(File Photo of PA Attorney General Josh Shapiro provide by Pa Media Services)

(Harrisburg, Pa.) Attorney General Josh Shapiro today issued an advisory to car dealerships in Pennsylvania warning of unfair and deceptive practices that violate the Commonwealth’s Consumer Protection Law.

“We’ve seen a large increase in demand for new and used cars here in Pennsylvania, and while the vast majority of dealerships are following the rules, there has also been an increase in complaints from consumers noticing bad practices.” said AG Shapiro. “We are putting these dealerships on notice: shift gears and be sure that you are following the law and treating consumers fairly.

Under the Commonwealth’s Consumer Protection Law and regulations, AG Shapiro advised that both new and used car dealerships must:

• Represent and advertise goods or services at their actual price, comply with the terms of warranties given to the buyer; and not engage in fraudulent or deceptive conduct which creates a likelihood of confusion or misunderstanding.
• Honor the terms of any contract with a consumer regarding the lease of a vehicle, including a consumer’s right to purchase the vehicle under the specific terms of the contract.
• Sell a motor vehicle under the terms or conditions, including price or warranty, which a motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer has advertised or otherwise represented.
• Disclose any hidden charges in any advertised price of a vehicle, as well as the expiration date of any advertised price.
• Not increase the price of a motor vehicle after the contract has been accepted by the dealer or an authorized representative, unless the increase is due to a change in the law which requires the addition of new equipment or increases transportation costs or existing taxes.

Consumers who believe that a car dealership has violated the law should file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General by visiting www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling the Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555. 

(AP Photo)
By MARYCLAIRE DALE Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — An Amtrak engineer has been cleared of charges related to a deadly, high-speed derailment that left eight people dead and hundreds injured in Philadelphia in 2015. The jury acquitted 38-year-old engineer Brandon Bostian of causing a catastrophe, involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment. Bostian’s lawyer describes him as a lifelong train buff who had a perfect work record until he was distracted by people throwing rocks in the area just before the crash. Amtrak settled the civil litigation with victims and their families for $265 million, a higher limit set by Congress after the crash.

(File Photo)

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Aqua America the company that agreed to purchase the Waste Water Treatment Plant from The City of Beaver Falls last year for $42 Million will not cut any employee jobs or reduce wages. In fact they will offer all employees additional training and safety programs along with enhanced career growth aspects and opportunities for expanded Community development.
The company said they will have their experts work to optimize operations and develop a comprehensive capital program to address what problems are risks to continued services.

(File Photo Taken Mark Peterson)

Story by Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano

(Aliquippa, Pa.) Four bids for the ‘BRICKS’ site cleanup were opened by City Manager Sam Gill  at Wednesday night’s meeting and they will be reviewed by City Engineer Ron Rizzo before council makes the award.

(AP Photo)
By MARK SCOLFORO Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Newly released test results show student scores on Pennsylvania standardized tests fell sharply last year in most categories. But state education officials cautioned the numbers released Friday were so distorted by pandemic conditions that they are of limited use for comparison to previous years, particularly regarding statewide trends. Results of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment exams for grades three to eight show broad declines in both math and English language arts. The Keystone Exams that assess algebra, literature and biology for high school students had more mixed results. National experts say standardized test scores across the country have seen substantial declines during the ongoing pandemic.

(AP Photo)
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks around the world are tumbling Friday, as even a gangbusters report on the U.S. jobs market couldn’t pull Wall Street’s focus off its worries about the war in Ukraine. The S&P 500 was 0.9% lower in early trading, following up on sharper losses in Europe after a fire at the continent’s largest nuclear plant caused by shelling raised worries about what’s next. Treasury yields sank again as investors moved money into U.S. government bonds in search of safety, and a measure of nervousness on Wall Street climbed roughly 10%.

(AP Photo)
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. employers added 678,000 jobs in February, another solid gain that underscored the economy’s robust health as the omicron wave fades and more Americans venture out to spend at restaurants, shops and hotels despite surging inflation. The Labor Department’s report Friday also showed that the unemployment rate dropped from 4% to 3.8%, extending a sharp drop in joblessness as the economy has rebounded from the pandemic recession.

(File Photo Taken by Frank Sparks in 2018)

(Beaver, Pa.) Beaver County Radio news Correspondent Sandy Giordano is reporting that the sentencing phase started yesterday in the trial of 33- year-old Joshua Diegdio who shot and killed Litrell Parker on September 25, 2020. Diegdio was found guilty earlier this week with Parker’s death. On Friday, September 25, 2020. 22-year-old Littrell parker died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds. An unnamed 23- year- old female was also shot and wounded. Diegdio also known as (BIG PUN), of Beaver Falls and 23-year-old Patrick Haynes, of the Harrisburg area were charged in the incident. According to Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier’s office no ruling has come from the jury on the death penalty yet.

(Sewickley, Pa.) Classes have been canceled today for students at the Sewickley Academy Senior High school following an incident on campus that led to police being called.
In a letter sent to the school community Thursday, Head of School Dr. Ashley Birtwell said tensions have been heightened on campus after some senior faculty members “inappropriately” shared information about personnel changes with students.
In the letter it stated that Following a meeting with those faculty members yesterday, a large group of students and parents came to her office and were acting disorderly and law enforcement was called to the school as a precaution.
Pre-K through 8 students will have class as usual.
Reports say that there is a protest being planned across the street from Sewickley Academy this morning