WJPA News

Gas prices are two cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at $4.160 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report.  Drivers are seeing increased gas prices this week as the national average has increased by seven cents since last week to $4.11. As of this morning, crude oil prices have seen an increase to around $96 per barrel, as the conflict in the Persian Gulf continues. Currently, pump prices are almost a dollar higher than this time last year, when a gallon of regular sat at $3.14.  According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 9.08 million barrels per day to 9.05 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 232.9 million barrels to 228.4 million. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.1 million barrels per day.

The Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) announced on Monday, a new round of tourism grant investments that further reinforce the county’s position as a premier regional destination for outdoor recreation, community events, and family-friendly experiences that show Washington County continues to be a leader in regional economic and tourism growth.  “Outdoor recreation and authentic tourism experiences continue to drive visitation and economic impact throughout Washington County,” said Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Promotion Agency. “From our trail systems and waterways to our community festivals and sporting attractions, these assets are critical to both our quality of life and our ability to attract visitors. Targeted investments like these will assist our partners in strengthening their offerings, expanding accessibility, and ensuring that Washington County remains competitive in today’s tourism economy.”   Kotula says several projects highlight the agency’s goal of enhancing the county’s outdoor recreation infrastructure and visitor experience, like improving awareness of the Panhandle Trail in Burgettstown Borough and trail-head accessibility upgrades along the Montour Trail.  Also, at Cross Creek Lake, grant funding will support enhancements that elevate one of the county’s most popular outdoor destinations, building on its reputation as a hub for fishing, boating, and seasonal recreation. Similarly, the development of a new kayak launch at Peters Lake Park in Peters Township will increase access to water-based recreation, helping to meet growing demand for paddling and outdoor recreational activities.

CONNELLSVILLE, Pa. — Police are searching for a man who was reported missing in Fayette County. Connellsville Police say Donald Hughes, 76, was last seen leaving his house on E Crawford Ave at 4 p.m. on Friday. He was wearing a tan tracksuit and grey tennis shoes. Police ask anyone with information on his location to call their department at 724-628-2501 and dial extension 110.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A man who managed voter registration drives in Pennsylvania ahead of the 2024 presidential election is facing a month in jail after pleading guilty to three misdemeanor counts. Phoenix resident Guillermo Sainz Gurrola was also fined $1,000. Prosecutors say he offered financial incentives to canvassers who met quotas. The attorney general’s office says charges remain pending against six canvassers for forgery and other violations. The investigation began when election workers in Lancaster County flagged forms for potential fraud.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The man who authorities say tried to storm the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner with guns and knives has been charged with the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump. Saturday’s chaotic encounter resulted in shots being fired, Trump being rushed off the stage and guests ducking underneath their tables. Cole Tomas Allen, of Torrance, California, was taken into custody after the shooting. Allen was charged Monday in federal court in Washington and did not enter a plea. A lawyer with the federal defender’s office who’s representing Allen notes he has no criminal record and is presumed innocent. Authorities say an officer wearing a bullet-resistant vest was shot in the vest but is expected to recover.

WASHINGTON (AP) — King Charles III has arrived in the United States on a four-day state visit aimed at celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary. The trip beginning Monday comes amid strained trans-Atlantic ties partly over disagreements between the U.K. government and President Donald Trump on issues including the Iran war. The Republican president has praised Charles but criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for not supporting military action. The visit of Charles and Queen Camilla includes a White House state dinner and a speech to Congress. They also will visit the Sept. 11 memorial in New York and attend a 250th birthday party in Virginia.

CAIRO (AP) — Two Middle Eastern officials say Iran is offering to end its chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear program. The proposal, passed to the U.S. by Pakistan, also includes a request for the U.S. to end its blockade of Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump is unlikely to support the proposal, as he wants Iran’s nuclear program ended as part of a broader deal to end the war. Iran’s foreign minister is visiting Russia to consult on the war against Israel and the U.S. The standoff in the Strait of Hormuz is affecting global oil prices and trade.

RUNAWAY BAY, Texas (AP) — At least two people have died from a severe tornado-producing storm that hit northern Texas, and many homes have sustained major damage. Wise County Judge J.D. Clark says the storm came through the town of Runaway Bay around 10 p.m. Saturday, killing one person. Emergency responders worked to clear debris. The storm also hit Springtown, where Parker County Assistant Fire Chief David Pruitt says a second person died outside the city limits. On Sunday, National Weather Service teams confirmed that an EF-2 tornado hit the Runaway Bay area and that an EF-1 tornado struck the Springtown area.