Top Stories category, Page 64
AI ‘Grandparent Scams’ are on the rise in Pennsylvania
Grandparent scams are on the rise once again, but this time, AI technology is involved, officials say. AARP Pennsylvania warned residents about the resurgence and offered ways for older adults and their families to stay safe. A “Grandparent Scam” usually begins with an urgent phone call from an imposter claiming...
When and where you can find peak fall foliage in Western Pa.
Parts of Somerset County are already reaching their peak fall colors, and with this week’s much-needed rain and temperatures dipping into the 40s, the rest of Western Pennsylvania won’t be far behind. Brian Wolyniak of the Penn State Extension in Allegheny County recommends checking the Department of Conservation and Natural...
Trump threatens jail for Chicago mayor, Illinois gov. amid ICE, National Guard tension
President Donald Trump called for the arrests of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as hundreds of National Guard troops seemed poised to enter the city where tensions are boiling over the Trump administration’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. “Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing...
Judge slashes bond amount needed to block Strip District bike lane work
A judge on Wednesday dramatically reduced the bond the Strip District Business Association must pay to force Pittsburgh to temporarily halt efforts to change a portion of Penn Avenue to a one-lane street with a bike lane. Despite the move, the business group continued to object to paying any amount....
Retention, community college transfers highlight Pa. state system’s enrollment increase
Fall enrollment at the 10 universities that make up the state system of higher education increased for the first time in more than a decade, with the biggest gains coming from retention and community college transfers, according to data released Tuesday. Enrollment in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education...
Former FBI Director James Comey pleads not guilty to making false statementsVideo
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded guilty to charges he lied to Congress, with his lawyer blasting the Trump-backed case against him as “vindictive” and selective prosecution The nearly 7-foot tall Comey, long considered a nemesis of Trump, was surrounded by his family as he offered his...
New Kensington man charged with causing serious injuries to his baby
A New Kensington man is accused of causing serious injuries to his 2-month-old infant. New Kensington police filed aggravated assault, child endangerment and obstruction charges against Jacob Alexander Piontek, 25, after his child suffered seizures, a stroke and brain trauma after being in his care, according to a criminal complaint....
Cause and manner of death released for Castle Shannon teen killed in September arson
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office has formally issued the cause and manner of death of a Castle Shannon teen who died in a house fire in September. Lakyn Shelleby, 19, died of thermal injuries and inhalation of products of combustion. Her death was ruled a homicide, according to a...
Man found dead along Route 28 near Chesnut Street
The Pittsburgh police’s Collision Investigation Unit responded Tuesday night to the city’s East Allegheny neighborhood after a man was found dead along Route 28. Police said they received reports at about 7:30 p.m. of a man who may have fallen in the road near the Chestnut Street exit. First responders...
Derry Township OKs solar farm permit over objections by neighbors
The Derry Township Supervisors on Tuesday approved a permit for a proposed solar farm along Newhouse Road after hearing objections to the project from several neighboring residents. The supervisors indicated they aren’t any more pleased about the proposed 27-acre solar array than residents are. But they said they are issuing...
U.S. Steel sues Canadian company over refusal to honor multimillion-dollar contract
U.S. Steel on Tuesday sued a Canadian steel company alleging that it is refusing to pay for millions of tons of iron ore pellets it agreed to purchase five years ago because of new Trump administration tariffs. Algoma Steel Inc., based in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is accused of breach...
Ex-Allegheny County chief public defender, who made history before being fired, settles lawsuit
Allegheny County’s former chief public defender, who was fired in May, has settled her lawsuit against the county. Lena Bryan-Henderson, who served in the position for about 15 months, will receive one year’s salary to conclude litigation she filed in June alleging wrongful termination. Bryan-Henderson’s salary was $140,415. She would...
For school districts, federal funding impeded by lack of state budget
The federal government shutdown isn’t what’s preventing New Kensington-Arnold School District from accessing its federal funding this school year. Instead, the $2.79 million is tied up because of the ongoing state budget impasse. “Funding for these (federal) programs are passed through the Pa. Department of Education,” New Ken-Arnold Business Manager...
Pittsburgh WWII serviceman, unknown for 80 years, coming home to rest
A Pittsburgh-area World War II serviceman whose remains were unidentified for 80 years will be laid to rest back home on Sunday, Oct. 12. Paul F. Eshleman Jr., 21, was a technical sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Forces. He was a radio operator on a B-24 Liberator that was...
Pittsburgh parents charged with conspiring to delay medical care for gravely injured infant son
A Pittsburgh man charged with fatally abusing his infant son now faces allegations that he and the boy’s mother conspired to delay medical treatment because they feared child welfare officials. Seth Williams and Aleah Ostruh waited more than 12 hours to take a gravely injured Micaiah Williams to the hospital,...
Trump’s funding offer to colleges sparks debate in Pennsylvania
Jonathan Zimmerman, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, fears for his academic freedom. His concerns are shared by many colleagues as the Trump administration tries to broker deals with universities for new educational goals. “The big picture is that the administration has calculated that attacking universities, especially elite universities,...
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato pitches $3 billion budget with no tax hike
Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato on Tuesday proposed a $3 billion 2026 budget with no tax increase or layoffs. “The budget is tight, but we’re committed to living within our means,” County Manager John Fournier said, adding officials never seriously considered raising taxes for 2026. Council will hold public hearings...
Tenant future clouded as Walmart plans demolition of Monroeville Mall site
Rick Murray would like to help Walmart pitch its vision of a mixed-use development on the site of the Monroeville Mall, because he thinks it could someday be a real asset to the community. The problem is, despite being a mall tenant, he has no idea what the future of...
President Trump says some furloughed federal workers ‘don’t deserve’ back payVideo
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump threatened to block furloughed federal workers from receiving back pay once the government shutdown is over, claiming some of the employees “don’t deserve” the compensation. Trump’s warning ratcheted up his pressure on Senate Democrats to end the standoff over funding the government and invited new...
Treasury defends proposal to put Trump on $1 coin
The Treasury Department is defending a proposal to mint a $1 coin with images of President Trump to help celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, citing a bill signed into law by Trump during the last week of his first administration. “(Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent) is honored to exercise the authorities...
Trump keeps bringing up the Insurrection Act. What is it?
WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump on Monday said he might use the Insurrection Act, a law authorizing the president to deploy military forces on U.S. soil, if courts and governors continue to block his deployment of National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities. Here’s what to know about the centuries-old law....
Pittsburgh councilwoman asks Munhall to solve snowplow problem in 1 neighborhood
A Pittsburgh councilwoman is looking to neighboring Munhall for help plowing snow in the city’s Lincoln Place neighborhood. Councilwoman Barb Warwick, D-Greenfield, said there were portions of Lincoln Place where the city — handicapped by an aging vehicle fleet and plows prone to breakdowns — struggled to clear snow and...
Pittsburgh police commanders to unionize with Gainey’s blessing
A dozen Pittsburgh police commanders are unionizing, city officials announced Tuesday. Commanders are among the police bureau’s most powerful supervisors, just under the rank of assistant chief. The commanders unanimously voted to form a union with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, separate from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No....
Where Pittsburgh Mills Mall stands after another storefront departure
The Pittsburgh Mills is reeling from another national retailer vacating the Frazer mall — the third instance of a major retailer leaving the complex in four months. Bath and Body Works opened its store in the Mills for the last time on Saturday. The company did not respond to requests...
Can Trump send the National Guard to cities around the U.S.?
The administration of President Donald Trump has ordered National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, and to Chicago to suppress protests and bolster immigration enforcement. National Guard were also deployed in recent months to Los Angeles and Washington. Below is a look at the president’s legal authority for using the military...
