News Of Western Pennsylvania And The World
The Republican Attorney General’s Office in Arizona is investigating complaints from some Maricopa County voters that their ballots may have been discarded because they were filled out with Sharpie permanent markers.
Source: Arizona AG investigates whether Sharpie users’ ballots were rejected in battleground state
A crowd has gathered outside the TCF Center in Detroit as election officials informed dozens of Republican vote challengers that they could not reenter the room due to it being over-capacity.
Source: Locked-out Detroit Republican vote challengers furious over lack of access
An international team of planetary scientists led by astronomers at AOP have found an asteroid trailing behind Mars with a composition very similar to the Moon’s. The asteroid could be an ancient piece of debris, dating back to the gigantic impacts that formed the Moon and the other rocky planets
Source: Asteroid Trailing Mars May Be Our Moon’s Long-Lost Twin
The lawsuit in Michigan comes as President Trump faces an ultra-tight race against Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden.
Source: 2020 election: Trump sues over Michigan, Pennsylvania ballots
Pennsylvania expects it to take several days to finish counting votes in Tuesday’s election because of more than 2.4 million mail ballots.
Source: Pennsylvania’s results coming in slow due to heavy voter turnout, mail-in ballots
With no early, blowout victory, the presidential election is likely to hinge on votes that might take a while to be counted.
Source: What We Know As Of Midnight ET: Election Hinges On Key States : NPR
Democrat to make statement while president picks up key state – follow all the latest news….Joe Biden gave a pep talk at about 12:40 AM
13 states could hold the key to the presidential election.
The 2020 presidential election could be decided by just a handful of states and, if anything like 2016, only a small margin of votes in those states could determine the outcome.
The CBS News Battleground Tracker takes a state-by-state approach to emphasize the importance of the electoral college, rather than the national popular vote. The two don’t always match. Regardless of the popular vote, the next president will be decided by which candidate, President Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden, can gather at least 270 votes in the electoral college.This year, CBS News polling has identified six “toss up” states, and seven more that are leaning toward one candidate, but could still swing either way.
Source: 13 swing states to watch in the 2020 U.S. presidential election – CBS News
Tight races are unfolding in Ohio, Florida and North Carolina as President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden battle for the White House in a momentous election unfolding amid the worst pandemic in 100 years.
Source: Polls close: Biden and Trump duking it out in battleground states – CNNPolitics
Pennsylvania, which could be critical in determining who wins the presidency, has emerged as an early focus of online misinformation on Election Day, with much of it coming from the right.
Source: Pennsylvania emerges as early focus of online Election Day misinformation – CNN
A political analysis report says that Democrats expect to gain between 10 and 15 seats in the 435-member House
Source: US House races: Democrats predicted to expand majority | US elections 2020 | The Guardian
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the chief congressional ally of President Donald Trump, defeated his Democratic challenger to capture a seventh term Tuesday and build on his legacy as Kentucky’s longest-serving U.S. senator.
The 78-year-old McConnell defeated Democrat Amy McGrath in the election Tuesday. McGrath is a retired Marine combat pilot who challenged him as a political outsider.
Source: GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell wins 7th term in Kentucky
After months filled with lost revenues and tenants permanently shutting their doors, the company that owns both the Westmoreland and Monroeville malls has filed for bankruptcy protection.
Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL Properties made the announcement Monday, months after the company announced a restructuring plan to help alleviate debt. The move came after the coronavirus pandemic forced malls across the country to close, essentially choking off foot traffic and resulting in lost revenues.
The 107 malls operated by CBL will remain open throughout the bankruptcy process.
“After months of discussions and consideration of a number of alternatives, CBL’s management and the board of directors firmly believe that implementing the comprehensive restructuring … will provide CBL with the best plan to emerge as a stronger and more stable company,” Stephen D. Lebovitz, chief executive officer of CBL, said in a statement.
Source: Owner of Westmoreland, Monroeville malls files for bankruptcy | TribLIVE.com
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., suggested on Sunday that vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, D-Calif., was advancing communist ideas with a video about equity and equality.
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., suggested on Sunday that vice presidential candidate Kamala Harris, D-Calif., was advancing communist ideas with a video about equity and equality.
Narrated by Harris, the video argued in favor of equity, or ensuring people reach the same results, over equality of opportunity.“Equality suggests, ‘oh, everyone should get the same amount,'” Harris said.
MILLENNIALS, GEN Z INCREASINGLY COMFORTABLE WITH SOCIALISM, MARXISM, ACTIVISTS SAY
“The problem with that — not everybody’s starting out from the same place … It’s about giving people the resources and support they need so that everyone can be on equal footing, and then compete on equal footing. Equitable treatment means we all end up at the same place,” she added.
In response to Harris’ tweet, Cheney said: “Sounds just like Karl Marx.” She was referring to the 19th Century philosopher who wrote the “Communist Manifesto.”
“A century of history has shown where that path leads,” she added. “We all embrace equal opportunity, but government-enforced equality of outcomes is Marxism.”
Source: Liz Cheney says Kamala Harris ‘sounds just like Karl Marx’ in video on equity | Fox News
Joe Biden ended up getting tongue-tied during a rally in Michigan on Saturday. Just as he was about to lay a blow against Trump’s healthcare plans, he ended up tripping over his words.
- Joe Biden ended up getting tongue-tied during a rally in Michigan on Saturday
- Just as he was about to lay a blow against Trump about healthcare he ended up tripping over his words as described it as ‘badakathcare’
- Biden has made a number of gaffs during the campaign, but so has Donald Trump who has regularly mispronounced words throughout his presidency
Source: Joe Biden confuses Michigan rally with ‘badakathcare’ comment | Daily Mail Online
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorsed President Trump in an editorial piece published late on Saturday, writing that he “has put America first, just as he said he would.”
Why it matters: The Post-Gazette, which endorsed former President Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, has not supported a Republican presidential nominee since 1972. The paper is also based in a swing state that is crucial to Trump’s victory.
What they’re saying: “We share the embarrassment of millions of Americans who are disturbed by the president’s unpresidential manners and character — his rudeness and put-downs and bragging and bending of the truth.”
- “None of this can be justified. The president’s behavior often has diminished his presidency, and the presidency. Most Americans want a president who makes them proud.”
- “We too prefer the first-class temperament and demeanor of a Winston Churchill, a Dwight Eisenhower, a Franklin Roosevelt, a Ronald Reagan, or a Barack Obama (whom this newspaper enthusiastically supported in 2008 and 2012). None of them are on the ballot this year.”
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette backs Trump in first GOP endorsement since 1972 – Axios
A get-out-the vote rally that ended with North Carolina police pepper spraying and arresting attendants was the result of participants blocking the roadway without authorization, authorities said Saturday.
The Ravens (5-1) face the NFL’s only unbeaten team, the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-0) in a critical AFC North matchup between longtime rivals.
The Ravens have given up the fewest points in the league, while the Steelers have given up the fewest yards per game and lead the NFL in sacks. Both defenses are adept at making game-changing plays, like Humphrey’s forced fumble against Smith-Schuster last year. If this game is decided during the final few minutes, don’t be surprised if a defensive play makes the difference.
Source: Everything You Need to Know: Ravens vs. Steelers
A Greek Orthodox priest who was closing a church in Lyon, France, was shot Saturday by a lone assailant using a sawed-off shotgun, the France National Police said.
The 52-year-old priest was shot in the stomach and his condition is considered life-threatening, according to police and the Lyon prosecutor’s office.
The assailant fled after the shooting and remains at large. A police spokesperson said the shooter was dressed a long black coat and a black beanie, and seemed to be hiding the shotgun under his coat.Residents of the neighborhood and a municipal police patrol reported hearing two shots near the Hellenic Orthodox church in Lyon’s 7th district on Saturday, the Lyon prosecutor’s office said in a statement.They saw a person running and later found the wounded priest at the back door of the church, prosecutors said.A motive for the attack motive remains unknown, according to the statement.
Source: Lyon shooting: Orthodox priest shot with sawed-off shotgun outside church – CNN
A report of a man with a gun led to a school delay in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County.
Hempfield Township school superintendent Dr. Tammy Wolicki said police were in the area of McCabe Drive.
The man involved was taken into custody around 8:45 a.m.A middle school bus was diverted and the start of classes at Maxwell Elementary School was delayed until 10 a.m., with children asked not to arrive until 9:30 a.m. at the earliest.
Source: Report of man with gun leads to delay for one nearby school in Hempfield Township
A new 15,000-square-foot Goodwill store is slated to open in the Penn Hills area with a grand opening date set for Nov. 5.
The store, located at the Penn Hills Shopping Center along Keleket Drive, is expected to create 30 new jobs.
“We are so pleased to move to into this new community. We’ve had many of our shoppers tell us it would be a good location for a Goodwill Store,” Andrew Marano, vice president of donated goods retail at Goodwill SWPA, said in a statement. “We also know there are many donors from the area who will help make this an excellent spot for a Goodwill thrift store.”
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the new store will offer contact-free delivery options for donated goods via a designated drop-off point behind a nearby Giant Eagle location.
At least 27 people were killed in Turkey and Greece when a powerful earthquake hit the Aegean Sea on Friday afternoon, sending buildings crashing down and triggering what authorities have called a “mini tsunami.”
Istanbul, Turkey (CNN)At least 27 people were killed in Turkey and Greece when a powerful earthquake hit the Aegean Sea on Friday afternoon, sending buildings crashing down and triggering what authorities have called a “mini tsunami.”
Officials said 25 people were killed in coastal areas in Turkey’s west, while two teenagers — a boy and a girl — died on the Greek island of Samos after a wall collapsed on them.In Turkey, at least 20 buildings in the city of Izmir alone were destroyed, Mayor Tunc Soyer told CNN Turk. Images showed vehicles crushed under the buildings and people digging through the rubble in search of survivors.At least 804 people have been injured in Turkey, said the country’s disaster agency. Dozens were saved by rescue teams using diggers and helicopters to search for survivors.A total of 470 aftershocks have been recorded, 35 of which were over 4.0 magnitude, the agency added. Search and rescue operations remain under way in eight buildings, while operations have been completed in nine other buildings, the disaster agency said.
Source: Earthquake off Turkey and Greece kills at least 27 – CNN
Raccoons are making themselves at home in a Penn Hills neighborhood.
While the critters may look cute, they’re spreading fear after settling inside a vacant home.
A woman who lives next door told Channel 11 that the family of at least five well-fed raccoons have become a real nuisance.
“When I pull in my driveway at night, I’m always like OK, what am I going to be faced with? Are the raccoons going to be sitting on the porch, are they going to jump out at me?” she said.
Source: Furry neighbors: Penn Hills residents say raccoons moved next door into vacant home
Analysis: Trump complains the media isn’t reporting on Hunter Biden’s emails. But NBC News met obstacles, including Rudy Giuliani, when it tried.
Source: Here’s why the media isn’t reporting on the Hunter Biden emails
Allegheny County says it learned Friday evening that 237 ballots have been challenged in the county.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Allegheny County says it learned Friday evening that 237 ballots have been challenged in the county.
A letter sent to the county says the Republican Committee of Allegheny County submitted “approximately 236” challenges about absentee/mail-in ballot voter eligibility.
The letter says the Republican Committee of Allegheny County submitted the challenges “after comparing the voter ID numbers on Allegheny County’s publicly available list of individuals who have requested absentee ballots against the voter ID numbers on the Commonwealth’s publicly available close of business voter file.”
According to the letter, the voter ID numbers don’t appear on the Commonwealth’s publicly available close of business voter file, and it says this suggests those challenged might not be registered Pennsylvania electors.
A county spokesperson says the elections office received the money required to file the challenges from the Republican Committee of Allegheny County.
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Source: More Than 200 Ballots Being Challenged In Allegheny County – CBS Pittsburgh
The whereabouts of an untold number of ballots in Pennsylvania’s Butler County that were slated for delivery to would-be voters in next week’s election remain unaccounted for, the county’s director of elections said Thursday.
(CNN)The whereabouts of an untold number of ballots in Pennsylvania’s Butler County that were slated for delivery to would-be voters in next week’s election remain unaccounted for, the county’s director of elections said Thursday.
Postal officials say they are unaware of any issues, but the director, Aaron Sheasley, said the county has received in excess of 10,000 phone calls seeking information about ballots that were requested but not received, and that some callers have called multiple times.
Source: Thousands call Pennsylvania county about requested ballots that never arrived – CNNPolitics
Acting as the county’s salary board, Republican commissioners Sean Kertes and Doug Chew, along with Republican Controller Jeff Balzer, approved the financial package for the auditors. It’s a move Balzer said was needed to retain a quality staff and was recommended by the county’s human resources department.
Gina Cerilli, a second-term Democrat, claimed Balzer threatened to shutter his auditing department and hire outside staff to complete those mandated functions should the proposed raises be rejected.
Balzer denied that a threat was made but conceded that during a private meeting last week he suggested that the hiring of an outside firm to perform the county’s routine auditing would be costly.
“It was a talking point and I don’t have the authority to do that,” Balzer said. “Once again, she’s exposed her inexperience in government and claims she knows everything.”
Kertes and Chew, first-term Republicans, supported the raises and said they were cheaper than hiring private auditors.
Source: Westmoreland commissioner claims county pay raises result of political threat | TribLIVE.com
By Mark Belko
It’s 15 minutes past noon on a sunny October weekday — typically a bustling time for the food court at Fifth Avenue Place, Downtown.
But with the pandemic still raging and much of the city’s office staff working from home, the lunch counters are dark — and it’s eerily quiet.
Instead of the chattering din of a crowd, the only sound that can be heard is the whirring of the escalators rotating in a ghostly, endless loop. A sign declaring “Line Starts Here” at the end of a retractable rope at the shuttered Rosso Pizzeria stands as a mocking reminder of normal times.
Just outside, despite the unusually warm weather, the sidewalks are sparsely peppered with pedestrians.
Across the street, there are no lines at McDonald’s, while the swanky Eddie Merlot’s restaurant is closed except for takeout until dinnertime. Down the street at the Sly Fox Taphouse, just two outdoor tables are occupied. There are no customers inside.
During these unsettling times, parking garages sit nearly empty, and many restaurants and businesses that rely on the regular swarm of office workers into town have been forced to close, at least temporarily.
Amid a fall surge in COVID-19 cases and with the governor’s mandate to work remotely still in force, the scene is unlikely to change any time soon.
One of Pittsburgh’s signature skyscrapers, Fifth Avenue Place is the headquarters for health care giant Highmark Health, which occupies 26 floors in the now largely empty 31-story building.
“We continue to plan for a safe, phased and gradual return to work for our non-clinical employees after Jan. 1, subject to re-evaluation … as we draw closer to that date,” spokeswoman Janice Maszle said recently in an email. “The health and safety of our employees remain paramount.”
Source: Surge in COVID-19 cases creates another roadblock for office workers | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
While nearly 50,000 mail-in ballots from Westmoreland voters have been returned to the county’s Election Bureau, a number of residents have not received either the mail-in or absentee ballot they requested.
• If you have applied prior to the deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday, come to the Election Bureau in Greensburg where the original ballot will be voided and a new ballot will be issued. Ballots can be completed immediately or at home and returned by mail, in-person or at a drop box.
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
