December 26, 2025 4:54 am
The Salvation Army Washington Worship and Service Center has announced that it reached its fundraising goal for the year, thanks to a rare donation received on Christmas Eve. An anonymous person donated a rare Queen Elizabeth II fine gold coin, valued at $2,500-$2,600, at the Giant Eagle Red Kettle. It’s the second straight year that has happened. “This remarkable gift will not only help us reach way beyond our annual goal, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the compassion and generosity that exists within our community,” said Lieutenant Thomas Perez, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army Washington Worship & Service Center. “We are incredibly grateful to our Anonymous Angel, our donors, our volunteers, and our partners who make our mission possible.” Reaching the annual goal ensures that The Salvation Army can continue providing vital programs and services throughout the coming year, including food assistance, utility assistance, emergency aid, spiritual care, and community outreach. The Salvation Army Washington Worship & Service Center extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to this success and remains committed to Doing the Most Good for those in need across the communities it serves.
December 26, 2025 2:35 am
A man who police say is armed and dangerous is facing charges a month after a shooting at the Washington Community Club. Washington Police announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for 32-year-old Brennan Cole. He faces aggravated assault, simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and two firearm charges. He’s accused in a Thanksgiving Day incident where a man was shot multiple times. Authorities say Cole was kicked out of the Washington Community Club in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, but came back a few minutes later, saying he forgot his coat. The club’s security guard, Cory Whitlock, told police Cole got into an argument with the owner, Richard Barnes Jr., then punched Barnes in the face when he wouldn’t let him back inside. Court documents said Cole was wrestled to the ground on the sidewalk, and during that struggle, multiple shots were fired. Police say Whitlock, who was working as a bouncer and checking people in, was shot at least once in the foot and leg. He was taken to UPMC Washington and eventually transferred to UPMC Mercy for treatment. Authorities say Cole should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone who knows where he may be should call the City of Washington Police Department immediately. If you see him, do not approach, but instead, call 911.
December 26, 2025 5:01 am
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump says the U.S. launched a deadly strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the the West African country’s government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians. Trump posted news of the strike Thursday night on his social media site. He said last month that he’d ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department then announced that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians. The U.S. recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.
December 27, 2025 5:03 am
NEW YORK (AP) — British socialite and onetime Jeffrey Epstein girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell is back in the spotlight with the public release of investigative records that led to her 2021 sex trafficking conviction. Among items unsealed are the grand jury transcripts of testimony that led to her indictment. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. She was moved to a minimum-security camp in Texas earlier this year soon after she submitted to two days of questioning by Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Two weeks ago, she asked a federal judge to free her, claiming she was unjustly convicted. The public release of investigative materials brings fresh light to the evidence against her.
December 26, 2025 4:59 am
WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Another powerful storm system that could cause more flooding and mudslides is rolling across Southern California. Officials issued evacuation warnings in mountain towns and warned of possible high-surf conditions along the coast. Forecasters say the region could experience its wettest Christmas in years, increasing the risk of debris flows in areas scorched by wildfires in January. Heavy rain and gusty winds were blamed for at least two deaths on Christmas Eve. On Wednesday, a falling tree killed a San Diego man. Farther north, a Sacramento sheriff’s deputy died in what appeared to be a weather-related crash.
December 26, 2025 2:43 am
A Powerball ticket purchased at a gas station outside Little Rock, Arkansas, won a $1.817 billion jackpot just before Christmas. The winning numbers were announced on Christmas Eve, ending the lottery game’s three-month stretch without a top-prize winner. The winning numbers were 04, 25, 31, 52 and 59, with the Powerball number being 19. Final ticket sales pushed the jackpot higher than previously expected. Organizers say it is the second-largest pot in U.S. history and the largest Powerball prize of 2025. The jackpot has a lump sum cash payment option of $834.9 million.
December 25, 2025 5:01 am
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — On Christmas Eve, thousands of people flocked to Bethlehem’s Manger Square and other Holy Land sites, after two years of subdued Christmas celebrations because of the war in Gaza. Scouts groups marched and played festive music on Wednesday in Bethlehem and Nazareth, the cities where Christians believe Jesus was born and grew up. At the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first, packed Christmas Eve Mass as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. And around the globe, people gathered to pray but also donned Santa hats and took to ice-skating rinks and the ocean for charity plunges.
December 25, 2025 3:00 am
A Jefferson, PA man has been charged in connection with a hit and run accident at the McDowell Shops in Peters Township in November. Keith Shearer, 47 is accused of striking 79 year old Sally Sherfinski and then driving away. Court documents said Shearer told police he went to Applebee’s that day after work and had one beer and two shots before driving away. Police say Shearer denied knowing he hit Sherfinski but said there was a chance he blacked out. Police say Sherfinski was taken to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition. She spent two days in the ICU with multiple broken bones and a brain bleed and is now recovering at home. Shearer faces accidents involving death or injury and aggravated assault by vehicle felonies and a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment.
December 25, 2025 4:52 am
BRISTOL, Pa. (AP) — Rescuers braved shooting flames, falling debris and the threat of more explosions to save nursing home residents after a blast at a Pennsylvania facility killed a resident and employee, and set off a dramatic and chaotic evacuation. The blast happened Tuesday at the Bristol Health & Rehab Center. Bristol Police Chief Charles Winik said Wednesday that searchers accounted for everyone considered missing. The Bucks County coroner’s office says an employee who died was 52-year-old Muthoni Nduthu. Authorities didn’t immediately identify a resident who died. The cause of the blast is under investigation. Authorities say a utility crew was on site responding to reports of a gas odor when the explosion occurred.
December 25, 2025 5:03 am
(AP) – California officials are urging holiday travelers to avoid the roads on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A series of powerful winter storms is expected to douse California with relentless rain, heavy winds, and snow this week. Much of the state will see heavy rains and gusts that could lead to flooding, mudslides and rockslides. The Sacramento Valley and San Francisco Bay Area are under flood and high wind warnings through Friday. The Sierra Nevada will see heavy snow and strong winds, making travel nearly impossible. Southern California could see its wettest Christmas in years and warned about mudslides and debris flows. Some 380 particularly vulnerable households were ordered to leave.
