August 12, 2025 4:34 am
CLAIRTON, Pa. (AP) — An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant that shook the ground near Pittsburgh left two dead and sent at least 10 to hospitals. An Allegheny County spokesperson says an explosion followed by several smaller blasts happened Monday morning at the Clairton Coke Works. The plant is a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, and is considered the largest coking operation in North America. The explosion sent black smoke spiraling into the midday sky in the Mon Valley, a region of the state synonymous with steel. Officials said a rescue operation was ongoing Monday.
August 12, 2025 2:02 am
Peters Township Police, like many departments, often find themselves addressing a distress call, only to find themselves addressing that same call again, somewhere down the line. Peters Township Council took steps to try and rectify that situation. They hired a Social Services Coordinator. Marguerite Ratay, LCSW was hired to help the township in instances where intervention for mental health or emotional health circumstances need to be addressed. According to Township Manager Paul Lauer, Ratay has already proved her worth. During her presentation to council, she said that over last weekend, she was instrumental in intervening with police on four calls and getting the people involved the information needed to access proper counseling. Ratay also works with the fire department and emergency services department when necessary. Ratay’s services are also available to the general public. There is an online request form that residents may fill out so that she knows how to address a resident’s concern. Lauer said that the Washington County Commissioners made the program possible by offsetting costs for the position by directing monies from the Federal Opioid Settlement Fund to the township. According to Lauer, Peters Township is the only municipality in Washington County to employ someone in this position.
August 11, 2025 12:37 pm
(WPXI) – Emergency crews are on the scene of an explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. At least one person is dead, multiple people were injured in the explosion and authorities say they believe at least two people remain unaccounted for and crews are searching for people who may be trapped in the rubble. A mass casualty incident has been declared to allow for additional EMS resources from across the region to respond. Multiple medical helicopters were called to the scene. The Allegheny County Health Department said out of an abundance of caution, they are advising residents within one mile of the plant to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate and avoid activities that draw in outside air, such as using exhaust fans. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed on social media that they are assisting at the plant.
August 11, 2025 10:57 am
A fatal head-on crash has closed Route-18 in Mount Pleasant Township. Washington County 911 dispatchers say the crash occurred just before 10 a.m. in the 11-hundred block of Burgettstown Road. The coroner has been called to the scene. Another patient was flown from the scene by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital. Dispatchers say Route-18 is closed in both directions between Route-50 and Skyline Drive. Tune to WJPA 95.3FM/1450AM for the very latest.
August 11, 2025 6:57 am
Uniontown, PA-Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing the scheduled closure of Route 88 between Route 2036 (Pike Run Drive) and Route 2027 (Dally Road) in Coal Center and California Borough, Washington County beginning Thursday, August 14. A posted detour will be in place utilizing Route 43 and Route 2033 (Elco Hill Road), and is anticipated to remain in effect until early November. Plum Contracting will conduct slide repairs at this location as part of a larger slide-repair project in Washington and Westmoreland counties. Depending on weather and operational conditions, the project is anticipated to be completed in August 2026. The scope of work includes repairing slides, making minor drainage improvements, replacing guide rails, repairing roadways, milling, resurfacing, and trimming trees — an infrastructure investment of $2.74 million. All work depends on weather and operational conditions.
August 11, 2025 5:15 am
No injuries are reported after a fire early Monday morning in Monongahela. Washington County 911 dispatchers say it broke out around 3 a.m along Decker St. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. There is no word on the cause of the fire.
August 11, 2025 5:11 am
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that Australia will recognize a Palestinian state. This move aligns with recent signals from leaders in France, Britain and Canada. Albanese’s decision follows internal pressure and criticism over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which he described as a “catastrophe.” The recognition will be formalized at the United Nations General Assembly in September. Conditions include no role for Hamas in a Palestinian government and the demilitarization of Gaza. Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the decision, while Australian Jewish and Palestinian groups expressed differing views on its impact.
August 11, 2025 5:10 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Michigan’s governor met privately with President Donald Trump to urge him to change course on tariffs that are having a big impact on automakers in her state. Democrat Gretchen Whitmer came for the Oval Office meeting Tuesday with a visual presentation to warn that the tariffs threaten Michigan’s economy and undermine Trump’s promises to revive manufacturing. Trump has stuck with high import taxes despite pushback from auto executives as the tariffs cost the industry billions and trigger layoffs. Whitmer’s rare access to Trump as a leading Democrat underscores the political and economic stakes as the president considers escalating tariffs further.
August 11, 2025 5:09 am
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Flash flooding canceled the final day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday as continued heavy rainfall in half a dozen Midwest states has led to water rescues, power outages and road closures. The National Weather Service has issued flood watches and warnings for parts of Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. Forecasters predict repeated rounds of heavy rain, along with hail, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. Among the worst hit is the Milwaukee area, where up to 14 inches of rain had fallen in some areas. USA Triathlon also canceled its Sprint and Paratriathlon National Championships in Milwaukee, where thousands were expected to compete.
August 11, 2025 5:09 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he’s placing the Washington, D.C., police department under federal control and deploying the National Guard to make the nation’s capital safer. Trump has promised to address homelessness and crime. Trump posted online Monday the nation’s capital would be “LIBERATED” and he’d end the “days of ruthlessly killing, or hurting, innocent people.” Last week, Trump directed an increased federal law enforcement presence in the city for seven days “with the option to extend as needed.” The Republican president’s claims are leading the city’s Democratic mayor to voice concerns about the potential use of the National Guard to patrol the streets.
