WJPA News

PITTSBURGH — Localized flooding will be a concern again Sunday with repeated rounds of showers and storms expected.  With near record levels of moisture available, any storm that develops could produce tropical-like downpours.  Pockets of 1 to 2 inches of additional rain are expected.  A couple of strong storms are possible, too, with the main threat being strong wind gusts, although an isolated tornado can’t be ruled out.  Spotty off-and-on showers are expected Monday, although additional rainfall amounts should be light. Humidity levels will drop throughout the day with sunshine and much more comfortable weather back Tuesday.

A federal grand jury has indicted a former Pennsylvania State Representative on multiple child pornography charges.  Jesse White was arrested three weeks ago by federal agents after they say they found sexually explicit items on computers found in his home in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.  Following the closed-door proceeding, the grand jury returned a three-county indictment for White on charges of receipt of child pornography, access with intent to view child pornography and possession of child pornography.  White, who was originally from Cecil Township, served the 46th State House District for eight years.

MONESSEN, Pa. (WPXI) — The Monessen City School District is delaying the start of classes by two weeks after environmental testing confirmed mold inside its middle-high school building.  The district’s first day of school is now scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 8, instead of Aug. 25.  The delay applies districtwide, including the elementary center.  Testing confirmed fungal growth on water-damaged materials in two restrooms, an office area and the concession room.  According to a report shared by the superintendent, the concession room had the most significant airborne mold levels.  The cafeteria and two nearby common areas had low mold levels at the time of testing.  The report recommends removing and replacing the affected materials.  Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte said the delay is a precaution intended to give crews time to complete necessary work.  “This delay is being implemented as a precautionary measure to complete building maintenance and ensure a safe, fully prepared environment for our students and staff,” Motte wrote.  Motte said the district will release more information in the coming days.

Parking for patients and visitors is being temporarily shifted at a local hospital.  The change is coming as Penn Highlands Mon Valley continues to demolish its parking garage to make room for a new one-level lot.  Starting Monday, the parking lot adjacent to the Anthony M. Lombardi Education Conference Center will close to patients and visitors. This closure is expected to last for no longer than three weeks.  The circle in front of the conference center will remain open for patient drop-off and pick-up.  During the closure, parking will be available in the rear of the hospital. Drivers arriving at the hospital should turn left at the four-way stop at the campus entrance, then continue to the lot behind the hospital.  Hospital operations, emergency services and patient care are uninterrupted by the demolition work.

The Washington County Agricultural Fair is underway and will continue through Saturday. The fair offers fun for all ages. In addition to animal shows, rides, and games, the fair will have events including a school bus demolition derby, a monster truck show, and senior high band performances. The full fair schedule can be found here. Admission is $15. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online.

(AP) – Indiana authorities say at least five people have died in storms across the state this week, as first responders worked to rescue more people Saturday from rising waters in neighborhoods along the White River in Indianapolis. The state has been hammered over the past week by heavy rains, resulting in rivers cresting and setting new records. Gov. Mike Braun confirmed Saturday that President Donald Trump intends to approve a request for federal resources to help in response to the flooding and the recovery. Braun warned residents to listen to authorities and stay away from floodwaters.

(AP) – Hurricane Lala has skirted Hawaii’s Big Island without making landfall and is expected to weaken after lashing the region with strong winds and drenching rain. The eye of the storm passed the island’s southern tip without making landfall. The National Hurricane Center says the powerful storm is expected to weaken. Lala’s maximum sustained winds increased to 75 mph (120 kph), the hurricane center reported, making it a Category 1 hurricane. The Big Island is Hawaii’s largest and has a population of about 210,000.

(AP) – Police in Virginia have arrested a 19-year-old in connection with a shooting Saturday that left five people injured. No one died in the shooting, though one victim sustained critical injuries. Chesterfield County Police announced the arrest of Camron Harris of Henrico, Virginia. They found him hiding in a closet on campus Saturday afternoon. Authorities say he was not a student at the university. Police say they obtained eight felony warrants for his arrest including malicious wounding and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Only one person injured, a 20-year-old, was a student. The other victims ranged in age from 17 to 23.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s war against Iran is stretching the limits of the nation’s aircraft carriers and leaving the western Pacific without one of the key American warships. The USS George Washington is departing the Pacific and heading toward the Middle East. It’s expected to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln after its extended deployment has raised concerns about mental health and supply issues aboard. The lack of a carrier in the Pacific may be short-lived. But it shows how the Trump administration is further retreating from the Asia-Pacific region and focusing on the Western Hemisphere.