June 3, 2026 2:43 am
The education period for Paul Miller’s Law, which bans hand-held cell phone use while driving, is coming to an end this week. State police are warning motorists to prepare for enforcement of the handsfree law. Trooper Rocco Gagliardi explains that this includes checking your phone when stopped at a red light or stuck in traffic. Motorists can expect a $50 fine for the citation as well as court costs and fees. Jim Garrity, the Director of Public & Legislative Affairs for AAA East Central recommends that drivers investigate functions that will cut back on distracted driving, including a phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature. While there are mixed opinions about this law, it is important for drivers to educate themselves and do their part to make driving safer. The law goes into effect on Friday, June 5th.
June 3, 2026 5:09 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans are weighing their next steps after the Trump administration’s announcement that it is scrapping a $1.8 billion settlement fund for the president’s allies who claim to have been politically prosecuted. That announcement Tuesday could help Republicans move forward on President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agenda. GOP senators had revolted against the fund and pressured the Trump administration to change course. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in testimony Tuesday that the fund was being dropped altogether. But Democrats are still promising to force votes on the fund once the Senate takes up immigration enforcement legislation, leaving the path ahead uncertain.
June 3, 2026 5:07 am
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Two Democrats and a Republican are leading in early returns in California’s crowded primary in the race to replace Gov. Gavin newsom. They are Democrats Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist; and Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton. All have sought to convince voters that they are best prepared to lead the most populous state and one of the world’s largest economies. The campaign has tested voters’ appetites for an experienced politician or candidates promising change. A main theme was lowering the cost of living in the state.
June 3, 2026 5:04 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Trade Representative says the Trump administration is proposing tariffs of 10% or more for dozens of major trading partners following a probe into alleged forced labor. The report released early Wednesday by the USTR said Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and the United Kingdom would face 10% tariffs for allegedly failing to enforce a forced labor import ban. A 12.5% additional tariff would be imposed on China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil and Switzerland. The new tariffs would not take effect immediately. They are subject to public comment and review. The investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 would enable President Donald Trump to skirt court-imposed limits on his tariffs.
June 3, 2026 5:05 am
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Kuwait says it has suspended commercial flights after an Iranian drone attack hit the country’s airport and injured a number of people. Defense Ministry spokesperson Brig. Gen. Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi said Wednesday that drones had targeted Kuwait International Airport’s passenger building, severely damaging the building and injuring “a number of individuals.” The drone attack came after Iran and the United States traded missile strikes late Tuesday, with the U.S. military saying it had launched strikes on an Iranian military facility in retaliation for Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait and Bahrain.
June 3, 2026 5:01 am
Spotlight PA reports that Pennsylvania’s protective services system for older adults has faced criticism for failing to investigate cases of potential abuse and neglect. A recent case involved a 65-year-old woman in Allegheny County living in dangerous conditions. Despite initial concerns, the county agency decided she didn’t need protection without further investigation. Former specialists argue this was a mistake, highlighting systemic issues. The state Department of Aging has reduced oversight, leading to increased “no-need” designations. Critics say this leaves vulnerable adults at risk, while the department defends its approach as more targeted and effective.
June 3, 2026 2:51 am
Gas prices are retreating in Western Pennsylvania. According to AAA, prices fell 10 cents this week. The average price per gallon is $4.59 per gallon. Nationally, the average price for regular gas is down 18 cents at $4.32. Today’s national average is $1.18 more than a year ago. Prices in Washington County are a little higher, they come in at $4.68 per gallon. The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at public EV charging stations remained level at 41 cents.
June 2, 2026 4:56 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — The White House Correspondents Association dinner has been rescheduled for July 24. The event was initially disrupted in April by an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump. Weijia Jiang, president of the White House Correspondents’ Association, announced the new date and emphasized enhanced safety measures and new access procedures. Trump revealed on his Truth Social platform that the dinner would be held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He said he has accepted an invitation to speak, and called the rescheduling a sign of strength. Jiang highlighted the dinner’s purpose as a celebration of a free press and democracy, despite some critics questioning whether it should be held at all.
June 2, 2026 4:50 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Trump administration is scrapping plans to create a $1.8 billion fund meant to compensate allies of the Republican president after widespread political backlash and setbacks in the courts. “We are not moving forward with the fund, period,” Blanche said. Blanche’s comments during a House committee hearing came in response to mounting pressure from Republicans for reassurances that the Justice Department’s plans were off the table before they would move forward with legislation funding President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement agencies.
June 2, 2026 9:30 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has tapped federal housing finance Director Bill Pulte to be acting director of national intelligence to replace Tulsi Gabbard. Trump made the surprise announcement Tuesday on Truth Social regarding Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and chair of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Trump says Pulte “has deep experience managing the most sensitive matters in America, the safety and soundness of the Markets, and over 10 Trillion Dollars at Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, a substantial increase from where it was just 12 months ago.” Trump says Pulte will keep his other positions even as he fills in for Gabbard, who resigned last month after revealing her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
