Union Workers At Mack Trucks Are On Strike

October 9, 2023 5:12 am

DETROIT (AP) — Union workers at Mack Trucks are on strike after voting down a tentative five-year contract agreement that negotiators had reached with the company. The United Auto Workers said 4,000 unionized workers walked out at 7 a.m. Monday, adding to labor turmoil in the industry that has ensnared all three big Detroit automakers. Union President Shawn Fain said in a letter to Mack parent company Volvo Trucks that 73% of workers voted against the deal in results counted on Sunday. The UAW represents Mack workers in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida. Union leaders had reached a tentative agreement on the deal on Oct. 1.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Seeks Presidency As Independent

October 9, 2023 5:11 am

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he’s declaring his independence from the Democratic Party and all other political parties as he announces he’ll run for president as an independent. Kennedy said Monday from Philadelphia’s Independence Mall he’ll drop his Democratic primary bid. Kennedy speaks of a “rising tide of discontent” in the United States and says he wants to make a “new Declaration of Independence” from corporations, the media and the two major political parties. Kennedy’s decision adds a wrinkle to a 2024 race that’s heading toward a likely rematch between Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican ex-President Donald Trump. Allies of Biden and Trump have questioned whether Kennedy would be a spoiler against them.

Some Republicans In Congress Want To Boost Taiwan

October 9, 2023 5:10 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — For some Republicans in Congress, Taiwan and Ukraine are effectively rivals for a limited pool of U.S. military assistance. And seeing China as a bigger threat to the United States than Russia, they argue for doing more to arm Taiwan and stopping the flow of money to Ukraine. But that’s not necessarily how Taiwan and many of its supporters see it. They say China is watching closely to see if the United States has the political stamina to support an ally in a prolonged, costly war. The U.S. aid to Ukraine also has led to weapons manufacturers stepping up production — something that could benefit Taiwan in a clash with China.

Israel Vows To Lay Total Siege To Gaza Strip

October 9, 2023 5:08 am

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel has vowed to lay total siege to the Gaza Strip, as its pounds the impoverished, Hamas-ruled territory in the wake of an unprecedented weekend incursion. More than two days after Hamas launched its surprise attack from Gaza, the military said Monday that the fighting within Israel had largely died down for now. Israel’s vaunted military and intelligence apparatus was caught completely off guard, bringing heavy battles to its streets for the first time in decades. Israel formally declared war on Sunday, portending greater fighting and a possible ground assault into Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to destroy the militants’ “military and governing capabilities.”

Powerball Jackpot At $1.55 Billion

October 9, 2023 5:03 am

There is still no jackpot winner in Powerball, as the grand prize jumped to an estimated $1.55 billion after no ticket matched all five white numbers and the red Powerball on Saturday night. The numbers selected were 47-54-57-60-65 and the red Powerball was 19. The current streak of 34 consecutive drawings now trails only the mark of 41, set in 2021 and 2022, according to The Associated Press. If someone wins the big prize on Monday night, they will have two options: An annuity, in which the winner receives one immediate payment followed by 29 annual payments that increase by 5% each year, or the lump sum option. Choosing the second option will make the cash value amount approximately $679.8 million before taxes, lottery officials said. A pair of $2 million tickets were sold — one each in Iowa and Maine, lottery officials said.

Jewish Federation Of Pittsburgh Holds Rally

October 9, 2023 5:00 am

PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – People in Pittsburgh rallied for Israel as hundreds continue to suffer because of Hamas terrorist attacks. A crowd of people gathered at the Jewish Community Center on Forbes Avenue in Squirrel Hill for the rally. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh was able to plan the event in just a day. A group of speakers came out to voice their support for Israel. Some spoke about the importance of a strong relationship between Israel and the U.S. and mentioned several Pittsburghers who have moved there. “Because of the values they learned here and the importance of community that they learned here they moved there to defend very small country and keep it safe for people to practice Judaism in a way that isn’t true in any other country in the world,” said Gilboa. The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh launched a relief fund to help the victims of the attack.

Homestead Man Identified As Shooting Victim In Indiana

October 9, 2023 4:56 am

WPXI – The Indiana County coroner has identified the man who died following a mass shooting during a party at an Indiana County community center. The man has been identified as 22-year-old Jamar Motae Porterfield Herriot of Homestead. The coroner says he was shot while at a party at the Chevy Chase Community Center and died of his injuries on scene. His manner of death was classified as a homicide, but his cause of death is still pending autopsy results.  Police said dozens of shots were fired and multiple firearms were recovered. Officials are tracking down the renter of the venue and the host and $15,000 in reward money is being offered for information.

Trump Asking Iowans To Help Him ‘Win Big’ At Caucuses

October 8, 2023 7:57 am

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Donald Trump is calling for a show of strength in Iowa, arguing before big audiences that dominating in the Republican presidential caucuses in January would signal to voters around the country his strength in the November election next year. Trump’s afternoon stops in Waterloo and Cedar Rapids were his third and fourth in a little more than two weeks, part of a stepped-up campaign schedule. Late-summer polls of likely GOP caucus attendees showed Trump well ahead of his opponents. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hopes to reignite attention with a stepped-up Iowa campaign and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is seeking to seize on new interest since the two GOP presidential debates.

Earthquakes Kill Over 2,000 In Afghanistan

October 8, 2023 7:54 am

ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Taliban government spokesperson says the death toll from strong earthquakes that shook western Afghanistan has jumped to more than 2,000. It’s one of the deadliest earthquakes to strike the country in two decades. The United States Geological Survey reported that the initial quake in Herat province on Saturday had a magnitude of 6.3. That was followed by three strong aftershocks measuring 6.3, 5.9 and 5.5. The government spokesperson said Sunday the death toll is higher than originally reported. Villages have been destroyed, and hundreds of civilians have been buried under the debris, he said while calling for urgent help.

Israel Battles Hamas For Second Day

October 8, 2023 7:54 am

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli soldiers are battling Hamas fighters in the streets of southern Israel and launching retaliation strikes across Gaza. The fighting was still underway on Sunday more than 24 hours after the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented incursion into Israel. The fighters took captives back into the coastal enclave, including women, children and the elderly, who they will likely try to trade for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israeli media say at least 300 people have been killed, including 26 soldiers. Palestinian officials say more than 300 people have killed in Gaza. A brief exchange of strikes between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group meanwhile raised fears of a broader conflict.