No TikTok, no Instagram: Chilean school blocks phones and students rediscover real-world connections

By By NAYARA BATSCHKE Associated Press

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Volleyball, basketball, ping pong, dancing rehearsals or simple chats. Dozens of teens are rediscovering how to reconnect to the real world after a school in Santiago, Chile, implemented a pioneering program in the country that blocks cell phones signals.

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Graduation day at PennWest California

December 15, 2025

Hannah Smith, an elementary education major from Cecil, celebrates with fellow graduates during PennWest California’s Fall 2025 commencement ceremony Saturday at the Convocation Center. See more photo...

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BVA investigating social media threats

December 15, 2025

In response, police will have an increased presence today at Rostraver Elementary. By LADIMIR GARCIA and TAYLOR BROWN lgarcia@yourmvi.com tbrown@yourmvi.com Belle Vernon Area School District officials...

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Up to 6 inches of snow blankets the Mon Valley

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

December 15, 2025

The storm was followed by bitter cold, but a warmup is in the forecast for later this week. Snow from a weekend winter storm tapered off early Sunday morning, but not before dropping several inches ac...

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Latest winners honored in Ideas 2 Enterprise program

By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter

December 15, 2025

Hannah Widdifield of Simple String Studio won first-place honors and a $5,000 grant. Big ideas and small businesses were in the spotlight Thursday as local entrepreneurs gathered to celebrate the late...

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Carnegie Free Library of McKeesport has new director

December 15, 2025

Michael Chirichella wants people to feel at home whenever they visit the library. By COLETTE FUNCHES McKeesport Community Newsroom When visitors enter the doors of the Carnegie Free Library of McKeesp...

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Elizabeth Township sets water shut-off procedure

By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com

December 15, 2025

It runs through March 31, covering non-payment issues for the winter. Elizabeth Township has approved a water shut-off procedure with Pennsylvania American Water for customers who don’t pay their bill...