U.S. judge to hear recount argumentsPHILADELPHIA — The Green Party-backed push for a recount of Pennsylvania’s presidential election results will get its day in federal court.U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond Tuesday ordered a Friday hearing to consider the party’s request for a forensic examination of voting machines used across the state and a statewide recount of paper ballots.The proceeding will take place just five days before the Dec. 13 federal deadline for the state to certify its votes, raising questions over whether that would leave enough time for a thorough examination should the judge allow the recount to proceed.Former Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has spearheaded the recount effort in Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin — Rust Belt states that provided crucial and narrow victories to President-elect Donald Trump on his march to the White House.Attorneys representing Stein have argued that the electronic voting machines used in Pennsylvania are highly susceptible to computer hacking but have offered no evidence to suggest that any manipulation occurred during the Nov. 8 vote.

Uber driver charged with indecent assaultPITTSBURGH — Police in the Pittsburgh suburbs have charged an Uber driver with indecent assault and harassment for allegedly making unwanted sexual advances toward a female passenger.Ross Township police are charging 46-year-old Jehad Abdula Makhoul by summons, so online court records don’t list an attorney for him.The woman reported the incident Nov. 22 after she contacted the ride-sharing serving for a ride to a restaurant that evening.During the trip, the victim says Makhoul put his arm around her neck, grabbed her, kissed her face and put his hand on her inner thigh. She pushed him away and called 911 after he dropped her at the restaurant.