July 20, 2026 6:18 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods, declaring that Canada has unfairly discriminated against American autos, alcohol and dairy products. The move, announced Monday, could unleash a new wave of economic chaos, with risks of higher inflation and further fraying of relations between two nations that had been closely woven together before Trump’s return to the White House. The administration official previewing the action said that Canada was one of the only nations other than China that retaliated against Trump’s previous tariffs and must be held accountable.
July 20, 2026 12:26 pm
PERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Pennsylvania State Police are investigating reports that a nine-year-old boy was tattooed. Authorities say the child, who is from Washington County, told troopers he was given a tattoo without his consent by his father on July 13th. Police say it happened along Church Run Road in Perry Township, Greene County. The father has not been named, and there’s currently been no word on if he will be facing charges.
July 19, 2026 2:54 am
Former Republican U.S. Congressman Tim Murphy has died. The 73-year-old former politician and psychologist served as the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania’s 18th congressional district (which included Washington County) from 2003 until his resignation in 2017. Murphy ran for the newly redrawn 18th Congressional District in 2002, which had previously been the 20th, represented by four-term Democrat Frank Mascara. However, the legislature re-drew the district after the 2000 Census in such a way that a large portion of Mascara’s district ended up in the neighboring Johnstown-based 12th District, represented by an incumbent of 28-years – John Murtha. In October of 2017, Murphy made news by allegedly urging his mistress to have an abortion, even though he advocated a strict public anti-abortion platform. This was also followed by reports of abuse and harassment in his congressional office. His resignation came almost immediately after these reports. His seat was eventually won, during a special election, by Democrat Conor Lamb. Murphy reportedly died of a heart attack.
July 20, 2026 5:05 am
The demolition of the old Washington County Courthouse Square is complete. The next step is to find a construction company to build the new Public Safety building. According to Commissioners Chairman Nick Sherman, construction companies must submit their formal bid by July 22, and the bids will be opened publicly. That opening was scheduled for July 9, but a local contractor questioned the bidding process, which put it on hold. Officials reviewed the process and Sherman says that everything is squared away. The bid will be awarded at a special meeting on July 30. Sherman explains that the Public Safety building, which will house all the inner operations of 911, is very important for the first responders who deserve all the assets they need.
July 19, 2026 2:53 am
Demolition of the parking garage at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital is set to begin this morning . Officials call it the first step of a modernization project designed to improve safety, accessibility and convenience for patients, visitors and staff. In its place the hospital will build a new, level, paved parking lot featuring safety lighting and easy access to the campus. Hospital operations, patient care and emergency services will remain fully operational throughout the demolition and construction process.
July 20, 2026 5:17 am
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The U.S. military is carrying out its tenth consecutive night of strikes on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command says the strikes aim to degrade Iranian military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping. The conflict has escalated as Iran retaliates by attacking American allies Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain. Two U.S. soldiers were killed in Jordan on Friday, and another died in Iraq on Saturday. President Trump warns that Iran will pay for American casualties. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with Iran’s interior minister visiting Pakistan for talks. The conflict has pushed oil prices higher, impacting global markets.
July 19, 2026 5:16 am
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. gas prices have jumped to an average of $4 a gallon again as the U.S. and Iran launch more attacks. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is now back to $4. The average price a year ago was $3.14 a gallon. The price is a national average, meaning drivers in some states have been paying well over $4 a gallon for a while now. Prices vary between states due to factors ranging from nearby supply to differing tax rates. People around the world are also dealing with high gas prices as a result of the war.
July 20, 2026 6:20 pm
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Sen. Darline Graham announces she’s running for a full term in her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat. She shared her decision with Fox News Channel’s Sean Hannity in an interview set to air later Monday. Darline Graham was sworn in last week to fulfill the remaining months of her brother’s term, which ends in January. President Donald Trump has endorsed her candidacy. The special Republican primary is scheduled for Aug. 11, with a filing period opening Tuesday. Several other candidates, including Rep. Russell Fry, are also entering the race. Darline Graham says she’s prepared for the challenge and feels at peace with her decision.
July 20, 2026 6:23 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — The FBI says a former U.S. Army soldier started a fire and fired a pellet gun outside a New York building housing an immigration court and other government offices. Officials say suspect Andrew Arrabaca was taken into custody Monday and has been interviewed. No charges have been announced yet against Arrabaca, and it was not immediately clear if he has a lawyer. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said Arrabaca had a sign affixed to a cart with him that read “ICE off our streets.” The building has become a focal point for demonstrations against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Three people sustained minor injuries.
July 20, 2026 5:20 am
Defaults on student loans have surged across the United States, reaching record levels as borrowers struggle to keep up with payments. The numbers have spiked since payments started coming due again following a lengthy pause intended to provide relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, around 9.5 million people — 1 in 5 federal student loan borrowers — are in default, meaning they are more than nine months behind on their payments. While credit scores can suffer when borrowers are just a few months behind, entering default brings the possibility of more serious consequences, including garnished wages or Social Security payments. For now, the Trump administration has held off on such involuntary collections.
