September 5, 2026 4:13 am
A federal judge is extending a legal block on President Donald Trump’s plan to regulate mail ballots during the midterm elections. The order Friday from U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani comes after she earlier handed down a temporary restraining order prohibiting the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing the new policy. North Carolina began sending mail ballots out Friday and election officials in many states say it’s too late to meet the new requirements. The Trump administration filed a notice late Friday saying it would appeal the ruling.
September 5, 2026 4:06 am
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in the murder case against Lindsay Clancy. Jurors could not agree on whether she was criminally responsible when she strangled her three young children in 2023. Friday’s mistrial leaves the case unresolved and allows prosecutors to try Clancy again. She had faced life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors argued that Clancy acted deliberately and understood her actions, while her lawyers said postpartum psychosis left her unable to control her behavior or appreciate its wrongfulness. The closely watched case drew national attention to maternal mental healthcare and gaps in treatment.
September 5, 2026 4:08 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Missouri has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to use new congressional districts backed by President Trump in the upcoming midterm elections. The appeal comes after Missouri’s highest court blocked the new map and ordered a statewide vote in November. This is part of a national redistricting battle Trump launched last year. The new boundaries were drawn to help Republicans gain an additional seat and maintain their House majority. Missouri’s top court said the previous districts must be used in the general election. State law sets a Tuesday deadline to make changes to the November ballot.
September 5, 2026 4:04 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump describes the conflict in Iran as “small potatoes” and says he agrees with Vice President JD Vance’s assertion that months of on-and-off attacks in the Middle East are no longer a “war.” In an exchange with reporters Friday, Trump said U.S. strikes on Iran are now “intermittent” and downplayed the impact of the war — which has cost over $37.5 billion and 18 U.S. service members’ lives. Vance, during a White House briefing Thursday, rejected calling the U.S. fighting with Iran a “war,” stating there’s no active shooting. Trump also highlighted the lower U.S. death toll in the fighting with Iran compared to other conflicts and reiterated that the conflict has weakened Iran’s nuclear program.
September 5, 2026 4:02 am
BEIRUT (AP) — Israel’s military says it has taken control of the Ali Taher ridge in Lebanon, despite ongoing clashes with Hezbollah. The area has seen frequent fighting since a ceasefire began over two months ago. On Thursday night, Israel announced its control, but continued airstrikes, raising questions from Hezbollah. The U.S. is urging Lebanon to pressure Hezbollah to hand over the area to the Lebanese army, but Hezbollah resists, fearing Israeli takeover. Israel claims it has neutralized Hezbollah’s underground infrastructure there. The situation remains tense, with both sides maintaining a strong presence in the region.
September 5, 2026 3:53 am
Areas of Washington County are still recovering from strong storms that moved through the area on Thursday and Friday. Downed trees and power lines affected many in the area. Currently, West Penn Power is reporting less than 600 customers are still without power in Washington County. Mount Pleasant Township, Cecil Township and Canonsburg along with Fallowfield Township are the areas with the largest number of outages. According to the West Penn Power website, they anticipate power to be restored by 11:00 pm on Sunday. PennDot is also alerting motorists of road closures still in effect in Washington County. Route 980 between Route 50 and Swihart Road is closed due to a downed utility. Route 2023 (Grange Road) at Route 481 is also closed due to a downed utility.
September 5, 2026 1:12 am
City Police are investigating a stabbing along North Main Street Thursday. Officers were called to the scene near the Washington County Courthouse just before 6 p.m. Police say two individuals involved received medical treatment but called the incident ‘isolated’. Police say they continue to investigate.
September 4, 2026 2:55 pm
A former priest’s lawyer claims he only took money from several churches because he wasn’t paid enough as a priest. Gregory Madeya, 69, was brought back to Westmoreland County from Florida three weeks ago. The Pennsylvania attorney general accuses him of stealing more than $300,000 from three churches, including St. John the Baptist in McKeesport, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Latrobe, and St. Demetrius in Jeannette. He’s also accused of taking more than $230,000 from his own mother and not paying nearly a quarter of a million dollars in taxes. According to police, Madeya used the money to pay for sexual acts, take luxury trips and gamble. Madeya’s attorney argues his habits started because of a need for money, and that he sees this case going to trial. “There are no guidelines for what a priest can and can’t do in terms of the money that they’re responsible for,” said attorney Patrick Thomassey, who represents Madeya. “To tell you the truth, priests are paid very little money to be a priest and to run a parish. So we will see down the road what happens.” Madeya
September 4, 2026 12:22 pm
PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts judge declared a mistrial in the murder case against Lindsay Clancy. Jurors could not agree on whether she was criminally responsible when she strangled her three young children in 2023. Friday’s mistrial leaves the case unresolved and allows prosecutors to try Clancy again. She had faced life in prison without parole if convicted of first-degree murder. Prosecutors argued that Clancy acted deliberately and understood her actions, while her lawyers said postpartum psychosis left her unable to control her behavior or appreciate its wrongfulness. The closely watched case drew national attention to maternal mental healthcare and gaps in treatment. (Photo: AP)
September 4, 2026 10:41 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. job market rebounded in August as employers added a surprising 162,000 jobs. The unemployment stayed at 4.1%. Revisions added 55,000 jobs to June and July payrolls. The jobs report, issued by the Labor Department Friday, could be good news for President Donald Trump two months before midterm elections in which the health of the economy is weighing on voters’ minds. Hiring far exceeded the 65,000 forecasters had expected. Labor Department revisions also looked good, adding 55,000 to June and July payrolls. Employers created 21,000 jobs in July; the Labor Department had originally reported that they’d cut 23,000.
