June 19, 2026 5:18 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its key rate unchanged Wednesday yet nearly half the central bank’s policymakers said they could support a rate hike later this year, an unexpectedly aggressive outcome that would disappoint President Trump and suggests heightened concerns about persistent inflation. In an unusually short statement after their two-day meeting, Fed officials dropped language that had suggested their next move would be to cut their key rate. The brief statement reflects the influence of new chair Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump, who has previously criticized the Fed for commenting too broadly on the economy.
June 19, 2026 5:20 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Janeese Lewis George is making waves in Washington, D.C., with her progressive agenda as she aims for the mayor’s office. Her plans include subsidized childcare and increased homebuyer assistance. She also promises to challenge President Donald Trump’s influence. Her Democratic primary victory was a shift from centrist governance in the nation’s capital and aligns with a broader trend of democratic socialists gaining traction in urban politics. While some cities still favor moderate candidates, progressives like Lewis George are pushing for change by focusing on affordability and responsive government services.
June 18, 2026 5:14 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has attacked a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing three people. Thursday’s attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls “narcoterrorists” in early September. U.S. Southern Command did not provide evidence that the vessel was ferrying drugs. A video posted on X showed a boat speeding through the water before being struck and bursting into flames. Senators have demanded that the Pentagon release “unedited video” of the strikes.
June 19, 2026 5:14 am
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Police have charged a third suspect with an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue that was allegedly directed by Iran. Police alleged on Friday the 20-year-old man is one of three masked offenders who broke into the Adass Israel Synagogue, doused the interior with flammable liquid then set it alight in December 2024. The fire caused extensive damage to the synagogue and a worshipper sustained minor injuries. The suspect was charged with arson in a Melbourne jail where he was already being held on unrelated offenses. His two co-accused were charged in July and August last year. Australia has accused Iran’s Revolutionary Guard of directing the attack.
June 18, 2026 2:20 am
Uniontown, PA—Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing an extension of the closure of the Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road/Main Street) Bridge between Jefferson Avenue and Lone Pine Road in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County. The bridge closure is expected to remain in place through mid-July, weather and operational permitting. Drivers will follow a posted detour utilizing Route 2020 (Ten Mile Road/Main Street), Interstate 79 and Route 2011 (Lone Pine Road). Crews from Gulisek Construction LLC will be installing a latex-concrete overlay after performing hydro-demolition. This work is part of a $3.13 million infrastructure investment in a larger hydro/latex bridge deck preservation project.
June 18, 2026 2:50 am
Uniontown, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing that single-lane restrictions are in place in both directions of Interstate 79 between Exit 14 (Masontown/Waynesburg) and Exit 23 (Marianna/Prosperity) in Greene and Washington counties. All work depends on weather and operations. Single-lane restrictions will be in place until late August. Crews from Lindy Paving will perform patch and asphalt overlay of concrete pavement sections, mill and resurface asphalt pavement, minor drainage improvements, guiderail updates, replacement of signage, pavement markings and delineation, and relocation of Intelligent Transportation System equipment. This work is part of the I-79 Waynesburg to Marianna Project, which will make improvements to approximately 11 miles of I-79, extending through Franklin and Washington townships in Greene County and Amwell Township in Washington County. Lindy Paving, Inc., is the prime contractor. This $45.9 million infrastructure investment includes preservation work on 14 structures and pavement rehabilitation along the corridor. The proposed work consists of an 8-mile asphalt overlay of existing concrete pavement sections and a 4-inch mill and fill on the existing asphalt sections to enhance ride quality, extend pavement life, and ensure continued safe and efficient travel.
June 18, 2026 5:41 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel. It happened Thursday as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance announced that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. And a Trump administration envoy told U.S. lawmakers in a private briefing that Iran will invite the U.N.’s nuclear watchdog agency to inspect its nuclear sites. In other developments, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the U.S.
June 18, 2026 9:40 am
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices are just barely below an average of $4 a gallon nationwide on Thursday, shortly after President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives U.S.-backed sanctions on the country. Gas prices are at $3.99 on average in the U.S., according to AAA. A gallon of gas has hovered above $4 a gallon since March. But fluctuations in gas prices remain across the country. In California, gas prices are averaging $5.64 per gallon, while in South Carolina it’s $3.58 per gallon.
June 18, 2026 5:11 am
BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized NATO allies for not taking more responsibility for their own security. He announced a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe to ensure NATO moves toward Europe leading its own defense. Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, Hegseth calls it “shameful” that European allies denied U.S. forces access to bases for attacks on Iran. He emphasized the need for a “NATO 3.0,” urging the alliance to become a hard-line military force. The U.S. plans to invest $1.5 trillion in defense by 2027, focusing on protecting American interests and supporting NATO.
June 18, 2026 4:55 am
ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. —PennDOT is advising motorists of a road closure in Robinson Township. Route 4037 (Noblestown Road) will be closed between Route 980 (Lincoln Avenue) and Route 4012 (Johns Avenue). That stretch of road will close on June 24 and is expected to last until the end of July. PennDOT said Department Force Crews will be replacing a pipe in that area. A detour will be in place along Route 4012 (Johns Avenue) to Route 980. Drivers are asked to follow posted signs.
