March 23, 2023 4:21 am
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Supreme Court has declined to hear most of Republican Kari Lake’s appeal in a challenge of her defeat in the governor’s race, but revived a claim that was dismissed by a trial court. The state’s highest court said a lower-court had erroneously dismissed Lake’s claim challenging the application of signature verification procedures on early ballots in Maricopa County. The court sent the claim back to a trial court to consider. Lake, who lost to Democrat Katie Hobbs by just over 17,000 votes, was among the most vocal 2022 Republican candidates promoting former President Donald Trump’s election lies, which she made the centerpiece of her campaign.
March 23, 2023 4:19 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Approval of President Joe Biden has dipped slightly since a month ago to 38%. That’s nearly the lowest point of his presidency, and comes as his administration tries to project a sense of stability while confronting a pair of bank failures and stubbornly high inflation. The new poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows there have been modest fluctuations in support for Biden over the past several months. In February, 45% said they approved of him. His ratings hit their lowest point of his presidency last July, at 36%, as the full weight of rising gasoline, food and other costs began to hit U.S. households.
March 23, 2023 4:17 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The CEO of TikTok will make a high-profile appearance Thursday before a U.S. Congressional committee to make the case for why the hugely popular video-sharing app shouldn’t be banned. Shou Zi Chew’s testimony comes at a crucial time for the company, which has acquired 150 million American users but is under increasing pressure from U.S. officials concerned about data security and user safety. TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have been swept up in a wider geopolitical battle between Beijing and Washington over trade and technology. Chew, a 40-year-old Singapore native, is making a rare public appearance to counter the volley of accusations that TikTok has been facing.
March 23, 2023 4:13 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Anti-gun violence advocates rallied and packed a legislative hearing in Pennsylvania, where a politically divided government has fought firearms policy to a virtual standstill for decades and rising gun violence has gripped Philadelphia. Thursday’s March For Our Lives rally marks its fifth anniversary since its inception after a 2018 mass shooting at a Florida high school. Hundreds are expected at Thursday’s rally in Harrisburg, which coincides with rallies this week in Florida, Michigan, California and Texas. Pennsylvania’s Legislature hasn’t seriously entertained any new gun restrictions since 2018. But this year a one-seat Democratic majority has taken over the House and is kicking off this session’s debate over gun violence.
March 23, 2023 4:10 am
PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – Plan for another wet morning commute Friday, especially from Pittsburgh south. Rain will be steady at times and could cause ponding on roads with the heaviest rain falling in Washington, Westmoreland, Greene and Fayette counties. Flooding will be a concern for many areas, especially south of I-70 so watch for quickly changing road conditions. By mid morning the steadiest rain will taper to showers with several rain free hours expected early afternoon and evening before the next wave of rain moves in Saturday. PennDOT is advising motorists that the following state roadways are closed at this time due to flooding.
Washington County:
· Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road) is closed between Little Creek Road and Trolley Road in Amwell Township due to flooding.
· Route 2019 is closed from (Almond Road) is closed from Main Street to Chestnut Street in Ellsworth Borough.
March 23, 2023 1:51 am
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — The office of Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman says he’s expected to return to the chamber soon after seeking inpatient treatment for clinical depression. Senate Democratic leaders aren’t giving a timeline for his return. The 53-year-old Fetterman was still recovering from the aftereffects of a stroke from last May when he checked himself into Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 15. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer says “we want to give him the space to recuperate.” Fetterman’s spokesperson says Fetterman will be back soon, although his return is at least a week away. The aide says Fetterman is receiving daily briefings.
March 22, 2023 4:14 pm
DENVER (AP) — Authorities say two school administrators were shot and wounded after a handgun was found during a daily search of a student at a Denver high school. The suspect remained at large following the Wednesday shooting. Police say one of the administrators was critically injured and is undergoing surgery. The second victim was in stable condition. Earlier this month students from the school skipped class and marched to Colorado’s state Capitol to demand stricter gun laws, following the death of a fellow student who was shot while sitting in a car near school.
March 22, 2023 4:22 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Manhattan prosecutors have postponed a scheduled grand jury session in the investigation into Donald Trump over hush money payments during his 2016 presidential campaign. That’s according to four people familiar with the matter who insisted on anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. Three people said the grand jury was told to be on standby for Thursday. The reason for the Wednesday postponement wasn’t clear, but one person said it wasn’t security related. The postponement indicates a vote on whether or not to indict Trump might be at least temporarily pushed back. The grand jury may hear from yet another witness, according to a person familiar with proceedings.
March 22, 2023 4:21 am
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has signed a new law prohibiting transgender people at public schools from using the restroom of their choice. Sanders’ office on Tuesday said she signed the bill, making Arkansas the fourth state to enact such a restriction. The new law will take effect later this summer. It applies to multi-person restrooms and locker rooms at public schools and charter schools serving prekindergarten through 12th grade. The move comes as Arkansas lawmakers are considering a more far-ranging bathroom bill that would criminalize transgender adults using public restrooms that match their gender identity.
March 22, 2023 4:20 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve extended its year-long fight against high inflation by raising its key interest rate a quarter-point despite concerns that higher borrowing rates could worsen the turmoil that has gripped the banking system. “The U.S. banking system is sound and resilient,” the Fed said in a written statement. At the same time, the Fed warned that the financial upheaval stemming from the collapse of two major banks is “likely to result in tighter credit conditions” and “weigh on economic activity, hiring and inflation.” The Fed also signaled that it’s likely nearing the end of its aggressive series of rate hikes.
