Houthis Seize Strategic Red Sea Port In Yemen

September 11, 2026 5:03 am

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have taken the strategic Red Sea port city of Mokha, bringing them closer to controlling key shipping routes. That’s according to two officials. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike in northern Gaza has killed at least four people, including two children. The bodies were taken Thursday to Shifa Hospital, where officials identified those killed as a husband and wife along with their two daughters, aged 8 and 12. A neighbor said the family was sleeping when the strike hit their home. The Israeli military in a statement said the strike in Beit Lahiya killed a militant who had taken part in attacks against its forces. It did not give details.

Federal Reserve Keeping Eye On Inflation Report

September 11, 2026 5:04 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Friday’s inflation report is shaping up to be among the most consequential in years. Oil and gas prices have spiked again on the back of renewed combat in the Middle East. The Federal Reserve is considering whether to lift its short-term interest rate next week, with some officials saying Friday’s report could swing them either way. And longer-term interest rates jumped Thursday, pushing mortgage borrowing costs higher, partly on fears of more persistent inflation. The Trump administration is seeking to counter voter concerns about high prices and rising borrowing costs as the midterm elections approach.

Administration Eyes Sweeping Overhaul Of Census

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.

Bridge Replacement In South Franklin Township

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.

PUC Will Address Data Center Concerns

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.

Kimmel Says FCC Threated His Show Over Talarico

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.

Supreme Court Again Rejects Trump-Backed Missouri Map

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.

Finleyville Man Dies In Motorcycle Crash

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.

Another Peters Township Teen To Face Trial

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.

Trump Promises $5,000 To Every American

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.