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WJPA News Archive

Scenery Hill Man Killed In Car Accident

June 30, 2025 2:39 am

The Greene County Coroner says a Scenery Hill man was killed in a vehicle accident early Monday morning. No details are available, pending the completion of an investigation and the results of an autopsy, but they say the accident, which left 22-year-old Brenden MacFann dead, happened just before seven o’clock on State Route 218 in Wayne Township in Greene County.

Russian Air Raids Escalate, Hundreds Of Weapons Airborne

June 29, 2025 7:49 am

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched its biggest aerial attack against Ukraine overnight. The escalating bombing campaign has further dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the 3-year-old war. Ukraine’s air force says the assault involved 537 aerial weapons including drones and missiles, of which 249 were intercepted and 226 were likely jammed. The strikes targeted several regions, including western Ukraine, far from the front lines. Officials confirmed two deaths, one in Kherson and another in the Kharkiv region. Ukraine’s air force said one of its F-16 warplanes supplied by its Western partners crashed after sustaining damage while shooting down air targets. The pilot died.

Squirrel Hill Night Markets Celebrating 10th Anniversary

June 29, 2025 7:46 am

(WPXI) PITTSBURGH — Saturday marked the first of three evenings, and the 10th anniversary, for a popular open-air event. Launched in 2015, the Squirrel Hill Night Markets are hosted along Murray Avenue and feature live music, food trucks, artisan crafts and community groups. Organizers say the event has grown into the Squirrel Hill neighborhood’s largest, drawing more than 10,000 visitors per night. “We’ve seen folks from all walks of life come out and take part in these events,” said Jamison Combs, event director for Uncover Squirrel Hill. “And it’s fun to see not only Squirrel Hill but all over Pittsburgh really reflected in a night like tonight.” Along with the kickoff, the City of Pittsburgh declared Saturday to be “Squirrel Hill Night Market Day” in celebration of the event’s 10th anniversary. Additional night markets will take place Aug. 23 and Sept. 28 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Murray Avenue.

One Dead After Tractor Rollover In Westmoreland County

June 29, 2025 7:44 am

(WPXI) UPPER BURRELL TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man is dead after a tractor rolled over in Westmoreland County. Coroner Tim Carson said Dennis A. Praniewicz, 74, from Upper Burrell Township, was driving a red International Harvester 354 in the area of Fawn Hill Lane. Praniewicz was carrying a bundle of steel rebar strapped to the front-end loader bucket down a grassy hill. The tractor rolled over and he became pinned underneath the right rear tire. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:35 p.m. His cause of death was blunt force and compression injuries. Carson said it is unclear what caused the tractor crash at this time. State Police are working to gather more information. Walker Funeral Home in New Kensington is handling funeral arrangements.

“World Square” Festival Bringing Global Food To Pittsburgh

June 29, 2025 7:43 am

(WPXI) PITTSBURGH — A three-day festival celebrating cultures from all across the world is happening in Pittsburgh called the “World Square.” A diverse collection of vendors gathered in a lot in the city’s Cultural District, near the intersection of Seventh Street and Penn Avenue, to share creations that represent their international community. Foods from baklava and buñuelos to empanadas and wraps are up for grabs, along with various drinks and handcrafted goods. DJ Juan Diego is emceeing the event and is joined by a wide range of performers who will dance and play music. “Every year, World Square serves to showcase local businesses and performances from an array of cultural backgrounds,” said Michelle King, policy coordinator for the City’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). “Creating this space is so important. It provides opportunities for the Pittsburgh community to come together, to connect, and to experience a small taste of the sights, sounds, and flavors that enrich our city.” World Square is free to attend and ends Sunday at 6 p.m.

AHN And Cigna Resolve Contract Dispute

June 29, 2025 7:42 am

(WPXI) Allegheny Health Network and Cigna Healthcare have reached a new agreement, following a contract dispute that threatened beneficiaries. AHN announced Friday that the two organizations had agreed to a three-year contract, securing full, in-network access to AHN services for people insured by Cigna. AHN patients insured by Cigna were notified in early June of an impasse in contract negotiations between the two organizations, the Pittsburgh Business Times reports. Most care would be out of network if a new agreement wasn’t reached by June 30, a letter obtained by the PBT states. AHN says the new contract will run through June 30, 2028. Cigna members with AHN clinical visits or procedures scheduled for next week can keep those appointments. Cigna members with questions about the new contract can contact a Cigna representative using the number on the back of their insurance card or by calling Cigna’s customer service line at 1-800-997-1654.

Sudanese Civil War Overwhelms Chad Border Towns

June 29, 2025 7:37 am

ADRE, Chad (AP) — Sudan’s civil war has overwhelmed a border town in neighboring Chad. Nearly a quarter-million refugees have arrived in Adre and the humanitarian frontline on the edge of one of the world’s most devastating wars is in danger. The U.S.-backed aid system that once kept the refugees alive is fraying. Under the Trump administration, key foreign aid has been slashed. Funding has been withdrawn from U.N. programs that feed, treat and shelter refugees. As thousands of people continue to arrive, aid workers fear more camps will emerge in eastern Chad with less to offer.

Pope Leo XIV Marks Feast Day As Part Of Funding Campaign

June 29, 2025 7:36 am

ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV is marking a feast day as the Vatican launches a new campaign to boost donations from the faithful. Leo celebrated Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, marking the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul. It is typically used for a special collection for Peter’s Pence, a key fundraising initiative. Leo thanked donors who have contributed, saying their financial support was a sign of union with his young pontificate. The Vatican’s promotional efforts this year include videos, posters, and online donation options. Peter’s Pence funds both the Vatican’s operations and papal charity work, but it has faced scandals over mismanagement.

Trump Calls For Ceasefire Deal On Gaza War

June 29, 2025 7:35 am

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump is calling for a deal on the war in Gaza. In between posts about a Senate vote on his tax cuts and spending bill, Trump pleaded early Sunday on his social media platform Truth Social for a deal and the release of hostages. Trump has suggested a ceasefire agreement could happen within a week. An Israeli official says plans are underway for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to travel to Washington in the coming weeks, with a top adviser already heading there for discussions. In Gaza, Israel has ordered evacuations in northern areas during intensifying military operations.

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Party Disbands Under Pressure

June 29, 2025 7:33 am

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s pro-democracy League of Social Democrats has disbanded under intense political pressure. Announced on Sunday, the decision marks another blow to the city’s dwindling opposition amid Beijing’s crackdown following 2019 protests. The group, known for its bold activism, was the last pro-democracy party staging small protests and street advocacy. Chairperson Chan Po-ying said the move was unavoidable but emphasized their contributions to the movement. Since the 2020 national security law, many activists have been jailed and civil society groups dissolved. Critics argue this reflects shrinking freedoms, while Beijing claims the law ensures stability.