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Articles by Rob Pratte
Asian shares mostly rebound after Trump hints at a possible end to the Iran war
TOKYO (AP) — Asian benchmarks mostly rebounded Tuesday, echoing cautious relief that swept through Wall Street after President Donald Trump said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 added 1.1% in morning trading to 52,093.02, recovering some of the losses it suffered the previous day.
Unselfish key to defense, Aaron Smith 27th best Steelers pick
PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In leading up to the first ever NFL Draft held in Pittsburgh, we take a look at the 50 best Steelers draft picks. It’s a list that includes Pro Football Hall of Famers, Hall of Honor members, players drafted since 1969 that contributed to 43 winning seasons and six Super Bowl titles over that time.
It ‘clicked’ late last year, big shot for Jared Triolo now
PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The hope was Konnor Griffin would be on the Opening Day roster, that changed on Saturday. Now with Griffin in AAA, let’s try to look objectively, not emotionally with Jared Triolo. Let’s start with this being a temp job, at least at short, with an opportunity to win the starting job at third base. Triolo is likely the shortstop out of the gate, although it could be Nick Gonzales, or a split.
EU and Australia agree on text of free trade pact and announce a new defense partnership
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The European Union and Australia on Tuesday agreed on the final text of a free trade agreement, two years after negotiations broke down over Australian demands for more red meat market access and complaints about Australian products labeled with traditionally European names such as prosecco.
229 migrants calling for help found in back of truck in eastern Mexico
XALAPA, México (AP) — Mexican authorities found 229 migrants on Monday packed in the back of a truck traveling through the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz, the first such encounter in months, marking a potential uptick in migration since U.S. President Donald Trump took office. José Manuel Pozos, the state's deputy government secretary, said that they found migrants trapped in a truck reported stolen after they began to call for help from a police impound lot.
Jury begins deliberations in landmark New Mexico trial over children's safety risks on Meta
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A jury began deliberations Monday in a landmark trial in New Mexico where social media conglomerate Meta is accused of misleading its users about how safe its platforms are for children. Jurors heard closing arguments after six weeks of testimony from scores of witnesses that included local teachers, psychiatric experts, state investigators, top Meta officials and whistleblowers who left the company.
With long lines and other disruptions, air travel anxiety isn't just about a fear of flying
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The list of reasons why air travel can be stressful has grown as long as the security lines at some U.S. airports. Back-to-back winter storms. The Iran war. Governmentshutdowns. A fatal runway collision between a jet and a fire truck. All have disrupted airline travel in recent months.
Here's what to know as the scope of damage from Hawaii's floods becomes clearer
HONOLULU (AP) — The worst flooding to hit Hawaii in two decades swept homes off their foundations, floated cars out of driveways and left floors, walls and counters covered in thick, reddish volcanic mud. Crews continued to assess the destruction Monday, but authorities said hundreds of homes had been damaged, along with some schools and a hospital. No deaths have been reported, but more than 230 people had to be rescued. Here's what to know as residents begin to clean up. Gov.
Kalshi and Polymarket rush to ban insider trading as senators move to curb prediction markets
NEW YORK (AP) — Kalshi and Polymarket, the two biggest prediction market platforms, rushed to announce new industry guardrails on Monday after two key senators announced legislation that could severely curtail the industry’s prospects. Kalshi said it would ban political candidates from trading on their own campaigns, and it would preemptively block anyone involved in college or professional sports from trading contracts related to the sports they play or are employed by.
UK police probe possible Iran link after Jewish charity ambulances set on fire
LONDON (AP) — Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set on fire early Monday in London in what British police are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. Detectives are working to determine whether a claim of responsibility from a group with alleged links to Iran is authentic. Though it has not been classified as a terrorist incident, counterterror officers have been put in charge of the investigation.
Pitt offense gets after defense in scrimmage
PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It’s the football equivalent to the pitchers being ahead of the hitters. Often at the beginning of college football spring practices the defense is ahead of the offense. Not this year for Pitt. Saturday the Panthers held its first scrimmage and the offense won 52-24. “They got after us this weekend at the scrimmage,” said Pitt defensive lineman Isaiah 'Ghost’ Neal Monday. “That’s not typical for the first scrimmage. A lot of the times, it’s the defense.
Trump says Iran is eager for a deal to end the war as he extends deadline to allow for diplomacy
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. was talking with an Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war. He also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, saying it has an additional five days. Trump’s turnaround, which held out the possibility of resolving the war now in its fourth week, served to drive down oil prices and jolt stocks.
NHL mourns the death of Minnesota Wild reporter Jessi Pierce and her 3 children from a house fire
The NHL is grieving the death of reporter Jessi Pierce and her three children from a house fire in Minnesota. Pierce, 37, covered the Wild as a correspondent for NHL.com for the past decade and was a prominent podcaster among several other roles she held in sports media in the Twin Cities area. Having learned of the news before their game on Saturday against the Dallas Stars, the Wild returned to the ice for practice on Monday with their hearts and minds still heavy from the tragedy.
Record-smashing heat continues: 'Basically the entire U.S. is going to be hot'
After smashing March heat records in 14 states and the U.S. as a whole, the gigantic heat dome that's baked the Southwest is creeping eastward and may end up being one of the most expansive heat waves in American history, meteorologists and weather historians said. And it's not going away for awhile, maybe not till the middle of the next week as April starts, said meteorologist Gregg Gallina of the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
Aliquippa declares State of Emergency after water main breaks
Aliquippa has declared a State of Emergency after three “major” water main breaks on Monday. The City of Aliquippa posted on social media that 22,000 residents are impacted by the breaks. City officials say that crews are trying to isolate the main break that is underneath Route 51. If they are unable to successfully back feed water into the system, Route 51 will need to shut down in the area of the break.
Stocks rally and oil sinks after Trump hints at a possible end to war, even as Iran denies talks
NEW YORK (AP) — A cautious relief swept through financial markets Monday after President Donald Trump said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war. Oil prices eased, and stock prices rose on Wall Street following severe losses taken elsewhere in the world before Trump’s announcement.
Why are we fighting with Iran? 68% don't understand it in a new poll
Why is the U.S. embroiled in a sudden war with Iran? For a big chunk of Americans, the answer is 'your guess is as good as mine.' With gas prices spiking and warnings about travel costs getting higher and even food prices anticipated to increase, almost 68% of respondents in a recent survey by CBS/You Gov believe the Trump administration has not clearly explained the goals of attacking Iran. What has the president himself said?
Pittsburgh launching abandoned vehicle blitz
Looking to free up parking, beautify the city and address community concerns, the City of Pittsburgh is launching an abandoned vehicle blitz. According to the Pennsylvania vehicle code, vehicles are presumed abandoned when they are inoperable and unattended for more than 48 hours. Remained illegally on a highway or public property for more than 48 hours or if a vehicle has been on private property without the owner’s consent for more than 24 hours.
Military plane with 125 aboard crashes in Colombia. At least 48 rescued
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — A military transport plane with 125 people on board crashed shortly after taking off Monday in southwestern Colombia, causing an undetermined number of casualties, officials in the South American country said. At least 48 people were rescued alive. Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez said on X that the plane was carrying troops when the “tragic accident” occurred in Puerto Leguizamo, a remote municipality in the Amazonian province of Putumayo, which borders Peru and Ecuador.
City of Washington Police looking for missing 15-year-old boy
Police in Washington County are looking for a missing teen they are considering a runaway. 15-year-old Martell Jones hasn’t had contact with his family since March 18 around 5 p.m. The City of Washington Police Department says Martell is about 6-foot and weights 140-pounds. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants and red, black and white Air Jordan shoes. He was last seen in in Washington with his girlfriend and a friend.
Scratch-Off worth $3 million sold in Southwestern PA
A PA Lottery Scratch-Off ticket worth $3 million was sold in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Lottery says the “$3 Million Mega Moolah Multiplier” ticket was sold at the Meet Mini Mart in South Union Township on East Main Street. “$3 Million Mega Moolah Multiplier” is a $30 game that offers a top prize of $3 million. Winners should sign the back of their ticket immediately and contact the Lottery at 1-800-692-7481 to begin the claiming process.
Europe's far right backs Orbán as Hungary's coming election puts his brand to the test
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The leaders of over a dozen European far-right parties gathered in Hungary's capital on Monday in a show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a nationalist figure beloved by U.S. and European conservatives whose performance in a pivotal election in April could set the tone for the movement's future.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell excited for NFL Draft in Pittsburgh
A month before Pittsburgh hosts the NFL Draft, Commissioner Roger Goodell gave News Radio KDKA's Michael Bartley an exclusive interview on the draft, what it means to Pittsburgh and to the players. Goodell says the draft has changed a lot in his more than 40 years with the League, going from a hotel ballroom event to an internationally-attended three-day spectacular. He says it will give Pittsburgh a chance to shine, as the city where memories are made that will last forever.
The odds that Trump will be impeached have never been higher, per popular betting sites
Kalshi, one of the largest prediction market platforms, has bad news for the current White House administration as its latest odds that President Donald Trump will be impeached before the end of his second term have never been higher. Kalshi currently places the odds of Trump being impeached at 69%, the biggest share since the market was created in November 2024. And it's not just the action in Iran that's soaring the predictions.
Italian voters reject judicial reform in a setback for Premier Giorgia Meloni
ROME (AP) — Italian voters on Monday rejected a judicial reform backed by conservative Premier Giorgia Meloni, delivering a stinging setback to the right-wing government one year ahead of national elections. “Italian voters have decided and we respect their decision,” Meloni said in a video posted on Instagram. She pledged to complete her mandate, which runs into 2027.
The Latest: Supreme Court will decide whether states can keep counting late mail ballots
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments on Monday to decide whether states can continue to count late-arriving mail ballots — an election issue targeted by President Donald Trump. All 50 states require ballots to be cast or postmarked on or before Election Day, but 14 states have grace periods for receiving and counting regular mailed ballots, ranging from a day to several weeks after the election.
State Police asking for help locating missing 17-year-old in Fayette Co.
PA State Police are searching for a teen girl missing from Fayette County. 17-year-old Emily Salonick, last seen at the McDonald's in South Union Township at 1 Work Parkway on Wednesday, March 18. She is 5-feet-6, about 140 pounds with hazel eyes and black hair. She could be wearing a black jacket, black McDonald’s hoodie and jeans. Anyone with information on her whereabouts should call police at 724-439-7111.
Jewish charity ambulances set on fire and UK police probe it as antisemitic attack
LONDON (AP) — Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set on fire early Monday morning in London in what British police are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. Though it has not been classified as a terrorist incident, counterterror officers have been put in charge of the investigation. No one was injured in the nighttime attack, which shattered windows in nearby homes and left the vehicles charred shells.
Orbán's top opponent says Hungary's alleged Russian backchannel 'treason' to be investigated
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — The front-runner in Hungary's parliamentary election said on Monday that an alleged backchannel between Budapest and Moscow should be investigated as “treason" after the Washington Post reported that Hungary’s government has for years provided Russia with detailed information from EU Council meetings.
ICE officers make their way airports' TSA checkpoints after Trump order amid partial shutdown
ATLANTA (AP) — More federal immigration officers are making their way to U.S. airports after President Donald Trump said he’d deploy them to supplement the Transportation Security Administration during a government shutdown that has caused long lines at security checkpoints across the country. On Monday morning, a handful of federal officers were seen by The Associated Press near busy lines at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Jewish charity ambulances set on fire as UK police probe antisemitic attack
LONDON (AP) — Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set on fire early Monday morning in London in what British police are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. Though it has not been classified as a terrorist incident, counterterror officers have been put in charge of the investigation. No one was injured in the nighttime attack, which shattered windows in nearby homes and left the vehicles charred shells.
Trump says US is talking with an Iranian leader as he extends deadline for striking power plants
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday said the U.S. was talking with a “respected” Iranian leader and claimed the Islamic Republic was eager for a deal to end the war. He also extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, saying it has an additional five days. Trump’s turnaround, which held out the possibility of resolving the war now in its fourth week, served to drive down oil prices and jolt stocks.
Jet collides with fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport. 2 pilots killed
NEW YORK (AP) — An Air Canada jet carrying more than 70 passengers collided with a fire truck while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday, killing the pilot and copilot and injuring several others, officials said. The fire truck was crossing the tarmac after an air traffic controller gave it permission to respond to another plane reporting an odor onboard.
GoFundMe established after four teens killed in Westmoreland Co. crash
Four teenagers died in a car crash in Sewickley Township, Westmoreland County over the weekend. The crash happened early Saturday morning around 3:30 a.m. about a half mile west of Stone Lane. Investigators say a single vehicle struck a tree, which was followed by a fire. When first responders got to the scene, four people inside the car were pronounced dead.
Supreme Court rejects appeal from online citizen journalist over her arrest in Texas
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the appeal of a Texas-based online citizen journalist who said she was wrongly arrested in a case that drew attention from national media organizations and free speech advocates. The justices left in place a divided federal appeals court ruling that found journalist Priscilla Villarreal, known online as La Gordiloca, could not sue police officers and other officials over her arrest for seeking and obtaining nonpublic information from police.
Trump says Iran wants a deal and claims US has been holding talks with 'respected' Iranian leader
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran wants “to make a deal”and claims U.S. envoys have been holding talks with a “respected” Iranian leader. Trump told reporters Monday his Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner conducted talks Sunday into the evening. He said talks would continue today. Trump did not name any official or officials representing Tehran.
Police break up large juvenile fight in Market Square
Pittsburgh Police broke up a large fight involving dozens of juveniles in Market Square Sunday night making several arrests. Police say officers already patrolling downtown responded around 5:30 p.m. on Sunday to Forbes Avenue and Market Square after reports of a large gathering of juveniles. A fight broke out involving roughly 40 young people, and some began using pepper spray. When verbal commands to disperse were ignored, officers deployed pepper spray to regain control.
Oil prices ease and stocks jump after Trump says Iran is talking with the US, despite Iran's denials
NEW YORK (AP) — Relief is ripping through financial markets after President Donald Trump said the United States has talked with Iran about a possible end to their war, despite Iran’s denials. Oil prices are falling sharply, and stock prices are jumping on Wall Street following severe losses elsewhere in the world before Trump’s announcement. The S&P 500 leaped 1.4% toward its best day since well before the war began.
Federal immigration agents seen at Atlanta airport after Trump order amid partial shutdown
ATLANTA (AP) — Federal immigration officers have been seen at an airport in Atlanta after President Donald Trump said he’d deploy agents to supplement the Transportation Security Administration during a government shutdown that has caused long lines at security checkpoints across the country. On Monday morning, a handful of federal agents were seen by The Associated Press near busy lines at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
ICE agents being deployed to Pittsburgh International Airport
President Donald Trump announced Sunday ICE agents are being deployed today at US airports. And, they're going to work at Pittsburgh International. Border czar Tom Homan said ICE won't operate X-ray machines but will cover exit lanes and check IDs to free up screeners for security checkpoints.
Federal immigration agents seen at Atlanta airport after Trump order amid during partial shutdown
ATLANTA (AP) — Federal immigration officers have been seen at an airport in Atlanta after President Donald Trump said he’d deploy agents to supplement the Transportation Security Administration during a government shutdown that has caused long lines at security checkpoints across the country. On Monday morning, a handful of federal agents were seen by The Associated Press near busy lines at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
The Latest: Trump extends his deadline for Iran to reopen Strait of Hormuz by 5 days
President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. will hold off on striking power plant strikes for five days. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social site hours ahead of his previous deadline. Trump said the U.S. and Iran have had “very good and productive conversations” that could yield “a complete and total resolution” in the war. Talks will continue “throughout the week,” Trump said.
Jewish charity's ambulances set on fire. UK counter-terror police probe it as antisemitic attack
LONDON (AP) — Four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity were set on fire early Monday morning in London, in what British police are investigating as an antisemitic hate crime. Though it has not been classified as a terrorist incident, counter-terror officers have been put in charge of the investigation. No one was injured. Religious and political leaders condemned what Prime Minister Keir Starmer called a “horrific" antisemitic attack.
Markets shoot higher and oil futures sink after Trump announces progress with Iran, halt on bombing
Wall Street shot higher and global oil futures tumbled Monday after President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz and said the U.S. would hold off on strikes against Iranian power plants and other energy infrastructure for five days. Trump's post on social media about the strikes came as the war with Iran enters its fourth week. Futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average soared 2.6% before the opening bell.
The Latest: Trump extends Iran deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 5 days
President Donald Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying the U.S. will hold off on striking power plant strikes for five days. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social site hours ahead of a deadline. Trump said the U.S. and Iran have had “very good and productive conversations” that could yield “a complete and total resolution” in the war. Talks will continue “throughout the week,” Trump said.
US will hold off on Iran power plant strikes for 5 days, extending Trump deadline on Hormuz strait
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — President Donald Trump on Monday extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, saying the U.S. would hold off on strikes against Iranian power plants for five days. Trump made the announcement on his Truth Social site hours ahead of his self-imposed deadline later in the day.
Rubio to testify in trial of former roommate accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela
MIAMI (AP) — The federal trial of a former Miami congressman accused of secretly lobbying for Venezuela's government during the first Trump administration begins Monday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to testify over his interactions with his old friend. Prosecutors allege David Rivera was a hired gun for former President Nicolás Maduro, leveraging Republican connections from his time in Congress to push the White House to abandon its hard line on Venezuela’s socialist government.
Iran threatens to strike Gulf power plants and mine Gulf waters as Israel launches new attacks
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran warned Monday that it would strike electricity plants across the Middle East and mine the Persian Gulf after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb power stations in the Islamic Republic if it did not reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.
After years of grief, trial opens over Greek rail disaster that killed college students
LARISSA, Greece (AP) — A criminal trial opened in Greece Monday over a train collision that killed 57 people, many of them college students, in a disaster that horrified the country and revealed long-neglected safety failures. The February 2023 crash triggered a fireball on impact and left passengers trapped in mangled rail cars. Most of the 36 defendants — all rail and transport officials — face serious charges linked to endangering public transport.
Pilot and copilot killed in collision between jet and fire truck at New York's LaGuardia Airport
NEW YORK (AP) — Two people were killed and several others badly hurt when an Air Canada regional jet struck a fire truck on a runway while landing at New York’s LaGuardia Airport late Sunday night, officials said. The pilot and copilot were killed in the collision, which crushed the nose of the aircraft, while 41 passengers and crew members were taken to area hospitals, some with serious injuries. Most have since been released from treatment, authorities said.
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