July 2, 2026 3:54 am
A Washington teenager accused of taking part in a convenience store robbery last November has taken responsibility for his role in the incident. Christian Patrene, 19 pleaded guilty to one count of felony conspiracy to commit robbery. He was sentenced to 3-8 years in state prison. Patrene, along with 19 year old Christopher Ellis-Valperga, and 17 year old Julian Asbury were accused of trying to rob the Washington Food Mart on Chestnut Street with a gun. A customer playing a skill game machine pulled her own gun and she was shot according to court documents. Investigators accuse Ellis-Valperga as the person responsible for the shooting. Ellis-Valperga is still facing attempted homicide and robbery charges in connection with the incident. Julian Asbury is serving a jail sentence at a juvenile detention facility.
July 3, 2026 3:33 am
Washington City Council voted on current and future projects during their meeting Thursday night. Council approved the purchase of a fifty-foot Aluminum Flagpole from Federal Flags, LLC for $6,867.84. Councilman Andrew Callan explains that it will replace the flagpole right outside of City Hall. Additionally, Council approved a payment to Stonemile for the President’s Pathway Project for $65,515.39. City Administrator Richard Cleveland says that this sidewalk and lighting project is meant to improve safety between Washington & Jefferson College and Main Street. There is still work to be done in that area.
July 3, 2026 3:35 am
Washington Mayor JoJo Burgess reminds city residents that a noise ordinance goes into effect at 10:00 PM every day. This is especially important to remember with the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations. Residents are encouraged to contact law enforcement or the mayor if there are disruptions, including fireworks, after that time. Mayor Burgess also addressed the new Phantom Fireworks store on Jefferson Avenue. He says that all of the fireworks sold there are legal in Pennsylvania. He did mention future amendments to fireworks ordinances, as the store will be open permanently and not seasonally, but he does not have any specifics at this time. Finally, Mayor Burgess wishes everyone a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend.
July 3, 2026 2:38 pm
When Governor Josh Shapiro decided he wasn’t going to spend taxpayer money on The Great American State Fair, it looked as if Pennsylvania wasn’t going to be a part of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. That didn’t sit well with U.S. Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman, who talked with Chambers of Commerce, businesses like the Marcellus Shale Coalition about putting together a booth on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. McCormick says that 51 different sponsors have got involved. And there are residents with unique collections and other talents that have made the state’s booth one of the most popular in Washington, D.C., with long lines. McCormick, who was 10 years old when he celebrated the bicentennial with his father in 1976, says he will be celebrating America250 at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.
July 2, 2026 2:40 am
Freedom Transit’s Washington Transit Center will be closed on Friday, July, 3 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Fixed route and shared ride services will operate on a normal schedule that day. On July 4, fixed route services will not operate, but shared ride services will operate until 5:00 pm. To schedule shared ride services for July 3, July 4 and July 6, call 724-223-8747 by noon on July 2.
July 2, 2026 5:44 pm
HAMDEN, Ohio (AP) — The discovery of 16 children living in deplorable conditions in rural Ohio has left people wondering why the life-threatening squalor wasn’t detected earlier. Seven were taken to hospitals, including one who was in critical condition when rushed to care Tuesday. Windows and doors at the home in Hamden, about 60 miles from Columbus, have been boarded up. Four people who are the children’s parents and grandparents face child endangerment charges. Neighbor Josh Odell says he has a view of the backyard but never saw a child.
July 2, 2026 5:42 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Olympian has been indicted on a felony charge for alleged vandalism of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. David Hearn is a former Olympic canoe racer who was indicted on a single count of property destruction in Washington, D.C. court. District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said he ripped up recently installed sealant and caused over $1,000 in damage. Hearn previously told The Associated Press that he reached into the pool to examine the newly peeled coating during a 64-mile bike ride. Trump has said federal authorities made “multiple arrests” of people he said were vandalizing the Reflecting Pool following a $16-million rehabilitation project he launched for the nation’s 250th anniversary.
July 2, 2026 1:50 pm
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Clarksburg, West Virginia man has admitted to making threats against President Donald Trump and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey says 20-year-old Cody Lee Smith admitted to making threats to kill the President and to harm ICE agents. According to court statements, on January 17, 2026, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department reported that Smith had posted threats on social media, including threats to attack and kill ICE agents and President Trump. Homeland Security and ICE agents reviewed his Instagram posts and confirmed multiple threats against President Trump, his supporters, and federal law enforcement. That same day, Smith also sent a direct Instagram message to Donald J. Trump Jr. containing a sexually violent threat against President Trump. On January 18, 2026, Smith called the ICE tip line and threatened to kill ICE agents in Clarksburg, as well as the operator and the operator’s family. Smith faces up to 5 years for the presidential threat charge and faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the threats against ICE. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
July 1, 2026 4:11 am
ROME (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s attacks on Italy’s premier have had an unintended consequence. After Trump questioned Italy’s reliability as a wartime ally and claimed Giorgia Meloni had groveled for his attention, European leaders rallied to Meloni’s side. Trump’s social media barbs helped thaw Meloni’s previously frosty relationship with other European leaders over her hard-right political roots. It is the latest example of how the often divisive American president is helping to draw Europe closer together. European leaders are finding more reasons to coordinate on defense, tariffs and foreign policy. Analysts say that leaves Trump, who has often preferred to negotiate with European countries individually, with less ability to do so.
July 2, 2026 10:23 am
PHOENIX (AP) — The United States is rapidly building what it calls a “smart wall” on the Mexico border, combining tall steel fencing with advanced technology like sensors and cameras. Critics argue this militarizes the border and impacts local communities. Customs and Border Protection says the technology helps free up agents for other tasks. Contracts for hundreds of miles of wall have been signed. The wall has been a top priority for Republican President Donald Trump, with $46 billion allocated for its completion. Critics warn of privacy concerns and environmental impacts. The project continues to face scrutiny over costs and oversight.
