Animal-rights group sues to free elephants from Pittsburgh Zoo
A Washington, D.C.-based animal-rights nonprofit on Tuesday sued the operator and head of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, demanding the release of its elephants from captivity. Filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court, the lawsuit names as defendants the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh and zoo...
Police chief named to head new regional force for Swissvale, Braddock Hills
The new police force set to begin patrolling Swissvale and Braddock Hills next year now has a leader. Veteran Swissvale police Chief Charles Watson was selected Monday night to lead the Swissvale Braddock Hills Regional Police Department, whose 18 full-time officers start Jan. 1. The appointment, made by a seven-member...
Westmoreland commissioners OK loan to pay for human services amid state budget impasse
Westmoreland commissioners on Tuesday authorized the county’s finance department to apply for a $14.1 million state treasury loan to fund essential human services amid Pennsylvania’s ongoing budget stalemate. The commissioners said an infusion of cash is needed as county resources used to pay key service providers that care for children...
Pine’s 1st Halloween Spooktacular dubbed success with turnout of nearly 300 children
The weather couldn’t scare away the crowds of children for Pine’s first Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 19. Because of the inclement weather, the festivities moved indoors to the Pine Community Center. Nearly 300 children filled the community center. Kids could decorate their own pumpkins, enjoy a magic show and collect...
Pine-Richland School Board members not facing election support pursuing tax increase exception
The five members of the Pine-Richland School Board whose seats are not up for election this year unanimously support the district pursuing increasing property taxes by more than its state-imposed inflation limit for the 2026-27 school year. Superintendent Brian Miller sought the positions of holdover board members Marc Casciani, Ashley...
3 candidates look to fill 2 seats on Penn Hills Council
According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections’ official candidate list, there are two Democrats and one Republican running for two four-year seats in Penn Hills. Here are the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by TribLive: Ian T. Cartwright Age: 47 Political party affiliation: Democrat Education: Michigan...
Injured No Kings protest participant calls on Westmoreland commissioners to condemn political violence
A Smithton woman injured during an altercation at Saturday’s No Kings protest in Greensburg is calling on the Westmoreland County commissioners to formally condemn political violence. Karen Primm, 70, said she sustained a gash to right arm when she was struck by pole of a flag waved by an apparent...
Western Pennsylvania man competes on ‘Wheel of Fortune’Video
Mike Soltis walked exactly 1.1 miles from his hotel to the Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, Calif., in September, wearing one shirt and carrying two extras. He remembers the weather was a mild 68 degrees, but the humidity was high. By the time he reached the studio — the...
Shaler schedules presentation for parks and recreation master plan
A presentation on Shaler’s parks and recreation master plan is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17, at the township office, 300 Wetzel Road. Residents will be able to get an update and view recommendations for Shaler’s parks system, including Kiwanis Park. The presentation from OHM Advisors will be held...
State police, FBI begin digging operation in South Buffalo
State police crews, with assistance from the FBI, began an extensive digging operation Tuesday near a private residence in South Buffalo. Police used a backhoe to excavate a small section of the private plot along River Road in the township’s Clinton neighborhood. Several law enforcement vehicles were on-site, including one...
Pittsburgh International Airport auction returns with online bidding
One person’s lost items could become another person’s treasure. The Pittsburgh International Airport’s annual auction for lost and found items is once again underway. This year’s auction is online. Online bidding has begun for thousands of items, including used airport maintenance equipment, decommissioned vehicles, jewelry, electronics and more. The airport...
McKeesport man admits to stealing $5,370 from autistic co-worker
A McKeesport man is behind bars after state police said he stole $5,370 from a man who has autism while they worked together at a Hempfield car dealership. Troopers on Tuesday arrested Scott Andrew Soles, 48, on three counts of theft and a single charge of criminal use of a...
At Pittsburgh summit, Shapiro highlights AI potential for the state
Pennsylvania is well-positioned to lead innovation in artificial intelligence, Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday during a global summit at the University of Pittsburgh. “Pittsburgh is now a hub of AI activity,” Shapiro said. “We are proud to play a role, an important role, in this revolution as well as in...
Carlow, Seton Hill instructor to lead new WCCC practical nursing program
Westmoreland County Community College has hired a lead instructor for its practical nursing program, set to launch this spring at its Latrobe campus. Christina Drnjevich, an adjunct clinical instructor at Carlow and Seton Hill universities, will lead the new program — coming to the college with more than two decades...
Westmoreland happenings: Halloween bingo, winter coat giveaway, chicken dinner, more
Fundraisers • Trinity United Church of Christ, 139 N. Main St., Greensburg, will sponsor a winter coat and clothing giveaway 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25 in the church basement. Everyone is welcome. • A chicken and biscuit dinner to benefit Mon Valley Paws will be held 11 a.m....
Route 28 patching work near Freeport delayed
Originally scheduled to begin Wednesday, patching work on Route 28 in Butler County will now begin Oct. 27. The work, which will restrict north and southbound traffic to single lanes, will end the following day. Set to take place between Exit 16 (Freeport/Millerstown) and Exit 17 (Route 356 Butler/Freeport/Sarver), the...
Estate Planning is for everyone: Conti Law explains the basics
Conti Law is a premier Estate Planning law firm in Western Pennsylvania. Estate Planning simply means creating a plan for your future — and the future of your loved ones. The process may seem complicated at first. The lawyer’s job is to provide clear explanations so that clients can easily...
Manos Gallery owners plan cultural hub in New Kensington
A historic New Kensington building that once housed a recreation center for manufacturing powerhouse Alcoa will become a hub for creative arts early next year. The vision by Tarentum businessmen Ernesto Camacho and Brian DeFelice, owners of The Manos Gallery, strives to provide inclusivity for all creative types. “It will...
Greensburg will pay N.J. woman $60K to settle false prosecution case
Greensburg is paying $60,000 to settle a federal lawsuit with a New Jersey woman whose criminal charges were dropped after her attorney produced evidence proving her innocence. City council this month unanimously approved the settlement with Alyssa Wright. Details of the settlement were obtained by the Trib under a request...
Innamorato declares success in ‘bold’ goal to house 500 people in 500 days
For three years, Andrea Johnson alternated between living in a storage unit and sleeping in shelters that made her uncomfortable. “The shelters, as you can imagine, weren’t the best,” Johnson, 30, said Tuesday, recalling bedding down around drug addicts and having unpleasant interactions with shelter workers. Johnson wanted to find...
Fire breaks out at Fox Chapel house near Beechwood Farm Nature Reserve
Firefighters from multiple departments battled a house fire near the site of the Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel on Tuesday morning. The fire was reported around 10 a.m. at a residence on Dorseyville Road that is not associated with the nature reserve. It was mostly knocked down by...
Family of late oncology nurse starts CCAC endowment for non-traditional students
Barbara Kelly was in her late 30s when she decided to return to school. The mother of four earned her nursing degree at the Community College of Allegheny County and went on to serve at West Penn Hospital’s oncology ward for 25 years. Kelly, a lifelong resident of Plum, died...
In brief: Happenings across the North Hills Journal area
Trick-or-treat times Here is when trick-or-treating will take place in the North Hills Journal communities. Residents who plan to participate are asked to leave their porch lights on. • Ross: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 • West View: 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 Garden club members...
What’s cooking at WCCC? Culinary students serve meals at campus’ Chef’s Bistro
Fall aromas filled Westmoreland County Community College’s health and culinary center last week as students sauteed vegetables and piled fresh baked rolls with roast beef. Students and community members filed into The Chef’s Bistro — a restaurant tucked into the college’s Hempfield campus. About 25 culinary and baking students are...
In brief: Happenings in the Hampton area
Trick-or-treat times Trick-or-treating in Hampton will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Residents who plan to participate are asked to leave their porch lights on. Hampton crews to begin leaf collection Waste Management collects yard waste, including leaves in paper biodegradable bags, the third full week of...
