Top Stories category, Page 539
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Alaska may be your best bet, as U.S. ski resorts see rain, not snow
GILFORD, N.H. — For most Americans dreaming of a white Christmas, this year’s prospects aren’t good. Although parts of the Rockies and Midwest already have snow or could get a fresh dusting by Monday, other parts of the country that normally are coated in white this time of year still...
Murrysville landmark owner backs leniency for building’s arsonist
Monica Meehan sat quietly in a Westmoreland County courtroom Friday to watch the man who burned down her business, the Spaghetti & Steakhouse and Hot Rod Lounge in Murrysville, receive a state prison sentence. “It’s pretty devastating and the land is for sale now,” Meehan said. “At the time, things...
Fern Hollow Bridge documents reveal PennDOT’s concern over city’s lack of action
The city of Pittsburgh knew at least 11 bridges required high-priority repairs in late 2017, about four years before the Fern Hollow Bridge collapsed, according to documents released by PennDOT relating to spans owned by the city. Specifically, PennDOT chided the city for dragging its feet on making priority repairs...
Arnold approves new police contract, payment for firetruck repairs
Police in Arnold will start the new year with a new contract and, officials hope, a higher and more attractive starting wage. City Council unanimously approved the new, four-year agreement during a special meeting Friday. It covers 10 officers, nine full time and one part time, who already had accepted...
2 men shot outside Lowe’s store in Waterfront
Two men were shot outside of a Lowe’s Home Improvement store at The Waterfront shopping complex Friday afternoon, police said. Allegheny police responded at 1:45 p.m. to the Lowe’s for a report of one person chasing another with a gun in the parking lot. Officers said they found a firearm...
Supreme Court says no, for now, to plea to rule quickly on whether Trump can be prosecuted
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court said Friday that it will not immediately take up a plea by special counsel Jack Smith to rule on whether former President Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his actions to overturn the 2020 election results. The issue will now be decided by the U.S....
Prisoner swaps with Russia should include Oakmont man, delegation says
More than a dozen members of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation are calling on federal officials to include Marc Fogel in any potential prisoner swaps made with the Russian government. Fogel, a Butler County native who lives in Oakmont, has been detained in Russia for more than two years after he was...
Hidden Valley, Laurel Mountain, Boyce Park open slopes this weekend
Hidden Valley skiing fans can hit the slopes Friday, and those waiting for Laurel Mountain will be able to head downhill starting at 9 a.m. Saturday. Vail Resorts announced opening dates and holiday hour for ski and snowboard operations at its Laurel Highlands locations. Hidden Valley Hidden Valley Resort opened...
Mark Madden: Easy to root for Mason Rudolph, who never got fair shake from Steelers
Here’s my dream scenario for Saturday when the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium: Mason Rudolph throws for 350 yards and three touchdowns. Steelers put up 40-plus points, which seems impossible but also necessary because their defense has zero legit safeties and just one real inside linebacker. Steelers...
Memorials to slain Lower Burrell pub owner a testament to his popularity; no new details emerge
The usually vibrant activity outside Mogie’s Irish Pub in Lower Burrell was gone Friday, giving way to makeshift memorials dedicated to the bar’s owner. And as friends, family members and the community grieve the loss of David “Mogie” Magill, 64, the investigation into his death continues. Magill was shot to...
Still haven’t bought holiday gifts? Retailers have a sale for you
NEW YORK — Retailers are stepping up sales and other enticements in the final days before Christmas to lure shoppers who’ve been waiting for the best deals, or who didn’t have the time or the urge to wrap up gift-buying early. Incentives to spend last minute are an extension of...
Pittsburgh firefighters finalize new contract with city
The city of Pittsburgh and the union representing city firefighters announced a new contract Friday that includes wage increases, new parental leave and health insurance policies, and modernization upgrades to fire stations. The contract covers the next five years with members of Pittsburgh Fire Fighters, IAFF Local No. 1. IAFF...
Morning Roundup: 9-car chain-reaction crash in Strip District; fire in Duquesne
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Friday, Dec. 22: 9-car crash in Strip District under investigation An early Friday morning crash in Pittsburgh’s Strip District caused a chain reaction involving nine vehicles and city police are trying to figure out what happened. One vehicle was...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 22-25
We’ve made it to the weekend. It is three days off for some with Christmas Day on Monday. In between those final shopping stops at the mall, local retailer or Peoples Gas Holiday Market, here are some other ways to spend it. Christmas Day at Pitt The annual Christmas Day...
Light ’em up: Synchronized light displays becoming more popular since pandemic
Western Pennsylvania saw its first decent snowfall Dec. 18. But it’s been “snowing” at Dr. Lou DiToppa’s house for a while now. DiToppa of North Huntingdon has been ramping up his Christmas decoration display for a few years. It began with brightly lit snowflakes around his house, front yard and...
Residents, business leaders say Westmoreland tax hike could stunt growth, hurt pocketbooks
“Why was the tax hike so big?” That was the question asked by Westmoreland County residents and business owners who reacted to the commissioners’ decision to raise real estate taxes by 32.5% next year. It could have been done in smaller increments over the past few years, some people said....
Victims of murder-suicide in Green Tree identified
The victims of Friday’s murder-suicide in Green Tree have been identified by the Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office. They are Kevin Benjamin Smith, 38, and Kristen B. Smith Jr., 40. Police are investigating the incident during which which one of the men fatally shot his relative and then took his...
Bell Acres businessman convicted of $15 million fraud asks for reduction of his 1-year prison term
The Bell Acres man convicted in the largest tax fraud ever in Western Pennsylvania is asking a federal judge to reduce his sentence. Joseph Nocito, 81, was ordered to serve one year and one day in federal prison. Following his sentencing in September, he was allowed to remain free on...
Penn State names chancellor for its Greater Allegheny campus
A chemist who has focused on endeavors such as student success and improved health care access in McKeesport has been chosen as Penn State Greater Allegheny’s new chancellor, the university announced Thursday. Along with her other qualifications, Megan Nagel already has been doing the job in an interim capacity since...
Biden believes U.S. Steel sale to Nippon Steel warrants ‘serious scrutiny,’ White House says
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden believes “serious scrutiny” is warranted for the planned acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, the White House said Thursday after days of silence on a transaction that has drawn alarm from the steelworkers union. Lael Brainard, the director of the National Economic Council,...
Teen who fled Westmoreland juvenile shelter faces new charges
The teenager charged with second-degree murder in connection with a shooting last year in New Kensington is facing additional criminal offenses related to an attack against a shelter worker and his disappearance from an unsecured facility this month. Assistant District Attorney Jackie Knupp said Thursday those new charges warrant the...
New Pa. poll shows would-be presidential race between Biden, Trump a statistical dead heat
A new poll of Pennsylvania voters shows that a would-be presidential race between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Donald Trump is a statistical dead heat. Muhlenberg College in Allentown released a statewide poll this week that showed 42% of Pennsylvania voters say they prefer Biden in 2024, compared to 41%...
Administrative election errors rise as Pa. counties struggle to keep voting officials
This article is made possible through Spotlight PA’s collaboration with Votebeat, a nonpartisan news organization covering local election administration and voting. In mid-October, Greene County, in southwest Pennsylvania, notified voters that some mail ballots for the November election listed two races for magisterial district judges, though voters were only supposed...
Shooting death of well-known Lower Burrell pub owner shocks residents
The death of well-known restaurant and bar owner David “Mogie” Magill left residents in Lower Burrell and beyond reeling. Magill, owner of Magill’s Grill and Mogie’s Irish Pub, was gunned down about 9 a.m. Thursday as he arrived at his business. “We’re all devastated, shocked, saddened and heartbroken,” said Wendy...
Federal prosecutors get 6th extension for possible indictment of former Greensburg police chief
A sixth extension to file a potential indictment has been granted by a federal judge in the case against Shawn Denning, the former Greensburg police chief. Prosecutors said in a court filing that they continue to have discussions with Denning’s attorney in seeking an additional 60 days, pushing the deadline...
