WJPA News

A motions hearing was held on behalf of a homicide suspect and his family that accuses several law officials of denying the rights of the family for proper burial of a loved one. Attorney Noah Geary filed a civil lawsuit in December of 2024 accusing District Attorney Jason Walsh, Judge John DiSalle and Coroner Timothy Warco of withholding the body of 2 month old Sawyer Clarke for 7 months before releasing it to the family. Jordan Clarke, 39 of Peters Township is accused of homicide as the baby suffered fatal injuries while in his care at their home. Geary alleges improper private conversations between Walsh and DiSalle created improper court orders dictating Warco to hold the infant’s body for an extended time beyond the completion of an autopsy. Private attorneys and an attorney from the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts defended the officials and asked for a dismissal of the lawsuit, stating that Walsh did not commit prosecutorial misconduct as his actions were all taken in building a case against Clarke. DiSalle is said to be protected by sovereign immunity. Warco is said to not be responsible as he was doing as directed. On behalf of the family, Geary is seeking compensatory and punitive damages along with court costs. Senior Judge Dominick Motto of Lawrence County presided over the hearing and will be issuing an order in the case.

In celebration of the upcoming 250^th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America in 2026, the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency (WCTPA) has announced the launch of “The American Spirit Grant Program.”  Chamber and Tourism director, Jeff Kotula says the grant program is designed to encourage all of Washington County’s municipalities to develop lasting projects that enhance local tourism, commemorate the nation’s rich history, and foster community engagement ahead of the country’s Semiquincentennial in 2026.  Kotula says Washington County’s cities, boroughs, and townships will be eligible to apply for a grant up to $25,000 for a tourism-related project in their community to commemorate the milestone.  He says projects must include a minimum 25% match, which may be fulfilled through cash or in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours, donated services, or materials.  In the coming weeks, the WCTPA will be contacting each eligible municipality to ensure they are aware of the program and provide grant guidelines as well as other material.  A formal municipal resolution approving the project will be required for each grant submission.  He says expenses such as general maintenance and operational costs are not eligible. Applicants are encouraged to review full guidelines and consult with the WCTPA to ensure project eligibility.  Artwork or signage is subject to approval by the WCTPA.  The American Spirit Grant application process will open on May 12, 2025 and projects must be completed by July 1, 2026 to celebrate the Semiquincentennial and be eligible for reimbursement.  The WCTPA is developing an online application portal for submission of applications and supporting materials.

The company that owned the railcar that caused the devastating East Palestine train derailment in 2023 won’t have to help pay for the $600 million settlement Norfolk Southern agreed to with residents. An Ohio jury decided Wednesday that GATX isn’t liable for the settlement even though the failure of a bearing on its railcar carrying plastic pellets caused the pileup on Feb. 3, 2023. GATX said the verdict affirmed what it has maintained all along: Norfolk Southern was responsible for the derailment.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has ordered sharper scrutiny of America’s colleges and the accreditors that oversee them. It’s part of his escalating campaign to end what he calls “wokeness” and diversity efforts in education. Trump signed a series of executive actions Wednesday, targeting universities that he views as liberal adversaries to his political agenda. One order called for harder enforcement of a federal law requiring colleges to disclose their financial ties with foreign sources. Another called for a shakeup of the accrediting bodies that decide whether colleges can accept federal financial aid awarded to students.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Donald Trump has again lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump says Zelenskyy is prolonging the “killing field” after the Ukrainian leader pushed back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan. Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out the idea of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia as part of any potential peace agreement. Talks are set for Wednesday in London among U.S., European and Ukrainian officials. During similar talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal. That’s according to a European official.

VATICAN CITY (AP) — So many people lined up to see Pope Francis lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica that the Vatican kept the doors open all night, closing for just one hour from 6 a.m. until 7 a.m. Thursday. The last numbers released by the Vatican said more than 20,000 people had paid their last respects on Wednesday in the first 8 ½ hours of the public viewing. Francis, who died Monday after a stroke, is lying in a simple wooden coffin in front of the main altar, inclined on a slight ramp toward mourners. The Vatican had announced that the basilica would be open until midnight, but then indicated it would extend the hours due to higher-than-expected turnout.

ATLANTA (AP) — The pastor of a Georgia megachurch who led a nationwide 40-day “fast” against Target stores is now calling for a “full Target boycott.” The Rev. Jamal Bryant said this week that the Minneapolis-based retailer has not met all of the initiative’s demands. Among them: Restoring its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion principles and pledging money to Black-owned banks and businesses. Target announced in January that it would phase out some DEI initiatives, including a program designed to help Black employees build meaningful careers and promote Black-owned businesses. Target said it is committed to creating a welcoming environment for its workers, customers and suppliers.