Author: Beaver County Radio

Feds say charges over stolen Pelosi computer being prepared

Feds say charges over stolen Pelosi computer being prepared
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A federal prosecutor says a woman accused of trespassing at the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot by supporters of President Donald Trump will likely be charged with stealing a computer from the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. A federal magistrate judge in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, ruled Tuesday that Riley June Williams will remain in a local jail for at least two more days before he will decide whether she should be released on bail. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Haugsby told the judge that federal prosecutors are preparing additional felony charges against Williams of stealing government property and aiding and abetting. Williams’ lawyer argued for her release and against a delay.

AG Shapiro leads Coalition of 9 Attorneys General in Federal Lawsuit to Protect Tipped Workers

HARRISBURG—Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of nine attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to stop the last ditch effort by the Trump Administration to allow employers to withhold tips from their employees.

The lawsuit challenges a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) rule that unlawfully seeks to remove the limit on non-tipped work a tipped worker may complete and still receive only the tipped minimum wage, $2.13 per hour federally and $2.83 per hour in Pennsylvania. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the federal law establishing a baseline of critical workplace protections, such as minimum wage and overtime, for workers across the country. It permits employers to take a credit against their minimum wage obligations for the tips workers receive.

For thirty years, USDOL regulations have capped the amount non-tipped work a tipped worker may do at twenty percent of their working time called the “80/20 rule.” The new rule eliminates that cap, among other provisions. Illinois, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania led a coalition of nineteen state attorneys general in a comment opposing the proposed rule.

This is the second time the PA Office of Attorney General has sued Trump’s Department of Labor. When USDOL tried to make it easier for employers to escape liability for violating workers’ rights, AG Shapiro partnered with New York Attorney General Letitia James, and others, and had the rule struck down.

“This new rule issued by the U.S. Dept. of Labor is indefensible and would result in tipped workers doing more work for less pay all in the midst of a global pandemic,” said Attorney General Shapiro. “Businesses and employers are struggling and need real relief during this pandemic but it cannot come out of the pockets of their employees. My office will continue to fight for workers in Pennsylvania and across the country to earn fair pay for a fair day’s work.”

The coalition asserts that the rule contradicts the text and purpose of the FLSA, and that the USDOL violated the rulemaking process requirements, including failing to analyze the impact the rule would have on tipped workers. In addition, the rule fails to justify its departure from the longstanding 80/20 rule. The states argue that the rule will harm the states by reducing income tax revenue, increasing public benefits expenditures, and imposing administrative costs.

As so many businesses and their employers — especially restaurants — struggle through this pandemic, the coalition argues relief should come from the federal government and not at the expense of workers.

The suit was co-led by Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and joined by Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and New Yor

Mega Millions jackpot now $865M; Powerball up to $730M

Mega Millions jackpot now $865M; Powerball up to $730M
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players are getting another shot at the third-largest jackpot in U.S. history. The Mega Millions top prize has hit an estimated $865 million, making Tuesday night’s drawing the biggest in more than two years. Powerball, the other lottery game offered in most of the U.S., isn’t far behind at $730 million for a drawing Wednesday night. It’s the first time both lottery jackpots have topped $700 million. No one has won the Mega Millions jackpot since Sept. 15. The last Powerball jackpot winner was a day later, on Sept. 16. Mega Millions and Powerball are both played in 45 states as well as Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is offered in Puerto Rico.

Economy Borough to hold hearing on housing Development

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Economy Borough, Pa.) Economy Borough Council will hold a conditional use hearing on Tuesday, January 26 , 2021 at 7 p.m.  for planned residential development  on Wallrose Heights Road.  Borough manager Randy Kunkle  said the  development , if approved, will consist of 138 single family homes, a clubhouse, and 3 small parks.

Anyone wishing to review the plans can do so at the borough building between 8:30 a.m.  at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

AP-NORC poll: Virus, economy swamp other priorities for US

AP-NORC poll: Virus, economy swamp other priorities for US
By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and HANNAH FINGERHUT Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Containing the coronavirus outbreak and repairing the economic damage it has inflicted are the top priorities for Americans as Joe Biden prepares to become the 46th president of the United States. That’s according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Fifty-three percent of Americans cite COVID-19 as one of the top five issues they want the government to tackle in 2021, and 68% mention in some way the economy. The findings suggest Biden’s political fate is riding on his administration’s response to the pandemic. Biden has unveiled a $1.9 trillion stimulus plan to battle the disease. Racial inequality also grew as a priority.

Pennsylvania statewide row officers to be sworn in Today

Pennsylvania statewide row officers to be sworn in Tuesday
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s three statewide row officers will be taking their oaths of office in Harrisburg to serve for the coming four years. There will be separate ceremonies on Tuesday for attorney general, auditor general and treasurer. Democratic Attorney General Josh Shapiro was elected to a second term in November. He’ll take the oath in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center. Republican Tim DeFoor was elected auditor general, succeeding Democrat Eugene DePasquale, who is term-limited. DeFoor will be sworn in at the King Mansion along the Susquehanna River. Republican Stacy Garrity unseated incumbent Treasurer Joe Torsella. Garrity’s ceremony will take place in the Forum Building, behind the Capitol.

Dillon lands Daytona 500 ride with rebuilding Gaunt Brothers

Dillon lands Daytona 500 ride with rebuilding Gaunt Brothers
By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Ty Dillon landed a Daytona 500 ride with Gaunt Brothers Racing in a pairing of a driver and team both trying to rebuild in 2021. Dillon spent four seasons driving for Germain Racing but lost his ride when lack of sponsorship led the team to close. Gaunt Brothers last year ran its first full Cup season but struggled in part because COVID-19 protocols wiped out almost all practice, qualifying and testing. Bass Pro Shops and Black Rifle Coffee Company will sponsor the No. 96 Toyota as Dillon attempts to qualify for NASCAR’s Feb. 14 opener at Daytona International Speedway.

Gov. Wolf Thanks and Congratulates Dr. Levine, Will Name Replacement Later this Week

Gov. Wolf Congratulates, Thanks Dr. Levine Following Nomination by President-Elect Biden 

Today, Governor Tom Wolf released the followed statement on Dr. Rachel Levine’s nomination to serve as assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services:

“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Rachel Levine on her appointment by President-Elect Biden to serve as his assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Dr. Levine is a highly skilled and valued member of my administration and she will be greatly missed.  She has been a wise and dedicated partner during this pandemic and throughout her career with the commonwealth. I couldn’t be prouder of the tireless work she’s done to serve Pennsylvanians and protect the public health.

“During her tenure at the Department of Health, Dr. Levine was instrumental in establishing the state’s medical marijuana program, bringing national awareness to opioid use disorder, and highlighting and promoting the need for adequate medical care and access for the LGBTQ community. Over the past year, her steady hand and calm approach were critical to managing Pennsylvania’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Her work for our commonwealth has been transformational and I appreciate it more than I can say. I and the people of Pennsylvania owe her a debt of gratitude for her leadership, strength and dedication to protecting every person’s health amid unprecedented circumstances – and, at times, amid hateful distractions. Dr. Levine is both competent and compassionate, and never lets the anger or fear of others sway her from her goals.

“Thank you, Dr. Levine, for your commitment, your example, and your legacy.”

The governor expects to make an announcement regarding Dr. Levine’s replacement later in the week.

AG Shapiro Releases Comprehensive Report Highlighting First Term Accomplishments.

HARRISBURG—The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is today announcing the release of a comprehensive report summarizing the accomplishments and reforms of the Office during Attorney General Shapiro’s first term ahead of the Attorney General’s swearing-in ceremony.

 

“This report tells the story of the hard work of public servants and employees of the Office of Attorney General over the past four years,” said AG Shapiro. “They have been laser-focused on serving the people of the Commonwealth and taking on the important work that has allowed us to succeed. I am thankful for all of them, and I am looking forward to continuing this work on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania.”

 

The report highlights the work of each section of the Office of Attorney General and the progress that has been made in the years since Attorney General Shapiro took office in 2017. It details the efforts that the team at the OAG has undertaken to both encourage trust from and demonstrate integrity and accountability to Pennsylvanians. Examples from this report include:

 

  • Living Out Our Core Values: Since taking office, AG Shapiro has hired 477 new employees including 290 women, Black, Hispanic and Asian individuals to serve our Commonwealth—which accounts for 60 percent of all hires. That compares to 45 percent of all hires in 2016.  The Office of Attorney General also hired its first Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
  • The Big Fights: In 2018, AG Shapiro revealed the results of an extensive, two-year grand jury investigation into the Catholic Church that continues to bring national and international attention to abuse scandals and the extensive efforts by bishops and Vatican officials to hide this abuse.
  • Protecting Consumers from Fraud and Scams: The Office of Attorney General has fielded 99,932 total complaints since AG Shapiro took office, including 37,568 from seniors. This is a 27 percent total increase over prior administration with a 40 percent increase for seniors.
  • Combating the Opioid Epidemic: In 2019, Attorney General Shapiro sued Purdue Pharma, the manufacturers of Oxycontin, which is a popular and highly addictive painkiller. AG Shapiro followed that lawsuit with separate litigation alleging that members of the Sackler family, who own Purdue Pharma, are personally liable for the opioid crisis.
  • Fulfilling and Expanding OAG’s Mission: In 2017, AG Shapiro created the Office of Attorney General’s first Fair Labor Section, whose work was critical to protecting Pennsylvanian workers against many of the unfair and illegal administrative rules promulgated by the Trump Administration.

 

The full report can be found on the OAG website.