News

Florida, hard-hit by Obamacare drop-off, feels the squeeze of rising healthcare costs

Business News August 29, 2026

ST. CLOUD, Fla. (AP) — Florida chef Elijah Button was chopping onions in June when his knife slipped and sliced his middle finger to the bone. It was his worst kitchen accident to date. But having given up his Affordable Care Act health insurance plan in January because of a $100 monthly premium hike he couldn’t afford, the 21-year-old in St. Cloud didn’t have the money for emergency care. “Going to the hospital for it wasn’t even an option,” he said, gesturing toward his finger before preparing a pot roast for his aunt and uncle in their suburban home. “My first ...

Nation and world at a glance for August 29

National News August 29, 2026

Jurors in Lindsay Clancy murder trial fail to reach verdict on 2nd day PLYMOUTH, Mass. — Jurors in the Lindsay Clancy trial have ended a second day of deliberations without a verdict. Clancy is on trial to determine whether she was responsible for her actions when she killed her three children in 2023. The jury began deliberating Thursday afternoon and met again Friday. They’ll be back Monday morning. Clancy doesn’t deny strangling her children. But her lawyer says she did it because she lost her grip on reality due to a rare mental illness that can follow childbirth. ...

Dolly Parton streams skyrocket after her death, making her the most streamed artist globally

National News August 29, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Dolly Parton was many things: A country star, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, theme park enthusiast, Christian who centered acceptance in her personal theology and so much more. But for many, her death Tuesday has served as a reminder that at the heart of her legacy is her role as a songwriter. And around the world, people are streaming her songs en masse. According to evolving data released early Friday afternoon by the industry data and analytics company Luminate, audio and video streams of Parton’s discography skyrocketed 2,458% on the day of her death, ...

Struthers man accused of break-in attempt in Liberty

Local News August 29, 2026

LIBERTY — Officers are on the lookout for a man accused of attempting to kick down a woman’s apartment door Thursday evening. William Berch, 74, faces charges of attempted aggravated burglary and aggravated trespass in Girard Municipal Court. According to the police report, an officer responded to a Gypsy Lane residence for a reported man with a knife, with dispatchers saying he was trying to get into someone’s apartment, but he left as they gave other responding officers information. The officer spoke with the caller/witness, who said his son walked up to their apartment ...

County help sought for abused animals

Murderer denied chance to argue for another trial

Local News August 29, 2026

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Judge Anthony Donofrio has refused the request of John E. Drummond Jr. to argue for a new trial based on allegedly newly discovered evidence. Drummond, 49, is on death row in the 2003 shooting death of 3-month old Jiyen C. Dent Jr. on Rutledge Drive on Youngstown’s East Side. Attorneys for Drummond filed a motion in July 2025, asking Donofrio to allow them to file a “delayed” request for a new trial, saying they obtained affidavits from two men who testified at Drummond’s trial, one of whom now says the incriminating ...