April 23, 2025 5:40 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — A dozen states have sued the Trump administration in the U.S. Court of International Trade to stop its tariff policy, saying it is unlawful and has brought chaos to the American economy. The lawsuit filed Wednesday says the policy put in place by President Donald Trump has left the national trade policy subject to Trump’s whims rather than the sound exercise of lawful authority. The lawsuit challenges Trump’s claim that he could arbitrarily impose tariffs based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. A message sent to the Justice Department for comment was not immediately returned.
April 23, 2025 1:17 pm
(WPXI) – The American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report says that the air in the Pittsburgh metro area is among the most polluted in the country. The area, which includes Pittsburgh, Weirton and Steubenville, ranked 16th worst in particle pollution, returning it to the list of the 25 most polluted cities. It also ranked 12th worst nationwide for year-round particle pollution, with the report saying 2023’s wildfire smoke contributed to poorer air quality. “The air pollutants highlighted in this report are widespread and pose a risk to everyone’s health. Both ozone and particle pollution can lead to premature death and cause serious health issues such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, and even problems with cognitive function later in life. Particle pollution can also increase the risk of lung cancer,” said Elizabeth Hensil, Director of Advocacy in Pennsylvania, for the American Lung Association. “We’re urging Pennsylvania policymakers to take action to improve our air quality. We’re also calling on everyone to support the vital work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),” Hensil said.
April 23, 2025 5:02 am
ATLANTA (AP) — Some international students in the U.S. who have had their legal status terminated in recent weeks have found a measure of success in court, with federal judges around the country issuing orders to restore students’ status at least temporarily. More than a thousand international students have had their visas revoked or their status ended, with their academic careers — and their lives in the U.S. — thrown into doubt in a widespread crackdown by the Trump administration. Judges have issued temporary restraining orders in states including Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Judges have denied similar requests in some other cases.
April 23, 2025 5:01 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a Tuesday speech that the ongoing tariffs showdown with China is unsustainable and expects a “de-escalation” in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies. But in a private speech in Washington for JPMorgan Chase, Bessent also cautioned that talks between the United States and China had yet to formally start. President Donald Trump placed a 145% import tax on China, which countered with 125% tariffs on U.S. imports. Trump has placed tariffs on several dozen countries, causing the stock market to stumble and interest rates to increase on U.S. debt as investors worry about slower economic growth and higher inflationary pressures.
April 23, 2025 4:59 am
Harmful bleaching of the world’s coral has now grown to include 84% of the ocean’s reefs in the most intense event of its kind in recorded history. That’s according to the International Coral Reef Initiative. Warming oceans cause corals to expel the colorful algae living inside of them, putting the coral at risk of death. Healthy corals are essential for seafood production, jobs and coastline protection worldwide. Scientists say it’s essential to reduce greenhouse gases that are the main driver of atmospheric warming. Last year was the warmest on record, and much of that heat is going into oceans.
April 23, 2025 4:59 am
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Donald Trump has again lashed out at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump says Zelenskyy is prolonging the “killing field” after the Ukrainian leader pushed back on ceding Crimea to Russia as part of a potential peace plan. Zelenskyy on Tuesday ruled out the idea of Ukraine ceding territory to Russia as part of any potential peace agreement. Talks are set for Wednesday in London among U.S., European and Ukrainian officials. During similar talks last week in Paris, U.S. officials presented a proposal that included allowing Russia to keep control of occupied Ukrainian territory as part of a deal. That’s according to a European official.
April 23, 2025 4:56 am
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Thousands of people have begun filing through St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis at the start of three days of public viewing ahead of his funeral. Tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through the basilica. The Vatican says it may keep the basilica open past midnight due to high turnout. Mourners have been waiting hours to reach the casket during the procession. Francis died on Monday at age 88 and his funeral is on Saturday. Cardinals met in private on Wednesday to finalize preparations and plan the conclave to elect Francis’ successor.
April 23, 2025 4:50 am
The South Strabane Township Board of Supervisors approved a conditional use application by a 4-1 vote for the Washington County Transit Authority to establish a new bus depot along Berry Road, the former site of a store and driving range, as a central hub for Freedom Transit’s fleet of vehicles. Supervisor Jeff Bull dissented, citing concerns over the transit authority’s tax-exempt status, which could result in a loss of tax revenue for the township and shift the financial burden onto residents. The board also approved an ordinance to implement a Traffic Impact Fee program to ensure fair contributions to the township’s transportation infrastructure. The fee will be imposed on developers of new residential, commercial, or industrial projects that generate additional traffic. The board also approved by 4-1 the final land development plan submitted by 79/70 Associates to redevelop the former Washington Mall site on Oak Spring Road including a Warehouse Club, Fuel Station, RV Dealership, and Service Center. Bull was the opposing vote stating traffic impact and developer concerns.
April 23, 2025 2:57 am
North Strabane Township Supervisors have adopted an ordinance to allow personal warehouses in the township. Development for a personal warehouse venue by CC Realty Advisors is still in the conceptual stage and supervisors took steps at their voting meeting to tie down a few loose details in the ordinance. Better defined parking regulations and a minimum acreage limit will be added to the ordinance. CC Realty Advisors approached the zoning hearing board with variances regarding parking and township officials want to make sure that parking is adequate for the needs of the development and that with a minimum acreage figure, the development will not be overcrowded. Data from other personal warehouses around the country pertaining to parking and lot size are now in township officials’ hands. That was not the case when the ordinance was adopted several months ago. They are studying the data to determine the precise regulations. One idea that had been discussed is the ability for parking to take place in front of garage doors. That idea will not be implemented. In other township business, supervisors authorized the Public Works Director to apply for Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewage Grants for projects on McGregor Drive and Curry Avenue. Next month’s meeting schedule will be different. The non-legislative meeting will be held on May 13, the legislative meeting will be held May 27, all because of the Primary Election on May 20.
April 22, 2025 5:45 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks jumped in a widespread rally and more than made up for their sharp drops from the day before. The S&P 500 rose 2.5% Tuesday to erase Monday’s loss, which came on worries about President Donald Trump’s trade war and his attacks on the head of the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.7%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 2.7%. Equifax, 3M and other companies reporting better profits than analysts expected helped lead the way. The value of the U.S. dollar also stabilized after sliding against the euro and other competitors, while longer-term Treasury yields held steadier in the bond market. (Photo: AP)
