Supreme Court ends Trump emoluments lawsuits
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has brought an end to lawsuits over whether Donald Trump illegally profited off his presidency. The justices on Monday threw out Trump’s challenge to lower court rulings that had allowed lawsuits to go forward alleging that he violated the Constitution’s emoluments clause by accepting payments from foreign and domestic officials who stay at the Trump International Hotel. The high court also ordered the lower court rulings thrown out as well and directed appeals courts in New York and Richmond, Virginia, to dismiss the suits as moot now that Trump is no longer in office.

Budweiser joins Coke, Pepsi brands in sitting out Super Bowl
By MAE ANDERSON and DEE-ANN DURBIN AP Business Writers
NEW YORK (AP) — For the first time since 1983, when Anheuser-Busch used all of its ad time to introduce a beer called Bud Light, the beer giant isn’t advertising its iconic Budweiser brand during the Super Bowl. Instead, it’s donating the money it would have spent on the ad to coronavirus vaccination awareness efforts. The decision to not do an anthemic Budweiser ad — which over nearly four decades have made American icons of frogs chirping “Budweiser,” guys screaming “Whassup!”, and of course the Budweiser Clydesdales — showcases the caution with which some advertisers are approaching the Super Bowl with during the pandemic.

Biden to reinstate COVID-19 travel rules, add South Africa
By AAMER MADHANI and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Two White House officials say President Joe Biden on Monday will formally reinstate COVID-19 travel restrictions on non-U.S. travelers from Brazil, Ireland, United Kingdom and 26 other European countries that allow travel across open borders. The officials spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to discuss the upcoming order. The officials also confirmed that South Africa would be added to the restricted list because of concerns about a variant of the virus that has spread beyond that nation. Biden is effectively reversing an order from President Donald Trump in his final days in office that called for the relaxation of the travel restrictions. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the top U.S. infectious disease expert, called it “prudent.”

Biden reversing Trump ban on transgender people in military
By LOLITA C. BALDOR and ZEKE MILLER Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is signing an executive order revoking a Pentagon policy that largely barred transgender individuals from joining the military. The new order, which Biden is expected to sign during a meeting Monday with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, overturns a ban ordered by President Donald Trump. It also immediately prohibits any service member from being forced out of the military on the basis of gender identity. Biden’s order says that gender identity should not be a bar to military service. “America is stronger, at home and around the world, when it is inclusive. The military is no exception,” the order says.

Pennsylvanians Can Now File Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Applications Online

Eligible Pennsylvanians Encouraged to Use Mypath.pa.gov to File Rebate Applications for Property Taxes, Rent Paid in 2020

Harrisburg, PA — Older and disabled Pennsylvanians can now apply for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2020, the Wolf Administration announced today. This assistance is available through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which has delivered more than $6.8 billion to eligible Pennsylvanians since the program’s inception in 1971.

Officials with the departments of Revenue and Aging are encouraging applicants of the program to take advantage of a new online filing option that will allow them to submit their applications electronically. Applicants should visit mypath.pa.gov to electronically submit their applications. The Department of Revenue launched this online portal to make it easier for those who benefit from the program to submit their applications. Previously, all applicants were required to submit a paper application.

“Offering an online filing option gives us a new, user-friendly tool that helps us ensure everyone who is eligible for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has a simple way to submit their applications,” Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. “This online option will be especially helpful this year during the COVID-19 pandemic because it will provide applicants with a way to file their applications from the comfort of their homes. This will help us deliver needed support to more than half a million Pennsylvanians who benefit from this program each year.”

“Most seniors want to age in place by staying in their homes for as long as they are able. Every year, the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program offers older adults a great opportunity to get some money back on what they have paid out. Many of them live on fixed incomes, so they benefit from the financial assistance provided by this program. The Department of Revenue’s new online option is a convenient way for older Pennsylvanians to apply for their rebate,” Secretary of Aging Robert Torres said.

A New Way to Apply for Your Rebate

Pennsylvanians can visit mypath.pa.gov to file their 2020 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program applications. Submitting your application online is easy and does not require you to sign up for an account. Applicants will be asked to provide specific information on their income and rent/property taxes. Applicants should check the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program instruction booklet to learn which information they will need to input/upload to complete the process.

Using the electronic option available through mypath.pa.gov offers many benefits, including:

• Fast processing and direct deposit options
• The Where’s My Rebate? tool to track the status of a claim online
• Error-reducing automatic calculators
• Instant confirmation that your application has been filed
• Security features to ensure your sensitive information is safe

Applicants who still wish to file a paper application form may obtain Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms (PA-1000) and related information on the Department of Revenue’s website or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

It’s free to apply for a rebate, and applicants are reminded that free assistance is available at hundreds of locations across the state, including Department of Revenue district offices, local Area Agencies on Aging, senior centers and state legislators’ offices. The department encourages applicants to call ahead to their preferred location to confirm whether an appointment is required.

Applicants must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid in each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of claimants who lived at least one day in 2020 and meet all other eligibility criteria.

Visit the Property/Tax Rent Rebate page on the Department of Revenue’s website for further information on the program and how to apply for a rebate.

When Can You Expect Your Rebate?

Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law. Here is additional information to keep in mind:

• If you provide your phone number on your Property Tax/Rent Rebate application form or in the myPATH electronic application, you will receive an automated call from the Department of Revenue when your claim posts to the department’s processing system. You will also receive another automated call when your claim is approved.
• The easiest way to check the status of your rebate is to use the Where’s My Rebate? tool. To check on the status of your claim, you will need your:
  • Social Security number
  • Claim year
  • Date of birth

About the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates for certain qualifying homeowners can boost rebates to $975. The Department of Revenue automatically calculates supplemental rebates for qualifying homeowners. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and revenue from slots gaming.

Braddock, PA — In the two weeks since John Fetterman announced that he’s exploring a run for the U.S. Senate, grassroots donors have responded with an incredible 33,000 contributions totaling more than $1,000,000. Donations have poured in from all 50 states and from all 67 of Pennsylvania’s counties. Both the majority of donations and the majority of money raised have come from in-state.

“I’m sorry to sound like a broken record, but I am just continually overwhelmed with gratitude for the outpouring of support since I announced that I’m taking a hard look at this race,” said John Fetterman. “The way people have responded has been beyond anything we could have imagined. Gisele and I are humbled and thankful beyond words.”

Making the milestone even more impressive is the fact that 99% of contributions have been small-dollar donations under $200, with an average donation of $33.

“This is going to be the most important, most competitive race in the country in 2022,” said Bobby Maggio from Team Fetterman. “It’s clear that there’s incredible enthusiasm around the idea of John running for Senate and that we would be able to build a giant grassroots campaign to fight for every county, and every vote.”

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Due to a rockfall, southbound Route 51 (Constitution Boulevard) is closed between Franklin Avenue in the City of Aliquippa and Hill Road in Hopewell Township. Northbound Route 51 remains open. Southbound traffic is being detoured.

Southbound Route 51 Detour

• Turn right onto Franklin Avenue
• Turn left onto Brodhead Road (Route 3007)
• Turn left onto Route 151
• Follow Route 151 back to Route 51
• End detour

PennDOT officials and geotechnical engineers will evaluate the hillside today. Work to begin clearing the drop zone is anticipated to begin Tuesday morning.

(File Photo)

(New Castle, Pa.) A Rochester man is facing charges after he was accused of stabbing an adult victim earlier this weekend in nearby Lawrence County.

According to the New Castle Crime Unit of the State Police, Pa State Troopers were dispatched to a Bessemer, Lawrence County, residence around 3am on Saturday morning to investigate an incident in which a Rochester man is being accused of stabbing an adult victim.

Troopers say that during their investigation, 19-year-old Michael Conrad of Rochester was accused of threatening to kill two adults and a child at the residence earlier in the evening.  Officials say that Conrad then returned later and stabbed an adult man in the face and shoulder.  The condition of the victim is currently unknown.

Police say that a warrant was later issued Conrad and he is now in police custody.  He faces several charges including Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

(File Photo)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Center, Twp.) Central Valley School Board  authorized Dr. Nicholas Perry to begin implementing the project for all day kindergarten at last Thursday night’s meeting. The intended starting date is 2023-2024 school year. Five members voted in favor of  all day kindergarten. The board members voting no were: Tom Mowad , who said, “I’m questioning whether we are ready to implement all day kindergarten.” Joe O’Neil’s response was,” The district lost tax  appeals at the mall, and the district is losing money.”  “We have a 90% fixed cost budget, and only have 10% wiggle room.” Dr. Nick Unis said financially  all day day kindergarten will set us back.” George Zaritaki also voted  no, stating it would put the district in a concerning financial  position..