Politics
October 20, 2025

State emergency officials say new rules & delays for FEMA grants put disaster response at risk

By By GABRIELA AOUN ANGUEIRA Associated Press 

State officials on the front lines of preparing for natural disasters and responding to emergencies say severe cuts to federal security grants, restrictions on money intended for readiness and funding delays tied to litigation are posing a growing risk to their ability to respond to crises.

Mural celebrates California’s past and present
Latest News, Main
July 3, 2026
Artist Ella Papini of Brownsville puts the finishing touches on a community mural on the side of the Lisa J. Buday Law Office along Liberty Street in California. Funded through a Rotary District 7305 ...
No paper July 4
Latest News, Main
July 3, 2026
The Mon Valley Independent won’t produce a newspaper or electronic edition on Saturday to mark the Independence Day holiday. The editorial department will return at 4 p.m. Sunday to gather and accept ...
Donora revisits animal ordinance
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
July 3, 2026
The move was sparked by complaints about a property on Second Street Extension. The debate over backyard goats and chickens has returned to Donora council, reviving a conversation that stalled in 2023...
Rostraver Township Historical Society offers a glimpse back in time
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
July 3, 2026
The Rostraver Township society is looking for more volunteers to make sure its work continues. A treasure trove of history can be found at the Rostraver Township Historical Society, which aims to pres...
Happy Birthday, America
Latest News, Main, Opinion
July 3, 2026
Editor’s note: The following editorial appeared in the July 3, 1976, edition of the Valley Independent to commemorate our nation’s bicentennial. We’re republishing it here in honor of our nation’s 250...