September 17, 2026 5:46 pm
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it as President Donald Trump has threatened. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said Thursday his ruling would “avoid any confusion on that score given more recent events.” Earlier, Matt Floca, the Kennedy Center’s executive director and chief operating officer, said he closed the iconic performing arts center temporarily due to “acute risks to public safety resulting from continued structural deterioration” of the aging building.
September 17, 2026 12:50 pm
Washington, PA – The Ebenezer Bridge and Henry Bridge sites of the EQT Washington & Greene Counties’ Covered Bridge Festival, scheduled for this weekend at Mingo Creek County Park, have been cancelled due to flooding and the potential of additional rainfall. The cancellation only involves the Ebenezer Bridge and Henry Bridge sites and does not currently affect the additional covered bridge sites involved in the festival. The decision was made in consultation with the Washington County Department of Parks & Recreation, Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency, who manages the Ebenezer Bridge site; and Mental Health Association of Washington County, who manages the Henry Bridge site; with public safety as the primary consideration. Recent heavy rainfall has resulted in significant flooding and challenging conditions at Mingo Creek County Park, while the potential for additional rainfall creates further concerns for safely hosting the festival at the park this weekend. “Each covered bridge site involved in the festival is operated by individual groups and we have been in contact with them to inform them of our decision. Currently, the other sites are moving forward with their festivities, but we encourage everyone to visit CoveredBridgeFest.net for all festival updates,” stated Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. (Photo courtesy of WCTPA)
September 17, 2026 12:16 pm
LATROBE, Pa. — The Luke Bryan show scheduled for Thursday evening in Latrobe has been canceled due to field conditions. The show, which is part of Bryan’s 2026 Farm Tour, was to take place at 1846 Farms on Bell Memorial Church Road. “This call was made for everyone’s safety on the grounds,” organizers posted on bigtickets.com. Organizers said a full refund for tickets and parking will be processed automatically to the original payment method and will appear in 7-10 business days. Following the cancelation announcement, 1846 Farms posted a statement on Facebook: “We are incredibly saddened for our community, our guests, and everyone who worked so hard to prepare for this day. But today is also a reminder of something farmers know all too well you can prepare, plan, and work tirelessly, but ultimately, you cannot control the weather. “Our area has experienced an exceptionally wet summer, with record amounts of rainfall creating challenges that are simply beyond anyone’s control. “It’s a reality farmers face every day, and it speaks to the incredible character, resilience, and grit of the men and women who continue to get back up and keep going, season after season. “God bless our farmers. “There will be sunny days ahead. From all of us at 1846 Farms, thank you for the tremendous support you’ve shown our farm and our community. We look forward to the day we can welcome you all back again.”
September 17, 2026 1:39 pm
This past weekend, on Saturday September 12, 2026, the City experienced a significant flooding event. City officials are seeking assistance for residents whose properties were damaged. Damage from the flooding can be reported by clicking the following link: https://crisistrack.juvare.com/public/washingtonPA/request.html After reporting damage to Crisis Track, you may also report to the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator by emailing with the following required information: Name/Address/Phone number/Email Address and description of damages and estimated dollar amount. The Emergency Management Coordinator can be reached at cricher@washingtonpa.us If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Mayor JoJo Burgess at: 724-223-1380
September 17, 2026 3:54 pm
AAA East Central and the South Strabane Police Department gave a presentation about cybercrimes and identity theft at the AAA Washington Branch Office. Presenters talked about phone scams, credit card scams, and ways to protect your identity. AAA safety advisor J.J. Miller explains that anyone can fall victim to cybercrimes. Miller says that consumers must work to protect their identity at all costs, and she hopes that this program gave valuable information. Mike Schidlmeier, a detective with the South Strabane Police Department, says it is important to report anything suspicious to the police to help prevent scams. Schidlmeier reminds citizens that falling victim to a cybercrime is nothing to be embarrassed about because, in the world today, everyone is vulnerable.
September 17, 2026 6:10 pm
239 years after the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, members of W&J college came to the Courthouse to take turns to read aloud the document. Constitution Day is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens. It is observed on Sept. 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. Constitution Day became a holiday in 2004 when Senator Robert Bryd from the state of West Virginia was concerned that American citizens were losing the connection to the document and we have been celebrating the day ever since then.
September 16, 2026 2:39 am
Severe storms that resulted in a major flooding event impacted areas across Washington County on Sept. 12, 2026. Since the event, Washington County Emergency Management has been working in coordination with municipal Local Emergency Management Coordinators to assess the impacts and assist communities. While many residents and business owners may have already reported damage to their insurance companies or municipal officials, Washington County is asking residents and businesses to also self-report flood-related damage to their homes, businesses or property through the county’s online damage reporting system. Residents and businesses submitting a report should provide information about the extent of the damage and include photographs, if possible. “We appreciate the patience and support of residents and business owners as we work through this process. The more information we have, the clearer the picture becomes of the overall impact, helping the county respond to this aftermath and prepare for future storms,” said Deputy Director of Washington County Emergency Management Dan Harvey. Submitting a damage report does not guarantee financial assistance or reimbursement from any entity. Rather, the information will help Washington County Emergency Management and municipal leaders develop a complete assessment of flood-related damage throughout the county to aid in this aftermath and future storms. If you have immediate needs, we are asking residents to contact their local municipality and speak with their Local Emergency Management Coordinator. The coordinator will work with Washington County Emergency Management to address reported needs. If you have questions about the online reporting system or experience difficulties submitting a report, contact the Washington County Department of Public Safety at 724-228-6911 or email damage@washcopa.gov.
September 16, 2026 2:30 am
PITTSBURGH — A hearing in federal court for a Butler County man who authorities say was planning an ISIS-inspired terrorist attack was waived on Wednesday. Twenty-one-year-old Jonathan Kramer was arrested on Saturday at the Cranberry Park Hotel. Investigators said he had a semi-automatic rifle and 190 rounds of ammunition, with the alleged intent to commit terrorism. “He armed himself to carry out a mass attack against the American people and was doing so right here in the suburbs of Pittsburgh,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec said. He had been on the FBI’s radar since 2023 when he was charged with having child porn and his role in a “plot to commit a mass casualty” event. A future court date has not yet been decided.
September 17, 2026 4:50 am
STRASBOURG, France (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will address the European Parliament on Thursday after President Donald Trump suggested allowing Canada to become an associate EU member could be a “hostile act” and threatened additional tariffs on Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the bloc’s first associate member as Trump’s tariffs, demands for economic concessions and repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state drive Ottawa closer to Europe. Carney has urged middle powers to reduce their dependence on dominant powers, warning at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January that economic integration can become a source of coercion. Canada and the EU are also deepening ties on defense, energy and critical minerals.
September 16, 2026 4:51 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is blasting Federal Reserve governors after the board raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time since 2023 in an effort to quell stubbornly high inflation. The central bank also signaled another rate hike could occur later this year. Trump called the governors politicians and said they’re trying to hurt him politically. The quarter-point increase lifts the Fed’s key rate to about 3.9% and, over time, could result in higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans and credit cards. The move comes as Americans are already struggling with high costs for groceries, gas and housing. Affordability has taken on a leading role in the upcoming midterm elections, just seven weeks away.
