June 17, 2026 5:48 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve kept its key rate unchanged Wednesday yet nearly half the central bank’s policymakers said they could support a rate hike later this year, an unexpectedly aggressive outcome that would disappoint President Trump and suggests heightened concerns about persistent inflation. In an unusually short statement after their two-day meeting, Fed officials dropped language that had suggested their next move would be to cut their key rate. The brief statement reflects the influence of new chair Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump, who has previously criticized the Fed for commenting too broadly on the economy.
June 17, 2026 5:52 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks dropped on speculation the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates this year to keep a lid on inflation. The S&P 500 slumped 1.2% Wednesday after the Fed released projections showing nearly half its policymakers foresee at least one increase to its main interest rate in 2026. The Dow Jones Industrial Average went from a gain of 0.5% in the morning to a drop of 1%, while the Nasdaq composite sank 1.3%. Treasury yields climbed on rising expectations for a hike to rates. Higher rates can tap the brakes on inflation, but they also slow the economy and hurt prices for investments.
June 17, 2026 2:58 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — A draft agreement by the United States and Iran calls for Tehran to, at a minimum, dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The deal would also waive but not permanently end sanctions on the country. That’s according to U.S. officials who read the language of the memorandum on ending the war to journalists on Wednesday. The agreement would also open the Strait of Hormuz toll-free for two months and affirm a commitment to Lebanon’s territorial integrity in the face of Israel’s invasion against the Hezbollah militant group. U.S. officials dictated the language to journalists Wednesday after days of secrecy.
June 17, 2026 12:42 pm
The Washington School Board has decided to move forward with a plan to upgrade the football stadium at a cost of nearly ten-million-dollars. At their meeting on Tuesday, board members chose a plan, out of several options, that would involve demolishing the old field house and building a new one on the southwestern side of the field, beyond the end zone. In its place will be sixty new parking spaces. The plan also calls for replacing the current track and football field in order to bring it up to current athletic conference standards. Construction is expected to start in March of next year. Funding for the upgrade will come from the district’s capital reserve balance.
June 17, 2026 4:58 am
North Strabane Township Supervisors will be looking at two agenda items that concern land development and sale during their voting meeting next week. One item will be a decision on the Hidden Acres development. Developers will be applying for a conditional use application for a Conservation Subdivision that will look to have 159 homes built. The development would be located along Christy Road in an A-2 zoning district. Supervisors will also consider a bid to sell surplus township land. A 73 acre tract located adjacent to the fire station in Eighty Four is being sold. Currently Morganza Development, LLC has offered $1 million for the property. Additionally, Supervisors will look to promote a captain in the Fire Department. The voting meeting will be held on June 23 at 7:00 pm.
June 17, 2026 5:15 am
City Mission has announced the appointment of Jim Johnston to serve as their new Director of Development. In a release, officials say he “brings decades of leadership experience and a proven record of cultivating relationships, advancing organizational growth, and leading mission-driven initiatives. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to servant leadership, team development, and fostering cultures built on collaboration, trust, and shared purpose. His leadership philosophy centers on empowering people, strengthening partnerships, and helping organizations achieve their fullest potential”. The appointment became effective June 4.
June 17, 2026 2:08 am
HARRISBURG – Municipalities in the 50th Legislative District will receive more than $11.2 million in Marcellus Shale impact fees. In addition to the municipal funding, Greene County will receive close to $5.5 million and Washington County will receive more than $7.8 million from the impact fees. “We have an abundant amount energy under out feet,” Representative Bud Cook said. “We’ve advocated for unleashing the energy potential of our region, and this impact fee money demonstrates how responsible natural gas development continues to benefit our communities.” Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are collected from the drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The rest of the money goes into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, a portion of which is provided to counties. The remaining funds are used by the state for emergency response planning, training and other activities; water, storm water, and sewer system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance and repair; as well as statewide environmental initiatives.
June 16, 2026 2:57 am
(AP) – Pennsylvania’s highest court has ruled that skill games are considered slot machines under state law. This means they must comply with crime and gambling statutes. However, law enforcement cannot act for 120 days, giving the legislature time to decide on regulation. An estimated 70,000 machines are in operation across the state. Republicans say addressing skill games is crucial for this year’s budget, while Democrats are reviewing the decision. Taxing these games could bring in over $1 billion annually. If the legislature fails to act, the devices could be seized by law enforcement.
June 17, 2026 4:56 am
As part of its Law Day and America 250 programming, the Washington County Bar Association and the Washington County Bar Foundation held a Jeffersonian Dinner in the Rossin Ballroom at Washington & Jefferson College Tuesday night. This public event encouraged attendees to discuss their dreams for the future of America. Kathy Sabol, the Executive Director of the Washington County Bar Association, hoped that the event would allow for unique perspectives and respectful conversations. Special guest Thomas Jefferson, portrayed by Steven Edenbo, wrapped up the dinner with a discussion of America’s formation 250 years ago. While helping the attendees to better understand America’s political landscape today, Jefferson urged them to welcome different opinions and to avoid seeing those who vote differently as enemies.
June 16, 2026 5:04 am
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France (AP) — Leaders at the Group of Seven summit on have thrown their support behind U.S. President Donald Trump’s tentative agreement with Iran — even though he’s offered scant specificity about how that would be implemented. Trump wraps up talks at the summit Wednesday, promoting an emerging agreement with Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. The deal’s specifics remain unclear, and Trump faces skepticism from allies like Israel. The agreement is set to be signed Friday in Switzerland. Trump plans to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday amid tensions over a recent U.S. military strike near the Strait of Hormuz that killed three Indian sailors.
