Washington County Now Included In Measles Outbreak

October 22, 2026 2:52 am

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has announced that 1,317 measles cases have been confirmed across 43 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026, including Washington County.  The DOH continues to lead Pennsylvania’s robust response to the ongoing measles outbreak and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on our measles dashboard.  While daily numbers fluctuate, tracking these trends provides Pennsylvanians and health care providers with visibility into community transmission across the Commonwealth and helps inform DOH’s ongoing response.  Statewide, health care providers have also seen a surge of interest from residents seeking MMR vaccinations. In a typical month, Pennsylvania health care providers administer approximately 25,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. In September, more than 56,000 doses were administered. So far in the first three weeks of October, more than 39,000 MMR vaccines have been administered.  (Photo:  AP)

Judge Orders Trump To Sit For Deposition

October 22, 2026 3:20 pm

MIAMI (AP) — A federal judge has ordered President Donald Trump to sit for a deposition in his $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC by Dec. 11. The order Thursday from U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjoliqué Lett came as the BBC’s lawyers complained that Trump had delayed his appearance. Lett said Trump must sit for a deposition by Dec. 11 or face sanctions up to dismissal of his lawsuit unless the discovery period is extended past Dec. 18. The judge also ordered the Department of Justice to respond to former special counsel Jack Smith about whether he has permission to be deposed in the case.

State Sen. Accused Of Leading Marijuana Criminal Conspiracy

October 22, 2026 3:24 pm

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s Democratic governor is questioning the timing of the Justice Department’s indictment of a powerful Democratic state senator. Abigail Spanberger said Thursday that the indictment of Sen. L. Louise Lucas so close to the midterm election would “further erode” public trust in the department. Lucas herself is not on the ballot this year. She’s charged with leading what authorities allege was a criminal enterprise that acquired and distributed large quantities of marijuana and laundered the proceeds. She’s expected in court later Thursday. Lucas said she “will not be bullied” by the indictment.

Sharp Drops For AI Stocks Overwhelm Markets

October 22, 2026 4:35 pm

NEW YORK (AP) — The latest shudder for AI stocks pulled markets lower around the world. The S&P 500 fell 1.2% Thursday for its worst day since July, while the Nasdaq composite tumbled 2.6%. The weakness for tech stocks was so overwhelming that it masked strength for the rest of the market, where the majority of U.S. stocks actually rose. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up less than 0.1%. AI stocks have been swinging on worries that their boom may be under threat because of high interest rates. Nervousness in the market helped pull Treasury yields sharply lower. Oil prices jumped on worries about the war with Iran.

Iran Claims 7 Tankers Damaged In Strait Of Hormuz

October 22, 2026 4:47 am

Iran’s state television reports that seven oil tankers have been damaged in the Strait of Hormuz. This happened overnight Thursday, possibly marking the largest single-day incident since the Iran war began on February 28. Four tankers caught fire after being targeted, while three others were immobilized by naval mines. The report warns that the Revolutionary Guard may target U.S. bases if the U.S. tries to allow tankers to transit through other parts of the strait. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Defense Ministry warns that Houthi rallies could be targeted, and Saudi Arabia reports two deaths from an attack on King Fahd International Airport.

Damage To Oil Tankers Pushes Prices Higher

October 22, 2026 4:51 am

World shares and U.S. futures have retreated after oil prices jumped more than 2%. European markets opened lower Thursday and benchmarks in Seoul and Hong Kong fell more than 3%. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.7%. The price of Brent crude oil was hovering near $112 per barrel after Iran’s state television reported that seven oil tankers caught fire after being targeted or striking naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, the S&P 500 added 0.6% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.7%. The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.1%. A much better profit report from SpaceX than analysts expected boosted AI-related stocks, along with Elon Musk’s other publicly traded company, Tesla.

Russian Pounds Kyiv Hours After Agreeing To Peace Talks

October 22, 2026 4:49 am

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian authorities say that Russian attacks on Kyiv with ballistic missiles and drones have killed one person and injured 22. The strikes overnight into Thursday came hours after the Kremlin agreed to restart U.S.-brokered talks aimed at ending the war. The attack damaged homes, transport infrastructure and other civilian sites in several districts of the capital. Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed “in principle” on Wednesday to resume three-way negotiations involving Russia, the United States and Ukraine after Nov. 10. Putin had met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in St. Petersburg.

Rep. Ilhan Omar To Move After Federal Search

October 22, 2026 4:52 am

U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar says she will move out of her Washington, D.C., home that federal agents searched last week. The Minnesota Democrat told MS NOW that the attention brought on by the raid has made her feel unsafe there. Federal authorities are investigating potential fraud in her family’s immigration paperwork. That’s according to a person briefed on the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss an ongoing investigation. Omar was born in Somalia and is a naturalized U.S. citizen. She said Wednesday in her first interview since the search that she is “confident in the fact that I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Groundbreaking Parental Leave Policy Approved

October 22, 2026 4:38 am

Allegheny County Council has passed a groundbreaking policy granting up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Officials say the policy is the first of its kind in the U.S. It applies to businesses with 15 or more employees and goes into effect one year after County Executive Sara Innamorato signs the bill. The decision follows months of debate between business groups on one side and healthcare workers and parents on the other. Innamorato advocated for the policy and says it shows a commitment to protecting workers and families. Critics argue it may increase costs for families. The policy covers birthing parents, spouses, adoptive parents and those experiencing stillbirth.

Waynesburg To Marianna Preservation Project Progresses

October 22, 2026 2:42 am

Uniontown, PA – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing the exit ramp of northbound Interstate 79 at Exit 19 (Ruff Creek/Jefferson) in Washington Township, Greene County is scheduled to close on Saturday, October 24 from 7:00 AM until 5:00 PM. All work depends on weather and operations.  The posted detour will direct northbound I-79 traffic to continue past Exit 19 (Ruff Creek/Jefferson) to Exit 23 (Marianna/Prosperity). From Exit 23 drivers will re-enter southbound I-79 and travel to southbound Exit 19 (Ruff Creek/Jefferson).  The ramp closure will allow crews from Lindy Paving to complete paving.  Monday, October 26, will serve as a weather make-up day, if needed.