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…
Caring Place unveils new name for personal care home
From staff reports The Caring Place in Franklin held an open house and ribbon-cutting last week to formally unveil the new name for the facility’s…
State’s dog license changes to take effect
From staff reports Changes are coming to dog licenses in Pennsylvania beginning Dec. 1, due to changes in state law. From Dec. 1 to Jan….
Biden’s initial confidence on Israel gives way to complexities, casualties of war
WASHINGTON (AP) — In the early days and hours after the horrific Hamas attack on Israeli civilians on Oct. 7, President Joe Biden spoke with…
Running backs shine early, defense shines late as Steelers slip past Green Bay
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Najee Harris stopped paying attention to the circumstances long ago. Maybe because they almost never change for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s going…
‘The Marvels’ melts down at box office, marking new low for MCU
NEW YORK (AP) — Since 2008’s “Iron Man,” the Marvel machine has been one of the most unstoppable forces in box-office history. Now, though, that…
Recent Deaths 11/13/23
Frances Serge Eakin, 99, died Nov. 10, 2023. Michael P. Fridley, 64, of Oil City, died Nov. 10, 2023. Paul M. Gabreski, 72, of Oil…
Remains of longtime missing man identified
By AUSTIN GRAY Contributing Writer Human remains found in Oil Creek State Park more than a year and a half ago have been identified as…
Franklin Christmas season underway as big tree arrives
By HELEN FIELDING Staff writer Bright sunshine made for perfect tree-decorating weather Friday in Franklin when the community Christmas tree chugged into town aboard the…
Heavy fighting rages near main Gaza hospital as Netanyahu dismisses calls for a cease-fire
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli strikes pounded Gaza City overnight and into Sunday as ground forces battled Hamas militants near the territory’s largest…
Nonprofits making progress in tackling homelessness among veterans, but challenges remain
ATLANTA (AP) — Along a busy Atlanta residential road, a 68-year-old Vietnam War-era Army veteran has found what he calls a “match made in heaven.”…
Karlsson, Malkin score as Jarry records shutout with Penguins 4-0 win over Sabres
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins admit they weren’t really where they wanted to be during a 3-6 stretch to open the season. But a…
Tentative accord has been reached in lawsuit against commissioners
By KARA O’NEIL Staff writer A tentative out-of-court agreement has been reached in a lawsuit that had been brought earlier this year against Venango County…
Food Drive to be held in December
From staff reports The Sugarcreek Borough Police Department, in conjunction with Community Services of Venango County, will conduct its seventh annual food drive from 1…
Speaker Johnson grasps for a funding plan with a government shutdown approaching
WASHINGTON (AP) — With just a week left to avert a government shutdown, new House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing his first big test as…
SZA leads the 2024 Grammy nominations as women outpace men in the leading categories
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Killing her ex? That’s a bad idea. Writing “Kill Bill” and releasing her critically acclaimed sophomore album “SOS” earlier this year?…
Biden and Xi are to meet next week. There is no detail too small to sweat
WASHINGTON (AP) — When President Joe Biden meets Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday, there will be no such thing as a small detail. How…
Recent Deaths 11/11/23
Marcy K. Karns, 63, of Oil City, died Nov. 9, 2023. Stanley “John” Cyphert, 87, of Lake Lucy, died Nov. 10, 2023. Kathy Reynolds, 71,…
Pet of the Day 11/10/23
Bryson is a friendly five-month-old kitten who is looking for his forever home! He came to us with a couple of other kittens when his…
Apple Cake
(Culinary.net) It’s almost impossible to beat the combination of sweet fruit and decadent desserts. This delicious recipe for Apple Cake highlights the crisp fruit but…
Allegheny National Forest wildfire contained
From staff reports The USDA Forest Service announced Thursday that the Sugar Bay Wildfire in Allegheny National Forest reached 100% containment. The wildfire was located…
Venango Campus veterans program will be held Monday
From staff reports PennWest-Clarion’s Venango Campus in Oil City will hold its annual veterans program at 11 a.m. Monday in the Rhoades Center auditorium. The…
Blinken says ‘far too many’ Palestinians have died as Israel wages relentless war on Hamas
NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that “far too many” Palestinians have died and suffered as Israel wages a…
Bryan Rust makes sure his second OT goal counts as Penguins defeat Kings 4-3
LOS ANGELES (AP) — After having a goal waved off in overtime, Bryan Rust quickly made sure it didn’t happen twice. His wraparound goal with…
Review: The Hunger Games return in ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,’ with the odds in its favor
The Associated Press Two hours and 37 minutes is pretty long for a “ballad,” but you can’t call it “The Hunger Games: The Three-Cycle Opera…
Recent Deaths 11/10/23
James C. Johnston, 76, of Franklin, died Nov. 8, 2023. Mary Lou Socha, 85, of Oil City, died Nov. 9, 2023. Beatrice M. Tomasello, 79,…
Pet of the Day 11/9/23
Looking for a loyal adventure buddy? Look no further than Kory, the energetic one-year-old German shepherd mix who loves nothing more than exploring outside and…