Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Rate Down To 6.9 Percent in May 

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) released its employment situation report for May 2021.

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate was down two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 6.9 percent in May. The U.S. rate fell three-tenths of a percentage point from April to 5.8 percent. The commonwealth’s unemployment rate was 6.6 percentage points below its May 2020 level and the national rate was down 7.5 points over the year.

Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force – the estimated number of residents working or looking for work – decreased 6,000 over the month as employment rose 10,000 and unemployment fell 16,000.

Pennsylvania’s total nonfarm jobs were up 18,500 over the month to 5,684,200 in May. Jobs increased in 5 of the 11 industry supersectors with the largest volume gain in education & health services (+12,200). The largest drop was in construction (-3,300) which followed 12 consecutive monthly gains. Over the year, total nonfarm jobs were up 529,200 with gains in 10 of the 11 supersectors. Leisure & hospitality had the largest 12-month gain, adding back 187,200 jobs. All supersectors remained below their February 2020 job levels as of May 2021.

Additional information is available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Note: The above data are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison.

(Butler, PA) Pennsylvania State Police have reported via release that on June 15th, 2021, at 9:42 a.m. a 2004 Ford Focus was traveling westbound on 422 in Franklin Township at approximately 55 mph when it read ended a 2015 Chrysler Town & Country going 45 mph. The operator of the Ford Fusion sustained minor damage to the 12 o’clock position of the vehicle, while the Chrysler Town & Country sustained minor damage to the 6 o’clock position of the vehicle. All occupants were wearing seatbelts, and there were no injuries on anyone. None of the operators were identified, but the driver of the Ford Fusion was charged with driving while operating privelage suspended or revoked.

(Cranberry, PA) Pennsylvania State Police have reported via release that on June 14th, 2021 at 3:05 p.m. that a car lost control around the 81.8 mile marker on I-79. Reynoldsburg resident, Ram Basnet, a 32 year old male, was driving his 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander on the roadway at an unsafe speed, and lost control of the vehicle. Basnet traveled off of the roadway into the median, soon after traveled northbound and T-boned a 2014 Chevy Malibu operated by Prospect resident, Eden Kretzler, a 19 year old female. Basnet has been charged with driving at an unsafe speed.

(File Photo)

Commonwealth’s June 22 Vehicle Auction to Feature 200+ Vehicles
In-person previews runs through Sunday June 20
Harrisburg, PA – The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s June auction will feature more than 200 vehicles for public purchase on Tuesday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. at Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania, 488 Firehouse Road, Grantville.

There will be a wide selection of front- and all-wheel drive sedans, mini-vans, Police Interceptors, pick-up trucks, SUVs, utility vehicles and more from manufacturers such Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Dodge, GMC, and Jeep.  Vehicles in the auction seized by state law enforcement agencies include: 2014 Nissan Altima, 2011 Mercedes 550, and 2005 Kawasaki Eliminator.

As part of efforts to ensure a safe auction environment, in-person access on the day of the auction is limited to registered public buyers and dealers only, with no guests. Masks and social distancing will be required for entry on preview days and the day of the auction. Masks and sanitizing products will be available for those who arrive without them. No food or beverage service will be provided at the auction site.

Pre-registration and in-person previewing of the vehicles runs now through Sunday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day at the Grantville auction site. During that same time frame, individuals interested in personally viewing the vehicles can do so. Pre-registration is mandatory and must be completed on or before Sunday, June 20, at 4:00 p.m. There will be no registration on the day of the auction.

The auction will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22. Buyers must purchase with certified funds in the form of money order, cashier’s check, certified check or bank check – made payable to “Manheim Keystone PA.” No cash will be accepted.

The June auction is the third of six auctions planned for 2021. More information on this auction, payment conditions and a complete listing of vehicles is available on the DGS Auto Auction Information page.

(Findlay Twp., Pa.) Findlay Twp. based Dick’s Sporting Goods announced it will open their first location of a Public Lands store in the former location of Field & Stream in Cranberry Twp. the store is a 50,000-square-foot facility and Dick’s is planning for the grand opening to be on September 24, 2021 with a second location to follow soon in Columbus Ohio.

(Photo Courtesy of Pennsylvania Media Services)

Allentown, PA – As millions of Pennsylvanians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego joined local leaders and the Burn Prevention Network (BPN) today in urging residents to take the necessary steps to protect both their loved ones and property.

“We say it every year because it’s true; fireworks are not toys,” said Trego. “With significant progress being made on the vaccination front, this summer holds the promise of a return to normalcy in many ways. Much like a vaccine, there are many simple precautions we can take to ensure a fireworks display doesn’t result in an unnecessary trip to an emergency room.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that in 2018, there were five nonprofessional fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 9,100 patients were treated for fireworks injuries in hospital emergency rooms nationwide. Approximately half of the injuries reported were burns, with the head, eyes, face, or ears being the most frequently impacted part of the body. Thirty-six percent of those injuries involved children under the age of 15.

Trego gave the following suggestions:

• Never allow children to play with fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of at least 1200 degrees.
• Only allow adults to light fireworks one at a time, then quickly back away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of a fire.
• Never pick up or try to relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• After the fireworks have burned, fully douse them with water before picking them up or disposing to prevent trash fires.
• Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, or other medications or substances that can impair judgment or the ability to react quickly to an emergency.
• Whether attending a professional display, or using consumer fireworks, always remain at a safe distance from the ignition location.
• Be sensitive of neighbors and their pets, particularly if military veterans live nearby.

“Sale of consumer fireworks have more than doubled in the US between 2019 and 2020,” BPN CEO Dan Dillard added.  “During that same period, fireworks-related injuries have increased by 50 percent. In Pennsylvania, this situation has been even more acute since the passage of the Fireworks Law of 2017. BPN understands that fireworks are a traditional part of many community celebrations.  Staying safe and informed while celebrating is why we have launched ‘Celebrate Safely PA!’, a statewide public safety campaign.”

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing and other preventative measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. While many mitigation actions taken by the state are lifted, the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic remains serious. Social distancing and other preventative measures like wearing a mask if you are not fully vaccinated and washing hands frequently reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In addition to practicing social distancing, Pennsylvanians should:

• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently
• Wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) statistics show fireworks start more than 18,500 fires per year and cause an average of $43 million in direct property damage.

Under state law, Pennsylvanians who are at least 18 years old may purchase and use Class C, otherwise known as consumer-grade, fireworks. Certain restrictions apply, including:

• They cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without the express permission of the property owner.
• They cannot be discharged from within a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
• They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.
• They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.

Local ordinances may include additional restrictions, so always check with your municipality before purchasing or using Class C fireworks.  Additional tips, and seasonal fire safety tips can be found online.  Additionally, residents can subscribe to the ReadyPA monthly preparedness newsletter which features timely preparedness tips.  Sign up to receive this helpful information here.

Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) released a statement yesterday after the House passed H.R. 256, which repeals the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002:

Lamb said in the statement that “Nearly 20 years after Congress authorized military force against Saddam’s Iraq, it is time to recognize that that AUMF is no longer necessary. I am confident that the Biden administration has the legal authority it needs to protect our troops and our country, and that this President will follow the law in any future conflicts.”

Keystone State News Connection

June 17, 2021

Emily Scott

PHILADELPHIA – A new report predicts big benefits for Pennsylvania, and millions of jobs nationwide, if Congress decides to invest in upgrading the nation’s electric infrastructure.

The analysis is based on a $274 billion investment in electrification technologies, part of the Biden administration’s American Jobs Plan. The infrastructure package would fund modernizing public transportation and airports, and incentivize construction of electric vehicle-charging stations.

Ryan Gallentine – policy director for electrifying transportation with Advanced Energy Economy, which released the report – said the plan would spur private investment that could help jumpstart a transition to electric vehicles.

“What we found through this report is that investments in electrified transportation programs yield a fivefold return for the economy,” said Gallentine.

The report concludes this level of support would save businesses, consumers and government agencies that switch to electric vehicles $19 billion annually in fuel costs and maintenance. And it would mean a significant increase in jobs in Pennsylvania’s sector, which now employs about 7,000 people.

Rob Altenburg – senior director for energy and climate at PennFuture, a statewide environmental nonprofit – said electrification is a chance for people in PA who are struggling to find work as more coal plants retire.

“There’s plenty of areas in Pennsylvania where we have skilled industrial workers that are going to be looking for jobs,” said Altenburg. “So, opportunities like this to invest and make sure our workforce is ready is also very important.”

Transportation is one of the main sources of pollution in the Commonwealth.

And Kathy Harris, eastern clean vehicles and fuels advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said using cleaner fuel sources could help lift the pollution burden of many low-income communities near heavily trafficked areas.

“I think it’s also important that we consider the need to electrify the medium and heavy-duty vehicle space,” said Harris. “To help to not only ensure that the vehicles that are driving through those poor communities are electrified, but also to ensure that all Pennsylvanians and all Americans have access to clean, zero-emission vehicles.”

This week, PA Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation to distribute proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to communities most affected by climate change. The same day, Republicans passed a bill to limit Gov. Tom Wolf’s power to impose a price on greenhouse-gas emissions from power plants.

Keystone State News Connection

June 18, 2021

Roz Brown

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both the US Senate and House of Representatives.

Also known as Black Emancipation Day, Liberation Day and Jubilee Day, it’s celebrated on June 19, which marks the anniversary of an historical celebration of emancipation which started in Galveston, Texas when news that enslaved people had been freed by President Abraham Lincoln reached the Black community, almost two years and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Many states have already designated the holiday, and momentum for the legislation followed the Black Lives Matter protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd last year.

Enforcement of the liberation of Black people was slow, and accompanied the advance of Union troops. The Proclamation only outlawed human slavery in the Confederate states, it took the 13th Amendment to the Constitution to end enslavement elsewhere.

Akilah Wallace, member of the Black Southern Women’s Leadership Project and executive director of Faith in Texas, said true liberation for Black Americans has yet to be achieved.

“When we’re still faced with mass incarceration, police brutality, white supremacy within every system and fiber of this nation, we still have a fight to take on,” Wallace asserted.

This year, multiple states have approved bills that limit voting opportunities in Black communities, and passed legislation prohibiting schools from teaching about the country’s legacy of racism.

Kevin Matthews II, founder of BuildingBread, said in an interview with YES! Media, he shared those concerns. Matthews is an author and an expert on the Tulsa massacre of what was then called Black Wall Street. He’s also a former financial advisor.

“Any time that people of color in this country have significant progress, there is almost always a swift reaction from those who are still in power or those who benefited from oppressing others,” Matthews observed.

Tim Wise also spoke with YES! Media. An author and anti-racism educator, Wise wrote “White Like Me,” and “Dispatches from the Race War.” He said his own family tree revealed slave owners, who handed down documents that showed their lack of compassion when writing about the buying and selling of enslaved people.

“And I think we need to grapple with that, because we may not literally pass down human beings anymore, thank God, but we pass down the mentality that made the selling of human beings possible,” Wise contended.

President Joe Biden’s approval makes Juneteenth the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King, Junior Day in 1983.

(Neville Twp., Pa.) 19-year-old Chris M. Byler died yesterday morning when he fell 60 feet through the roof of Allegheny Recycled Products on Grand Ave. in Neville Island.
There is no word on what caused the accident and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner said that Byler was found dead when police arrived on the scene.