Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Beaver, Pa) Melinda Crisci, 31  of Aliquippa was found not guilty at her trial in Beaver County Court on charges she supplied fentanyl and heroin to Steven  Naim, 54 of New Brighton that led  to his death  on Christmas Eve 2019.  He was the brother of Aliquippa Police officer James Naim who was murdered  while on patrol in Aliquippa 20 years ago. The jury  did find her guilty felony drug possession with intent to deliver and  of a  drug deal to narcotics agents . Due to her past record of drug dealing she still faces prison time . Her sentencing will be in 60 days, according to Beaver County District Attorney David J. Lozier

(Aliquippa, Pa.) An unidentified male was shot in Aliquippa Saturday night just before 11 p.m.at Meadow and Irwin Streets.   Aliquippa Police requested assistance from PA State police who are investigating.  No new information is available as of Monday morning. It was reported that 20 shell casings were found at the scene. A resident living in the area said she heard  shots being fired at  the time the man was shot.

HARRISBURG – The calls for a Pennsylvania Congressman resign who is is accused of trying to help overturn the election results in Georgia, according to a report in the New York Times have intensified

According to the report, Rep Scott Perry connected former President Donald Trump with a member of the Justice Department that was willing to pressure Georgia election officials to overturn the results.

Rep. Perry has not commented but Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has said there must be consequences for Perry’s actions.

Keystone State News Connection

January 25, 2021

Andrea Sears

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Environmental advocates say President Joe Biden’s actions on clean air and climate will make a big difference for air quality in the Keystone State.

The executive orders signed by the president on his first day in office will start reversing some of the most aggressive moves by the Trump administration to weaken or eliminate clean-air and climate-protection regulations.

Joe Minott, executive director and chief counsel for the Clean Air Council, said that’s welcome news for areas such as Pittsburgh, which are consistently on the American Lung Association’s list of cities with the worst, year-round air pollution.

“We’re going to see a tightening of some of the pollution standards that will be allowed,” Minott observed. “And I think we may see better enforcement of environmental laws in general.”

While some Republicans are calling for Senate review of Biden’s order rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement, Minott noted both major parties generally are in agreement on environmental issues.

“The new normal is coming back, where the Environmental Protection Agency is in fact going to protect the environment, which means protecting public health, and I think that’s a great thing,” Minott commented.

He pointed out many of the environmental regulations weakened by the Trump administration also are being restored by the courts.

Last week, a federal court overturned the Trump EPA’s replacement for the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan. Minott believes the trend will continue.

“I think that we will see a resurgence of regulations at the federal level to deal with mercury from power plants, greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants, and that is absolutely needed,” Minott contended.

He added because regulations such as auto-emission standards had been rolled back, new regulations will have to be even tighter to meet clean air goals, but the technology to do it is there

Jimmie Rodgers, singer of ‘Honeycomb’ and other hits, dies
PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP) — The singer who recorded the hits “Honeycomb,” “Kisses Sweet Than Wine” and many other popular songs during the 1950s and 60s has died. A publicist says Jimmie Rodgers died Monday from kidney disease in Palm Desert, California, at age 87. He had also tested positive for COVID-19. Rodgers appeared on a talent show and subsequently won an audition and contract with Roulette Records. His musical style ranged from folk and pop to country and traditional ballads. Rodgers’ career in music and movies was disrupted by a severe injury he suffered on a Los Angeles freeway in 1967. He said an off-duty police officer had attacked him, but police said Rodgers had fallen.

‘Barney Miller,’ ‘Sanford and Son’ actor Gregory Sierra dies
By MESFIN FEKADU Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Gregory Sierra, who had memorable roles in the 1970s sitcoms “Barney Miller” and “Sanford and Son,” has died after battling cancer. He was 83. Sierra’s widow, Helene, said Saturday in a phone interview with The Associated Press that the actor died on Jan. 4 in Laguna Woods, California. Sierra’s breakthrough came in 1972 when he played the role of Fred G. Sanford’s neighbor, Julio Fuentes, on “Sanford and Son.” He also earned major attention for playing Sgt. Miguel “Chano” Amanguale on “Barney Miller,” which launched in 1975.

Legislator mocks trans Biden nominee on Facebook, apologizes
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A Pennsylvania legislator has issued a general apology after he shared an image on Facebook mocking the appearance of Pennsylvania’s recently departed health secretary. Dr. Rachel Levine is a transgender woman newly nominated to serve in the Biden administration. State Rep. Jeff Pyle is a Republican from western Pennsylvania. He posted an apology Saturday on Facebook addressed “to all affected” but not directly to Levine. Levine has not commented. She is poised to become the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate after being nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as assistant health secretary.