December 21, 2025 7:06 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. forces have stopped a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in international waters. That action Saturday has been confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. A U.S. official, who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the tanker stopped voluntarily and allowed U.S. forces to board it. The move comes days after President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers coming in and out of the South American country. And it follows the Dec. 10 seizure by American forces of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.
December 21, 2025 7:11 am
(AP) – Ford is recalling more than 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles in the U.S. because of a parking function problem that could lead to them rolling away. The Detroit automaker says that the recall includes some 2022-2026 F-150 Lightnings, 2024-2026 Mustang Mach-Es, and 2025-2026 Mavericks. At issue is the integrated park module, which may fail to lock into the park position when the driver shifts into park. Ford says that it will implement a park module software update for free. Vehicle owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 for additional information.
December 21, 2025 7:08 am
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — TikTok has signed a deal to form a new U.S. unit with three American investors — Oracle, Silver Lake and MGX — holding a majority stake. This ensures the popular social video platform can continue operating in the United States. The deal is expected to close on Jan. 22, according to an internal memo seen by The Associated Press. CEO Shou Zi Chew said in the memo that ByteDance and TikTok have signed binding agreements with the three investors.
December 21, 2025 7:00 am
A local congressman has introduced a bill that could lower the price of concessions at sports stadiums. Congressmen Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the Honest Oversight of Ticketed Dining and Onsite Grub (HOTDOG) Act. This legislation, if passed, would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to investigate concession pricing at sports venues. Deluzio’s office claims that despite significant public investment in sports venues, many concession costs are too expensive for the typical family. He wants families to be able to afford to see a game at venues supported by their tax dollars. “Congressman Goldman and I are introducing the HOTDOG Act to require the Federal Trade Commission to find ways to stop this price gouging. People should be able to go enjoy a game and grab a bite or a drink without breaking the bank,” Deluzio said in a statement. Deluzio says the HOTDOG Act would shine a light on exploitative pricing practices, allow for more transparency into potential price gouging and determine best practices for affordable options. The HOTDOG Act would direct the FTC to examine a range of pricing practices at stadiums constructed or operated with public subsidy funds, like comparing concession prices inside and outside stadiums, as well as evaluating dynamic pricing, service fees and transparency of prices to consumers. The FTC would then be tasked with producing a report for Congress with findings and recommendations for improving affordability. The act is endorsed by various organizations, including Groundwork Collaborative, Sports Fan Coalition and Public Citizen.
December 21, 2025 7:17 am
(WPXI) – A holiday festival in Indiana celebrated a hometown hero. The “It’s a Wonderful Life Festival” kicked off in November and concluded on Saturday. Famed actor Jimmy Stewart, who played George Bailey in the 1946 Frank Capra film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” was born and raised in Indiana. The borough is now home to the Jimmy Stewart Museum. Presented by First Commonwealth Bank, the festival featured a more than 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in IRMC Park and a holiday parade presented by the Lucy Donnelly Memorial Fund. Although the festival has wrapped up, you can watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Channel 11 at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
December 20, 2025 8:40 am
ALLENTOWN, Pa. (AP) — Idalia Bisbal moved from New York City to Allentown, Pennsylvania, hoping for a cheaper life. Three years later, she feels disappointed by high prices for essentials like food and gas. Vice President JD Vance recently visited the area and blamed the Biden administration for the affordability crisis. This economic anxiety affects both political parties, especially in competitive districts such as Allentown. Many residents, including business leaders, agree prices are too high. The area remains a political battleground, with Republicans and Democrats vying for control. The economy remains a key focus for voters heading into 2026 and midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.
December 20, 2025 7:40 am
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A Russian missile strike on port infrastructure in Odesa has killed eight people and wounded 27, according to Ukraine’s emergency service. The attack occurred late Friday, with some victims on a bus at the center of the strike. On Saturday, a Kremlin envoy is set to travel to Florida for talks on a U.S.-proposed plan to end the nearly four-year war. The discussions are part of the Trump administration’s push for peace. European Union leaders on Friday agreed to provide a massive interest-free loan to Ukraine to meet its military and economic needs for the next two years.
December 20, 2025 5:03 am
According to West Penn Power’s website, there are a handful of customers still without power following yesterday’s high winds and strong storm. Some 30 customers in West Finley Township and 19 in Amwell Township top the list of about 100 customers without electricity. West Penn Power estimates just about everyone will be back to normal by 4 this afternoon. More than 900 customers were without power Friday morning. South Strabane Township was among the hardest hit with about 340 customers without service. Residents in Cecil Township, the City of Washington and other communities were hit.
December 20, 2025 4:52 am
After rejecting a plea deal from the District Attorney, a Rices Landing woman will face a jury trial in the death of a Waynesburg man. Star Lowery-Rutan, 47, of Greene County is accused of killing Thomas Ringer 40, four years ago. Authorities say Lowery- Rutan set Ringer’s vehicle on fire on state game lands in East Finley Township. As a result, Rutan faces a litany of arson, criminal and murder charges. She had been offered a prison term of 30-60 years. If she is found guilty, Rutan could face the death penalty. No trial date has been set yet.
December 20, 2025 4:01 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration launched military strikes Friday in Syria to “eliminate” Islamic State group fighters and weapons sites in retaliation for an ambush attack that killed two U.S. troops and an American civilian interpreter almost a week ago. A U.S. official described it as “a large-scale” strike that hit 70 targets in areas across central Syria that had IS infrastructure and weapons. Another U.S. official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive operations, said more strikes should be expected. “This is not the beginning of a war — it is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media.
