March 23, 2023 4:13 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Anti-gun violence advocates rallied and packed a legislative hearing in Pennsylvania, where a politically divided government has fought firearms policy to a virtual standstill for decades and rising gun violence has gripped Philadelphia. Thursday’s March For Our Lives rally marks its fifth anniversary since its inception after a 2018 mass shooting at a Florida high school. Hundreds are expected at Thursday’s rally in Harrisburg, which coincides with rallies this week in Florida, Michigan, California and Texas. Pennsylvania’s Legislature hasn’t seriously entertained any new gun restrictions since 2018. But this year a one-seat Democratic majority has taken over the House and is kicking off this session’s debate over gun violence.
March 23, 2023 4:10 am
PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – Plan for another wet morning commute Friday, especially from Pittsburgh south. Rain will be steady at times and could cause ponding on roads with the heaviest rain falling in Washington, Westmoreland, Greene and Fayette counties. Flooding will be a concern for many areas, especially south of I-70 so watch for quickly changing road conditions. By mid morning the steadiest rain will taper to showers with several rain free hours expected early afternoon and evening before the next wave of rain moves in Saturday. PennDOT is advising motorists that the following state roadways are closed at this time due to flooding.
Washington County:
· Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road) is closed between Little Creek Road and Trolley Road in Amwell Township due to flooding.
· Route 2019 is closed from (Almond Road) is closed from Main Street to Chestnut Street in Ellsworth Borough.
March 23, 2023 1:51 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The office of Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he’s expected to return to the chamber soon after seeking inpatient treatment for clinical depression. Senate Democratic leaders aren’t giving a timeline for his return. The 53-year-old Fetterman was still recovering from the aftereffects of a stroke from last May when he checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 15. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says “we want to give him the space to recuperate.” Fetterman’s spokesperson says Fetterman will be back soon, although his return is at least a week away. The aide says Fetterman is receiving daily briefings.
March 22, 2023 4:14 pm
DENVER (AP) — Authorities say two school administrators were shot and wounded after a handgun was found during a daily search of a student at a Denver high school. The suspect remained at large following the Wednesday shooting. Police say one of the administrators was critically injured and is undergoing surgery. The second victim was in stable condition. Earlier this month students from the school skipped class and marched to Colorado’s state Capitol to demand stricter gun laws, following the death of a fellow student who was shot while sitting in a car near school.
March 22, 2023 4:22 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Manhattan prosecutors have postponed a scheduled grand jury session in the investigation into Donald Trump over hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign. That’s according to four people familiar with the matter who insisted on anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. Three people said the grand jury was told to be on standby for Thursday. The reason for the Wednesday postponement wasn’t clear, but one person said it wasn’t security related. The postponement indicates a vote on whether or not to indict Trump might be at least temporarily pushed back. The grand jury may hear from yet another witness, according to a person familiar with proceedings.
March 22, 2023 4:21 am
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a new law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom of their choice. Sanders’ office on Tuesday said she signed the bill, making Arkansas the fourth state to enact such a restriction. The new law will take effect later this summer. It applies to multi-person restrooms and locker rooms at public schools and charter schools serving prekindergarten through 12th grade. The move comes as Arkansas lawmakers are considering a more far-ranging bathroom bill that would criminalize transgender adults using public restrooms that match their gender identity.
March 22, 2023 4:20 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve extended its year-long fight against high inflation by raising its key interest rate a quarter-point despite concerns that higher borrowing rates could worsen the turmoil that has gripped the banking system. “The U.S. banking system is sound and resilient,” the Fed said in a written statement. At the same time, the Fed warned that the financial upheaval stemming from the collapse of two major banks is “likely to result in tighter credit conditions” and “weigh on economic activity, hiring and inflation.” The Fed also signaled that it’s likely nearing the end of its aggressive series of rate hikes.
March 22, 2023 4:19 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials are reporting two more deaths and additional cases of blindness linked to eyedrops tainted with a drug-resistant bacteria. The eyedrops from were recalled in February and health authorities are tracking infections from the outbreak. In the latest tally, 68 people had infections, which has caused a total of three deaths and eight cases of people losing their vision. That’s according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The outbreak is considered particularly worrisome because the bacteria driving it is resistant to standard antibiotics. The recalled drops were manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare in India.
March 22, 2023 4:12 am
North Strabane Township Supervisors held their non legislative meeting on Tuesday and were greeted with great financial news. Bob Regola is a consultant for government affairs that represents North Strabane Township. In his presentation he brought news that the township will be awarded more than $1.6 million in State Local Share Account grants. This program is administered in Harrisburg as opposed to the LSA grants that are disseminated throughout Pennsylvania and local governments like the Washington County Commissioners oversee that grant funding. North Strabane was awarded $1 million for its public administration building project, $404,000 for McDowell Lane improvements and $225,000 to the municipal authority to perform upgrades to the sewer lines in the Glencannon Development. Township Manager Andrew Walz thanked State Senator Camera Bartolotta and State Representative Tim O’Neal for their efforts in securing these grants.
March 22, 2023 2:25 am
Petition challenge hearings for candidate placement for the May 16 primary election began on Tuesday. Three Republican races for county positions highlighted the first day. In one Republican race for county commissioner, Ashley Duff initially had a petition registered against her disputing her employment status. The testimony turned on whether Duff was properly served notice of the challenge to her petition. The judge hearing the case stated that in Senior Judge Katherine Emery’s order, service of notice can only be completed by personal delivery or personal delivery to a candidate’s counsel. Neither criteria was met and the petition against Duff was dismissed. In a second case where incumbent prothonotary Laura Hough challenged her opponent Kevin Hill, similar criteria was heard about Hill’s employment. The testimony was irrelevant when it was presented by Hill’s counsel that Hill was not properly notified of the challenge. Hill was served a notice for Kevin Redford who is a candidate for county commissioner. Redford’s petition was challenged by Sandra Schiffauer. The judge dismissed the challenge against Hill for notice improperly delivered. In a third county race, Kevin Redford had the challenge against him withdrawn. Two other hearings were held for local races. Steve Toprani will appear as a candidate for Ringgold School Board on the Democratic ticket when his challenge was dismissed. Candidate David Carlisle, a Democratic candidate for Hopewell Township Supervisor had his challenge upheld. He did not properly file his financial statement with the township.
