How to maximize PTO in 2026
Workers in Western Pennsylvania scheduling days off for 2026 might get some help from the calendar. Most federal holidays this year fall either on or close to a weekend, allowing for more maximization of paid time off than usual. Days off can be tacked onto federal holidays and weekends to...
Taxes, rent, ballots: What the new rule on postmarks means for your mail
People relying on the U.S. Postal Service to mail time-sensitive documents may need to take additional steps to make sure postmarks aren’t late if they’re cutting it close to key deadlines. A new federal rule that took effect last week clarifies the postmark — the stamp that provides proof the...
Harmar opts for minor bump in taxes in new budget
Harmar property owners will see a slight increase to their tax bills this year under the township’s 2026 budget. The budget includes a 0.25 mill — or 8% — increase. That means property owners with a home at Harmar’s median assessed value of $91,400 would see their yearly bill go...
New Kensington’s Fridays on Fifth adds October date to 2026 lineup
A popular event in downtown New Kensington will run a bit longer this year. Fridays on Fifth, a monthly food truck event, will go from April to October in 2026. Dates are April 24, May 22, June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23. The event runs...
Export relocates helicopter pad, continues developing J.M. Hall property
The helipad used for emergency transport in Export will move to a new community park. A few years ago, community officials took the first steps to develop a plan for the future J.M. Hall Jr. Community Park, on a piece of property behind the PNA Polish Club and the former...
Pittsburgh’s Grant Street closed for tree removal
Part of Grant Street in Downtown Pittsburgh will be closed until Friday afternoon as the city removes its Christmas tree and wreaths from the City-County Building, according to the mayor’s office. Grant will be closed between its intersections with Third and Fifth avenues until 2 p.m., the mayor’s office said...
Police charge woman after Facebook feud triggers stabbing in Shaler
A Shaler woman accused of stabbing another woman Thursday afternoon has been charged, according to Allegheny County Police. Shannon M. Jennings, 38, is charged with aggravated and simple assault, reckless endangerment of another person and harassment, according to court records. Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Hugel Drive...
O’Connor to be sworn in as Pittsburgh’s 62nd mayor in ceremony at Carnegie Music Hall
Corey O’Connor will be sworn in as Pittsburgh’s 62nd mayor Monday afternoon in a ceremony at Carnegie Music Hall in the city’s Oakland neighborhood. O’Connor, who previously served on Pittsburgh City Council for a decade before becoming Allegheny County controller, defeated outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey in the Democratic primary. He...
Morning Roundup: 1 injured in Homewood North shooting; pedestrian struck by vehicle in West Homestead
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Friday, Jan. 2: ______________________________ 1 injured in Homewood North shooting A man was injured late Thursday in a shooting in Pittsburgh’s Homewood North neighborhood, according to Pittsburgh Public Safety. Police, fire and EMS crews were dispatched to 7300 Monticello...
The Stroller, Jan. 2, 2026: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller. Annual Epiphany event planned...
Scenes from the Valley: Images captured in the Alle-Kiski Valley from Dec. 23-31, 2025
Here is a weekly look at recent images captured throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley. From major news events to routine gatherings, TribLive’s “Scenes from the Valley” photo package brings to life activities and moments happening in your backyard. To have a photo considered as a “Scenes from the Valley” candidate, please...
1850 Victorian home boasts original turret in historic Saltsburg
The next homeowner of an authentic Saltsburg Victorian residence built in 1850 will have something most homes don’t — an original turret. A three-story brick home requiring some TLC is a new listing by Howard Hanna Mt. Lebanon Realtor Santino Merante for $175,000. “This home needs some love, but the...
Faces of the Valley: 6-year-old BMX racer from Tarentum climbs to No. 1 national ranking
Not long after she began to walk, Elliana Zimmerman learned to pedal. The Tarentum youngster, now 6, went from a Fred Flinstone-style balance bike to pedaling — quickly — around a bumpy BMX track, according to her mother, Alexis. “When she was little, it made me nervous,” Alexis said. “She...
Irwin family welcomes first New Year’s baby born at Allegheny Health Network
Rachel Solis was due to deliver a baby Jan. 5. She had experienced a few labor pains of late and had the family car packed and ready to go, just in case. Her family visited relatives for a New Year’s Eve dinner, but Rachel never finished her meal. Halfway through...
Temps in the teens? No problem for Connellsville Polar Bear Plunge participantsVideo
Everyone has their own strategy for the Connellsville Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day. For Dale Kooser and Geoffrey Bittner, it’s get in and get out. “My rule, though, is it doesn’t count if you don’t dunk your head. You’ve got to go underwater,” Bittner said, decked out head-to-toe in...
Hempfield man charged with fatal shooting on New Year’s Eve
A Hempfield man is charged with criminal homicide after police said he shot and killed a man late Wednesday night. Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Westmoreland 911 officials received a call from a man identifying himself as Robert D. Naugle Jr., 30, of Hempfield. Naugle told emergency...
Polar plunge draws the brave to Mon Wharf for New Year’s Day jump into Monongahela River
Brave participants jumped into the Monongahela River along the Mon Wharf in Pittsburgh Thursday morning at the annual Pittsburgh Polar Bear Plunge. Proceeds from T-shirt and other sales at the event benefited WTAE’s Project Bundle-Up....
Snowstorm drops up to 5 inches of snow across region
The new year rang in with high winds and heavy snow overnight that put a damper on the First Night turnout in Pittsburgh and left a fresh blanket of white across the region. Pittsburgh police said there were no issues during the First Night celebration as there were light crowds,...
The Stroller, Jan. 1, 2026: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller. Happy New Year! May...
Cosmic chaos: Supermoon, meteor shower to grace Western Pa. skies Saturday
Two astronomical phenomena — a supermoon and a meteor shower — will collide in Western Pennsylvania skies Saturday. Supermoons occur between three and four times per year and meteor showers grace skies about six times annually, said Daniel Vanden Berk, director of Saint Vincent College’s Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium. But...
In photos: Pittsburgh’s Cultural District helps bring in the new year with First Night eventVideo
Despite a snowy and cold New Year’s Eve in the Pittsburgh region on Wednesday night, a crowd of revelers gathered Downtown for the 32nd annual Highmark First Night, hosted by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The five-hour long event that spanned several blocks in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District ends with the...
Pittsburgh rings in new year with First Night festivitiesVideo
Levi Griffith-Esposito’s New Year’s resolution is to be more creative and artistic. The Carson Middle School student is well on his way completing his first project, a multi-colored 2026 hat as part of Pittsburgh’s First Night Celebration. Arts and crafts were among the many activities Wednesday evening provided by the...
As another year ends, community remembers Monroeville Mall’s heyday during annual ball drop
For folks who can’t stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve, Monroeville Public Library’s annual ball drop at noon has become quite the tradition. The celebration began at the library several years ago but relocated to Monroeville Mall four years ago as its popularity grew. This year, festivities started...
PennDOT eases some interstate restrictions in Allegheny County; Beaver, Lawrence limits remain in place
PennDOT has lifted the speed restrictions on highways in Allegheny County while they remain in effect in Beaver and Lawrence counties. The transportation department recommends motorists avoid unnecessary travel but those who do head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on these highways: Beaver County: I-376 (Beaver Valley...
Chartiers Valley’s ‘Badges and Baristas’ connects students, police over coffee
What better place to build conversations and camaraderie among Chartiers Valley High School students and area police officers than the school’s Coffee Tree Roasters? Chartiers Valley School Resource Officer Kyle Kelsch and student Sofia Bragano coordinated the second annual Badges and Baristas event Dec. 19 at the coffee shop, where...
