June 26, 2025 2:14 am
Victims of sexual assault from a swim instructor can breathe a little easier today. On Wednesday, Leo McIntyre, 30 of North Strabane Township pleaded guilty to multiple charges of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, corruption of minors, indecent assault and corruption of minors. In all McIntyre faced six cases with 17 charges combined. He pleaded guilty to all charges. According to District Attorney Jason Walsh, they are recommending that McIntyre be sentenced to 10-30 years in prison in exchange for the plea. That plea agreement was reached with the consultation and agreement of the victim’s parents and where possible, the victims themselves. Walsh said that he and the parties involved are pleased with the outcome. With the plea, the victims will not have to testify at a trial and relive the events that transpired. The majority of the victims were less than 13 years old when the assaults took place. McIntyre was a swim instructor at the Goldfish Swim School in Peters Township when the charges were filed in December of 2022. In addition to the jail time, McIntyre will have to register as a sex offender for life. McIntyre will be sentenced on October 7.
June 26, 2025 2:06 am
Fire Chief Jordan Cramer reported that Berry Road is closed long-term from Old Mill Boulevard to Manifold Road due to severe structural damage. “This will be a long-term closure. The road will not reopen anytime soon” Cramer explained, citing the recent storms as the cause. In direct response to the growing impact of repeated flooding events, the board also unanimously authorized a Declaration of Disaster and Emergency for the township which ended June 23. The declaration activates South Strabane’s Emergency Management Plan, allowing the township to coordinate efforts with Washington County, the state, and other relevant agencies. Chief Cramer noted that geospatial data, or GIS, played a crucial role in post-flood damage assessments, helping evaluate the impact on residents’ homes, local businesses, public infrastructure, and for future floods. In other matters, firefighter Wendi Wentzell resigned, and while Cramer didn’t disclose details due to privacy concerns, the board promoted part-time firefighter Broderick Balanti to full-time to address staffing needs. Additionally, another candidate from the part-time eligibility list was moved up to the next level to fill the department’s personnel gap. In a separate matter, Township Manager Jeffrey Ziegler announced his resignation, submitting a 60-day notice to the board. Ziegler, who has served South Strabane for two years, said he is taking a similar position closer to home.
June 25, 2025 5:40 pm
ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s new vaccine advisory panel plans to revisit long-settled questions about childhood vaccines. On Wednesday, the new committee announced it would be looking into the childhood vaccine schedule and into specific shots like the hepatitis B and MMR-chickenpox combination. Pediatricians and scientists are expressing alarm. The American Academy of Pediatrics criticized the committee, calling its process “no longer credible.” The panel also discussed COVID-19 vaccines and shots that protect infants from RSV.
June 25, 2025 3:47 pm
June 25, 2025 3:31 pm
(WPXI) When he celebrated the $14 billion in investment in United States Steel Corp. by Nippon Steel Corp., President Donald J. Trump said he’ll be watching the success of the steelmaker. Also on alert will be critics of the deal, including the United Steelworkers union and environmentalists. USW fought fiercely against the deal from its public announcement in December 2023 and was bucked by the local Mon Valley Works union leadership. Environmental groups have long been critical of the environmental and health impact of U.S. Steel’s plants. “The USW will continue to stand watch, holding Nippon to every commitment it has made to our members and their communities,” USW International President David McCall told his members in a letter after the deal went through. “When the time comes, we will bring the full strength of our solidarity to the bargaining table.”
June 25, 2025 3:04 pm
(WPXI) ROCHESTER BOROUGH, Pa. — Four roofers were shocked by a high-voltage wire while working at a church in Beaver County. One of the roofers injured in the incident has died, police confirm to Channel 11. It happened at Grace Lutheran Church on Ohio Avenue in Rochester Borough. Officials said that the top of their metal ladder hit a high-voltage wire while they were all in contact with it. Three of the victims were taken to Heritage Valley Hospital. One was taken to UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh. Duquesne Light is on the scene. The company provided the following statement to Channel 11: “DLC is on site and aware of the situation in the Rochester area in Beaver County. It is under investigation, and we do not have any further details as this time.”
June 25, 2025 1:59 pm
June 25, 2025 9:23 am
LONDON (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says the country is ending support for the vaccine alliance Gavi. Speaking at a Gavi meeting in Brussels on Wednesday, Kennedy criticized the organization for “ignoring science” and losing public trust. He expressed concerns about Gavi’s collaboration with the World Health Organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing them of stifling free speech. Kennedy also questioned Gavi’s vaccine recommendations, including immunizing pregnant women and funding vaccines in poorer countries. Gavi defended its decisions, citing WHO guidance and the role of vaccines in reducing childhood mortality. The U.S. has contributed $8 billion to Gavi since 2001.
June 25, 2025 5:20 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve will continue to wait and see how the economy evolves before deciding whether to reduce its key interest rate, Chair Jerome Powell says, a stance directly at odds with President Donald Trump’s calls for immediate cuts. Powell said Tuesday that the economy is in a good position and that the Fed needs to learn more before adjusting rates. Powell is facing two days of what could be tough grilling on Capitol Hill, as Trump has repeatedly urged the Fed to reduce borrowing costs.
June 25, 2025 5:14 am
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump and his NATO counterparts are meeting at what might be a historic summit. It could also drive a wedge among the 32 member countries. Just a week ago, things had seemed rosy. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte was optimistic for an agreement to dedicate 5% of GDP to defense spending. Then Spain rejected the new target, calling it “unreasonable.” Trump too has said that America should not have to respect the goal. Questions also remain over Ukraine’s place at the meeting. The summit Wednesday has also been clouded by the U.S. bombing of nuclear installations in Iran.
