September 22, 2025 5:10 am
Eight months into his second term, President Donald Trump’s long-standing pledge to take on those he perceives as his political enemies has prompted debates over free speech, media censorship and political prosecutions. From late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s ouster to Pentagon restrictions on reporters and an apparent public appeal to Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue legal cases against his adversaries, Trump has escalated moves to consolidate power in his second administration and root out those who have spoken out against him. In a post on social media this weekend addressed to Bondi, Trump said “nothing is being done” on investigations into some of his foes.
September 22, 2025 5:11 am
The Pentagon is stepping up restrictions on the media by requiring journalists to sign a pledge not to report on information that has not been authorized for release, including unclassified information. Journalists who don’t abide risk losing their media credentials that provide direct to the military headquarters. Free-press advocates call the move an assault on independent journalism. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is telling journalists to follow the rules or go home. The Pentagon this year has evicted many news organizations while imposing a series of restrictions on the press that include banning reporters from entering wide swaths of the Pentagon without a government escort.
September 22, 2025 5:09 am
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — President Donald Trump and his supporters have paid tribute to conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a memorial service in Arizona. They praised the slain political conservative activist as a singular force whose work they must now advance. Trump credits Kirk with playing a pivotal role in his 2024 election victory. And the president flew on Sunday from Washington to the service that’s drawn tens of thousands of mourners, including Vice President JD Vance, other senior administration officials and young conservatives shaped by the 31-year-old firebrand. Kirk was killed at a Sept. 10 appearance on a Utah college campus.
September 22, 2025 5:13 am
President Donald Trump has mentioned that billionaires like Rupert Murdoch and Michael Dell could be part of deal in which the U.S. will take control of TikTok. Trump discussed the deal on Fox News, highlighting the potential involvement of Murdoch and his son Lachlan. He also mentioned Oracle founder Larry Ellison’s involvement, which was previously disclosed. The deal aims to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. amid concerns about data security and manipulation by Chinese authorities. Congress has passed legislation for a TikTok ban, but Trump has signed orders allowing it to operate while negotiations continue. Trump credits TikTok for helping him connect with young voters.
September 21, 2025 7:47 am
NASHUA, N.H. (AP) — A gunman opened fire at a New Hampshire country club during a wedding, killing one person and wounding two others. The shooting happened on Saturday at the Sky Meadow Country Club in Nashua. Authorities have identified the suspect as 23-year-old Hunter Nadeau and charged him with second-degree murder. Additional charges are expected. Police initially thought there were two shooters but later confirmed there was only one. The motive remains unclear. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as people scrambled for safety. The deceased was identified as 59-year-old Robert Steven DeCesare. Police say there is no further danger to the public. (Photo: AP)
September 21, 2025 7:55 am
BANGKOK (AP) — A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers has pushed for more military dialogue in a meeting with China’s Premier Li Qiang. The meeting on Sunday marked the first visit by a House delegation to Beijing since 2019. Li welcomed the delegates, calling it an “icebreaking trip” to strengthen ties. Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the need for military communication. The delegation included members from both the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. U.S.-China relations have been strained by trade tensions, Taiwan’s status and China’s support for Russia. (Photo: AP)
September 21, 2025 7:47 am
CAIRO (AP) — Israeli strikes have killed at least 30 people in Gaza City, including children, according to health officials. The strikes hit a residential block Saturday night, escalating the ongoing conflict. Israel says it aims to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure” but hasn’t provided a timeline for the offensive. Palestinians streamed out of Gaza City, though many are unwilling to be uprooted again, too weak to leave or unable to afford the cost of moving. Aid groups warn that forced evacuations in Gaza will worsen the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, several Western countries are preparing to recognize Palestinian statehood at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday.
September 21, 2025 7:00 am
Washington County was well represented earlier this week when Commissioner Electra Janis accompanied the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission to Washington D.C. to discuss local funding. Janis said she was able to meet one on one with senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman to convince them to guide federal funding to Washington County. Janis advocated for funding for large sewage projects to spur development in areas such as Cecil Township. She is fighting for storm water management and flood damage relief to help South Strabane and Canton Townships after they were affected by June floods. The South Strabane Township Fire Department main fire station is still trying to recover from that flood. She is also looking for funding for hangars at the county airport. Janis says that several large companies are looking to obtain hangar space. Janis said she was thankful for the opportunity to get in front of McCormick and Fetterman to let them know that people are moving here because Washington County is where people want to live.
September 21, 2025 7:00 am
(WPXI) – Police have charged a second person in connection with the death of a 17-year-old girl. Kaitlin Whoolery disappeared in 2023 after leaving a drug treatment facility. Investigators said she likely overdosed on drugs and died at the Heritage Inn in Uniontown. On Friday, they charged Vincent Cossell who police they say admitted to burying Whoolery in a shallow grave at a property in North Union Township. Charges include hindering apprehension, endangering the welfare of children, concealing the death of a child, tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse. Earlier this week, police also charged Derrick Bradley. According to court documents, Cossell told police that he, Bradley and Whoolery rented a room at a Uniontown hotel, where they were later joined by an unidentified fourth person. Cossell said he and Bradley left the room for a bit, and when they returned, Whoolery was dead. Cossell said he performed CPR without success, records say.
September 21, 2025 7:51 am
(WPXI) EAST HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — An elderly man is dead after a fire in a Westmoreland County mobile home community. Emergency crews were called to the 100 block of Round Top Circle in East Huntingdon Township at 4:17 p.m. for reports of an explosion and fire at a trailer, according to a Westmoreland County 911 supervisor. A person was reported to be trapped under a collapsed roof, investigators say. Westmoreland County Coroner Tim Carson confirms an elderly man in a wheelchair was killed in the incident. Officials have not yet identified the man.
