Travel ban may shut door for Afghan family to bring niece to U.S. for a better life
Extra
June 9, 2025

Travel ban may shut door for Afghan family to bring niece to U.S. for a better life

IRMO, S.C. (AP) — Mohammad Sharafoddin, his wife and young son walked at times for 36 hours in a row over mountain passes as they left Afghanistan as refugees to end up less than a decade later talking about their journey on a plush love seat in the family’s three-bedroom suburban American home.

Serra Catholic High School celebrates homecoming
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Serra Catholic High School celebrates homecoming
October 3, 2026
Alonna Morton and Jacob Anderson were selected as homecoming queen and king at Serra Catholic High School Friday night. Submitted photo
Commissioners vote 2-1 to withhold hotel tax revenue from WCTPA
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
WASHINGTON COUNTY
Commissioners vote 2-1 to withhold hotel tax revenue from WCTPA
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
October 3, 2026
The measure was passed over the objections of Commissioner Larry Maggi. A years-long battle between Washington County commissioners and the county’s tourism promotion agency escalated Thursday when co...
BVA board president dismayed by absences that prevented hirings
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BVA board president dismayed by absences that prevented hirings
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
October 3, 2026
The lack of a quorum stopped the board from voting on an athletic director and interim assistant AD. As the Belle Vernon Area School District is still without an athletic director, the school board pr...
Local accordionist lost over Germany in World War II
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STORIES BEHIND THE STARS
Local accordionist lost over Germany in World War II
October 3, 2026
This story is part of Mon Valley Sons of World War II, a series about our sons who lost their lives in service to our country during the war. By JOHN J. TURANIN For the MVI When he wasn’t working in h...
Large crowd turns out for first night of Serbian festival
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Large crowd turns out for first night of Serbian festival
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
October 3, 2026
“A Taste of Serbia” will continue today at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in McKeesport. Parishioners and area residents gathered Friday night at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church to enjoy Serbian et...
Ministry finds new home in abandoned church
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Ministry finds new home in abandoned church
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
October 3, 2026
A lightning strike caused a fire at Mark Pudlowski’s former White Oak location. Several months after lightning struck a White Oak ministry, the veteran who started it is back to serving and helping ot...