Justice Department Investigating DC Crime Data

August 20, 2025 5:15 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified crime data. That’s according to two people familiar with the probe who weren’t authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation. The investigation, reported Tuesday, comes amid an escalating showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department. It wasn’t immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office declined to comment.

Texas Troopers Follow Democrats After Walkout

August 20, 2025 5:18 am

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Democrats are joining a colleague who can’t leave the state Capitol because she won’t agree to having law enforcement officers shadow her. Republicans imposed that requirement to prevent Democrats from repeating a walkout that kept the GOP-controlled Legislature from passing a plan for redrawing the state’s congressional districts to President Donald Trump’s liking. Democrats who had gone to other states returned Monday and learned that Republicans insisted on the law enforcement escorts. Rep. Nicole Collier refused to agree and stayed overnight on the House floor. Democrats began joining her Tuesday to expand the protest. The House is expected to vote on the Republican maps Wednesday.

Israel Plans A New Phase Of War In Gaza

August 20, 2025 5:17 am

JERUSALEM (AP) — An Israeli military official says the country’s top generals have approved plans to call up tens of thousands of reservists in order to begin a new phase of operations in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas. Speaking on the condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly, the official said that the military will be operating in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where Hamas is still active. The official says the plan would now progress toward a final approval stage. It remains unclear when the operation will begin. The official says 50,000 reservists will be called up in the coming month, nearly doubling the number of active reservists to 120,000.

Minnesota Sues TikTok

August 20, 2025 5:14 am

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota has joined a wave of states suing TikTok, claiming the app uses addictive algorithms that harm young people’s mental health. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday, alleges TikTok violates state laws against deceptive trade practices and consumer fraud. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison accuses TikTok of knowing the dangers but failing to act. The case follows similar lawsuits from about 24 states. TikTok disputes the claims, stating it has safety measures in place. Minnesota seeks a declaration that TikTok’s practices are deceptive and a permanent injunction against them, along with financial penalties. Ellison emphasizes the need for TikTok to operate safely.

Hurricane Erin Means Bad News For East Coast

August 19, 2025 4:47 am

RODANTHE, N.C. (AP) — Hurricane Erin is churning slowly toward the eastern U.S. coast and stirring up waves that already have forced dozens of beach rescues several days before the biggest storm surges are expected. Forecasters remain confident the center of the monster storm will remain far offshore. But the outer edges are likely to bring damaging tropical-force winds, large swells and life-threatening rip currents. Warnings about rip currents have been posted from Florida to the New England coast. Authorities are prohibiting people from swimming in beaches from New York City, Long Island and down into New Jersey. The biggest swells along the East Coast are expected to develop Wednesday and last into Thursday.  (Photo:  AP)

Justice Department Investigating Crime Stats In D.C.

August 19, 2025 5:17 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether police officials in Washington, D.C., have falsified crime data. That’s according to two people familiar with the probe who weren’t authorized to publicly discuss an open investigation. The investigation, reported Tuesday, comes amid an escalating showdown between the Trump administration and the city over control of the police department. It wasn’t immediately clear what federal laws could have been violated by the possible manipulation of crime data. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office declined to comment.

“Rally On Main” Cancelled After Weekend Incident

August 19, 2025 2:22 am

The Rally on Main that was scheduled in the City of Washington for Saturday August 23rd has been canceled due to an incident that occurred in North Franklin Township over the weekend.   City of Washington Police Chief, Steve Devenney says he consulted with the mayor, outside police agencies and the city solicitor and determined that it was in the best interest and safety of the community to cancel this event at this time.  Mayor JoJo Burgess, after discussing with Washington Police Chief Steve Devenney, communicated with the organizers of the event who agreed to the cancellation. Burgess tells WJPA the incident that forced the cancellation happened Saturday in North Franklin township and involved two groups of bikers.  Burgess says authorities found evidence that shots were fired after finding shell casings at the scene and blood as well.  According to Burgess, everyone had left the scene and there were no witnesses to talk with.  Meanwhile, officials with Forty Bar and Grille, where the incident occurred, posted this on their Facebook page Monday afternoon:

On the evening of Saturday the 16th, our establishment was the target of a brutal and unprovoked attack carried out by a motorcycle club. This violent act terrorized our business, traumatized our staff, and endangered the lives of our patrons. Several of our bartenders and guests were forced to hide in the basement, fearing for their safety, while chaos erupted above.  We want to make it absolutely clear: our bar had no affiliation, engagement, or prior dealings with this motorcycle club. We were victims of their intimidation and violence. Our only priority in that moment was protecting the people inside our establishment. NOBODY WAS SHOT.  The aftermath of this event has left our community shaken, and understandably, it has impacted larger events like the Rally on Main. While we share the disappointment that this years rally cannot move forward, it is important that blame is not misplaced on victims of this attack. The responsibility for this incident lies solely with those who carried out these violent acts.  To our loyal patrons, our incredible staff, and the greater Washington community: please know that your safety will always remain our top priority. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable.  We ask for compassion and support for our bartenders, guests, and everyone affected by this senseless act of violence. Our doors remain open, and we will continue working tirelessly to provide a safe, welcoming space for all who walk through them.  Burgess says Rally on Main will return next year on Saturday, August 15, 2026.  (Photo:  Rally on Main Facebook Page)

18 Year Old Arrested In Ellsworth Killing

August 19, 2025 2:17 am

State Police say an eighteen-year-old man has been arrested in the shooting death late Sunday evening in Ellsworth. Troopers say the shooting happened at around 11:12 p.m. in the 20 block of Walnut Street in Ellsworth. Twenty-one-year-old Elijah Thomas Johnson of Carnegie was allegedly shot and killed by his friend, eighteen-year-old Christopher Tarkelo Harper while at Harper’s house. According to state police, Johnson and Harper were involved with the same woman. Harper is charged with criminal homicide, burglary, firearms charges and reckless endangerment. He was taken into custody in New Castle, Lawrence County Monday afternoon.

Washington Downtown Business Authority Holds Town Hall

August 19, 2025 12:16 am

Business owners and property owners were invited to the Washington Downtown Business Authority’s Town Hall gathering to try make the City of Washington a more vibrant place. Bradley Martin, Director of the WDBA, prepared questions for all to answer with regards to challenges that business owners and property owners face in their day to day routine of business. Among the challenges that both face are uneven sidewalk issues, unkempt and vacant properties. Several owners cited parking as an issue. Lots are unmarked and the app available for people to use is not well advertised. Owners agreed that collaboration between businesses would be a meaningful way to try and drive business back downtown. Property owners and business owners both had issues that they would like to see the city address. The concrete boxes that cover light pole bases were mentioned often. Also mentioned was the lack of police presence. Some believed that a patrolman should be designated to make sure streets are safe for visitors to walk. Martin was pleased to have had 30 stake holders attend the meeting. He said that the collaborative effort between all parties is vital to the city’s success.

Trump Vows To Change How Elections Are Run

August 19, 2025 4:56 am

President Donald Trump is vowing more changes to the way elections are conducted in the U.S., but based on the Constitution there is little to nothing he can do on his own. He pledged on his social media site that he would do away with mail voting, which remains popular and is used by about one-third of all voters. He also wants to eliminate voting machines, some form of which are used in almost all of the country’s thousands of election jurisdictions. The Constitution makes the states the entities that determine the “time, place and manner” of elections while allowing Congress to “make” or “alter” rules for federal elections.