News

IMF expects world economy to grow a sluggish 3% this year

Business News July 9, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The International Monetary Fund on Wednesday modestly downgraded its outlook for the world economy this year, citing the energy shock caused by the Iran war. But the fallout from the conflict is being partially offset by booming investment in artificial intelligence and other technologies. The IMF now expects the global economy to expand by a sluggish 3% in 2026, down from 3.5% last year and from the 3.1% it had forecast for this year back in April. The fund expects worldwide growth to rebound to 3.4% next year. Iran responded to U.S. and Israeli attacks Feb. 28 ...

Community news

Community News July 9, 2026

GREENWAY TRAIL DAY: Friends of the Greenway Trail invites outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to the annual Greenway Trail Day 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Cyclists, runners, walkers, climbers and hikers are encouraged to come out, explore and support the Columbiana County Greenway Trail. Water stops featuring refreshments and light snacks will be stationed at the Lisbon, Teegarden Covered Bridge, Franklin Square and Leetonia parking lot areas. T-shirts will be available for purchase at $20 (cash only) and general donations will be accepted. Additionally, free bike helmets will be ...

Fed officials deeply divided over future path of US inflation

Business News July 9, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve’s rate-setting committee is split over whether inflation is likely to stay elevated or whether it will cool once the Iran war winds down, according to minutes released Wednesday. In the first set of minutes released under new chair Kevin Warsh, “many” of the Fed’s 19 officials said its key rate would be unchanged from or slightly below its current level of 3.6% by the end of this year. But “many” also said that it would likely be higher by year-end. Forecasts released after the meeting ended June 17 showed that half of the 18 ...

What to know about protecting pets from the New World screwworm fly

National News July 9, 2026

Two New World screwworm cases in dogs are among more than 30 confirmed instances in Texas and New Mexico, prompting warnings Wednesday from veterinarians and humane societies that pet owners need to remain vigilant to protect their animals. The parasite reappeared in cattle in the U.S. in June, more than 50 years after it had been largely eradicated from the country. The pest is actually the larvae of the New World screwworm fly. It eats live flesh and fluids rather than dead material, as the larvae of most fly species do. Here is what to know about the parasite, the threat it poses to ...

Warrant filed in Coitsville dogfighting investigation

Platner plans to withdraw from Maine Senate race

National News July 9, 2026

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (AP) — Graham Platner said Wednesday that he plans to withdraw from the U.S. Senate race in Maine after facing an allegation of sexual assault, shuttering an insurgent campaign that had withstood months of controversy only to implode and imperil Democrats’ attempt to regain power in Washington. Platner’s exit will most likely force a reckoning within the party, which has been divided between its moderate and progressive factions, when it is struggling to unify during this year’s midterm elections. Maine is considered a key state for control of the narrowly ...