July 2, 2026 5:44 pm
HAMDEN, Ohio (AP) — The discovery of 16 children living in deplorable conditions in rural Ohio has left people wondering why the life-threatening squalor wasn’t detected earlier. Seven were taken to hospitals, including one who was in critical condition when rushed to care Tuesday. Windows and doors at the home in Hamden, about 60 miles from Columbus, have been boarded up. Four people who are the children’s parents and grandparents face child endangerment charges. Neighbor Josh Odell says he has a view of the backyard but never saw a child.
July 2, 2026 5:42 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympian has been indicted on a felony charge for alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. David Hearn is a former Olympic canoe racer who was indicted on a single count of property destruction in Washington, D.C. court. District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said he ripped up recently installed sealant and caused over $1,000 in damage. Hearn previously told The Associated Press that he reached into the pool to examine the newly peeled coating during a 64-mile bike ride. Trump has said federal authorities made “multiple arrests” of people he said were vandalizing the Reflecting Pool following a $16-million rehabilitation project he launched for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
July 2, 2026 3:59 am
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Gaining freedom from the heat will be a challenge this Independence Day in the eastern U.S., and it’s already starting ahead of the holiday weekend. The National Weather Service says dangerous, record-breaking heat will continue across much of the central and eastern United States on Friday, including here in Washington County and will continue along the East Coast through the weekend. With humidity making it feel hotter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sweat will be dampening spirits at many celebrations marking 250 years of American independence. In Philadelphia, officials shortened the route of a Thursday morning parade, canceled an afternoon all-American Block Party, and pushed back the start times of an evening picnic and concert at Independence Mall. Locally, the Main Street Farmer’s Market was cancelled on Thursday, but the festivities are on as scheduled in Canonsburg for Saturday, including the annual parade. Meanwhile, cooling centers are open in our area. For the complete list, click on this link: Click Here.
July 2, 2026 1:50 pm
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man has admitted to making threats against President Donald Trump and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey says 20-year-old Cody Lee Smith admitted to making threats to kill the President and to harm ICE agents. According to court statements, on January 17, 2026, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that Smith had posted threats on social media, including threats to attack and kill ICE agents and President Trump. Homeland Security and ICE agents reviewed his Instagram posts and confirmed multiple threats against President Trump, his supporters, and federal law enforcement. That same day, Smith also sent a direct Instagram message to Donald J. Trump Jr. containing a sexually violent threat against President Trump. On January 18, 2026, Smith called the ICE tip line and threatened to kill ICE agents in Clarksburg, as well as the operator and the operator’s family. Smith faces up to 5 years for the presidential threat charge and faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the threats against ICE. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
July 1, 2026 4:11 am
ROME (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks on Italy’s premier have had an unintended consequence. After Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and claimed Giorgia Meloni had groveled for his attention, European leaders rallied to Meloni’s side. Trump’s social media barbs helped thaw Meloni’s previously frosty relationship with other European leaders over her hard-right political roots. It is the latest example of how the often divisive American president is helping to draw Europe closer together. European leaders are finding more reasons to coordinate on defense, tariffs and foreign policy. Analysts say that leaves Trump, who has often preferred to negotiate with European countries individually, with less ability to do so.
July 2, 2026 10:23 am
PHOENIX (AP) — The United States is rapidly building what it calls a “smart wall” on the Mexico border, combining tall steel fencing with advanced technology like sensors and cameras. Critics argue this militarizes the border and impacts local communities. Customs and Border Protection says the technology helps free up agents for other tasks. Contracts for hundreds of miles of wall have been signed. The wall has been a top priority for Republican President Donald Trump, with $46 billion allocated for its completion. Critics warn of privacy concerns and environmental impacts. The project continues to face scrutiny over costs and oversight.
July 2, 2026 4:40 am
Freedom Transit’s Washington Transit Center will be closed on Friday, July, 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Fixed route and shared ride services will operate on a normal schedule that day. On July 4, fixed route services will not operate, but shared ride services will operate until 5:00 pm. To schedule shared ride services for July 3, July 4 and July 6, call 724-223-8747 by noon on July 2.
July 2, 2026 10:20 am
Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers to use water more efficiently. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 30% of Pennsylvania is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The Pennsylvania DEP drought information website lists 15 counties under a drought watch. Fixing household leaks will help conserve water. Helpful hints to conserve water outdoors are; water plants early in the day or even at night, collect rainwater in barrels for use on plants, make sure sprinkler heads are not pointing to pavement and use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. More tips and resources are available at PAWC’s Wise Water Use page.
July 2, 2026 4:01 am
With temperatures in the 90s this week, Washington County residents are finding ways to beat the heat. DeAnna Martin, the Washington Park Director, says that the community pool has seen an uptick in attendance, even at the beginning of the week. Martin believes that the pool offers a place for the community to come together, cool off, and have fun. Doreen Diesel of South Franklin Township explains that her eight-year-old grandson loves to see his teammates and classmates at the pool throughout the summer. Star Ashman, who lives in Washington and goes to the pool frequently, says that it definitely keeps people cooled down, but it is still important to stay hydrated in the heat. People of all ages have been enjoying the pool. Thirteen-year-old Arilynne Gaydos says that even with a crowd, it is still a fun time! DeAnna Martin reminds the community to remember sunscreen and to stay safe in the heat.
July 1, 2026 2:43 am
The Main Street Farmer’s Market has been cancelled for Thursday, July 2nd because of the current heat wave that is baking much of the United States, including Washington County. Tracie Liberatore, the markets administrator, says they really had no choice. She says they’ve been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and Thursday is expected to be the hottest day this week, with actual temperatures in the upper 90’s and the heat index heading into triple digits. She says many of the markets customers are older and could be at risk if they spend too much time outdoors. In addition, she says a few vendors had already cancelled because they were concerned that their products could not have survived the heat and that sales, because of the heat, would not be up to par. Liberatore says this is the first time she can remember, since her involvement with the market, that it has been cancelled because of the weather. Brighter days are ahead though. Liberatore says they are excited for the next market, on July 9th. She says that will be the official kick-off for the Whiskey Rebellion Festival, and this year will be extra special because of the America250 Celebration. She says she and all of the volunteers that make the festival happen are super excited to showcase the history of Washington.
