A couple of kitchen fires overnight kept local firefighters busy. According to Washington County 9-1-1, the first was in the 1300 block of St. Route 18 in Hanover Township around 11 last night. And then another in North Charleroi on Liberty Avenue at 2:00 a.m. Local fire departments quickly responded to both incidents. No one was injured in either fire, no evacuations and everything was reportedly under control.
The 2026 Washington County Prayer Gathering will be held at the Washington County Fairgrounds tomorrow, from 1:00-6:00 p.m. The event, which will be hosted by various partners, will feature a meal, guest speakers, live musica and public baptisms. There will be congregations and ministries from across the region. Pat O’Brien, the President of Men of Honor Ministries, explains that the day will be full of great fellowship and community, while also offering time for worship, prayer and testimony. O’Brien says he appreciates the support of the community and the Washington County Commissioners, who made a proclamation naming September 13 as the Washington County Day of Prayer. The event is open to the public and admission is free. More information can be found at www.PrayerGathering.com.
Friday marked 25 years since terrorists hijacked airliners and crashed them into the World Trade Center, The Pentagon and a vacant field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. South Strabane Township police and fire departments held their annual 9/11 memorial on a bright, blue sky morning honoring the 2977 people that were killed that day. More than 100 people were on hand as a single bell tolled to open the ceremony. Pastor Gary Gibson, Chaplain of the Washington Health System reflected on the unity the nation felt immediately after the event and how our seemingly divided nation needs to return to that unity, knowing we are all children of God. Pastor Robert Grewe, South Strabane Fire and Washington County Sheriff’s Chaplain drew comparisons between the hymn “Amazing Grace” with the lyric ‘once blind, but now I see’ and the experience first responders must have felt when they heroically were blinded by smoke as they entered and exited the rubble of the World Trade Center trying to save anyone they could. Donna Gmitter was working as a Service Director for United Airlines that day. She recalled how difficult it was trying to answer questions for victim’s families when they had no answers themselves and, in fact, were looking for 17 aircraft that could not be traced. Departing South Strabane Township Fire Chief Jordan called for understanding among people and to make sure that first responders and victims and their families remain supported by the September 11 Victim Compensation Fund and advocacy for them is never diminished.
Washington County Community Foundation President and CEO Aliesha Walz, says they are still counting the donations, but as of Friday, the Day of Giving raised more than $1.68 million for the local nonprofit community. Walz says WCCF Gives 2026 brought donors, nonprofits, businesses, and neighbors together for another extraordinary day of giving across Washington County. Every contribution made through WCCF Gives helps participating charities continue the work they do right here at home. Whether you made a gift, shared a participating charity’s story, or helped spread the word about WCCF Gives, the WCCF says thank you for being part of it. And while Gives Day may be over, we’re not quite finished counting. Mailed gifts are still being received, and final prizes, including Power Boost awards, are being calculated. We’ll share the official WCCF Gives 2026 grant totals soon.
NEW DELHI (AP) — Leaders of the BRICS nations are meeting in New Delhi today for a summit focused on trade, investment, and global conflicts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hosting Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and others. The summit comes amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with rising U.S.-China tensions. BRICS, founded in 2006, now includes 11 members and represents about half the world’s population. The leaders are expected to discuss economic cooperation, energy, food security, and reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar. Russia and China see BRICS as a way to reduce Western dominance.
[AP]-Houthi rebels in Yemen are advancing toward a crucial trade chokepoint. Attacks blamed on Iraqi militias forced the closure of a major pipeline. Iran and its allies are unleashing a nightmare scenario for Saudi Arabia and unsettling global markets. Control over the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could allow the Iran-backed rebels to cut off another major export route for Saudi oil as Iran disrupts the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudis could use U.S. support to fight back. But President Donald Trump seems reluctant to widen an already unpopular and stalemated war in the Middle East.
DUBLIN (AP) — President Donald Trump has arrived in Dublin for talks with Ireland’s president and prime minister. It’s part of a weekend trip that has more to do with a major golf tournament being played at a club he owns in Doonbeg. The American president is set to hold separate meetings Saturday with Irish President Catherine Connolly and Prime Minister Micheál Martin. Trump also plans remarks to U.S. and Irish business leaders at the U.S. ambassador’s official residence before he travels to Doonbeg, on the country’s Atlantic coast. The Irish Open ends Sunday. Trump then returns to Washington.
