Hopewell School Board Approves Mandatory Masking

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Hopewell Twp., Pa.) During a meeting of the Hopewell School Board last night it was decided that all staff members and students in the Hopewell School District must wear masks  while Beaver County is  in the substantial or high  transmission of COVID-19. Superintendent Dr, Michelle Miller told the board  it eliminates  quarantining staff and students.

The board approved the revision of the 2021-22 school calendar and commencement will be on May 25, 2022.
Nadia Engle was appointed acting assistant high school principal while Dr. Robert Kartychak  is acting assistant superintendent.
Several   hirings including paraprofessionals, a library aide, a special education teacher, and Life  Skills teacher were hired.  The board hired 2 new  girls basketball  coaches for the junior high school..
The board’s regular meeting is Monday, August 23 at  7 p.m.

SENATOR LINDSEY M. WILLIAMS INTRODUCES LEGISLATION REQUIRING ONLINE POSTING OF ALL LEGISLATURE EXPENSES

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Senator Lindsey M. Williams introduced legislation on Monday  that would require that all legislative expenses be published online in an easily searchable format. This legislation is part of Senator Williams’ continued push for greater transparency within the Senate specifically and the state government as a whole.

Recent news has made no secret of the fact that legislative spending is opaque on its best days and downright impossible to navigate on its worst. “In March 2020, I became the first and only Pennsylvania Senator to publish all of the expenses that I has approval over in a searchable format on my website. This list is updated monthly,” said Senator Williams. “But it shouldn’t be up to individual Senators or House Members to make this decision. Legislative expenses are taxpayer dollars and the public has a right to know how that money is being spent.”

To address this issue, Senator Williams introduced legislation requiring that the Chief Clerk of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, and the comptroller of the House of Representatives post a quarterly list of all per diems and other expenses on a publicly accessible website. Senator Williams also introduced a resolution that would amend Rule 12 of the Financial Operating Rules of the Senate, requiring the same posting of expenses, but only for the Chief Clerk of the Senate. This resolution could be passed with a simple majority vote in the Senate chamber. “Senate leadership has pledged to make financial transparency a priority since the beginning of this Session,” said Senator Williams. “This Legislation ensures that taxpayer dollars are accounted for in a way that makes sense and is easily accessible to our constituents.”

In addition to her efforts around expense transparency, Senator Williams, along with Senator Katie Muth and other members of the Senate Democratic Caucus, has pushed for a significant overhaul of the Senate Operating Rules. This Rules Reform legislation focuses on advancing policy, ensuring government transparency, encouraging public participation in the legislative process, and holding Senators accountable to the public.

Man Pleads Guilty to Leaving Backpack with Explosives in Pittsburgh

(File Photo)

Man pleads to leaving backpack with explosives in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A Pittsburgh man has pleaded guilty to leaving a backpack containing homemade explosive devices in a bush outside of a complex in the city’s downtown area during last year’s protests over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Matthew Michanowicz, 53, pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to possession of an unregistered destructive device. Authorities said he was seen on surveillance video placing the military-style backpack near a bike rack under some trees at PNC Plaza on May 31, 2020. Officials said the backpack contained three improvised explosive devices filled with gasoline.

US to Review 9/11 Records with Eye Toward Making more Public

US to review 9/11 records with eye toward making more public
By ERIC TUCKER Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department says it will work toward providing families of 9/11 victims with more information about the run-up to the attacks as part of a federal lawsuit that aims to hold the Saudi government accountable. The disclosure in a two-page letter filed in federal court in Manhattan follows longstanding criticism from relatives of those killed that the U.S. government was withholding crucial details from them in the name of national security. Nearly 1,800 families, victims and first responders objected in a letter last week to President Joe Biden’s attendance at memorial events as long as key documents remained declassified. The move failed to placate at least some victims’ survivors, who said the FBI and Justice Department have already had years to review the documents.

Some Racial Evidence to Be Permitted in PA School Funding Lawsuit

Keystone State News Connection

August 10, 2021

Emily Scott

HARRISBURG, Pa. — With less than a month until a Pennsylvania public school funding lawsuit is set to begin, a Commonwealth Court judge recently ruled some evidence pertaining to racial disparities in the state education system will be allowed.

Attorneys representing school districts, parents and education organizations argued the way schools are funded in Pennsylvania violates its own constitution, which requires the Commonwealth to ensure there is a “thorough and efficient” system of education for all students.

Claudia De Palma, staff attorney at the Public Interest Law Center, which is representing plaintiffs in the case, said the evidence is important because it shows student outcome disparities between lower-income and higher-income districts.

“I think that looking at subgroups in the Commonwealth, including subgroups of students of color, and looking at the really significant achievement gaps that the funding disparities have caused is a very important indicator of how the system is falling,” De Palma asserted.

Black and Latino students in Pennsylvania predominantly live in the most underfunded districts, according to research submitted for the trial.

The lawsuit is calling for the court to order the governor and state Legislature to create a system where every student can receive a quality education, regardless of whether they live in a community that can raise education funds with local taxes.

Statewide Coalition PA Schools Work released data fact sheets in June, which help put the district-by-district disparities in perspective. For example, Philadelphia currently spends more than $15,000 per student, whereas neighboring Lower Merion, a higher-wealth district, spends more than $25,000 per student.

Pennsylvania has set a goal of 90% for its four-year graduation rate.

Sharon Ward, senior policy advisor at the Education Law Center, said to meet that target, the state must address funding inequities.

“We have a goal, we have an expectation for students, and the missing element is ensuring that all students have the resources to be able to accomplish those goals,” Ward contended. “And that is what the adequacy gap is; it’s an estimation of what will it take to ensure that students across the state are going to be able to meet those goals.”

The school funding lawsuit is expected to start Sep. 9 and will last six to 10 weeks.

Health and Safety discussed at New Brighton School Board Meeting

(Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Curtis Walsh)

(New Brighton, PA) – The New Brighton Area school board met tonight for a special voting session as well as their committee meeting.  Superintendent Dr. Joseph Guarino started off by stating that the district will start the year with masking being a choice, although they are strongly recommending it.  Students will however, be required to wear face coverings while on buses and transportation due to TSA mandates.   The district intends to work in and out of distancing scenarios, meaning that they will engage students in group activities and projects with their desks in groups when appropriate and at other times their desks will be 3 feet apart.  Gym classes and recess will also resume as well as extracurricular activities such as band and sports being allowed indoors and outdoors.  The school will continue to participate in contact tracing efforts as well as encouraging families to monitor their child’s health.  Dr. Guarino noted that the school nurses keep exceptional data to aid in decision making for things such as potential mask requirements.  Furthermore, he stated that data from last year showed that masks caused a decrease in common infections such as strep throat, particularly within the elementary school.  Students will also be given guidance on proper mask care.  The board went on to answer questions from the public. When asked about the risk of school closures, Dr. Guarino stated that the Dept. of Health will make any decisions regarding the need to close the school.  Another question asked was if Critical Race Theory was being taught, and the superintendent relayed that it is not part of curriculum or integrated in the district in any way.  The board also approved the hiring of a librarian and four instructional assistants.

Beaver Falls Home Rule Charter Meeting Wednesday August 11, 2021 at 7:00PM

Beaver Falls Home Rule Charter will be holding a meeting this Wednesday night, August 11, 2021 at 7PM in the Beaver Falls High School.

The Committee wants you to come and  hear all about what your elected peers have learned about regarding Home Rule Charters, and what one could mean for Beaver Falls. If you are interested in the future of our beautiful City, please come and learn!

The school asks that anyone attending park by the flagpole rather than on Tiger Alley, as another group needs those spots that night.

Mike Lange Retiring from Play-By-Play Duties, Remaining with Penguins Radio Network

Pittsburgh Penguins Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange announced today that he will not return to the radio booth for play-by-play duties, but will remain a part of the Penguins Radio Network. Fans will continue to hear Lange’s voice during radio appearances and various Penguins programming.

Lange, 73, missed the majority of the past season out of an abundance of caution during the pandemic while awaiting the COVID-19 vaccine.  He returned to the booth alongside color analyst Phil Bourque to call two home games at the end of the regular season and Games 1 and 5 of the Penguins’ Round One series against the New York Islanders.

“Mike is a broadcasting legend, not just in Pittsburgh, but in all of sports,” said Penguins president and CEO David Morehouse. “He is respected and admired by all, including our ownership, players and management and executive team.  Mike’s clever phrases and goal calls are synonymous with the most iconic moments in Penguins history.  Although he is stepping away from the booth, he remains a huge part of the Penguins’ family and we look forward to hearing his voice for years to come.”

  Lange was honored in a pre-game ceremony celebrating 45 years as the voice of the Penguins in 2019 when the team named the press box at PPG Paints Arena the “Mike Lange Media Level.”  His unique and creative style, including trademark phrases such as “Buy Sam A Drink And Get His Dog One, Too,” earned him the Foster Hewitt award for broadcasting from the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001.

“As many of you know, I have been cutting back on game broadcasts the last few seasons. This year was difficult with the pandemic, but I was still able to broadcast a limited few, which was important to me. That marked 50 years of broadcasting professional hockey – four in the Western Hockey League and 46 with the Pittsburgh Penguins. That was  pretty special for me,” said Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange. “I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved. The Penguins have asked me to continue to add commentary and voice work on a limited basis to the current radio set-up and I look forward to staying involved. In the meantime, the best consolation to stepping away is knowing that the broadcast couldn’t be in better hands with the very talented Josh Getzoff, and the Ole ’29-er, Phil Bourque.”

Josh Getzoff will take over all radio play-by-play duties, teaming with veteran analyst Bourque on 105.9 The X and the Penguins Radio Network.  Getzoff has called the Penguins road games for the past three seasons, in addition to home games in Lange’s absence over the past two years.

  Lange’s relationship with the Penguins began in 1974-75, when he broke into the NHL as a radio play-by-play man. He left for one season, but returned in 1976-77 and has been a fixture on the Penguins’ scene ever since.

Lange did radio exclusively until 1979, when games were simulcast on radio and TV. He served as the television voice of the Penguins through 2005-06, before returning to the radio booth in 2006-07.

A native of Sacramento, California, Lange earned a degree in broadcasting from Sacramento State University before starting his career as the voice of the Phoenix Roadrunners (WHL) in 1970. He also served as the play-by-play voice of the San Diego Gulls (WHL) in 1973-74 and  the Washington Diplomats (NASL) before joining the Penguins.

In addition to his tenure with the Penguins, Lange handled play-by-play duties for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986-87. A well-known member of the Pittsburgh community, Lange makes numerous personal appearances throughout the year and is actively involved in charity work.

Fake COVID-19 vaccination cards worry college officials

Fake COVID-19 vaccination cards worry college officials
By ROSELYN ROMERO Associated Press
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (AP) — With more than 600 colleges and universities now requiring proof of COVID-19 inoculations, an online industry has sprung up offering fake vaccine cards. Dozens of students interviewed by The Associated Press said they were aware of fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, though none admitted to actually using one. On the dark web, sellers on websites such as Counterfeit Center, Jimmy Black Market, and Buy Express Documents list COVID-19 vaccine cards, certificates and passports for sale, some costing €400 Euros or about $473 in U.S. dollars. The easy access to fake documents has set off alarms at some schools where officials worry that unvaccinated students with forged credentials might cause an outbreak.

Man Convicted of 3rd-degree Murder in Wife’s 2015 Death

Man convicted of 3rd-degree murder in wife’s 2015 death
ALTOONA, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania man accused of having killed his wife and abandoning her body in a garage where it was found six months later has been convicted of third-degree murder. The (Altoona) Mirror reports that 33-year-old Michael Copley was also convicted Friday in Blair County of aggravated assault and related charges but acquitted of first-degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Catherine Copley. Prosecutors say Copley killed his wife at their Altoona home in December 2015, then used a friend’s vehicle to take her body to a garage behind a vacant house. Defense attorney Richard Corcoran said he’ll be speaking with his client about appealing the convictions.