When the Franklin County Courthouse was renovated and expanded, architects designed it with flood prevention in mind. However, the relentless flooding in Frankfort proved too powerful this time, inundating the building and reaching several feet inside. The most affected area was the Clerk’s Office, home to important court files. Judges, lawyers, courthouse and judicial employees sprang into action to save thousands of documents at risk of being ruined. | LEX 18

January 7, 2026 — rural Franklin County, Pennsylvania, near Route 30 The wind hit hard without warning. A massive oak cracked halfway up the trunk, wood popping loud enough to turn heads. The caretaker froze just as the tree started to go, branches tearing loose and falling fast. The horse reared, eyes wide. The tree missed them by feet — slamming into the paddock fence instead, shaking the ground and exploding into splinters. Leaves and dust rained down as the horse bolted, lead rope ripped fro