News

Little Mercury may be shrinking faster than scientists expected

National News September 11, 2026

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A new study shows that little, wrinkly Mercury may be shrinking faster than expected, the cosmos’ version of a grape shriveling into a raisin under the sun. Scientists from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Space Research reported Thursday that Mercury’s shrinkage may be 30% greater than previously believed — a loss in diameter of as much as 14 miles. That’s significant for a planet barely 3,000 miles across. Mercury’s rough surface, continually reshaped by debris hurled from impact craters, may have hidden the true extent of the ...

US unemployment claims dip to 206,000 as layoffs remain rare

Business News September 11, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Slightly fewer Americans filed for unemployment claims last week as jobless claims remain at historically low levels and layoffs are still relatively rare. Filings for benefits dipped to 206,000 last week from a revised 207,000 the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week average of claims, which smooths out week-to-week volatility, also fell modestly to 206,000. Claims for jobless benefits are a proxy for layoffs, and economists watch them because they can be a sign of where the job market is headed. For the past year, claims have mostly ...

Trump $5K payment plan draws cheers, jeers

National News September 11, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump’s pitch to send Americans $5,000 checks should Republicans prevail in the November midterms is drawing scorn from some members of Congress and praise from others, including U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio. Economists and other political observers are voicing concerns about the potential effects on inflation and the national balance sheet. Trump told CBS News Texas in an interview that he doesn’t believe Congress would need to approve his planned payments to American adults, though he did not specify how he could spend more than $1 trillion ...

McDonald residents request moratorium for data centers

Anthropic says it blocked misuse of its AI that could have supported biological weapons

Business News September 11, 2026

Anthropic said Thursday it has blocked efforts by bad actors to use its artificial intelligence models for malicious activity such as cyberattacks, surveillance, and research that could have led to biological weapons. As AI models grow more powerful, elaborate cyberattacks no longer require sophisticated skills and even lone individuals can create threats that would not have been possible even a year ago, Anthropic said. The company said it has added stronger safeguards in its latest models to restrict biological research that could also be used to make weapons. “The cases we share ...

Community news

Community News September 11, 2026

SOCIETY LECTURE: Springfield Township Historical Society Museum will have “Afternoon at the Museum” speaker series Sunday at the museum 14188 Youngstown-Pittsburgh Road, Petersburg. Paul Rohrbaugh will discuss his book, “Driving It Home-GM Lordstown Complex 1956-2019.” He will present details of the history of this car and van plant that was a key to the Mahoning Valley’s economy. The museum opens at 1:30 p.m. The program starts at 2 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. The museum is also having its third annual rummage sale 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 18-19 at the ...