Gas prices are three cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at $3.779 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.

This week’s average prices: Western Pennsylvania Average                          $3.779
Average price during the week of January 17, 2023                                          $3.743
Average price during the week of January 24, 2022                                          $3.508

The average price of unleaded self-serve gasoline in various areas:      

$3.795      Altoona
$3.801      Beaver
$3.796      Bradford
$3.773      Brookville
$3.788      Butler
$3.777      Clarion
$3.762      DuBois
$3.763      Erie
$3.761      Greensburg
$3.793      Indiana
$3.795      Jeannette
$3.792      Kittanning
$3.790      Latrobe
$3.788      Meadville
$3.823      Mercer
$3.714      New Castle
$3.777      New Kensington
$3.796      Oil City
$3.769      Pittsburgh
$3.768      Sharon
$3.758      Uniontown
$3.799      Warren
$3.738      Washington

Trend Analysis:

Drivers appear to be taking advantage of the recent milder weather in much of the nation by fueling up and hitting the road. An increase in gasoline demand and slightly more expensive oil pushed the national average for a gallon of gas 12 cents higher over the last week to $3.42. Today’s average is 33 cents more than a month ago and ten cents more than a year ago.

According to data from the Energy Information Administration, gas demand rose from 7.56 million to 8.05 million barrels per day last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 3.5 million barrels to 230.3 million barrels.

At the close of Friday’s formal trading session, West Texas Intermediate increased by 98 cents to settle at $81.31. Crude prices rose at the end of last week due to increased market optimism that crude demand may be more robust than expected this year. In particular, the market believes that the re-opening of China’s economy, despite high coronavirus infection rates, will help to bolster global crude demand, while supporting elevated prices.

Motorists can find current gas prices nationwide, statewide, and countywide at gasprices.aaa.com.

Story by Beaver County Radio News Staff. Published January 24, 2023 7:55 A.M.

(Koppel Borough, PA) The PA State Police report they initiated a criminal investigation in December 2022 in regards to reports of sexual assaults of a 15 year old Ohio girl by a male family member that occurred on numerous occasions in Koppel. 42 year old Eric Taggart was charged with 113 total counts of various PA Crime Code Section, including but not limited to, Aggravated indecent assault, Sexual Abuse of Children, Unlawful Contact with Minor, and corruption of Minors. Taggart was taken into custody in Koppel Friday, and is housed in the Beaver County Jail.

(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

On a night that began with the New Brighton School Board receiving cheers from the Education Association for “School Board Appreciation Month”, the January 23 meeting quickly turned to cheering of a different sort.

With an uncharacteristically size of a crowd in attendance, the board heard from several students one by one as they came to the podium and pled for the return of competitive cheerleading to the New Brighton School District. Five current students spoke about the matter following Lindsay Johnson, the lone adult who kicked off the discussion of behalf of the Cheerleader Organization.

“New Brighton is known for their cheering program from youth to high school. We were the team to beat,” Johnson lauded. “And then it ended. Why? What is the real reason for saying no to these girls…these hard-working female student athletes? The majority should not be ignored. Do you want to be part of the solution, or do you want to be part of the continued effort to not listen when the majority is asking for change?”

The “majority” Johnson referred to is a petition of over 100 signatures that support the return of the cheerleading team to New Brighton, with the plea for support–existentially, officially, and financially–being asked of the school board. “We have a petition of over 100 signatures…all we need is you,” spoke Little Lions cheer coach Karmen Briancesco. “We need you to agree to the opportunity for New Brighton Varsity Cheerleading to compete again. Give us the opportunity that we’ve worked so hard for since we were in kindergarten. Let us prove to you all and everyone in the competitive world that we can dominate.”

While the school board commended those who spoke for their courageous efforts, the objective matters still loomed large over the ultimate goal. “We need a lot more information,” stated school board president John Ludwig. “We need to know how many girls, what would be the classification, what would be the least number of girls we could have competing, the number of girls who would be interested and actually want to do it, and the financials.”

Ludwig pointed to the recent eradication of the basketball team as an example of why such numbers were necessary: “In June, we had fifteen girls say they were going to play girls’ basketball. We currently have five girls.” He asked that the Cheer Organization reach out to superintendent Joseph Guarino and athletic director Joe Greco in regards to the official numbers, and that once that information was submitted that the board could discuss and potentially give a final decision in the future.

“We are absolutely supportive of the good work you’re doing and the way you presented it tonight,” board member Amy Fazio summarized. “This isn’t whether we support young women or we support cheer. ‘It’s a business decision, so let’s get the information and look at it’ I think is what I hear Lud saying.”

Following the public comment section of the evening, the regular meeting took place as scheduled. During the meeting, the board unanimously approved the 2023-24 High School Curriculum Handbook, along with the purchase of a new PA system in the middle school at a cost of $30,600. Five resignations were also approved by the school board, along with the hirings of Robert Zahn as an Athletic Worker and Heather River as an Instructional Assistant. Both hirings are for the current school year, pending clearances.

Also hired were fifteen coaches for spring sports, each of which were unanimously approved by the board:

The fifteen hired coaches will be joined by eight volunteer assistants–four for Varsity Baseball, three for Varsity Track, and one for Middle School Volleyball. The board also unanimously approved the Act 93 agreement for the School District, effective through June 30, 2028.

The next New Brighton School Board meeting is scheduled for February 13 at 7:30 PM.

PennDOT, PSP, PTC, Construction Industry Highlight National Work Zone Awareness Week Photo

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing lane and shoulder restrictions on Route 65 in Glenfield Borough, Allegheny County will continue Monday, January 23 weather permitting.

The following restrictions will occur weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through mid-February:

• Southbound Route 65 – A single-lane restriction will occur approximately 1,000 feet north of I-79
• Northbound Route 65 – A shoulder closure will occur just south of the intersection with Toms Run Road

Crews will conduct construction work for a new ITS Dynamic Message Sign.

Please use caution if traveling through the area.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

Vehicles are pictured during a press conference promoting National Work Zone Awareness Week outside of Pennsylvania State Police Headquarters on Monday, April 26, 2021.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing overnight lane restrictions on northbound I-79 in Sewickley Hills Borough, Allegheny County will begin Monday night, January 23 weather permitting.

A single-lane restriction will occur on northbound I-79 between the Emsworth/Sewickley (Exit 66) and Mt. Nebo Road (Exit 68) interchanges weeknights from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. through mid-February as crews conduct Dynamic Message Sign installation work.

Please use caution if traveling through the area.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Pittsburgh, PA – PennDOT District 11 is announcing gas line installation on Route 168 (Centennial Avenue) in New Galilee Borough, Beaver County will begin Monday, January 23 weather permitting.

Single-lane alternating traffic will occur weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. through late March on Route 168 between Route 351 and Washington Street as crews from R&R Pipeline conduct gas line installation work for Columbia Gas.

PennDOT is not involved in this work and is providing this information as a public service announcement only. For additional information contact Abigail Sullivan at 724-650-7741.

Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information, and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Harrisburg, PA — With the tax filing season opening today, the Department of Revenue is encouraging taxpayers to use a free online option to file their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns. Taxpayers can visit mypath.pa.gov to file their PA tax returns through the department’s state-only filing system.

myPATH is user friendly and can also be used to make income tax payments. The deadline to submit 2022 personal income tax returns is Tuesday April 18, 2023.

“If you’re looking to avoid paying someone else a fee to file your PA return for you, myPATH is a great alternative. This online filing option helps us deliver on Governor Shapiro’s promise to keep costs down for Pennsylvanians and their families,” Acting Revenue Secretary Pat Browne said. “You can access myPATH from a computer, tablet or mobile phone, which makes it easy to file your return at a time and place that are convenient for you.”

Important Features in myPATH

Taxpayers do not need to create a username or password to perform many functions in myPATH. That includes filing the Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40), making a payment, responding to department requests for information, and checking the status of a refund.

In order to file the PA-40, taxpayers will need to provide their Social Security number and either: (1) the tax liability for a previous tax year; or (2) their birth date, Pennsylvania driver’s license/photo ID number and the expiration date for the license/photo ID. myPATH offers error-reducing automatic calculators and provides instant confirmation that your return has been successfully filed.

If you choose to create a username and password in myPATH, you’ll have the ability to update or view detailed account information and notices. You can also manage third-party access to your account, meaning you can give a tax professional or another person access to file your return and make payments on your behalf.

Spanish Feature in 2023

myPATH has an option for Spanish-speaking Pennsylvania taxpayers to file the PA Personal Income Tax Return (PA-40). To access the Spanish language version of the PA-40, visit mypath.pa.gov and select the “Presentar una declaracion de impuestos sobre la renta personal de PA para 2022” option under the “Individuals” section.

Electronic Filing for Free

Other free electronic filing options are available to file state and federal returns using software from vendors. More vendor information is available on the Department of Revenue’s website. 

Electronic Filing for a Fee

Paid tax preparers and commercial tax preparation software providers offer electronic filing, or e-filing, for a fee. Check a list of vendors on the department’s website for further information.

April 18 Deadline

All taxpayers who received more than $33 in total gross taxable income in calendar year 2022 must file a Pennsylvania personal income tax return by midnight, Tuesday, April 18, 2023.

PA Personal Income Tax Guide

Pennsylvania taxpayers who have personal income tax questions are encouraged to review the PA Personal Income Tax Guide, an online publication prepared by the Department of Revenue that includes detailed information on a number of PIT-related topics.

Taxpayer Service and Assistance

Personal income tax assistance is also available through the department’s Online Customer Service Center and by calling 717-787-8201 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Online Customer Service Center contains answers to hundreds of common income tax questions and allows taxpayers to securely submit a question to the department through a process that is similar to sending an email.

Taxpayers may also visit a Department of Revenue district office for state personal income tax filing assistance. Assistance at district offices is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and taxpayers are encouraged to bring their Social Security cards and photo identification with them to facilitate tax filing.

Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds online by selecting the Where’s My Income Tax Refund? link on the department’s homepage; or by calling 1-888-PATAXES. Taxpayers will be prompted to provide their Social Security number and requested refund amount to obtain the current status.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to a crowd at The Moon in Tallahassee, Fla. on the 50th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling, Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. (Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat via AP)

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris is rallying supporters against efforts in Washington and in Republican-led states to restrict abortion on what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Speaking Sunday in Tallahassee, Florida, Harris invoked fundamental American values such as freedom to make the case for protecting abortion access despite the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate constitutional protections for it. The White House is trying to show it’s determined to restore abortion rights, even though there’s little chance of progress on that front in Washington. Debates over abortion are playing out today in individual statehouses rather than in the halls of Congress or before the Supreme Court.

X-Golf manager J.W. Park, left, helps Ashley Moreno to check out at X-Golf indoor golf in Glenview, Ill., Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Tipping fatigue, it seems, is swarming America as more businesses adopt digital payment methods that automatically prompts customers to leave a gratuity. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

NEW YORK (AP) — Across the country, there’s a silent frustration brewing over the ever-presence of tipping. Some fed-up consumers are posting rants on social media complaining about tip requests at drive-thrus, while others say they’re tired of being asked to leave a gratuity for a muffin or a simple cup of coffee at their neighborhood bakery. As more businesses adopt digital payment methods, customers are automatically being prompted to leave a gratuity at places they normally wouldn’t. And some say it has become more frustrating as the price of items has skyrocketed due to inflation, which eased to 6.5% in December but still remains painfully high. For workers, though, the surge in tip requests is a welcome development.

FILE – Plant employees drive 2011 Ford Explorer vehicles off the assembly line at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant in Chicago, Dec. 1, 2010. The U.S. government’s road safety agency has closed a more than six-year investigation into Ford Explorer exhaust odors, determining that the SUVs don’t emit high levels of carbon monoxide and don’t need to be recalled. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green, File)

DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government has closed a yearslong investigation into exhaust odors in Ford Explorer passenger cabins, determining that the SUVs don’t have high levels of carbon monoxide and don’t need to be recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it reviewed more than 6,500 consumer complaints and tested SUVs in the field. The probe covered nearly 1.5 million Explorers from the 2011 to 2017 model years and involved complaints of sickness and crashes that involved three deaths and 657 injuries. Many complaints came from police departments. But the agency said Monday that testing showed no Explorers that were sealed under a 2017 Ford service campaign had carbon monoxide levels higher than Environmental Protection Agency limits.