Paul Van Osdol

Pittsburgh

Investigative Reporter at WTAE-TV (Pittsburgh, PA)

--Investigative Reporter at WTAE TV --Peabody & National Headliner winner --RTs are not endorsements --Tips: 412.244.4626 or [email protected]

Articles

Consumers, car dealers in Western PA brace for Trump imposed tariffs

3 weeks ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

Car dealers and consumers in Western Pennsylvania are bracing for President Trump’s 25 percent tariffs on foreign cars and car parts. The tariffs are expected to take effect on Thursday. Barry Freger, owner of Pinnacle Auto in Jeannette, has been buying up vehicles as he anticipates a rush of consumer demand in the next few months. He expects consumers will want to buy cars before the tariffs have an impact. “I think in the short term, it's going to be great for our business.
DOGE targets federal government offices in Western Pennsylvania

1 month ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency said it is canceling leases for several federal government offices in Western Pennsylvania. DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, posted a list of office lease terminations on its website. The list includes three Western Pennsylvania offices for the Mine Safety and Health Administration in Warrendale, Mount Pleasant and Waynesburg. The state headquarters office is in Mount Pleasant. The Warrendale office oversees mine inspectors in 14 states.
Pittsburgh mayoral campaign: Corey O'Connor leads Mayor Gainey in fundraising

1 month ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

Records show Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor continues to hold a fundraising lead over Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey in the Democratic mayoral primary campaign. In February, O'Connor raised $290,416, nearly triple the $108,189 raised by Gainey. O'Connor had $888,967 in the bank, compared to $256,812 for Gainey. The fundraising advantage has allowed O'Connor to air television ads introducing him to Pittsburgh voters.
Financial planner: Don't panic over tariffs, stock market turmoil

1 month ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

President Donald Trump's tariffs on Mexico and Canada took effect Tuesday, causing jitters on Wall Street and Main Street.A Gibsonia-based financial planner said consumers and investors should keep calm."Tighten your belt, put some extra money away, be ready for higher prices.
Investigation finds city losing challenges to charity tax exemptions

1 month ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

It's been nearly two years since Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey vowed to challenge tax exemptions for large nonprofits, hoping to raise millions in tax revenue. Action News Investigates has learned the city has won only a small fraction of those challenges. "The ones that are living up to their obligations of being purely public charities, OK, but the ones that are not, they need to pay their fair share," Gainey said in March 2023.
Investigation reveals dozens of dangerous abandoned mines in Western Pa.

2 months ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

Elizabeth Pollard died in December after falling into a sinkhole at an abandoned mine in Unity Township, Westmoreland County. Action News Investigates has learned there are dozens of other abandoned mines in Western Pennsylvania that could pose a similar risk. Action News Investigates: Watch the report in the video player abovePollard, 64, was searching for her cat when she fell into a 30-foot-deep sinkhole at the former Marguerite mine.
Action News Investigates: Homeowners face tax hikes while luxury resort gets tax breaks

2 months ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

Many local governments and school districts in Western Pennsylvania are raising taxes because of revenue shortfalls. But Action News Investigates has learned Fayette County officials have given dozens of tax breaks in the past decade to a luxury resort that is the county's largest taxpayer. Fayette County homeowners are paying higher taxes and they are angry about it. "You guys are killing us," Ronnie Smith of Amend told county commissioners in December before they voted on a tax increase.
Study finds drinking water disinfectant could be toxic

2 months ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

A study finds the byproduct of a chemical used to disinfect drinking water in thousands of Western Pennsylvania homes could be toxic. For decades, scientists have tried to identify a byproduct of chloramine, a disinfectant used in one-third of Pennsylvania’s drinking water. Among the utilities using chloramine are Pennsylvania American Water and the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County. A study recently identified the byproduct. It’s called chloronitramide anion.
Investigation finds Allegheny County Jail leads state in Taser use

2 months ago | ktvz.com | Paul Van Osdol

By Paul Van Osdol Click here for updates on this story PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — Action News Investigates has learned the Allegheny County Jail uses Tasers far more than any other county lockup in Pennsylvania. A policing expert said that is a red flag that could signal other problems at the jail. A police body camera showed Brian Estep, 29, of Allison Park, in a holding cell at the jail after being charged with DUI, simple assault and resisting arrest.
Investigation finds Allegheny County Jail leads state in Taser use

2 months ago | wtae.com | Paul Van Osdol

Action News Investigates has learned the Allegheny County Jail uses Tasers far more than any other county lockup in Pennsylvania. A policing expert said that is a red flag that could signal other problems at the jail. A police body camera showed Brian Estep, 29, of Allison Park, in a holding cell at the jail after being charged with DUI, simple assault and resisting arrest.

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