August 12, 2025 8:21 am
BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union leaders have urged U.S. President Donald Trump to defend their security interests at an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, set for Friday, focuses on the ongoing war in Ukraine. European leaders are concerned about being sidelined and fear that Putin might secure favorable concessions. Trump has suggested that Ukraine may need to give up some territory, which has disappointed U.S. allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected this idea. Meanwhile, Russia appeared close to capturing a key city in the Donetsk region on Tuesday, complicating the situation further.
August 12, 2025 4:34 am
CLAIRTON, Pa. (AP) — An explosion at a U.S. Steel plant that shook the ground near Pittsburgh left two dead and sent at least 10 to hospitals. An Allegheny County spokesperson says an explosion followed by several smaller blasts happened Monday morning at the Clairton Coke Works. The plant is a massive industrial facility along the Monongahela River south of Pittsburgh, and is considered the largest coking operation in North America. The explosion sent black smoke spiraling into the midday sky in the Mon Valley, a region of the state synonymous with steel. Officials said a rescue operation was ongoing Monday.
August 12, 2025 2:02 am
Peters Township Police, like many departments, often find themselves addressing a distress call, only to find themselves addressing that same call again, somewhere down the line. Peters Township Council took steps to try and rectify that situation. They hired a Social Services Coordinator. Marguerite Ratay, LCSW was hired to help the township in instances where intervention for mental health or emotional health circumstances need to be addressed. According to Township Manager Paul Lauer, Ratay has already proved her worth. During her presentation to council, she said that over last weekend, she was instrumental in intervening with police on four calls and getting the people involved the information needed to access proper counseling. Ratay also works with the fire department and emergency services department when necessary. Ratay’s services are also available to the general public. There is an online request form that residents may fill out so that she knows how to address a resident’s concern. Lauer said that the Washington County Commissioners made the program possible by offsetting costs for the position by directing monies from the Federal Opioid Settlement Fund to the township. According to Lauer, Peters Township is the only municipality in Washington County to employ someone in this position.
August 12, 2025 6:43 am
Under the direction of President Tony Colaizzo, The Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI) is moving forward with an $8 million first phase renovation project. This phase includes converting the old Canon-McMillan Middle School auditorium into a 500-600 seat first-class theater according to Colaizzo with upgraded restrooms, reception area, lighting, and sound systems featuring Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. The project also involves adding additional parking to accommodate an expected 50,000 visitors annually to the new theater, with CECI requesting $110,000 in support from the borough. Completion of the first phase is projected for fall 2026. Beyond the theater, CECI is transforming the gymnasium into a health and wellness center, converting the cafeteria into restaurant space, and upgrading classrooms to provide adult education and daycare services, creating a multi-use community space serving all ages. In other business, the council approved the reassignment of $14,491 in demolition funds from the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the 2024 Taylor Drive CDBG project. Additionally, a $10,000 contribution was authorized for Canonsburg Streets to the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County, supporting local redevelopment efforts.The council also gave the green light for the Canonsburg Friends of the Park and Camp Splash Kids Triathlon event, scheduled for August 16th from 9 a.m. to noon at Canonsburg Town Park.
August 12, 2025 6:51 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has responded to President Donald Trump’s plan to take over the Metropolitan Police Department and call in the National Guard. Bowser emphasized that crime has been dropping and Trump’s state of emergency doesn’t match the numbers. She acknowledged that the city has little choice but to comply. Bowser linked the takeover to the larger issue of D.C. statehood, stating that limited autonomy makes the city vulnerable. Trump’s decision fits a pattern of using emergency declarations to rule by executive order. Bowser maintains that violent crime has decreased, a claim supported by Trump’s former U.S. attorney nominee.
August 12, 2025 6:57 am
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel plans to widen its coming offensive beyond Gaza City to the last areas not yet under Israeli control. Most of Gaza’s 2 million residents have sought shelter in those areas as the territory slides toward famine. The mobilization of forces is expected to take weeks, and Israel may be using the threat of a wider offensive to try to pressure Hamas. Any expansion of Israeli operations is likely to bring even more death and destruction to the war-ravaged territory. The plans have also sparked controversy in Israel, where many fear for the lives of the remaining hostages.
August 11, 2025 12:37 pm
(WPXI) – Emergency crews are on the scene of an explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton Coke Works. At least one person is dead, multiple people were injured in the explosion and authorities say they believe at least two people remain unaccounted for and crews are searching for people who may be trapped in the rubble. A mass casualty incident has been declared to allow for additional EMS resources from across the region to respond. Multiple medical helicopters were called to the scene. The Allegheny County Health Department said out of an abundance of caution, they are advising residents within one mile of the plant to remain indoors, close all windows and doors, set HVAC systems to recirculate and avoid activities that draw in outside air, such as using exhaust fans. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed on social media that they are assisting at the plant.
August 11, 2025 10:57 am
A fatal head-on crash has closed Route-18 in Mount Pleasant Township. Washington County 911 dispatchers say the crash occurred just before 10 a.m. in the 11-hundred block of Burgettstown Road. The coroner has been called to the scene. Another patient was flown from the scene by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital. Dispatchers say Route-18 is closed in both directions between Route-50 and Skyline Drive. Tune to WJPA 95.3FM/1450AM for the very latest.
August 11, 2025 5:15 am
No injuries are reported after a fire early Monday morning in Monongahela. Washington County 911 dispatchers say it broke out around 3 a.m along Decker St. The fire was brought under control in about an hour. There is no word on the cause of the fire.
August 11, 2025 2:10 am
CALIFORNIA, Pa. —Fire crews spent over 30 hours putting out flames across six buildings in the borough of California on Saturday, with three of the structures considered a complete loss. Firefighters were called to Liberty Street in California for the reported fire just after noon on Saturday. Six buildings were involved in the fire. Officials says the blaze was a three-alarm fire, and 14 fire companies responded to help douse the flames. “This is a generational fire. You don’t get one like this,” said California Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tom Hartley Jr. No one was hurt in the fire. The fire marshal is investigating the cause. Four families were displaced. The Salvation Army and the Red Cross were on scene helping the four displaced families. Fire crews were quickly rotating as they worked to stay hydrated while fighting the smoke and flames.
