September 5, 2025 5:02 am
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A federal appeals court panel has put on hold a lower court judge’s order to wind down operations of the immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz.” The three-judge panel in Atlanta on Thursday decided by a 2-1 vote to stay the federal judge’s order pending the outcome of an appeal. The judges in the majority said it was in the public interest. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction last month ordering operations at the facility to be wound down by the end of October. Detainees would be transferred to other facilities.
September 5, 2025 5:01 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough bipartisan questioning about his COVID-19 policies in a Senate committee hearing. On Thursday, Democratic senators clashed with Kennedy over his changes to vaccine recommendations, while some Republican senators also expressed concerns. Kennedy praised President Donald Trump for the Operation Warp Speed initiative but criticized the safety of mRNA vaccines. He defended the firing of the CDC director, claiming she was dishonest. Kennedy’s actions, including replacing a vaccine advisory panel with skeptics, have drawn criticism from medical groups. They warn his policies could increase vaccine-preventable diseases and have called for his resignation.
September 5, 2025 4:59 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has hosted tech executives at the White House, showcasing AI research and investments. Thursday’s event highlights major financial commitments from companies like Meta, Apple, and Google. Notably absent was Elon Musk, replaced by OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The dinner, moved indoors due to rain, follows a meeting of the White House’s new AI education task force, chaired by Melania Trump. She emphasizes both the potential and risks of AI. Trump, despite criticizing AI, frequently shares AI-generated content online. The event underscores shifting alliances and ongoing debates about AI’s role and regulation.
September 5, 2025 4:55 am
WASHINGTON, Pa. — Some Washington businesses have turned to social media to help catch a repeat theft suspect. Capelli’s beer and pop warehouse and laundromat on Jefferson Avenue are some of the latest victims of a man police call a serial thief. It’s the second time in two weeks they have done so. City of Washington Police also shared photos of the man and are asking for help in identifying him. Police believe the man has stolen from over 5 local businesses. This is just the latest instance in which Washington Police have turned to the social media platform for help in the past couple of months. Last week, Police asked for help in identifying a man who busted through a wall to steal a safe from The City Mission. They’ve now filed charges against 60-year-old Patrick Thurston for theft.
September 5, 2025 2:44 am
School board members in the Washington School District approved the hiring of a new superintendent at their meeting last night. The board voted to hire Alisa King who was serving as the assistant superintendent in the Belle Vernon School District. King will replace George Lammay who announced his retirement a few weeks ago. In 2021, Lammay retired from the Bentworth School District, where he had served as assistant superintendent and after deciding he really wasn’t ready to retire, he was hired as the new superintendent for the Washington School District.
September 5, 2025 2:43 am
Finishing touches are being applied to the City Mission’s Sally’s Sanctuary for its formal opening later this month. State Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) stopped by the brand new women’s shelter to deliver a large grant to aid in its completion. Bartolotta presented City Mission Executive Director Diana Irey-Vaughn a check for $500,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development. Irey-Vaughn thanked the senator for being a “champion” for the mission. Bartolotta was pleased to bring the financial help to help homeless women, who she says are often are victims of domestic abuse and need places like Sally’s Sanctuary to get their lives back in order. Irey-Vaughn says Bartolotta was also key in delivering another $500,000 earlier this year in Washington County Local Share Account funding. The $7.1 million facility, named after retired Chief Development Officer, Dr. Sally Mounts, will bring 50 brand new beds to help homeless women. It also has a child care center for women with children. A formal dedication will be held on September 24.
September 4, 2025 9:42 am
MILAN (AP) – Giorgio Armani, the iconic Italian designer, has died at 91, his fashion house confirmed. Armani, known for his understated elegance, missed Milan Fashion Week in June 2025 due to an undisclosed condition. He was planning a major event for his fashion house’s 50th anniversary this month. Armani revolutionized Italian ready-to-wear fashion in the late 1970s with his relaxed silhouette. His empire, worth over $10 billion, included clothing, accessories, and more. Armani’s influence extended to Hollywood, dressing stars like Richard Gere and Anne Hathaway.
September 4, 2025 6:52 am
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot has jumped to an eye-popping $1.7 billion after yet another drawing passed without a big winner. The numbers selected Wednesday were: 3, 16, 29, 61 and 69, with the Powerball number being 22. Since May 31, there have been 41 straight drawings without a big winner. The next drawing will be Saturday night, with the prize expected to be the third-largest in U.S. lottery history. Powerball tickets cost $2, and the game is offered in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
September 4, 2025 5:11 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Trump suggests New Orleans could be his next target for deploying the National Guard to fight crime. This follows his decision to send additional law enforcement to Chicago and Baltimore. Trump said Wednesday that Louisiana’s Republican governor wanted him to send in law enforcement to help police the state’s biggest city. City leaders are balking at the idea. City Councilmember Oliver Thomas noted that crime has decreased in New Orleans and calls the move “very political or a major overreaction!” Trump’s latest comments came a day after he suggested that the National Guard might soon be deployed to Chicago and Baltimore.
September 4, 2025 5:10 am
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Florida plans to become the first state to eliminate vaccine mandates that have been a cornerstone of public health policy for decades in keeping schoolchildren and citizens safe from infectious diseases. State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo describes current vaccine requirements as an immoral intrusion on rights. He argues that parents should make health decisions for their children. Vaccines have been proven over decades of use to be safe and the most effective way to stop the spread of communicable diseases, especially among schoolchildren. Dr. Rana Alissa from the Florida Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that removing vaccines increases risks for students and staff.
