March 4, 2025 5:04 am
ROME (AP) — Pope Francis is resting after he suffered further setbacks in his fight against pneumonia. In its early Tuesday update, the Vatican said: “The pope slept through the night, now rest continues.” On Monday he had two new acute respiratory crises that required him to resume using noninvasive mechanical ventilation to breathe. Doctors said they extracted “copious” amounts of mucus from his lungs. The 88-year-old pope has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man remained alert throughout the crises.
March 4, 2025 5:02 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s long-threatened tariffs against Canada and Mexico have gone into effect, kicking off a trade war with America’s neighbors. Starting just past midnight Tuesday, imports from Canada and Mexico are now taxed at 25%, with Canadian energy products subject to 10% import duties. In addition, the 10% tariff that Trump placed on Chinese imports in February was doubled to 20%. China retaliated Tuesday with additional tariffs of up to 15% on a wide array of U.S. farm exports, among other measures. Canada and Mexico both announced tariffs on American goods. Trump’s moves have raised inflation fears, even as he has promised the American public that taxes on imports are the easiest path to national prosperity.
March 4, 2025 5:00 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has directed a “pause” to U.S. assistance to Ukraine after a disastrous Oval Office meeting as he seeks to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to engage in negotiations to end the war with Russia. A White House official said Monday that Trump is focused on reaching a peace deal and wants Zelenskyy “committed” to that goal. The official added that the U.S. was “pausing and reviewing” its aid to “ensure that it is contributing to a solution.” The official said the order will remain in effect until Trump determines that Ukraine has demonstrated a commitment to peace negotiations with Russia. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the assistance.
March 4, 2025 4:56 am
LEMONT FURNANCE, Pa. — The Penn State Fayette Eberly Campus is one of 12 branch campuses that could potentially be closing. It’s one of four local branch campuses in southwestern Pennsylvania.“We’ve got to be loud, we’ve got to be heard, and we’ve got to do it quick,” said Muriel Nuttal, director of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. She said she was stunned when she heard the Fayette campus could be on the chopping block. “My first thought was, ‘I can’t even imagine a Fayette County without Penn State Fayette Campus,’” she said. Nuttal, along with elected leaders at the local and state level, want to gather as much community support that they can to make sure Fayette is not one of the Penn State branch campuses to close. The Fayette campus had 407 students enrolled for this past fall semester. That’s down 30% from 577 students in fall 2020. It’s likely one of the reasons the university is looking to close it down. The university is expected to announce what branches will close before the spring semester is over. Leaders in the county are now working to form two committees. One is for community outreach and social media messaging. The other is a community, student, and alumni communications strategy to help form a letter-writing campaign to university officials. These committee meetings in Fayette County are going to continue. The next one is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
March 4, 2025 4:51 am
GEORGES TOWNSHIP, Pa. — (WPXI) – At least one person is dead after a crash in Fayette County Monday night. A Fayette County 911 supervisor says first responders were called to a fatal two-vehicle crash in Georges Township, where Route 119 meets Tent Church Road, just after 9 p.m. The supervisor also said that several people were taken to an area hospital by ambulance, and one person was transported by medical helicopter. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the crash.
March 4, 2025 4:48 am
PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – Wind, rain, and the threat for storms and snow will impact your plans over the next two days as a powerful spring storm heads our way. Rain moves in before sunrise along with wind gusts of 20 to 30 mph. A few thunderstorms may also develop, along with brief heavier downpours. The steadiest rain will gradually end, but another round of stronger storms could develop through the early evening. Damaging winds, hail and an isolated tornado will be possible. Colder air spills into the area late Wednesday into early Thursday along with scattered snow showers.
March 4, 2025 2:22 am
Washington City Council will have a largely procedural voting meeting when they meet on Thursday. Most of the meeting will be approvals of bills and contracts. One item that stands out will be the hiring of a new city administrator. Current city administrator Donn Henderson announced in February that he will be leaving the position on April 12. In other business council will vote on two ordinances. One will update the city maintenance code by adopting the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code. The second ordinance modifies the quality of life ordinance. It will increase fines from $25 to $50. Council will meet at 6:00 pm on Thursday.
March 4, 2025 2:18 am
Lent begins on Wednesday, as millions of people across the globe head to church to receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads. During Lent, Catholics observe days of fast and abstinence from meat in the Catholic Church and Ash Wednesday is regarded as one of the most sacred days of the year for all Christians.. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence and all Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence in the United States. Individuals who have a medical condition in which fasting may be considered harmful are not obliged to fast, but should perform some other act of penance or charity. According to the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, the forty day Lenten season of prayer and penance is meant to convert hearts and minds back to God and Bishop David Zubik says this Lenten season is especially significant since it takes place during the Jubilee Year of Hope, a beautiful time for Christians to turn to the love and mercy of God. Distribution of ashes will be performed at all parishes. You’re urged to contact your parish for their schedule for distribution of ashes. Also during Lent, many churches and organizations host a fish fry. (Photo: AP)
March 3, 2025 5:51 pm
ROME (AP) — The Vatican says that Pope Francis has suffered two new episodes of acute respiratory crises and has been put back on noninvasive mechanical ventilation. Doctors extracted “copious” amounts of mucus from his lungs in another setback in what has become a more than two-week battle to overcome a complex respiratory infection and pneumonia. In a late update Monday, the Vatican said the episodes were caused by a “significant accumulation” of mucus in his lungs and bronchial spasms. “Two bronchoscopies were performed with the need for aspiration of copious secretions,” the Vatican said. Francis remained alert, oriented and cooperated with medical personnel. The prognosis remained guarded. (Photo: AP)
March 3, 2025 5:18 am
LOS ANGELES (AP) — “Anora,” a strip-club Cinderalla story without the fairy tale ending, was crowned best picture at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, handing Sean Baker’s gritty, Brooklyn-set screwball farce Hollywood’s top prize. Adrien Brody won best actor for his performance in “The Brutalist.” Mikey Madison won best actress for “Anora.” The Oscars spread the love around, dishing out awards to “Conclave,” “Wicked” and “The Substance.” Eight of the 10 movies nominated for best picture came away with at least one award at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday. Zoe Saldaña won best supporting actress, delivering a heartfelt speech thanking her family. The night’s first award, presented by Robert Downey Jr., went to Kieran Culkin for best supporting actor.
