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.
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.
