Most Americans Plan To Watch Biden-Trump Debate

June 26, 2024 4:30 am

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new poll finds that most U.S. adults plan to watch or listen to some element of Thursday’s presidential debate. And many think the stakes are high for both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. The poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds Biden and Trump remain broadly unpopular as they prepare to spar for the first time since 2020. Nearly 6 in 10 U.S. adults say they are “extremely” or “very” likely to watch, read or listen to commentary about the debate.

Rep. Lauren Boebert Wins GOP Primary

June 25, 2024 4:27 am

DENVER (AP) — U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado has won the Republican primary in a House race she jumped into last year after switching districts. Boebert’s victory comes despite a scandal over a video of her at a Denver theater and accusations of carpetbagging. Her resounding win showcases her political cachet among Republicans and positions her for a likely easy win in the November general election. It is also a victory for the far-right flank of the House GOP, a group that takes no prisoners, makes no concessions and stays on the attack. In two other closely watched GOP state primaries, attorney Jeff Hurd and political consultant and talk radio host Jeff Crank also notched wins Tuesday.

A US Journalist Goes On Trial In Russia

June 25, 2024 4:25 am

YEKATERINBURG, Russia (AP) — Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, arrested in Russia on espionage charges, appeared in a court in Yekaterinburg for the start of his trial. The 32-year-old journalist appeared in the court in a glass defendants’ cage, with his head shaved and wearing a black-and-blue plaid shirt. Gershkovich was detained while on a reporting trip to the Ural Mountains city in March 2023. Russian authorities alleged he was “gathering secret information” on orders from the CIA about Uralvagonzavod, a facility that produces and repairs military equipment, but authorities have not publicly disclosed any evidence to back up the accusations. Gershkovich, his employer and the U.S. government vehemently deny the charges. He faces a sentence of up to 20 years.

FDA Issues Warning To Makers Of Sara Lee & Others

June 26, 2024 5:40 pm

(AP) – Federal food safety regulators are warning Bimbo Bakeries USA to stop using misleading labels that say products contain potentially dangerous allergens when they don’t. Bimbo is the company behind major baked goods brands such as Sara Lee, Thomas’, Oroweat and Entenmann’s. U.S. Food and Drug Administration inspectors found that the company listed ingredients such as sesame or tree nuts on labels when they weren’t in the foods. FDA officials said Tuesday that food labels must be truthful. They also say labeling is not a substitute for preventing cross-contamination. Bimbo says it’s working with FDA to resolve the issue.

Locust Avenue Paving Underway

June 27, 2024 4:20 am

City of Washington officials are alerting residents of paving work that continues on Locust Avenue. Locust Avenue will be milled and resurfaced from Highland Avenue to Oak Springs Road. The project will take several days. Work will begin at 7:30 AM and end at 4:30 PM each day. Parking will be prohibited on Locust Avenue between Highland Avenue to Wilson Avenue during operational hours. Officials warn of traffic congestion and ask residents to seek an alternative route.

Man Arrested In California Carjacking

June 26, 2024 3:54 am

WASHINGTON COUNTY, Pa. —(WPXI)-A brazen carjacking was caught on video in California. Police say a man pretended to help an elderly woman with her walker, then pushed her down and stole her car. The incident happened in front of Liberty Tower in California, Pa. According to police, James Sickles, who smiled for his mug shot, asked the elderly woman if she needed help getting out of her car, and offered to hold her walker for her. Police say he took off in her car toward Clarksville. Police found the car crashed into a guide rail, with Sickles nowhere in sight. According to detectives, he ran to his stepfather’s home nearby, and told him “I’m going to prison.” Sickles is now behind bars, he faces aggravated assault and robbery charges.

Donora Man Facing Federal Drug And Firearms Charges

June 26, 2024 4:13 am

A Donora man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violating federal firearms and narcotics laws. The announcement from United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan names Tre Goins, 30 as the sole defendant in the three count indictment. According to the indictment, on May 24, 2024 investigators found Goins to be in possession of fentanyl and cocaine that he intended to distribute. He was also in possession of a firearm. Goins is a previously convicted felon and not allowed to possess a firearm. If convicted, Goins could be sentenced to 5-20 years in prison or a fine of $1 million or both.

Norfolk Southern Interfered With Derailment Probe

June 25, 2024 4:37 am

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy says Norfolk Southern repeatedly tried to interfere with the investigation into the East Palestine, Ohio, derailment and shape its conclusions about what the agency called a flawed decision to blow open five tank cars and burn the vinyl chloride inside. The NTSB also confirmed at Tuesday’s hearing that a flaming wheel bearing caused the February 2023 derailment in East Palestine. The agency approved more than two dozen recommendations to prevent similar disasters. Investigators say the railroad and its contractors ignored data about the tank cars and failed to accurately present information to decision-makers from the chemical manufacturer.

State & Federal Officials On Hand For Groundbreaking

June 25, 2024 4:49 pm

(AP) – Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro are among the dignitaries marking the groundbreaking of a new structure replacing the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. That’s where 11 worshipers were murdered in 2018 in the deadliest act of antisemitism in U.S. history. Plans for the new complex include a cultural center, sanctuary, educational center and museum along with a memorial to the worshipers from three congregations who were murdered on the Sabbath morning of Oct. 27, 2018. The new design is by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, whose previous works include Jewish museums, Holocaust memorials and the master plan for the redevelopment of the World Trade Center after 9/11.  (Photo:  AP)

Flooding Breaches Levees In Iowa

June 25, 2024 4:24 pm

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Floodwaters have breached levees in Iowa, creating dangerous conditions that prompted evacuations as the deluged Midwest faces another round of severe storms. The sheriff’s office in Monona County says the Little Sioux River breached levees in several areas Tuesday. Evacuation orders were issued and roads were closed in the area. No injuries were immediately reported. Iowa officials say they expect to close parts of two highways near Council Bluffs because of floodwaters. At least two deaths are being blamed on the storms. President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster for several counties in Iowa to free up federal aid.  (Photo:  AP)