Category: News

Trump wishes Biden luck without naming him in farewell video

Trump wishes Biden luck without naming him in farewell video
By JILL COLVIN and JONATHAN LEMIRE Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is offering rare, kind words to his successor in a farewell video as he spends his final full day in office preparing to issue a flurry of pardons in a near-deserted White House, surrounded by an extraordinary security presence outside. Trump says in the video released Tuesday that, “This week we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous.” He says: “We extend our best wishes. And we also want them to have luck. A very important word.” Trump in the video referenced the “next administration,” but did not utter Biden’s name.

Pennsylvania gambling revenue fell by more than 20% in 2020

Pennsylvania gambling revenue fell by more than 20% in 2020
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Beset by state-ordered closures during the pandemic, casinos and other gambling operators in Pennsylvania reported a drop in 2020’s revenues of more than one-fifth the previous year, even as their take from online gambling and sports betting skyrocketed. Pennsylvania’s 13 operating casinos, fantasy sports operators and truck stops took in $2.65 billion in gross revenue in 2020, compared to $3.4 billion taken in by 12 casinos in 2019, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said. That was a drop of 22%. Not including sports wagering, fantasy sports or truck stops, Pennsylvania’s casinos drew $2.4 billion, a drop of 26% from $3.3 billion.

Pennsylvania expands vaccine eligibility to 65 and older

Pennsylvania expands vaccine eligibility to 65 and older
By MICHAEL RUBINKAM Associated Press
Pennsylvania is expanding eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in the initial phase of the rollout to include people age 65 and over as well as younger people with serious health conditions that put them at higher risk. State health officials made the announcement Tuesday. The Health Department says its updated coronavirus vaccine plan tracks recommendations from the federal government, but it’s uncertain how the expanded rollout will work given the slow pace of vaccinations so far and limitations on supplies. The major expansion comes amid word that the state’s top health official, Dr. Rachel Levine, is President-elect Joe Biden’s pick to be assistant secretary of health.

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.