September 18, 2025 4:55 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, had kept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighter immigration enforcement, and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the economy. The only dissenter was Stephen Miran, the recent Trump-appointee.
September 18, 2025 4:54 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Susan Monarez is warning senators America’s public health system is headed to a “dangerous place” under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his anti-vaccine advisers. Monarez and ex-CDC official Debra Houry describe exchanges in which Kennedy or political advisers rebuffed data supporting vaccine safety and efficacy. Monarez told the Senate health committee Wednesday deadly diseases including polio are poised to make a comeback in the U.S. Monarez says Kennedy demanded she “preapprove” recommendations from a CDC panel or face termination. The panel is expected to vote on new vaccine guidelines this week in Atlanta. Kennedy denies Monarez’s accusations he ordered “rubber-stamped” vaccine recommendations.
September 18, 2025 4:53 am
AYLESBURY, England (AP) — President Donald Trump is meeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the second day of his state visit to Britain. After a day of royal pomp, the agenda on Thursday will turn to politics, as well as tech investments. The U.S. president and first lady Melania Trump were honored by King Charles III and Queen Camilla on Wednesday with military ceremonies, a private lunch and a grand state banquet at Windsor Castle. At the prime minister’s Chequers country retreat, Trump and Starmer are expected to sign a “tech prosperity deal” bringing jobs and investment in AI and nuclear energy. Starmer also faces potentially awkward discussions with Trump on Ukraine and the Middle East.
September 18, 2025 2:53 am
Washington County farmers celebrated a milestone this week. The Washington County Farmland Preservation Program has grown to more than 50 farms that have committed to the program. According to Caroline Sinchar, Washington County Administrator for the program, farmers create a deed restriction easement that will commit their land to be a productive farm in perpetuity. Bill Iams is the owner of the Iams farm and he did that to continue his family’s legacy. He says that his grandchildren will be the eighth generation to operate his family’s beef cattle farm. Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding spoke during the celebration. He called the program a personal commitment by farmers unlike any other. He went on to say that the Farm Preservation Program is important not just for the food industry, but for the survival of natural resources such as ground water and wildlife. All three agree that the program is important in the sense that once an acre of ground is sold for development, that land is gone forever and a preservation program counteracts that. Washington County has 52 farms registered for the Farm Preservation Program. Statewide, 58 counties have 50 or more farms registered in their Farm Preservation Programs.(Pictured L-R, Russell Redding Secy. of Agr., Caroline Sinchar, County Program Adminstrator, Bill Iams, Owner Iams Farm and event host)
September 17, 2025 3:45 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate by a quarter-point Wednesday and projected it would do so twice more this year as concern grows at the central bank about the health of the nation’s labor market. The move is the Fed’s first cut since December and lowered its short-term rate to about 4.1%, down from 4.3%. Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, had kept their rate unchanged this year as they evaluated the impact of tariffs, tighter immigration enforcement, and other Trump administration policies on inflation and the economy. The only dissenter was Stephen Miran, the recent Trump-appointee.
September 17, 2025 7:46 am
PITTSBURGH — A spokesperson for the FBI Pittsburgh says the driver who crashed a white car into the gate at its South Side building is now in custody. The FBI thanked local, state and federal law enforcement and community partners for their assistance in locating Donald Henson. No other details are being released at this time. There were no injuries in the crash which happened around 3 a.m. Witnesses in the area say they saw a man get out of the vehicle, drape an American flag over the gate, yell something and then walk away. F-B-I Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Giordano said Henson has a history of mental health issues.
September 16, 2025 2:37 am
In the wake of some violent incidents at recent home football games, officials with the Washington School District posted a letter reminding parents and guardians of their policy on supervision of students on Friday nights. District officials say any students younger than eighth grade must be supervised by a parent or guardian and those without the appropriate adult will be denied admission to the stadium. The district says the move is “for the safety of all spectators and to maintain a positive game day experience”.
September 17, 2025 4:55 am
The Monessen School district is dealing with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. In a letter, Superintendent Dr. Robert Motte says there are 5 cases reported in the elementary school community. He says HFMD is a common viral illness that “primarily affects young children” and includes fever, mouth sores and a rash on the hands and feet. Motte says the district has conducted thorough deep cleaning and disinfecting of all classrooms, common areas, restrooms and high-touch surfaces in the building. All buses and transportation vehicles have also been deep cleaned and are disinfected daily. Officials continue to monitor the situation and are asking parents and guardians to monitor their child for symptoms and keep them home if they do show signs of HFMD.
September 17, 2025 5:50 pm
NORTH CODORUS, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania’s governor is rushing to the scene of a police investigation in the southern part of the state in the aftermath of a shooting in which at least two people were seriously injured by gunshots. Authorities say an investigation is occurring in the area of North Codorus Township, west of Philadelphia and not far from the Maryland line. York Hospital says it’s treating two people in serious condition related to a police incident in northern York County. The hospital says enhanced security protocols are in place.
September 16, 2025 1:21 am
Washington County Commissioners will be entertaining an agenda that is largely day to day transactions. One standout item was announced during their agenda meeting. Commissioners are planning on the development of an 18 hole miniature golf course that will be located in Mingo Creek Park. The course will be themed with holes designed around Washington County history and culture. Some of the themes will be the Whiskey Rebellion, Pony League World Series and covered bridges. Requests for proposals are currently being sent. Construction is expected to begin this year and be completed for next summer.
