'We Need To Know You're OK': A Mother's Plea For Missing Daughter

ACROSS AMERICA — It’s Wednesday, Sept. 15. We’re halfway through the week, but before you forge through your day, here’s what’s happening across the country:

• Another D.C. rally is planned. This one supports Jan. 6 rioters.
• “Jeopardy!” stage renamed for Alex Trebek.
• Tropical Storm Harvey slows, dumping rain on the Gulf Coast.
• The Met Gala returns to New York City.

Capitol Refortified Ahead Of Rally

Washington, D.C., officials are preparing for a weekend rally supporting those who were jailed after storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. To prepare for the event, Capitol Police this week decided to reinstall security fencing around the American landmark.

Capitol Police officials said they are aware of "concerning online chatter" about Saturday's demonstration.

"We are here to protect everyone's First Amendment right to peacefully protest," Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger said. "I urge anyone who is thinking about causing trouble to stay home. We will enforce the law and not tolerate violence." » Read the full story on Washington, D.C., Patch

‘We Just Need To See You Again’

Gabrielle Petito had been on the road since early July, touring national parks in a camper van with her boyfriend. Petito would check in with mother, Nichole Schmidt, when she could, but cell phone service was spotty.

Somewhere along the way, Petito vanished.

Schmidt last saw her daughter in person in July. As the investigation continues into the mysterious disappearance, Schmidt said she wants her daughter to come home safe.

"We love you so much," Schmidt said, addressing Petito, adding, "We just need to see you again. We need to know you're OK." » Read the full story on Patchogue, New York, Patch

Norm Macdonald, 'SNL' Comedian, Dies

Comic Norm Macdonald, a former "Saturday Night Live" writer and performer who was "Weekend Update" host during the 1990s, has died. Macdonald, who was 61, died Tuesday after a nine-year battle with cancer that he kept private. » Read the full story on Across America Patch

Stars Stun At Met Gala

It wasn't on the first Monday in May this year, but New York City finally saw the return of the Met Gala this week. This year's theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” is the first in a two-part series on American fashion celebrating the Costume Institute's 75th anniversary. An array of celebrities and influencers climbed the museum stairs, showcasing past and current American designers. » See photos on Across America Patch

Nicholas Eyes Storm-Ravaged Louisiana

Tropical Storm Nicholas slowed to a crawl Tuesday over southeastern Texas and southwestern Louisiana after blowing ashore as a hurricane, knocking out power to a half-million homes and businesses and dumping more than a foot of rain along the same area swamped by Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

Nicholas could potentially stall over storm-battered Louisiana and bring life-threatening floods across the Deep South over the coming days, forecasters said. » Read more on Across America Patch

What Is A Fitting Tribute?

Those behind "Jeopardy!" dedicated the game show’s stage to Alex Trebek, the late host who died from pancreatic cancer in November 2020. The stage was renamed the Alex Trebek Stage at Sony Pictures studios during the show's taping in August, which aired Monday. Trebek's widow, Jean Trebek, and children also attended the dedication. » Read the full story on Culver City Patch

This Day In History: In 1978, Muhammad Ali won the world heavyweight boxing championship for the third time with his victory over Leon Spinks.

Around ‘The Patch’

• Using Federal Funds, These New Jersey Residents Get $1,500 For Vaccine, via Hoboken Patch
• Winn-Dixie's Parent Company Sponsors 4 Major Pride Festivals, via Tampa Bay Patch
• Evacuees From Afghanistan Have Measles; Health Note Issued, via Falls Church, Virginia, Patch
• Woman Drops Suit Alleging Harvey Weinstein Assaulted Her, via Beverly Hills Patch
• COVID Closes Some Philadelphia Schools Again, via Chestnut Hill-Mt. Airy Patch
• No, Sewage Did Not Spill On Fans At FedEx Field, via Bowie, Maryland, Patch
• Patient Who Wanted Ivermectin For COVID-19 Dies, via Chicago Patch

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