January 26, 2025 8:11 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The CIA now believes the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic most likely originated from a laboratory. That’s according to an assessment released Saturday pointing the finger at China even while acknowledging the spy agency has “low confidence” in its own conclusion. The finding isn’t the result of any new intelligence, and the report was completed at the behest of the Biden administration and former CIA Director William Burns. It was declassified and released Saturday on the orders of President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the agency, John Ratcliffe, who was sworn in Thursday as director. (Photo: AP)
January 26, 2025 8:09 am
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rain falling on Southern California is expected to aid firefighters mopping up multiple wildfires. But potentially heavy downpours on charred hillsides could bring new troubles such as toxic ash runoff. Los Angeles County crews spent much of the past week removing vegetation, shoring up slopes and reinforcing roads in devastated areas of the Palisades and Eaton fires. The National Weather Service says most of the region is likely to get less than an inch of precipitation. But there is a threat of localized cloudbursts causing mud and debris to flow down hills. Rain is expected to increase throughout Sunday and could last into Tuesday. Flood watches have been issued for some burn areas. (Photo: AP)
January 26, 2025 8:07 am
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel has prevented thousands of Palestinians from returning to the northern Gaza Strip as it accused Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire by changing the order of hostages it has released. Local health officials said Sunday that Israeli forces fired on the crowds, killing two people and wounding seven. In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that most of Gaza’s population should be at least temporarily resettled elsewhere, including in Egypt and Jordan, in order to “just clean out” the war-ravaged enclave. Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinians themselves have previously rejected such a scenario, fearing Israel might never allow the refugees to return.
January 26, 2025 8:06 am
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump says he would like to see Arab nations increase the number of Palestinian refugees they are accepting from the Gaza Strip, potentially moving out enough of the population to “clean out” the area to create a virtual clean slate. He told reporters aboard Air Force One on Saturday that he has discussed his vision on a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan and would speak Sunday with Egypt’s president. Trump also says he has ended his predecessor’s hold on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. That lifts a pressure point meant to reduce civilian casualties during Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza that is now halted by a tenuous ceasefire.
January 26, 2025 7:59 am
HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPXI) – A married couple and their two young children were found dead in Westmoreland County in what police are calling an apparent murder-suicide. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incident that happened at a home on Keck Lane in Hempfield Township. Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson identified the victims Friday morning as Paul Swarner, 35, Karen Swarner, 32, Evelyn Swarner, 5 and Connor Swarner, 1. “It’s unthinkable. Unfathomable. To be honest with you I don’t have the words to describe how awful,” said Trooper Steve Limani of the Pennsylvania State Police. “I mean you’re talking about your wife, but then a five year old and then a one year old. It’s just devastating.” Troopers said they received a call at 11:30 p.m. Thursday from Karen Swarner’s dad who had done a welfare check on the family and found his daughter, Paul Swarner and their kids dead. Right now, troopers are looking to see if they can find out why Paul Swarner killed his family and himself, and also map out a timeline on when the shootings happened.
January 26, 2025 7:00 am
A Fayette County judge dismissed all charges against three men charged in a drive by shooting in Uniontown 2020. On Thursday Judge Linda Cordaro granted pretrial motions to dismiss filed by Micah Craig, Malik Belt and Devyon Dennis in the shooting death of Kaii McCargo on September 4, 2020. The judge found that prosecutors there did not have enough evidence to proceed to trial. McCargo was a passenger in a vehicle that was parked on Evans Street when another car pulled up beside it and fired multiple shots, hitting McCargo in the head and torso. Another passenger, Issac Michaux, was able to roll out of his seat to avoid the gunfire.
January 26, 2025 5:01 am
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A car has hit and injured three pedestrians in a crowd of people that was leaving the Philadelphia Eagles playoff game. The Philadelphia Police Department says a driver is in custody and the collision does not immediately appear to be intentional. Multiple news reports citing police says the victims suffered non-lifethreatening injuries. News reports say the car struck the large crowd near the historic Center City area around 9:30 p.m. after the NFC championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders 55-23 and will face the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in New Orleans on Feb. 9.
January 25, 2025 4:07 am
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Commemorations are being held Monday to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz death camp by Soviet troops. This year’s event takes on additional poignancy due to the advanced age of the survivors. Many have already passed away, and there is a sombre awareness that there will be far fewer soon even as new wars and horrors mean their warnings remain as relevant as ever. As living memory fades, the mission of remembering falls to the next generations and key institutions. The Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum says it expects about 50 survivors of German extermination and concentration camps to attend the events in southern Poland. They will be joined by political leaders and royalty. (Photo: AP)
January 25, 2025 4:05 am
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel and Hamas are expected to swap more hostages for Palestinian prisoners. It would be the second such exchange since a ceasefire began in the Gaza Strip last weekend. It is another test for the truce that is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and the militant group. The fragile deal has so far held, quieting airstrikes and rockets and allowing for increased aid to flow into the tiny coastal territory. When the ceasefire began Sunday, three hostages held by the militants were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women and children. On Saturday, four hostages are expected to be freed for 200 prisoners.
January 25, 2025 4:04 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate is heading towards a vote on confirming South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as homeland security secretary. It would place her at the head of a sprawling agency that will be essential to both national security and President Donald Trump’s plans to squash illegal immigration. Republicans were determined to barrel through on Noem’s confirmation, threatening to keep the Senate working through the weekend to install Trump’s national security Cabinet officials. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth won confirmation Friday night, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were already in place.
