Old Man Winter Heading Our Way

December 11, 2025 5:53 pm

The National Weather Service  has issued a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.  The track of this storm has not yet been fully determined, but forecasters say our area could see anywhere from three to seven inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible.  WJPA will have all the information you need.  Stay tuned to WJPA and wjpa.com.  (Photo:  AP)

Steelers Linebacker T.J. Watt Hospitalized

December 11, 2025 2:16 pm

 Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt is currently in a local hospital, with his status for Monday’s game uncertain.  Watt is in the hospital awaiting evaluation of his lung after he felt “discomfort” during Wednesday’s practice, a Steelers spokesperson says.  Watt will not be at practice on Thursday, and his status for the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins is “in question,” the spokesperson says.  Coach Mike Tomlin is expected to provide updates “at the appropriate time.”

Judge Orders Release Of Kilmar Abrego Garcia

December 11, 2025 2:10 pm

(A) – A federal judge has ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from immigration detention while he fights deportation. This decision marks a significant win for Abrego Garcia, whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador became a flashpoint of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. On Thursday, the judge in Maryland ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had no legal basis to detain Abrego Garcia. The Department of Homeland Security criticized the decision and plans to appeal. Abrego Garcia, who has an American wife and child, is also seeking asylum in the U.S. and faces criminal charges in Tennessee.  (Photo:  AP)

Senate Rejects Health Care Legislation

December 11, 2025 2:09 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has rejected legislation to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, essentially guaranteeing that millions of Americans will see a steep rise in costs at the beginning of the year. Senators on Thursday rejected a Democratic bill to extend the subsidies for three years and a Republican alternative that would have created new health savings accounts. It’s an unceremonious end to a monthslong effort by Democrats to prevent the COVID-19-era subsidies from expiring on Jan. 1. Ahead of the votes, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer warned Republicans that if they did not vote to extend the tax credits, “there won’t be another chance to act.”

Poll Finds Trump’s Handling Of Economy Hits Low Point

December 11, 2025 7:48 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new AP-NORC poll finds President Donald Trump’s approval on the economy has fallen substantially since he reentered the White House. It’s a warning about how Americans are evaluating the Republican president’s performance as the year draws to a close. The survey finds only 31% of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy. That’s down from 40% in March and marks the lowest economic approval he’s registered in his first or second term. Trump’s approval also has slipped on other issues that were strengths for him at the beginning of this term, including immigration and crime. Trump’s overall job approval hasn’t fallen as steeply.

Foreign Travelers May Face Social Media Screening

December 11, 2025 6:51 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — Travelers who are now able to come to the United States without a visa might soon need to provide social media, email, and family history details to the Department of Homeland Security. The Trump administration has increased monitoring of international travelers. And now, Customs and Border Protection is proposing collecting five years of social media data from travelers from about roughly 40 mostly European and Asian countries who can now come to the U.S. for tourism or business for three months without visas. The public has 60 days to comment on these proposed changes.

Justice Department Can Unseal Epstein Records

December 11, 2025 6:50 am

NEW YORK (AP) — A judge has ruled that secret grand jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case can be made public. The judge Wednesday joined two other judges in granting the Justice Department’s requests to unseal material from investigations into the late financier’s sexual abuse. U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman in New York reversed his earlier decision to keep the material under wraps, citing a new law that requires the government to open its files on Epstein and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. The judge previously cautioned that the 70 or so pages of grand jury materials slated for release are hardly revelatory. On Tuesday, another Manhattan federal judge ordered the release of records from Maxwell’s 2021 case.

Giving Machines Arrive At Tanger Outlets

December 11, 2025 6:48 am

A unique opportunity is taking place at the Tanger Outlets that will allow people to extend their holiday spirit to those in need. The Giving Machines made their debut on Wednesday. The idea comes from the Church of the Latter Day Saints. The vending machines allow people to purchase needed items for those less fortunate to get them through everyday life. Ryan Holder, Pittsburgh Joint City Lead for the Giving Machine says that anything can be purchased, from goats and chickens, utility payments and bedding. One of the local charities taking part is Auberle. They operate the Mt. Oliver Family Healing Center that allows entire families to live together while those suffering from addiction work on their recovery. Darla Poole, CEO of Auberle says that some of the items that they offer will be the standard cleaning products and diapers. They also will offer vacuum cleaners. She says that often times vacuum cleaners are too expensive an item for people to afford. The Giving Machines are located in 125 cities in 30 states and in 21 countries around the world. In this area, donations may be purchased for five area charities. They include Auberle, The Brashear Association, Catholic Charities, JFCS and SHIM. Global groups include Church World Services and the American Red Cross. The program is now underway and will last until January 4. Saturday December 13 will be Auberle Day.

City Man Arrested After Waffle House Threats

December 11, 2025 5:58 am

A Washington man is facing numerous charges after police say he threatened employees and customers inside the Waffle House along Murtland Avenue late Monday night. Police say 30 year old Joshua King got into an argument inside the restaurant and then left to go to his vehicle in the parking lot. According to the criminal complaint, King retrieved a semi-automatic handgun and then pointed it thru the front windows of the restaurant towards occupants inside. King then allegedly went back inside and threatened to kill employees. Several customers fled or hid in the restroom. King then fled the scene but was stopped by City of Washington Police. A 9-mm handgun was found inside the vehicle. King is last reported in the Washington County Jail.

House Passes Defense Bill To Raise Troop Pay

December 11, 2025 4:58 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House votes to pass a sweeping defense policy bill that authorizes $900 billion in military programs. The bill includes a pay raise for troops and an overhaul of how the Department of Defense buys weapons. It comes at a time of increasing friction between the Republican-controlled Congress and how President Donald Trump’s administration has handled the military. The White House has signaled “strong support” for the must-pass legislation and says it is in line with Trump’s national security agenda. Yet tucked into the over-3,000-page bill are several measures that push back on the Department of Defense.