June 27, 2026 9:24 am
The largest fire in the United States has marched through thousands of acres of tinder-dry forest in Utah, fueled by conditions that fire managers and experts call unprecedented. Little relief is on the horizon this weekend as forecasters warn that more hot, dry and windy weather is expected to hamper efforts as crews try to catch up with the fast-moving Cottonwood Fire. Utah has declared an emergency and is restricting fireworks as a result. Red flag warnings also are in effect for parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Idaho. Nationally, crews are working to corral blazes from Alaska to Florida
June 27, 2026 4:36 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has struck Iran to respond to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a provocation that President Donald Trump said violated the ceasefire. It’s the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries to begin working to end their months-long war. U.S. Central Command said the military struck missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites in Iran. Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, responded to Trump’s social media post about Thursday’s drone attacks. Azizi said that “this is not a violation of the ceasefire.”
June 27, 2026 4:34 am
TOKYO (AP) — Heavy downpours have triggered flooding in western Japan as two approaching tropical storms added to a seasonal rain front already stuck above the country. Storm Mekkhala was off the western coast of Japan’s southern remote island of Amami as it headed east as of late afternoon Friday, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. Another storm, Higos, was traveling nearby, and both of them are expected to reach the Tokyo region on Saturday, while dumping heavy rain, the JMA said. A man was injured as he fell into a waterway in Nara, according to Japan’s NHK television.
June 27, 2026 4:33 am
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — The situation has grown more desperate by the hour in Venezuela as people dig through the rubble of collapsed homes and apartment buildings. The country is entering its third day after the devastating one-two punch of 7.2 and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes. And people know time is running out on the best window for finding survivors — aid agencies consider the first 48 to 72 hours to be a crucial time frame to retrieve people alive. That be extended if they have access to food and water, however. Authorities announced Friday night that they would block access to La Guaira, the epicenter of the destruction.
June 27, 2026 4:29 am
LONDON (AP) — Andy Burnham has set himself apart from the man he expects to replace as British prime minister. But if selected to replace Keir Starmer, he may find himself saddled with Starmer’s policies. Burnham is the only candidate for the position and will likely assume office on July 17. Burnham is known for his “Manchesterism” approach, focusing on decentralizing government control. He plans to revive the economy while adhering to current spending plans. Burnham has limited international experience and will need to strengthen ties with the U.S. His leadership will test whether his regional success can be scaled nationally.
June 27, 2026 4:23 am
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity has called for seven gubernatorial debates with incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro. This comes after Shapiro’s campaign reportedly said he looks forward to engaging with Garrity in a “good faith” campaign. Garrity said every voter should have the opportunity to learn “where we stand on issues, what are our visions for the future of the Commonwealth, and what experience we bring to the table to lead 13 million Pennsylvanians for the next four years.” Garrity wants a debate in each of the state’s seven media markets.
June 27, 2026 4:19 am
PennDOT District 12 Washington County says it will be performing more maintenance work, beginning the week of June 29. Bridge replacement work continues on Rt. 331, Brush Run Road in Canton Township. Brush cutting will take place along Patterson Road in West Bethlehem Township, Robinson Road in North Bethlehem and Jolly School Road in South Franklin Township. There will be Culvert replacement on Noblestown Road in Robinson Township and Mowing on Rt. 22 in Hanover Township, the Intertate 70 Jefferson Avenue ramp in the city of Washington, Rt. 221, S Bridge Road in Buffalo Township and Rt. 837 in Donora. And Slide Repair will take place on Rt. 2038 in California Borough. Drivers can expect detours, flaggers and single-lane restrictions. All of the work is weather permitting.
June 27, 2026 4:18 am
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is back with another Virtual Plans Display for a project, this one in Fayette County. PennDOT Engineering District 12 is inviting the public to participate in the display and provide feedback on the substructure preservation project in North Union and South Union Townships. This project is for the preservation of six bridges. Work will consist of an overlay of the existing concrete deck, and expansion of dam repair or replacement for three structures. Work will be completed along Route 119 over Bethelboro Road, Connellsville Road, Rolling Hills Estate Road, Bute Road and Main Street. Motorists can expect minor shoulder closures and temporary single-lane closures. To participate in the Virtual Plans Display visit PennDOT’s District 12 website under the Projects Near You and select Substructure Preservation Project. The materials are on the website now through July 2.
June 27, 2026 4:16 am
U.S. Coast Guard announced that its Cutter Bear’s crew offloaded approximately 7,720 pounds of cocaine and 4,000 pounds of marijuana worth more than $63 million at Port Everglades on Friday. The seized contraband was the result of three interdictions between June 11-13 in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The first day, Bear’s crew detected and boarded a go-fast vessel, seizing approximately 4,000 pounds of marijuana. On the second day, the Coast Guard detected two vessels and seized about 7.660 pounds of cocaine. And then on June 13, they recovered 60 pounds of cocaine.
June 27, 2026 4:16 am
The Pennsylvania Senate this week unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to update financial reporting requirements for nonprofit organizations. The bill was sponsored by Senators Nick Pisciottano, a Democrat from Allegheny County and Lynda Schegel Culver, a Republican from Luzerne County. The lawmakers say the bill raises the thresholds that determine when charitable organizations must obtain an audit, review, or compile their financial statements from an independent certified public accountant. Pennsylvania’s current thresholds have not been updated since 2017. With the bill, organizations receiving $1 million or more in annual contributions would be required to obtain an audit. That amount is up from the current threshold of $750,000. The new legislation would also fine tune audit reviews for charities that receive more than $100,000 in funds. The Senators say the changes ensure transparency and protect donors.
