January 23, 2026 5:13 am
TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new American entity, avoiding the looming threat of a ban in the U.S. that has been in discussion for years. The social video platform company signed agreements with major investors including Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX to form the joint venture. The company said in a statement that the new version will operate under “defined safeguards” with an emphasis on data protections and software assurances for U.S. users. The establishment of a U.S. unit ends years of uncertainty about the fate of the popular video-sharing platform in the United States.
January 23, 2026 6:13 pm
(AP) – That snowflake icon on your smartphone app might be quick and handy — it just might not be as accurate as a human when the weather gets rough. Experts say that’s especially important during winter storms like the one forecasted to smack the eastern U.S. with a mix of heavy snow, treacherous ice and subzero temperatures. The popular Weather Channel app, for example, uses artificial intelligence to analyze everything from computer models to citizen weather reports. But humans always have the last word. Most experts say the best place to get the most accurate forecast is still probably local television meteorologists.
January 22, 2026 5:52 pm
ATLANTA (AP) — A massive winter storm is barreling toward the eastern U.S., threatening to bring severe ice and snow from Texas to Boston. Forecasters warn the storm could rival a hurricane in damage to power lines and trees, especially in areas with heavy ice. The storm is expected to start Friday in New Mexico and Texas, moving east through the South and then up the coast into New England. Bitterly cold air could follow, with wind chills dropping to minus-50 degrees Fahrenheit in parts of Minnesota and North Dakota. Utility workers are on alert and supplies like bread and salt are flying off shelves. (Photo: AP)
January 22, 2026 4:51 am
It looks like there is no getting away from this one. A Winter Storm Watch will be in effect for all of Southwestern Pennsylvania from 7 p.m. Saturday to 1 p.m. Monday as we await the arrival of significant amounts of snow. National Weather Service Meteorologist Bill Modzelewski in Pittsburgh, tells WJPA that although there’s a slim chance the track could change – they are pretty sure they nailed the expected snow totals of between eight and twelve inches, with Washington County likely see the higher amounts of snowfall. On the up side, however, Modzelewski says this storm will bring the white fluffy snow, as opposed to the heavier snow that can often feel like cement. Periods of snow will develop late Saturday night and continue into Sunday, where there is potential for heavy snow of at least six inches, especially east and south of Pittsburgh. Some areas could get even more than that, particularly by Sunday evening. Tune to WJPA 95.3FM/1450AM or wjpa.com for the very latest storm information.
January 22, 2026 5:47 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith has defended his investigations of Donald Trump at a public congressional hearing. Smith insisted Thursday he acted without regard to politics and had no second thoughts about the criminal charges he brought. Smith says no one should be above the law and the law required Trump “be held to account.” Smith’s criminal investigations in Washington, D.C., and Florida shadowed Trump during his 2024 Republican presidential campaign. Smith testified behind closed doors last month but returned to the House Judiciary Committee for the public hearing. Republican lawmakers looked to undermine Smith while Democrats hoped to elicit damaging testimony about Trump’s conduct. Trump says Smith has “destroyed many lives.”
January 22, 2026 5:02 am
The driver of a tractor trailer was injured in a crash early Thursday morning along Interstate 70 westbound in Fallowfield Township. Washington County 9-1-1 says it happened just after 1:30 a.m. near mile-marker 35.5. Dispatchers say the truck went over an embankment. The driver was transported by ambulance to a local hospital. There is no word on his identity or condition. Officials say the plan to remove the truck later today.
January 22, 2026 4:42 am
MONONGAHELA, Pa. — HAZMAT crews were called to the Monongahela Sewage Plant on Wednesday. The Monongahela Fire Department said crews were called to the plant at 1:30 p.m. for a chlorine tank leak. Washington County HAZMAT units followed to take care of that leak. Firefighters said there were no evacuation or shelter-in-place orders given at any point. The situation was wrapped up and the plant returned to normal operations at around 5 p.m.
January 22, 2026 4:57 am
A modified lockdown was initiated at all buildings in the Bentworth School District Wednesday. Superintendent Scott Martin says a phone call was “perceived as a threat to a staff member”. Operations inside the schools continued as normal but visitors were not permitted in and students were not allowed to go outside. Police were called to the scene to investigate. According to the Observer-Reporter, Martin says the investigation determined that the matter will not be pursued any further. The district returned to normal operations about 2:30 p.m.
January 22, 2026 5:06 am
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark’s prime minister is saying after U.S. President Donald Trump announced he agreed to a “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security with the head of NATO that her country can’t negotiate on its sovereignty and she has been “informed that this has not been the case.” Trump on Wednesday abruptly scrapped the tariffs he had threatened to impose on eight European nations to press for U.S. control over Greenland, a semi autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. Trump offered few details, saying they were still being worked out. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Thursday that she had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte “on an ongoing basis,” including before and after he met Trump in Davos.
January 21, 2026 5:09 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seems inclined to keep Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook in her job. The justices are casting doubt on President Donald Trump’s bid to wrest control of the nation’s central bank. They heard arguments Wednesday over Trump’s effort to fire Cook based on allegations she committed mortgage fraud. She denies any wrongdoing. No president has ever fired a sitting governor. Trump’s critics say his true motivation for trying to oust Cook is the Republican president’s desire to exert control over interest rate policy. The case presented the court with one of the more extraordinary efforts by Trump to expand presidential power. A decision is expected by early summer.
