Powerball Jackpot Climbs To $1.73 Billion

October 10, 2023 4:50 am

The Powerball just keeps getting bigger. No ticket matched all six numbers drawn in the Monday night drawing. The jackpot now climbs to an estimated $1.73 billion for the next drawing on Wednesday night. The jackpot has an estimated cash value of $756.6 million. Wednesday’s estimated jackpot ranks as the second-largest Powerball jackpot and U.S. lottery jackpot, only behind the world record $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California on November 7, 2022. The numbers drawn Monday night; 16, 34, 46, 55, 67 and red Powerball 14. The Power Play® multiplier was 3X. The Monday night drawing produced more than 3.7 million winning tickets across the country, including four tickets (California, Indiana, Oregon, Virginia) that matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes.

Governor Orders All Flags At Half-Staff For Israel

October 10, 2023 2:13 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Flags will fly at half-staff across Pennsylvania for the next several days in recognition of the lives lost in Israel after a surprise weekend attack by Hamas militants. Gov. Josh Shapiro ordered all United States and Commonwealth flags on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds to immediately fly at half-staff Tuesday morning. The order goes into effect immediately and remains in effect through Friday. “I condemn the horrific acts of war in Israel by Hamas and their enablers. These attacks on innocent Israeli civilians are abhorrent and warrant world condemnation and outrage,” Shapiro said in a statement. “Our family has shared many special moments in Israel and our hearts break for those living this horror now. We stand in solidarity against terror and are praying for all people in Israel.”

Schools’ Pandemic Spending Boosted Tech Companies

October 9, 2023 5:13 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — An infusion of federal pandemic relief to America’s schools sparked a boom in the education technology sector, an industry where research and evidence are scarce. An Associated Press analysis of public records finds districts including Nevada’s Clark County spent tens of millions of dollars on apps, games and tutoring websites. Schools often have little or no evidence the programs helped students, and some were rarely used. Some Clark County parents say software shouldn’t be a priority in a district with issues including aging buildings and more than 1,100 teacher vacancies. The district declined an interview request. Some critics have called for greater federal oversight of the industry.

Union Workers At Mack Trucks Are On Strike

October 9, 2023 5:12 am

DETROIT (AP) — Union workers at Mack Trucks are on strike after voting down a tentative five-year contract agreement that negotiators had reached with the company. The United Auto Workers said 4,000 unionized workers walked out at 7 a.m. Monday, adding to labor turmoil in the industry that has ensnared all three big Detroit automakers. Union President Shawn Fain said in a letter to Mack parent company Volvo Trucks that 73% of workers voted against the deal in results counted on Sunday. The UAW represents Mack workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. Union leaders had reached a tentative agreement on the deal on Oct. 1.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Seeks Presidency As Independent

October 9, 2023 5:11 am

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he’s declaring his independence from the Democratic Party and all other political parties as he announces he’ll run for president as an independent. Kennedy said Monday from Philadelphia’s Independence Mall he’ll drop his Democratic primary bid. Kennedy speaks of a “rising tide of discontent” in the United States and says he wants to make a “new Declaration of Independence” from corporations, the media and the two major political parties. Kennedy’s decision adds a wrinkle to a 2024 race that’s heading toward a likely rematch between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican ex-President Donald Trump. Allies of Biden and Trump have questioned whether Kennedy would be a spoiler against them.

Some Republicans In Congress Want To Boost Taiwan

October 9, 2023 5:10 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — For some Republicans in Congress, Taiwan and Ukraine are effectively rivals for a limited pool of U.S. military assistance. And seeing China as a bigger threat to the United States than Russia, they argue for doing more to arm Taiwan and stopping the flow of money to Ukraine. But that’s not necessarily how Taiwan and many of its supporters see it. They say China is watching closely to see if the United States has the political stamina to support an ally in a prolonged, costly war. The U.S. aid to Ukraine also has led to weapons manufacturers stepping up production — something that could benefit Taiwan in a clash with China.

Israel Vows To Lay Total Siege To Gaza Strip

October 9, 2023 5:08 am

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has vowed to lay total siege to the Gaza Strip, as its pounds the impoverished, Hamas-ruled territory in the wake of an unprecedented weekend incursion. More than two days after Hamas launched its surprise attack from Gaza, the military said Monday that the fighting within Israel had largely died down for now. Israel’s vaunted military and intelligence apparatus was caught completely off guard, bringing heavy battles to its streets for the first time in decades. Israel formally declared war on Sunday, portending greater fighting and a possible ground assault into Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy the militants’ “military and governing capabilities.”

Powerball Jackpot At $1.55 Billion

October 9, 2023 5:03 am

There is still no jackpot winner in Powerball, as the grand prize jumped to an estimated $1.55 billion after no ticket matched all five white numbers and the red Powerball on Saturday night. The numbers selected were 47-54-57-60-65 and the red Powerball was 19. The current streak of 34 consecutive drawings now trails only the mark of 41, set in 2021 and 2022, according to The Associated Press. If someone wins the big prize on Monday night, they will have two options: An annuity, in which the winner receives one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year, or the lump sum option. Choosing the second option will make the cash value amount approximately $679.8 million before taxes, lottery officials said. A pair of $2 million tickets were sold — one each in Iowa and Maine, lottery officials said.

Jewish Federation Of Pittsburgh Holds Rally

October 9, 2023 5:00 am

PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – People in Pittsburgh rallied for Israel as hundreds continue to suffer because of Hamas terrorist attacks. A crowd of people gathered at the Jewish Community Center on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill for the rally. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh was able to plan the event in just a day. A group of speakers came out to voice their support for Israel. Some spoke about the importance of a strong relationship between Israel and the U.S. and mentioned several Pittsburghers who have moved there. “Because of the values they learned here and the importance of community that they learned here they moved there to defend very small country and keep it safe for people to practice Judaism in a way that isn’t true in any other country in the world,” said Gilboa. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh launched a relief fund to help the victims of the attack.

Homestead Man Identified As Shooting Victim In Indiana

October 9, 2023 4:56 am

WPXI – The Indiana County coroner has identified the man who died following a mass shooting during a party at an Indiana County community center. The man has been identified as 22-year-old Jamar Motae Porterfield Herriot of Homestead. The coroner says he was shot while at a party at the Chevy Chase Community Center and died of his injuries on scene. His manner of death was classified as a homicide, but his cause of death is still pending autopsy results.  Police said dozens of shots were fired and multiple firearms were recovered. Officials are tracking down the renter of the venue and the host and $15,000 in reward money is being offered for information.