September 16, 2025 4:57 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President JD Vance says the national unity he’s “desperate” for after the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk cannot be had with people who condone political violence. The Republican vice president commented Monday as he wrapped up an appearance hosting Kirk’s radio program. Kirk, the founder of the Turning Point USA political organization, was fatally shot last week as he appeared at a Utah college. Vance said the Trump administration will explore “every option to bring real unity to our country and stop those who would kill their fellow Americans because they don’t like what they say.”
September 16, 2025 4:53 am
JERUSALEM (AP) — The Israeli military says its expanded operation in Gaza City has begun and warned residents to move south. It said its intensified operation “to destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure” has started. Israel’s Arabic language spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced the expansion of Israel’s operation on X on Tuesday morning, after a night of heavy strikes against northern Gaza that killed at least 20 people. Israel has been warning Gaza City residents to evacuate for the past month ahead of a Gaza City operation, but many have said they are unable to evacuate due to overcrowding in Gaza’s south and the high price of transport.
September 15, 2025 10:26 am
A framework deal has been reached for the ownership of popular social video platform TikTok, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said after weekend trade talks between the U.S. and China in Spain. That followed a social media post by President Donald Trump that said a meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials went well and that a deal was reached regarding “a ‘certain’ company” young people in the U.S. “very much wanted to save.” The Republican president has repeatedly extended the deadline on TikTok’s fate and was noncommittal on an agreement when asked by reporters on Sunday evening. Trump also says he’ll be speaking on Friday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China hasn’t confirmed Trump’s statements.
September 14, 2025 2:29 am
A few dozen people showed up for a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot and killed this week while speaking at a college campus in Utah. The rally was promoted on Facebook to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday in front of the Washington County Courthouse. The group, however, was left standing, with no guidance until at least 10:45, until someone in the group decided to open with a prayer. WJPA was not able to find or speak with the individual (s) who promoted the event, and everyone we spoke to said they did not know the organizer, but they saw it posted on Facebook. As a result, the memorial continued with those in attendance making personal remarks and the singing of “Amazing Grace.” Most of those whom we spoke with echoed the same thoughts, saying this isn’t the way to solve political issues, free speech is dying and it doesn’t matter what political party you are a member of, violence isn’t the answer.
September 15, 2025 5:01 am
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Some political leaders are canceling public appearances after Charlie Kirk’s killing. Others are relying on a large police presence to keep them safe. And still others insist that the assassination that shook the nation last week won’t have any impact on their plans. Elected officials at every level and in both parties are grappling with tough choices as they move deeper into an election season in which the prospect of further violence lingers. And as they weigh risks to their personal safety, Democrats and Republicans are being forced to confront their own feelings of grief, anger and fear.
September 15, 2025 5:00 am
A Castle Shannon man is facing charges after authorities say he caused a house explosion and fire that killed his daughter and injured his wife and a volunteer firefighter Sunday morning. Allegheny County Police charged Brian Jeffrey Shelleby, 46, with homicide, arson and causing or risking a catastrophe. The explosion and fire was reported just before 10 a.m in the 800 block of Corbett Drive. Allegheny County Police say Lakyn Shelleby, 19, had been trapped inside. She was unresponsive when firefighters found her and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother, Carly Shelleby, and a Castle Shannon firefighter were injured. According to a criminal complaint, Brian Shelleby told Carly Shelleby that he was going to burn the house down after she told him he could not stay there because they were separated. Carly Shelleby told police she soon after heard liquid being poured in the garage and then saw Brian Shelleby pouring gasoline as he came up the stairs and throughout the first floor. She screamed for Lakyn to get out of the house, and ran out herself after Lakyn responded to her, the complaint states. Carly Shelleby said that as she ran out of the house, it exploded into flames. Castle Shannon police detained Brian Shelleby at the scene. In an interview with police, he admitted to causing the explosion and fire, the complaint states. Brian Shelleby is being held without bond in the Allegheny County Jail. He is to face a preliminary hearing September 26.
September 15, 2025 5:04 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says investigators are not yet ready to discuss a motive in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk but that the 22-year-old who was arrested leaned to the left. Cox said Sunday that information comes from interviews with suspect Tyler Robinson’s family and friends. The governor also said Robinson is not being cooperative in custody. Cox is a Republican who has called for partisans on both sides to tone down their rhetoric after the assassination. Cox also confirmed reports that Robinson was in a romantic relationship with his roommate but stressed the roommate knew nothing of the attack and has been cooperating with law enforcement.
September 15, 2025 5:07 am
President Donald Trump’s administration has renewed its request to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve’s board of governors. The administration filed a response to a federal appeals court on Sunday, arguing against Cook’s legal reasons for staying on the job. This move comes ahead of the central bank’s vote on interest rates. Cook, the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor, has been accused of mortgage fraud, which she denies. A federal judge ruled her removal illegal, but the administration appealed. This marks the first time a president has tried to fire a Fed governor.
September 15, 2025 5:06 am
LONDON (AP) — Windsor Castle staff are busy preparing for a grand event. King Charles III is set to welcome U.S. President Donald Trump for his second state visit this week. This visit includes a lavish banquet and a display of royal pomp and ceremony. The goal is to strengthen ties with Trump, whose policies have disrupted traditional trade and security relationships. State visits are a key tool for the British monarchy to wield “soft power.” The visit will feature a ride in horse-drawn carriages and a state banquet, aiming to foster goodwill and address important issues like trade and security.
September 15, 2025 5:08 am
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking $3.1 million in fines from Boeing over safety violations, including an incident in January last year where an Alaska Airlines jetliner lost a door plug panel on its fuselage in midflight. No one was seriously injured, and the plane landed safely. The agency said Friday that the proposed penalty covers violations from September 2023 through February 2024. The FAA said it identified hundreds of quality system violations at Boeing’s 737 factory and a subcontractor’s facility. Boeing has 30 days to respond to the FAA.
