WJPA News

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. In Washington County, an extreme heat warning that was to expire on Friday has now been extended. That extreme heat warning is now set to expire on Saturday night at 8:00 pm. 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.

A Washington teenager accused of taking part in a convenience store robbery last November has taken responsibility for his role in the incident. Christian Patrene, 19 pleaded guilty to one count of felony conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to 3-8 years in state prison. Patrene, along with 19 year old Christopher Ellis-Valperga, and 17 year old Julian Asbury were accused of trying to rob the Washington Food Mart on Chestnut Street with a gun. A customer playing a skill game machine pulled her own gun and she was shot according to court documents. Investigators accuse Ellis-Valperga as the person responsible for the shooting. Ellis-Valperga is still facing attempted homicide and robbery charges in connection with the incident. Julian Asbury is serving a jail sentence at a juvenile detention facility.

Washington City Council voted on current and future projects during their meeting Thursday night. Council approved the purchase of a fifty-foot Aluminum Flagpole from Federal Flags, LLC for $6,867.84. Councilman Andrew Callan explains that it will replace the flagpole right outside of City Hall. Additionally, Council approved a payment to Stonemile for the President’s Pathway Project for $65,515.39. City Administrator Richard Cleveland says that this sidewalk and lighting project is meant to improve safety between Washington & Jefferson College and Main Street. There is still work to be done in that area.

Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess reminds city residents that a noise ordinance goes into effect at 10:00 PM every day. This is especially important to remember with the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Residents are encouraged to contact law enforcement or the mayor if there are disruptions, including fireworks, after that time. Mayor Burgess also addressed the new Phantom Fireworks store on Jefferson Avenue. He says that all of the fireworks sold there are legal in Pennsylvania. He did mention future amendments to fireworks ordinances, as the store will be open permanently and not seasonally, but he does not have any specifics at this time. Finally, Mayor Burgess wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.

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.

A group of Democratic governors is asking the U.S. Postal Service to withdraw its proposed rule to comply with an executive order that seeks to create a federal list of eligible voters, including those eligible to receive a ballot by mail. Under the order, signed by President Trump, federal agencies would create voter lists for each state and the Postal Service would limit mailed ballots to those on the lists. The Democratic governors, in their letter sent Thursday, said the Postal Service’s proposed rule undermines trust in elections and complicates voting. The Postal Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — The rush is on across Venezuela’s north coast to identify loved ones before it’s too late. With at least 2,295 people killed in the deadly earthquakes last week, the country is overwhelmed with bodies that officials are struggling to collect, identify and preserve. Many fear mass graves are coming as they search for the bodies of loved ones who died in the earthquakes that struck the South American country on June 24. Thousands are still missing.

President Vladimir Putin remains unfazed by Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries, despite severe fuel shortages. He dismisses the situation as “not critical” and insists the war will continue until his goals are met. Analysts note that Russian forces have been stalled in recent months. On Thursday, the Russian military launched a deadly attack on Kyiv, killing at least 30 people. Ukrainian strikes have targeted over 50 Russian energy facilities since March, affecting Russia’s refining capacity. Putin downplays the impact, pledging to accelerate repairs and boost air defense production. He rejects ceasefire proposals, demanding Ukraine withdraw from contested regions.

Louisiana’s attorney general has been indicted over accusations she threatened the jobs of New Orleans leaders who fought a Republican-led overhaul of local courts in the heavily Democratic city. The 16-count indictment against Republican Liz Murrill was handed up by a New Orleans grand jury. It charges Louisiana’s first female attorney general with intimidation and malfeasance. At the center of the case are deepening rifts between state leaders in Louisiana, which is heavily Republican, and Democrats who control the state’s most prominent city. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry has promised a swift pardon. Democratic Mayor Helena Moreno was among those accusing Murrill of threatening public officials.

NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say a man with a Tibetan flag in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York set himself on fire and died. Law enforcement responded Thursday evening to a 911 call. The New York Police Department says they found a 52-year-old man with severe burns throughout his body. Police say the man was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead. Law enforcement are investigating what happened and were not able to comment on what prompted the man to set himself on fire. A United Nations spokesperson says the incident happened after all scheduled meetings were finished for the day.

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.

HAMDEN, Ohio (AP) — The discovery of 16 siblings 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. A defense lawyer is urging the public to withhold judgment and let the case “play out.”