Top Stories category, Page 457
Defense claims prosecutor misconduct during 2016 trial for New Stanton motel killing
The lawyer for a McKeesport man convicted of first-degree murder at a New Stanton motel is accusing prosecutors of misconduct during a 2016 trial. Attorney Chris Rand Eyster said prosecutors failed to adequately disclose key information regarding pending federal charges against an eyewitness. The eyewitness testified that she saw Christopher...
United Methodists endorse change that could give regions more say on LGBTQ, other issues
United Methodist delegates have overwhelmingly endorsed a constitutional amendment seen by advocates as a way of defusing debates over the role of LGBTQ people in the church by giving rule-making autonomy to each region of the international church. Delegates voted 586-164 on Thursday for the “regionalization” proposal on the third...
President Joe Biden says he’s ‘happy to debate’ Donald Trump during interview with Howard Stern
NEW YORK — President Joe Biden said Friday that he is willing to debate his presumptive Republican opponent, Donald Trump, later this fall — his most definitive comment yet on the issue. The comment came during an interview with the Sirius XM radio host Howard Stern, who asked Biden whether...
Mt. Pleasant man charged in connection with Jan. 6 riot in Washington, D.C.
A man arrested Thursday in Mt. Pleasant is accused of following a crowd into the U.S. Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021. William Irvin Fuller, 31, was taken into custody on federal charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted...
Trump’s lawyers try to discredit testimony of prosecution’s lead witness in hush money trial
NEW YORK — Donald Trump’s defense team in his hush money case sought Friday to undermine the testimony of the prosecution’s lead witness and his account that a tabloid’s practice of helping to bury embarrassing stories about Trump was part of a scheme to aid the Republican’s 2016 campaign. Returning...
Where is the last Ponderosa Steakhouse in Pennsylvania?
Employees of Pennsylvania’s last Ponderosa Steakhouse along Route 8 in Butler County are used to customers taking parking lot selfies and making a big fuss over the staying power of this Ponderosa. Server Denise Morin, 58, has worked at the Ponderosa in Center Township for 40 years. It opened in...
Rooting for Trump to fail has made his stock shorters millions
NEW YORK — Rooting for Donald Trump to fail has rarely been this profitable. Just ask a hardy band of mostly amateur Wall Street investors who have collectively made tens of millions of dollars over the past month by betting that the stock price of his social media business —...
Western Pennsylvania restaurant workers dish on dining etiquette
Workers in the food service industry have their plates full navigating menus, taking orders, making drinks, cleaning tables and running food orders — all while keeping customers happy. The restaurant industry generates more than $28 billion in tips annually, according to a 2023 report from Gitnux, which specializes in consumer...
Two sheriffs lash out at Pittsburgh district judge over bail decision
Sheriffs in two different states on Friday ripped into a Pittsburgh district judge for releasing a man they called a “violent” defendant into the community instead of keeping him in jail. The blistering comments from the sheriffs of Allegheny County and Polk County, Fla. came after sheriff’s deputies in Florida...
5 things to do in Pittsburgh: April 26-28
Rain or shine, it’s a good weekend to get out and about. Here are some things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend. August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party Legendary Pittsburgh playwright August Wilson will be celebrated with a birthday block party this Saturday. Held at the August Wilson House, 1727...
Downtown living eyed in next steps of New Kensington’s ongoing revitalization
An early part of redeveloping New Kensington’s downtown has focused on attracting new businesses in an effort to draw more people to the area. The next step in revitalizing the city’s downtown will be getting more people to live there, officials say. Mike Malcanas, owner of Olde Towne Overhaul, said...
Steelers take offensive tackle for 2nd straight draft, selecting Washington’s Troy Fautanu
After ignoring tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft for more than two decades, the Pittsburgh Steelers lately have made it a trendy position on their board. For the second time in as many years, the Steelers selected a tackle with their top pick. Holding the No. 20...
Clairton man wanted in connection with Mount Oliver shooting, victim critical
Allegheny County Police are searching for a Clairton man who is wanted in connection with a robbery and shooting Tuesday in Mount Oliver that critically wounded another man. The suspect, 29-year-old Dorian Ingram, should be treated as potentially armed and dangerous, police said. Described as 6 feet, 1 inch tall...
Growing Greensburg Night Market boosts foot traffic, profile for downtown retail district
Greensburg’s Night Market kicked off its sixth season of vendor browsing and live music Thursday evening, as the city’s civic and business leaders looked forward to the spotlight the monthly event shines on the downtown retail area. Mayor Robb Bell said he’s been amazed by the event’s growth along several...
Old family friends become killer and victim, leading to prison for Braddock man
Cecil Foreman’s family had a longtime relationship with the Kelleys. They all grew up together and had remained friends for decades. Foreman considered 22-year-old Michael Kelley to be like a nephew. But those bonds weren’t enough to stop an argument between the men from turning into a fatal shooting more...
Casey, McCormick agree to 3 debates across Pa. in U.S. Senate race
With the primary election just barely in the rearview mirror, the candidates for Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate wasted no time in thinking ahead to November. Incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey announced Thursday he wants to participate in three debates this fall. Casey, of Scranton, proposed holding debates in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia,...
‘I just worked, worked, worked.’ Harrison’s Erin McClelland scores upset in Pa. treasurer primary
Outspent and facing an opponent who had won a slew of major endorsements, Erin McClelland engineered the biggest upset in Pennsylvania during Tuesday’s primary, securing the Democratic nomination for state treasurer. McClelland, 49, of Harrison said her public speaking skills, the missteps of her Democratic opponent and her travel across...
Strict new EPA rules would force coal-fired power plants to capture emissions or shut down
WASHINGTON — Coal-fired power plants would be forced to capture smokestack emissions or shut down under a rule issued Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency. New limits on greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric plants are the Biden administration’s most ambitious effort yet to roll back planet-warming pollution from...
Higher internet costs could be on the way for low-income Pa. residents as federal subsidies run out
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. HARRISBURG — Thousands of Pennsylvanians could soon be hit with higher internet bills when a federal program that gives a discount to low-income households starts...
USC cancels graduation ceremony as college officials worry about pro-Palestinian protest disruptionsVideo
The University of Southern California canceled its main stage graduation ceremony Thursday as college officials across the U.S. worried that ongoing campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war could disrupt May commencement ceremonies. Some universities called in police to break up the demonstrations, resulting in ugly scuffles and dozens of arrests,...
Fayette County district attorney working with forensic anthropologist in death of 17-year-old
It will take some time before authorities can come to an official conclusion about what led to the death of 17-year-old Kaitlin Whoolery, according to Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele. Whoolery’s remains were found this month in North Union, months after she was last seen in November. Local authorities...
Pittsburgh police arrest victim’s neighbor in West End homicide
Pittsburgh police have arrested a West End man in the fatal shooting last month of his 22-year-old friend and neighbor. Lontae Smith was shot March 25 in the 1400 block of Harlow Street, where he lived, in Pittsburgh’s Chartiers City neighborhood. Police responded after an alert at 9:54 p.m. by...
Cornel West speaks at pro-Palestine encampment in Oakland
Professor, philosopher and activist Cornel West spoke Thursday at the encampment in Oakland where pro-Palestinian demonstrators are demanding that the University of Pittsburgh divest from any war-related investment in Israel. West, who is also running for president as an independent, showed up at Schenley Plaza to speak during a rally...
Supreme Court seems skeptical of Trump’s claim of absolute immunity but decision’s timing is unclear
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Thursday appeared likely to reject former President Donald Trump’s claim of absolute immunity from prosecution over election interference, but it seemed possible Trump could still benefit from a lengthy trial delay, possibly beyond November’s election. Chief Justice John Roberts was among at least five...
40th annual Sewickley House Tour features net zero home
A Sewickley couple transformed a row of neighborhood garages into a net zero home, meaning the residence makes as much electricity as it uses. “We were driven by energy savings,” said Greg Kaminski, who owns the house with his wife Susan. ”We are climate change people. We want a low...
