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NATO: Putin is becoming more cavalier as Ukraine war drags on

National News

TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming “increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting,” as his war in Ukraine drags on and as he seeks to divide Western allies, NATO’s deputy commander in Europe said Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer spoke to The Associated Press at a security conference in Estonia amid warnings from some European leaders that Moscow is planning to test NATO’s collective defense pact with bolder attacks that have already included sabotage and espionage. Stringer warned that NATO members need to be aware of the ...

YSU president: University is doing well

Local News

YOUNGSTOWN — When it came to assessing Youngstown State University’s state of affairs, YSU President Bill Johnson left the starting gate not with a trot but with a gallop. “I’m glad to share with you that the state of Youngstown State University is very, very good,” he said. That ...

Trump: US, Iranian officials met

Latest News

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — President Donald Trump said U.S. and Iranian officials met Tuesday, an unexpected engagement that came even as he threatened in his address to the U.N. General Assembly that he may “annihilate” the Islamic Republic if a deal isn’t reached soon to end the nearly seven-month war. Trump told reporters that his chief envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met with the Iranian officials on the sidelines of the annual gathering of world leaders, but he offered few details about how the discussions transpired or the substance of the exchange. “It was a very ...

Operator of 314 Wendy’s locations in the US files for bankruptcy protection

Business News

One of the largest U.S. franchisees for Wendy’s has filed for bankruptcy protection after the restaurant chain tried to terminate its franchise agreement. Meritage Hospitality Group, which operates 314 Wendy’s restaurants in 15 states, said in a statement last week it intends to keep operating its restaurants and paying its 9,000 employees during the bankruptcy process. Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Meritage filed its bankruptcy petition in federal court in western Michigan on Sept. 17. According to court documents, Wendy’s filed a notice of termination of the company’s ...

Fat Bear Week opens for Alaska’s heavyweight crown. Can Chunk, the 1,200-pound champ, win once again?

National News

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — After a summer spent packing away sockeye salmon, Alaska’s heftiest brown bears are ready to throw their weight around. Online voting began Tuesday for Fat Bear Week, the annual contest that pits the rotund residents of Katmai National Park and Preserve against each other for the title of most oversized ursine. Last year’s winner, Chunk — known officially as Bear 32 — is hungry for a repeat. Chunk’s weight in 2025 was estimated at 1,200 pounds, which gave him a narrow victory. This year he’s back and facing corpulent competition like Gully — ...

More than 20 late utility bills raise more questions about Ciccone

Local News

YOUNGSTOWN – The office of controversial Mahoning County Clerk of Courts Michael Ciccone failed to pay more than 20 monthly electric and gas bills at area county courts – again raising questions about his ability to do even the most basic functions of his job. In total, there were 18 ...