April 23, 2025 5:01 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a Tuesday speech that the ongoing tariffs showdown with China is unsustainable and expects a “de-escalation” in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies. But in a private speech in Washington for JPMorgan Chase, Bessent also cautioned that talks between the United States and China had yet to formally start. President Donald Trump placed a 145% import tax on China, which countered with 125% tariffs on U.S. imports. Trump has placed tariffs on several dozen countries, causing the stock market to stumble and interest rates to increase on U.S. debt as investors worry about slower economic growth and higher inflationary pressures.
April 22, 2025 2:43 am
Planning is already underway for the 2026 Pittsburgh Draft and the NFL is looking to engage event-ready businesses within the greater Pittsburgh area to support the production of the event. Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Kotula, along with other chambers in the area say this procurement program is an opportunity for local businesses and certified diverse businesses (minority, woman, person with disabilities, LGBTQ+ and veteran-owned) to gain exposure to subcontracting opportunities related to the event and provide networking and capacity building for all accepted businesses. Kotula says businesses selected for the program will be profiled in a directory, which NFL primary contractors and event producers will use to identify and select local and certified diverse suppliers to fulfill their subcontracting needs. Kotula says this is not only an opportunity for local businesses, but also a chance to showcase Washington County as well. If you’re interested, Kotula says you can visit the chamber website and fill out an application until May 7th. (Photo: AP)
April 23, 2025 5:02 am
ATLANTA (AP) — Some international students in the U.S. who have had their legal status terminated in recent weeks have found a measure of success in court, with federal judges around the country issuing orders to restore students’ status at least temporarily. More than a thousand international students have had their visas revoked or their status ended, with their academic careers — and their lives in the U.S. — thrown into doubt in a widespread crackdown by the Trump administration. Judges have issued temporary restraining orders in states including Georgia, New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Judges have denied similar requests in some other cases.
April 22, 2025 4:57 am
LONDON (AP) — Officials from Britain, the U.S., European nations and Ukraine are due to meet in London to push for a peace deal between Moscow and Kyiv. British Defense Secretary John Healey said Wednesday’s meeting will include “what a ceasefire might look like and how to secure peace in the long term.” But a plan for the talks to involve foreign ministers was scrapped at the last minute after the U.S. State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was unable to come because of a scheduling issue. Those attending include retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine and Russia.
April 23, 2025 4:59 am
Harmful bleaching of the world’s coral has now grown to include 84% of the ocean’s reefs in the most intense event of its kind in recorded history. That’s according to the International Coral Reef Initiative. Warming oceans cause corals to expel the colorful algae living inside of them, putting the coral at risk of death. Healthy corals are essential for seafood production, jobs and coastline protection worldwide. Scientists say it’s essential to reduce greenhouse gases that are the main driver of atmospheric warming. Last year was the warmest on record, and much of that heat is going into oceans.
April 22, 2025 5:45 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks jumped in a widespread rally and more than made up for their sharp drops from the day before. The S&P 500 rose 2.5% Tuesday to erase Monday’s loss, which came on worries about President Donald Trump’s trade war and his attacks on the head of the Federal Reserve. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 2.7%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 2.7%. Equifax, 3M and other companies reporting better profits than analysts expected helped lead the way. The value of the U.S. dollar also stabilized after sliding against the euro and other competitors, while longer-term Treasury yields held steadier in the bond market. (Photo: AP)
April 21, 2025 9:17 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The outlook for the U.S. and global economies this year and next has significantly worsened in the wake of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the uncertainty they have created. The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday that the global economy will grow just 2.8% this year, down from its forecast in January of 3.3%, according to its latest World Economic Outlook. And in 2026, global growth will be 3%, the fund predicts, also below its previous 3.3% estimate.
April 22, 2025 2:55 am
Legal counsel for Range Resources rested their case in a challenge to a new oil and gas ordinance in Cecil Township. Monday’s public hearing in front of the Zoning Hearing Board will continue as no verdict was issued on whether an ordinance adopted in November of 2024 and revised in April 2025 has adversely affected Range Resources’ ability to continue to drill for oil and gas in the township. At issue are new setback requirements that say no drilling may occur within 5000 feet of a school or 2500 feet of a protected structure. Range Resources offered testimony from their Director of Geographic Information Systems to say that the setbacks eliminate the possibility of new pad development. What was not studied by Range Resources was a waiver clause allowing a land owner to waive the 2500 foot setback if they chose to have a well pad on their property. The witness said it would be difficult to determine the effect and how it could open the township to further development. Also presented was testimony from an attorney from Range Resources’ Leasing Team. That witness presented three properties determined to be “stranded” from gas and oil development because none of the current gas wells can reach those properties. The witness was unable to explain how the new setbacks could be harmful when the leases were signed before the new setbacks took effect. After transcripts of this hearing are received by counsel, briefs will be filed and arguments heard at another hearing at a yet to be determined date. The next hearing will be advertised for public notice.
April 22, 2025 4:48 am
Washington County Sheriff Anthony Andronas has announced that the Sheriff’s Administrative office has moved to the Crossroads Center at 95 West Beau St. in Suite 110. The move was effective at 5 p.m. on Monday. License to carry permits, Sheriff sales and any other counter needs will be handled at this new location.
April 22, 2025 4:53 am
Governor Josh Shapiro says he feels confident returning to the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg thanks to the work of Pennsylvania State Police and an independent review of current security protocols. Shapiro told Channel 11 he plans to be back sleeping in the governor’s residence as early as this week, just days after a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the home while he and his family slept. Cody Balmer is accused of throwing the device into the residence and breaking in with a hammer. He has been charged with arson and attempted homicide. His preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for this week, has been continued to next month. “I feel safe there,” Shapiro said. “I know state police are going to learn from this experience. They’ve brought in a third party to analyze our infrastructure and system. I’m confident any steps that need to be taken will be taken.” Despite significant damage to parts of the residence, including the state dining room, Shapiro said he plans to continue using the home as intended, including hosting the annual Easter egg hunt for children in Harrisburg on Tuesday. A full investigation into the attack is ongoing, and officials said additional security measures are being evaluated.
