6 Killed In Russian Attacks On Ukraine

October 15, 2023 7:56 am

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian officials say six people have been killed in Russian attacks on the country in the past 24 hours. Guided bombs hit key infrastructure in the city of Kherson, sparking a partial blackout and disruption to the area’s water supply. Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry announced Sunday that Ukraine had launched 27 drones in an overnight attack on western Russia. Officials said that 18 drones were shot down over the Kursk region, leading to speculation in the Russian press that the attack could have been targeting the nearby Khalino military airfield. Officials also said that two more had been shot down over Russia’s Belgorod region, but did not confirm the fate of the remaining seven drones.

Packed Gaza Hospitals Warn Thousands Could Die

October 15, 2023 7:55 am

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Medics in Gaza are warning that thousands could die as hospitals packed with wounded people run desperately low on fuel and basic supplies. Palestinians are struggling to find food, water and safety ahead of an expected Israeli ground offensive in the war sparked by Hamas’ deadly attack. A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished entire neighborhoods but failed to stem militant rocket fire into Israel. The Gaza Health Ministry said over 2,300 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting erupted, making this the deadliest of five Gaza wars for both sides. More than 1,300 Israelis have been killed, the vast majority of them civilians killed in Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault.

Three People Will Face Attempted Homicide Charges

October 15, 2023 4:00 am

Three people will face attempted homicide charges for their alleged roles in a July 23 drive by shooting on Perry Como Street in Canonsburg. Dillon Britt, 31 of Canonsburg, Brett Carroll, 30 of Washington and Jessica Chatman-Carroll, 34 of Houston jointly had preliminary hearings on Friday. Testimony was highlighted by Chatman-Carroll’s testimony where she admitted to voluntarily driving Britt and Carroll to the location of the shooting. She said she was shown a snap chat message that indicted that Eric Ellis made threats that included children. Those threats involving children made up her mind to participate. She described the incident as it was depicted in a surveillance video played in court. Under cross examination, she stated that she was not represented by an attorney nor did she make any deal with law enforcement officials. Her only reason for testifying is because of the threats made about children. Chatman-Carroll is free on $100,000 unsecured bond. Britt and Carroll remain in the Washington County jail unable to post $350,000 monetary bond each.

Republicans Pick Jim Jordan As Nominee For House Speaker

October 14, 2023 4:42 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have chosen firebrand Rep. Jim Jordan as their new nominee for House speaker, putting the gavel within reach of the staunch ally of GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump. Electing Jordan, a founding member of the Freedom Caucus, to the powerful position second in line to the presidency would move the GOP’s far right into a central seat of U.S. power. Jordan, of Ohio, will now try to unite colleagues from the deeply divided House GOP majority ahead of a public vote on the floor, possibly next week. Republicans split 124-81 in Friday’s private vote, though a second secret ballot nudged his tally higher.

Hunter Biden Investigations Lead To Ethical Concerns

October 14, 2023 4:39 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ethical concerns are casting a shadow over President Joe Biden as he seeks reelection amid ongoing investigations into his son Hunter Biden and a presidential impeachment inquiry. A new poll shows that 35% of U.S. adults believe the president himself has done something illegal. An additional 33% say they think the president behaved unethically, but not illegally. And 30% say Biden did nothing wrong. The results of the survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reflect both a vast political divide and skepticism about the morality of government leaders.

Sen. Joe Manchin Considers Independent 2024 Run

October 14, 2023 4:37 am

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin has benefited from waiting to reveal where he stood as the swing vote in a chamber closely divided between Democrats and Republicans. He’s taken the same approach when it comes to the next phase of his political career. The moderate Democrat has teased possible retirement, a run for reelection to the Senate or even a presidential campaign in 2024 — possibly as an independent candidate. During a multi-day trip to West Virginia’s state capital this week, the 76-year-old expressed growing frustration with the polarized U.S. two-party system. He said unless it changes, the system “will be the downfall of our country.”

Palestinians Flee Gaza After Israel Orders Mass Evacuation

October 14, 2023 4:33 am

and stages brief ground incursions

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Palestinians are scrambling to flee northern Gaza after Israel’s military told about 1 million people to leave for the southern part of the besieged territory. Israel carried out some limited ground operations ahead of an expected wider land offensive against Gaza’s militant Hamas rulers following their attack into southern Israel a week ago. The unprecedented evacuation order applies to almost half of Gaza’s population, including everyone in Gaza City. Israel renewed calls on social media and in leaflets dropped from the air for some 1 million people to relocate on Saturday. Hamas urged people to stay in their homes. The U.N. and aid groups had said such a rapid exodus would cause untold human suffering.

Pittsburgh Plastic Bag Ban Begins

October 14, 2023 4:11 am

PITTSBURGH -(WPXI)- Pittsburgh’s plastic bag ban goes into effect Saturday, Oct. 14. It was originally scheduled for April but was pushed back to give retailers extra time to get ready. City officials say the change is about preserving the environment. “We’re letting our customers know that tonight will be the last night they get the blue bag,” Cindi Donaldson said. She’s the manager of a Kuhn’s Markets location in Pittsburgh’s Marshall-Shadeland neighborhood. The plastic bags will be replaced with brown paper bags. They aren’t free. Shoppers will have to pay 10 cents apiece for them. They are also encouraged to use their own reusable bags. Donaldson says her store has a unique problem. “The bad thing for our store is a lot of the customers walk. So, it’s like, their grocery shopping is now going to be limited to maybe one bag in both arms. Or, if they’re really hefty, two bags.” Retailers will have the ability to empty any leftover bag stock until the end of the year. There are two Kuhn’s locations in Pittsburgh. Donaldson says they are both making the switch Saturday and will send any unused bags to stores outside the city. “If they go someplace else because of the plastic bags, that’s kind of hard. I would hate to lose business. Let’s put it that way,” Donaldson said. The paper bag fee does not apply to WIC or SNAP recipients.

Pennsylvania Flags To Fly At Half Staff

October 14, 2023 4:08 am

Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that all United States flags and all Commonwealth flags will be flown at half staff on all Commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds. This is to honor Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez who was killed in the line of duty on October 12. The honor will last until sunset on the date of interment. That date has not been announced. All Pennsylvanians are invited to participate.

GOP Picks Jim Jordan As Next Candidate For Speaker

October 13, 2023 3:21 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have chosen Jim Jordan as their new nominee for House speaker during internal party voting. Friday’s vote puts the staunch ally of Donald Trump within reach of the speaker’s gavel. The Ohio congressman now must secure support from the rest of his colleagues ahead of a House floor vote. That could push into next week. Jordan is the hard-line chairman of the Judiciary Committee. He emerged after Majority Leader Steve Scalise abruptly ended his bid when it became clear holdouts refused to back him. Frustrated Republicans have been searching desperately to try to replace ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy.