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.
January 25, 2025 4:01 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as the nation’s defense secretary in a dramatic late-night vote. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote Friday in a late-night session. Republicans had pushed back questions about Hegseth’s qualifications amid allegations of heavy drinking and aggressive behavior toward women. GOP senators prioritized the former Fox News host and combat veteran’s vow to create a “warrior culture” at the Pentagon. President Donald Trump said, “We have a great secretary of defense and we’re very happy.” Trump said. Hegseth’s confirmation rounds out Trump’s top national security Cabinet officials.
January 25, 2025 3:57 am
A Washington County couple has been charged by Pennsylvania State Police with burglaries of 12 bars in Washington, Fayette and Westmoreland counties. David Rice, 33 of Charleroi and Stephanie Hankle 30 of Monongahela face multiple charges that include burglary, criminal trespass, theft, criminal mischief and others. The burglaries occurred in 2023, the investigation into the burglaries took a year to investigate. Police allege that the pair would watch the establishments to determine their closing procedures. Once determined, Rice would either forcibly enter or walk through open doors to take what he wanted. Once presented with police evidence the pair confessed to their crimes. Things taken were cash, money bags, alcohol and an entire ATM machine. The total of items stolen add up to more than $17,000. Damages to the establishments is $8000. Washington County establishments affected were the Allenport Marina and the Watering Hole in Coal Center. The pair face a preliminary hearing on January 30.
January 25, 2025 3:57 am
NORTH STRABANE TOWNSHIP, Pa. — (WPXI) – Two spas in North Strabane Township have been shut down after reported criminal activity. North Strabane Township police said their department has been receiving reports of criminal activity at Jin Spa at 142 McClelland Road and Yan Spa at 2215 Hill Church Houston Road. A lengthy investigation confirmed those reports. The spas, which were owner and operated by the same person, were also found to be operating in close proximity to public schools and medical facilities. Thursday, North Strabane police executed search and arrest warrants at both locations and associated residences. Five employees or principals of the business were arrested and both locations are closed pending further investigation. If you have any information about illegal activity taking place at these locations, you can submit information or anonymous tips to: tips@nstpd.com or by calling (724) 746-4090.
January 25, 2025 3:56 am
ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WPXI) — A local man was arrested on a federal warrant related to child sex crime charges. The Mt. Pleasant Township Police Department said Jason Goodsell was arrested in Robinson Township. Goodsell had a federal warrant for sexual exploitation of children and certain activities relating to material involving the sexual exploitation of minors charges. The FBI and McDonald Police assisted.
January 24, 2025 1:50 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has barred Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes from entering Washington, D.C., without the court’s approval after President Donald Trump commuted the extremist group leader’s 18-year prison sentence in the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the order two days after Rhodes visited Capitol Hill, where the Texas resident met with at least one lawmaker, chatted with others and defended his actions the day of the riot. Mehta’s order applies to seven other defendants charged in one of the most serious conspiracy cases brought by the Justice Department over the riot. The order prohibits them from entering the Capitol building or surrounding grounds without the court’s permission.
January 24, 2025 1:48 pm
FLETCHER, N.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is considering “getting rid of” the Federal Emergency Management Agency. His comment on Friday offers the latest sign of how he is weighing sweeping changes to the nation’s central organization for responding to disasters. Speaking while on the first trip of his second term, Trump made the remark in North Carolina during a briefing on the monthslong recovery from Hurricane Helene. FEMA, Trump said, “has been a very big disappointment.” He said the agency is bureaucratic and slow.
January 24, 2025 1:45 pm
FLETCHER, N.C. (AP) — President Donald Trump has ended the federal security detail for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the infectious disease expert who advised him on the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s according to a person familiar with the matter. Fauci is the latest in a string of former Trump aides-turned-critics to see their federal protection canceled despite ongoing threats to their lives. Speaking to reporters Friday in North Carolina, Trump said he wouldn’t feel any responsibility if harm befell the former government officials. A person familiar with the matter says Fauci’s federal security detail was ended on Thursday and he has since hired private security.
