FREEPORT TOWNSHIP, Pa.-(WPXI)— State police are investigating a shooting in Greene County. A Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson says the Waynesburg Station is investigating a shooting near Garrison Ridge Road in New Freeport. According to the spokesperson, it appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no threat to the public.
Allegheny County in Pennsylvania will begin using a controversial legal tool for involuntary mental health care in the community, beginning Jan. 1. County officials are implementing assisted outpatient treatment. They’re the first county to do so after state lawmakers voted for it in 2018. Officials were motivated by people’s calls for helping someone before they reach the legal threshold of being a danger to themselves or others. The county will establish an advisory group to monitor implementation and review progress through 2026. Opponents argue involuntary care can destroy a patient’s trust in the public mental health system and has serious implications for the civil rights and individual autonomy of those in need of care.
A Winter Weather Advisory released by the National Weather Service for the region has expired. An Ice Storm Warning has been issued for parts of Armstrong and Indiana counties. That warning will start at 10 a.m. on Friday until 7 a.m. on Saturday. Icy travel is possible, with significant accumulations of ice possible as you get into northeastern Armstrong and Indiana counties and north of I-80 and in the higher elevations of Westmoreland County. Travel will be treacherous for those traveling north and east into the central part of the state Friday through early Saturday morning. Warmer temperatures are expected this weekend with some quiet weather for travel Saturday and for the first half of Sunday. Rain will likely return later Sunday evening with colder air arriving Monday that could change rain to snow showers by the start of next week.
The Salvation Army Washington Worship and Service Center has announced that it reached its fundraising goal for the year, thanks to a rare donation received on Christmas Eve. An anonymous person donated a rare Queen Elizabeth II fine gold coin, valued at $2,500-$2,600, at the Giant Eagle Red Kettle. It’s the second straight year that has happened. “This remarkable gift will not only help us reach way beyond our annual goal, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the compassion and generosity that exists within our community,” said Lieutenant Thomas Perez, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Washington Worship & Service Center. “We are incredibly grateful to our Anonymous Angel, our donors, our volunteers, and our partners who make our mission possible.” Reaching the annual goal ensures that The Salvation Army can continue providing vital programs and services throughout the coming year, including food assistance, utility assistance, emergency aid, spiritual care, and community outreach. The Salvation Army Washington Worship & Service Center extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this success and remains committed to Doing the Most Good for those in need across the communities it serves.
A man who police say is armed and dangerous is facing charges a month after a shooting at the Washington Community Club. Washington Police announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for 32-year-old Brennan Cole. He faces aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two firearm charges. He’s accused in a Thanksgiving Day incident where a man was shot multiple times. Authorities say Cole was kicked out of the Washington Community Club in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, but came back a few minutes later, saying he forgot his coat. The club’s security guard, Cory Whitlock, told police Cole got into an argument with the owner, Richard Barnes Jr., then punched Barnes in the face when he wouldn’t let him back inside. Court documents said Cole was wrestled to the ground on the sidewalk, and during that struggle, multiple shots were fired. Police say Whitlock, who was working as a bouncer and checking people in, was shot at least once in the foot and leg. He was taken to UPMC Washington and eventually transferred to UPMC Mercy for treatment. Authorities say Cole should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who knows where he may be should call the City of Washington Police Department immediately. If you see him, do not approach, but instead, call 911.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump says the U.S. launched a deadly strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the the West African country’s government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians. Trump posted news of the strike Thursday night on his social media site. He said last month that he’d ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department then announced that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians. The U.S. recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.
NEW YORK (AP) — British socialite and onetime Jeffrey Epstein girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell is back in the spotlight with the public release of investigative records that led to her 2021 sex trafficking conviction. Among items unsealed are the grand jury transcripts of testimony that led to her indictment. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. She was moved to a minimum-security camp in Texas earlier this year soon after she submitted to two days of questioning by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Two weeks ago, she asked a federal judge to free her, claiming she was unjustly convicted. The public release of investigative materials brings fresh light to the evidence against her.
WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Another powerful storm system that could cause more flooding and mudslides is rolling across Southern California. Officials issued evacuation warnings in mountain towns and warned of possible high-surf conditions along the coast. Forecasters say the region could experience its wettest Christmas in years, increasing the risk of debris flows in areas scorched by wildfires in January. Heavy rain and gusty winds were blamed for at least two deaths on Christmas Eve. On Wednesday, a falling tree killed a San Diego man. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.
A Powerball ticket purchased at a gas station outside Little Rock, Arkansas, won a $1.817 billion jackpot just before Christmas. The winning numbers were announced on Christmas Eve, ending the lottery game’s three-month stretch without a top-prize winner. The winning numbers were 04, 25, 31, 52 and 59, with the Powerball number being 19. Final ticket sales pushed the jackpot higher than previously expected. Organizers say it is the second-largest pot in U.S. history and the largest Powerball prize of 2025. The jackpot has a lump sum cash payment option of $834.9 million.
