August 11, 2026 4:16 pm
Washington, PA – Pennsylvania State Police, Troop B, announces the arrest of seven individuals following a five-month investigation into numerous thefts of communication wire, specifically Verizon telephone lines, occurring from January 2026 to present throughout Washington County. The investigation resulted in the identification and arrest of the following individuals, who have been charged in connection with these thefts: Ryan Michael Scott, 37, of Avella; Dennis John Kinkela, 49, of Burgettstown; Michael Douglas Hancher, 45, of Washington; Lawrence Angelo Bogo, Jr., 56, of Avella; Allen Cecil Jackson, 28, of Wellsburg, West Virginia; Justin Lee Fusarelli, 43, of Avella and Donald Edward Martin III, 36, of Bulger. On August 8th, police say an arrest warrant sweep was conducted in Washington County, resulting in the apprehension of all of the suspects with the exception of Fusarelli and Martin, who remain at large. Police are asking anyone with information regarding their whereabouts to call them at 724-223-5200. The State Police were assisted throughout both the investigation and subsequent apprehension by the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, the Jefferson Township Police Department, the Smith Township Police Department, the Hanover Township Police Department, and the Donegal Township Police Department.
August 11, 2026 3:25 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — Russia has released an American military veteran, allowing his return to the U.S. after four years of what his family and U.S. officials allege was wrongful incarceration and abusive treatment that left him near death. Robert Gilman was freed after President Donald Trump said he spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said Gilman was released on humanitarian grounds and Russia asked for no one in exchange. The 32-year-old Massachusetts teacher and former Marine was on his way to a U.S. military hospital in Texas. That’s according to Global Reach, a group that’s been working to free him and other American detainees abroad.
August 11, 2026 4:37 am
Last week’s heavy rain and flooding in Canonsburg brought business owners to the council meeting Monday night. They voiced concerns about damage to local businesses caused by the flooding and reminded council members that this has been an ongoing issue. Councilman Rich Russo says that Council will be looking at an action plan during a group meeting on Wednesday. Russo also explains that Robinson Pipe will be in Canonsburg next week to work on a pipe that is causing part of the problem. Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome says that there were multiple emergency calls during the most recent flooding. Rhome says that Council will take action and locate grants to help pay for improvements.
August 11, 2026 2:11 am
Gas prices are six cents lower in Western Pennsylvania this week at $4.191 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen nine cents over the past week to $4.00. Crude oil prices are currently in the $80 per barrel range as uncertainty remains about when the Strait of Hormuz will resume normal operations. As of today, more than half of states are paying below $4 per gallon on average. Gas prices typically start going down this time of year, as many schools and universities begin fall semesters, and fewer people are taking road trips compared to earlier in the summer. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased slightly last week from 9.04 million barrels per day to 9.03 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 211.3 million barrels to 209.7 million. Gasoline production also decreased, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.
August 11, 2026 4:39 am
Residents in Peters Township will once again be able to accurately tell what time of day it is now that a new Town Clock has been erected. Peters Township Council dedicated the new time piece that was made possible by a grant from the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. Their $25,000 American Spirit Grant helped replace a clock that according to Township Manager Paul Lauer, “was right twice each day.” He went on to describe how the clock is a remembrance of America’s 250th birthday and will be a reminder to residents of the celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Council Chairman Frank Kosir described the clock as a sturdy structure that will likely stand for decades. According to Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency that sponsored the grant, the clock is one of 33 municipal projects throughout Washington County that used the funds to honor the nation’s birthday.
August 11, 2026 3:24 pm
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry has been named the 2026 State Chamber of the Year by the National Association of State Chambers (NASC), the national organization representing state chambers of commerce across the country. The award is the highest national recognition for a state chamber of commerce and recognizes organizations that distinguish themselves through exceptional member services, innovative leadership, public policy advocacy, and outstanding results. “This is a tremendous honor for our team and the more than 13,000 member businesses across the Commonwealth who power our mission,” PA Chamber President & CEO Luke Bernstein said. “We are incredibly proud to be recognized on the national stage, and grateful to our dedicated members, partners, and leaders across the Commonwealth who have helped make this work possible. The award is presented annually by NASC to recognize excellence and identify best practices among state chambers, honoring organizations and leaders that deliver exceptional services and outstanding results for their members.
August 11, 2026 4:47 am
The Washington Post reports that President Donald Trump secretly flew out of last month’s NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, on an alternate military aircraft due to an Iranian assassination threat. The operation involved a ruse where journalists and some White House staff believed they were on the same plane as Trump. After boarding Air Force One, Trump was secretly transferred to a smaller Air Force C-32A via an airport catering truck. The White House did not directly address the report, but issued a statement highlighting that it uses every tool at its disposal to address threats on the president. The Secret Service declined to comment.
August 11, 2026 4:47 am
U.S. President Donald Trump is scoffing at Iran’s demands that the U.S. pay for devastation caused by five months of war. A spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry stressed Monday that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is tied to reparations from the U.S. and other concessions. Trump responded on social media that he now demands that Iran pay for hundreds of American troops killed and wounded by Iran-backed militants over several decades — including more than 600 U.S. service members killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2011.
August 11, 2026 4:48 am
The Democratic Party’s ideological divide moves into new territory. In Tuesday’s election, the main contest is in swing state Wisconsin where democratic socialist Francesca Hong wants to become her party’s nominee for governor. A Democratic battle for an open Senate seat in Minnesota has become a familiar contest between centrist Rep. Angie Craig and liberal Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. In Connecticut, a onetime insurgent who challenged a famed centrist from the left is now being challenged from the left himself in the governor’s primary. And South Carolina holds yet another primary, this one to select a successor to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham.
August 11, 2026 4:50 am
Taylor Fresh Foods, parent company of Taylor Farms, is voluntarily recalling some products that include jalapenos because of worries about a possible salmonella contamination. The announcement comes a few weeks after Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled its iceberg lettuce products sourced from central Mexico because of a potential link to a multistate cyclospora outbreak that has sickened people across the U.S.
