WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people seeking unemployment aid soared last week to 965,000, the most since late August and evidence that the resurgent virus has caused a spike in layoffs. The latest figures for jobless claims, issued Thursday by the Labor Department, remain at levels never seen until the virus struck.

Before the pandemic, weekly applications typically numbered around 225,000. Last spring, after nationwide shutdowns took effect, applications for jobless benefits spiked to nearly 7 million — 10 times the previous record high. After declining over the summer, weekly claims have been stuck above 700,000 since September.

WASHINGTON (AP) — All through downtown Washington, D.C., the primary sound for several blocks is the beeping of forklifts unloading more fencing. The FBI has warned that armed protests by violent Trump supporters are being planned in all 50 state capitals and in the nation’s capital for the days leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

Between the pandemic and the security threat, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is flat-out asking people not to come to the city for the inauguration. Much of the most visible security will come in the form of more than 15,000 National Guardsmen from multiple states.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Potential threats and leads are pouring in to law enforcement agencies nationwide after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. The challenge now is figuring out what’s real and what’s just noise. Investigators are combing through a mountain of online posts, street surveillance and other intelligence. The information suggests mobs could try to storm the Capitol again and includes threats to kill some members of Congress.

Security is being tightened from coast to coast. Thousands of National Guard troops are guarding the Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration. Governors and lawmakers are stepping up protections at statehouses too.

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Representative Conor Lamb (PA-17) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives vote on H.Res. 24 to impeach President Donald J. Trump:

“This impeachment vote was bipartisan because it wasn’t about politics.  This is about public safety.  There is no doubt that President Trump committed the conduct in the article of impeachment.  Even though there is only one week left in his term, impeachment is necessary because Donald Trump is a clear and ongoing threat to our communities, to our military, and to our government.

“There are heavily armed groups all over the country who look to Trump for direction and carry his flag, and they continue to plot because he continues to lie about the election.  We all saw how quickly he can incite them to commit serious violence, even against a hard target like the Capitol.  That could happen again at any second over the next week.

“Trump could start pardoning the people who invaded the Capitol or do any number of dangerous things to try and distract from the attack.  If that happens, the Senate must be ready to remove him from office immediately, at a moment’s notice.  Our vote today ensures that they have the power to do exactly that.”

McConnell open to convicting Trump in impeachment trial
By ALAN FRAM and ANDREW TAYLOR Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is not ruling out that he might vote to convict the now twice-impeached President Donald Trump. The Kentucky Republican is blocking a quick Senate trial of Trump. But he’s told colleagues he’s not made up his mind about how he’ll vote whenever that trial begins. McConnell is Washington’s most influential Republican. The trial probably won’t begin till around Jan. 20. That’s around when Democrats will take majority control of the chamber and the day of Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.

Trump impeached after Capitol riot in historic second charge
By LISA MASCARO, MARY CLARE JALONICK, JONATHAN LEMIRE and ALAN FRAM Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has been impeached by the U.S. House over the violent siege of the Capitol. He is the only president to be twice impeached. He faced a single charge “incitement of insurrection” in Wednesday’s vote after he encouraged a mob of loyalists to, as he put it, “fight like hell” against election results. The subsequent attack on the U.S. Capitol turned deadly and delayed finalizing Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory. Security was exceptionally tight at the Capitol for Wednesday’s vote, beefed up by armed National Guard troops, with secure perimeters set up and metal-detector screenings required for lawmakers entering the House chamber. A handful of Republicans supported impeachment along with the Democrats.

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Helen Kissick, President of the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce joined fill-in host Frank Sparks on Teleforum today to talk about the different loans and grants that are out there to assist local businesses to get thru this pandemic. The second round of PPP loans are here and Helen told the listeners how to go about applying for these loans.  you can watch Helen’s interview below as it streamed on Facebook today.

Below are links that you can use to apply for different types of assistance that was discussed:

• Paycheck Protection Program First Draw Borrower Application Form (revised 01-08-21)
• Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Borrower Application Form (01-08-21)

Supplemental Materials

• Top-line Overview of PPP First Draw Loans
• Top-line Overview of PPP Second Draw Loans
• Frequently Asked Questions for Lenders and Borrowers (12-09-20)
• How to Calculate Loan Amounts (06-26-20)
• Frequently Asked Questions for Faith-Based Organizations Participating in the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program
• PPP Myth vs. Fact