News

Van Zandt VA Medical Center holding virtual Tele-Town Hall

Local News August 25, 2026

The Van Zandt VA Medical Center is holding a virtual, live Tele-Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. today, Wednesday, Aug. 26, to help veterans learn about health care eligibility. Participants can listen to VA staff, ask questions and obtain personalized guidance on applying for benefits. The session is intended to explain the scope of potential benefits and to debunk the common myths and misconceptions about eligibility, income and private insurance that sometimes lead veterans to delay seeking help, according to a Van Zandt news release. More than 93% of VA patients report that they trust their ...

Iran, Oman hold talks on Strait of Hormuz

International News August 25, 2026

The top diplomats of Iran and Oman met on Tuesday to discuss a phased approach to managing ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains largely shut down nearly six months after the Iran war began. The talks came after an oil tanker was disabled in an attack off the coast of Oman, underscoring the ongoing dangers for shipping companies attempting to use the waterway while it’s under Iranian control. Here’s a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East. Full coverage can be found here. Iran and Oman issue statement on Strait ...

Antis Township to get new fire hydrants

Local News August 25, 2026

Antis Township, Excelsior Fire Department No. 1 of Bellwood and the Altoona Water Authority are working together to install eight new fire hydrants in the township. Five hydrants have been installed so far: along Spruce, Kingdom and Reed streets in Tipton and on Grandview Road near Reightown Road and on Becker Road at the top of a hill where an authority water line crosses, according to township Manager Doug Brown. Officials are working to determine the other locations. The hydrants are generally being placed in underserved areas where firefighters would need to use tankers or where ...

Burns: Dolly Parton touched lives of many

Local News August 25, 2026

State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, who worked to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Cambria County five years ago, praised Dolly Parton as a champion of child literacy who left a legacy of educating children to achieve their dreams. “Dolly Parton touched the lives of many children — and many right here in Cambria County,” Burns said. “She had a vision to foster a love of reading in all children and she made it happen. Like her, I’ve always believed that reading is a gateway skill that makes all other learning possible, which is why I wanted to help bring the Dolly ...

Wildfire rips through ranchlands

National News August 25, 2026

A wildfire that exploded in size in a matter of hours ripped through wide swaths of ranchland in rural Texas, burning structures at a youth camp while forcing evacuations and closing schools Tuesday. The fire, which began early Monday afternoon, charred more than 78 square miles in less than a day across lightly populated areas in two counties in north central Texas. Fueled by whipping winds along with extremely hot and dry conditions, the Ross Fire jumped creeks and rivers, residents said. “It just took off way too fast,” said Katie Rochelle, whose fifth-generation family canoe ...

Parties seek additional footage in bar fight case

Local News August 25, 2026

HOLLIDAYSBURG — The defense and prosecution in the case of the city man charged with third-degree murder told a Blair County judge Tuesday morning that they are working to obtain additional surveillance footage of the alleged bar fight that left another man dead in January. Corey Lexus ...