David Highfield
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“KDKA-TV Morning News” Anchor; “Pittsburgh Today Live” Host; “Your Pittsburgh” Host & Creator, Syracuse Grad, 15X Emmy Winner, Husband & Cat Dad
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Articles by David Highfield
45 years later, Al Julius' vision lives on through the KDKA Turkey Fund
The 45th annual KDKA Turkey Fund is officially underway! We kicked it off on Sept. 18 on Pittsburgh Today Live, and every Wednesday until Thanksgiving, we'll be sharing stories about the Turkey Fund and why it's so important to thousands of local families. On this milestone year, we thought it only fitting to start with the Turkey Fund's origin story. What we know today as the KDKA Turkey Fund began as "Julius' Turkeys" and was started by the late KDKA-TV News commentator Al Julius.
How the Community Circle Food Pantry in Washington helps hundreds of neighbors in need
Ahead of the KDKA-TV Turkey Fund, we recently met two women at a food pantry in Washington County whose stories are the definition of faith, determination and heart. "At one point, my income was too much to get public assistance, but it wasn't enough to care for my whole family as far as food and household goods are concerned. So, to have somewhere to go like this, it's awesome," said Blaire Goode of Washington. That "somewhere" is the Community Circle Food Pantry in the city of Washington.
How VisAbility Pittsburgh and a rattling ball have made tennis possible for athletes with vision loss
VisAbility Pittsburgh is a place where people who have lost their vision, or never had vision, learn life skills. Over the years, it's turned the impossible into the possible for people who are visually impaired. One of those possibles is sports, and a Dormont man has learned that firsthand. At first glance, it looks like any other tennis court, but if you listen closely during matches, there is something very different about this place in Highland Park. Serve the ball and listen to it rattle.
Recipes seen on PTL's Heather and David Home for the Holidays Special
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Looking for the recipes from Pittsburgh Today Live's Home for the Holidays Special with Heather Abraham and David Highfield? Check here if you would like to try making any of the dishes yourself. Here are Heather's recipes.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank helps stock pantry at Brashear High School
The 43rd annual KDKA-TV Turkey Fund is underway. Every Wednesday from now until Thanksgiving, we'll share stories about why your donations to the Turkey Fund are so important. PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank works with 30 local schools' food pantries. Brashear High School in the Pittsburgh Public Schools district is one of them. Back in February of this year, Brashear teachers Chrissy Wolski and Megan Perfetti saw a need and decided to do something about it.
2023 Free Care Fund: Parents say UPMC Children's Hospital saved junior co-host Luna's life after cancer diagnosis Original
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Like most girls her age, 11-year-old Luna Duffy is a big Taylor Swift fan and has learned how to play some of Swift's songs on the piano. She also likes to read, act and paint. "I watched Bob Ross tutorials on YouTube and I paint in my garage downstairs and it's really fun. It gives me a way to express myself and I love when the paintings turn out really nice and pretty," said Duffy. However, the mere fact that Luna is doing any of this is nothing short of a miracle.
KDKA-TV Turkey Fund highlights importance of helping others
KDKA-TV Turkey Fund highlights importance of helping others PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The 42nd annual KDKA-TV Turkey Fund is underway, and this year the need for food assistance is greater than it was at the height of the pandemic. "Folks are struggling right now," said Chris West, director of community connections at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Workers and volunteers there see the need for food assistance first-hand. Remember the long lines for food during the peak of the pandemic?
Black History Month: Gus Greenlee
/ CBS Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Gus Greenlee was known for many things, but he was best known for being the owner of the Hill District's Crawford Grill, the Pittsburgh Crawfords Negro League baseball team and Greenlee Field -- the first African American owned stadium in the league. When Greenlee started the Pittsburgh Crawfords, he was able to sign established stars like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson.
Yvonne Zanos' giving spirit lives on through her grandchildren as they continue to give to the KDKA-TV Turkey Fund
/ CBS Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- From 2003 to 2009, the late Yvonne Zanos, KDKA's beloved consumer reporter, was the driving force behind the KDKA-TV Turkey Fund. She worked tirelessly, visiting local schools, helping out at food pantries, and even getting her own family involved. For Yvonne, it was a mission of both compassion and community. In 2007, Yvonne was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Over the next two years, she fought it valiantly.
Sabotaging Our Sleep: What you can learn from sleep lab about your habits
Sabotaging Our Sleep 02:37 PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Are you sabotaging your sleep? We took a trip to a sleep lab so I could learn what is keeping us from a good night's sleep! Getting a good night's sleep is something so many of us struggle with and it turns out, there are things we unknowingly do that actually sabotage our sleep. So we decided to visit a local sleep lab and talk with the director to learn the do's and don't's of getting a great night's sleep.
Keeping Children Safe: How We Can Protect Children From COVID-19 While We Await Vaccinations
By David HighfieldJuly 2, 2021 at 6:30 am PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – This year’s Fourth of July festivities are back because more and more people are now vaccinated against COVID-19. What about kids under 12 who still can’t be vaccinated? What precautions should you take for them and what about getting your kids ready for school in the fall? READ MORE: Duquesne Incline Closed For Inspections On Friday We asked Dr. Arvind Venkat, an Allegheny Health Network Emergency Physician for his advice.
Beaver County’s Amber Brkich Is Heading Back To ‘Survivor’ Nearly 20 Years After Her Debut
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Nearly 20 years after she first tried to “outwit, outplay and outlast” the competition, Beaver County native Amber Brkich Mariano is heading back to “Survivor.” The 40th season of “Survivor”, which is now in its 20th year, debuts Wednesday night on KDKA with Amber and her husband, Rob Mariano, among the castaways. She first appeared in the second season of the show, “Survivor: The Australian Outback”, in 2001.
Alexa, Are You Spying On Me? How To Prevent Your Smart Devices From Listening To You
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — From cellphones to smart speakers, you may not realize what information is being gathered. “It’s scary that they’re listening to you, and you don’t know when,” said Dena Rakarich of Monaca She was brave enough to allow us to listen as she discovered for the first time what her Amazon Alexa device has been recording in her home. “God, it records everything!” said Rakarich. You might guess it records when you give it a command, and Rakarich’s Alexa did do that.
Does It Really Do That? Paw Perfect
By David HighfieldNovember 8, 2019 at 5:56 pm PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It’s not something many of us like to do: Trimming your dog’s claws. And many times the dogs don’t like it either. But the makers of “Paw Perfect” claim they’ve created a device that can make it much easier. In a TV commercial, the announcer says: “But Debbie’s dog doesn’t mind it at all because she’s found a simple pain free solution.
The Journey To Becoming An Assistance Dog: Introducing The New PTL Puppy
By David HighfieldJuly 26, 2019 at 6:06 pm PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Animals help people in so many ways, and we here at KDKA are excited to say that “Pittsburgh Today Live” is going to share the story of an assistance dog. “Penguin the PTL Pup” is being raised by a local family, and we’re going to show his journey. Jill Sabo, of Bridgeville, and her son Jack will be raising Penguin for a year and half before he goes off to specialized training.
Does It Really Do That? Ice Genie
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — With summer get-togethers coming, the Ice Genie claims it can help you make more ice in less space. In fact, the commercial says it can replace as many as 10 ice cube trays. With a claim like that, we wondered, does it really do that? Lori McNeely, from McCandless, agreed to help us put it to the test. Her initial reaction when she took it out the box? “It’s kind of little,” she said. It seems easy enough to use in the commercial.
Does It Really Do That? The Negg
By David HighfieldMay 3, 2019 at 6:10 pm PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Christine Stack, a life coach from Edgewood, is the perfect person to help us test The Negg. “I make potato salad, and I make deviled eggs,” said Christine. “And I peel maybe 10 or 12 at a time, so it would be so helpful to have a device to help with that.” Enter The Negg, which claims to help with exactly that. The device is really pretty simple.
Who You See Before You Die: Hospice Documenting Patients’ Mysterious Dream Experiences
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Death is one of the mysteries of life. But the dreams of patients at Hospice Buffalo in New York State are revealing something incredible about the process of dying. READ MORE: 3 Years Later: Plans In Place To Honor The Lives Lost In Tree Of Life Shooting Dr. Christopher Kerr and his team have been documenting dreams or visions of dying patients for years. They’ve found that the dreams are often comforting and make death less scary.
Does It Really Do That? FurZapper
By David HighfieldFebruary 22, 2019 at 6:10 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — If you have a pet, there’s a good chance you’ve spent time trying to get dog or cat fur off blankets, bedding and more. But what if there were a device that could do that for you in a quick and simple way? The FurZapper claims it can “zap” the fur away. But does it really do that? KDKA put it to the test with the help of Shannon Metzler from Ross.
Does It Really Do That? Collar Press
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — No one really likes ironing, but what if there were an easier way? What if a device could do some of your ironing for you while your clothes dry? That’s exactly what the maker of the Collar Press claims it can do. But does it really do that? It’s supposed to take sad-looking wrinkly shirt collars and give you a crisp, clean look instead. Chela Sanchez is a busy mom. She and her husband, Kyle, and their son, Glover, live in Lawrenceville.
Local Company Offering Jobs To Furloughed Federal Workers
By David HighfieldJanuary 23, 2019 at 10:44 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A local business is offering furloughed federal workers a chance to earn some money during the government shutdown. The company is called 123shirt.com. It is based in Robinson Township, Pa., and it’s paying $18 an hour. They’re printing “Stronger Than Hate” T-shirts with the money raised going to the Tree of Life Synagogue Victim’s Fund. It’s a small family business, but not too small to help.
Pittsburgh Diocese’s Independent Reconciliation Compensation Program Goes Live
By David HighfieldJanuary 22, 2019 at 11:44 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese program to help sexual abuse victims went live on Tuesday. There is no limit on how big cash settlements can be but there are some guidelines. Any victims who accept money will give up the right to take the church to court later on.
Pittsburgh Weather: PennDOT, Public Works Road Crews Change Plans As Rain Falls Instead Of Snow
By David HighfieldJanuary 19, 2019 at 8:17 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Rain instead of snow falling in Allegheny County on Saturday has meant a change of plans for road crews. “Currently, it’s just raining in Allegheny County,” PennDOT spokesperson Steven Cowan said Saturday afternoon. “Our crews are out, waiting for the storm to occur.
Pittsburgh Weather: Pa. Turnpike Maintenance Crews Preparing For Snowstorm
By David HighfieldJanuary 18, 2019 at 11:48 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Maintenance crews for the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be busy this weekend. At the maintenance facility in Harrison City, it’s all hands on deck starting Saturday morning. Workers are planning on sleeping at the facility, with no one going home until the storm passes. “It’s rare, usually once or maybe twice a year this happens,” said David Vento, who heads up the maintenance team.
Tempers Flare As Jefferson Hills Borough Council Votes To De-Certify Volunteer Fire Department
By David HighfieldJanuary 14, 2019 at 11:22 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter JEFFERSON HILLS, Pa. (KDKA) – Tempers flared Monday night over the future of a volunteer department that’s been around for 71 years. Jefferson Hills Borough Council voted 5 to 2 to decertify the Gill Hall Volunteer Fire Company. Council members who voted in favor of the move say they felt it was necessary. But other people fear this could jeopardize people’s safety, including Mayor Jan Cmar.
Westmoreland Co. Sheriff’s 2 Teenage Sons Charged In Florida Armed Robbery
By David HighfieldDecember 27, 2018 at 11:25 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Westmoreland County sheriff’s two teenage sons are facing charges. They’re accused of robbery and theft in Florida. This comes as the sheriff himself has faced charges that he had his staff do campaign work while on the clock. Ryan Tutera, Sheriff Jonathan Held‘s attorney, says he can’t comment on the Florida case: “It has nothing to do with what he’s on trial for.
Leechburg Council Votes Unanimously To Fire Suspended Police Chief
By David HighfieldDecember 18, 2018 at 11:37 pm Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter LEECHBURG (KDKA) — In a unanimous vote, Leechburg Council fired Police Chief Michael Diebold Tuesday night after he pleaded guilty to asking for sex from an undercover officer posing as a teenage girl.
McCandless Police Union Members Vote No Confidence In Chief
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter MCCANDLESS (KDKA) — Members of the McCandless Police union have voted overwhelmingly that they have no confidence in the police chief. Officials have repeatedly refused to say who was the subject of an ongoing investigation, only revealing that it was two members of the police department. But now with the investigation complete, the union has confirmed that it was a lieutenant and the chief.
Western Pennsylvanians Hit The Road For Thanksgiving Holiday
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Roads have been busy, but drivers say its not as bad as they feared on the day before Thanksgiving. NewsChopper 2 provided a view of backed up cars on the Parkway East, Route 28 and I-79 in Cranberry Township as drivers left the city Wednesday evening, but most of the evening appeared to be similar to a normal rush hour.
Giant Eagle, Shop ‘N Save Pull Romaine Lettuce Amid E. coli Alert
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Grocery stores and restaurants in our area are getting rid of romaine lettuce after an alert from the CDC Tuesday. It’s because of concerns over E. coli; and with Thanksgiving just days away, it could change people’s holiday menus. “Especially with family members and everybody coming over, we don’t want to risk any possible problems,” said Mary Henderson, of Robinson.
‘She’s Not Coming Back’: Woman Goes Missing While Vacationing In Mexico, Boyfriend Devastated
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A local woman vacationing in Mexico disappeared seven days ago. Police there have searched for Caley Manning of Mount Washington, but have been unable to find her. “You want that person coming right through the door, smiling and saying, ‘Hey, I’m back,’ but I know for a fact, she’s not coming back,” said Patrick Smith, Manning’s boyfriend of two years. Manning went on vacation with some girlfriends, staying at a resort on an island near Cancun.
Cranberry Township EMS Helping Most Vulnerable People During Lengthy Power Outage
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — About 47,000 customers were still without power in our area Friday night, and some may be in the dark all weekend. Ice and snow brought down trees onto power lines. (Photo Credit: KDKA) Butler County is one of the hardest hit areas. First Energy spokesperson Todd Meyers says the biggest problems fall into a triangle-shaped area between Butler, Kittanning and Arnold.
2 Members Of McCandless Police Dept. Placed On Leave Pending Investigation
Follow KDKA-TV: Facebook | Twitter MCCANDLESS (KDKA) — Taxpayers who were hoping to learn more about the two members of McCandless Police Department put on paid leave late last month left Monday’s council meeting disappointed. Town Attorney Gavin Robb largely responded to questions with “no comment.” He said he couldn’t say whether the chief is involved in the investigation. He also said he could not answer who’s in charge of the department right now.
New Video Technology Raises Concerns About ‘Deep Fakes’
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – You can’t believe everything you see anymore. New technology is making it easier to manipulate video and sound and some of it’s being developed right here in Pittsburgh. While the technology has some very legitimate uses, there’s also a real concern about it. We already know there are “fake news” stories online, but “fake video” could add a whole new dimension.
Bumper Cars, Mini-Golf, A Go-Kart Track: New Entertainment Center Opens At Edgewood Towne Center
EDGEWOOD (KDKA) — The old Kmart store at Edgewood Towne Center has a new life. The space reopened Friday night as Scene75, which is being billed as the largest entertainment facility in Western Pennsylvania. “We have arcade games throughout the entire space,” said owner Jonah Sandler. There are tricked out bumper cars, and even an indoor go-kart track, where you can chart your speed and compete with others. “So these are electric cars, so no fumes, no emissions,” said Sandler.
Expert Says Crows In Shadyside, Oakland Pose No Danger, But Are Quite The Nuisance
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Thousands of crows have descended on the city’s Oakland and Shadyside neighborhoods, and the people who live there have started to notice. “I saw them,” said Suzy Clark, of Shadyside. “There were so many, it was frightening, I thought.” They can make quite the racket. KDKA’s David Highfield shot some video of them and showed it to the National Aviary’s ornithologist Bob Mulvihill. He says in recent decades, crows have begun roosting in the city at this time of year.
Hundreds ‘Show Up For Shabbat’ For First Sabbath Since Synagogue Shooting
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Friday evening marked the first Sabbath since last weekend’s shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue that killed 11 people. Jewish leaders encouraged people of all faiths to attend Shabbat services as a sign of solidarity and support. Members of the Tree of Life Synagogue gathered in a private area at Rodef Shalom Synagogue in Shadyside. But in a public service at Rodef Shalom, about 1,200 people of various faiths came together.
‘He Grabbed Me About My Throat’: Big Rig Driver Damages Property, Assaults Deaf Man
CRESCENT TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Police in Crescent Township report that a lost big rig driver ripped up yards and knocked over street signs, before he reportedly pushed a man that he encountered. Jeremiah Hall says he discovered the driver when he went outside to check on the dog. Hall happens to be deaf and says couldn’t understand what the driver was telling him. “I had no idea he was talking, and then he pushed me. He grabbed me about my throat,” said Hall.
Another Collapse Reported At North Strabane Twp. Housing Development
NORTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — Ground has moved again in North Strabane Township at a housing development that’s been dealing with landslides. Part of Oakwood Drive in Majestic Hills collapsed over the weekend. There’s now about a 15 foot drop. A neighbor who lives below says there’s now an overhang. Something KDKA’s crew couldn’t see Wednesday night. Township Manager Andy Walz says one family has moved out because they can’t get to their driveway anymore.
Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting: Remembering Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — People began bringing flowers to the office of Dr. Jerry Rabinowitz in Bloomfield after the list of names of people killed inside Squirrel Hill’s Tree of Life Synagogue was released over the weekend. Dr. Rabinowitz was not only highly regarded for his knowledge and skill as doctor, but he was a caring and kind person. He took time to listen to his patients, and never made you feel like you were being rushed out.
Firefighters-In-Training Lose Everything In Devastating House Fire: ‘Didn’t Even Have Shoes On My Feet’
MOUNT PLEASANT (KDKA) — After two firefighters in-training lost everything in a house fire, first responders in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County, are stepping up to help. “She woke us all up when she woke up, and realized her room was on fire,” said Susan Higgins, who says the fire started in her sister’s room. All five people at home, early Tuesday, made it out safely, but the flames spread too quickly to allow the family to grab any belongings.
Woman Says Landlord Threatened To Terminate Lease Over Political Signs " CBS Pittsburgh
ELLWOOD CITY (KDKA) — A woman in Ellwood City says her landlord threatened to try to terminate her lease over political signs in her yard. Jessica Szafranski has two political signs in the front yard of the home she rents. One is for Tom Wolf, the other is for Connor Lamb. She says she heard from someone else that her landlord didn’t like the signs. Someone even took them down, and she put them back up. But she says she heard from her landlord on Friday.
Lighting Strikes House, Catches Fire In Allegheny County
No one was home at the time, but people nearby certainly noticed the lightning hit. Claudia Homitz was across the street at Angie’s Restaurant. “It shook he inside of this building, said Homitz. “It went boom! You could feel the ground shake,” said Homitz “That’s how hard it hit.” The homeowners, Dominick and Mary Bianco, has moved out of the home and we’re in the process of selling it. Dominick says he had just dropped insurance coverage of the building.
Woman Found Dead In East Pittsburgh Home, Boy Taken To Hospital " CBS Pittsburgh
EAST PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Police called to do a welfare check at a home in East Pittsburgh discovered a woman dead inside with her apparent son lying on top of her. The boy, whom police estimated to be 4 or 5 years old, was alert and coughing. He was rushed to Children’s Hospital. It’s unclear how the woman died, but police report a strong smell of natural gas inside the home. Peoples Gas was called to the scene to help.
Powerful Storms Rock Westmoreland County
WESTMORELAND COUNTY (KDKA) – Powerful storms brought down trees and flooded some streets in part of Westmoreland County Tuesday evening. A large tree fell down during a hailstorm on North Sixth Street in Youngwood, landing on a home’s front porch. Part of the tree even poked through to the inside of the home, according to Chief Lloyd Crago of the Youngwood Volunteer Fire Department. He said several streets flooded for a brief time, but no one was hurt.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Bringing Movie Theater Back To Downtown " CBS Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Downtown Pittsburgh hasn’t had a first-run movie theater since the 1980s, but the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust wants to change that. There’s a plan to transform the vacant Bally’s Sports Club on Sixth Street into a multi-screen theater. Ironically, the building was a theater years ago. “A first-run, multiplex, cineplex, not 25 screens, but six, seven, eight screens maybe in this building,” said Trust director Kevin McMahon.
New Frights & Features Ready To Spook ScareHouse Visitors
ETNA (KDKA) — Every year, the folks behind The ScareHouse in Etna manage to give visitors a fright. And this year is no exception. Katie Dudas from The ScareHouse says they’re giving people what they want. “Customers kept going, ‘Where’s the zombies? Where’s the zombies?’ And this is the 50th anniversary of George Romero’s ‘Night of the Living Dead,’ so of course, we’re going to have zombies,” Dudas said.
Beautiful Blue Lagoon Planned For Pittsburgh’s North Side " CBS Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – A beach, a blue lagoon, and an ice skating rink – that’s what is reportedly coming to Pittsburgh’s North Side. Our news partners at the Post-Gazette say that Millcraft Investments have reached a deal to build a man-made lagoon on the North Side, west of the West End Bridge. The two-acre lagoon will feature incredible blue water and be the first of its kind in a cold weather climate.
Landslide In Elliot Brings Down More Than Just Mud
ELLIOT (KDKA) – A section of Noblestown Road in Elliott will remain closed at least until Monday because of a landslide. All day Thursday, crews used excavators to bring down trees, dirt and other debris that are slowly sliding down the hill. Mary Ann Gensler lives nearby and first reported the slide to police on Tuesday. “I could hear a popping and crackling sound. I’m like what is that? Where is that?” said Gensler. Turns out, they have had slides here before when it rains.
Point State Park Manager ‘Hopeful’ Flooding Didn’t Damage Fountain " CBS Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Crews in Point State Park were busy Wednesday pushing and spraying away several inches of mud left by flood waters that have now receded. They’ve cleared the plaza around the fountain but haven’t touched the fountain itself yet. “This is worse than I thought it was,” Park Manager Jake Weiland said. But he hopes it’s not the kind of problem they dealt with this spring, when the fountains tall center column was out of commission for weeks after flooding.
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