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‘Predatory’ junk fees still on lawmakers’ radar

(The Center Square) — As the Pennsylvania House has moved to eliminate junk fees, the less-than-transparent charges are getting more national attention as well. Junk fees are mandatory fees or charges added to the price of a product, unexpected by consumers and usually revealed alongside taxes near the end of a purchase. They’re commonly labeled as service fees or convenience fees. “These fees have been spreading like wildfire,” said Nidhi Hegde, managing director of the American Economic Liberties Project, during an event Thursday on junk fees and what actions state ...

Law professionals’ group elects president, presents awards

At its annual meeting in early January, the members of the Lycoming Law Association (LLA) elected Joy Reynolds McCoy to serve as their 123rd president. McCoy joined the leadership committee at the LLA in 2020, serving as the secretary in 2022. Upon election, McCoy expressed gratitude to ...

Index: Wholesale inflation in US declined in December

WASHINGTON (AP) — Wholesale inflation in the United States fell for a third straight month in December, further evidence that price pressures in the economy are easing. The Labor Department reported Friday that its producer price index — which tracks inflation before it reaches consumers ...

Gas prices falling locally

Pennies count at the gas pumps. Gasbuddy, a national information site that monitors over 15,000 stations around the U.S., said gas prices have dropped since last month. Sam’s Club, Muncy, was among the lowest this week at $3.29 per gallon. By comparison, Weis Markets and Sunoco in Greater Williamsport, were about 10 cents more per gallon. Overall, there has been a drop in gas prices in the state and nation. The average for the state is $3.39 to $3.41 a gallon, which is close to 17 to 23 cents lower than a month ago. The national average of 3.06 per gallon is 12 cents lower ...

Philadelphia’s new mayor takes on sky-high rents

(The Center Square) — Philadelphia’s new mayor, Cherelle Parker, knows the city needs more affordable housing and says fixing the problem is one of her top priorities. As part of her 100-day action plan announced Tuesday, the mayor pledged to enable more housing to get built and ordered ...

US employers add about 216,000 jobs

WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s employers added a robust 216,000 jobs last month, the latest sign that the American job market remains resilient even in the face of sharply higher interest rates. Friday’s report from the Labor Department showed that December’s job gain exceeded the 173,000 that were added in November. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7% — the 23rd straight month that joblessness has remained below 4%. The latest data reflect an economy and a job market that are decelerating back to pre-pandemic norms. Hiring remains steady, and while employers are ...