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 8:47 am
NEW YORK (AP) — The Justice Department is ramping up an effort to get election data from the states. According to an Associated Press tally, the department’s voting section has requested copies of voter registration lists from state election administrators in at least 15 states. And department lawyers have contacted officials in at least seven states to propose a meeting about forging an information-sharing agreement related to instances of voting or election fraud. The unusually expansive outreach has raised alarm among some election officials. That’s because states have the constitutional authority to run elections and because federal law protects the sharing of individual data with the government.
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 11:20 am
BEIRUT (AP) — New outbreaks of violence overnight into Sunday have rocked Syria at two distinct flashpoints, straining a fragile ceasefire and calling into question the ability of the transitional government to exert its authority across the whole country. In the north, government-affiliated fighters confronted Kurdish-led forces who control much of the region, while in the southern province of Sweida, they clashed with Druze armed groups. Syria’s interim authorities are trying to maintain a tense ceasefire in Sweida province after clashes with Druze factions last month, and to implement an agreement with the U.S.-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces that would reintegrate large swaths of northeastern Syria.
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 7:45 am
(WPXI) PITTSBURGH — A man was shot in Allentown Saturday evening. Police said officers went to the 800 block of Climax Street after two ShotSpotters reported shots fired in the area at around 6 p.m. A man was found with a graze wound to his head. Police said the man refused to be taken to a hospital by medics. Officers said the suspect was driving a black sedan and fled the area. Multiple shell casings were found at the scene. Detectives are still investigating.
August 3, 2025 7:46 am
MONROEVILLE, Pa. — A man was shot in Monroeville on Saturday. Allegheny County Police said officers were called to the 4000 block of William Penn Highway at 6:49 p.m. When they arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital and is in stable condition. A woman was also taken to a hospital with minor cuts. Police did not say what caused those cuts. Officers said surveillance video shows a white Ford F-150 entering a parking lot and shooting the victim. Anyone with information is asked to call the Allegheny County Police Tip Line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS.
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.
