WJPA News

The Center for Coalfield Justice in Washington hosted a meeting Thursday afternoon to celebrate the launch of a steering committee. This committee is dedicated to raising awareness about orphaned and abandoned wells in Pennsylvania. During the meeting, Angela Ferritto, the president of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and the secretary-treasurer of Union Energy, spoke about the work that goes into capping these wells, and the funding and advocacy that is required. The room was packed with community members who wanted to learn more about the initiative. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and offer suggestions for the new committee. Sarah Martik, the executive director at the Center for Coalfield Justice, says that she is happy to participate on the committee and to partner with Union Energy. The steering committee is currently recruiting members and planning upcoming meetings. They hope to host events like town-hall meetings and round-table discussions to educate the community and build support.

CANONSBURG, Pa. — Heavy rains led to flash flooding Wednesday evening in Canonsburg.  Water along West Pike Street has since receded and the road is back open, but it was a much different story about 6:30 p.m. when heavy rainfall quickly made driving conditions a bit dangerous.  People worked to clear the drains.  Morganza Road in North Strabane Township was also flooded.  A tow truck worked to recover a car stuck in the water. No weather-related injuries were reported.

Washington County Coroner Timothy Warco has released his annual report for 2025 and it shows a continued reduction in the number of fatal overdoses.  According to the report, there were 47 such deaths last year and that is ten fewer than in 2024.  That number is also down from a record high of 109 back in 2016.   The report says 19 of those who overdosed were between the ages of 40 and 49.  Fentanyl played a role in 48-percent of those deaths.  The report shows there were 7 total homicide cases and 34 deaths by suicide, which is an increase of 3 compared to 2024.   29 of those were male and 3 were female.  If you or someone you know is in crisis you can call, text or visit the 988 Lifeline.

During a public hearing Wednesday night, Hanover Township supervisors considered a conditional use permit for a data center in Starpointe Business Park. The hearing was standing room only, with many residents voicing concerns about traffic, air and noise pollution, water usage, decreasing property values, and impacts on wildlife. Resident Kerri Hageter says that she is proud of the community for showing up and letting their voices be heard. Before Prime Data Centers L-L-C began their presentation, a representative for Hanover residents informed the board that the developer’s application may not include everything that the township’s ordinance requires. There was an executive session followed by an announcement that the hearing will be continued. The continuation is set for Monday, August 31 at 6:00 PM at the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department Hall. Resident Katie Weber believes that this will give supervisors an opportunity to gather more information before making a decision. Resident Kobe Sarracino feels that the supervisors should be more educated about data centers, so continuing the hearing at a later date was necessary.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new flu vaccine for older people, the first made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderna announced the approval late Wednesday. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company says it expects some supply to be available in certain stores soon. The shot is called mFlusiva and is for adults age 50 or older. It offers an additional option among the multiple flu vaccines available, including three specifically recommended for people age 65 or older who are especially vulnerable to influenza.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says he’s been discharged from a rehabilitation center and will continue his recovery from home. McConnell gave no specific date for his return to the Capitol, but senators are expected to soon leave Washington for the traditional August recess. The former Senate leader was first admitted to the hospital on June 14. He disclosed weeks later that his hospitalization was the result of a fall and said he was undergoing physical therapy. In his statement, McConnell said he’ll “continue to engage with my staff and colleagues on important Senate business.”

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration plans to overhaul Head Start, a key early education program for the nation’s poorest children. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services say the changes posted online Thursday would encourage more local decision-making by eliminating many federal regulations. Critics argue this could undermine Head Start’s effectiveness. The program currently serves around 700,000 vulnerable children, including those who are homeless or in foster care. The proposed changes would replace extensive federal regulations with state and local requirements. Officials claim this could save more than $2 billion and expand the program’s reach, but experts warn it may lower standards. The public has 60 days to weigh in.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Senate committee has approved a motion to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress and refer him to the Justice Department for potential prosecution over his refusal to answer questions at a hearing last week focused on his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination more than 100 times when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, the Republican committee chairman, has said the constitutional protection did not apply since Fauci last year received a pardon from President Joe Biden.

BEIRUT (AP) — The Israeli military said two of its soldiers were killed in combat in southern Lebanon in the first Israeli deaths since the implementation of a shaky truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in June. The Israeli army launched strikes Wednesday in southern Lebanon in response to what it described as Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire. The latest Israel-Hezbollah war erupted on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets across the border two days after the U.S. and Israel launched their attacks on Iran. A truce between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held since June 20, but Israeli forces have continued to occupy swaths of southern Lebanon and to carry out airstrikes and shelling.

NEW GLARUS, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin is the latest state where the battle over the direction of the Democratic Party will play out. The state’s primary for governor to be decided on Tuesday features a democratic socialist against a candidate endorsed by Gov. Tony Evers. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley is trying to ride the Evers endorsement to a win in a year when voters upset with mainstream Democrats have propelled outsiders to victory. Francesca Hong is tapping into that anger in her candidacy to move Wisconsin to the left. It’s been a chaotic primary with Crowley rejoining the race last month after another top candidate dropped out.