Western PA Local News category, Page 2440
Union rep says Post-Gazette seeking buyouts in bid to shrink newsroom by 20%, slash 24 positions
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is offering a buyout option in an effort to shrink its newsroom by about 20%, or at least two dozen employees, a union official said Friday. In exchange for leaving their jobs, full-time employees will receive a week’s pay for every year of service, up to 16...
PennDOT set to start signal upgrades, light-timing changes in downtown Greensburg
PennDOT crews will begin traffic light upgrades and measures to lessen congestion in downtown Greensburg beginning Monday. Signal upgrades and congestion management for sections of Main Street, East and West Otterman Street, Humphrey Street and Pittsburgh Street will include the replacement of 10 traffic lights, seven light upgrades, light coordination...
GNC avoids bankruptcy; gets 90-day max to pay down debt
GNC Holdings, Inc. reached a last-minute deal with creditors that allows it to avoid bankruptcy for at least 30 days but no more than 90 days under a deal announced Friday, the Pittsburgh-based health and wellness company said. GNC was facing a Saturday deadline to pay down debt to under...
Police seek public’s help in identifying Wilkinsburg homicide suspect
Allegheny County Police seek public assistance in identifying a homicide suspect. County detectives and Wilkinsburg police are investigating the shooting death of 16-year-old Marcus Wells Jr. of Pittsburgh. He was shot several times near the intersection of Laketon Road and Robinson Boulevard at about 9 p.m. Wednesday. County police on...
United Way, Eat’n Park provide meals for Greater Latrobe studentsVideo
The United Way’s Students and Families Food Relief Fund provided 725 Eat’n Park meals for students in the Greater Latrobe School District. The district is already providing about 1,400 meals per day to cover breakfast and lunch. The Eat’n Park meals will provide students with two additional meals for the...
Norwin delays graduation until June
Norwin made it official Friday for the class of 2020 — no graduation ceremonies as initially scheduled on May 22 because of the restrictions against gatherings of more than 25 people. Even though Westmoreland County has moved from the yellow phase of the state’s reopening plan, Superintendent Jeff Taylor said...
North Huntingdon police won’t cite businesses for violating Gov. Wolf’s orders
North Huntingdon joined other municipalities in directing its police force not to cite or take any legal action local businesses that open in violation of the state’s coronavirus-related shutdown orders — as long as they follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for wearing personal protective equipment, keep social distancing...
Penguins’ withdrawal from Lower Hill development surprises leaders
When the Pittsburgh Penguins said they were pulling out of a planned development in the city’s Lower Hill District, it caught some community leaders off guard. The Thursday announcement by Penguins President and CEO David Morehouse came after the Urban Redevelopment Authority delayed a vote on a proposed First National...
Shoppers enjoy spring day as region moves into yellow phase, some businesses reopenVideo
Some restrictions lifted across Western Pennsylvania on Friday, and people wasted little time getting back to life a little closer to normal — but still coronavirus-style. Patricia Slifkey said she felt free as she browsed rows of antiques and knickknacks at Miller’s Crossing Fleatique in Irwin. “It’s good to get...
Week in Review: open businesses, hazing scandal and council resignationVideo
Some businesses in Southwestern Pennsylvania reopened as the state eases coronavirus restrictions, but the remaining mandates have prompted resistance — and threats. Meanwhile a hazing scandal rocked Greater Latrobe Junior High School and a Southwest Greensburg councilman resigned for allegedly using a racial slur. Here’s a look back at the...
Gateway faces $3.6 million deficit, plus pandemic losses
The Gateway Board of School Directors is faced with a deficit of approximately $3.6 million as they work on the district’s 2020-21 budget — but that’s before projected losses expected because of the coronavirus pandemic. The school district’s business manager, Paul Schott, said during the board’s virtual May 12 study...
Westmoreland County sheriff swears in doctor, pastor as special deputiesVideo
At the outset of the coronavirus pandemic, Westmoreland County Sheriff James Albert said seven of his deputies came into contact with someone who may have had covid-19 and the department was desperate for information on the availability of tests and other support. “We reached out, but couldn’t get answers initially,...
Visitors to Pittsburgh International Airport required to wear masks
Visitors to Pittsburgh International Airport will be required to wear masks or face coverings on all public airport property starting next week, Allegheny County Airport Authority officials announced Friday. The requirement is part of a new “PIT Safe Travels” initiative and also applies to Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin....
South Fayette-Bridgeville Relay for Life goes virtual
The 24th Annual Relay for Life of South Fayette/Bridgeville 5K will be held virtually Saturday through May 23. Participants can run or walk when it fits their schedule. The cost is $25 per adult and $18 for those 14 and under. The event is held to raise awareness of and...
Lamp Theatre selling popcorn as fundraiser
What does a non-profit do when it has to postpone its primary fundraiser because of government-ordered restrictions against large gathering during a covid-19 pandemic? In the case of The Lamp Theatre in Irwin, it sells popcorn, just like it does during concerts, shows and other events that would be held...
Vandergrift amends emergency declaration, after chaotic Zoom meeting
Vandergrift Council voted Thursday to modify its existing declaration of emergency – one that had been extended just last week. The modifications, council members said, will loosen some public restrictions as Westmoreland County moves into the yellow phase of the state’s reopening plan. The modified declaration that came during an...
Springdale fire department’s jubilee canceled but ‘take and bake’ pizza offered
A social event for 91 years, the Springdale Volunteer Fire Department’s jubilee is canceled this summer because of coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Will it be the fireworks, the parade or amusement rides that thousands of patrons will miss the most? Likely everything, said Michael Ziencik, a borough councilman and treasurer of...
Westmoreland County Housing Authority confirms 1st covid-19 case at Parnassus Manor
A resident of Parnassus Manor in New Kensington has tested positive for covid-19, Westmoreland County Housing Authority Executive Director Michael Washowich said Friday. The resident, who is not being identified because of privacy laws, notified the authority Thursday. The authority alerted residents of the high-rise the same day, he said....
Lawsuit: Former Mad Mex manager was fired for seeking time off after domestic violence attack
A Pittsburgh woman is suing Mad Mex and its parent company, alleging she was fired for requesting time off for medical treatment and court appearances after a domestic violence attack. The woman, a former manager at the restaurant’s Waterworks mall location, alleged in a lawsuit she was met with roadblocks...
Parade honors Richland World War II veteran who turns 100 on Armed Forces DayVideo
It’s fitting that Bryce Billetdeaux turned 100 on Armed Forces Day. It’s also fitting there was a parade to celebrate the milestone. The World War II U.S. Navy veteran was honored Saturday. With covid-19 restrictions in place, cars lined up at the Richland Township Municipal Building on Dickey Road and...
Westmoreland reports 1 new coronavirus case, no more deaths
State health officials reported one new coronavirus case in Westmoreland County on Friday as hundreds of new cases pushed the statewide total past 60,000. The one new case brings the county’s running case count to 423. The death toll has stood at 32 since last week. Statewide, officials added 124...
Lane restrictions set on I-70 near turnpike’s New Stanton interchange
Motorists traveling eastbound along Interstate 70 near the Pennsylvania Turnpike’s New Stanton interchange can expect lane restrictions for three nights beginning Monday. Construction crews will evaluate a bridge and complete prep work for an upcoming project at the interchange, PennDOT District 12 officials said. Lane restrictions will occur on the...
U.S. interior secretary helps to reopen Flight 93 memorial as part of phased restartVideo
Five national park sites in Southwestern Pennsylvania are open to visitors after being closed since March 20 because of the coronavirus pandemic. U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt joined Superintendent Stephen Clark Friday morning to open the gates at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County. “We’ve been...
Skate parks, tennis courts among reopening Pittsburgh facilities
While some summer activities have been canceled or put on hold as the region slowly sheds restrictions put in place because of the coronavirus, Pittsburgh officials announced Friday that several events and facilities will be able to reopen safely. Drive-in movies, organized by the city Special Events office, will start...
Beaver County among 12 more moving to Pennsylvania’s yellow phase
Beaver County is among the dozen counties that Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday will move into the yellow phase of the tiered reopening process next week, a move that will put all of Western Pennsylvania under loosened restrictions. The announcement came a week after Beaver County was left off...
