October 20, 2026 4:49 am
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Voters in Canada’s oil-rich province of Alberta have rejected a proposal to begin a process toward independence. More than 1 million votes were counted early Tuesday. Unofficial results from Elections Alberta showed that about 76% supported remaining in Canada while close to 24% backed beginning a process that could lead to separation. The result delivers a victory for Prime Minister Mark Carney and supporters of Canadian unity. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith welcomed the early results. Smith said that they showed widespread support for remaining in Canada. The vote wasn’t a direct referendum on independence but would have set Alberta on a path toward a future vote on separation from Canada.
October 20, 2026 1:25 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — Christina Applegate has revealed her doctor says she was misdiagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She shared this Monday on her podcast “MeSsy” with co-host Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Applegate first announced her MS diagnosis in 2021. She still experiences symptoms like needing a wheelchair despite the misdiagnosis. She says the news is confusing, especially since she and Sigler have become advocates for MS awareness. Applegate feels she has let people down. Applegate has been open about her health struggles in her memoir.
October 19, 2026 4:50 am
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian prime minister says federal lawmaker Helen Haines remains in a hospital in a critical but stable condition. Anthony Albanese gave the update on Haines’ condition on Tuesday and praised a barber who helped restrain a driver accused of deliberately hitting the lawmaker. The 65-year-old independent politician was struck by a Toyota Land Cruiser SUV on Monday in the city of Wangaratta in Victoria state. The 43-year-old driver remained in police custody on Tuesday. Albanese said he phoned local barber Ricky Jefferies to thank him on Tuesday on behalf of Australia for his intervention. Political violence is rare in Australia, but recent data shows threats are increasing.
October 19, 2026 2:51 am
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 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 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 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.
