July 21, 2026 5:00 am
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran has attacked a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing its crew to abandon the ship. That came early Tuesday even as the United States conducted yet-another round of airstrikes targeting the Islamic Republic over control of the key waterway. The 10 nights of U.S. airstrikes haven’t compelled Tehran to ease its grip on the strait. A fifth of all crude oil and natural gas traded once passed through the strait in peacetime. Iran’s interior minister traveled to Pakistan, a key mediator in the conflict, for talks. However, it remains unclear just what new deal could be reached to end the fighting.
July 21, 2026 5:02 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has pledged significant support for Lebanon during a White House meeting with Lebanese leader Joseph Aoun. The meeting on Tuesday aimed to promote long-term peace after months of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. After it concluded, Trump announced that he would allow the resumption of direct flights between the U.S. and Lebanon, suspended since 1985. Lebanon hopes that talks that are being mediated by Washington will lead to Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon and increased support for the Lebanese military. A framework agreement for peace between Lebanon and Israel is being tested, but confusion remains over troop withdrawals. The U.S. continues to endorse the Lebanese agreement.
July 21, 2026 5:01 am
CAIRO (AP) — The Israeli military is rapidly constructing a large earthen barrier in the Gaza Strip, further entrenching the division of the tiny Palestinian enclave. Satellite images show that more than 14 miles have been built in recent months. Israel’s military confirmed to The Associated Press that it is building a physical barrier. The berms roughly follow the so-called yellow line, a boundary set by the U.S.-backed ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Palestinians fear the line could become a permanent border. The military says it has developed a “security zone” along the barrier, equipped with intelligence assets.
July 21, 2026 5:03 am
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 21, 2026 5:04 am
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. 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 21, 2026 6:33 pm
(AP) – ESPN is undergoing a significant round of layoffs for the first time in three years after taking over NFL Network in April. Chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a memo to employees Tuesday morning, obtained by The Associated Press, that most moves are the result of ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network and other league digital assets last year. While most of the layoffs affect production and behind-the-scenes personnel, some on-air talent were affected, including ESPN’s Ryan Clark and Karl Ravech as well as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
July 20, 2026 5:05 am
POWELL, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say five people have died on a river in Ohio after several of them went into the water to assist another person who was struggling to swim. The Delaware County sheriff said at a news conference Monday that a motorist called 911 on Sunday after spotting a frightened child running for help. Rescue crews began searching the water and found two women. Both were pronounced dead at a hospital. The bodies of three men were found in the river on Monday. Authorities say they are working to notify the relatives of the victims.
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.
