Officials Report State’s Third Measles Death

September 14, 2026 5:02 am

A Pennsylvania woman’s death is the state’s third this year involving the measles virus. Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong says the 40-year-old woman died Saturday from complications associated with measles.  The woman was not identified.  Pennsylvania’s two previous deaths involving measles were infants. Both previous deaths were in August. Doctors deemed measles a “significant condition” at the time of one infant’s death. They determined measles caused the death of the other infant, who had a genetic defect that left her vulnerable to infection.  Meanwhile, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) announced that 693 measles cases have been confirmed across 38 counties in Pennsylvania so far in 2026, as the Department continues its response to the ongoing measles outbreak and provides Pennsylvanians with updated information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.  The DOH is providing statewide data to help Pennsylvanians and health care providers understand measles activity and community transmission across the Commonwealth.   While daily numbers fluctuate, tracking these trends provides Pennsylvanians and health care providers with visibility into community transmission across the Commonwealth and helps inform the Department’s ongoing response.  Key updates include seventeen new positive cases since September 11, in thirty-eight counties; six-hundred and ninety-three total cumulative cases, 133 hospitalizations and three deaths.  (Photo:  AP)

Second Federal Judge Freezes Trump Mail Ballot Order

September 14, 2026 5:14 am

A federal judge in Washington, D.C. has issued a new order freezing President Donald Trump’s attempt to limit mail voting for the midterm elections. A previous order from another judge is already before the U.S. Supreme Court. Election officials say they could not implement Trump’s new requirements before November. The decision issued late Sunday by U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is significant because he was nominated by Trump and earlier declined to freeze the president’s executive order, saying at the time it was premature. In issuing a preliminary injunction, he wrote that it’s now clear many people could lose their ability to vote if it goes into effect.

Trump Says He’s A Sufficient Guardrail Against Rogue AI

September 14, 2026 5:12 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he is a sufficient guardrail against rogue artificial intelligence, claiming that any efforts to limit the technology is part of a “SICK conspiracy.” The president specifically said on social media on Monday that the administration has already stopped the AI company Anthropic “from doing bad, or potentially bad” things. Trump pushed back against calls by tech leaders at Anthropic, OpenAI, Microsoft and others to have greater regulation of AI to ensure it is developed in ways that promote safety, address legal liability and preserve national security.

Houthi Rebels Tighten Grip On Shipping Routes

September 13, 2026 5:13 am

CAIRO (AP) — Yemeni officials say the Houthi rebels captured more strategic islands in the southern Red Sea, strengthening their control of a major maritime shipping route. The rebels deployed fighters on the islands of Greater Hanish and Lesser Hanish 160 kilometers north of Bab el-Mandeb Strait. That’s according to two government officials and a Houthi official on Monday. They said the Houthis took over the islands after hundreds of government-allied forces withdrew from the archipelago. The capture of the islands came after the rebels last week seized the port city of Mokha and the island of Mayun, located inside Bab el-Mandeb Strait from Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces.

Trump Calls On Ukraine To Halt Strikes

September 14, 2026 5:11 am

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel infrastructure, saying attacks are causing a global shortage. Trump spoke on Sunday on the sidelines of the Irish Open after diesel prices in the U.S. hit record highs. His comments came hours after large-scale drone strikes overnight killed and injured civilians in Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian drones killed two people near an oil and industrial hub in Russia’s Tatarstan, according to local officials, while Ukrainian authorities reported on Russian drones pummeling the Black Sea port of Odesa and starting a fire near a border crossing with Poland.

Designer To The Stars – Bob Mackie – Has Died

September 14, 2026 1:09 pm

NEW YORK (AP) — Fashion designer Bob Mackie has died at 87. A statement on his social accounts said he died Monday. His designs defined the 1970s, dressing stars like Carol Burnett and Cher in iconic outfits. Mackie won nine Emmy Awards, a Tony, and was nominated for three Oscars. He dressed celebrities such as Madonna and Diana Ross, and his influence continues today with stars like Zendaya. He also designed the gown Marilyn Monroe wore to croon “Happy Birthday” to John F. Kennedy. Known as the “Sultan of Sequins,” Mackie believed in enhancing natural beauty. His work spanned Broadway and television, creating memorable looks that combined fashion with fantasy.

Amazon Suspends Use Of Cargo Carrier

September 13, 2026 5:15 am

MIAMI (AP) — Amazon says it has suspended its partnership with 21 Air after one of the cargo carrier’s planes careened off a Miami runway last week and killed five people. The Boeing 767 came in fast and then barreled roughly 1,300 feet past the end of the runway and smashed into a van carrying workers at a plane cleaning company. All five people who died were in the van. Amazon said Sunday it’s decided to pause operations with 21 Air as the investigation into the crash continues. North Carolina-based 21 had flown packages for Amazon since 2024. The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment about Amazon’s decision.

Bridge Replacement In South Franklin Township

September 13, 2026 2:10 am

Uniontown, PA – PennDOT has announced the closure of a portion of Old Scales Road and Vanneal Drive between Routes 18 & 221 in South Franklin Township, Washington County. A posted detour will be in place until mid-December, using Vanneal Drive, Route 221, Jolly School Road and Route 18. A Department Force Bridge crew will demolish the existing structure and replace it with a precast concrete box culvert, widen the bridge approaches, paving and guiderail repair/replacement, all part of a $1.5 million infrastructure investment project. Work is dependent on weather and operational conditions.

Pope Commemorates 9/11 With Call For Peace

September 13, 2026 7:55 am

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, has called for a renewed commitment to peace as he marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S. Speaking from St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, he offered prayers for victims and those still affected by the tragedy. He urged everyone to pray for peace amid ongoing global conflicts. On September 11, 2001, Leo, then Robert Prevost, was in Rome, and days later was elected superior of his religious order. Vatican News republished excerpts from his first homily after that, where he reflected on the violence and its roots in poverty and injustice.

Farmers Suffer As Iran War Drags On

September 13, 2026 7:57 am

FOREST CITY, Mo. (AP) — The price of diesel is hitting record highs just as many U.S. farmers are harvesting two of the nation’s largest commodities, soybeans and corn. That means they’ll need countless gallons of the fuel for combines, tractors and trucks. Diesel hit a record price in the U.S. last week, soaring to an average of $5.85 a gallon for the first time as the six-month war with Iran disrupted the world’s flow of fuel. On Friday, it was at $6.05. The diesel spike adds to an already tough year for many farmers, who also faced higher costs for fertilizer, seeds and equipment.