Long-time Pirates usher Phil Coyne passes away

Pittsburgh, Pa (WJAC) — Long-time Pittsburgh Pirates' usher Phil Coyne passed away Friday morning at 102-years-old, the team and his family confirmed. Phil Coyne worked for the Pirates for over 80 years, following the team from Forbes Field, to Three Rivers Stadium to PNC Park. He worked over 6,000 games, from 1936-2018, and finally called it quits just weeks before his 100th birthday. Phil was and always will be a true Pirates legend.

Man charged in deadly shooting of missing Uber driver

MONROEVILLE, Pa. (WJAC) — Allegheny County police say they've arrested the man they believe is responsible for the death of 38-year-old Christina Spicuzza, of Turtle Creek. Police say Spicuzza was reported missing Feb. 11 after her family hadn't heard from her the day before. They say she had been taking Uber fares when she vanished. County detectives say she was found Saturday on a wooded hillside along Rosecrest Drive in Pitcairn.

Students who didn't complete COVID-19 testing may have registration canceled

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (WJAC) — Penn State University officials say students who didn't complete their pre-arrival COVID-19 tests may have their registration canceled. In a release, university officials say 24,000 students were selected for pre-arrival COVID-19 testing. According to the release, students were notified through their Penn State email address and were given instructions on how to complete the at-home tests. The results of those test were to be submitted to the university by August 24 in order for students to attend classes or participate in other activities on campus.

Teen asked girl if she thought gun was 'loaded or unloaded' before pulling trigger

2nd UPDATE |CLEARFIELD COUNTY, Pa (WJAC) — State police are providing new details about Sunday's shooting in Brady Township, Clearfield County, that involved two juveniles. According to the affidavit, police say the teenager charged in the shooting, 14-year-old Aaron Klingensmith, reportedly asked the victim if she wanted to see his dad's gun. Investigators say Klingensmith then admitted to pickup up the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm handgun and pointing it at the victim.

The holidays kick off in Ebensburg with Dickens of a Christmas weekend

The 17th annual Dickens of a Christmas kicked off this weekend in Ebensburg. The weekend is organized by the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership and is inspired by the borough's Victorian architecture, like the jail and the courthouse. This Christmas celebration features many events such as a parade, a light up show and dozens of other festivities like craft shows, and even a Santa pub crawl. Organizers emphasize the positive impact that this 3-day celebration has for on community.

Death penalty to be sought in officer's slaying

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Prosecutors have announced plans to seek the death penalty in the slaying of an off-duty Pittsburgh police officer shot to death in a street confrontation last month. The Allegheny County district attorney's office informed the court Monday of intent to seek capital punishment should 30-year-old Christian Bey be convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors also unsealed the homicide and firearms crimes criminal complaint against Bey in the July 14 shooting of 36-year-old Officer Calvin Hall during a street dispute in the Homewood neighborhood as a party was going on.

Grange Fair hosts annual 'Kids Day'; PSU teaches kids, families about healthy eating

Centre Co., PA (WJAC) — Monday was "Kids’ Day" at the 148th Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair. This year's "Miss Congeniality," Mackenzie Peters, and ambassador Haley Zeigler spent time doing arts and crafts with children. Zeigler is a 2021 graduate of Bald Eagle Area High School and says she has been coming to the fair her entire life. She says she got involved with the fair queen competition because she looked up to past contestants.

Man's death at local swimming hole prompts officials to share water safety tips

SOMERSET COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — A 20 year old lost his life over the weekend while swimming at a popular spot in Somerset County. Now officials are sharing what swimmers should do in hopes of preventing a day at the river from turning deadly. Sunday afternoon, Pittsburgh man, Jeremiah Thompson drowned at a swimming hole in Paint Township. Just one day later, people are out at the same location where Thompson lost his life.

The redemption of Ginny Burton

SEATTLE (KOMO) — It was several years ago and I was working on a documentary that would eventually be called, "There But For The Grace of God...", trying to understand the epidemic of homelessness that had gripped Seattle and so many other places. I was wandering the streets of Seattle with my cameraman Doug, going to the places where broken people sought refuge. I walked into a men's shelter called Lazarus Day Center, run by Catholic Community Services.

Woman charged for hindering investigation into fatal Johnstown shooting

Johnstown, PA (WJAC) — Authorities with the Johnstown Police Department have charged a city woman for allegedly hindering the investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred in February. Police say Jasmine Dorsey, 23, faces one count of hindering apprehension/prosecution following the Feb. 12 shooting along Ash Street. According to the affidavit, Dorsey was one of several individuals that witnessed or was involved in an altercation outside of 900 Place, an after-hours establishment, on the night/morning of the shooting.