News

Man who killed top Minnesota lawmaker and her husband makes first state court appearance

National News August 3, 2026

The man serving two life terms plus 40 years after pleading guilty to federal charges related to killing a top Democratic lawmaker and her husband made his initial appearance Monday in state court where he faces similar charges. The state case against Vance Boelter had been on hold pending resolution of the federal case. Monday’s procedural state court hearing came less than two weeks after Boelter’s sentencing in federal court. He pleaded guilty to the federal charges related to the killing of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as critically ...

Russia blasts southern Ukraine

International News August 3, 2026

KYIV, Ukraine — Russian planes dropped eight powerful glide bombs in a span of 90 minutes on residential districts of the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and wounding dozens of others, regional chief Ivan Fedorov said Monday. Meanwhile, six people were killed by Ukrainian drone debris in Arkhipo-Osipovka, a small town on Russia’s Black Sea coast in the Krasnodar region, regional governor Veniamin Kondratyev said, adding that 40 others were wounded. Three other people were killed and two were wounded in Ukraine’s overnight attack on the illegally ...

Michigan reports first 2 parasite deaths

National News August 3, 2026

DETROIT — Two people have died in the cyclospora outbreak in Michigan, state health officials announced Monday, the first deaths confirmed in the U.S. related to the microscopic parasite. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said both people had underlying health conditions that may have been impacted by the intestinal illness and dehydration. The department said it would not provide additional information about the deaths. Cyclospora is a microscopic, spherical parasite that commonly causes watery diarrhea “with frequent and sometimes explosive bowel ...

Local Business August 3, 2026

As the Pirates make their playoff push, Sheetz is giving Pirates fans a reason to cheer. Beginning at 5 a.m. Wednesday, fans can score an exclusive Sheetz Freakz x Pittsburgh Pirates Bobblehead, available only with the purchase of a $14.99 “Sh’tacked Lineup” bundle at participating Sheetz locations. The Sh’tacked lineup bundle includes a Lawnchair Burger, Biggz Fryz, iced punch lemonade and the bobblehead. Bobbleheads will not be sold separately. Each participating store will be limited to 100 bundles available for purchase. Altoona Sheetz locations taking part include: 5706 ...

Stocks rally near record as oil falls

Local Business August 3, 2026

NEW YORK — The U.S. stock market rallied to the edge of its all-time high on Monday after easing oil prices helped calm Wall Street’s worries that inflation could get even worse. The S&P 500 jumped 1.5% and is just 0.1% below its record set earlier this summer. It was coming off a frenetic July, where it swung up and down as oil prices shot higher because of the war with Iran, before ultimately ending the month just about where it started. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which measures a narrower slice of the U.S. stock market, climbed 693 points, or 1.3%, to an all-time high, ...

Low Danube River water levels push countries to energy brink

Local Business August 3, 2026

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Numerous governments across Central and Eastern Europe are taking steps to conserve electricity and avert an energy crisis as record low water levels on the Danube River have forced power plants to the brink of shutting down. Persistent drought and successive extreme ...