December 22, 2025 5:10 am
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — It’s been a year since demolition began at the Century III Mall. Now, we’re learning more about what developers envision for the site. Recently, Atlantic Retail began marketing a new site plan, hoping to attract “big box, junior anchor, outparcel and inline tenants.” “Become a part of the historic redevelopment of the former Century III Mall,” the site plan reads in part. Sources familiar with the plan tell the Pittsburgh Business Times that an affiliate of Chicago-based Key Development Partners is expected to be the owner of the future site.
December 22, 2025 5:22 am
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is defending the Justice Department’s decision to release just a fraction of the Jeffrey Epstein files by the congressionally mandated deadline. Blanche is pledging that the Trump administration will eventually meet its obligation required by law. But he tells NBC’s “Meet the Press” that his department was obligated to act with caution as it goes about releasing thousands of documents that can include sensitive information. Friday’s partial release of the Epstein files has led to a new crush of criticism from Democrats. They accuse the Trump administration of trying to hide information. Blanche calls the pushback disingenuous.
December 22, 2025 5:23 am
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing another sanctioned oil tanker in the Caribbean Sea. Word of the pursuit comes as the Trump administration appears to be intensifying its targeting of such vessels connected to the Venezuelan government. The tanker pursuit Sunday was confirmed by a U.S. official. The official says the vessel was flying a false flag and was under a judicial seizure order. Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro Maduro says on Telegram that his country has spent months “ denouncing, challenging and defeating a campaign of aggression” being waged against it.
December 22, 2025 5:21 am
MOSCOW (AP) — A Russian general has been killed after an explosive device detonated under his car in Moscow. Investigators suggest Ukraine could be behind the attack. Lt. Gen. Fanil Sarvarov, head of the Operational Training Directorate, died from his injuries. This marks the third killing of a senior military officer in just over a year. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin was immediately informed. Just over a year ago, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov was killed by a bomb. In April, Lt. Gen. Yaroslav Moskalik was also killed by an explosive device. Moscow has blamed Ukraine for several attacks.
December 22, 2025 5:25 am
They say laughter is the best medicine. Michael Miller, a cardiologist and medical professor at the University of Pennsylvania, says they’re right. Laughter is an obvious stress reliever. But Miller says it’s even good for your heart. Madan Kataria — a physician in Mumbai and the founder of laughter yoga — agrees. Laughter yoga involves breathing exercises, light stretches, and silly movements and sounds that force you to laugh. Kataria suggests bringing laughter into your daily life, even at things that might not seem funny. Recently, he demonstrated what he calls “credit-card-bill laughter.” He held out his hand as if looking at a statement, and burst into a roiling, infectious laughter.
December 21, 2025 7:05 am
NEW YORK (AP) — The Justice Department’s webpage for documents related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is missing at least 16 of its files a day after they were released. The files, which were no longer available Saturday after being uploaded to the site Friday, included photographs showing paintings of nude women and a credenza holding various photos of people including President Donald Trump. The discrepancies fueled online speculation about whether they were intentionally removed and why the public wasn’t notified — questions the Justice Department didn’t immediately answer. The missing files contributed to the long-simmering intrigue about Epstein and the powerful people who surrounded him, which wasn’t quelled by the Justice Department’s much-anticipated release of records Friday. (Photo: AP)
December 21, 2025 7:06 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces have stopped a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in international waters. That action Saturday has been confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the tanker stopped voluntarily and allowed U.S. forces to board it. The move comes days after President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers coming in and out of the South American country. And it follows the Dec. 10 seizure by American forces of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.
December 21, 2025 7:11 am
(AP) – Ford is recalling more than 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. because of a parking function problem that could lead to them rolling away. The Detroit automaker says that the recall includes some 2022-2026 F-150 Lightnings, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-Es, and 2025-2026 Mavericks. At issue is the integrated park module, which may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. Ford says that it will implement a park module software update for free. Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for additional information.
December 21, 2025 7:08 am
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — TikTok has signed a deal to form a new U.S. unit with three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — holding a majority stake. This ensures the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States. The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press. CEO Shou Zi Chew said in the memo that ByteDance and TikTok have signed binding agreements with the three investors.
December 21, 2025 7:00 am
A local congressman has introduced a bill that could lower the price of concessions at sports stadiums. Congressmen Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub (HOTDOG) Act. This legislation, if passed, would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate concession pricing at sports venues. Deluzio’s office claims that despite significant public investment in sports venues, many concession costs are too expensive for the typical family. He wants families to be able to afford to see a game at venues supported by their tax dollars. “Congressman Goldman and I are introducing the HOTDOG Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to find ways to stop this price gouging. People should be able to go enjoy a game and grab a bite or a drink without breaking the bank,” Deluzio said in a statement. Deluzio says the HOTDOG Act would shine a light on exploitative pricing practices, allow for more transparency into potential price gouging and determine best practices for affordable options. The HOTDOG Act would direct the FTC to examine a range of pricing practices at stadiums constructed or operated with public subsidy funds, like comparing concession prices inside and outside stadiums, as well as evaluating dynamic pricing, service fees and transparency of prices to consumers. The FTC would then be tasked with producing a report for Congress with findings and recommendations for improving affordability. The act is endorsed by various organizations, including Groundwork Collaborative, Sports Fan Coalition and Public Citizen.
