January 15, 2026 4:59 am
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act allowing him to deploy troops as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement persist in Minneapolis. Trump made the threat after a federal officer shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis on Wednesday after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle. The incident further heightened the sense of fear and anger radiating across the city a week after an immigration agent fatally shot a woman in the head. Trump has repeatedly threatened to invoke the rarely used federal law to deploy the U.S. military or federalize the National Guard for domestic law enforcement, over the objections of state governors.
January 14, 2026 4:58 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States. The department said Wednesday it had instructed consular officers to halt immigrant visa applications from the countries affected in accordance with a broader order issued in November that tightened rules around potential immigrants who might become “public charges” in the U.S. The suspension will not apply to applicants seeking non-immigrant, or temporary tourist or business, visas. The department says it’s “bringing an end to the abuse of America’s immigration system.” The suspension begins Jan. 21.
January 15, 2026 4:56 am
NUUK, Greenland (AP) — Troops from NATO countries, including France and Germany, are arriving in Greenland to boost security. This follows talks in Washington on Wednesday between Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. that highlighted disagreements over Greenland’s future. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of French troops, with Germany sending a reconnaissance team on Thursday. Denmark is also increasing its military presence. The talks focused on U.S. intentions to take over Greenland for its mineral resources amid rising Russian and Chinese interest. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed concerns over Trump’s intentions. Greenlanders remain uncertain about the future.
January 15, 2026 4:58 am
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran closed its airspace to commercial flights for hours without explanation as tensions remained high with the United States over Tehran’s crackdown on protests. International carriers diverted flights north and south around Iran, but the closure appeared to expire and several domestic flights were in the air after 7 a.m. Thursday. Iran previously shut its airspace during its June war with Israel and during some exchanges of fire in the Israel-Hamas war. There were no signs of current hostilities. The airspace closure came as some personnel at a U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate. U.S. President Donald Trump has left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran.
January 14, 2026 5:01 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi says the search of a Washington Post reporter’s home was done at the Pentagon’s request as part of a leak investigation. The Post says journalist Hannah Natanson had a phone, two laptops and a watch seized by agents at her Virginia home. An FBI affidavit says the search was related to an investigation into a system administrator in Maryland who authorities believe took home classified reports. Natanson covers the Trump administration’s transformation of the federal government. A colleague has called her “the federal government whisperer.” The White House says leaking classified information puts America’s national security at risk.
January 15, 2026 5:04 am
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — An ailing astronaut is back on Earth. The crew of four have returned Thursday, ending their space station mission more than a month early in NASA’s first medical evacuation. SpaceX guided the capsule to a middle-of-the-night splashdown in the Pacific near San Diego. The trip home took less than 11 hours after the astronauts exited the International Space Station. It was an unexpected end to a mission that began in August and left the orbiting lab with only three on board. NASA and SpaceX have said they will try to move up the launch of the next crew, currently targeted for mid-February.
January 15, 2026 5:41 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — Mattel Publishing is teaming up with bestselling author Alex Aster for a new Barbie young adult novel. “Barbie: Dreamscape,” set for release on July 28, takes Barbie on a journey across magical lands. This is the first novel for young adults from Mattel Publishing since its launch three years ago. The novel isn’t connected to the 2023 movie, and no screen adaptation is planned. Mattel describes it as a coming-of-age story where Barbie, declared “Fateless,” must find her destiny. Aster, known for her “Lightlark” series, says Barbie dolls were a formative part of her childhood.
January 14, 2026 2:14 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — Attorney General Pam Bondi says the search of a Washington Post reporter’s home was done at the Pentagon’s request as part of a leak investigation. The Post says journalist Hannah Natanson had a phone, two laptops and a watch seized by agents at her Virginia home. An FBI affidavit says the search was related to an investigation into a system administrator in Maryland who authorities believe took home classified reports. Natanson covers the Trump administration’s transformation of the federal government. A colleague has called her “the federal government whisperer.” The White House says leaking classified information puts America’s national security at risk.
January 14, 2026 2:58 am
The Public Utilities Commission began a series of public input hearings in Washington County on a rate increase proposal filed by The Pennsylvania American Water Company. The PUC voted 5-0 to suspend and investigate the proposed rate changes. PAWC is seeking a 14.6% rate increase for water and wastewater services. That is an increase of $168.7 million. PUC Administrative Law Judges Emily DeVoe and Jeff Watson were greeted by a standing room only crowd offering testimony on the rate change. Nearly three dozen people spoke and the vast majority asked the PUC to approve the rate hike. Those people were consultants, contractors and grant recipients, people who are benefit from their association with PAWC. Several of the contractors told of their experiences dealing with infrastructure that sometimes is tracked to be nearly 100 years old. Only six people spoke against the rate hike. They stated that the rate hike was excessive and hurtful to customers. Some delved into company profits information. It was stated that in 2024 the American Water Works Company, parent company to PAWC profited $1.05 billion. They asked why some of that money could not be used for infrastructure upgrades. Rate increases are dependent on services. Water only customers could see a rate increase of anywhere from $2.73 per month to $27.77 per month depending on location. Wastewater customers could see increases of $0 to $26.29 depending on location. Customers that use both services could see an increase of $20 per month. Anyone who missed the meeting may still participate by going to consumer@paoca.org.
January 14, 2026 2:56 am
Residents in North Franklin Township will begin the new year with modifications to their burning ordinance. Supervisors unanimously approved changes to days and times residents can conduct burning. Burning will now be allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The times will be from 8:00 am until 7:00 pm. Burning for agricultural purposes will be permitted every day. Small recreational fires such as those in firepits will also be allowed each day. There is a fine associated with ordinance if someone is caught in violation. That fine is up to $1000 each occurrence. The fine will be issued by either the fire chief or code enforcement officer. The township still reserves the right to ban all burning in times of excessively dry weather.
