One Dead As Nor’easter Creeps Along Northeast Coast

September 27, 2026 6:00 am

BOSTON (AP) — A powerful storm is creeping along the U.S. Northeast coast, causing high winds and knocking out electricity for thousands. The nor’easter is affecting the Mid-Atlantic area and New England. At one point, around 100,000 customers were without power on Saturday. The National Weather Service warns that high winds, tides, and heavy rain will continue through Sunday. In New Jersey, New York and elsewhere, some streets are flooded and some homes and businesses are inundated. In Brooklyn, New York, a 56-year-old man was struck and killed by a falling tree, according to the New York City Police Department, the first confirmed fatality from the storm. The New York City Housing Authority later confirmed he was an employee of the agency. He was identified by Mayor Zohran Mamdani in a social media post as Leighton Brown.  The storm has also led to flight cancellations, concert postponements and disrupted sports events. Officials are urging residents to use caution.  (Photo:  AP)

Trump Rejects Iran Proposal To Reopen Strait

September 27, 2026 7:33 am

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the U.S. meets certain conditions.  Trump spoke to reporters Saturday outside the White House before leaving for a college football game.  Iran offered this week to reopen the strait and resume talks on its nuclear program in seven days if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon.

Russian Strikes Kill At Least Two In Ukraine

September 27, 2026 7:22 am

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian strikes on Ukraine have killed at least two people overnight into Sunday, officials said. It comes hours after Moscow rejected German calls to ease its escalation toward NATO. Russia’s top diplomat dismissed a meeting with his German counterpart during the U.N. General Assembly. Tensions between Russia and Germany have worsened, especially after a drone attack at Leipzig airport last month. Moscow has been targeting Ukraine with missiles and drones, while Kyiv has struck Russian oil refineries. In Kyiv, a man died after a Russian drone hit a building. Another drone hit a vehicle repair shop, causing a fire.

MTV Video Music Awards Are Here

September 27, 2026 7:29 am

NEW YORK (AP) — The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history. It was announced Monday that Swift will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, making her the most awarded artist in VMA history. She is currently tied with Beyoncé, each having 30 awards. The new honor will bring her total to 31. Snoop Dogg, a three-time VMA winner, will host the event. The show will broadcast live on CBS from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Madonna leads the nominations with 11, followed by Swift with nine. Performers include Madonna, Raye and others.  (Photo:  AP)

Monessesn Man Charged With Child Sexual Assault

September 27, 2026 6:43 am

MONESSEN, Pa. — A Monessen man is in custody following an investigation into child sexual assault allegations.  The Monessen Police Department says it helped Homeland Security execute a search warrant at 26-year-old Joshua Rioux’s Aliquippa Avenue home on Sept. 26.  Police say federal investigators alerted them about videos depicting a juvenile being sexually assaulted by Rioux before executing the search warrant.  Rioux was taken into custody and questioned, where police say he admitted to sexually assaulting a male juvenile on several occasions over an approximate two-year period. Police reported that one of the incidents was recorded on video.  Rioux faces more than 50 charges, including several counts of rape of a child, statutory sexual assault, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, aggravated indecent assault of a child, indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors.  He’s being held at the Westmoreland County Jail without bail.

State Auditor Behind Bars In Butler County

September 27, 2026 6:47 am

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Police arrested a Cranberry Township man after police say he sent sexually explicit messages to who he believed to be a 13-year-old boy.  According to the criminal complaint, someone with the group named ‘Predator Poacher’ which works to catch child predators, posed as a 13-year-old who Eric Zachary Trylko reportedly messaged.  Police say Trylko sent images of himself and asked the person who was posing as a 13-year-old for images of themself doing sexual acts.  According to the criminal complaint, Trylko wrote, “At least three have tried it. Two boys, one girl.”  Trylko worked as a state auditor.  The Pennsylvania State Office of Administration wrote, “Criminal conduct by Commonwealth employees is unacceptable and Eric Trylko has been suspended pending the disposition of the felony charges. Depending on the resolution in a case of this nature, an employee could face disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.”  Trylko was unable to post bond and is in the Butler County Prison. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 6.

Washington Italian Festival Is Today

September 26, 2026 2:49 am

The 10th Annual Washington Italian Festival is Saturday, September 26 from 12:00-7:00 PM. Held at the Community Pavilion on Main Street in Downtown Washington, the festival will feature music and dance performances, Italian food and beverages, and local vendors. The lineup of performers includes Allegro Dance Company, New Vintage Big Band, Washington Jazz Orchestra, Street Players, and more. Rebecca Robertson plays a big role in bringing everything for the festival together. She says this is a beloved event, and everyone is looking forward to celebrating Italian heritage. An honoree ceremony will recognize Italian American veterans, active-duty U.S. Military members, and the families of deceased Italian American veterans. Washington County Commissioner Larry Maggi, a U.S. Marines veteran, will emcee the ceremony. The festival will have experiences for all ages, and admission is free!

Cecil Township Holds Fall Festival This Weekend

September 26, 2026 4:03 am

While a few local fall festivals have been cancelled due to recent heavy rain and flooding, Cecil Township will have their annual fall festival this weekend. Held at Cecil Park on Millers Run Road, the festival will feature vendors, live music, activities for children, and more. The festival is open to the public Saturday from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Admission is free.

Interstate 79 Speed Reduction Scheduled in Greene County

September 26, 2026 3:46 am

PennDOT has announced a speed reduction in both directions of Interstate 79 from Exit 14 (Masontown/Waynesburg) to Exit 23 (Marianna) in Franklin and Washington townships, Greene County. Beginning Tuesday, September 29 at 8:00 PM until Thursday, October 1 at 12:00 PM, traffic will be slowed by pace cars after the placement of latex overlay on the bridge over Route 221. The work is part of the I-79 Waynesburg to Marianna Project, a $45.9 million infrastructure investment, which will make improvements to approximately 11 miles of I-79. Drivers are asked to exercise caution driving through the work zone.

State Police Warn Public Of Gold Bar Scam

September 26, 2026 3:54 am

The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating an organized fraud scheme in which scammers impersonate federal law enforcement agencies. Investigators say the scam typically begins with a pop-up appearing on the victim’s computer. The victim is then contacted by individuals claiming to represent federal officials. The scammers tell victims that their identity or Social Security number has been connected to criminal activity and that their bank accounts or personal information have been compromised. The victim is instructed to withdraw money from their accounts, purchase gold bars or coins, and turn the gold over to a courier for “safekeeping.” Approximately $6.5 million has been stolen through this scheme. Anyone who may have been targeted by this scam should contact investigators. The public is reminded that no legitimate law enforcement officer will instruct you to purchase gold or give cash or gold to a courier.