May 19, 2022 2:16 am
(WPXI) – A Commonwealth Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that essentially bars the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation from moving forward with plans to toll I-79 and eight other bridges across the state. PennDOT revealed a private-public partnership to toll a section of I-79 near Bridgeville to raise money to repair and replace the bridges and interchanges. They also proposed a similar plan for eight other state bridges. The judge issued the ruling Wednesday in a case that was brought forth by Cumberland County about the tolling of Interstate 83. Cumberland County said the state failed to follow the proper steps to approve the partnership. The judge agreed with the county, issuing the ruling that bans PennDOT from taking any further action with the plans to toll Interstate 83 and the eight other bridges, including the one in Bridgeville.
May 18, 2022 12:13 pm
MIAMI (AP) – “The Greatest Show on Earth” is making a comeback – without animal acts – five years after shutting down its three-ring circus. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey announced Wednesday that their show will go on in September 2023. It will be interactive, featuring audience engagement, and celebrate performers from around the world, displaying what it calls “incredible feats that push the limits of human potential.” The Florida-based company says it is conducting a global talent search, with rehearsals beginning next month for a tour next year that will visit more than 50 cities in North America. (Photo: Wikipedia)
May 18, 2022 4:27 am
SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) – The roommate of the man charged with the mass shooting at a Southern California church says Chou was quiet and kind during the three months they lived together. Police say 68-year-old David Wenwei Chou was motivated by hatred of Taiwan when he opened fire Sunday on a congregation of mainly elderly Taiwanese. Jordin Davis lived with Chou in Las Vegas. He told The Associated Press Tuesday that Chou only spoke about Taiwan once less than two weeks ago. Chou was born and raised in Taiwan. Davis says Chow believed that the Taiwanese government was corrupt. Chou is charged with murder and attempted murder in the shooting that killed one and wounded five.
May 18, 2022 4:26 am
CONKLIN, N.Y. (AP) – Classmates and neighbors of the Buffalo shooting suspect say they never saw the violent and angry side that allegedly fueled his racist massacre over the weekend that killed 10 Black people. Payton Gendron was described as quiet, socially awkward and isolated in his high school senior year. But there was one troubling sign. Gendron threatened “murder-suicide” in an economics class a year ago, and had a mental health evaluation. He was released after a day and a half and fell off the radar of investigators. He is now jailed on a murder charge under suicide watch.
May 18, 2022 4:25 am
WASHINGTON (AP) – A new report says decisions by Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden to pull all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan were the key factors in the collapse of that nation’s military, leading to the Taliban takeover last year. The report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction mirrors assertions made by senior Pentagon and military leaders. Those contentions came in the aftermath of the U.S. troop withdrawal that ended last August in the chaotic evacuation of Americans and other civilians from the embattled country. Military leaders have said they recommended leaving about 2,500 U.S. troops in the country, but that plan was not approved.
May 18, 2022 4:24 am
LONDON (AP) – Britain’s inflation rate rose to the highest level in 40 years last month as Russia’s war in Ukraine fueled further increases in food and fuel prices. The Office of National Statistics says consumer price inflation accelerated to 9% in the 12 months through April, from 7% the previous month. That is the highest rate since sometime in 1982, when inflation reached 11%, according to statistical modeling by the ONS. áMillions of households across Britain were hit with a 54% jump in gas and electricity bills last month after regulators boosted the energy price cap to reflect previous increases in wholesale prices. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put further pressure on food and energy prices.
May 18, 2022 4:23 am
BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Idaho Gov. Brad Little has won the GOP gubernatorial primary, beating a Trump-backed challenger. Tuesday’s intraparty contest between Little and Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin was an example of the choice GOP voters face nationwide between established candidates and insurgents endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Little and McGeachin frequently feuded over coronavirus precautions and the role of government. Last year, McGeachin twice attempted a power grab when Little was out of state on business. Republicans are almost guaranteed of winning in the general election as Democrats haven’t held the governor’s office since 1995 or statewide office since 2007.
May 18, 2022 4:22 am
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – First-term U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn has lost to North Carolina state Sen. Chuck Edwards in the Republican congressional primary. Luke Ball, a spokesperson for Cawthorn’s campaign, told The Associated Press late Tuesday that Cawthorn had conceded the race before the AP called it for Edwards. A fast-food franchise owner, Edwards’ victory advances him to the November election against Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara. Several GOP leaders had turned away from the 26-year-old, pro-Donald Trump congressman, with some citing a series of unforced errors.
May 18, 2022 4:20 am
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) – Ukrainian fighters extracted from the last bastion of resistance in Mariupol were taken to a former penal colony in enemy-controlled territory, and a top military official hoped they could be exchanged for Russian prisoners of war. But a Moscow lawmaker said they should be brought to “justice.” The Russian parliament plans to take up a resolution Wednesday to prevent the exchange of Azov Regiment fighters, who held out for months inside the Azovstal steelworks while Mariupol was under siege. Ukraine’s deputy defense minister said negotiations for the fighters’ release were ongoing, as were plans to rescue fighters who are still inside the sprawling steel mill.
May 18, 2022 4:18 am
BRUSSELS (AP) – NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg says that Finland and Sweden have applied for membership amid concerns over Russia’s war on Ukraine. Stoltenberg says NATO allies agree “that this is an historic moment which we must seize.” The applications submitted Wednesday must now be weighed by the 30 member countries. That process is expected to take about two weeks. But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed reservations about Finland and Sweden joining. The two could officially become members once their accession protocols are ratified if Erdogan’s objections are overcome, That could take a few months. The process usually takes eight to 12 months. But NATO wants to move quickly given the threat from Russia hanging over the Nordic countries’ heads.
