September 11, 2026 5:02 am
The Trump administration is proposing a dramatic overhaul around the once-a-decade U.S. Census head count that could leave out millions of immigrants based on status and key racial and ethnic data, jeopardizing the allocation of resources and the country’s voting map. The Census Bureau announced Wednesday potential changes would exclude immigrants who are in the country without legal permission and anyone without permanent status and make the survey more “color blind.” Numbers from the questionnaire are typically used to determine congressional districts and Electoral College votes. Racial and ethnic data has been used to look at issues in communities of color such as discrimination, wealth gaps and crime rates.
September 11, 2026 2:10 am
Uniontown, PA – PennDOT has announced the closure of a portion of Route 3009 (Old Scales Road) and Route 3014 (Van Neal Drive) between Route 18 and Route 221 in South Franklin Township, Washington County, beginning Monday, September 14. A posted detour will be in place until mid-December using Route 3014 (Van Neal Drive), Route 221, Route 3008 (Jolly School Road), and Route 18. Department Force Bridge crew will demolish the existing structure, replace it with precast concrete box culvert. Work will also consist of widening the approaches, paving and guiderail. A $1.5 million infrastructure investment project. All work depends on weather and operational conditions.
September 11, 2026 2:15 am
(Harrisburgh) – By a vote of 5-0, the State’s Public Utility Commission approved a motion directing PUC staff to develop proposed updates to Pennsylvania’s emergency electric load control regulations, including greater clarity regarding the order, criteria and circumstances under which customers may be curtailed during pre-emergency and emergency conditions. The motion also directs the Commission to hold a technical conference this fall examining cost responsibility associated with large computational loads, including data centers. The Commission’s action comes amid growing concern about the balance between rapidly increasing electricity demand and the resources available to serve that demand across the PJM Interconnection. Pennsylvania’s existing regulations provide a basic framework for electric utilities to manage load during pre-emergency and emergency conditions. The Commission will now examine potential updates to provide greater and more consistent direction concerning the order, criteria and applicability of curtailment.
September 10, 2026 1:25 pm
(AP) – Jimmy Kimmel says the federal agency regulating television has “threatened” his show. An interview with James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Texas, will now air on YouTube instead of TV. This isn’t the first time a Talarico interview has moved online. Stephen Colbert’s show did the same in February. The Federal Communications Commission has been enforcing equal time rules for political candidates, which traditionally didn’t apply to talk shows. Kimmel suggests Trump’s presidency influenced this change. The FCC hasn’t commented, and Kimmel didn’t elaborate on the threats.
September 10, 2026 10:49 am
The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected a push to use Missouri congressional maps backed by President Donald Trump, a loss for Republicans trying to maintain control of the House in the fast-approaching midterm elections. Also, Trump has pledged to send every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in the midterm elections. The dubious promise would likely cost more than $1 trillion and require congressional approval, and would further exacerbate the country’s nearly $1.8 trillion annual budget deficit and concerns about inflation. Trump also said Wednesday that oil prices that have surged because of the Iran war likely won’t come down until after U.S. midterm elections.
September 9, 2026 2:22 am
NOTTINGHAM TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A motorcyclist was killed Wednesday when he collided with a commercial van in Washington County. Coroner Tim Warco says the crash happened just before 11 a.m. in Nottingham Township. A motorcyclist was heading west in the 2300 block of State Route 136. Rounding a turn, he collided with a commercial van turning left across the westbound lane. The rider was identified as Edward C. DeRosa, 56, of Finleyville. Warco says DeRosa was not wearing a helmet. State Police and the coroner’s office continue to investigate.
September 9, 2026 2:22 am
Another Peters Township teen will face trial for child sexual abuse material. Alexander Scott, 18 of Venetia had four felony charges held for court without a hearing. Scott is accused by City of Washington Police of communicating with a minor and exchanging nude photos with that minor. Police were contacted about harassment and possible sextortion on June 29. A forensic examination of the victim’s phone revealed child sexual abuse material. Police were able to identify two males involved with the minor, one of them being Scott. Police contacted Peters Township detectives and they confirmed that Scott was the subject of a similar investigation previously there. The second male was identified as a Peters Township High School graduate. Scott is facing felony charges of dissemination of photos or film depicting child sex acts, corruption of minors, unlawful contact with minors and criminal use of a communications device. Scott will be formally arraigned on October 27.
September 10, 2026 4:49 am
DALLAS (AP) — President Donald Trump has pledged $5,000 to every American if Republicans hold onto Congress in the midterms while slamming Democrats as extremists during night one of the Republican midterm convention. He also defended the war in Iran and did not provide details on how his cash pledge would work. Trump on Wednesday in Dallas emphasized making the elections about himself, despite low approval ratings. Many Republicans skipped the event in Dallas, while others aimed to rally Trump supporters. Trump pledged to visit key states and hold rallies. He also defended tariffs and promised a “Trump dividend” if Republicans win. The convention aimed to boost enthusiasm despite economic concerns and dissatisfaction with the Iran war.
September 10, 2026 4:46 am
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman has addressed the Republican midterm convention, escalating tensions with his party. His appearance is stirring fears among Democrats that he might switch parties after the midterms. Fetterman introduced Republican Sen. Dave McCormick in a video, calling him “a great American.” He criticized Democrats as extremists and expressed support for working with President Donald Trump. Fetterman said in a statement later Wednesday that he will not switch parties. He has been increasingly isolated from his party, supporting Israel’s war in Gaza and voting with Republicans on key issues. Democrats worry about his influence if they secure a narrow majority in the Senate.
September 9, 2026 4:50 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says oil prices that spiked because of the Iran war likely won’t come down until after the U.S. midterm elections. Oil prices jumped more than 3% Wednesday, pushing international Brent crude past the $100 threshold for the first time since July as salvos between the U.S. and Iran escalated. Trump, in an exchange with reporters before traveling to Dallas for the midterm Republican convention, added that he believes Iran will finally relent after the pivotal elections are held in the U.S.
