Western PA Local News category, Page 1551
Mother describes ‘nightmare’ after blast destroyed her family’s Plum home
It was a normal Friday night for Laura Petty and her family at their new home on Hialeah Drive in Plum. It was shortly after 11 p.m. She was sleeping, and her husband, Jake Rabb, had fallen asleep in the living room. Of their three sons, Dean, 2, and Colin,...
Vandergrift woman’s murder trial ends with plea deal to lesser charge
A Vandergrift woman pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree murder, putting an end to her homicide trial during which prosecutors claimed she intentionally fired three shots, killing her cousin in 2018. Ashley Marie Croft, 38, will serve a 15- to 30-year prison sentence under terms of the plea deal. Croft did...
4 charities receive Mellon Foundation grants to assist Ukrainian refugees in Pittsburgh
Four Pittsburgh nonprofits with experience helping resettle refugees will receive nearly a half million dollars to assist Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn home country. The money – about $499,999 – comes from the Richard King Mellon Foundation and will be divided among the Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, Hello Neighbor, the Holy...
Survey: 93% of Pittsburgh hospital workers are thinking about leaving profession
The pandemic has been extremely hard on health care workers, with hospitals facing record high patient numbers during the past two years. Many workers have reported burnout, long hours, and feeling hopeless. A new survey from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh confirms those reports. So much so that among...
Detectives charge 2 more in Westmoreland prison drug smuggling scheme
A former inmate at the Westmoreland County Prison is back behind bars after being accused by county detectives of participating in a Suboxone smuggling scheme with another inmate. Brad M. Rentz, 43, of Indiana, was arrested Monday by county Detective James Williams and accused of conspiring with another inmate, Jamie...
Richland History Group: Why were the greenhouses of Pittsburgh Cut Flower abandoned?
Have you ever driven past the former Pittsburgh Cut Flower property on Bakerstown Road and wondered why 13 acres of greenhouses were abandoned, becoming overgrown by trees and shrubs pushing through their frames? Global market changes brought an end to a business that supplied many of the city’s flowers for...
Brackenridge seeking money from Allegheny County to fight blight by razing vacant buildings
Brackenridge Council is seeking money from Allegheny County to launch an anti-blight effort. Council last week voted to apply for about $129,000 to raze several vacant or dilapidated structures. Most are residential properties, Borough Secretary Denise Tocco said. “All of them have been vacant a long time,” she said. Borough...
Deer Lakes High School students plan walkout Friday to protest bullying, discrimination
After what he called “countless empty promises by the administration,” Deer Lakes High School senior Kevin Hoffman said he is compelled to speak up about bullying against him not being handled by the school. Since middle school, he said, he has faced racism, sexual harassment and threats. Each time he...
Gainey announces nominations for various City of Pittsburgh departments
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey on Monday announced his latest nominations to lead various city departments, as well as his appointment for city treasurer. Gainey has nominated Kathryn Vargas, current acting director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Chris Hornstein, current acting director of Public Works and Kim Lucas, current...
Trib Total Media co-sponsoring Democratic Senate debate
Spotlight PA and its members, including Trib Total Media, are sponsoring a debate Monday among Democratic candidates running for U.S. Senate. The four candidates running in Pennsylvania’s primary election for the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination — John Fetterman, Malcolm Kenyatta, Alexandria Khalil and Conor Lamb — are scheduled to appear...
1 of 2 missing New Kensington teens back home, tips sought on 2nd missing girl
One of two runaway teenage girls that the New Kensington Police Department has been searching for has returned home safe. Monae Matthews, 15, who left home in March returned over the weekend, according to authorities. Police are still seeking the public’s helping locating the second girl, Sarah Chessario, 14, who...
Vehicle crashes through wall at Forest Hills hair salonVideo
Anthony Fazio woke Monday to a 2:30 a.m. call from Forest Hills police informing him that someone had crashed a truck into his salon, Fazio’s Hair Designs. “When they said a hole in the wall, I didn’t expect this,” Fazio said gesturing toward an opening as tall as him. “I...
Proposed subdivision could lead to another development on Tarentum Bridge Road
A new restaurant may be coming to Tarentum Bridge Road in New Kensington. It would be located on a parcel city officials are considering creating between Shamey’s Gulf Service and the main entrance to Giant Eagle, in front of the Quality Inn. City Council is scheduled to vote May 2...
Communities across Pittsburgh region participate in Drug Take Back Day
Residents across the Pittsburgh region will be able to rid themselves of unwanted medication Saturday as several communities participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Locations include: • Oakmont: Rite Aid, 109 Allegheny River Blvd. • Aspinwall: Municipal office, 217...
In brief: Library events, rummage sale and more around Sewickley
Library events Sewickley Public Library will offer spring craft to-go kits at 10 a.m. May 3 in the children’s department, 500 Thorn St. The free kits are geared for children preschool to second grade, and are available while supplies last. Mother Goose on the Loose, an online storytime for babies...
Happenings for the week of April 25, 2022: Y’s Healthy Kids Day, library events in Plum
Y’s Healthy Kids Day scheduled YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Healthy Kids Day will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 30 at locations including the Sampson Family YMCA, 2200 Golden Mile Highway, Plum. The event features activities such as swim lessons, paint by numbers and relays to motivate and teach...
In brief: Shade Tree Commission planting trees, history program and more in Penn Hills
Mental Wellness & Suicide Prevention Day SAFE Task Force and Penn Hills School District are teaming up for Mental Wellness & Suicide PRevention Day, 1-4:30 p.m. May 7. The free community event will take place at Penn Hills High School and feature a panel discussion with former University of Pittsburgh...
Happenings for week of April 25, 2022: Expo, storytime in Monroeville
Tattoos, Booze & Tacos Expo coming to convention center Gratzie Ventures presents its Tattoos, Booze & Tacos Expo April 29 through May 1 at the Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd. Hours are 2-10 p.m. April 29, noon to 10 p.m. April 30 and noon to 6 p.m. May 1....
Happenings for April 25, 2022: Elks dinner, tree planting in Bethel Park
Elks dinner benefits shipping items to Ukraine The Pittsburgh South Hills Elks Lodge is hosting a fundraising dinner from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 and include a pasta dinner and dessert. Proceeds from the dinner will offset the cost of shipping donated items to Ukraine. Purchase tickets from...
In brief: Brentwood race volunteers needed, summer senior trips and more in the South Hills
Eileen Kline Community Walk Baldwin High School Stadium will be the site of the Eileen Kline Community Walk on May 21, which will raise funds for the American Heart Association. It will also honor the legacy of “Nurse” Kline. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10. For...
In brief: Mother’s Day flower sale, Sealarks Women’s Group and more in the North Hills
Healthy Kids Day The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, including the Baierl Family YMCA in Franklin Park, is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day on April 30, encouraging families to take a moment to help kids be kids and set them up for a summer of success. The daylong event will...
In brief: Shaler Garden Club plant sale, Bike Rodeo and more
Plant sale Time to trade your winter gloves for your gardening gloves and spruce up your garden at the Shaler Garden Club’s 68th annual plant sale from 9 a.m.-noon May 7 at the Kiwanis Park on Wetzel Road in Glenshaw. Hardy perennials from members’ gardens will be offered at bargain...
The Stroller, April 25, 2022: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least a week in advance to vndnews@triblive.com. Please include a daytime telephone number. Four-day river trip planned in June The Conemaugh Valley Conservancy will sponsor the Stony-Kiski-Conemaugh River Sojourn June 2 to 5. The...
Police say man in critical condition after stabbing in Homewood South
Pittsburgh police are investigating after a man was stabbed Sunday in the city’s Homewood South section. Emergency crews responded to the 700 block of Brushton Avenue at about 7:30 p.m. Responders found a man with multiple stab wounds to the abdomen, according to Public Information Officer Maurice Matthews. The victim...
Looking to protect Pa.’s natural heritage? Become a master naturalist volunteer
Westmoreland County residents hoping to get their hands dirty this summer while learning how to protect the state’s natural resources can participate in training to become a master naturalist volunteer. The courses — hosted by the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist and Brandywine Conservancy at Penguin Court, a preserve near Laughlintown —...
