Class action lawsuit filed against funeral director accused of dumping pet remains
Two of the thousands of pet owners allegedly defrauded by a local funeral director have filed a class action lawsuit in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. They’re seeking financial damages from Patrick Vereb, who ran funeral homes in Pittsburgh and Harrison until being hit with multiple felony charges earlier...
Fetterman’s ex-chief of staff warned doctor of mental health concerns, report says
The former chief of staff to U.S. Sen. John Fetterman grew so concerned about the Pennsylvania Democrat’s behavior last year he wrote a detailed letter to Fetterman’s doctor, warning that the politician appeared to be experiencing significant mental health challenges that could pose serious risks to his well-being, according to...
Ligonier Valley School Board member Joseph Vella dies suddenly at home
The Ligonier Valley School District community was shocked this week by the unexpected death of school board member Joseph Vella. Vella, 54, who was midway through his first term on the board, died Tuesday at his Ligonier Township home. The cause of death has yet to be determined, according to...
Prayers pour in for Pirates fan hurt in fall from PNC Park stands
A 20-year-old Pirates fan who fell 21 feet from the Clemente Wall in right field of PNC Park during Wednesday’s win against the Chicago Cubs remained in critical condition Friday. Friends and family of Kavan Markwood, who has ties to several Mon Valley towns including McKeesport and Liberty, didn’t respond...
Detour announced for Hulton Road in Oakmont
PennDOT officials have announced a detour implemented for Hulton Road, which is closed between Allegheny Avenue and Fifth Street in Oakmont. The state road was among many devastated by Tuesday’s storms. Police Chief Michael Ford said he anticipated the main thoroughfare to be closed for at least a few days...
Study highlights economic impact of Westmoreland Cultural Trust
The Westmoreland Cultural Trust, through its operation of the Palace Theatre in Greensburg and other real estate holdings and sponsored activities, had an economic impact to the county of nearly $13 million last year, according to a study released by the nonprofit agency. Executive Director Benjamin Luczak said the trust...
Days after devastating storm, thousands hold on without power
Rico, 71, and Chris Fontana, 68, were left trapped in their powerless Allegheny Township home after Tuesday’s violent storm downed a large pine tree across their driveway and scattered wires, trees and a transformer across the nearby road. Living on well water, the Fontanas were left with dry shower heads...
Ross offers municipal building for electronics charging; dumpster to be set up for spoiled food, storm debris
Ross officials are inviting residents who remain without power from Tuesday’s deadly storm to stop by the township municipal building, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive, to use its WiFi and charge electronic devices. As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, more than 2,300 Duquesne Light customers in the 15237 ZIP code were without...
Federal grand jury indicts man previously arrested for Trump assassination threats
A federal grand jury has indicted a Butler County man already in custody on charges of threatening to assassinate President Donald Trump and other federal officials. Shawn Monper, 32, of Butler Township was arrested last month and accused of posting threats to YouTube under the name “Mr Satan” between Jan....
Alle-Kiski Valley school districts move, postpone proms after storms
Some high schoolers will have to wait a bit longer to don their tuxes and gowns. Due to intermittent power outages after Tuesday’s storms, Freeport Area and Highlands school districts changed their planned prom schedules. Both dances were scheduled for this weekend at the Syria Shriner’s Center in Harmar. According...
Stream bank erosion prevention tips offered on Irwin tour
A tutorial on how to stabilize stream banks will be offered during a walking tour at Irwin Park from 6 to 7 p.m. May 7. Officials from the Westmoreland Conservation District and Irwin Borough will show residents how to deal with stream bank erosion. The conservation district and the borough...
Derry fire department, Red Cross to install free smoke alarms
Derry residents are eligible to receive a free smoke alarm installation May 10. The Derry Volunteer Fire Department is teaming up with Friends of Derry and the Chestnut Ridge and Allegheny Mountains Chapter of the American Red Cross on the initiative. To schedule an appointment for installation, call 833-315-0882 or...
Jeannette Community Band announces 2025 schedule
The Jeannette Community Band will open its 37th season with a May 25 concert at the American Legion on South Fifth Street. The band is comprised of more than 60 volunteer musicians under the direction of Ron Stemple. Concerts are free and open to the public. They will take place...
Community group sets public meeting on Pittsburgh Zoo’s proposed giraffe barn
The Highland Park Community Council will hold a public meeting Thursday on the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s proposal to build a new giraffe barn, part of a 20-year makeover unveiled in the fall. The zoo will seek approval from Pittsburgh’s Public Art and Civic Design Commission for the structure, which...
Carnegie Mellon to pause merit raises amid economic uncertainty
Employees at Carnegie Mellon University will not receive merit increases in their salaries for the upcoming fiscal year. In an email addressed to colleagues Friday obtained by TribLive, CMU President Farnam Jahanian revealed the decision, which he said is a “pause” in merit increases. “I write to you with a...
Plum School Board primary election packed with incumbents, familiar faces
Of the 11 candidates vying for four open seats on Plum School Board this year, only three have never sought or held office before. Three of those running are incumbents, one was recently appointed, two are previous office holders, and two ran and lost in past elections. Both Democrat and...
After storms, will Pittsburgh marathon route be ready to go?
Pittsburgh’s marathon route has been cleared of downed wires and debris from this week’s storms, officials said Friday, and runners this weekend can look forward to “optimal” conditions and a massive public safety presence. The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, which is expecting record-breaking attendance, will draw tens of...
Bridge work to trigger detours in Hempfield, Fairfield; pipe project diverts traffic by Jeannette
PennDOT has unveiled online plans for work to preserve eight bridges in Westmoreland County and one in Fayette County. Some of the work is expected to begin as early as mid-August, with final construction projected to wrap up by the end of October 2026. Monthlong traffic detours are expected during...
Color analysis, collectibles and women’s fitness: Westmoreland County welcomes 3 new businesses
Friends Angela Vaslavsky and Sarah Thompson knew it was time for a life change. But neither of the Unity residents imagined they would discover that change when they went to House of Colour Mt. Lebanon to receive a personal color analysis. “We were on a self-care journey ourselves,” Thompson said....
Podcast: What’s it like to run 26.2 or 13.1 miles. Training for the Pittsburgh Marathon and Half Marathon
Pittsburgh will be off and running this weekend with the annual marathon and events. Since it was first held in 1985, the event now includes a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay and 5K races that run through the heart of the city, across many of the city’s iconic bridges, and through...
Orange flags to support pedestrian safety in Aspinwall
Bright orange flags will be popping up on Aspinwall’s busiest streets. Funded by the advocacy group Aspinwall Neighbors, the initiative will see pedestrian flags in at least two spots along the Brilliant Avenue business corridor. “Pedestrians will be encouraged to carry a flag while crossing the street and deposit it...
Take the TribLive weekly news quiz: May 2
The following is a regular feature from TribLive: A weekly news quiz:...
Pa. State Police charge 2 with aggravated animal cruelty in Fayette County
Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday announced charges in an animal cruelty case in Fayette County. Police have charged Ryan Murphy and Paige Miske with aggravated cruelty to animals, neglect of animals and several other charges. Troopers responded two weeks ago to a home in the 800 block of Clover Street...
PennDOT announces weeknight Parkway East closures
PennDOT announced nearly a month of weeknight closures of the Parkway East eastbound in Pittsburgh, set to begin Monday night and run through late May. The overnight closures on Interstate 376 will last Mondays through Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the Birmingham Bridge. An additional overnight closure...
Future of Ligonier boutique hotel pavilion in limbo after zoning board rescinds permit
Ligonier Borough’s zoning hearing board has rescinded an occupancy permit for a unique outdoor pavilion built last fall to host events near the historic Diamond. But in a legal notice published in the Tribune-Review this week, owners of Thistledown at Seger House, a nine-room boutique hotel on West Main Street,...
