedom in his first campaign ad since launching his 2024 reelection bid. The television ad released Wednesday will air in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, states Biden carried in 2020 that are key to keeping the White House. The ad aims to cast Republicans as part of an “extreme movement” bent on overturning elections, restricting abortion access and undermining voters’ economic security. The Democratic president wants to portray Republicans as embracing ex-President Donald Trump and out of the step with popular opinion and U.S. values. “Freedom” is a common buzzword among Republicans who would challenge Biden for reelection, typically around cultural issues.

FILE – A Norfolk Southern freight train makes it way through Homestead, Pa. on April 27, 2022. Norfolk Southern reports earnings on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Norfolk Southern said it expects February’s fiery Ohio derailment to cost it $387 million, but that total will likely increase over time and that doesn’t reflect how much the railroad’s insurance companies will eventually cover. The Atlanta-based railroad provided that estimate of the cost of the Feb. 3 derailment outside East Palestine, Ohio, Wednesday when it released its first-quarter earnings report. That derailment and several others since then have prompted a nationwide focus on railroad safety. That cost estimate includes the $30.9 million the railroad has pledged to help the community recover, but it doesn’t reflect how much Norfolk Southern will put into funds to cover any long-term health problems and compensate residents.

This summer could be record-setting when it comes to travel by air. Earlier this year, AAA reported a significant increase in international travel bookings. And in a recent interview, the head of the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) said the agency is bracing for passenger levels above pre-pandemic numbers.

Many airlines, including Delta, have already announced a record number of advanced bookings for summer. To ensure travelers have the best vacation experience possible, AAA recommends booking as soon as possible.

“There is a lot of positive energy surrounding leisure travel this summer, which is very encouraging to see,” said Bevi Powell, senior vice president, AAA East Central. “To ensure vacations are as seamless as possible, it’s very important to lay out a game plan early with a trusted travel advisor.”

The Best Time to Book for Summer:
If travelers want the best choice of options for this summer, the time to book is now. AAA booking data shows demand is high this year, especially for international destinations. Waiting too long to book can result in limited inventory and sold-out cruises, tours, or direct flights.

“If you can be flexible with your travel dates and destinations, that can help you find better deals. But, given what could be record-setting demand, travelers who have grown accustomed to last-minute deals should think twice about waiting,” continued Powell.

AAA Recommendations:

• When booking, aim for the first morning flight. It’s more likely to depart on time because mornings have less air traffic congestion and fewer weather delays, especially in the summer.
• Reserve airport parking ahead of time to save time on departure day.
• Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international flights. Remember, international hubs will be extra packed with passengers this season.
• Sign up for TSA PreCheck or Clear to speed up the security process.
• Avoid checking a bag. Carry-on luggage allows for more flexibility and speeds up the process when flying.
• Make sure phones are fully charged. Download airline apps to receive notifications and use FlightAware to track flights the day of departure.
• Weather is generally considered an “Act of God” and not the fault of the airline. Working with a travel advisor gives travelers peace of mind when it comes to finding rebooking options.
• If a flight is canceled due to what is in the control of the airline, like a mechanical issue, the airline is responsible for rebooking passengers and providing some amenities, like food or lodging. For entitlements, see the DOT website: https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/fly-rights.