US consumer spending up a modest 0.6% with inflation high
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — American consumers slowed their spending to a gain of just 0.6% in September, a cautionary sign for an economy that remains in the grip of a pandemic and a prolonged bout of high inflation. At the same time, a key inflation barometer that is closely followed by the Federal Reserve surged 4.4% last month from a year earlier. Sharply rising prices, in part a result of supply shortages, have imposed a growing burden on American households. For months, annual inflation has remained far above the modest annual rates of 2% or less that prevailed before the pandemic recession.

October 29, 2021 09:50 AM
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wages and salaries jumped in the three months ending in September by the most on records that date back 20 years as companies are forced to offer higher pay to fill a near-record number of available jobs. The Labor Department said Friday that pay increased 1.5% in the third quarter. That’s up sharply from 0.9% in the previous quarter. The value of benefits rose 0.9% in the July-September quarter, more than double the preceding three months. The figures demonstrate that workers are gaining greater leverage in the job market and are able to command higher pay, more benefits, and other perks like flexible work hours.

Keystone State News Connection

October 29, 2021  09:46 AM
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Environmental groups are taking a new approach to hold Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration accountable for a pledge he made; to adopt “a nation-leading strategy” to reduce methane emissions from the state’s oil and gas industry.

Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, Clean Air Council, and Clean Water Action have launched WolfsMethanePromise.com, a website featuring a live counter, tracking how much methane has been emitted in Pennsylvania since Wolf took office, followed by the days until his term ends in 2023.

Joseph Minott, executive director and chief counsel of the Clean Air Council, said they believe Wolf is not meeting the environmental commitment necessary to address one of the root causes of climate change.

“We know that methane is a very potent greenhouse gas,” Minott stated. “It really makes no sense that a gas-producing state like Pennsylvania would be so cavalier about not doing a thorough job in terms of reducing methane emissions.”

Pennsylvania is the second-largest gas producer in the country. A spokesperson for the governor said addressing climate change is a top priority for the Wolf administration.

Environmental groups say they were prompted to create the website because of methane regulation the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is considering.

The proposed rules include a loophole to exempt more than 67,000 low-producing gas and oil wells. Although they leak small amounts of methane, the groups say they are responsible overall for more than half of all oil and gas emissions in the state.

Minott argued the potential rule is a missed opportunity for the state to be an environmental leader.

“They essentially are taking the position that they’re doing exactly what EPA requires them to do, which is the minimum that they have to do by law,” Minott asserted. “But they are the Department of Environmental Protection, and it seems to me that they would want to do more than the minimum.”

The DEP said it is reviewing public comments it has received and will revise the regulation where it is appropriate to do so.

October 29, 2021 09:45 AM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Students and staff at the University of Pittsburgh are being encouraged to share their pronouns and the pronunciation of their names among other recommendations in a new voluntary guide on gender-inclusive language. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Thursday that the guide also includes examples of how to use nongendered pronouns like “they” and “ze,” and has suggestions for using nongendered language in the classroom. In a section on the university’s website for faculty, a professor noted that no one is required to follow the guide.

Story by Frank Sparks News/Program Director
October 29, 2021 09:41 AM
(Cranberry Twp., Pa ) Pa State Police in Gibsonia are reporting a hit run accident that happened on the Pa Turnpike near the Cranberry exit at 6:51 PM
Thursday night, October 28, 2021.
Upon arriving on the scene and investigating Troopers reported via release that an unknown vehicle attempted to pass a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox being driven westbound by Angela Pera of Poland Ohio when the unknown vehicle attempted to make an unsafe lane change into the right lane that Pera was driving in. The vehicle hit Pera’s vehicle on the driver’s side and forced it off the roadway and up an embankment and back onto the berm of the roadway. The unknown vehicle continued west bound on the turnpike. Pera was not injured in the incident.

(Photo courtesy of TSA)

October 29, 2021 07:14 AM

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers a few “tricks” in advance of Halloween to help air travelers successfully navigate airport checkpoints if they plan to show Hallows Eve spirit during their flight. TSA offers these tricks as tips that may lead you to the treat of a better travel experience.

Trick #1: Wear your face mask, covering mouth and nose

TSA requires travelers to wear face masks throughout all transportation networks within the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.

Airline travelers should check with their airline for any additional inflight restrictions prior to their trip. For more information, check the CDC website for additional guidance. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities, as well as civil penalty fines for noncompliance continue to apply.

TSA officers may ask you to remove your mask momentarily to verify your identity when you arrive at the travel document checking podium.

Those wearing a Halloween mask on their trip should place those masks in carry-on baggage until after checkpoint screening to avoid any alarms and delays.

Trick #2: Costumes may result in the need for a pat-down Our TSA officers enjoy the creativity of a good Halloween costume as much as anyone, but please keep in mind that some costumes may trigger an alarm at the checkpoint body scanner. Often, screening alarms result in the need for a pat-down to ensure there are no prohibited items. The very best trick for a quick checkpoint screening experience would be to wait until after you pass through the security checkpoint to put on that costume.

Trick #3: Heed the fright Halloween props might cause

While realistic replica weapons might enhance your Halloween costume and add to the spirit of the holiday, they are not permitted through a checkpoint. To avoid unnecessary delay, please pack your replica scythes, pitch forks, chainsaws, brooms, butcher knives, axes, swords and such in your checked bags.

If you’re planning to bring replica explosives such as bombs or grenades in your checked or carry-on bag – just don’t. TSA officers will assume those items are real until they are determined to be props. Bringing weapon-like props may slow you – and everyone else at the checkpoint –down, cause delays with your checked bag, and result in a fine.

 

Trick #4: It’s okay to feed your sweet tooth

Trick or treat? Treats!! Good news! There’s no limit to how much candy you can bring in either carry-on or checked baggage, but you should wait to grab that pumpkin spiced latte until after you go through security. If your item can be poured, spilled, sprayed, or spread, remember the 3-1-1 rule applies. According to that rule, TSA permits 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less of a liquid, gel, or aerosol in a 1 quart-sized bag, for each passenger.

 

Trick #5: Do not travel in a mental fog

This year, TSA has detected a record number of firearms during security screening. A majority of the firearms detected are discovered during the screening of accessible property at the screening checkpoint. Passengers often say they forgot the firearm in their bag and they had no intention to bring it on an aircraft. This mistake can result in a maximum fine of almost $14,000 and could include criminal prosecution. Don’t let a mental fog cost you big.

If you’re unsure if an item is allowed or prohibited, or should go in a carry-on bag or checked bag, there’s no need to be foggy about the answer. Download the free myTSA app to access the “Can I bring?” feature. Type in the item to find out where you should pack it. Or, send us your question via Twitter at @AskTSA.

(AP Photo)
October 29, 2021 07:02 AM
By LISA MASCARO, AAMER MADHANI and FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden says he has reached a “historic” framework with Democrats in Congress on his sweeping, though scaled-back domestic policy plan. But Biden still must nail down votes from a few skeptical fellow Democrats. Biden announced the framework at the White House after he went early Thursday to Capitol Hill to pitch House Democrats. The proposal is now $1.75 trillion and without a paid family leave program and other priorities. But it’s still robust with new health care, free-prekindergarten and climate change programs. Biden wanted a deal before he left later Thursday for global summits in Europe. But votes are still a way off, as lawmakers push for more.

Story by Frank Sparks News/Program Director 
October 29, 2021 6:59 AM
(Bridgeville, Pa.) 12-year-old Jayson Kidd of Bridgeville, died after collapsing during basketball practice at Chartiers Valley Middle School on Wednesday.
His cause of death was of anomalous origin of the coronary artery, and his manner of death was natural, the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said.
The Chartiers Valley School District Superintendent Johannah Vanatta released this statement about the incident saying that
“The Chartiers Valley family is deeply saddened by a tragic incident that occurred at the Middle School around 5:00 pm on Wednesday. Out of respect for the family, we will not release any further details at this time.
“The Middle School Crisis Team will be available for students and staff as needed.”

(File Photo)
Story by Frank Sparks, News/Program Director
October 29, 2021 06:48 AM
(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The trial for Robert Bowers who is accused of killing 11 people and wounding dozens of others at the Tree of Life Synagogue just over three years ago could start in July 2022.
The defense and federal prosecutors have been fighting over what evidence will be allowed at trial. Bowers’ defense is trying to keep the jury from hearing some anti-Semitic statements Bowers allegedly made that day.
Bowers faces federal hate crime charges, which carry the death penalty. Bowers is accused of carrying out the largest hate crime ever against Jews in the United States