November 27, 2019 4:13 am
NEW YORK (AP) – Health officials say they have more evidence that a certain chemical compound is a culprit in a national outbreak of vaping illnesses. A study released Tuesday analyzed vaping cartridges gathered in Minnesota during the outbreak this year and cartridges seized in that state last year. The newer cartridges contained the compound vitamin E acetate, but none of the older ones did. The study was small and included just a few dozen products. But the finding echoes another study that found the compound in the damaged lungs of 29 patients across the country.
Nearly 2,300 Americans who vape have gotten sick since March, many of them teens and young adults. Vitamin E acetate has been used as a thickener in illicit vaping products that contain THC, the high-inducing part of marijuana.
November 27, 2019 4:11 am
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – A storm packing heavy snow and high winds that wreaked havoc as it whipped through Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska is marching into the upper Midwest as anxious Thanksgiving travelers brace for a busy, if not perilous, holiday week. The wintry storm that left at least one person dead was expected to push eastward into South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin on Wednesday, while a “bomb cyclone” weather phenomenon was expected to simultaneously topple trees, knock out power and dump snow as it rolled into California and Oregon. The one-two punch made for a double whammy of early wintry weather that threatened to scramble plans for millions of people nationwide during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
November 27, 2019 4:10 am
PORT NECHES, Texas (AP) – A second explosion has torn through a Southeast Texas chemical plant about 13 hours after an initial blast injured three workers. Witnesses say the explosion erupted shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday at the plant TCP Group operates in Port Neches, about 80 miles east of Houston. The force of the blast hurled debris high into the air, but no more injuries were immediately reported. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick has ordered a mandatory evacuation of a 4-mile (7-kilometer) radius around the plant, including Port Neches and neighboring Groves, Nederland and part of Port Arthur. Troy Monk, director of health safety and security with TPC Group, said at a news conference Wednesday that it’s unclear how long it will take to extinguish the fire. Monk said the three workers who were injured during the blast – two TPC employees and a contractor – have been treated and released from hospitals in Port Arthur and Houston. Monk said officials have not determined what caused the explosion, which blew out windows and knocked down doors of nearby homes.
November 27, 2019 4:09 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – The House Judiciary Committee intends to bring in legal experts to examine the constitutional grounds for President Donald Trump’s impeachment when they meet next week. The Judiciary panel on Tuesday scheduled its first hearing for Dec. 4 as it decides whether to write articles of impeachment against Trump. That committee take over the process handled so far by the Intelligence Committee, which has been investigating Trump’s efforts to push Ukraine to take action against his political rivals. Lawmakers on Tuesday released the last two transcripts from its depositions, including from a White House budget official who detailed concerns among colleagues as Trump ordered them, through intermediaries, to put a hold on military aid to Ukraine. He said he knew of two people who left the agency over the issue.
November 27, 2019 4:07 am
Residents in North Strabane Township got some welcome news at the Township Supervisors Meeting on Tuesday night. Supervisors unanimously adopted a balanced preliminary budget for 2020 with no tax increase. The budget is just over $30 million dollars and was the result of much detailed effort. Township Manager Andrew Walz commented that there are only 3 municipalities in Washington County that offer the level of service that North Strabane Township receives and officials work diligently to bring the best services at the best price to township residents. In other township business, supervisors took one step closer to ending litigation against the Canonsburg Houston Joint Authority. Supervisors unanimously agreed to enter into a settlement agreement with CHJA. This settlement will also include the other 4 plaintiffs in the case, Cecil Township, Cecil Township Municipal Authority, Chartiers Township and the North Strabane Municipal Authority. No details of the settlement will be made public until all parties have signed off on the agreement. A joint statement detailing the settlement will be made in the near future.
November 27, 2019 4:03 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Pennsylvania’s governor has signed a law permitting hunting on three Sundays per year, but it won’t take effect until early 2020. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill on Wednesday, three days before the start of rifle deer season. Wolf says the measure balances landowners’ needs with those of hunters who can’t take weekdays off from school or work. The legislation permits Sunday hunting on one day during rifle deer season, one during statewide archery deer season and a third day the Game Commission will pick. Sunday hunting will require a landowner’s written permission. The bill also makes it easier to enforce anti-trespassing laws. Pennsylvania’s prohibition on Sunday hunting dates to the 19th century, although there are currently exceptions for crows, foxes and coyotes, and for noncommercial private game reserves.
November 27, 2019 2:27 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – The legal age to buy cigarettes and other tobacco products in Pennsylvania is increasing to 21, although there’s an exception for veterans and service members who are at least 18. Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed a pair of bills that make the age limit also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping products. They’re banned on school grounds outside designated outdoor areas for non-students. Pennsylvania joins 18 other states in making 21 the minimum age. The new age takes effect July 1.
November 26, 2019 1:39 pm
(WPXI) – A busy Pittsburgh road is shut down Tuesday after a contractor hit a gas line. It happened just before noon at the corner of Smallman and 16th streets in the Strip District, according to Allegheny County. Smallman Street is shut down between 15th and 17th streets until further notice.
November 26, 2019 1:35 pm
NEW YORK (AP) – Health officials say they have more evidence that a certain chemical compound is a culprit in a national outbreak of vaping illnesses. A study released Tuesday analyzed vaping cartridges gathered in Minnesota during the outbreak this year and cartridges seized in that state last year. The newer cartridges contained the compound vitamin E acetate, but none of the older ones did. The study was small and included just a few dozen products. But the finding echoes another study that found the compound in the damaged lungs of 29 patients across the country. Nearly 2,300 Americans who vape have gotten sick since March, many of them teens and young adults. Vitamin E acetate has been used as a thickener in illicit vaping products that contain THC, the high-inducing part of marijuana.
November 26, 2019 9:29 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Capitol and its office buildings were briefly evacuated amid concerns about a small aircraft in the area. Officials say the plane violated airspace rules in the restricted area on Tuesday. The evacuations were ordered as a precaution and lasted about half an hour. The U.S. Secret Service says personnel at the White House were told to remain in place. Capitol Police sent a notification of a potential threat shortly after 8:30 a.m., and the evacuations were ordered. People were allowed back in after about 30 minutes.
