World News
January 7, 2026

Pope Leo XIV closes 2025 Holy Year with critique of consumerism and xenophobia

By By NICOLE WINFIELD Associated Press 

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday closed out the Vatican’s 2025 Holy Year by denouncing today’s consumerist and anti- foreigner sentiment, capping a Jubilee that saw some 33 million pilgrims flock to Rome and a historic transition from one American pontiff to another.

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Delinquent sanitation bills being targeted in Donora
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
September 17, 2026
The current outstanding balance in the borough is nearly $261,000. Donora has to pay for garbage collection whether residents pay their bills or not, and more than $260,000 in outstanding sanitation c...
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FRIDAY
September 17, 2026
Don’t miss the latest from the West Mifflin Area School District in Thursday’s Mon Valley Independent.
EF again honored as Apple Distinguished School District
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EF again honored as Apple Distinguished School District
September 17, 2026
Superintendent Keith Konyk shared the news at Wednesday’s school board meeting. By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com Elizabeth Forward has again been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School Distric...
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ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Sweeping changes to paid parental leave proposal
By By MEGAN TROTTER TribLive 
September 17, 2026
County trims 6 weeks of proposed benefit, exempts smaller businesses. The Allegheny County Board of Health pared back its controversial paid parental leave proposal Wednesday, shaving six weeks off th...
BVA award winners are honored at board meeting
Around The Valley
BVA award winners are honored at board meeting
By MICHAEL VINSICK mvinsick@yourmvi.com 
September 17, 2026
Students from the middle school and high school were recognized Tuesday night. Parents gathered in Leopard Hall to show support for their children during the student LEPS awards at Tuesday’s Belle Ver...