FILE – Chester County, Pa., election workers process mail-in and absentee ballots at West Chester University in West Chester, Pa., Nov. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

Pennsylvania voters are not yet able to cast ballots, despite some confusion over a state law concerning applications for mail ballots. Counties in the state are still preparing mail ballots for voters.

Pennsylvania counties, which typically send out mail-in ballots weeks before the election to voters who request them, have been waiting for the state Supreme Court to rule in multiple cases concerning whether third-party candidates could be listed on the ballot. The last ruling came Monday, and now county election officials say they will need time to test, print and mail the ballots.

That process could drag into next month, depending on the county.

“It could very well be till the first week of October until ballots start going out to those voters,” said Lisa Schaefer, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Confusion over Pennsylvania’s voting process stems from a state law requiring counties to begin processing voters’ applications for mail ballots 50 days before an election, which is Sept. 16 this year.

But Sept. 16 is “not a hard-and-fast date for when counties must have mail ballots ready to provide to voters who request them,” Amy Gulli, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Department of State, wrote in an email.

Following the Monday’s court ruling, Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt certified the official candidate list for the November general election. Counties can now prepare their ballots to be printed, then begin sending mail ballots to voters who have requested them, Schmidt said in a news release Monday.

Under state law, counties must start delivering or mailing the official mail-in ballots to voters who applied for one as soon as a ballot is certified and available.

Counties may also have mail-in ballots available earlier for over-the-counter service for voters who come into a county election office and apply for a ballot in person.

Cumberland County Elections Director Bethany Salzarulo said in a statement that her office had been hearing from voters and others that ballots would be going out Sept. 16, which is “not accurate.”

“Historically, mail-in and absentee ballots are sent out three to four weeks prior to any election, and we are on track to do the same for the upcoming presidential election,” Salzarulo added.

The Philadelphia City Commissioners Office said it anticipates that ballots will go out in Philadelphia County next week.

Pennsylvania does not have an early voting system where voters can cast ballots at the polls before Election Day like some other states. In the commonwealth, registered voters can apply for their mail ballot in person at their local county elections office and submit their mail ballot in one visit, but they can’t go vote at a polling place prior to Election Day.

“Pennsylvania has mail-in ballots, and every eligible voter can get one of those as soon as those ballots are available,” Schaefer said. “Voters should not be concerned that they are not able to get those yet.”

The deadline for counties to receive a completed mail-in ballot is when polls close, by law, at 8 p.m. on Election Day. The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29, one week before the Nov. 5 election.

FILE – The cover of a U.S. Passport is displayed in Tigard, Ore., Dec. 11, 2021. Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays. The State Department announced Wednesday that its online passport renewal system is now fully operational. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans can now renew their passports online, bypassing a cumbersome mail-in paper application process that often caused delays.

The State Department announced Wednesday that its online passport renewal system is now fully operational.

“By offering this online alternative to the traditional paper application process, the Department is embracing digital transformation to offer the most efficient and convenient passport renewal experience possible,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

After staffing shortages caused mainly by the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lengthy passport processing delays, the department ramped up hiring and introduced other technological improvements that have reduced wait times by about one-third over last year. It says most applications are now completed in far less than the advertised six weeks to eight weeks and the online renewal system is expected to further reduce that.

The system will allow renewal applicants to skip the current process, which requires them to print out and send paper applications and a check by mail, and submit their documents and payment through a secure website, www.Travel.State.Gov/renewonline.

BEAVER, PA (September 18, 2024) – The Beaver County Commissioners announced that the first homes in the countywide Connect Beaver County Broadband Program are now eligible for high-speed fiber-optic
Internet access.

“Today starts the reality of a goal our team at the Office of Planning and Redevelopment has had for several years – to bring broadband Internet access to every resident of Beaver County,” said Commissioner Dan Camp. “Our successful partnership with Verizon and dedication to this project is now bringing the results we’ve been looking forward to for many years.”

Approximately 250 addresses throughout Hookstown Borough, Greene Township, and Hanover Township are the first available to receive service through the County’s contract with Verizon. To date, Verizon has placed more than 166 miles of fiber-optic cable. Homes located within the new fiber build have multiple Internet options including up to 2 Gigabit download speeds. The announcement marks a long-awaited milestone in the Connect Beaver County Broadband Program.

In 2019, the Beaver County Office of Planning and Development set aside $11.9 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for this phase of the Connect Beaver County Broadband Program. As part of its successful response to proposal in 2022, Verizon agreed to more than match the County’s investment by contributing another $12.3 million. Additional ARPA Funds were designated for Early Action Projects performed by Armstrong and Kinetic in the northwest and southeast areas of the County, respectively.

“Having a plan for 100% coverage is a goal that few counties are able to boast,” said Commissioner Jack Manning. “Our Board of Commissioners recognized early on that high-speed broadband service is essential for our County’s long-term viability and livability, and it’s an exciting time for the project as more and more of our residents are able to seek opportunities presented by the digital world.”

Beaver County continues to serve as a national leader in broadband infrastructure development. The Connect Beaver County Program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to bridge the digital divide and create a more connected community.

“We are proud of the hard work that our team at the Office of Planning and Redevelopment has achieved to arrive at this point,” said Commissioner Tony Amadio. “We know these investments will be transformational for residents in Beaver County who have for too long been unable to enjoy a certain quality of life.”

More than 1,800 locations throughout the County previously identified in a 2021 Beaver County Broadband Feasibility report as Connectivity Opportunity Areas will receive service through Verizon before the project’s expected completion in 2026.

Other Beaver County municipalities with Verizon construction slated for 2025 or 2026 include: Big Beaver Borough, Brighton Township, Center Township, Chippewa Township, Darlington Township, Daugherty Township, Eastvale Borough, Frankfort Springs Borough, Franklin Township, Hanover Township (additional locations), Hopewell Township, Independence Township, Industry Borough, Marion Township, Midland Borough, New Sewickley Township, North Sewickley Township, Ohioville
Borough, Patterson Township, Potter Township, Raccoon Township, Shippingport Borough, South Beaver Township.

Newly eligible residents can call Verizon at 1-800-225-5499 to subscribe.

Residents’ previous enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or enrollment in Lifeline, Medicaid, or other programs, may indicate eligibility for the Verizon Forward program, a reduced-cost Internet program for qualifying households.

As soon as service becomes available in eligible areas, Verizon will notify serviceable locations.

FILE – Colorful Tupperware products are seen in Bellflower, Calif. on Aug. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Garrett Cheen, File)

Tupperware Brands, the company that revolutionized food storage decades ago, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The company plans to continue operating and will seek court approval for a sale, it said just before midnight on Tuesday.

The company is seeking bankruptcy protection amid growing struggles to revitalize its business. Tupperware sales growth improved during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but overall sales have been in steady decline since 2018 due to rising competition. And financial troubles have continued to pile up for the Orlando, Florida, company.

Doubts around Tupperware’s future have floated around for some time. Last year, the company sought additional financing as it warned investors about its ability to stay in business and its risk of being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

Shares have fallen 75% this year and closed Tuesday at about 50 cents apiece.

Tupperware experienced explosive growth in the mid 20th century with the rise of Tupperware parties, first held in 1948. Tupperware parties gave many women a chance to run their own businesses out of their homes, selling the products within social circles.

The system worked so well Tupperware removed its products from stores three years later. Social changes, namely fewer dinners made from scratch and more nights spent dining out, took a toll Tupperware sales.

HARRISBURG – In recognition of Hunger Action Month, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) stood with local and state leaders to shed light on the impacts of food insecurity in Pennsylvania and how the state is involved in addressing and spreading awareness about hunger.

According to Feeding America, with a population of almost 13 million, one in eight (1.5 million) Pennsylvanians and one in six (436,250) children continue to face some kind of food insecurity.

“There is no county in our commonwealth that has been untouched by food insecurity,” said Vogel. “With many factors contributing to Pennsylvanians experiencing hunger, such as the rise in inflation and overall price increases, residents continue to face the difficult decision of choosing between paying their bills and purchasing groceries for their family. All our residents deserve to have access to quality, healthy food, and as a legislator I remain committed to supporting responsible initiatives that will make this a reality.”

Vogel and Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-20) lead the bipartisan Legislative Hunger Caucus and oversee the Capitol Hunger Garden.

The Hunger Garden has been in operation since 2010 and has been maintained by volunteers, Penn State Master Gardeners, and the Department of General Services. Hundreds of pounds of produce continue to be donated to Downtown Daily Bread who in turn provides hearty meals to the homeless in the Harrisburg area. This year so far 426 pounds of produce have been donated with more to come as the season continues.

Other press conference attendees included Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Pennsylvania Dept. of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh; Feeding PA CEO Julie Bancroft; Central PA Food Bank CEO Joe Arthur; and Hunters Sharing the Harvest Executive Director Randy Ferguson.

The state departments of Agriculture and Human Services continue to play a critical role in assisting with nutrition and food assistance which are available statewide to those in need.

Secretaries Redding and Arkoosh provided their perspectives as to how their departments actively assist to address food insecurity.

“In a state where we have so much bounty, no one should go hungry,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “Partnerships with Feeding Pennsylvania, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, and groups like Hunters sharing the Harvest extend our reach to Pennsylvanians who need our help. The department connects more than two million Pennsylvanians annually with healthy, local food through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and Local Food Purchase Assistance and other food assistance programs. Over the past year, these state and federal investments alone meant that $15 million in Pennsylvania-produced fruit, vegetables, animal protein, and dairy products reached families in need in every county in the state, while also supporting our farms and communities.”

“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the dignity and peace of mind of knowing where their next meal is coming from. Helping our communities affected by food insecurity requires public investment in anti-hunger initiatives and strong partnerships with agriculture, anti-hunger organizations, and private partners – work that DHS is proud to support,” said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. “SNAP and anti-hunger programs are here to help, so I urge those who need help paying for food to apply for nutrition assistance rather than going without and putting your health at risk. For those who are able, please consider donating your time or treasure to local food banks, pantries, and community kitchens. Our communities are only as strong as our neighbors who are struggling, so let’s work together to make sure every Pennsylvanian has what they need to be healthy, pursue their goals, and thrive.”

Ferguson, who is the executive director for Hunters Sharing the Harvest, shared a unique account of how his organization helps fight hunger through distribution of donated venison.

“Pennsylvania hunters are not just taking care of their families with the deer they are harvesting here in Pennsylvania, but they are performing a social service on a scale that may surprise you,” said Ferguson.

Ferguson stated that last year alone, Pennsylvania hunters donated 262,000 pounds (about 7,000 deer) of venison, which they equate to 1.3 million servings of venison, to the food insecure in the state. Over the course of the organization’s 33 years in operation approximately 2.5 million pounds of venison have been donated in Pennsylvania.

On the legislative front, the General Assembly has helped fight against hunger in many ways, especially through its state budget.

Specifically in this year’s budget, the legislature allocated:

• $98.8 million toward School Food Services.
• $26.7 million toward the State Food Purchase Program under PA Dept. of Agriculture.
• $2 million toward the Fresh Food Financing Initiative under the PA Dept. of Agriculture.
• $1 million toward the Food Access Initiative under the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development which funds the DCED Fresh Food Financing Initiative administered by The Food Trust.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing a traffic shift on southbound Interstate 79 in Robinson Township, Allegheny County will occur Thursday, September 19 weather permitting.

The southbound I-79 lanes at the Route 60 interchange will be shifted to the right into a new configuration of two 11-foot-wide lanes and a half-foot shoulder. The preparatory work, including line painting operations, will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday evening under the current overnight single-lane restrictions. The new traffic pattern will begin once line painting operations conclude and will remain in place continuously through mid-October. The shift will be implemented to accommodate bridge deck overlay work.

Work on this $14.97 million highway restoration project in Robinson and Kennedy townships began in early April 2024. The project begins at the I-376 Airport/Pittsburgh (Exit 59 A/B) interchange and continues approximately one-half mile north of the Route 60 Moon Run/Crafton (Exit 60 A/B) interchange. The work includes concrete pavement patching, guide rail and cable barrier replacement, highway lighting and signing updates, drainage work, pavement markings and other miscellaneous construction activities on mainline I-79 and ten ramps (four at the I-376 interchange and six ramps at the Route 60 interchange). There will be bridge preservation work on six structures (northbound and southbound I-79 bridges over I-376, Route 60, and Campbells Run Road), including concrete deck overlays, replacement of seals at expansion dams and deck joints, substructure concrete repairs, cleaning of bridge bearings and spot painting of the northbound and southbound I-79 steel I-beam bridges over I-376. Additionally, there will be milling and paving operations on Route 60 between Lorish Road and Old Steubenville Pike, preservation work of six existing sign structures (one on northbound I-79 and five on southbound I-79) as well as concrete repairs and scour protection of two arch culverts underneath mainline I-79 and several ramps.  The project is anticipated to conclude in the late spring of 2025.

The prime contractor is Golden Triangle Construction Company, Inc. Work on this project will be coordinated with other projects in the area.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published September 18, 2024 1:53 P.M.

(Aliquippa, Pa) On Monday, September 16, 2024 police were called at 10pm to the 300 block of Washington Street in Plan 11 for a disturbance.  Police dispatch advised officers that there was a woman yelling in the background that if police responded she would harm her baby. When officers arrived, they observed Brittany Senior, 35, arguing with a male outside the residence, shoving him with the baby in her arms on a basement stairwell. According to the report, he was having difficulty breathing and wheezing the way she was carrying him.  Two other children were hiding in their bedrooms while the incident evolved.