News

Politician killer gets life in prison

National News July 23, 2026

MINNEAPOLIS — Friends and family of Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman said the man sentenced Thursday to two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to her murder failed to eliminate her legacy but caused enduring fear and fury as he changed their lives forever. Fellow lawmakers and survivors of the shooting spoke Thursday at the sentencing hearing for Vance Boelter, the man who pleaded guilty last month to federal charges related to the killing of former House Speaker Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as critically wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his ...

Trump imposes new tariffs as old expire

International News July 23, 2026

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is going ahead with new double-digit tariffs on dozens of U.S. trading partners just as the clock runs out Friday on stopgap levies he imposed after a stinging defeat at the Supreme Court. The United States will slap taxes of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 trading partners accounting for 99% of U.S. imports, charging that they have inadequately enforced bans on goods produced by forced labor. “The United States has had a forced labor import ban for nearly a century, and rigorously enforces it; it’s well past time for our trading partners to do ...

Briefcase: Eat’n Park has banana cookies

Local Business July 23, 2026

PITTSBURGH After introducing Pickle Smiley Cookies, Eat’n Park is keeping the fun going with another limited-edition flavor that’s sure to a-peel to guests: Banana Smiley Cookies. Eat’n Park’s classic sugar cookie gets a bright banana-flavored boost with cheerful yellow icing and Smiley’s signature grin. Banana Smiley Cookies are now available at all Eat’n Park restaurants and online at SmileyCookie.com, which ships to all 50 states. 7 Brew set to open 7 Brew will open its Altoona location at 570 W. Plank Road on Monday followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday ...

Shoppers might see high oil prices in gas, groceries

Local Business July 23, 2026

NEW YORK — Already feeling pinched since the start of the Iran war, consumers are likely to feel more pain ahead as oil prices pushed past $100 a barrel Thursday amid renewed fighting and military strikes that have left global oil supplies stranded in the Middle East. The elevated price ...

Altoona’s water quality impresses Big Boy crew

Local News July 23, 2026

When Big Boy’s onboard engineer realized the high quality of Altoona’s water, he dumped the train’s tanks and flushed the engine’s boiler to make room for local water. “Altoona is said to have some of the best water in the country,” said Altoona Water Authority assistant treasurer ...

Blair County cuts ties with prison architect

Local News July 23, 2026

HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners are in need of an architectural/engineering firm for the proposed prison project, after voting Thursday to end a contract with the firm they hired in April 2025. Commissioners Amy Webster and Laura Burke, who voted Thursday to terminate the ...