July 2, 2026 10:20 am
Pennsylvania American Water is asking customers to use water more efficiently. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 30% of Pennsylvania is experiencing abnormally dry conditions. The Pennsylvania DEP drought information website lists 15 counties under a drought watch. Fixing household leaks will help conserve water. Helpful hints to conserve water outdoors are; water plants early in the day or even at night, collect rainwater in barrels for use on plants, make sure sprinkler heads are not pointing to pavement and use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. More tips and resources are available at PAWC’s Wise Water Use page.
July 2, 2026 4:01 am
With temperatures in the 90s this week, Washington County residents are finding ways to beat the heat. DeAnna Martin, the Washington Park Director, says that the community pool has seen an uptick in attendance, even at the beginning of the week. Martin believes that the pool offers a place for the community to come together, cool off, and have fun. Doreen Diesel of South Franklin Township explains that her eight-year-old grandson loves to see his teammates and classmates at the pool throughout the summer. Star Ashman, who lives in Washington and goes to the pool frequently, says that it definitely keeps people cooled down, but it is still important to stay hydrated in the heat. People of all ages have been enjoying the pool. Thirteen-year-old Arilynne Gaydos says that even with a crowd, it is still a fun time! DeAnna Martin reminds the community to remember sunscreen and to stay safe in the heat.
July 1, 2026 2:43 am
The Main Street Farmer’s Market has been cancelled for Thursday, July 2nd because of the current heat wave that is baking much of the United States, including Washington County. Tracie Liberatore, the markets administrator, says they really had no choice. She says they’ve been keeping an eye on the weather forecast and Thursday is expected to be the hottest day this week, with actual temperatures in the upper 90’s and the heat index heading into triple digits. She says many of the markets customers are older and could be at risk if they spend too much time outdoors. In addition, she says a few vendors had already cancelled because they were concerned that their products could not have survived the heat and that sales, because of the heat, would not be up to par. Liberatore says this is the first time she can remember, since her involvement with the market, that it has been cancelled because of the weather. Brighter days are ahead though. Liberatore says they are excited for the next market, on July 9th. She says that will be the official kick-off for the Whiskey Rebellion Festival, and this year will be extra special because of the America250 Celebration. She says she and all of the volunteers that make the festival happen are super excited to showcase the history of Washington.
July 2, 2026 4:09 am
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russia has launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine’s capital with missiles and drones that has killed at least 13 people and injured 86. Authorities said residential buildings and civilian infrastructure were damaged across the city from the attack overnight into Thursday. Rescue workers and equipment were deployed to handle the aftermath of the attack, and the toll may rise. Many residents took shelter at metro stations. Russia has intensified its attacks on Kyiv in recent weeks, even as Ukraine’s own long-range drone campaign against Russian military sites and energy facilities has caused fuel shortages and disrupted supply lines inside Russia. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called on Ukraine’s allies to strengthen the country’s air defenses.
July 1, 2026 4:43 am
Russia likely used shadow ships to launch drones over Europe that repeatedly disrupted civilian aviation, as it monitored military sites and tested the air defenses of NATO nations. That’s according to a report published Thursday by the International Institute of Strategic Studies think tank. The report was shared before publication with The Associated Press. It plotted 144 suspected drone sightings across Europe between 2024 and 2026, including in several NATO countries. Those sightings peaked in late 2025, forcing the temporary closure of several European airports, including in Germany, Spain and Denmark.
July 2, 2026 4:06 am
New Jersey is set to charge companies whose workers have Medicaid health coverage. California’s lawmakers are calling on their state to lay out a plan for doing the same thing next year. It’s an idea that other states have considered this year as new federal policies mean fewer people have coverage and states have to foot more of the bill when they do. The affected companies oppose it. So do some liberal organizations, who fear that it will make it harder for lower-income people to get and keep jobs — and could discourage some from getting Medicaid coverage.
July 2, 2026 4:04 am
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The Vatican has responded aggressively to a traditionalist society that consecrated bishops without the pope’s consent. The Vatican on Thursday declared the Society of St. Pius X in schism, excommunicating its bishops and warning its faithful. The Vatican’s doctrine office went above and beyond the minimal sanctions foreseen by the church’s canon law to respond to the consecrations Wednesday of four new bishops at the society’s Econe, Switzerland, seminary. The Vatican has excommunicated the four new bishops and the two bishops that participated in the ceremony. It declared the consecrations a “schismatic act” and declared that the society itself had created a schism, or intentional rupture with the Catholic Church.
July 2, 2026 5:46 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding is set to begin at New York’s Madison Square Garden at 5 p.m. Friday. The event could last until 4 a.m. the next morning. A city permit obtained by The Associated Press confirms the details. The application for a “special event” was approved Wednesday night by New York City’s permitting office. Several people familiar with the matter have confirmed the permit is tied to the wedding. A pre-party celebration for 100 guests is planned for Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Swift’s representative has not responded to requests for comment. (Photo: AP)
July 1, 2026 1:52 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — Two people have gotten to the top of the Empire State Building’s antenna and unfurled a banner about “the power of love” before starting to descend. They have since been arrested. News helicopter video showed the black-clad people balancing on a ledge on top of the antenna at midday Wednesday. It’s unclear how they gained access to the antenna. It rises well above public areas of the 102-story building. A message seeking comment has been sent to the building’s management. The banner reads: “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”
July 1, 2026 8:18 am
Kroger plans to buy Pittsburgh-based grocery chain Giant Eagle. In a news release, Kroger announced a definitive agreement to acquire Giant Eagle for $1.65 billion, which includes 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. “Giant Eagle is a well-run, high-quality regional grocer with a strong reputation for fresh products, pharmacy, private label and customer loyalty,” said Greg Foran, Chief Executive Officer at Kroger. “We evaluated the opportunity carefully, and the strategic fit is clear. Giant Eagle expands our reach into attractive adjacent markets, allowing us to do what we do best: Run outstanding stores, deliver fresh foods and convenient meal solutions at affordable prices, and take care of our customers and associates every single day.” “Today’s announcement marks an exciting next chapter for our Team Members, customers, vendors and community partners,” said Bill Artman, Chief Executive Officer at Giant Eagle. Artman says Giant Eagle will keep its name and will continue to run their Giant Eagle Supermarket, Giant Eagle Pharmacy, and Market District brands as a division of Kroger. In addition, Artman says Kroger also plans to keep Giant Eagle’s myPerks loyalty program “while exploring additional opportunities to expand its reach.” The release from Kroger stated that Kroger and Giant Eagle expect to make “limited Giant Eagle store divestitures” to complete the transaction. It’s unknown how many stores will be sold off.The transaction is expected to close in 2027.
