WJPA News

With data center developers touring Washington County, North Franklin Township took a precautionary step by unanimously approving amendments to their township code as it relates to the development of data centers and any fossil fuel power generating facilities. Conditional use was granted to the two building developments in the Industrial Zoning District and the Planned Economic Development District along Van Kirk Road near the airport. Restrictions defined in the ordinance are 1000 foot setbacks, building height restrictions and buffer zones. A decommissioning plan is also required backed up by a bond of 125% of the development value that is to be reviewed annually. Resident Joanne Reilly spoke about the ordinance stating that fire fighters and other emergency responders be trained annually to protect against any disaster. Supervisor Chairman Bob Sabot said that there are no active plans in the township. Supervisors wished to be proactive in case one came about. They are also confident that a data center would not be developed because of limited available land parcels and rugged terrain.

SOUTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A woman is recovering after police say she was attacked during an apparent case of road rage in South Strabane Township. Lisa Eckert showed our news partaners at Channel 11 several bruises on her body. She says she was knocked to the ground during a road rage incident near Trinity Point Shopping Center on Friday. Police arrested Krishnakumar Kandasamy, 38, after they say he threw her on her back and to the ground and kicked her. Eckert says she was driving to the shopping center when she passed the suspect’s SUV. She came to a red light along East Beau Street and that’s where the attack occurred. A good Samaritan appeared with a concealed weapon and held her gun on the man. Eckert told Channel 11 the attack left her with a concussion. Kandasamy is to appear before a judge next week. At last report, he remains in the Washington County jail.

The Carroll Township Police Department has landed $10,000 from forfeited assets obtained during the investigation and prosecution of individuals trafficking illegal narcotics in Washington County.  The Department will use the money to purchase necessary police equipment. Washington County District Attorney Jason Walsh presented the check to Township officials.

WASHINGTON, Pa. – Washington City Police are asking for the public’s help in locating two missing and endangered juveniles.  Police say fifteen-year-old Stephany Frazier  and fifteen-year-old Martell Jones, were reported missing on April 12th and are believed to be together.  Police say Frazier left behind a note indicating possible intent to harm herself, and her safety is of immediate concern.  Stephany Frazier is described as being black, approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighing around 130 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She is known to have blue-dyed highlights in the front and back of her hair. She was last seen wearing all black clothing.  Martell Jones is black, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 145 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. No additional descriptive information is available at this time.  Authorities say they are actively working to locate the teens and are asking anyone with information regarding their whereabouts or who may have had contact with them to contact Detective Brady Stallings at 724-223-4225 or by email at bstallings@washingtonpa.us

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Hopes rose for renewed talks between the United States and Iran as the U.S. military said its blockade of Iranian ports was in full effect and Tehran threatened to retaliate by strike targets across the war-weary region. U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that a second round of talks could happen “over the next two days” as diplomats worked through back channels to arrange them. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres concurred, saying it’s “highly probable” that talks will restart, citing a meeting he had with Pakistan’s deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar. The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Energy Secretary Chris Wright raised eyebrows Tuesday after saying the country “looks like we’re going in the wrong direction” in remarks hailing a new natural gas pipeline project. Speaking at a groundbreaking for a project that will transport natural gas from Pennsylvania into New York City and Long Island, Wright said President Donald Trump “is about driving down costs for Americans and driving up job opportunities and wages for Americans.” Moments later, Wright apparently misspoke as he said, “Just because it looks like we’re going in the wrong direction doesn’t mean that’s the direction we are going.” The Energy Department later posted excerpts of Wright’s speech that did not include the “wrong direction” comment.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has asked a federal appeals court to throw out the seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders who were sentenced to prison terms for leading members of the far-right extremist groups in attacking the U.S. Capitol over five years ago. Trump commuted the prison sentences of several Proud Boys and Oath Keepers leaders last January in a sweeping act of clemency for all 1,500-plus defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack. Tuesday’s requests by the Justice Department would go a step further and erase the convictions for the extremist group leaders, including Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes.

NEW YORK (AP) — Many Americans are turning to artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT for health advice. A Gallup poll out Wednesday found that about 1 in 4 U.S. adults had used AI for health information in the past month. The poll comes on the heels of at least three other surveys with similar findings. Gallup found that people often use AI chatbots for quick answers, additional information or research before or after seeing a doctor. However, concerns about accuracy and privacy persist. Experts warn that AI chatbots can sometimes provide false information and emphasize the need for caution.

ATLANTA (AP) — A long-lasting weather pattern is blasting hot air across the eastern U.S. and threatening to shatter record highs starting Wednesday. Cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta are experiencing unusual April heat. Forecasters say the near-record temperatures could last into the weekend. The heat follows severe storms in Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin on Monday, with more storms expected in the Plains and Midwest. Experts note the duration of this heat wave is rare for April. The heat can be stressful on the human body, especially since many have not yet acclimated to higher temperatures.