October 19, 2026 5:43 pm
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced on Monday that 1,286 measles cases have been confirmed across 42 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026. The DOH continues to lead Pennsylvania’s robust response to the ongoing measles outbreak and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on its measles dashboard. While daily numbers fluctuate, tracking these trends provides Pennsylvanians and health care providers with visibility into community transmission across the Commonwealth and helps inform DOH’s ongoing response. New Positive Cases (since October 16, 2026): 26; Total Counties: 42; Total Cumulative Cases: 1,286; Total Hospitalizations: 247; Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 5; Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 4 (less than 1% of cases)
October 19, 2026 5:36 pm
The bomb squad and police were called to a Pennsylvania senator’s office Monday afternoon. A Pittsburgh public information officer said the bomb squad, police and HAZMAT were called to Sen. Dave McCormick’s office at the Grant Building (310 Grant Street) in Downtown Pittsburgh for reports of a suspicious letter. Pittsburgh Fire Chief Mat Davis provided an update on the incident, saying “There was no substance” inside the letter. The chief also said the letter did not look like it had been sent. “It was just a package that was in his office,” Davis said. Staff members called 911 after finding it. Davis described the item as “a letter with an item in it.” It is unclear what that item is at this time, but officials say it was cleared by HAZMAT crews and the bomb squad. “We dress out, prepare for the worst-case scenario and then hope for the best,” Davis said. “That’s exactly what we got today. There was no threat to the public, no threat to the employees in the office.”
October 19, 2026 3:11 pm
Gas prices are 12 cents higher in Western Pennsylvania this week at $4.698 per gallon, according to AAA East Central’s Gas Price Report. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down six cents from last week at $4.29 even though crude oil prices are up to around $100 per barrel. The national average has stayed above $4 per gallon since late July and is currently more than a dollar higher than it was this time last year. The fall months typically bring lower gas prices, but volatility in the oil market has led to seasonal record highs this year. According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased last week from 8.76 million barrels per day to 8.40 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 204.7 million barrels to 208.3 million. Gasoline production decreased from 9.34 million barrels per day to 9.23 million barrels.
October 19, 2026 12:30 pm
Pennsylvania’s Act 57 took effect Monday, creating a state approval system for e-cigarettes and vape products that makes most items currently on store shelves illegal to sell. Attorney General Dave Sunday stated the legislation aims to crack down on sales of nicotine products to minors. Under the law, vape products must be approved by the state before they can be sold to consumers. The regulation also applies to online sales and manufacturers attempting to ship products into the commonwealth. Retailers that continue selling unapproved products face financial penalties. Stores will be assessed a $500 fine for each unapproved item that remains on store shelves. State approval has been granted to a small fraction of applicants so far. Only six of the 28 manufacturers that have applied for approval have been accepted. Manufacturers who apply for approval face thousands of dollars in new application fees, and on Friday, Attorney General Dave Sunday’s team said most of the applications aren’t complete, and they are waiting for companies to follow up. Any illegal product that stores have after the deadline is now deemed a total loss. (Photo: AP)
October 19, 2026 5:51 pm
Lancaster, PA – On Monday, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced $71,598,142 in investments for 443 projects through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to improve distressed neighborhoods and help low-income people across Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro secured $72 million in the 2026-27 state budget to continue funding NAP, which provides tax credits to businesses that contribute to nonprofit organizations’ efforts to revitalize communities. “Strong communities unlock jobs, support families, and enrich the lives of Pennsylvanians — which is why the Shapiro Administration has made strengthening communities a top priority,” said Secretary Siger. “The Neighborhood Assistance Program actively fosters public-private partnerships and incentivizes businesses to be active in their communities. Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s efforts, we’re continuing to fund this important connection to help more projects and organizations be even more impactful across the Commonwealth.” Through the NAP, businesses can receive tax credits of up to 95 percent on contributions they make to a qualifying community project. Projects must fall under one of the following categories: affordable housing programs, community services, crime prevention, education, job training or neighborhood assistance.
October 19, 2026 1:15 pm
Billionaire Elon Musk on Monday pledged to give one share of his company SpaceX to “every kid in America” next year. The offer arrived a day after artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced in a social media post that it will commit 5% of its shares to a new “public benefit” fund. In a response to that Sunday post, Musk wrote “I recommend giving the shares directly to the public.” SpaceX’s stock closed at $146.03 on Friday. Anthropic said Sunday that the shares it is committing will go to the Anthropic Public Benefit Fund, a new entity within the company. The fund’s worth will potentially increase as the shares grow in value. (Photo: AP)
October 19, 2026 4:45 am
GEORGES TOWNSHIP, Pa. — State Police are investigating a deadly shooting Sunday in Fayette County. Troopers were called to the 700 block of Walnut Hill Road in Georges Township around 1 p.m. for a reported domestic incident and shooting. They found Shaun Davis, 39, inside the home and say he died enroute to the hospital. State police have not disclosed any suspects or arrests, though they say there’s no threat to the public. The investigation is ongoing.
October 19, 2026 4:48 am
The NFL says there’s been no change of plans for next Sunday’s game in Paris between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints despite civil unrest in the French capital. The teams are set to play next Sunday at Stade de France in what would be the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris where events are also planned for football fans. The league says “preparations continue as scheduled” and that they’re in contact with security officials. The NFL adds, “There’s been no disruption or impact at league sites.” The Saints were scheduled to arrive in Paris early Monday. The Steelers travel later in the week.
October 18, 2026 3:24 am
A No Kings, Vote Early rally was held at the Washington County Courthouse Saturday afternoon. Attendees lined Main Street to protest President Donald Trump’s policies and encourage others to vote in the upcoming election. Donna Patrina, the president of the Washington-Greene Central Labor Council, was happy with the turnout and says she hopes everyone shows up to vote on November 3rd.
October 19, 2026 4:56 am
NEW YORK (AP) — High fuel prices are making it more expensive to drive, fly and buy some goods more than seven months into the U.S.-Iran war. That’s prolonging the strain on American households as the midterm elections approach., The chief economist at Moody’s Analytics estimates the war has cost the average U.S. household the equivalent of almost $2,000, including $1,100 related to energy. Motorists and airline passengers so far have borne the clearest consequences from disrupted Middle East oil shipments. The elevated cost of making and moving goods hasn’t translated into across-the-board retail price increases. Shoppers may not be spared indefinitely, though.
