Hollywood’s feast and famine before Thanksgiving, as ‘Hunger Games’ prequel tops box office
The Associated Press “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” topped the North American box office in its first weekend in theaters with $44…
Recent Deaths 11/20/23
Stephen M. Safford, 73, of Oil City, died Nov. 17, 2023. Robert G. Holzer, 84, of Tionesta, formerly of Cranberry Twp., Butler, Co., died Nov….
Plans for former Days Inn move ahead
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer Plans continue to move forward with the planned purchase of the former Days Inn hotel property in Oil City. Oil…
Spencer lawsuit against township still unresolved
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer A federal lawsuit filed earlier this year by Cranberry Township resident and property owner Randy Spencer against the township and…
Fears of political violence are growing as the 2024 campaign heats up and conspiracy theories evolve
The Associated Press The man who bludgeoned former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband with a hammer last year consumed a steady diet of right-wing conspiracy…
Jarvis scores twice in third period as Hurricanes beat Penguins 4-2
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Seth Jarvis broke a tie with 8:08 remaining with his first goal in six games and then added an empty-net, power-play…
‘Please regulate AI:’ Artists push for U.S. copyright reforms but tech industry says not so fast
The Associated Press Country singers, romance novelists, video game artists and voice actors are appealing to the U.S. government for relief — as soon as…
Oil City, Franklin leaf pickups continue
From staff reports Leaf pickups will continue next week in Oil City and Franklin: Here is the schedule: Oil City Monday — East Second, East Third,…
American Red Cross to hold 3 blood drives in December
From staff reports The American Red Cross will hold three blood drives next month. The first will be from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec….
Tempers flare and bills languish as Speaker Johnson confronts the same problems that vexed McCarthy
WASHINGTON (AP) — By most accounts, Speaker Mike Johnson inherited a House Republican majority in disarray after the sudden ouster of his predecessor last month….
Rosalynn Carter, 96-year-old former first lady, is in hospice care at home, Carter Center says
The Associated Press Former first lady Rosalynn Carter is in hospice care at home in Plains, Georgia, joining former President Jimmy Carter, who has been receiving end-of-life…
Taylor Swift fan dies at Rio concert as fans complain about high temperatures and lack of water
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — A 23-year-old Taylor Swift fan died at the singer’s Eras Tour concert in Rio de Janeiro Friday night, according to…
Pet of the Day 11/17/23
Marble has been in a foster home for several weeks, raised with her “donut” themed siblings as bottle babies. Her foster parent says she is…
Baked Apples with Coconut and Crumble Topping
Baked Apples with Coconut and Crumble Topping Servings: 8 6 Envy Apples 3/4 cup dark chocolate 1/2 cup chopped roasted hazelnuts 1 cup instant or…
DAR chapter seeks sponsorships for wreaths at veterans’ graves
From staff reports Nonprofit organization Daughters of the American Revolution of Venango County is once again participating in the Wreaths Across America program to honor…
Several area entities will benefit from Give Catholic donations
From staff reports Several parishes, schools and agencies in the area are participating in the Nov. 28 campaign for Catholic giving as part of Giving…
UN stops delivery of food, supplies to Gaza as communications blackout hinders aid coordination
RAFAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — The United Nations was forced to stop deliveries of food and other necessities to Gaza on Friday and warned of…
Bratt starts 3rd-period surge as Devils beat Penguins 5-2
PITTSBURGH (AP) — New Jersey Devils coach Lindy Ruff thought his team played its best game of the season, despite missing three top forwards. Jesper…
Decline in local news outlets is accelerating despite efforts to help
NEW YORK (AP) — The decline of local news in the United States is speeding up despite attention paid to the issue, to the point…
Review: ‘Fallen Leaves’ is deadpan nirvana
The Associated Press In a movie year rife with grand, three-hour opuses from auteur filmmakers comes a slender 81-minute gem that outclasses them all. Aki…
Recent Deaths 11/17/23
Betty Ward, 44, of Iceland, formerly of Oil City, died Oct. 18, 2023. Donald L. Smith, 61, of Millcreek Township, died Nov. 14, 2023. John…
Pet of the Day 11/16/23
Meet Juni! This wiggly little sweetheart came to us recently as a stray. Juni is approximately three years old and is a very petite little…
BLT Lobster Roll
(Family Features) As people look to change what’s on their plates, it can be tough to know where to begin. From social media-inspired recipes to…
New Franklin events coordinator joins city staff
By HELEN FIELDING Staff writer To a round of applause, Franklin mayor Doug Baker introduced James Shreffler as the city’s new events and marketing coordinator…
Venango County 4-H participants receive awards
From staff reports The Venango County 4-H organization recently held its animal leadership banquet and awards ceremony. A total of 73 4-H participants who completed…
Congress approves temporary funding, pushes fight over budget into new year
WASHINGTON (AP) — Ending the threat of a government shutdown until after the holidays, Congress gave final approval to a temporary government funding package that…
State House passes ‘shield law’ to protect providers, out-of-staters seeking abortions
HARRISBURG (AP) — A bill seeking to protect those who travel to Pennsylvania to get abortions by barring public officials from cooperating with authorities in…
State lawmakers OK millions for universities, but feud over private, public school aid
HARRISBURG (AP) — Pennsylvania’s Legislature on Wednesday approved hundreds of millions of dollars for universities after a fight that has dragged on five months into…
Review: Emotional complexity, melodramatic wit and masterful acting in ‘May December’
The Associated Press There is hardly a false note in “May December,” an audaciously self-aware, mischievously funny and emotionally complex drama that defies simple categorization….
Recent Deaths 11/16/23
Linda L. Burchfield Hughes, 89, of Franklin, and St. Cloud, Florida, died Nov. 12, 2023. David Lee Baker, 82, of Hermitage, died Oct. 13, 2023….
Pet of the Day 11/15/23
Brownie came to us as a stray so we don’t know much about her. Here at the shelter, she is energetic and sweet. Brownie loves…
Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast
(Family Features) If you’re in need of a quick breakfast, consider starting your day with this on-trend Acai Bowl with Whole-Wheat Toast provides a flavorful…
Ex-OC man pleads guilty in 2021 Spanky’s robbery
From staff reports A former Oil City resident pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to 96 months in prison on his conviction of Hobbs Act…
Oil City projects benefit via DEP enforcement
From staff reports The state Department of Environmental Protection has approved funding for Oil City’s rehabilitation of the Hasson Park restroom facilities and complete bandshell…
House votes to prevent a government shutdown as GOP Speaker Johnson relies on Democrats for help
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown after new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to reach across the…
Tens of thousands of supporters of Israel rally in Washington, crying ‘never again’
WASHINGTON (AP) — Supporters of Israel rallied by the tens of thousands on the National Mall under heavy security Tuesday, voicing solidarity in the fight…
Sydney Crosby’s 16th hat trick buries Blue Jackets 5-3
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Sidney Crosby recorded his 16th career hat trick, scoring twice in the third period, rallying the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Columbus…
Salman Rushdie receives first-ever Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award
NEW YORK (AP) — The latest honor for Salman Rushdie was a prize kept secret until minutes before he rose from his seat to accept…
Recent Deaths 11/15/23
Joan Marsan Johnsen, of Sewickley, died Nov. 12, 2023. Heidi Lyn Corsello, of Kitty Hawk, NC, died Nov. 10, 2023. Rita Rae Lore, 82, of…
Pet of the Day 11/14/23
Sweet little Avery came to us with a couple of other kittens when his owner could no longer care for him. He is about 5…
Overnight Oats
(Family Features) If you’re in need of a quick breakfast, consider starting your day with Overnight Oats that can be made the night before for…
All WWII Vets Now Eligible for No-Cost Care
All WWII Veterans who have served between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946, are eligible for no-cost VA health care and nursing home service,…
Fire destroys building in Cranberry
Seneca Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Perry said no one was injured in a structure fire at about 11:30 a.m. Monday that resulted in…
Cranberry’s Veterans Day program brought to those who couldn’t attend
By RANDY BARTLEY Staff Writer Veterans and their families who couldn’t attend the Cranberry Area High School Veterans Day program on Thursday were able to…
Worsening warming is hurting people in all regions, US climate assessment shows
The Associated Press Revved-up climate change now permeates Americans’ daily lives with harm that is “already far-reaching and worsening across every region of the United…
The last government shutdown deadline ousted the House speaker. This week’s showdown could be easier
WASHINGTON (AP) — The last time Congress tried to fund the government to prevent a federal shutdown, it cost House Speaker Kevin McCarthy his job….
Supreme Court says it is adopting a code of ethics, but it has no means of enforcement
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday adopted its first code of ethics, in the face of sustained criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts…
Recent Deaths 11/14/23
Ruth Ann Schaeffer Krug, 93, died Oct. 30, 2023. Mary Joan Songer, 87, of Elk City, died Nov. 12, 2023. Patricia R. “Patty” Freer, 75,…
Pet of the Day 11/13/23
Cruz is a very sweet five-month-old kitten who came to us with a few other kittens when his owner could no longer care for him….
Brown Sugar Honey Glazed Ham
(Family Features) Bringing together loved ones with classic seasonal meals is a staple of the holiday season, and few centerpieces call to mind childhood memories…