WJPA News

Uniontown, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing that single-lane restrictions are in place in both directions of Interstate 79 between Exit 14 (Masontown/Waynesburg) and Exit 23 (Marianna/Prosperity) in Greene and Washington counties. All work depends on weather and operations.  Single-lane restrictions will be in place until late August.  Crews from Lindy Paving will perform patch and asphalt overlay of concrete pavement sections, mill and resurface asphalt pavement, minor drainage improvements, guiderail updates, replacement of signage, pavement markings and delineation, and relocation of Intelligent Transportation System equipment.  This work is part of the I-79 Waynesburg to Marianna Project, which will make improvements to approximately 11 miles of I-79, extending through Franklin and Washington townships in Greene County and Amwell Township in Washington County. Lindy Paving, Inc., is the prime contractor.  This $45.9 million infrastructure investment includes preservation work on 14 structures and pavement rehabilitation along the corridor. The proposed work consists of an 8-mile asphalt overlay of existing concrete pavement sections and a 4-inch mill and fill on the existing asphalt sections to enhance ride quality, extend pavement life, and ensure continued safe and efficient travel.

Uniontown, PA—Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing an extension of the closure of the Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road/Main Street) Bridge between Jefferson Avenue and Lone Pine Road in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County.  The bridge closure is expected to remain in place through mid-July, weather and operational permitting.  Drivers will follow a posted detour utilizing Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road/Main Street), Interstate 79 and Route 2011 (Lone Pine Road).  Crews from Gulisek Construction LLC will be installing a latex-concrete overlay after performing hydro-demolition. This work is part of a $3.13 million infrastructure investment in a larger hydro/latex bridge deck preservation project.

ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. —PennDOT is advising motorists of a road closure in Robinson Township.  Route 4037 (Noblestown Road) will be closed between Route 980 (Lincoln Avenue) and Route 4012 (Johns Avenue). That stretch of road will close on June 24 and is expected to last until the end of July.  PennDOT said Department Force Crews will be replacing a pipe in that area.  A detour will be in place along Route 4012 (Johns Avenue) to Route 980. Drivers are asked to follow posted signs.

The Washington County Food Bank and Food Helpers programs will once again see Washington County funding. Commissioners voted 2-0-1, with Commissioner Electra Janis abstaining, to direct approximately $325,000 in state and federal funding to the Washington County Food Bank. In 2020, commissioners Diana Irey-Vaughan and Nick Sherman directed funding to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank believing they would be a better service provider during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, Ken Kulak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Washington Community Food Bank says that they have totally reorganized with a stronger staff and board to serve Washington County. Kathy Kennedy spoke on behalf of the From The Heart Community Food Pantry and 12 other food pantries. She said her group feels that it would be a mistake to move. They are considering keeping their affiliation with Greater Pittsburgh. She said product selection would diminish as would funding programs. Commissioner Janis, who sits on the board of directors of the Washington County Food Bank, says that any pantry with concerns should contact the
commissioners or the food bank directly as they want to make sure the transition back to Washington County is as smooth as possible. Commissioner Chairman Nick Sherman said that he is confident in the new leadership of the Washington County Food Bank. Commissioner Larry Maggi opposed the move in 2020. He says that he is pleased that the 2020 decision has been reversed to allow the Washington County Food Bank to serve local citizens.

A person is facing charges after the FBI said they threatened federal law enforcement entities and public officials.  On Thursday morning, FBI Pittsburgh and their partners with the Joint Terrorism Task Force executed federal search and arrest warrants at a home in Jeannette.  Richard Evanchec, Special Agent in Charge with FBI Pittsburgh, said a person inside the home was charged.  “FBI partners want to make it clear: threats against those who protect this nation and those who serve the public will not be tolerated. Words that cross the line well beyond First Amendment protections will be met with decisive law enforcement action. You will be held accountable,” Evanchec said.  The investigation is ongoing. No other information was immediately available.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal appeals court panel says the Trump administration can replace a slavery exhibit at George Washington’s home in Philadelphia. A three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday struck down a lower court’s injunction that required the National Park Service to reinstall the interpretive panels. The unanimous ruling by the panel said a lower court judge wrongly interpreted Philadelphia’s contract claims involving Independence National Historical Park. The ruling comes a week after a Massachusetts federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore sites changed under an executive order. It’s not clear how that ruling would affect the Philadelphia site.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel. It happened Thursday as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. And a Trump administration envoy told U.S. lawmakers in a private briefing that Iran will invite the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency to inspect its nuclear sites. In other developments, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the U.S.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices are just barely below an average of $4 a gallon nationwide on Thursday, shortly after President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country. Gas prices are at $3.99 on average in the U.S., according to AAA. A gallon of gas has hovered above $4 a gallon since March. But fluctuations in gas prices remain across the country. In California, gas prices are averaging $5.64 per gallon, while in South Carolina it’s $3.58 per gallon.

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized NATO allies for not taking more responsibility for their own security. He announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe to ensure NATO moves toward Europe leading its own defense. Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, Hegseth calls it “shameful” that European allies denied U.S. forces access to bases for attacks on Iran. He emphasized the need for a “NATO 3.0,” urging the alliance to become a hard-line military force. The U.S. plans to invest $1.5 trillion in defense by 2027, focusing on protecting American interests and supporting NATO.

(AP) – Former President Barack Obama, joined by three former presidents, is celebrating the opening of his presidential museum in Chicago in an extraordinary event that brought together former world leaders, A-list celebrities, athletes and other internationally known figures. The guestlist for Thursday’s dedication ceremony included Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono. Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama sat on stage with former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Laura Bush and Hillary Rodham Clinton. The invite-only celebration was live-streamed and kicks off a weekend of events centered around the Obama Presidential Center, which opens to the general public on Juneteenth.  (Photo:  AP)

NEW YORK (AP) — New York is celebrating the Knicks in classic style. The city is throwing a ticker-tape parade Thursday for the team that brought home the NBA championship that fans have longed for since 1973. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has predicted that the parade might be one of the biggest such events in the city’s history. Viewing pens along the route were already full with thousands of fans less than three hours before the procession. Alicia Keys has been tapped to perform. The parade began at 10 a.m. near Battery Park and ends at City Hall, where the players will be honored with keys to the city.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new kind of flu vaccine is moving a step closer to the U.S. market. Federal health advisers on Thursday recommended approval of a shot made with the same mRNA technology that was key to ending the pandemic. Moderna is seeking Food and Drug Administration approval for mFlusiva as an option for people 50 and older. There already are numerous types of flu vaccines to choose from, but experts say adding an mRNA option could be useful. Moderna is seeking full approval for people ages 50 to 64 and authorization for use in those 65 and older while it conducts additional testing.