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U.S. inflation cools to 3.5% in better than expected June report

National News

U.S. inflation decreased by 0.4% in June, for a seasonally adjusted total of 3.5% over the year, driven by rapidly falling energy costs, according to a new report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Inflation rose by 0.5% in May before declining 0.4% in June. The dramatic change is the largest one-month shift in prices since April 2020, BLS reported. The overall May inflation rate was 4.2%, showing a dramatic fall in June. Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal, said the June inflation rate cooled “more than expected.” She attributed gas prices to the ...

Police reports

Local News

Driver cited after rollover crash in Decatur Township McCLURE — A McClure man was cited after a one-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on Old Stage Road in Decatur Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Police said Michael A. Harris, 21, was traveling south on Old Stage Road near Chickadee Drive at about 4:36 p.m. when he observed a piece of farm equipment ahead and applied his brakes. Harris told police he steered left after seeing an oncoming vehicle, causing his 2003 Volkswagen Passat to leave the roadway. The vehicle struck an embankment, crossed a private driveway, ...

In the region

Local News

Hospice Butterfly Release July 26 in Kish Park LEWISTOWN — VNA Health System and Lewistown Home Health and Hospice: The Bridge invites the public to the 19th annual Hospice Butterfly Release on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Tree of Life Site in Kish Park. A canopy will be set up at the event. The special event is open to the public to celebrate and remember the lives of loved ones who have passed away, whether they received care through Hospice: The Bridge or another hospice provider. Live butterflies will be available at the event for a $25 donation per butterfly. All ...

Lawsuits allege poor conditions at Blair County Prison

PA News

People who have been incarcerated inside the Blair County Prison say they encountered rodent droppings in food, poor access to medical care, and violence at the aging, overcrowded facility, a review of nearly 80 legal filings from the past year shows. Officials say many of these issues will be solved when the county moves out of the 157-year-old prison and into a new facility in 2029. The design for the $100 million prison — approved by the prison board but pending a land sale — includes exercise areas for all housing units, larger culinary and medical areas, and medical rooms to ...

Lawmakers break without addressing unconstitutional murder sentences

PA News

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania lawmakers recessed Sunday without fixing the commonwealth’s unconstitutional sentencing scheme for second-degree murder, making it increasingly likely they will miss a deadline set by the state Supreme Court and leave the issue in limbo. A killing is considered second-degree murder if it occurs during the course of a violent felony, including robbery, rape, or arson. Someone can be found guilty of the crime if they participated in the underlying felony, even if their actions didn’t lead directly to another person’s death. Because of this, a person in ...

Calendar

Local News

The Sentinel offers nonprofit and other community organizations an opportunity to promote upcoming events for free in the community calendar for three days before the event. Events requiring reservations may be promoted for up to two weeks before the reservation deadline. Events that require a purchase from a for-profit business, even if a donation is made to the organization, are not eligible for the calendar. Please be brief and include only basic details. If possible, provide a phone number or email address to be published with contact information. Submit items at least one week ...