News

Israel, Hezbollah agree to end fight

International News June 19, 2026

JERUSALEM — Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to halt the heavy fighting in southern Lebanon that had threatened to unravel an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end their war, officials said. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah immediately confirmed the truce. It came after a heavy exchange of fire killed 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. Hezbollah and Israel went to war shortly after the outbreak of the wider conflict, with Hezbollah firing rockets and drones at civilian communities in northern Israel and Israel seizing ...

Juneteenth celebrated across US

National News June 19, 2026

DALLAS — As people gathered across the U.S. to celebrate Juneteenth on Friday, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama welcomed the first visitors to his presidential center. Located on a sprawling campus on Chicago’s South Side, the center honoring the ...

James Burrows, director of comedies including ‘Cheers’ and ‘Friends,’ dies at 85

National News June 19, 2026

LOS ANGELES — James Burrows, who helped create volumes of laughter as director of more than a thousand episodes of such classic television comedies as “Cheers,” “Taxi,” “Friends” and “Will and Grace,” died Friday. He was 85. His family confirmed his death in a statement to People, saying he “passed away peacefully today surrounded by his family.” No location or cause of death was provided. Burrows spent his career behind the camera specializing in situation comedies. Few viewers recognized him or knew his name, other than to see it flash quickly on the screen in ...

Celebrating Juneteenth

Local News June 19, 2026

Karen Ferguson of Altoona dances to the band 8-1-FUNK during Blair County’s Juneteenth Jubilee Block Party and Cook-Out at Prospect Park on Friday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Restoring glory: Blair County Historical Society starts off long-term slate of Baker Mansion projects

Local News June 19, 2026

The Blair County Historical Society is starting to fulfill a multi-year $2 million-plus plan for restoration and preservation of its Baker Mansion with a $200,000 project comprising repairs on the columns — front and back — and the second floor porch in back. The Pittsburgh ...

Trio who met as Little League players, coach celebrates enduring bond of friendship

Local News June 19, 2026

To develop and thrive on the long and challenging path to adulthood, children need a solid foundation and a stable home base. Carl Fochler and Dr. Zane Gates — two graduates of Bishop Guilfoyle High School (now Bishop Guilfoyle Academy) — both benefited from those steady, nurturing and ...