WJPA News

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal regulators have ordered regional grid operators to help large energy users connect more quickly to the nation’s inefficient and aging electric transmission system. They’re saying it’s a step needed to accommodate surging demand from power-hungry artificial intelligence data centers. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said its order leaves states in control of retail electric rates, terms and conditions. The commission’s actions come as a backlash grows against data centers over concerns about the massive amounts of energy and water they use and fears about noise and air pollution, water shortages and a loss of open space or farmland.

The Washington County Food Bank and Food Helpers programs will once again see Washington County funding. Commissioners voted 2-0-1, with Commissioner Electra Janis abstaining, to direct approximately $325,000 in state and federal funding to the Washington County Food Bank. In 2020, commissioners Diana Irey-Vaughan and Nick Sherman directed funding to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank believing they would be a better service provider during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, Ken Kulak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Washington Community Food Bank says that they have totally reorganized with a stronger staff and board to serve Washington County. Kathy Kennedy spoke on behalf of the From The Heart Community Food Pantry and 12 other food pantries. She said her group feels that it would be a mistake to move. They are considering keeping their affiliation with Greater Pittsburgh. She said product selection would diminish as would funding programs.  Commissioner Janis, who sits on the board of directors of the Washington County Food Bank, says that any pantry with concerns should contact the commissioners or the food bank directly as they want to make sure the transition back to Washington County is as smooth as possible. Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman said that he is confident in the new leadership of the Washington County Food Bank. Commissioner Larry Maggi opposed the move in 2020. He says that he is pleased that the 2020 decision has been reversed to allow the Washington County Food Bank to serve local citizens.

The Canon McMillan School Board will finish up the 2025-2026 school year next week. In their voting meeting next week, they will be passing their budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The budget will be a $126,854,777 spending plan and will include a tax increase to residents of .423 mills. According to Business Manager Dr. Joni Mansmann the district could have raised millage up to .699 mills. Mansmann did say that unanticipated revenue from the earned income tax allowed her to apply a conservative revenue increase to the budget of approximately $500,000. She also credited the Canon McMillan Cyber Academy for being able to keep the tuition of 120 students in the district. The approximate cost to educate a student at Canon McMillan is $19,000. That means Canon McMillan was able to keep approximately $2 million in their own bank. Dr. Mark Abbondaza reviewed results from this year’s structured literacy program. He reported substantial gains for kindergarten through fourth grade students from the beginning of the year. Fourth grade students wound up having a 95% reading proficiency level at the end of the year. In the buildings and grounds department, Director Jurdon Maier reported that the new Wylandville Elementary School is progressing with much of the underground infrastructure complete and steel framing being installed. He said contractors are estimating a June 2027 completion date for the construction. The School Board will meet on June 25 to vote on the budget.

A man has been arrested in connection with crimes that happened more than a decade ago in Fayette County, officials say.  The Fayette County District Attorney’s Office says Jesse Merle Keffer, 55, was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police Fugitive Task Force and U.S. Marshals Thursday morning.  PSP learned recently that Keffer was living near Charlotte, N.C., with a romantic partner. He is now awaiting extradition to Fayette County.  Keffer has been wanted since June 2014 for numerous offenses allegedly committed in McClellandtown, including indecent assault on a child and corruption of minors, the DA’s office says.  “This is yet another example of the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice regardless of the passage of time,” the DA’s office said in a social media post. “We appreciate the assistance of our partners in North Carolina, the U.S. Marshals and all of the other agencies that have made today’s apprehension possible

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — (WPXI) – Schwebel Baking Co. announced Wednesday that it’s winding down its operations and will liquidate its business.  Founded in 1906, Schwebel’s is based in Youngstown and sells bakery products across Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York. It has outlets in McKeesport and Bridgeville.  The company says its wind-down will include the Youngstown and Hebron bakeries, retail stores and distribution centers.  Operations are expected to continue through the Fourth of July weekend before tapering off through the summer.   “The Schwebel’s brand has been known for the highest quality of bread, buns and other bakery products for over 100 years, and we are devastated to reach the point where liquidation is the only remaining option,” Schwebel’s CEO Steve Cooper said. “We’ve worked with our advisors for several months to identify a buyer or investment source; however, despite significant efforts to adapt to changing market conditions and secure additional investment, the company was unable to establish a sustainable path forward.”  The company reports dealing with aging facilities and equipment, labor obligations and decreased demand.

Uniontown, PA—Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing an extension of the closure of the Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road/Main Street) Bridge between Jefferson Avenue and Lone Pine Road in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County.  The bridge closure is expected to remain in place through mid-July, weather and operational permitting.  Drivers will follow a posted detour utilizing Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road/Main Street), Interstate 79 and Route 2011 (Lone Pine Road).  Crews from Gulisek Construction LLC will be installing a latex-concrete overlay after performing hydro-demolition. This work is part of a $3.13 million infrastructure investment in a larger hydro/latex bridge deck preservation project.

Uniontown, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing that single-lane restrictions are in place in both directions of Interstate 79 between Exit 14 (Masontown/Waynesburg) and Exit 23 (Marianna/Prosperity) in Greene and Washington counties. All work depends on weather and operations.  Single-lane restrictions will be in place until late August.  Crews from Lindy Paving will perform patch and asphalt overlay of concrete pavement sections, mill and resurface asphalt pavement, minor drainage improvements, guiderail updates, replacement of signage, pavement markings and delineation, and relocation of Intelligent Transportation System equipment.  This work is part of the I-79 Waynesburg to Marianna Project, which will make improvements to approximately 11 miles of I-79, extending through Franklin and Washington townships in Greene County and Amwell Township in Washington County. Lindy Paving, Inc., is the prime contractor.  This $45.9 million infrastructure investment includes preservation work on 14 structures and pavement rehabilitation along the corridor. The proposed work consists of an 8-mile asphalt overlay of existing concrete pavement sections and a 4-inch mill and fill on the existing asphalt sections to enhance ride quality, extend pavement life, and ensure continued safe and efficient travel.

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s military says its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area. Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported at least 18 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes. The fighting into Friday morning came as planned talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States over their efforts to reach a permanent end to the Iran war were delayed. Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon and its continued attacks on the Iranian-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah have been a key issue in the talks. Israel maintains it must continue to hold the territory and have a free hand to battle Hezbollah as it has been launching attacks into northern Israel.

Maritime data company Lloyd’s List Intelligence says major shipowners have begun moving vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. For the first time in 110 days, ships owned by major companies are transiting the strait after effectively being marooned there since February. The strait is a critical passageway for the world’s oil and natural gas. Its closure has created a historic energy crisis. Tankers controlled by major ship owners Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK have passed through the strait. Lloyd’s List estimated that 550 merchant ships will need to prepare to exit the Persian Gulf, including 160 tankers, 200 bulk carriers, 60 container ships and 10 vehicle carriers.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices have fallen to just below $4 a gallon on average, bringing some relief to drivers who have seen soaring costs amid Washington’s war with Iran. But filling up is still more expensive than it was before the conflict began. According to AAA, a gallon of regular gasoline is now averaging at $3.999. It’s the first time since March that prices have been that low. The drop aligns with easing crude oil costs overall, as markets feel hopeful about an initial agreement between the U.S. and Iran to end the war. Still, American drivers are collectively paying a $1 more per gallon than they were in late February.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds that Trump’s approval on Iran remained low, at 34%, even as a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart negotiations materialized. The survey was conducted June 11-17, just after Trump called off threats to escalate the war with Iran. Respondents answered as Trump announced a deal with Iran and authorized an end to the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The poll concluded just before the deal was signed Wednesday. Trump’s overall presidential approval also held steady at 37%. Only about one-third of U.S. adults approve of his handling of Israel as tensions grow between the two countries.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its key rate unchanged Wednesday yet nearly half the central bank’s policymakers said they could support a rate hike later this year, an unexpectedly aggressive outcome that would disappoint President Trump and suggests heightened concerns about persistent inflation. In an unusually short statement after their two-day meeting, Fed officials dropped language that had suggested their next move would be to cut their key rate. The brief statement reflects the influence of new chair Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump, who has previously criticized the Fed for commenting too broadly on the economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Janeese Lewis George is making waves in Washington, D.C., with her progressive agenda as she aims for the mayor’s office. Her plans include subsidized childcare and increased homebuyer assistance. She also promises to challenge President Donald Trump’s influence. Her Democratic primary victory was a shift from centrist governance in the nation’s capital and aligns with a broader trend of democratic socialists gaining traction in urban politics. While some cities still favor moderate candidates, progressives like Lewis George are pushing for change by focusing on affordability and responsive government services.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three people. Thursday’s attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in early September. U.S. Southern Command did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed a boat speeding through the water before being struck and bursting into flames. Senators have demanded that the Pentagon release “unedited video” of the strikes.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police have charged a third suspect with an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue that was allegedly directed by Iran. Police alleged on Friday the 20-year-old man is one of three masked offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid then set it alight in December 2024. The fire caused extensive damage to the synagogue and a worshipper sustained minor injuries. The suspect was charged with arson in a Melbourne jail where he was already being held on unrelated offenses. His two co-accused were charged in July and August last year. Australia has accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of directing the attack.