Congressman Lamb comments on House Passage of bill to halt Postal Service changes blamed for delays, send $25 billion to boost USPS ahead of election

LAMB STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF THE DELIVERING FOR AMERICA ACT

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) statement following the bipartisan passage of H.R. 8015, the Delivering for America Act:

“The Postal Service exists to serve every American, regardless of where you live or what you believe.  This year, many of us will exercise our constitutional right to vote by relying on the Postal Service to deliver our ballots.  The USPS is prepared for this mission, but they need extra support to accomplish it while still meeting the needs of seniors, veterans, small businesses and rural communities.

“The Delivering for America Act provides $25 billion in emergency funding and prohibits the Postal Service from making any changes to service levels that would impede prompt and reliable service.  I was proud to cosponsor and vote for this bill, along with members of both parties, because it is designed to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans.”

Click here to learn more about H.R. 8015.

Democrats see racism in GOP mispronunciations of ‘Kamala’

Democrats see racism in GOP mispronunciations of ‘Kamala’
By SARA BURNETT Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) — Republicans keep getting Kamala Harris’ name wrong, and Democrats say it’s not a slip-up. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have both mispronounced the Democratic vice presidential candidate’s first name in recent days. Democrats say that’s a deliberate move to suggest Harris is foreign. Harris is the first Black woman named to a major party ticket and the child of Jamaican and Indian immigrants. Harris explains in her biography her first name is pronounced “‘comma-la,’ like the punctuation mark.”

Spruced-up White House Rose Garden set for first lady speech

Spruced-up White House Rose Garden set for first lady speech
By JONATHAN LEMIRE Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The renovations to the White House Rose Garden have been finished in time for its moment in the campaign spotlight. First lady Melania Trump will deliver her Republican National Convention speech Tuesday night from the garden, famous for its close proximity to the Oval Office. The three weeks of work on the garden, which was done in the spirit of its original 1962 design, were showcased to reporters on Saturday.

2 tropical storms a potential double threat to US Gulf Coast

2 tropical storms a potential double threat to US Gulf Coast
By DÁNICA COTO and SETH BORENSTEIN Associated Press
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Two tropical storms are advancing across the Caribbean, posing potentially historic threats to the U.S. Gulf Coast. One is dumping rain on Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, while the other is pushing through the tap between Cuba and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Tropical Storms Laura and Marco are both projected to approach the U.S. Gulf Coast at or close to hurricane force. The current, uncertain track would take them to Texas or Louisiana. Hurricane researchers say two hurricanes have never appeared in the Gulf of Mexico at the same time, according to records going back to at least 1900.

Woman convicted in agent’s death seeks release, citing virus

Woman convicted in agent’s death seeks release, citing virus
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A western Pennsylvania woman convicted in the shooting death of an FBI agent during pre-dawn drug raid at her home a dozen years ago is seeking release from prison, citing the coronavirus. The Tribune-Review reports that Christina Korbe is currently scheduled for release in May 2022. She was sentenced to 15 years on voluntary manslaughter and a firearms pleas in the November 2008 death of Special Agent Samuel Hicks. Her attorney said she contracted COVID-19 in March and is still recovering, and notes that she will be eligible for release to a halfway house in less than a year. The U.S. Attorney’s office declined comment.

Domino’s® Opens New ‘Pizza Theater’ Store in Chippewa

Domino’s® Opens New ‘Pizza Theater’ Store in Chippewa

Locally-owned store serves the community through contactless delivery, carside delivery and carryout

 CHIPPEWA, Penn.-There’s a new Domino’s in Chippewa!  The “pizza theater,” located at 2652 Darlington Rd., was scheduled to open yesterday and is ready to serve the local community.

“These are hard times, but we want local residents to know that we’re here to serve them,” said Ali Khurram, Chippewa Domino’s franchise owner. “We’re in the business of making delicious pizza and we want to help everyone the best way we know how – by providing a hot meal for them.”

Domino’s in Chippewa provides contactless and Domino’s Carside Delivery to customers, as well as a carryout option to those who prefer it.

“The safety of our team members and customers is always our first priority,” said Khurram. “With that in mind, the store is taking a number of extra precautions to keep everyone safe.”

Domino’s in Chippewa is also looking to hire delivery drivers, customer service representatives and assistant managers.

“Our hearts break for those who have lost their jobs or who are facing reduced hours because of this pandemic,” said Khurram. “We want to make sure we’re not only providing food to people, but also delivering opportunity to those who are looking for work.”

Those who are interested in applying for a job may do so at jobs.dominos.com. To place an order from Domino’s in Chippewa, customers can visit www.dominos.com or call 724-581-4646. To read about what Domino’s is doing regarding COVID-19, please visit biz.dominos.com/web/media/covid-19.

PA House Majority Leader Benninghoff Thanks PIAA for Taking Independent Stand, Allowing Fall Sports to Continue

PA House Majority Leader Benninghoff Thanks PIAA for Taking Independent Stand, Allowing Fall Sports to Continue

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) Friday thanked the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) for taking an independent stand and allowing fall sports to continue despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s “strong recommendation” to the contrary.

Before the PIAA took a two-week pause in the start of fall sports after the governor’s recommendation, Benninghoff wrote them a letter encouraging them to take an independent stand and ensure fall sports continue.

“The PIAA, backed by the science and expertise of their Sports Medicine Advisory Committee and adhering to the principle of local control, made the right decision to take an independent stand and allow fall sports to continue. As a parent, grandparent and former coach, I know school sports and extracurricular activities are more than just fun. They are a chance for students to gain confidence, learn from life-changing mentorships and find motivation to achieve more academically,” Benninghoff said.

“I thank the PIAA for making this deliberate examination of all the consequences of canceling fall sports and coming to this just outcome. I also thank PIAA Oversight Committee members Rep. Mike Reese (R-Westmoreland) and Rep. Mike Peifer (R-Pike/Wayne) for working with the PIAA on this matter and the many other House Republican members who have stood up for the best interests of our children during this challenging time.”

Ketamine that’s injected during arrests draws new scrutiny

Ketamine that’s injected during arrests draws new scrutiny
By PATTY NIEBERG Associated Press/Report for America
DENVER (AP) — A drug called ketamine that’s injected as a sedative during arrests has drawn new scrutiny since a young Black man named Elijah McClain died in suburban Denver. Officers stopped him on the street and put him in a chokehold before paramedics injected him a year ago Monday. Paramedics use it often at the behest of police who believe suspects are out of control. Ketamine has become another flashpoint in the debate over law enforcement policies and brutality against people of color. An analysis by The Associated Press of policies on ketamine and cases where it was used nationwide uncovered a lack of police training, conflicting medical standards and nonexistent protocols that have resulted in hospitalizations and even deaths.

US faces back-to-school laptop shortage

AP EXCLUSIVE: US faces back-to-school laptop shortage
By JOCELYN GECKER and MICHAEL LIEDTKE Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Schools across the United States are facing shortages and long delays in getting laptops and other equipment needed for online learning. They are this year’s most crucial back-to-school accessories.. Part of the reason is high demand and disruptions of supply chains that have jammed production of laptops and Chromebooks made by Dell, HP, Lenovo and other brands. Schools say another critical reason is the Trump administration’s recent sanctions on Chinese companies that have exacerbated massive backlogs.  Educators nationwide worry that computer shortfalls will compound inequities. They also warn of headaches for students, families and teachers.

$4.3 million grant award to the Beaver County Transit Authority

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $4.3 Million for Beaver County Transit Authority COVID-19 Response in Rochester, Pennsylvania

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today announced a $4.3 million grant award to the Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) in Rochester, Pennsylvania, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed by President Donald J. Trump on March 27, 2020.

BCTA will use the grant funds to support operating, administrative and preventive maintenance expenses, which are necessary to maintain transit services during the COVID-19 public health emergency. See FTA’s apportionment tables for the totals apportioned to each area. (This funding is based on the agency’s current request and may not represent the full amount the agency will receive.)

“This historic $25 billion in grant funding will ensure our nation’s public transportation systems can continue to provide services to the millions of Americans who continue to depend on them,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

“We know many of our nation’s public transportation systems are facing extraordinary challenges and these funds will go a long way to assisting our transit industry partners in battling COVID-19,” said FTA Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams. “These federal funds will support operating assistance to transit agencies of all sizes providing essential travel and supporting transit workers across the country who are unable to work because of the public health emergency.”

In addition to the CARES Act funding, FTA issued a Safety Advisory that prompts transit agencies to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding face coverings and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces, physical separation, and hand hygiene consistent with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidance.  CARES Act funding can be used to cover 100 percent of these costs.