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WJPA News Archive

Auto Workers Strike To Drive Up Prices

September 17, 2023 8:10 am

DALLAS (AP) — If the United Auto Workers strike isn’t settled soon, consumers will see higher prices for new cars — and not just the ones from Detroit. On Friday, union members picketed outside a Ford plant, a General Motors plant, and a Stellantis factory. Right now, the automakers have big inventories, so most analysts say there shouldn’t be an immediate shortage of cars. But if the strike drags on and dealers lose manufacturer incentives to cut prices, car buyers will be in for another round of sticker shock. If consumers can’t find a Ford, GM or Stellantis vehicle, they’ll have to turn to nonunion competitors like Toyota, Honda and Tesla, which will be able to raise their prices.

Lee Makes Landfall In United States

September 17, 2023 8:08 am

BAR HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Atlantic storm Lee made landfall at near-hurricane strength, bringing destructive winds, rough surf and torrential rains to New England and Maritime Canada. But officials have withdrawn some warnings for the region and predicted the storm would dissipate on Tuesday. The U.S. National Hurricane Center reported early Sunday that the post-tropical cyclone was about 35 miles west of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and about 225 miles west of Channel-Port Aux Basques, Newfoundland. The center has discontinued a tropical storm warning for the coast of Maine and reports the Canadian Hurricane Centre has ended its tropical storm warning for New Brunswick and parts of Prince Edward Island. The storm is expected to move northeast, taking the weather system across the Canadian Maritimes.

L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Killed

September 17, 2023 8:08 am

PALMDALE, Calif. (AP) — A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy has died after he was shot in his patrol car by an unknown assailant and an investigation is underway that the sheriff says will press all of the department’s resources into action. Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer, 30, died after being transported to Antelope Valley Medical Center in Lancaster. Sheriff Robert Luna said Saturday night the preliminary investigation shows Clinkunbroomer was driving while on duty and fired upon around 6 p.m. He was found unconscious in his vehicle by a person Luna identified as a “good Samaritan” who alerted the Palmdale sheriff’s station. Luna says he believes the shooting was a “targeted attack” but the motive is not yet known.

Kim Heading Back To North Korea After Russia Visit

September 17, 2023 8:06 am

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way home from Russia at the end of a six-day trip that triggered global concerns about weapons transfer deals between the two countries locked in separate standoffs with the West. Kim began his journey back to North Korea Sunday aboard his armored train from the Primorye region in Russia’s Far East, following a farewell ceremony at a train station, according to Russian media. Since entering Russia last Tuesday in his first overseas trip in more than four years, Kim had met President Vladimir Putin and visited key military and technology sites. Earlier Sunday, he was in a lighter mode, touring a university and watching a walrus show at a Russian aquarium.

Trooper Fires Weapon During Greensburg Chase

September 17, 2023 8:04 am

GREENSBURG — The Pennsylvania State Police Troop A Major Case Team is investigating a vehicle pursuit where a trooper fired their weapon Friday night. According to PSP, a member of the Greensburg Patrol Unit tried to stop a red 2002 Chevrolet Silverado around 9:50 p.m. Friday on Klines Way because of traffic violations. The driver didn’t pull over, and a pursuit began. PSP says the driver, described as a white man, fled “in a reckless manner” throughout Hempfield Township and Greensburg. He was speeding when he tried to merge onto US 30 and lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a dirt embankment. When the trooper arrived at the crash, he blocked the on-ramp and gave verbal commands to the driver. When the driver didn’t comply, the trooper tried to make contact through the passenger-side door, finding it locked. PSP says the trooper then moved to the driver’s side window to continue to give verbal commands to the driver and bang on the window. The driver continued to ignore the trooper and was able to restart his vehicle, which had stalled from the crash. After starting the vehicle, PSP says the driver fled “at an accelerated rate,” narrowly missing the trooper still standing at the driver’s side door. PSP says the trooper believed he was in “imminent fear” of getting seriously hurt, so he fired one round at the vehicle. The driver was not hit by the gunfire. The driver then traveled east in the westbound lanes of West Otterman Street. He eventually ran from the car once it became disabled at the intersection with North Hamilton Avenue. Eventually, PSP found the driver and took him into custody. He’s identified as Paul Raymond Good IV, 41, of Jeannette. Good was charged with aggravated assault, recklessly endangering another person, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and DUI. He was taken to the Westmoreland County Prison while awaiting arraignment. The trooper involved will be placed on administrative duties while the incident is under investigation.

One Hospitalized After Crash

September 17, 2023 8:02 am

COLLIER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPXI) — A man is in a hospital after an SUV and pickup truck crashed in Collier Township. Allegheny County Police said the crash happened at 11:37 a.m. outside the Trader Jack’s Flea Market on Steen Road on Saturday. A Mercedes SUV crashed into a Chevy pickup truck. The man who was driving the truck had to be taken to a hospital and is in critical condition. Other people in both vehicles were treated for injuries at the scene but were released. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call Allegheny County Police at 1-833-ALL-TPS.

Man Dead After Getting Hit By Truck

September 17, 2023 8:00 am

SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPXI)— A man is dead after he was hit by a truck tractor at a construction site in South Fayette Township. Allegheny County dispatchers say the accident happened on Saturday at around 12:58 p.m. on Stonegate Drive. Police say the man was loading a flatbed trailer when the truck tractor backed into him. The Allegheny County medical examiner said Lewis Alling, 59, was the man who was hit. He died in the hospital. A Columbia Gas spokesperson said a gas line was also damaged. The driver of the truck was from a third party and did not work for Columbia Gas. Crews turned off the gas leading to the damaged line, making the area safe. They will make permanent repairs after the police are done investigating.

Rally At Washington County Courthouse

September 17, 2023 1:04 am

WASHINGTON, Pa. — Around ten people were part of a rally outside of the Washington County Courthouse voicing their support for inmate rights late Saturday morning into the afternoon. C-4 Empowerment Options titled the rally “Orange Lives Matter”. Supporters wore the color orange to support the inmates of the Washington County Jail against what they say is abuse, corruption, discrimination, misconduct and inhumane treatment of them. Beth Wolfe, heard about the rally on the air earlier today and left work to voice her concerns in front of the courthouse. Her 20-year-old son is an inmate in the County Jail. C-4 Empowerment Owner Carol Jackson says the goal of the rally is to create an independent citizens review board for what they say is mistreatment and misconduct.

Turnpike Reopens After Crash

September 16, 2023 3:00 am

NEW STANTON, Pa. — (WPXI) – A 100-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike reopened Friday morning after crews made repairs after a crash. According to Westmoreland County 911, the crash happened  Thursday afternoon at the 75.8 mile marker on the westbound Turnpike near New Stanton. The Pennsylvania Turnpike said two trucks, a flatbed and a tanker, were involved in the crash. The tanker overturned, went over a hill and hit a tree, officials said. One person was hospitalized after the crash. To safely remove the tanker from the embankment and make repairs to the roadway, the westbound Turnpike were closed between Breezewood (Exit 161) and New Stanton (Exit 75) starting at 11 p.m. Thursday. The massive detour was necessary to safely accommodate the volume of diverted traffic, the Turnpike said.

AP Sources; McCormick Plans To Run For U.S Senate

September 16, 2023 3:00 am

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — David McCormick plans to run for U.S. Senate for a second time in Pennsylvania. According to people familiar with his plans who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to avoid disclosing private conversations, he plans to announce his candidacy next week for the Republican nomination to take on three-term Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. The bid comes just a year after he narrowly lost an expensive and bruising GOP primary to celebrity heart surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz, who was endorsed by Donald Trump. Republicans believe the 58-year-old former hedge fund CEO will mount a serious challenge to Casey in a state that is critical to control of the White House and the Senate.