May 14, 2026 4:47 pm
Representatives from some two dozen coal, gas and energy companies and groups filled a room at the North Strabane Firehall No. 2 on Thursday for the chance to speak directly with sympathetic federal officials. “The goal is to listen to small businesses,” said James “Jim” Spencer III, regional administrator for the Small Business Administration’s Mid-Atlantic Region. “What are the problems that they’re having? For example, what are some burdensome regulations … that might need to be changed or corrected or done away with?” More than 258,000 people in Pennsylvania work in the energy sector, accounting for 4.2% of all jobs in the state, according to the Department of Environmental Protection. Spencer said representatives from the DEP were invited but did not attend the meeting. An official from the Clean Air Council in Philadelphia who was in attendance could not be reached for comment. The meeting was publicized through a press release, but organizers asked our WPJA reporter to leave, citing concerns that people would not feel comfortable speaking candidly with media present.
May 14, 2026 4:42 pm
A Greene County man wanted for a series of thefts throughout Western Pennsylvania has been arrested. Keith Dille, 29, is charged with retail thefts in Rice’s Landing, South Strabane, South Union Township, and West Mifflin. In addition, he and two others are charged in a May 8th incident where a man was beaten and his car stolen in Grindstone, Redstone Township in Fayette County. Dille is currently being held in the Fayette County jail on thirty-thousand-dollars bond. He’s facing multiple charges, including felony retail theft and robbery of a motor vehicle. His preliminary hearing is set for May 21st.
May 14, 2026 2:12 pm
Two patients at the Pittsburgh VA Hospital in Oakland recently tested positive for Legionella. According to the CDC, Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in infected people. In a statement, the VA confirmed that two patients at the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center tested positive for the bacteria.The facility along University Drive reportedly treated, flushed and tested its water lines as a precaution. The VA says Legionella is found naturally in this region’s freshwater, and the Pittsburgh VAMC’s water hasn’t tested positive for the bacteria in several years.
May 13, 2026 1:52 am
Police say they have identified the suspects in a series of incidents in two Washington County communities. On Sunday, the Smith Township Police Department asked residents to check their vehicles and property after receiving multiple reports of overnight burglaries and thefts in Burgettstown and Langeloth. Authorities announced on Wednesday that three suspects have been identified and will face charges in connection with the incidents. Police say they will update the people who made reports, though it may take time due to the “rather long list of victims.” Residents are still encouraged to check their property for missing, stolen or damaged items and report them to 911.
May 13, 2026 2:35 am
If you travel within the city of Washington, make note that police say they have added additional stop signs at a couple of intersections. Police say new stops signs have been installed following the approval of a new city ordinance by Washington City Council. The new stop sign intersections are now in effect at Allison Avenue and Second Street and West Hallam Avenue and North Franklin Street. Police say the changes were approved by council members through the final reading and passage of Ordinance 1989, Bill No. 3 of 2026, which amended the City Code regarding stop sign intersections. Drivers are reminded to use caution in these areas, obey all posted traffic control devices, and remain alert for the updated traffic patterns.
May 13, 2026 4:45 am
PITTSBURGH — An inmate at the Allegheny County Jail died after being stabbed on Wednesday. Allegheny County police say multiple inmates entered the 44-year-old man’s cell and assaulted him at 12:48 p.m. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police say everyone involved in the incident has been accounted for. Allegheny County police are investigating, and Allegheny County Jail officials will conduct an internal review, as is standard practice. The deceased inmate’s family has been notified. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the cause and manner of death. According to our news partners at Channel 11 sources identified the victim as 44-year-old Tyrone Good. Good was in the Allegheny County Jail on a homicide charge following the death of 44-year-old Michelle Sturdivant in December. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner confirmed Good had been stabbed. He was set to be in court for a preliminary hearing next week.
May 14, 2026 4:53 am
BEIJING (AP) — President Donald Trump has called Chinese President Xi Jinping a friend, but his warm words were in stark contrast to Xi, who opened a bilateral meeting cautioning about potential conflict between the U.S. and China. The meeting unfolded behind closed, doors, but the Chinese government said Xi also used it to warn Trump that not handling Taiwan correctly could lead to “conflicts.” The leaders met for about two hours on Thursday, though Trump’s three-day visit is expected to feature more symbolism than major breakthroughs on top issues like trade and the war in Iran as well as on Washington’s relations with Taiwan. Trump nonetheless praised Xi, while China’s leader said that the U.S. and China should be partners rather than rivals.
May 14, 2026 5:25 pm
(AP) – The head of U.S. Border Patrol has announced his resignation. Michael Banks’ decision is the latest leadership shake-up of officials implementing President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. His move also and comes as the Trump administration appears to be recalibrating its approach. Banks tells Fox News that he feels he’s stabilized an agency that’s heavily involved in President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement. The White House hasn’t commented on the resignation. Banks’ departure coincides with leadership changes at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons is also leaving.
May 14, 2026 4:57 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is expanding its fraud-busting initiative in federal health programs. Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday announced a $1.3 billion deferral of Medicaid funding to California, which is said to be the largest-ever deferral. The press office of California’s governor is disputing the administration’s suspicions of fraud. The administration is also imposing a six-month freeze on some new Medicare enrollments and warning states to investigate Medicaid fraud or risk losing funding. The new efforts are part of Vance’s anti-fraud task force. Several alleged fraud schemes have been prosecuted in federal health programs, and states have acknowledged it’s a legitimate concern. But some have pushed back on the administration’s aggressive tactics.
May 13, 2026 4:54 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve. The vote to confirm Warsh on Wednesday brings new leadership to the world’s most powerful central bank at a fraught moment for the global economy. Warsh’s nomination faced uncertainty after Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina threatened to block it while the Justice Department investigated Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The Powell probe was dropped in April, allowing the Warsh confirmation to move forward. Warsh will take over as the Fed confronts stubborn inflation, deep divisions over interest rates and renewed scrutiny from President Donald Trump over its independence.
