September 5, 2026 4:13 am
A federal judge is extending a legal block on President Donald Trump’s plan to regulate mail ballots during the midterm elections. The order Friday from U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani comes after she earlier handed down a temporary restraining order prohibiting the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing the new policy. North Carolina began sending mail ballots out Friday and election officials in many states say it’s too late to meet the new requirements. The Trump administration filed a notice late Friday saying it would appeal the ruling.
September 5, 2026 4:06 am
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in the murder case against Lindsay Clancy. Jurors could not agree on whether she was criminally responsible when she strangled her three young children in 2023. Friday’s mistrial leaves the case unresolved and allows prosecutors to try Clancy again. She had faced life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors argued that Clancy acted deliberately and understood her actions, while her lawyers said postpartum psychosis left her unable to control her behavior or appreciate its wrongfulness. The closely watched case drew national attention to maternal mental healthcare and gaps in treatment.
September 5, 2026 4:08 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Missouri has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to use new congressional districts backed by President Trump in the upcoming midterm elections. The appeal comes after Missouri’s highest court blocked the new map and ordered a statewide vote in November. This is part of a national redistricting battle Trump launched last year. The new boundaries were drawn to help Republicans gain an additional seat and maintain their House majority. Missouri’s top court said the previous districts must be used in the general election. State law sets a Tuesday deadline to make changes to the November ballot.
September 5, 2026 4:04 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump describes the conflict in Iran as “small potatoes” and says he agrees with Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that months of on-and-off attacks in the Middle East are no longer a “war.” In an exchange with reporters Friday, Trump said U.S. strikes on Iran are now “intermittent” and downplayed the impact of the war — which has cost over $37.5 billion and 18 U.S. service members’ lives. Vance, during a White House briefing Thursday, rejected calling the U.S. fighting with Iran a “war,” stating there’s no active shooting. Trump also highlighted the lower U.S. death toll in the fighting with Iran compared to other conflicts and reiterated that the conflict has weakened Iran’s nuclear program.
September 5, 2026 4:02 am
BEIRUT (AP) — Israel’s military says it has taken control of the Ali Taher ridge in Lebanon, despite ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The area has seen frequent fighting since a ceasefire began over two months ago. On Thursday night, Israel announced its control, but continued airstrikes, raising questions from Hezbollah. The U.S. is urging Lebanon to pressure Hezbollah to hand over the area to the Lebanese army, but Hezbollah resists, fearing Israeli takeover. Israel claims it has neutralized Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure there. The situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining a strong presence in the region.
September 5, 2026 3:53 am
Areas of Washington County are still recovering from strong storms that moved through the area on Thursday and Friday. Downed trees and power lines affected many in the area. Currently, West Penn Power is reporting 1000 customers are still without power in Washington County. Mount Pleasant Township, Cecil Township and Canonsburg along with Fallowfield Township are the areas with the largest number of outages. According to the West Penn Power website, they anticipate power to be restored by 11:00 pm on Sunday. PennDot is also alerting motorists of road closures still in effect in Washington County. Route 980 between Route 50 and Swihart Road is closed due to a downed utility. Route 2023 (Grange Road) at Route 481 is also closed due to a downed utility. Route 4041 (Hornhead Street) at Woodland Road due to a downed utility.
September 5, 2026 3:54 am
A Charleroi couple avoided prosecution on child endangerment charges. Lucner Joseph, and Navilia Norazier each had four counts of endangering the welfare of children charges dropped when prosecutors opted not to pursue charges against them. They are the second couple facing similar charges that had their charges dismissed. In June, Jackson Alexis and Roldy Noel had their charges dismissed when a judge concluded that the prosecution did not present a prima facie against the couple on the charges. According to court records, in February, both couples were found to be living in a recently condemned home at 515 McKean Avenue that had no running water and buckets were being used as toilets. A kitchen was being shared between the two families. Charleroi officials state that the building had been formally condemned.
September 5, 2026 1:12 am
City Police are investigating a stabbing along North Main Street Thursday. Officers were called to the scene near the Washington County Courthouse just before 6 p.m. Police say two individuals involved received medical treatment but called the incident ‘isolated’. Police say they continue to investigate.
September 5, 2026 3:55 am
The Southwestern Pennsylvania Water Authority is alerting customers of system upgrades that will be happening next week. On September 9, water will be shut off on Morey Road from the intersection of Wickerham Road to Leonard Road. The shut off will include all of Hastings Road, Huffman Road, Crawford Road and Mowery Lane. House numbers 357-499 on Buckingham Road will be affected as well as Wickerham Road to Hill Road. The time of the shut off will be 3:30-7:00 pm. Customers may experience low water pressure or no water, They are advised to keep containers of water to minimize the outage.
September 5, 2026 3:57 am
The Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. To celebrate, there is a record-breaking $200,000 available in WCCF Gives prize incentives. On WCCF Gives Day, the community comes together to raise money for charities and organizations around Washington County. In the past, the foundation offered $100,000 in prizes to encourage charities of all sizes to secure donors and contributions. Aliesha Walz, the president and CEO of WCCF, says that with the help of generous sponsors, the foundation can offer more incentives and maximize outcomes for participating charities. With an extra $100,000 on the table, charities must secure 20 donors and/or $1,500 in contributions to earn a monetary prize. WCCF Gives Day is September 10, with an online giving portal running from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. For those who want to donate by check, the giving window is open. Walz says that Gives Day provides an opportunity for people to participate in philanthropy and know that they are making an impact with their contributions in their own backyard.
