October 6, 2025 4:50 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned ex-girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein. The justices Monday declined to take up a case that would’ve renewed attention on the Epstein sexual-abuse saga after President Donald Trump’s administration sought to tamp down criticism over its refusal to publicly release more investigative files. Trump’s Republican administration had urged the high court to stay out of the case. Lawyers for Maxwell argued she never should’ve been tried or convicted for a role in luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. Maxwell is serving 20 years and recently was transferred from a Florida prison to a Texas prison camp.
October 6, 2025 2:41 am
Testimony on day one of the homicide trial of Joshua George, 33 of Smith Township concluded early due to technical problems with computers. George is accused of shaking his infant son and delivering him injured, to the child’s grandparents for babysitting. The grandparents called for medical assistance when the child became lethargic and began vomiting and convulsing. Testimony came from the child’s mother Caitlyn Riffle who testified that the child was fine when she departed for work and left the child to be delivered by George to her father and step-mother, Cheska Rotellini. Rotellini contacted Riffle about the child’s condition but it was revealed under cross examination that the child’s condition was much worse than initially described. In the afternoon, Cheska Rotellini took the stand and described the child’s demeanor as inconsolable and he then vomited causing her to call 9-1-1. She then testified to the events that occurred with the baby being ambulanced to a hospital. Cross examination revealed that questionable decisions were made by Rotellini regarding other children previously in her care, often putting those children at risk. Rotellini’s recollection of events was sketchy, often times having her say that she did not recall events. Technical difficulties with computers ended the day. Testimony will continue Tuesday morning.
October 6, 2025 2:40 am
The Pennsylvania Drought Task Force has announced that Washington and a slew of other counties are now under a Drought Watch. “Pennsylvania received very little rain over the summer. We want residents to be aware of these dry conditions and be mindful of their water use,” said DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley. “DEP makes drought declarations based on long-term trends. A severe thunderstorm or a rainy week may not lift the drought status for a particular area.” There are different stages of drought declaration that can be declared by the Commonwealth:
- Drought Watch – a Drought Watch is typically declared for a county with three of the four factors in a “watch” status. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily reduce their water use by five to ten percent.
- Drought Warning – a Drought Warning is typically declared for a county with 3 of the four indicators in “warning” status. Residents are encouraged, but not required, to reduce their water use by 10-15 percent.
- Drought Emergency – if conditions become more severe a Drought Emergency can be declared by the Governor and emergency water restrictions can be implemented. In the unlikely event of a drought emergency, water suppliers and/or municipal governments will guide residents about water use and conservation.
While not required, residents and businesses are encouraged to voluntarily conserve water by reducing nonessential water use.
October 5, 2025 8:50 am
North Franklin Township used their first annual Fall Fest to debut the community’s event center crafted from a former water company building. According to North Franklin Township Supervisor Bob Sabot, The Waterside Event Center is a three season building that can be used for any purpose from birthday parties to graduations to wedding receptions. Community reaction about the building was outstanding. Jeanie Moore says that she grew up near the building and is excited to see the building being used for events instead of being torn down. Adele Trich is a 45 year resident of the township and says that she can see a multitude of events being held at the center and can’t wait to see what actually will be brought in. The renovation of the water company building is an approximately $900,000 project. A portion of the funding came from a $100,000 grant from the Washington County Local Share Account and $200,000 was obtained from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Waterside Event Center is the latest addition to the continued build out of Waterside Park. According to Sabot, walking trails and pickleball courts are next in line for the park’s development.
October 5, 2025 7:11 am
LONDON (AP) — The British government says it will give police stronger powers to restrict repeated protests. This comes after nearly 500 people were arrested at a demonstration supporting a banned pro-Palestinian group. The Home Office said Sunday it will change the law so that police can consider the cumulative impact of frequent protests on local areas. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says there is a need to balance the right to protest with the safety of communities. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been ongoing since Israel’s military offensive in Gaza began. Some Jews say the protests have created a threatening atmosphere and allowed antisemitism to spread.
October 5, 2025 7:10 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is making plans for a significant aid package for U.S. soybean farmers. The move aims to help them survive China’s boycott of American beans, which was sparked by Trump’s trade war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says substantial support for farmers is expected to be announced Tuesday. The aid comes amid a tariff war between the U.S. and China, where China has stopped buying U.S. soybeans. Trump plans to discuss soybeans with Chinese President Xi Jinping in four weeks. Farmers are struggling as China orders soybeans from Brazil and Argentina. They prefer trade over aid, hoping for a deal soon. (Photo: AP)
October 5, 2025 7:00 am
Serenity Farms Inc. celebrated a grand opening for their new Meeting Room and Tech Lab in Washington. The venue is located in the Landmark Building at 75 East Maiden Street. The new meeting room will host meetings, trainings and recovery programs serving as a hub for healing and skill building for those seeking recovery. It features fresh furnishings, a kitchenette and inspiring murals. The Tech Lab is equipped with innovative resources to aid recovery, ease the effects of PTSD and elevate quality of life. Some of the aids are a Metaverse/Oculus bar, job search tools and programs aimed at recovery. Currently 12 recovery meetings and Legacy Church services are conducted in the space. The Meeting Room is dedicated to Patrick J. Uram, a Washington native remembered for his compassion, intellect and community leadership. Serenity Farms provides affordable housing, disability support and OUD/SUD recovery services. Its mission is to fight the opioid and fentanyl crisis.
October 5, 2025 4:57 am
Opening statements are expected today as the homicide trial of a Smith Township man gets underway at the Washington County Courthouse. 33 year old Joshua George is charged with the death of his 6-month old son back in December of 2021. The child died January 3 at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. An autopsy found that the child suffered a skull fracture and hemorrhaging and bruises consistent with being shaken. Washington County District Attorney announced back in May of 2022 that he would seek the death penalty. Attorney’s for George have raised questions about when and where the child suffered the fatal injuries. George faces charges that include; criminal homicide, child endangerment and three counts of aggravated assault. He has been held in the Washington County Jail without bond since his arrest seven weeks after the child’s death. WJPA’s Joe Jasek will be following the trial.
October 5, 2025 2:00 am
One person was taken to the hospital in an officer involved shooting in McDonald. According to 9-1-1 dispatchers, McDonald Police were called to Michael’s Tavern in the 300 block of Lincoln Avenue shortly after 9:30 Friday night, with a report of a suspicious male, possibly brandishing a weapon. When police arrived, they found the man and fired upon him. The suspect was taken to Allegheny General Hospital by ambulance. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating. The identity of the police officer and suspect are unknown. (Photo:WPXI)
October 4, 2025 9:20 am
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s army has announced plans to prepare for the first phase of President Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza and return hostages. The army has moved to a defensive position and will not actively strike. The announcement follows Trump’s order for Israel to stop bombing after Hamas accepted some elements of the plan. The proposal has international support and was endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Talks are underway for the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. Despite progress, questions remain about the plan’s implementation and its impact on Palestinians in Gaza.
