News

US reimposes blockade and steps up strikes

National News July 16, 2026

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and intensified its airstrike campaign Wednesday in retaliation for Tehran’s attacks on ships trying to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The American strikes hit an Iranian army barracks, killed at least seven troops and wounded hundreds of people across the country, Iranian officials said. Days of back-and-forth strikes by the U.S. and Iran across the Middle East — and renewed threats to the waterway crucial to global energy supplies — have shredded the interim deal to end the conflict and the ...

US stocks rise within 0.5% of their record, even as oil prices keep climbing

Business July 16, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks ticked higher Wednesday following strong profit reports from BlackRock and other big companies. The tentative gains came as oil prices swung to their highest levels in a month because of the war with Iran. The S&P 500 rose 0.4% after flipping between modest gains and losses through the day, and it’s back within 0.5% of its all-time high set last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 150 points, or 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 0.6%. BlackRock helped lead the market with a rise of 6.6% after the company behind some of the most popular ...

Man loses appeal in city shooting death

Local News July 16, 2026

WARREN — A man convicted in the Aug. 3, 2025, point-blank range shooting death of another man outside a Warren convenience store lost an appeal at the 11th District Court of Appeals and will continue serving his 41.5 years-to-life sentence. David Hollie, 47, was convicted in October on charges of murder, having weapons under disability, tampering with evidence, failure to comply and receiving stolen property, all with firearm specifications. He was sentenced in late October for the murder of Choice Washington, 34, on Scott Street. Testimony during the trial focused on a high-speed ...

Mini-Mozarts marks 270 years since the composer’s birth in Salzburg

International News July 16, 2026

SALZBURG, Austria (AP) — Visitors to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s hometown can see the composer — and his dog — in miniature as Salzburg celebrates the 270th anniversary of his birth. But they shouldn’t wait too long. The Mozarteum Foundation on Wednesday unveiled 300 gold-colored statuettes of Mozart, which are barely 50 centimeters (less than 20 inches) tall. They were designed by German concept artist Ottmar Horl. Mozart was born on Jan. 27, 1756, in the Austrian city, where the Mozarteum Foundation offers concerts, maintains Mozart museums and supports research on ...

Gas line struck on Route 46 in Bazetta

Local News July 16, 2026

BAZETTA — Fire and gas company crews were out Wednesday afternoon along a section of state Route 46 in the township after a gas line was hit and was spewing gas. The Bazetta Fire Department posted on its website that Route 46 between McCleary-Jacoby and Cadwallader Sonk roads was closed for a few hours. A spokesman for the fire department said two businesses and about a dozen homes in the area of state Route 46 and Westview Drive were evacuated as a safety precaution. Fire Chief Tom Rink said after the gas line was shut off, residents and business owners were able to return. A ...

Agency secures $2.15M in grants for Girard

Local News July 16, 2026

GIRARD — KO Consulting has helped the city secure $2.15 million in grants in the nearly three years the city has had a contract with them. Kristen Olmi, CEO/owner of KO Consulting, a community economic development firm, and other company officials met with Girard City Council this week to discuss establishing more transparency between the firm and the city over what grants are being sought. “Grants are a volume game. We look at getting the city more money by looking at what grants Girard needs to be going after. We want the city to go after any grant it can. Don’t turn down any ...