Megan Swift stories, Page 30
‘He’s proven himself’: Steelers fans say Mason Rudolph should start playoff game
His beloved Pittsburgh Steelers may be serious underdogs heading into Buffalo for a playoff game against the Bills, but Tim Piett remains hopeful. “They have a few injuries like we do,” Piett said, “and I think we have more offensive power than they do.” A Pittsburgh Steelers fan for his...
Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are set to rise again
Pennsylvania Turnpike toll rates are set to rise starting Sunday for the 16th consecutive year. Here’s what motorists can expect: • A 5% increase. • For passenger vehicles, the most common toll will increase from $1.80 to $1.90 for E-ZPass customers and $4.40 to $4.70 for Toll by Plate. •...
Point Breeze dog eats thousands in cash, garners national attention
When Carrie Law heard her husband yelling from across their Point Breeze home, she quickly came running — only to find $4,000 in cash strewn about the room, with much of it torn into pieces. “Cecil ate the money!” her husband yelled. Their dog, Cecil, a goldendoodle, had discovered the...
Snowy weather could impact Pittsburgh region, Steelers game in Baltimore this weekend
If predictions hold, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens could kick off Saturday’s game in a snowstorm at M&T Bank Stadium. Western Pennsylvania may see some snow — or a nasty wintry mix with rain in some areas — as well. The 4:30 p.m. Steelers game Saturday coincides with a...
Dry January, Damp January or sober curious? What you need to know about reducing alcohol intake
As opinions about drinking alcohol, even in moderation, are shifting negatively, perhaps it’s no surprise that Dry January has gained in popularity. But is Dry January — quitting alcohol for the entire month — for you? And what exactly is Damp January? Or even sober curious? Here’s what you need...
‘New year, new me’: People from Western Pennsylvania make resolutions for 2024
As we say goodbye to 2023, the time has come to set New Year’s resolutions for 2024. But not everyone chooses to set them — and more importantly, not everyone sticks to them. Improved fitness came out as the top 2024 resolution at 48%, according to a Forbes Health/OnePoll survey...
Pittsburgh Jewish community holds vigil to advocate for release of hostages taken by Hamas
Pittsburgh’s Jewish community gathered in Squirrel Hill on Sunday for a “Bring them home” vigil to advocate for the release of the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas. Israel says 129 people remain unaccounted for after they were abducted and taken to Gaza during the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, according...
2 dead in Christmas Eve fire in Donora
A man and woman died Sunday morning after being trapped in a structure fire on the 1000 block of McKean Avenue in Donora, according to the Washington County Coroner’s Office. The fire was reported to Washington County 911 just before 5 a.m. Sunday. Clifford Honabarger, 38, and Tracy Honabarger, 41,...
Vehicle catches fire behind church in Hempfield Township
A single vehicle caught fire in the back parking lot of Word of Life Church in Hempfield Township on Sunday morning. Fort Allen Volunteer Fire Department and Carbon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the church on Route 136, according to Westmoreland County 911 dispatchers. The fire was put out and...
2 people flee on foot from Belle Vernon vehicle crash
Police responded Sunday morning to a two- vehicle crash in Belle Vernon — where two individuals fled on foot, leaving their vehicle at the scene. The crash occurred in the 400 block of Graham Street, according to Westmoreland 911 dispatch. One minor injury was reported, and the person was treated...
How to celebrate New Year’s 2024 in, around Westmoreland County
New Year’s Day falls on a Monday this year, meaning those who stay up late will be ringing in 2024 on a Sunday night. Although that may not be the day of the week that one might associate with revelry, there are more than a few places where you can...
‘Cease fire now’: Pittsburgh locals gather for global solidarity vigil in support of Palestine
“Free Palestine!” and “Cease fire now!” chants could be heard in Pittsburgh’s Friendship Park on Saturday as about 100 people gathered for a solidarity vigil in support of Palestine. Hosted by two groups — Jewish Voice for Peace Pittsburgh and Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Pittsburgh...
2 men shot outside Lowe’s store in Waterfront
Two men were shot outside of a Lowe’s Home Improvement store at The Waterfront shopping complex Friday afternoon, police said. Allegheny police responded at 1:45 p.m. to the Lowe’s for a report of one person chasing another with a gun in the parking lot. Officers said they found a firearm...
Unity passes 2024 budget with no tax increase
Unity supervisors passed the township’s 2024 budget with no tax increase. Chairman Mike O’Barto said township hasn’t had a property tax increase in about 40 years. The spending plan totals about $8 million. Unity’s general fund tax will continue to stand at 2.2 mills, and its fire tax will continue...
Tenants move out as Latrobe apartment building inspections ongoing
The owner of the Latrobe apartment building cited with more than 100 code violations is working to correct the “most serious issues,” a city official said, but two tenants have left, claiming the nightmare of living there still haunts them. The three-story building at 333 Main St. has been inspected...
Police respond to domestic incident in Latrobe
Latrobe police officers responded to an incident in the 100 block of Washington Street on Thursday morning involving a man who was making threats to inflict injury upon himself and his domestic partner. Chief Richard Bosco said officers contacted the man’s partner — who said they feared for their life...
Latrobe approves budget with no tax increase
Latrobe residents will soon be able to pay city garbage bills and other fees online. Council on Monday approved a five-year agreement with Invoice Cloud to process online credit card payments. City manager Terry Carcella said the company will enable residents to pay their trash bills online for the first...
Sharky’s Cafe seeks donations for Christmas meal drive
Sharky’s Cafe in Unity is seeking donations for its Christmas meal program— which helps to feed those in need during the holiday season. Donations are being accepted until Dec. 21, the date of the meal drive. Organizer of the drive Sharky’s co-owner Jamie Huemme said the drive will provide 600...
Greater Latrobe halts multimillion-dollar revitalization plan
Greater Latrobe School Board did an about-face Tuesday and halted its multimillion-dollar revitalization plan that was set to raise taxes significantly through 2039 — thanks to a majority vote by directors who won successful write-in campaigns last month. The motion at Tuesday’s board meeting rescinded two resolutions passed during previous...
Police file charges against inmate responsible for Allegheny County Jail fire
An Allegheny County Jail inmate was charged Friday after a fire in an air vent inside his cell, county police said. Brian Leach, 49, was charged with one count of criminal mischief and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. The fire happened Monday in Leach’s cell, detectives determined, and...
Authorities respond to Route 30 crash in Ligonier Township
Route 30 reopened Friday evening following a single-vehicle crash, authorities said. It had been restricted to one westbound lane after the wreck was reported at 4:22 p.m. about a quarter mile past Quarry Lane in Ligonier Township. At least one individual was being transported for medical care, according to 911...
Mariah Carey rocks Pittsburgh with soulful performance of holiday hits
Santa hats and sparkly outfits adorned the crowd Tuesday night at PPG Paints Arena in Uptown Pittsburgh, and with so much holiday bling, there’s only one show it could have been for — singer Mariah Carey’s “Merry Christmas One And All!” tour. Opening the concert with an overture to “Sugar...
Greensburg Salem hires retiring principal as interim athletic director
David Zilli was hired as Greensburg Salem School District’s interim athletic director and transitional administrator, a position that will run from Jan. 1 until March 8. Zilli is set to retire as the district’s high school principal on Dec. 31, which was going to be the end of his 35-year...
50th anniversary: Latrobe historical society searches for next generation
The Latrobe Area Historical Society has evolved and expanded throughout the past 50 years — but its continued service to the local community is reliant on the work of numerous dedicated volunteers. President Mary Lou Townsend said the society is seeking younger volunteers to spearhead future growth of the organization....
Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum seeks funding for repairs
Although the final run for the Ligonier Valley Rail Road was more than 70 years ago, there’s still action at its Darlington Station. Now home to the historic Ligonier Valley Rail Road Museum, school groups and other visitors enjoy exploring the authentically restored train station and its contents in Ligonier...
