Trade

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. trade deficit widened in May to the highest level in 18 months as a rebounding economy pushed up demand for imports of foreign-made cars, computers and clothing. The trade deficit increased 4.8 percent to $42.3 billion, the largest imbalance since November 2008, the Commerce Department reported Tuesday. American exports of goods and services rose 2.4 percent but this increase was outpaced by a 2.9 percent rise in imports. American manufacturing has been a standout performer so far in this recovery, benefiting from a global economic recovery.

The Rev. Michael Hydes serves as pastor of the New Light Metropolitan Community Church in Hagerstown. He lives with his partner, Chris Baker, in an apartment above the church on Church Street. But he grew up in a small town not far from Leeds, England. His mother was a cook and caterer, preparing dishes in the family kitchen. His uncle was a chef for hospitals. "I grew up in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and started off life as a chef," he said. "It runs in the family. " Besides food, the other love of young Michael's life was the Lord.

NEW YORK (AP) -- John Wall is ready to go to Washington and clean up the Wizards. And he's expected to have more backcourt help when he gets there -- whether or not Gilbert Arenas is still around. The Wizards selected Wall with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft and agreed to a trade for another guard Thursday, hoping they've found players who can help them quickly bounce back from a season that was embarrassing on the court and in the locker room. "I feel like I had pressure since I became No. 1 in high school and was one of the top players," Wall said.

HAGERSTOWN -- Educators and business people on Monday celebrated a partnership that helps adults and teenagers learn trades. It's been about two years since the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors moved its training program into the Barr Construction Institute on North Locust Street in Hagerstown. On Monday, teachers, students and supporters gathered there to share praise and success stories. Students Nick Hevener and Aaron Divel explained and demonstrated refrigeration and cooling to the lunch audience, which gathered in a tent for Partners in Education Appreciation Day. Anthony Shumaker evoked laughter from the crowd when he said, "The only reason I came to Barr was to get out of going to Clear Spring High School during the day. " But, as he learned more about heating, ventilation and air conditioning, Shumaker decided he liked it. He credited his teachers.

NEW YORK (AP) -- The new Navy assault ship USS New York, built with World Trade Center steel, arrived in its namesake city Monday with a 21-gun salute near the site of the 2001 terrorist attack. First responders, families of Sept. 11 victims and the public gathered Monday at a waterfront viewing area, where they could see the crew standing at attention along the deck of the battleship gray vessel. The big ship paused. Then the shots were fired, with a cracking sound, in three bursts.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. trade deficit edged up slightly in June as imports rose for the first time in 11 months, another sign that the worst recession since World War II is beginning to loosen its grip on the economy. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that the deficit rose 4 percent to $27 billion, from May's $26 billion. The May imbalance had been the lowest deficit in nearly a decade. The bigger June deficit reflected an increase in imports for the first time in nearly a year, an indication that demand in the U.S. is starting to revive.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. trade deficit fell to the lowest level in more than nine years in May as exports posted a small gain while the weak American economy pushed imports down for a 10th straight month. The Commerce Department said Friday the deficit narrowed to $26 billion, a drop of 9.8 percent from April and the lowest level since November 1999. Economists expected the deficit to widen to $30.2 billion in May. So far this year, the deficit is running at an annual rate of $350 billion, about half of the $695.

HANCOCK -- Debbie Cohill was living in Hancock and commuting to work at a law firm in Washington, D.C., in the late 1990s. "I enjoyed the excitement," Cohill said of her career as a legal assistant. The native of Prince George's County, Md., married John Cohill of Hancock in 1991 and commuted to her job in the nation's capital for seven years. After all, she loved her work and the money was good. But an opening for executive director of the Interfaith Service Coalition in 1998 captured her interest, and her hiring put an end to the commute.

By ANDREW GAY Special to The Herald-Mail Larry & Sons, a plumbing, heating and cooling contractor in Hagerstown, recently was featured in a Contractor magazine article about trenchless sewer line replacement. The new technology allows rotted and broken sewer lines to be replaced without the costly hassle of digging out the lines. Larry & Sons President Mike Corbett said the company offers a free camera inspection and guarantees the process with a lifetime warranty.

HAGERSTOWN -- For some, it's the family business. For others, it's a second career. About 40 men competed Saturday in the annual Apprenticeship Craft Olympics at the Barr Construction Institute. For four years, they've apprenticed and studied electrical, plumbing, HVAC and carpentry. On Saturday, they spent the day working in front of judges, most of whom were masters in their fields. Morgan Collis of Martinsburg, W.Va., is a carpentry student. It's the family business, Collis said, and he plans to continue working in the field when he completes school.