May 12, 2023 4:28 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Wholesale prices in the United States rose modestly last month, the latest sign that inflationary pressures may be easing more than a year after the Federal Reserve unleashed an aggressive campaign of steadily higher interest rates. From March to April, the government’s producer price index rose just 0.2% after falling 0.4% from February to March, held down by falling prices for food, transportation and warehousing. Compared with a year earlier, wholesale prices rose just 2.3% last month, the 10th straight slowdown and the lowest figure since January 2021. The index reflects prices charged by manufacturers, farmers and wholesalers. It can provide an early sign of how fast consumer inflation will rise.
May 12, 2023 4:27 am
NEW YORK (AP) — A U.S. Marine veteran who used a fatal chokehold on an agitated New York City subway passenger was freed from custody hours after surrendering on a manslaughter charge. Daniel Penny appeared in court hours after turning himself in at a police station after prosecutors said they were charging him in the May 1 death of Jordan Neely. The 24-year-old did not enter a plea. Prosecutors said they are seeking a grand jury indictment. A judge authorized Penny’s release on bond following a brief arraignment. A judge ordered him to surrender his passport and not to leave New York without approval.
May 12, 2023 4:26 am
EL PASO, Texas (AP) — Pandemic-related asylum restrictions that expelled migrants millions of times have ended in a shift that threatens to put a historic strain on the nation’s beleaguered immigration system. The change came early Friday after migrants raced to enter the United States before the new restrictions set in. Meanwhile, the administration was dealt a potentially serious legal setback when a federal judge temporarily blocked its attempt to release migrants more quickly when Border Patrol holding stations are full. Misinformation and confusion buffeted migrants as they paced the border at the Rio Grande, often unsure of where to go or what to do next.
May 12, 2023 4:24 am
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes against Palestinian militant targets in the Gaza Strip have continued for a third day. The Palestinian death toll has risen to 31 as foreign mediators press ahead with efforts to reach a cease-fire. After the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group fired longer-range rockets toward Israel, Israeli warplanes struck Islamic Jihad rocket launchers. There were no immediate reports of casualties. Despite those sporadic Israeli strikes, the situation early Friday was relatively calm. Islamic Jihad held its rocket fire overnight, raising hopes that Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations would be able to broker a cease-fire.
May 12, 2023 4:14 am
EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. — (WPXI) – A man who was allegedly covered in blood and barefoot while going door to door in Eighty Four on Wednesday morning has been arrested. According to police, Matthew Ross, 41, was arrested at a BP gas station Thursday night by state police. Police said Ross’ probation officer recognized him from a report on WPXI and helped them track him down. Ross is charged with criminal trespassing, loitering and prowling at night time and disorderly conduct.
May 12, 2023 2:40 am
A Monessen man faces numerous felony and misdemeanor charges related to alleged assaults of two of his children dating back to as early as 2019. Jermaine Lane, 31 had his preliminary hearing on Thursday. He faces aggravated assault, simple assault, strangulation and child endangerment charges for alleged abuses of his children. Witness testimony from the two seven year old victims stated that they were choked and beaten with a belt on several occasions. One of the victims stated that the beatings drew blood. Witness testimony from an older step sibling stated that they heard screams and saw Lane pick up one of the victims by the neck. In all, six felony charges and two misdemeanor charges were held for court. In a separate hearing, Lane settled an unauthorized access to a device charge by paying the victim, his former girlfriend, restitution of $100 for making an unauthorized charge to her debit card after they broke up. Lane remains in the Washington County Jail unable to post a $250,000 bond.
May 12, 2023 2:39 am
A Smith Township man will face trial on a rape charge. Ryan Trevena, 35 will face rape of an unconscious victim and sexual assault felony charges after he waived his charges to court at his preliminary hearing on Thursday. The criminal complaint accused Trevena of confessing to a woman that he drugged her drink and when she passed out, he had sex with her back in December. Police recovered text messages further confessing to the incident and one that denies the drugging. In an interview with police he denied the drugging but owned up to the assault. Trevena remains in the Washington County Jail unable to post a $20,000 bond.
May 12, 2023 2:29 am
A new report by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office shows the tourism industry in the Commonwealth generated $66.3 billion in economic impact, supported 452,885 jobs, contributed $4.2 billion in state and local taxes, and welcomed 180 million visitors in 2021. The 2021 Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism report, released in tandem with National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), provides state, regional, and county level estimates that demonstrate the vital importance of the travel industry to Pennsylvania’s economy. The report, which contains the most recently available data, shows visitor activity in Pennsylvania increased significantly in 2021. This is attributed to businesses and venues reopening and traveler confidence rising. Key 2021 results include 180 million visitors, an increase of more than 28 million from 2020; $66.3 billion in total economic impact; $4.2 billion in state and local taxes; 452,885 jobs supported, which equates to 1-in-17 jobs in the state and a $9.1 billion increase in direct visitor spending to reach $38 billion – including hotels, restaurants, retailers and other tourism related businesses. Jeff Kotula is the president of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency and he says the increase in state tourism has trickled down to Washington County as well. Kotula says since the end of the pandemic they have seen a growing number of daily visitors plus an influx of people who are coming into Washington County and are staying one or more nights. Kotula attributes the increase to a push in advertising, the agency’s website and more social media exposure.
May 11, 2023 5:48 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is proposing new limits on greenhouse gas emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. It’s the most ambitious effort yet to reduce planet-warming pollution from the nation’s second-largest contributor to climate change. The plan could force power plants to capture smokestack emissions using technology that isn’t widely used in the U.S. and would be the first time the federal government has restricted carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants. President Joe Biden calls the plan “a major step forward in the climate crisis and protecting public health.” Industry groups and Republican-leaning states accuse the Democratic administration of overreach on environmental regulations.
May 11, 2023 5:46 pm
(AP) – Elon Musk says he has found a new CEO for Twitter, or X Corp. as it’s now called. Musk did not name the person but said she will be starting in about six weeks. Musk bought Twitter last fall and has been running it since but has been insisting he is not the company’s permanent CEO. The Tesla billionaire said in a tweet Thursday that his role will transition to being executive chairman and chief technology officer. Musk, though, has made announcements in the past that he did not follow through on.
