Category: News

Bill to increase transparency of Pennsylvania’s universities passes House

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — An effort supporters say will increase transparency in several leading Pennsylvania universities passed the House of Representatives while the universities’ annual state subsidies remain snarled in the Legislature due to a partisan funding dispute. The bill passed 201 to 1 on Monday. It now goes to the state Senate. The measure seeks to expand what the state’s four state-related universities have to publicly disclose. Currently, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple, Lincoln and Penn State are exempt from a number of provisions that impact state agencies, including the state-owned higher education system and community colleges.

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi apologizes to players after comment following loss to Notre Dame goes viral

Pittsburgh head coach Pat Narduzzi runs on to the field before an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi has apologized to his players after questioning their talent following a blowout loss to Notre Dame. Narduzzi said in the immediate aftermath of a 58-7 defeat that the Panthers lost a lot of good players from their 2022 team and the coaching staff didn’t do a good enough job replacing them. Narduzzi said later that his comments didn’t come out the way he intended but added that he and the players are on solid terms ahead of a visit from No. 4 Florida State.

Spending passes $17M in Pennsylvania high court campaign as billionaires, unions and lawyers dig in

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Republican candidate Judge Carolyn Carluccio speaks at a meet and greet at County Corvette in West Chester, Pa., Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Ryan Collerd)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Millions more dollars are flowing into Pennsylvania’s race for a state Supreme Court seat, as labor unions, trial lawyers and billionaires spend heavily. The latest reports due Friday show that spending zipped past $17 million, as Democrat Dan McCaffery, Republican Carolyn Carluccio and their allies claw for an advantage. The election is Nov. 7. More than half, at least $12 million, came after Sept. 18, while more than $5 million is from groups that are conduits for cash from two billionaires who are major GOP donors. Labor unions and trial lawyers support McCaffery. The court currently has a 4-2 Democratic majority and one open seat.

Eyedrops from CVS, Rite Aid and others carry possible infection risk, FDA says

FILE – A sign in front of the Food and Drug Administration building is seen on Dec. 10, 2020, in Silver Spring, Md. U.S. health officials are alerting consumers about two more recalls of eyedrops due to contamination risks that could lead to vision problems and serious injury. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops due to the risk of infections that could lead to blindness. The advisory from the Food and Drug Administration applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Rite Aid and Target. The agency says consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any found in pharmacies and other stores. The agency recommended recalling the products last week after FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions at the factory that produced the drops.

1 person killed in Route 51 accident

Story by Curtis Walsh – Beaver County Radio News Director. Published October 30, 2023 6:08 P.M.

(Patterson Township, PA) 1 person was killed in an accident that occurred at Wildwood Road and Route 51 Monday Afternoon. Chippewa Township Volunteer Fire Department reported that the call came in around 1:30 pm. The coroner was called to the crash. 2 vehicles were said to be involved.
A heavily damaged black truck was seen being removed from the scene around 3pm. The scene was cleared and roads reopened at 3:20pm. The accident is under investigation. The victim was identified as 86 year old David Theuerl of Brighton Township.
We do not have any additional information at this time.

Ross Hill Road closed until further notice

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published October 30, 2023 1:19 P.M. UPDATED 3:28 P.M.

(Beaver Falls, Pa) Patterson Township Police released a statement Monday that Ross Hill Road, between 16th Avenue and Bridge Street, will be closed until further notice. The City of Beaver Falls made a statement on Facebook that the closure is due to an “increasing number of reportable accidents”.

Free Flu Shot Clinic to be held in Aliquippa

(Aliquippa, Pa) A flu shot and health screening clinic will be held at the B.F. Jones Memorial Library in Aliquippa on Thursday, November 9th, from 4 to 6 pm. The clinic is being hosted by the library in collaboration with UPMC. Walk-ins will be accepted for free flu shots, along with health screenings for blood pressure, bone density, height/weight/BMI, and glucose/cholesterol tests.

Beaver County Chamber Accepting Applications For New Chamber President

(Beaver, Pa.) The Beaver County Chamber of commerce has sent out an invitation for anyone to apply who is interested in becoming the chambers next president. Current Chamber President Donna Lee Sipel recently turned in her resignation due to the fact that her husband has taken a job in another state and they will be relocating. Information about the position and how to apply are listed below:
Employment Opportunity
Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
President
About the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce (BCCC) is a 501c(6) organization, a nonprofit business association that represents and promotes the interests of the business community of Beaver County, Pennsylvania. BCCC helps its members succeed through proactive working partnerships with all levels of government, a broad range of for-profit businesses, and the community-based nonprofit sector to create and sustain a healthy local economy and quality of life.
The BCCC has over 530 members ranging from large for-profit corporations, small businesses, and entrepreneurs to charitable, social service and educational organizations. It is governed by a Board of Directors that includes leaders drawn from all its member constituencies.
Mission
To lead and advocate for economic growth and community vitality, through collaboration, networking, and education, in order to foster the best, most diverse and inclusive environment for our members.
Position Overview
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President provides high profile leadership, vision, guidance and strategic direction for the programs and personnel of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. Working together with the staff and volunteers, and driven by the mission of BCCC, the incoming President will represent and promote the interests and goals of the business community in Beaver County, Pennsylvania.
Roles and Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
  • Works with the Board of Directors to develop, drive and implement the strategic plan, mission, and vision of the Chamber.
  • Proactively identifies growth-oriented programs that will serve to increase revenues while managing expenses within the board-approved budget.
  • Creates and manages an environment that recruits, retains, and supports quality staff, cultivating a culture of professional growth and leadership building.
  • Oversees the recruitment, hiring, and training of personnel; ensuring HR policies are updated, upheld, and supported in accordance with the law.
  • Serves as the primary communicator for business advocacy with various governmental and non-governmental agencies.
  • Consistently seeks, includes, and implements the feedback and needs of Chamber members.
  • Ensures that all Chamber business is conducted within established policies, guidelines, laws, and ethical practices.
  • Manages daily operations and implements the policies and programs established or approved by the Board.
Community Engagement
  • Represents the Chamber at strategic local, regional, state, and national meetings and conventions to foster the betterment of the Chamber’s mission.
  • Develops and maintains a network of peers through regional, state and national professional organizations.
  • Oversees the development and execution of community events identified with the organization, enhances visibility and recognition, and generates value for members and event profitability.
  • Identifies and recruits both established and emerging business and community leaders to serve as volunteer leaders of the organization; supporting and guiding them to contribute to the Chamber’s success.
  • Develops and maintains strong working relationships with local government officials, Board members, affiliates, and other community leaders to achieve the goals of the Chamber.
Financial Management
  • Develops and manages financial planning, forecasting, and analytical efforts, ensuring alignment with overall mission, vision, and strategy of the Chamber and with regular engagement with the Board Treasurer and Audit & Finance Committee.
  • Responsible for the financial health of the organization, including revenue generation and expense management.
  • Supports the Audit & Finance Committee and the Board by laying out the Chamber’s goals in a proposed annual budget that reflects the organization’s priorities and growth goals.  Presents financial performance to the Board using effective metrics.
  • Oversees day- to-day management of the organization’s financial operations, ensuring timely collection of receivables and payment of invoices, and implementing appropriate procedures to ensure prudence.
  • Develops and executes fundraising strategies that further the mission and financial resources of the Chamber.
Board Administration and Support
  • Fosters effective communication with the Board of Directors.
  • Empowers and supports the Board of Directors to fulfill its governance functions and participation.
  • Plans, organizes, and executes Board and Executive Committee meetings with the Board Chair, delivering robust board materials sufficiently in advance of meetings to allow for Board preparation.
  • Identifies, assesses, and informs the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that would impact the organization.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public administration, or similar area preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience within a private business, trade association, economic development, the public sector and/or not-for-profit organizations.
  • Proficiency in government affairs, marketing, communications, public relations, and business management.
  • Proven to be highly motivated, self-directed, results-oriented, and most energized in a fast paced, multi-tasked environment.
  • Effectively administer and manage day-to-day operations of the Chamber.
  • Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
  • Extensive knowledge of information technology as applied to small business operations and external communications.
  • Vision for long-range planning while meeting the day-to-day needs of the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully work within complex political environments with a strong understanding of advocacy, coalition building, and the legislative process.
  • Knowledge of industry acumen, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary commensurate with experience and a suitable benefits package.
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race or ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Please submit resume and cover letter to resumes@bcchamber.com by November 17, 2023.

Local meat producers in PA rally against EATS Act

Kathryn Carley – Keystone State News Connection
October 30, 2023

Advocates for locally controlled family farms in Pennsylvania say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill would gut states’ ability to regulate their own farming practices.

The Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression (EATS) Act aims to counter Proposition 12, a California law which mandates better conditions for all farm animals raised or sold in that state.

Ben Buchanan – butcher and CEO of Unified Fields, a small-scale meat processor in Pittsburgh – said farmers who adopt humane practices could be pushed out of the market, forcing consumers to purchase from just a small group of large-scale meat producers.

“I mean, they would just have less access to choice in the market,” said Buchanan, “and in what they could get for healthy options.”

Proponents of the EATS Act contend it is needed to streamline interstate commerce and prevent states from passing more laws that impose restrictions on farmers in other states.

A recent Harvard University study suggests the EATS Act would jeopardize more than 1,000 public health, safety and animal welfare laws.

They include protections against infectious disease in livestock or protocols regarding the use of pesticides.

Buchanan said many people appreciate knowing where and how their meat is produced, and the greater care local producers take with the land.

“I feel like the more people engage with agriculture,” said Buchanan, “the more wholesome the food becomes in general.”

Renewal of the Farm Bill has been delayed due to recent paralysis in Congress, but Buchanan said there’s a growing bipartisan group of lawmakers voicing their opposition to the EATS Act.

Some legal scholars also contend the Act could be unconstitutional for impinging on states’ rights to legislate for the protection of their citizens’ health.

Steelers’ Johnson rips refs for no-call on hit that injured QB Pickett: ‘They should get fined’

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) gets past Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (31) after a catch during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Steelers wide reciever Diontae Johnson called for the referees to be fined following Pittsburgh’s 20-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, a defeat in which quarterback Kenny Pickett left with a rib injury following a big hit. Johnson said officials were “calling some stupid stuff” and complained there was no roughing the passer call when Pickett was drilled by defensive end Adam Gotsis. Johnson added the refs “must’ve got paid good today or something” and said they wanted the Jaguars to win.