Investigation launched into Chartiers Valley transportation department; security firm hired
Chartiers Valley administrators launched an internal investigation into allegations of improper use of the district’s bus garage and have since hired a security firm to protect the district’s assets, they say. Superintendent Daniel Castagna said, in response to recent threats and to ensure student safety, the district is reviewing security...
Duolingo reveals owl mascot killed by cybertruck
After killing off its star mascot — Duo the owl — Duolingo provided answers Wednesday behind the sudden death. On Wednesday morning, Duolingo posted on social media that officials have identified Duo’s cause of death after singer Dua Lipa posted about the devastating news. UPDATE: Officials have identified cause of...
Special Olympics Winter Games returns to Seven Springs
Snowshoeing and alpine skiing were among the events Wednesday at the 46th annual Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Somerset County. Athletes, coaches and volunteers were at the the resort for three days of activities and competition, which also includes snowboarding. Opening ceremonies were held...
Former Hempfield high school boys basketball coach to retire from guidance counselor job
After resigning from his coaching duties last month, former Hempfield Area High School boys basketball coach Bill Swan will retire from his job as a district guidance counselor. The move was announced at a Hempfield School Board meeting this week. Swan declined to comment when contacted by a reporter Wednesday....
Joann Fabrics and Crafts closing most Western Pa. stores
Fabric and crafts retailer Joann will close at least 30 stores in Pennsylvania, including most in the region. The embattled retailer, which declared bankruptcy in March 2024 and then again in January, said it would be closing around 500 stores nationwide. “This was a very difficult decision to make, given...
UPMC walks back mask requirements
Two days after issuing a mask mandate for its facilities, UPMC has softened its language, stating that masks are recommended, not required. On Monday, UPMC issued a statement that masks would be required for people at all its facilities in an attempt to curb the spread of respiratory viruses. On...
Fire causes extensive damage to home in Jeannette
No injuries were reported in a fire in Jeannette on Wednesday afternoon that left a home with extensive damage, according to fire Chief Bill Frye. When firefighters got to the home at the intersection of Chestnut and Lavelle streets around 12:30 p.m., there was fire in the back two rooms...
‘I’d like to know why’: Family seeks answers as Clairton killer is sent to prison
A day after the start of trial for a Clairton man accused of killing his friend’s father, Sabr Ellis decided to change his not guilty plea. The 25-year-old instead admitted Tuesday to voluntary manslaughter for the Jan. 21, 2021, stabbing death of Anthony Koontz. As part of the negotiated agreement,...
‘On top of the world’: Marc Fogel enjoys 1st breakfast back in the U.S.
Marc Fogel woke up Wednesday morning in a plush Washington, D.C., hotel and enjoyed a breakfast of bacon and eggs for the first time in more than 31⁄2 years. “He’s just grateful and on top of the world right now,” his mother, Malphine Fogel, told TribLive. “There’s only good things...
Horror author, former Oakmont resident, continues story he started in Netflix ‘Residue’ seriesVideo
Pittsburgh-area native John Harrison was in the midst of writing his first novel when he was approached by an English film company interested in turning his book into a Web series. But they had a request — could he start his story a little earlier? “They liked the idea for...
Westmoreland happenings: Pancake breakfast, bingo, more
Fundraisers • A pancake and sausage breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 15 at the Greensburg Masonic Center, 349 Donohoe Road, Hempfield. Menu: buttermilk or buckwheat pancakes, waffles, sausage, fruit cup and beverage. Cost: $10; children 5 and older, $5; younger than 5, free. • Jeannette...
Federal funding availability, other concerns lead some schools to cancel electric bus plans
Uncertainty over the availability of previously promised federal funding has some local school districts rethinking their plans to buy electric buses. The unpredictability of the funding is among several reasons Plum Superintendent Rick Walsh cited for pulling the plug on the district’s plan to purchase 25 electric buses. “With the...
Pittsburgh’s CobblerWorld bakery offers sweet, made-from-scratch treats
Terina J. Hicks is serving up something sweet with her CobblerWorld bakery. Beyond just the taste of Hicks’ sought-after desserts, her personality and magnanimous spirit bring customers back. CobblerWorld was founded after a layoff from Carnegie Mellon University. “Something just said go back to baking,” she said. Baking came naturally...
New Kensington planners recommend changing Carl Avenue house to commercial use
While a New Kensington property owner wants to provide space for more small business near Tarentum Bridge Road, city planning officials want to draw a firm line between commercial and residential areas. Jack Bellone wants to change the zoning of a house between Tarentum Bridge Road and 759 Carl Ave....
Pittsburgh City Council to hold public hearing on Ragland
Pittsburgh City Council will host a public hearing to give residents a chance to share their opinions on acting police Chief Christopher Ragland before they vote on whether to confirm him as permanent chief. This comes after the Pittsburgh branch of the NAACP asked city leaders to allow for a...
Construction project presentation for Burrell School District anticipated next week
The Burrell School Board and the public likely will get a chance to hear from the district’s architect on possible construction projects during a meeting next week. Pittsburgh-based HHSDR Inc., Burrell’s architect, is anticipated to present drafts on possible capital improvement projects at the district’s schools during a board meeting...
Butler County storage facility in spotlight after Elon Musk mention
A private storage facility in Butler County found itself in the spotlight after being indirectly mentioned by Elon Musk on Tuesday. The billionaire owner of X and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk is serving as an adviser to President Donald Trump, spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to...
Oakmont Bakery raising money for Marc Fogel with cookies in his likeness
The viral image of Oakmont resident Marc Fogel sipping a drink on an airplane following his release from a Russian prison Tuesday is one of two images on Oakmont Bakery’s “Home Sweet Cookies.” “Luckiest man on Earth” is written under the image. Oakmont Bakery’s Marc Serrao, who co-owns the business...
Marc Fogel expresses gratitude for support, calls Trump a ‘hero’ after returning from Russian prison
As an entourage led by President Donald Trump waited Tuesday night under an awning outside the White House, the newly freed prisoner walked forward through the snow. “Mr. President,” said Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy who had just completed a whirlwind roundtrip to Russia on a top-secret mission to...
Marc Fogel’s return to the U.S. from Russia carried a Pittsburgh theme
Marc Fogel’s return to the United States was as much a Pittsburgh moment as it was patriotic. “I’m a proud Pittsburgher,” said Fogel, the 63-year-old teacher, formerly of Oakmont, who was released Tuesday after nearly four years in Russian prisons. He was wearing a Steelers stocking cap as he kissed...
Shady Side Academy middle school to be donated to National Aviary
A Shady Side Academy alum is helping the National Aviary find a nest for its next breeding and conservation center, teaching hospital and educational space. S. Kent Rockwell, Fox Chapel resident and 1962 academy graduate, is in the process of acquiring his alma mater’s 35-acre middle school campus. The plan...
Riverview School Board pauses tuition discussions
It looks like Riverview School District won’t be accepting tuition students from outside the district anytime soon. School board members tabled any vote on the move until their March meeting, at the earliest, after administration officials said the idea seemed to have more risks than benefits. And the board doesn’t...
Greensburg councilmen will run as team for 3rd term
Two candidates for Greensburg council are running as a team in seeking their third terms. Donnie Zappone, 39, and Gregory Mertz, 40, plan to turn their attention to the redevelopment of Main Street and other areas, if elected, as well as improving parks and neighborhood beautification, they said in a...
With final approval, Market Square revitalization to start in April
Construction is set to start in April on a project that aims to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh’s Market square. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership on Tuesday earned the Planning Commission’s approval for its proposal to reimagine the Downtown hub with limited vehicle traffic, more greenery and seating and semi-circular trellis canopy where...
Retired Pittsburgh police officer charged with attempted homicide
A retired Pittsburgh police officer was arrested Tuesday after allegedly shooting her grandson in the leg. Virginia Beck, 63, of Pittsburgh is retired from the city’s police bureau, public safety spokeswoman Cara Cruz confirmed. Pittsburgh police arrested Beck in connection with the shooting. She faces charges of criminal attempted homicide,...
