Two More Flu-Related Deaths In Allegheny County

January 15, 2020 2:18 am

(WPXI) – Two more flu deaths have been reported in Allegheny County, bringing the total number of flu related-deaths to three, according to the health department. The first flu-related death in the county was reported on Jan. 8th. There have been 6,145 flu cases in the county this season, compared to this time last year when there was only 333. So far, 41 people have been hospitalized.

NSA Finds Major Security Flaw In Windows 10

January 14, 2020 5:22 pm

(AP) – Computer security experts are urging individuals and organizations to fix a major Windows 10 security flaw that the National Security Agency has discovered. The flaw could let hackers intercept seemingly secure communications. Rather than exploit the flaw for its own needs, the intelligence agency tipped off Microsoft so that it can fix the system for everyone. Security experts say that is unusual and represents the “constructive role” the NSA can play in improving global information security. Microsoft says it hasn’t seen any evidence that hackers have used the technique. A free fix was issued Tuesday.

One Person Dead In Fayette County Crash

January 14, 2020 1:19 pm

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a crash in Fayette County Tuesday morning that left at least one person dead. The collision happened around eight o’clock on Route 40 in Henry Clay Township and involved an SUV and a tractor-trailer.  No other details have been released.

Iran Announces Arrests Over Plane Downing

January 14, 2020 9:51 am

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran’s judiciary says arrests have been made over the shootdown of a Ukrainian plane that killed all 176 people on board. A judiciary spokesman says “extensive investigations have taken place and some individuals are arrested.” He was quoted by Iranian state media on Tuesday, but didn’t say how many individuals have been detained or name them. Also, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for a special court to be set up to try those responsible for the plane shootdown. The developments come amid an upswell of anger and protests by Iranians in recent days over apparent attempts by senior officials to cover up the cause of the crash.

Philippine Volcano Trembles More

January 14, 2020 4:27 am

TAGAYTAY, Philippines (AP) – A volcano near the Philippine capital is spewing lava half a mile high and trembling with earthquakes constantly as tens of thousands of people flee villages darkened and blanketed by heavy ash. The activity from the Taal volcano could portend a much bigger and dangerous eruption. Volcanologists say new fissures are cracking the ground and about 50 earthquakes were detected over eight hours, indicating rising magma. Heavy and prolonged ashfall is forecast in nearby villages. The number of evacuees is expected to swell. Government work was suspended and schools closed in a wide swath of towns and cities, including the bustling capital, Manila, because of the health risks from the ash.

Democrats To Square Off In Iowa

January 14, 2020 4:26 am

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – An unusually heated clash of rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination could be the hallmark of Tuesday night’s televised debate in Iowa. Just six candidates are gathering in Des Moines, the smallest number yet on a debate stage. That dynamic will offer candidates more opportunities to criticize each other’s proposals as well as tout their own. But the fuel for the fire comes from the fact that it’s the last debate before Iowa’s leadoff caucuses, set for Feb. 3. The winner will leave Iowa with momentum for the primaries to come. State polling shows Iowa’s top preference too close to call.

Milwaukee Rally Kicks Off Election Year In Wisconsin

January 14, 2020 4:25 am

MILWAUKEE (AP) – President Donald Trump makes his first 2020 appearance in battleground Wisconsin for a rally that coincides with a Democratic presidential debate in neighboring Iowa. Counter-protests and other related events organized by both Democrats and the Trump administration were planned in Milwaukee ahead of the rally. The event was to be just across the street where Democrats will gather in six months for their national convention to pick a nominee to take on Trump. Prior to the rally, Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner was to hold an event touting the administration’s criminal justice reform efforts.

Vote Expected On Sending Impeachment To Senate

January 14, 2020 4:24 am

WASHINGTON (AP) – The House is expected to vote Wednesday to send the articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump to the Senate. Speaker Nancy Pelosi made the announcement Tuesday. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on senators to call fresh witnesses for the trial. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the trial could start this week, but significant proceedings would launch next Tuesday after the holiday break. He said all 53 GOP senators are on board with his plan to start the session and consider the issue of witnesses later.áTrump was impeached by the Democratic-led House last month on charges of abuse of power over pushing Ukraine to investigate Democratic rival Joe Biden and obstructing Congress’ probe.

Ex-Penn State Football Player Files Lawsuit

January 14, 2020 4:17 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – A former Penn State football player claims in a new federal lawsuit that other Nittany Lions players hazed him and other younger teammates. The allegations in the lawsuit filed Monday include claims that some players imitated sexual acts in the shower. The claims also include threats of older players saying, “I am going to Sandusky you,” to younger players. Jerry Sandusky was the team’s retired longtime defensive coordinator when he was convicted in 2012 of sexual abuse of 10 boys, including physical attacks on university property. Penn State said in a statement that university police turned over results of their investigation to the local district attorney, who declined to prosecute.

Pennsylvania Orders Gas Well Plugged

January 14, 2020 4:16 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) – Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration is warning Range Resources to fix a Marcellus Shale natural gas well that it maintains has leaked methane since 2011 and contaminated groundwater and streams in north-central Pennsylvania. Wolf’s Department of Environmental Protection issued an order Monday that gives Range Resources two months to submit a plan to reduce the gas migration and, after the department approves the plan, four months to submit a plan to plug the well. Range Resources contends that the methane in the groundwater is naturally-occurring. Range has 30 days to appeal the order to the Environmental Hearing Board.