December 11, 2025 5:53 pm
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. The track of this storm has not yet been fully determined, but forecasters say our area could see anywhere from three to seven inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible. WJPA will have all the information you need. Stay tuned to WJPA and wjpa.com. (Photo: AP)
December 11, 2025 2:27 am
A Washington County jury deliberated about nine hours before returning a mixed verdict in the case against Jose Zaragoza of Washington. Zaragoza was accused of strangling and attempting to kidnap the mother of their child. The incident occurred in the parking lot of the Giant Eagle in South Strabane Township. Prosecutors wound up testimony with police accounts of their interaction with the victim Liliana Escobar both at the scene and in subsequent interviews during the investigation. Zaragoza took the stand in his own defense. His account was 180 degrees opposite of the victim. He says that he reached into the car to try and hug Escobar. Her reaction caused him to put his hand over her mouth and nose and her throat as he tried to back away from her reaction to his hug. When asked why he drove off after he offered to call police for help from his cell phone and strangers arrived to the victim’s cries for help, he said that he did not want to get into trouble. The jury returned a not guilty verdict on two counts, but rendered a deadlocked verdict on the remaining two charges. The commonwealth must now decide whether to re-try him on the two deadlocked verdicts. Zaragoza remains in the Washington County Jail.
December 11, 2025 2:16 pm
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital, with his status for Monday’s game uncertain. Watt is in the hospital awaiting evaluation of his lung after he felt “discomfort” during Wednesday’s practice, a Steelers spokesperson says. Watt will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins is “in question,” the spokesperson says. Coach Mike Tomlin is expected to provide updates “at the appropriate time.”
December 11, 2025 2:09 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. Senators on Thursday rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts. It’s an unceremonious end to a monthslong effort by Democrats to prevent the COVID-19-era subsidies from expiring on Jan. 1. Ahead of the votes, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned Republicans that if they did not vote to extend the tax credits, “there won’t be another chance to act.”
December 11, 2025 2:50 am
Two people are wanted by police in Canton Township after a decomposed body was found last year in the home where they were living. Authorities say the couple was living with the body of 64-year-old Michael Bebout for some six months. On Wednesday, police filed charges against James and Debbie Bebout. Authorities say the couple was continuing to cash his Social Security checks, and deposited more than $20,000 from Michael Bebout’s government benefits into their accounts while his body lay in his bed. Police were called to the home in January, after James Bebout reported he thought his brother was dead. According to the criminal complaint, James told officers he found Michael “stiff as a board” when he went to give him breakfast. When officers checked the bedroom, they found only skeletal remains. James and Debbie Bebout are now charged with theft, conspiracy and abuse of a corpse. The two are wanted and believed to be in the Washington County area.
December 11, 2025 5:58 am
A Washington man is facing numerous charges after police say he threatened employees and customers inside the Waffle House along Murtland Avenue late Monday night. Police say 30 year old Joshua King got into an argument inside the restaurant and then left to go to his vehicle in the parking lot. According to the criminal complaint, King retrieved a semi-automatic handgun and then pointed it thru the front windows of the restaurant towards occupants inside. King then allegedly went back inside and threatened to kill employees. Several customers fled or hid in the restroom. King then fled the scene but was stopped by City of Washington Police. A 9-mm handgun was found inside the vehicle. King is last reported in the Washington County Jail.
December 10, 2025 1:25 am
A big drug bust in North Strabane Township. Police say multiple stamp bags of suspected drugs, including some 1,000 glassine stamp bags filled with suspected heroin, fentanyl, and xylazine were found following a traffic stop on Tuesday along McClelland Road. Police said charges have since been filed against two individuals, but they have not been identified. Police say both have been charged with possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and related offenses. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed. North Strabane Police say they were assisted by the state district attorney’s office Anyone with information related to illegal drug activity is asked to call the department at 724-746-4090 or submit tips via email at tips@nstpd.com.
December 11, 2025 5:44 pm
The City of Washington Fire Department received a holiday boost from the Pennsylvania American Water Company. The PAWC stopped by City Hall to present firefighters a check for $2000. The money comes from the PAWC’s annual Firefighting Support Grant Program. Grants can be used to purchase personal protective gear, communications equipment, firefighting tools, water handling equipment, training and related activities and materials used to support community fire protection. City Councilman Joe DeThomas thanked the PAWC and said that the money would go a long way in helping with the purchase of a new cargo container that will be used for training at the fire department’s training facility. Brent Robinson from PAWC says that they appreciate the work that firefighters do in the community and this is a demonstration of gratitude to all of that hard work. This year Pennsylvania American Water awarded $131,500 in grants to 203 fire departments and rescue organizations in 32 counties statewide.
December 11, 2025 6:48 am
A unique opportunity is taking place at the Tanger Outlets that will allow people to extend their holiday spirit to those in need. The Giving Machines made their debut on Wednesday. The idea comes from the Church of the Latter Day Saints. The vending machines allow people to purchase needed items for those less fortunate to get them through everyday life. Ryan Holder, Pittsburgh Joint City Lead for the Giving Machine says that anything can be purchased, from goats and chickens, utility payments and bedding. One of the local charities taking part is Auberle. They operate the Mt. Oliver Family Healing Center that allows entire families to live together while those suffering from addiction work on their recovery. Darla Poole, CEO of Auberle says that some of the items that they offer will be the standard cleaning products and diapers. They also will offer vacuum cleaners. She says that often times vacuum cleaners are too expensive an item for people to afford. The Giving Machines are located in 125 cities in 30 states and in 21 countries around the world. In this area, donations may be purchased for five area charities. They include Auberle, The Brashear Association, Catholic Charities, JFCS and SHIM. Global groups include Church World Services and the American Red Cross. The program is now underway and will last until January 4. Saturday December 13 will be Auberle Day.
December 11, 2025 7:48 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds President Donald Trump’s approval on the economy has fallen substantially since he reentered the White House. It’s a warning about how Americans are evaluating the Republican president’s performance as the year draws to a close. The survey finds only 31% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy. That’s down from 40% in March and marks the lowest economic approval he’s registered in his first or second term. Trump’s approval also has slipped on other issues that were strengths for him at the beginning of this term, including immigration and crime. Trump’s overall job approval hasn’t fallen as steeply.
