Western PA News

Illinois meat store responds to Biden admin accusing producers of illegally fixing prices | Fox Business

The owner of an Illinois retail and wholesale meat store told FOX Business he has been increasing prices for his products as the industry grapples with higher raw material costs, global supply chain challenges and a rebound in demand.

This as the Biden administration announced it plans to take a tougher stance toward meatpacking companies the White House argues are causing higher prices for meat at grocery stores.

Richard Whittingham, the owner of R. Whittingham & Sons Meat Co., told Jeff Flock during an interview on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast” on Thursday that he doesn’t blame the processors for the spike in prices, but acknowledged that “competition never hurts anybody,” noting that “that is what built our country.”

In a Wednesday blog post, President Biden’s top aides blamed the four companies that control much of the meat processing market in the U.S. for the price spikes.

In the post, the aides acknowledged that “factors like increased consumer demand have played a role” in higher prices, but argued that “the price increases are also driven by a lack of competition at a key bottleneck point in the meat supply chain: meat-processing.”

The aides wrote that “Just four large conglomerates control the majority of the market for each of these three products, and the data show that these companies have been raising prices while generating record profits during the pandemic.”

The post pointed to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which noted that just four firms “control approximately 55-85% of the market” for beef, pork, and poultry, pointing out that the figure reflects “dramatic consolidation of the industry” over the last 50 years.

Source: Illinois meat store responds to Biden admin accusing producers of illegally fixing prices | Fox Business

Japan, Vietnam sign defense transfer deal amid China worries

TOKYO (AP) — Japan can now give defense equipment and technology to Vietnam under an agreement signed Saturday, as the two countries step up their military cooperation amid worries about China’s growing military influence.

Japan’s Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the deal elevates their defense partnership “to a new level” and that Japan and Vietnam plan to deepen defense ties through multinational joint exercises and other means. Details about the transfer of specific equipment, including naval vessels, will be worked out in subsequent talks, the ministry said.

Kishi’s meeting with his Vietnamese counterpart, Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi coincided with a two-day visit to the Vietnamese capital by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He wrapped up his visit by saying China plans to donate 3 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine to Vietnam.

The agreement comes two weeks after the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris travelled to Vietnam to strengthen ties with the Southeast Asian nation. During the tour, Harris urged countries to stand up against “bullying” by China in the South China Sea.

Source: Japan, Vietnam sign defense transfer deal amid China worries

Israeli jets strike Gaza after 2nd rocket attack in 24 hours | The Times of Israel

The Israel Defense Forces overnight Saturday-Sunday carried out another round of retaliatory airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, following two rocket attacks on southern Israel in less than 24 hours.

The military said the raids targeted a Hamas underground rocket production workshop, weapons storage site, training facility, and tunnel. The IDF said it holds Hamas responsible for all rockets emanating from the enclave.

Earlier Saturday night, Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at southern Israel, raising the specter of renewed conflict. The rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. The attack triggered sirens in the town of Sderot and surrounding communities in southern Israel.

A 29-year-old man sustained a light head wound after he fell while running to a bomb shelter. He was taken to Ashkelon’s Barzilai Medical Center for treatment, medics said.

Shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, Palestinian terrorists in the Gaza Strip fired a single rocket towards Israel that was intercepted by the Iron Dome system, the army said. The rocket triggered warning sirens in the Eshkol region and local residents reported hearing several explosions. There were no reports of injuries or damage.

Source: Israeli jets strike Gaza after 2nd rocket attack in 24 hours | The Times of Israel

Trump makes surprise visit to New York police and firefighters on 9/11

Former President Trump made a surprise visit with New York City police and firefighters Saturday to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

In remarks to assembled guests, the former president sharply rebuked President Biden and the US pullout from Afghanistan.

“It was gross incompetence and I hate to talk about it on this day,” Trump said.

Trump praised New York’s Finest, telling the crowd, “if they let you do your job you wouldn’t have crime in New York!”

As some in the crowd nodded their heads, The Donald jokingly warned them to “just stand and just be perfect.”

Source: Trump makes surprise visit to New York police and firefighters on 9/11

Police arrest 4 additional people in illegal ATV, dirt bike riding in Pittsburgh area

In August, a task force was formed to crack down on these so-called ride-outs across the city.

Source: Police arrest 4 additional people in illegal ATV, dirt bike riding in Pittsburgh area

Ready or not, Steelers will unveil new-look offense in season opener against Bills

Ben Roethlisberger answered each time in the affirmative when asked this week whether he was nervous or excited about what awaits the Pittsburgh Steelers offense Sunday in Buffalo. Matt Canada, on the other hand, called it just another day at the office.

No matter the perspective of a veteran quarterback heading into his 18th season or an offensive coordinator calling plays for the first time at the NFL level, the Steelers won’t have to wait much longer to see whether the fruits of their offseason work will be fulfilled in a new-look offense that will be unveiled in the season opener.

“Anxious, excited, nervous,” Roethlisberger said. “We hold ourselves to high expectations and high standards. So, I think, as players, you have to (be that way). I’m sure the coaches are a little nervous and anxious, too.”

If Canada has any trepidation about the offense he will put on display before a full house at Highmark Stadium, he didn’t show it outwardly this week.

“Excited to watch our guys play,” was all Canada would allow regarding his emotions. “Like any first game of the season, it’s exciting to let your guys go play, kind of see where you’re really at going against somebody full speed.”

Source: Ready or not, Steelers will unveil new-look offense in season opener against Bills

Biden Declassifies Secret FBI Report Detailing Saudi Nationals’ Connections To 9/11

The families of 9/11 victims say the FBI document validates their claim that Saudi Arabia played a role in the attacks

The Biden administration has declassified a 16-page FBI report tying 9/11 hijackers to Saudi nationals living in the United States. The document, written in 2016, summarized an FBI investigation into those ties called Operation ENCORE.

The partially redacted report paints a closer relationship than had been previously known between two Saudis in particular — including one with diplomatic status — and some of the hijackers. Families of the 9/11 victims have long sought after the report, which painted a starkly different portrait than the one described by the 9/11 Commission Report in 2004.

While the Commission was largely unable to tie the Saudi men to the hijackers, the FBI document describes multiple connections and phone calls.

Source: Biden Declassifies Secret FBI Report Detailing Saudi Nationals’ Connections To 9/11

One killed, one injured in shooting at Haunted Hills Hayride

Police from several local departments are still searching for the shooter

NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. —

One teenager was killed and a second is in critical condition after a shooting Saturday night at a popular Halloween attraction in North Versailles, Allegheny County.

The shooting happened at 8:15 p.m. at Haunted Hills Hayride on Mosside Boulevard.

According to Allegheny County Police, both victims are 15-year-old boys.

Police from several local departments are still searching for the shooter, also believed to be a teenager.

Police tell Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 the shooting appears to have stemmed from an argument near the ticket booth.

Haunted Hills Hayride was set to kick off the season by hosting a “Lights Out Event”. Gates were scheduled to open at 8:30 p.m.

Allegheny County Police say a couple hundred people were at the attraction at the time of the shooting.

Officers are currently interviewing workers and patrons. Anyone with information is asked to call Allegheny County Police at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.

Source: One killed, one injured in shooting at Haunted Hills Hayride

Man stabbed at Color Park in Pittsburgh’s South Side – WPXI

By WPXI.com News Staff

PITTSBURGH — A man was taken to the hospital in serious condition after a stabbing that occurred at Color Park in Pittsburgh’s South Side.

The incident occurred just before 11:45 p.m., in the area of Color Park at 11 S. 4th Street.

Police said when officers arrived, a man was found with a stab wound to the neck. Medics transported him to the hospital in a serious condition.

Source: Man stabbed at Color Park in Pittsburgh’s South Side – WPXI

Kabul strike killed US aid worker and family, not ISIS bombers

A US airstrike in Kabul against a supposed Islamic State bomber actually killed an innocent man who worked for a US aid group and his family, according to newly published testimony and footage — raising the specter that the Pentagon lied to the public about the strike.

The reported case of mistaken identity also further tars President Biden for his chaotic pullout of US troops from Afghanistan, which left behind hundreds of US citizens and thousands of at-risk Afghans.

Zemari Ahmadi and nine members of his family, including seven children, were killed in the airstrike on Aug. 29, one day before the final US evacuation flights from Kabul, his brother Romal Ahmadi told the New York Times.

Ahmadi, who was the apparent target of the strike, worked for 14 years as a technical engineer in Afghanistan for the Pasadena, Calif.-based charity group Nutrition and Education International, which feeds hungry Afghans.

The aid group had applied for him to move to the US as a refugee.

New security footage from his workplace shows Ahmadi, whose neighborhood had unreliable water service, filling containers with water at his employer’s office at 2:35 p,m. shortly before he returned home. Fire-damaged containers consistent with the water canisters were photographed by the Times.

Source: Kabul strike killed US aid worker and family, not ISIS bombers

Entire police department resigns in Missouri | TheHill

An entire Missouri police department, including the police chief and his officers, resigned leaving the city of Kimberling without immediate authority.

Citing problems like an inadequate pay rate and not having the right tools to do the job, the department has local leaders struggling to find replacements, especially when rhetoric against law enforcement is high amongst some, Fox News reported.

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“It will be a struggle to fill the police department back up with qualified officers, but hopefully they can start working on that soon and get that accomplished,” Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader said of the resignations at the Kimberling City Police Department, noting that most police stations are understaffed.

What preempted the mass exodus, according to Rader, was Kimberling City Police Chief Craig Alexander’s resignation on Aug. 23. He wanted changes from the town’s mayor and he wanted to better himself, Fox News reported.

Soon after, Alexander’s resignation was joined by three officers and a sergeant, with their reasons for quitting being the absence of a police clerk to assist the department, not having qualified officers in the department, and wanting new opportunities with a better pay rate, according to NBC Springfield, Missouri.

It is being reported that some of the Kimberling City Police Officers left to join the Branson West Police Department, which caught Mayor Bob Fritz of Kimberling City off guard.

“I didn’t know there were that many openings in Branson West because we didn’t see an advertisement for police,” Fritz said, referring to Alexander and officer Shaun McCafferty taking jobs at the Branson West Police Department.

“[The resignations were] unexpected and the short notice disappointing,” the mayor said.

Source: Entire police department resigns in Missouri | TheHill

Biden calls Xi as US-China relationship grows more fraught

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden spoke with China’s Xi Jinping on Thursday amid growing frustration on the American side that high-level engagement between the two leaders’ top advisers has been largely unfruitful in the early going of the Biden presidency.

Biden initiated the call with Xi, the second between the two leaders since Biden took office. It comes at a moment when there is no shortage of thorny issues between the two nations, including cybersecurity breaches originating from China, Beijing’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and what the White House has labeled as “coercive and unfair” trade practices by the Chinese.

But Biden’s aim with the 90-minute call was less focused on any of those hot-button issues and instead centered on discussing the way ahead for the U.S.-China relationship after it got off to a decidedly rocky start in his tenure.

Source: Biden calls Xi as US-China relationship grows more fraught

Source: Biden slammed for measles outbreak among Afghan evacuees in U.S. | One America News Network

Biden slammed for measles outbreak among Afghan evacuees in U.S. | One America News Network

Critics have bashed the Biden administration for its latest mistake as White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki announced several Afghan evacuees tested positive for a deadly disease inside the U.S. On Friday, Psaki confirmed an outbreak of measles cases among Afghan escapees has temporarily halted new flights from bringing more people into the U.S.

Critics have continued to slam the Biden administration for seemingly failing at every point in their botched Afghanistan withdrawal. Despite a measles vaccine being required for entry, Psaki said the cases still happened.

“Let me give you the information we have at this point, or I have I should say. Operation ‘Allies Welcome’ flights into the United States have been temporarily paused,” she announced. “…These individuals are being quarantined in accordance with public health guidelines and the CDC has begun full contact tracing. All arriving Afghans are currently required to be vaccinated for measles as a condition of entry into the United States.”

Meanwhile, Americans were still reportedly stranded in Afghanistan as the Biden administration called the Taliban “business-like and professional.”

Man arrested after Ligonier Township police chase | TribLIVE.com

Ligonier Valley police say a 27-year-old man who resisted arrest and led officers on a 3 mile chase in a stolen car along Route 30 was arrested and jailed on $200,000 bond.

Jesse Vaughn Lawson of New Alexandria is charged with aggravated assault on a police officer, driving on a suspended license, fleeing and eluding, receiving stolen property, reckless driving, resisting arrest and simple assault.

Source: Man arrested after Ligonier Township police chase | TribLIVE.com

Monroeville shooting leaves man in critical condition

According to Allegheny County Police, a shooting was reported in the 2700 block of Mosside Boulevard at 4:40 a.m.

First responders found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

No suspects have been identified. County homicide detectives are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to call the county police tip line at 833-ALL-TIPS. Anonymous calls will be accepted.

Source: Monroeville shooting leaves man in critical condition

Source: Detectives arrest Hempfield man after seizing heroin, Xanax, firearms, $11K from home | TribLIVE.com

Detectives arrest Hempfield man after seizing heroin, Xanax, firearms, $11K from home | TribLIVE.com

Acting on tips, the Westmoreland County Drug Task Forced served a warrant at a Hempfield home this week and seized 61 bricks of heroin, Xanax pills, three handguns, a rifle, two Tasers and about $11,000, according to court documents.

After the search, county detectives charged the homeowner, Chad J. Gilbert, 51, with multiple counts of manufacture, delivery and possession of a controlled substance, possession of prohibited offensive weapons and drug paraphernalia.

He was ordered held in the county prison after failing to post $250,000 bond.

Members of Congress and Their Staff Are Exempt From Biden’s Vaccine Mandate

The president’s executive orders apply to employees of the executive branch and federal government contractors.

Biden issued two executive orders on Thursday requiring vaccination against COVID for federal workers and contractors who work for the federal government. He also asked the Department of Labor to issue an emergency order requiring businesses with more than 100 employees to ensure their workers are vaccinated or tested on a weekly basis.

However, Biden’s order on federal workers applies to employees of the executive branch. The House of Representatives and the Senate belong to the separate legislative branch, and the courts to the judicial branch of the federal government.

Source: Members of Congress and Their Staff Are Exempt From Biden’s Vaccine Mandate

Source: Second Amendment groups on Biden mandate: If he can force a needle in your arm, can he take your gun? | Fox News

Second Amendment groups on Biden mandate: If he can force a needle in your arm, can he take your gun? | Fox News

Second Amendment supporters are expressing concern over President Biden’s move Thursday forcing large employers to vaccinate their employees, fearing that the logic behind the federal edict could be applied to confiscating guns or drastically limiting gun rights.

Biden announced that he is instructing the Department of Labor to mandate that all companies with 100 or more workers must vaccinate their employees or force them to be tested weekly.

WHITE HOUSE TO WITHDRAW CONTROVERSIAL ATF NOMINEE DAVID CHIPMAN

“This is not about freedom or personal choice,” Biden said. “It’s about protecting yourself and those around you, the people you work with, the people you care about, the people you love.”

Some supporters of the Second Amendment fear that Biden’s comments, downplaying freedom and touting federal government control of public health, represent a danger to the rights of gun owners.

20 GOP STATES PUSH BACK AGAINST BIDEN GUN REGULATIONS

“If Biden is allowed to impose regulations without a vote by Congress simply because he decides it helps ‘public safety,’ there is no limit to what he can do,” gun advocate John R. Lott, president of the Crime Prevention Research Center, told Fox News. “He could use this same reasoning to impose any gun control regulation that he wanted.”

Alan Gottlieb, Chairman of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, also expressed concern over Biden’s announcement.

September 10, 2021September 11, 2021

Wendy Bell Back On The Radio

The controversial conservative Pittsburgh-based talk show host has found a new radio home.

ALTOONA, PA — Conservative talk show host Wendy Bell has found a new home three months after leaving WJAS in Pittsburgh. Bell now has the weekday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. shift at WRTA-FM in Altoona.

Source: Wendy Bell Back On The Radio

2 flown from Hempfield crash | TribLIVE.com

Two people were flown by medical helicopter Thursday morning to a hospital after a one-vehicle crash in Hempfield, according to a Westmoreland 911 dispatcher.

The crash was reported just before 11 a.m. on Route 130 in the area of Slate Run Road and West Point Drive. The vehicle went over an embankment, the dispatcher said. The helicopter landed at a West Point ballfield.

The road was closed for a time.

One person had to be rescued from the vehicle. A second person involved in the crash was able to get out of the vehicle on their own.

Source: 2 flown from Hempfield crash | TribLIVE.com

Violent Pittsburgh neighborhood gang ‘Hazelwood Mob’ busted – WPXI

A major drug ring was busted early Thursday morning in a Pittsburgh neighborhood, the Department of Justice announced.

By Adrianne Burke, WPXI.com

PITTSBURGH — A violent Pittsburgh neighborhood gang was busted during an FBI and police raid in Hazelwood early Thursday morning.

The gang, known as the “Hazelwood Mob,” was dismantled after a four-month-long investigation into violence and drug trafficking in the neighborhood. The indictment charged 25 people with drug trafficking and firearm violations, the Department of Justice announced. Investigators said they used wire taps and tips from the community to identify who was involved and what their role was in the organization.

Channel 11 was there as Pittsburgh police raided two houses along Second Avenue in Hazelwood around 6 a.m.

Source: Violent Pittsburgh neighborhood gang ‘Hazelwood Mob’ busted – WPXI

Woman surrenders after standoff in Pittsburgh | TribLIVE.com

An armed woman who had barricaded herself in a building South Braddock Avenue in Pittsburgh surrendered without incident early Thursday night, according to Pittsburgh police.

The woman, who was not identified, ended the standoff in the 200 block of South Braddock Avenue at 7 p.m. and was going to be taken into custody, once being medically cleared by paramedics who responded to the incident, police said

The city’s SWAT unit responded to the emergency. Police had called to her to safely surrender, according to the Pittsburgh Public Safety’s Twitter page.

Additional details were not available late Thursday night.

Source: Woman surrenders after standoff in Pittsburgh | TribLIVE.com

Biden plan for forced vaccinations doesn’t include illegal immigrants | Fox News

Biden announced a sweeping plan that could force millions of unvaccinated Americans to get the COVID-19 shot

“We’ve been patient, but our patience is wearing thin,” Biden said of the roughly 80 million Americans who have yet to get the shot. “While America is in much better shape than it was seven months ago when I took office, I need to tell you a second fact: We’re in a tough stretch and it could last for awhile.”

But Biden stopped short of mandating the vaccine for illegal immigrants attempting to cross America’s border, even though about 30% of immigrants held at federal detention facilities are refusing to be vaccinated — and they have the option to refuse

Meanwhile, more than 18% of migrant families who recently crossed the border tested positive for COVID before being released by Border Patrol. Another 20% of unaccompanied minors tested positive for the virus.

Source: Biden plan for forced vaccinations doesn’t include illegal immigrants | Fox News

Source: No major religious denomination opposes vaccination, but religious exemptions may still complicate mandates – CNN

No major religious denomination opposes vaccination, but religious exemptions may still complicate mandates – CNN

(KHN)In Northern California, the pastor of a megachurch hands out religious exemption forms to the faithful. A New Mexico state senator will “help you articulate a religious exemption” by pointing to the decades-old use of aborted fetal cells in the development of some vaccines. And a Texas-based evangelist offers exemption letters to anyone — for a suggested “donation” starting at $25.

With workplace vaccine mandates in the offing, opponents are turning to a tried-and-true recourse for avoiding a covid-19 shot: the claim that vaccination interferes with religious beliefs.

No major denomination opposes vaccination. Even the Christian Science Church, whose adherents rely largely on prayer rather than medicine, does not impose an official policy. It counsels “respect for public health authorities and conscientious obedience to the laws of the land, including those requiring vaccination.”