October 22, 2023 3:48 am
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce held a County Commissioners Candidates Forum on Friday. The forum was moderated by Jezree Friend, Assistant Vice President of the Manufacturer and Business Association. Keeping in mind the Chamber’s “Washington County Forward” initiative, questions centered on the development of a diverse economy, ground development and redevelopment, population growth and effective government. All four candidates for County Commissioner, incumbents Larry Maggi (D), Nick Sherman (R) and their running mates Cindy Fisher (D) and Electra Janis (R), were on hand to answer questions. On creating a diverse economy, Maggi indicated that local government can assist but the best thing they can do is stay out of the way and let business people, large and small, do what they do best. Sherman indicated that the ongoing merger between the Washington Health System and UPMC is a positive in an effort to grow the medical and pharmaceutical industries in the county. Fisher looks to refill Southpointe with hydrogen and carbon capture businesses. Janis wants to increase emphasis on the trades and trade schools. Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce called the event a success. He said it allowed the audience a good look at the candidates and their stances on driving business success for the future.
October 22, 2023 3:27 am
PennDot is announcing the upcoming closure of Rt. 519 in the Borough of Houston. They will be replacing the railroad crossing on South Main Street between Boone Avenue and Collier Street. This segment of Rt. 519 is scheduled to be closed on Thursday, October 26 through Tuesday, October 31. A detour will be in place. That detour will be utilizing Rt. 519, W. Pike Street, Racetrack Road, Interstate 79 back to Rt. 519. Motorists can be updated on traffic conditions by visiting www.511PA.com.
October 21, 2023 4:57 am
DETROIT (AP) — United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said Friday that while Detroit’s automakers have increased their wage and benefit offers, he believes the union can gain more if it holds out longer in its contract talks. In a Facebook Live appearance, Fain didn’t announce any more factories to add to those that have been on strike for up to five weeks. But he warned that the UAW could announce such an expansion of its strikes at any time, depending on how much progress it makes in its negotiations with the automakers.
October 21, 2023 4:53 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans have dropped Jim Jordan as their nominee for House speaker, setting them back to square one with no clear plan ahead. This comes after Jordan failed Friday in a third try for the speaker’s gavel. Frustrated and angry Republicans sank further into turmoil with no idea how to end the crisis created after hardliners ousted Kevin McCarthy. Despite Jordan’s backing from Donald Trump, opposition to him only grew. More than two dozen centrist Republicans revolted over the Ohio congressman’s nomination and the hardball tactics being used to win them over. Some have received death threats. Next steps are uncertain as Republicans start pitching new candidates for speaker.
October 21, 2023 4:48 am
Aid deliveries have begun moving into the besieged Gaza Strip, two weeks after the militant group Hamas rampaged through southern Israel and Israel responded with airstrikes. Separately, Israel said Hamas freed two American hostages who had been held in Gaza. Israeli airstrikes have continued in southern Gaza, an area swelled by civilians who fled there from the north on Israeli instructions. Israel is also evacuating a sizable town near the Lebanese border in the latest sign of a potential ground invasion of Gaza.
October 21, 2023 4:45 am
Israel says Hamas has freed two American hostages who had been held in Gaza since militants rampaged through southern Israel Oct. 7. The hostage release Friday came even as Israeli airstrikes continued in southern Gaza, an area swelled by civilians who fled there from the north on Israeli instructions. Israel was also evacuating a sizable town near the Lebanese border in the latest sign of a potential ground invasion of Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza reported heavy airstrikes in Khan Younis in the south, where civilians had been told to seek safety, and ambulances streamed into Gaza’s second-largest hospital.
October 20, 2023 4:14 pm
KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli government said Hamas militants on Friday freed two Americans — Judith Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter Natalie, who had been held hostage in Gaza since militants rampaged through Israel two weeks ago. The pair, who also hold Israeli citizenship, were the first hostages to be released of the roughly 200 abducted. Hamas said it was releasing them in an agreement with the Qatari government for humanitarian reasons. Relatives of other captives welcomed the release and appealed for others to be freed.
October 20, 2023 5:08 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Jim Jordan has failed again in a third try for the House speaker’s gavel. Digging in for a fight Jordan had said at the Capitol on Friday that Congress needs “to get to work for the American people.” But Jordan lost ground as opposition deepened. GOP lawmakers had been warning the hard-edged ally of Donald Trump that no threats or promises could win their support. More than two dozen centrist Republicans revolted over the Ohio congressman’s nomination and the hardball tactics being used to win them over. Some have received death threats. One-time rival Kevin McCarthy, the ousted speaker, nominated Jordan for the job. Democrats nominated Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
October 20, 2023 5:06 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Addressing the nation from the Oval Office, President Joe Biden has made his case for major U.S. backing of Ukraine and Israel in a time of war. He said Thursday night that support is “vital for America’s national security.” The speech was an opportunity for Biden to argue that the United States has an obligation to help in both places, as well as for him to lobby lawmakers for the money to do so. The administration plans to request billions of dollars for additional military assistance for Israel and Ukraine. Biden also wants more money for Taiwan’s defense and for managing migrants at the southern border with Mexico.
October 20, 2023 5:04 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — An Army private who fled to North Korea before being returned home to the United States last month has been detained by the U.S. military. That’s according to two officials who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the charges have not been publicly announced. The officials say Pvt. Travis King is facing charges including desertion and possessing sexual images of a child. The eight counts against King are detailed in a charging document seen by the AP. King’s mother, Claudine Gates, said in a statement that her son should be “afforded the presumption of innocence.”
