Pittsburgh news

• Retired Judge Who Presided Over Infamous ‘Kids For Cash’ Case Dies

  13-06-2019 23:54
  SCRANTON, Pa. (AP) – A retired federal judge best known for sending two corrupt judges to prison for their role in a notorious Pennsylvania juvenile justice scandal has died.
  Edwin Kosik was 94.
  Michael Kosik says his father died Thursday morning at a senior center outside Wilkes-Barre after a brief illness.
  Kosik was appointed to the federal bench in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan.
  He was best known for presiding over the “kids for cash” case, in which two local judges were a
  
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• Commonwealth Court Judge Hears Testimony Ahead Of UPMC-Highmark Consent Decree Expiration

  13-06-2019 23:39
  HARRISBURG (KDKA) — After a dozen lawyers for the Attorney General, UPMC, and Highmark presented testimony in Harrisburg earlier this week, the clock is ticking for Highmark Blue Cross-Blue Shield customers.
  At the end of the month, they will be denied lower-cost in-network use of UPMC’s doctors and facilities if Commonwealth Court Judge Robert Simpson rules the June 30 expiration date cannot be modified or extended.
  Following the hearing in Harrisburg, the parties filed pages of pro
  
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• Syria Shriners say no circus in Pittsburgh this year

  13-06-2019 23:35 via post-gazette.com
  
  Syria Shriners said it’s not sure if it will choose another location in the region for its annual circus fundraiser.
  
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• No circus in Pittsburgh this year, Shriners say

  13-06-2019 23:35 via post-gazette.com
  
  Syria Shriners said it’s not sure if it will choose another location in the region for its annual circus fundraiser.
  
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• Two people struck by lightning and killed in Westmoreland Co.

  13-06-2019 23:31 via post-gazette.com
  
  The last lightning-related fatality in the Greater Pittsburgh area, according to the records, was in 2001.
  
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• Lightning strike kills two 18-year-olds at Westmoreland park

  13-06-2019 23:31 via post-gazette.com
  
  The last lightning-related fatality in the Greater Pittsburgh area, according to the records, was in 2001.
  
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• Part of old Allegheny Dwellings reopens as mixed-income housing in the North Side

  13-06-2019 23:18 via post-gazette.com
  
  The Sandstone Quarry name is a nod to the site’s history as a quarry.
  
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• Mount Washington library to close Saturday for major expansion

  13-06-2019 23:15 via post-gazette.com
  
  The library that serves Mount Washington and Duquesne Heights, Allentown and Beltzhoover, is closing Saturday until sometime in 2020.
  
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• 18-year-old charged in two armed Mon Valley convenience store robberies

  13-06-2019 23:14 via post-gazette.com
  
  Tyrese Jackson, of Pittsburgh, was charged Thursday with robbery, carrying a firearm without a license and other offenses. 
  
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• Top 20 Global Concert Tours from Pollstar

  13-06-2019 23:12
  WASHINGTON (AP)–The Top 20 Global Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows Worldwide. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers. Week of June 12, 2019:
  TOP 20 GLOBAL CONCERT TOURS
  1. Ed Sheeran; $4,515,983; $89.88.
  2. Eric Church; $2,901,237; $94.19.
  3. Post Malone; $2,379,177; $91.56.
  4. Pink; $2,230,905; $138.58.
  5. Justin Timberlake; $2,046,383; $134
  
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• Police: Teen Allegedly Robbed Two Stores On Same Day

  13-06-2019 23:00
  ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. (KDKA) — A teenager has been arrested in connection to the armed robberies of two convenience stores early Monday morning.
  According to Insp. Andrew Schurman of the Allegheny County Police Department, 18-year-old Tyrese Jackson is accused of robbing a BP gas station in West Homestead at 3:00 a.m. and a 7-Eleven in Turtle Creek at 4:35 a.m.
  (Photo Courtesy: Allegheny County)
  Police said that surveillance video from the 7-Eleven allegedly showed Jackson in a white mask
  
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• Ellwood City Man Found Guilty Of Federal Drug Charges

  13-06-2019 22:59
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – An Ellwood City man was convicted on federal drug charges today.
  A federal jury deliberated for two hours today before they found Taurean Potter guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine and distributing cocaine.
  United States Attorneys who prosecuted the case presented evidence at the trial that alleged Potter sold cocaine out of Ellwood City bars in 2017 and 2018.
  The prosecutors also said that in 2017, Potter sold cocaine to undercover narcotics agents who were work
  
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• Press Secretary Sarah Sanders Leaving White House

  13-06-2019 22:37
  WASHINGTON (CBS News)–White House press secretary Sarah Sanders is leaving the White House, President Trump tweeted Thursday afternoon.She is leaving at the end of the month, and Mr. Trump suggested she would do well to run for governor in Arkansas.“After 3 1/2 years, our wonderful Sarah Huckabee Sanders will be leaving the White House at the end of the month and going home to the Great State of Arkansas,” the president wrote.“She is a very special person with extraordina
  
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• Lauren E. Banks Talks ‘City On A Hill’, Working With Kevin Bacon & Aldis Hodge

  13-06-2019 22:34
  (CBS Local)– Showtime’s new series “City On A Hill” is filled with many big names like Kevin Bacon and Aldis Hodge, but another name to watch is Lauren E. Banks.
  Banks is fresh out of Yale University’s MFA program and making the jump into her first full series. The Yale grad plays Siobhan Quays in a show that recounts the violent and racist times of Boston during the 1990s. Banks got involved four days before the pilot was shot in December 2017.
  “That fir
  
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• The Price Is Right Live Comes To Pittsburgh

  13-06-2019 22:29
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA)– “Come On Down” to Heinz Hall to win a new car, a vacation, money or other prizes in The Price Is Right Live gameshow.
  The show comes to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Sept. 25 and starts at 7:30 p.m.
  Adopted straight from the TV show, audience members can test their luck and play games like Plinko, Cliffhangers and The Big Wheel.
  Eligible contestants must be residents of the 50 states and Canada — excluding Puerto Rico and Quebec.
  Registration for the live sh
  
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• Study: U.S. Military Emits More Greenhouse Gases Than Portugal Or Sweden

  13-06-2019 22:29
  (CBS Local) — The United States military alone produces more planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions than many smaller industrialized countries such as Sweden and Portugal, according to a new study.
  The Pentagon, which oversees the U.S. Department of Defense, released 59 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in 2017, according to Brown University’s “Costs of War” project.
  If the Pentagon was a country, its emissions would make it the world&rsquo
  
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• Two People Killed By Lightning Strike At Local Park

  13-06-2019 22:20
  MT. PLEASANT, Pa. (KDKA) – Two individuals were struck by lightning and killed in Westmoreland County.
  Westmoreland County first responders confirmed that one man and one women were struck in Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township.
  They were killed as a result of the lightning strike.
  Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
  
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• Westmoreland County Go Van Collides With Tractor Trailer On Route 22

  13-06-2019 22:08
  SALEM TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Crews are responding to a crash that involved a van and a tractor-trailer on Route 22 in Westmoreland County.
  According to authorities, a Westmoreland County Go Van and a tractor-trailer collided near the intersection of Route 22 and Route 8-19 in Salem Township.Witnesses say the truck ran a red light, which led to the accident.“The first passenger was hit by the truck that had run the red light and he was lying on the ground,” said Kim Kelley, a witness
  
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• ‘I Will Miss All Of You’ Former Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher Nick Kingham Sends Farewell Tweet

  13-06-2019 21:35
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Former top-100 prospect pitcher Nick Kingham, who was recently released from the Pirates organization has now said goodbye to the city of Pittsburgh.In a tweet Thursday, Kingham wrote a heartfelt message thanking the city and organization for his first opportunity in the major leagues.“Thank you @Pirates”
  Thank you @Pirates pic.twitter.com/3l3ALTDJqk
  — Nick Kingham (@NickKingham) June 13, 2019“Words can’t express how thankful I am to the en
  
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• ‘I Will Miss All Of You’ Former Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher Nick Kingham Send Farewell Tweet

  13-06-2019 21:35
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Former top-100 prospect pitcher Nick Kingham, who was recently released from the Pirates organization has now said goodbye to the city of Pittsburgh.In a tweet Thursday, Kingham wrote a heartfelt message thanking the city and organization for his first opportunity in the major leagues.“Thank you @Pirates”
  Thank you @Pirates pic.twitter.com/3l3ALTDJqk
  — Nick Kingham (@NickKingham) June 13, 2019“Words can’t express how thankful I am to the en
  
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• Family blames Clarion County man's death aboard passenger ship on cruise line

  13-06-2019 20:45 via post-gazette.com
  
  Family said Carnival wouldn’t allow Jeffrey Eisenman, 65, off the ship after having a heart attack.
  
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• Ariana Grande Gets Emotional During Pittsburgh Concert, Couldn’t Sing Mac Miller’s Name

  13-06-2019 20:42
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Ariana Grande did not mention Mac Miller by name during her concert in his hometown, but it was clear the late rapper was on her mind.
  Miller, who was born in Point Breeze, died of an accidental drug overdose in September. He had dated Grande for two years before their relationship came to a close in May 2018.
  RELATED STORIES:              Mac Miller’s First Posthumous Song Released
    
  
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• Former Olympian Terin Humphrey Fired By USA Gymnastics After Controversial Meme: ‘My Reputation Has Been Tarnished’

  13-06-2019 20:27
  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (CBS Local) — An Olympic silver medalist has been removed from her position as an athlete representative with USA Gymnastics after posting a controversial meme.
  Terin Humphrey posted the meme on her Facebook page last month that read, “What Champions consider coaching, the entitled consider abuse.”
  With USA Gymnastics still dealing with the fallout from one of the biggest sexual abuse scandals in sports history, Humphrey faced plenty of backlash.
  “From I&
  
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• Residents Recover Belongings From The Debris Of A Massive Warehouse Fire

  13-06-2019 20:24
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA)– For people who have a vehicle stored inside a warehouse where there was a massive fire, they have been waiting for this day. It took five weeks for them to get their car back.
  “It’s like seeing the Titanic being raised. You see what it looks like coming up,” said Michael Boretsky.
  One by one, from luxury to sporty, vehicles were being driven or towed out this morning.
  RELATED STORIES:
  Community Holds Fundraiser For Etna Warehouse Fire First Responders
  C
  
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• Top 3 Eco-Friendly Vacation Spots

  13-06-2019 20:15
  Like salt in the sea, there are some experiences we encounter that are forever engraved into who we are. When it comes to the ocean, you never forget the sound waves make as they crash against the shore, the smell of salty brine lingering in the air, or the blissful way a cool breeze engulfs you on a hot summers day. The ocean is something we all have in common and in recent studies around the globe, it’s now become alarmingly evident that our oceans have seen better days. Fortunately
  
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• Pittsburghers Say ‘No More’ To Domestic Violence

  13-06-2019 20:05
  PITTSBURGH, Pa. (KDKA)–Prominent corporate, civic and community leaders took a pledge to end gender-based violence at a lunchtime ceremony Thursday.
  The 5th Annual Father’s Day Pledge Ceremony, held at U.S. Steel Tower Plaza, was the largest gathering to date and included an invitation for men to speak up and play a role in ending violence against women and girls.
  Representatives from UPMC, Highmark Health, Koppers, Ernst & Young, PNC, KPMG, Aspirant and several other organizatio
  
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• Local Community Leaders Take Father’s Day Pledge To Speak Out Against Domestic Violence

  13-06-2019 20:05
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Hundreds crammed into the second floor of the US Steel Building and they made a Father’s Day pledge to speak out against domestic violence.“We stand up and speak out in public and then when you are concerned about somebody that you know or somebody that you love, you actually feel a lot more empowered to reach out to them to offer help,” said Nicole Molinaro of the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.
  They took a pledge to say more t
  
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• Mother of Hill Airbnb shooting victim has now lost two sons to violence

  13-06-2019 20:04 via post-gazette.com
  
  Another victim of the attack, Alexus N. Chester, was shot on her 17th birthday Tuesday, the same day she and Tyrese Smith, 20, were killed during a party at an Airbnb rental.
  
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• Hill District homicide victim had turned 17 on day of triple shooting

  13-06-2019 20:04 via post-gazette.com
  
  Alexus N. Chester’s birthday was Tuesday, the same day she and Tyrese Smith, 20, were killed during a party at an Airbnb rental.
  
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• DA: Suspect In Ortiz Shooting Likely Wanted In Pennsylvania

  13-06-2019 19:58
  SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — One of the suspects being sought in the shooting of former Red Sox superstar David Ortiz is believed to be the same man who’s wanted by Pennsylvania authorities on a charge of attempted homicide.
  Luis Rivas-Clase, 31, is charged in an April 2018 shooting in Reading. The victim, who was shot in the lower back, told authorities that Rivas-Clase threatened to have him killed a few days before the shooting, according to the Berks County sheriff&rs
  
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• Victims In Hill District Airbnb Shooting Identified

  13-06-2019 19:42
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The victims in a deadly shooting at a Pittsburgh Airbnb have been identified.
  The Allegheny County Medical Examiner released Tuesday afternoon that both 20-year-old Tyrese Smith and 17-year-old Alexus N. Chester were killed during Tuesday’s shooting.The shooting occurred Tuesday evening at approximately 11:30 p.m. at McNeil Place in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.RELATED STORY: Shooting At Hill District Airbnb Leaves Two Dead, One Injured
  When police arrived on
  
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• PennDOT: Ohio River Boulevard Will Close Some Lanes This Weekend

  13-06-2019 19:35
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA)– PennDot announces that there will be another road closure that could affect traffic this weekend.
  The closure will take place on northbound Route 65 (Ohio River Boulevard) in Emsworth Borough of Allegheny County, from June 14-16, to conduct sanitary manhole installation.
  All lanes northbound will be closed from 8 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Hazelwood Avenue intersection.
  A detour will be posted to accommodate drivers:
  • From northbound Route 65, turn right o
  
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• Chatham University Announces Plans To Renovate UPMC Graham Field

  13-06-2019 19:25
  PITTSBURGH (KDKa) – Chatham University announced a project to upgrade its UPMC Graham Field.The field that’s located between Wilkinsburg and Edgewood will receive a nearly $3 million revitalization project.
  UPMC Graham Field will serve as the new home to the school’s lacrosse and soccer teams.“As we break ground, it’s not that we’re breaking ground just for a stadium which is going to be beautiful, but we’re also doing it for the children. Because we kno
  
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• Pirates Charities Announces New Grant Program For Volunteer Fire Departments

  13-06-2019 19:01
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA)– Local volunteer fire departments can be awarded money to benefit the community and volunteers.
  The Pittsburgh Pirates philanthropic group, Pirates Charities, has opened applications for grants in the 2019 season.
  The program is eligible for volunteer departments in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Maryland.
  Pirates Charities will be donating 10 grants, each $1,000, to regional volunteer fire departments to fund programs, events, and other necessities.
  Applications a
  
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• Lawsuit Claims Uber Discriminates Against Riders Who Use Wheelchairs

  13-06-2019 19:00
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A federal lawsuit against Uber claims the company discriminates against riders who use wheelchairs.
  The class action suit, filed Monday by law firm Carson Lynch and the non-profit Disability Rights Advocates, says that the ride-sharing app has failed to provide wheelchair-accessible transportation in the city and surrounding areas.
  The company’s failure to do, the suit alleges, is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  KDKA has reached out to Uber for
  
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• Black Bear Spotted Near Homes In Cecil Township

  13-06-2019 18:46
  CECIL TOWNSHIP, Pa. (KDKA) – The Cecil Township Police Department is warning residents about a black bear that has been spotted near homes.
  In a post to Facebook Thursday morning, police officials say they have received several calls of a small black bear.
  The bear has been spotted in the Maple Ridge Plan as well as in the area of Georgetown Road and Hahn Road.To help not attack the wild animal, police suggest taking down bird feeders and waiting to take out the garbage until right before
  
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• Keeping the grads in town: Pittsburgh Passport aims to retain young talent

  13-06-2019 18:13 via post-gazette.com
  
  Nearly half the students who graduate from schools here leave instead of staying for one of more than 20,000 open jobs in the region.
  
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• Authorities: Fleeing Defendant Runs From Court, Jumps In Van

  13-06-2019 17:57
  PITTSBURGH (AP) — Authorities say a woman fleeing a court hearing in western Pennsylvania jumped in a U-Haul van and nearly struck a detective as she drove off.
  Cherie White was due to appear Wednesday for a preliminary hearing in Pittsburgh Municipal Court.Photo Credit: (Allegheny County Jail)
  But officials say the 26-year-old Monroeville resident arrived late and a detective had started the process of obtaining a failure to appear warrant.
  The detective contacted White’s attorney,
  
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• Seth Meyers To Deliver Laughs To Carnegie Music Hall, Twice

  13-06-2019 17:48
  MUNHALL, Pa. (KDKA) — Seth Meyers is performing two back-to-back shows at the Carnegie Library Music Hall this Friday.The comedian and Late Night host will first do his stand up routine at the Homestead venue at 7 p.m.Tickets to that show are already sold out, but all hope is not lost for those who wish to attend — the former Saturday Night Live star has added another show that night at 9:30 p.m.
  A few tickets to the 9:30 p.m. show are still available, starting at $39.50. Doors for t
  
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• Old Time Rock And Roll: Bob Seger Brings Final Tour To Pittsburgh

  13-06-2019 17:44
  PITTSBURGH, Pa. (KDKA)–The ramblin’ gamblin’ man is coming back to Pittsburgh.
  Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band will bring their final tour to PPG Paints Arena on October 17th at 7:30 p.m.
  So far, the Roll Me Away tour , celebrating five decades of rock ‘n roll,  has played sold out shows in front of half a million fans.
  Tickets to the Pittsburgh show go on sale Friday, June 21st at 10 a.m. on their website.
  
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• ‘Going To The Moon Became A Tribute To JFK’s Dream’: Author Charles Fishman On Apollo 11, Book ‘One Giant Leap’

  13-06-2019 17:43
  (CBS Local)– It’s been 50 years since Apollo 11 became the first crewed mission to make it to the moon.
  While Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became overnight heroes for their historic journey, there were hundreds of thousands of men and women that helped make this historic moment possible. Author Charles Fishman recounts the contributions of these ordinary people in his new Simon & Schuster book “One Giant Leap. Fishman has been fascinated by the story behind Apollo for yea
  
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• Burger King Will Sell Upside-Down Whoppers To Celebrate ‘Stranger Things’

  13-06-2019 17:38
  (CNN) — Burger King has figured out how to serve Whoppers upside-down in 1980s-era packaging and turn that into a marketing opportunity.
  In a partnership with Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” the hamburger chain announced it will soon sell an “Upside-Down Whopper” sandwich, which is just a regular Whopper served with the bottom of the bun on the top of the burger and the top of the bun on the bottom. It’s just like a normal Whopper, but upside-down.
  The Upsi
  
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• Teen admits to planning fatal robbery in botched cocaine deal

  13-06-2019 17:37 via post-gazette.com
  
  Steven Cansler will serve 15 to 30 years in prison in connection to the shooting death of Daija McCall three years ago.
  
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• ‘This Works’: Group Says Drinking Your Own Pee Is Good For You

  13-06-2019 17:31
  BOULDER, Colo. (CBS Local) — A small group of people in Colorado are drinking their own urine, insisting the practice has demonstrative health benefits. But the experts remain unconvinced.
  The Urine Therapy of Colorado meetup group hosts monthly gatherings at the public library in Boulder for people to explore, learn about and support others drinking urine or using it as a topical treatment.
  Christopher Macor said he began using it when he said no other creams or ointments helped his eczem
  
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• Mac Miller’s First Posthumous Song Released

  13-06-2019 17:27
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It’s the moment a lot of Mac Miller fans have been waiting for.
  Nine months after the Pittsburgh born and raised rapper died from an apparent drug overdose, the first posthumous song from Miller has been released.
  Miller is featured on the single “Time” from the R&B group Free Nationals.In recent months, several of Miller’s projects have been leaked on the internet.
  RELATED STORIES:Late Pittsburgh Rapper Mac Miller’s Second Posthumous S
  
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• Man Wants New Sentence In Teen’s Rape, Murder, And Dismemberment

  13-06-2019 17:01
  DOYLESTOWN (AP) – A man sentenced to death for raping, strangling and dismembering his girlfriend’s 14-year-old daughter has asked a judge to instead give him a life term.
  Jacob Sullivan pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and other offenses for killing Grace Packer in 2016 as part of a rape-murder fantasy he shared with the teen’s mother. Jurors decided in March he should get the death penalty.
  The jury deliberated over parts of three days before making its decision. Jurors
  
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• Taking Flight: Pittsburgh’s Bald Eagle Chick Flies For The First Time

  13-06-2019 16:41
  PITTSBURGH, Pa. (KDKA)– It’s a bird… It’s a plane… No! It’s one of Pittsburgh’s bald eagles soaring high!
  One of Pittsburgh’s two bald eagle chicks has taken its maiden voyage from their nest in Hays.The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania says the chick left for a while on Wednesday before returning to the nest.
  Audubon officials say the second eaglet has been seen venturing out on tree limbs in recent days and is expected to take flight at
  
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• Volunteer: Help Keep The Ohio River Clean

  13-06-2019 16:16
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – You can help keep the Ohio River clean!
  The Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission is hosting a River Sweep in efforts to clean the banks of the Ohio River on June 15.
  The project which extends the entire length of the Ohio River, crossing six states, is accomplished solely by volunteers.
  According to officials, the award-winning cleanup began in 1989 and is a family-friendly event.
  Several cleanup locations are scheduled for several counties in western Pennsylva
  
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• CCAC completes renovations on Braddock Hills Center

  13-06-2019 16:11 via post-gazette.com
  
  Situated in the Braddock Hills Shopping Center, the location houses seven classrooms and three computer labs.
  
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• Pittsburgh Weather: Rain With Chance Of Isolated Storms

  13-06-2019 15:22
  PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Some light rain ushered in the start of the day on Thursday.More rain will drench the Pittsburgh region throughout the day. Three separate “waves” of rain will come and go through most of Thursday.Photo Credit: (KDKA)
  The first wave of rain, consisting mostly of light precipitation, will end around 10 or 11 a.m.The chance for spotty, isolated thunderstorms is possible during the afternoon hours with the second wave of rain.Photo Credit: (KDKA)
  As a cold fron
  
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