[naviga:h3]Couple, daughter could be reunited in waterboarding case[/naviga:h3]

ALIQUIPPA — A prosecutor says a couple could be reunited with the 12-year-old daughter they are accused of having subjected to waterboarding if a judge approves a tentative plea deal.

Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier said the deal calls for guilty pleas from Malisa and Dion Stevens to child endangerment and sentences of seven years’ probation that could eventually be reduced to five years. They would be reunited under supervision with their daughter.

Authorities alleged that the girl was dragged into the Aliquippa home’s basement, a wet towel was placed over her face and her chair was tilted backward as a bucket of cold water was poured onto her, preventing her from breathing.

Defense attorneys said they hoped the deal would result in reunification of their clients with their daughter.

[naviga:h3]Legislation would fine parents for bullying by child[/naviga:h3]

HARRISBURG — A lawmaker has introduced legislation that could have parents footing the bill if their child bullies another kid at school.

State Rep. Frank Burns’ bill gives parents three strikes. The first time a child bullies someone, the school is required to inform his or her parents how the school handled the situation. Parents would have to take a class on bullying and attend a bullying resolution conference the second time. The third time, parents would receive a court citation and pay up to a $500 fine.

In a statement issued Monday, the Democrat says bullying can lead to physical assaults and suicide.

He says holding students, parents and officials accountable “is the only way to put an end to this scourge.”