August 3, 2025 7:37 am
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies say they uncovered a major bribery scheme involving inflated military procurement contracts, just two days after lawmakers restored the agencies’ independence following a public outcry. In a statement late on Saturday, they said a lawmaker, local officials, and National Guard members took kickbacks worth up to 30% on overpriced contracts for drones and electronic warfare gear. Four people have been arrested. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the scheme “absolutely immoral” and praised investigators. The exposure follows parliament’s reversal of a controversial move by Zelenskyy to curb the agencies’ powers.
August 3, 2025 7:34 am
BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (AP) — An independent watchdog agency responsible for enforcing a law against partisan political activity by federal employees has opened an investigation into Jack Smith, the Justice Department special counsel who brought two criminal cases against then-candidate Donald Trump before his election to the White House last year. The Office of Special Counsel confirmed Saturday that it was investigating Smith on allegations he engaged in political activity through his inquiries into Trump. Smith was named special counsel by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in November 2022 and his special counsel title is entirely distinct from the agency now investigating him. The office has no criminal enforcement power but does have the authority to impose fines and other sanctions for violations. (Photo: AP)
August 3, 2025 7:00 am
PennDot is announcing several traffic pattern changes that will be in effect next week. Nightly ramp closures will occur on Interstate 70 westbound at exit 42 (North Belle Vernon). Crews will be working on concrete patching, drainage repair and barrier replacement. The work will be done between August 4 and August 7 from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Detours for the on and off ramps have been posted. And PennDot will be performing bridge inspections on Interstate 70 beginning August 4 and lasting through August 7. That will cause single lane restrictions both eastbound and westbound. The work will be done from the West Virginia state line to Exit 17 (Jefferson Avenue). Work will be done from 8:00 AM through 3:00 PM.
August 3, 2025 5:37 am
Authorities say a former US soldier suspected of killing four people at a Montana bar is still at large and believed to be armed. The shooting occurred on Friday morning at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana. Officials say they believe 45-year-old military veteran Michael Paul Brown committed the shooting with a rifle. Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen on Sunday warned residents that Brown could return to the area. Investigators are considering all possible options for Brown’s whereabouts. Brown served in the Army and Montana National Guard and has struggled with mental illness for years, family members say.
August 2, 2025 4:38 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has ordered the repositioning of two U.S. nuclear submarines. Friday’s decision comes after what he calls “highly provocative statements” by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev and Trump have feuded online in recent days. The impact on U.S. nuclear subs — which routinely patrol global hotspots — remains unclear. But the move potentially escalates tensions between Washington and Moscow at a delicate time, as Trump threatens new sanctions in an attempt to push Russia toward a ceasefire in its war with Ukraine. Trump said Friday evening that “he had to” reposition the subs. He said Medvedev made “inappropriate” threats and, “When you talk about nuclear, we have to be prepared.”
August 2, 2025 4:34 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump on Friday had his team remove the head of the agency that produces the monthly jobs figures, after a weak report showed hiring slowed and was much weaker in April and May than previously reported. Trump in a post on his social media platform alleged that the figures were manipulated for political reasons and said that Erika McEntarfer, the director of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, should be fired.
August 2, 2025 4:30 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is calling for the Federal Reserve’s board of governors to usurp the power of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Trump criticized the head of the U.S. central bank for not cutting short-term interest rates. Posting on Truth Social on Friday, Trump calls Powell “stubborn.” The Fed chair has been subjected to relentless verbal attacks by the Republican president over several months. The Fed has the responsibility of stabilizing prices and maximizing employment. Powell has held its benchmark rate for overnight loans constant this year, saying Fed officials needed to see what impact Trump’s massive tariffs had on inflation.
August 2, 2025 4:24 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been a cornerstone of American culture for three generations. Now it says it will begin taking steps toward its own closure after being defunded by the U.S. Senate. That marks the end of a nearly six-decade era in which it fueled the production of renowned educational programming, cultural content and even emergency alerts. The demise of the corporation, known as CPB, is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s targeting of public media, which he has repeatedly said is spreading political and cultural views antithetical to those the United States should be espousing. The closure is expected to have a profound impact on the journalistic and cultural landscape.
August 2, 2025 4:19 am
Aviation experts told the National Transportation Safety Board that night vision goggles may have created viewing difficulties for the pilots of a U.S. Army helicopter that collided with a passenger jet over Washington in January. The Army goggles would have made it difficult to see the plane’s colored lights, which might have helped the Black Hawk determine the plane’s direction. The goggles also limited the pilots’ peripheral vision as they flew near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The goggles were discussed Friday at the NTSB’s third and final day of public testimony over the fatal midair crash, which killed 67 people. The final report on the crash is expected next year.
August 2, 2025 4:17 am
NEW YORK (AP) — Jeannie Seely, the soulful country music singer known for hits like “Don’t Touch Me,” has died at 85. Her publicist says she died Friday from complications of an intestinal infection. Known as “Miss Country Soul,” Seely was a trailblazer for women in country music, celebrated for her spirited nonconformity and hits in the ‘60s and ’70s. She was hospitalized in May after multiple surgeries and a bout of pneumonia. Seely never stopped working in country music. Since 2018, she’s hosted the weekly “Sunday’s with Seely” on Willie Nelson’s SiriusXM channel. She appeared nearly 5,400 times at Grand Ole Opry, which will dedicate its Saturday show to her.
