Author: Beaver County Radio

US Economy Accelerated at a Solid 6.5% Rate Last Quarter

US economy accelerated at a solid 6.5% rate last quarter
By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fueled by vaccinations and government aid, the U.S. economy grew at a solid 6.5% annual rate last quarter in the clearest sign to date that the nation has achieved a sustained recovery from the pandemic recession.  Thursday’s report from the Commerce Department estimated that the nation’s gross domestic product — its total output of goods and services — accelerated in the April-June quarter from an already robust 6.3% annual growth rate in the first quarter of the year. For all of 2021, the economy is expected to expand about 7%. That would be the strongest calendar-year growth since 1984. And it would mark a sharp reversal from last year’s 3.5% economic contraction — the worst in 74 years — as a result of the pandemic.

Aliquippa City Council Hears Complaints About Valley Terrace Housing Complex

(Aliquippa, Pa.) At last night’s council meeting Aliquippa City Council heard complaints about Eureka Property Management Company, who owns the Valley Terrace  Housing Complex on  Superior Avenue in Aliquippa. A resident complained to council  via ZOOM at Wednesday night’s city work session about  unsafe, unsanitary conditions at the complex. Aliquippa City  Manager Sam Gill told the resident that  the  property receives funding through HUD. She said when she calls Eureka  they just laugh about complaints. Aliquippa City Solicitor Myron R. Sainovich was asked to intervene  and Aliquippa Mayor Dwan B. Walker suggested residents should call Eureka , and keep threatening them.

Another resident complained about  a trench on  Fourth Avenue , and the  mayor said he will contact the road department to have the problem rectified The resident also  complained about abandoned buildings, cat infestation, and an abandoned vehicle on the street.  She was advised to call the city building on Monday to discuss the issues with Aliquippa Code and Zoning Officer  Jim Bologna. She was advised to call Aliquippa Police about the abandoned vehicle to have it towed.
Aliquippa City Council next meets in regular session on  Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 7 PM.

Contour Airlines to Fly Out of Pittsburgh In October

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) Contour Airlines will offer non-stop service to Indianapolis and Milwaukee starting  in October of this year. Passengers can catch a flight six days a week, with tickets starting at $99 each way.
The airline uses regional jets, which are designed to give every passenger more legroom. Each Flight will hold a maximum of 30 passengers.

Report: Universal Access to Legal Counsel Could Help Prevent Evictions in PA

Keystone State News Connection

July 29, 2021

Emily Scott

HARRISBURG, Pa. — As housing advocates prepare for the end of the CDC’s eviction moratorium Saturday, a new report showed expanding access to legal representation for low-income tenants could help prevent many of them from losing their homes.

The report, commissioned by the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, found removing barriers would provide an additional 17,000 at-risk families with counsel in eviction proceedings.

Patrick Ciscero, executive director of the Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network, said the program at full implementation would cost about $20 million a year, but there would be significant cost savings when housing stability is possible.

“Individuals who are entitled to access to other resources often have significantly improved access to those resources when they’re represented by counsel,” Ciscero contended. “Because counsel can help them navigate, for example, the emergency rental assistance program that is currently rolled out in Pennsylvania.”

The study also found if implemented, the program would decrease eviction filings by 5% each year.

Rhonda Mays, director of finance for the Fair Housing Council of the Capital Region, said the organization has received lots of requests recently for assistance paying back rent due to income loss because of the pandemic.

She argued with eviction cases looming, making sure tenants have a lawyer is crucial.

“Legal representation is a critical component,” Mays asserted. “Especially in the low- to moderate-income community that just doesn’t have access to be able to afford an attorney to begin with.”

Cicero added a second phase of the study will look at the direct economic benefits of universal access to eviction counsel in Pennsylvania.

Man Kills Parents, Then Dies After Chase by Police in Mt. Lebanon

(Mt. Lebanon, Pa.) A 25-year-old man, who has not been identified, killed his parents before getting into a shootout with police in Mount Lebanon early Thursday morning. The unknown man called police shortly after midnight to a home on Gilkeson Road where police discovered that he had shot and killed both of his parents and was ready to surrender but then he began shooting at police.
An officer from Dormont was shot in the exchange and was taken the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The man then took off in a car, leading police on a chase that ended in a crash in the area of Route 19 and McLaughlin Run Road in Upper Saint Clair. Officers then found the man dead in his car, which had flipped.

While the man did have a gun shot wound authorities have not determined the man’s exact cause of death.

A Mount Lebanon officer was also hurt, but was not hit by gunfire. That officer was treated at a hospital and released.

One Person Killed, One Hurt in Accident on Pa Turnpike Early Today

(Donegal, Pa.) A crash on the Pennsylvania turnpike in the eastbound lanes at mile-marker 91, between Donegal and Somerset has claimed one person’s life and another person was injured and taken to a local hospital. The accident that sent a tractor trailer over a hillside happened just after 4 AM this morning .
Crews are working to recover it the tractor trailer and there is a lane restriction is in place in that area.

No other information including the victims identity have been released by police.

Bucs Lose Third Straight. Fall 7-3 to Brewers

By JOHN PERROTTO Associated Press
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Lorenzo Cain and Luis Urias hit two-run doubles, Adrian Houser pitched five scoreless innings and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-3 on Wednesday night. Cain’s hit in the fourth inning pushed the Brewers’ lead to 3-0. Urias’ double came during a three-run sixth that made it 6-0. Houser allowed two hits while striking out two and walking one. He is 4-0 in his last 11 starts and the Brewers have won each of his last eight outings. Pirates rookie Rodolfo Castro became the first player in major league history to have his first five hits all be home runs.

PSP Warns Fraudsters are Using Information Stolen from Private-Sector Data Leaks to Apply for Unemployment Compensation Benefits

(photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)
 
Harrisburg, PA – Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier, Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Bureau of Criminal Investigation Director Major Jeremy Richard, and Department of Banking and Securities Deputy Secretary for Financial Services Tim Arthun today reminded Pennsylvanians to be vigilant of fraud and the warning signs and steps to take if they become a victim.
“Fraud is an unfortunate byproduct of any disaster, and we are seeing the proof of that during the global COVID-19 pandemic,” said Secretary Berrier. “It’s frustrating that thousands of data breaches that occurred outside of L&I – and outside of the control of consumers who often had no choice but to give companies their personal data – are now resulting in widespread unemployment fraud attempts. We strongly urge everyone to remain vigilant about fraud and to notify authorities of any suspected fraud activity.”
Across the nation, fraudsters have been applying for unemployment benefits using stolen identities that were obtained in data breaches that occurred outside of state government. There were more than 11,000 data breaches that caused the exposure of more than 1.6 billion records in the U.S. over a span of about 15 years. Many individuals whose personal data was leaked during these breaches are unaware until a fraudster uses their identity to apply for unemployment benefits and they receive notification that a benefits application has been filed in their name.
L&I utilizes numerous fraud-detection measures, including using virtual identity verification vendor ID.me to verify the identities of all new unemployment applicants. Since the new UC benefits system went live June 8, we have prevented approximately $1 billion in state and federal dollars from being paid out to fraudsters.
L&I works with the National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force and other partners, including the FBI, Homeland Security and additional law enforcement agencies, the state treasury and the state attorney general’s office, to identify and block new fraud methods and stop fraud attempts.
“Realize it can happen to you,” said Major Richard. “If you have been a victim, don’t be embarrassed. Instead, report it to law enforcement. The Pennsylvania State Police works closely with its local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate fraud, identity theft, and scams. The sooner law enforcement knows, the better the chances are of recovering your money and catching the scammers.”
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit psp.pa.gov.
“Unfortunately, scams and fraud are growing more common while also becoming increasingly more sophisticated,” said Deputy Secretary Arthun. “If you are being contacted unexpectedly with a request for your personal or financial information with promises of something that seems too good to be true, it likely is.”
Anyone can contact the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities with questions or complaints about a financial transaction, company, or product at 1-800-PA-BANKS or using the online complaint form.
Visit www.uc.pa.gov and click on “fraud” to learn the warning signs of unemployment benefits fraud, how to report it, and the steps you should take if you become a victim.

Teleforum Thursday

On Thursday’s Teleforum radio program, Best of Beaver County host Mike Romigh is speaking on nutrition and food insecurity-Scott Tady joins Eddy after for notes on entertainment with the Beaver County Times entertainment editor-and Eddy will very likely make more obscure and obtuse references, entertaining himself while annoying and confusing others. Teleforum is 9 till noon every weekday on AM1230, AM1460, and FM99.3 presented by St. Barnabas.

Should Vaccinated People Mask Up with COVID-19 Cases Rising?

Should vaccinated people mask up with COVID-19 cases rising?
By CARLA K. JOHNSON AP Medical Writer
Top health officials in the United States are recommending that vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in places where the coronavirus is surging. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cites new evidence that vaccinated people with breakthrough infections could carry enough virus in their noses and throats to infect others. COVID-19 vaccines greatly reduce the chance of severe illness and death and remain effective against variants, including the delta variant. But it’s still possible to get infected. Masking could prevent the spread of the virus to children too young for vaccination and people with weak immune systems.