8 backcountry skiers found dead and 1 still missing after Calif. avalanche
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February 19, 2026

8 backcountry skiers found dead and 1 still missing after Calif. avalanche

TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — Crews found the bodies of eight backcountry skiers near California’s Lake Tahoe and were searching for one more after they were caught in an avalanche, the nation’s deadliest in nearly half a century, authorities said Wednesday.

River ice jams are latest weather concern
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By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
February 20, 2026
They can cause flooding as ice on the river begins to melt. Rivers in the Mon Valley remain below flood stage, but officials warn that ice jams — not high water alone — could cause problems through th...
Rooney discusses impact of NFL draft at economic forum
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WASHINGTON COUNTY
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
February 20, 2026
The April 23-25 event will bring a lot of exposure to the Pittsburgh region. Hundreds of Washington County officials and business leaders came together Thursday for a forum hosted by the Washington Co...
Shapiro wants Pa. to be a ‘national leader’ on home construction
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By By CHARLOTTE KEITH Spotlight PA 
February 20, 2026
The governor’s new housing plan is a wideranging effort to tackle the state’s current crisis. HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania urgently needs to build more homes, Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Thursday as he unv...
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February 20, 2026
Don’t miss our Food pages with new recipes each Saturday in the Mon Valley Independent.
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NEWS BRIEF
February 20, 2026
A West Mifflin man who is on Megan’s List as a convicted sex offender is accused of failing to register his address with state police. Joshua Herzing, 39, of Pennsylvania Avenue, was charged Wednesday...
News
February 20, 2026
REGIONALIZATION IS BECOMING a reality in Pennsylvania. You can see it with police departments, such as the Charleroi Regional Police Department and Southwest Regional Police. In the Alle-Kiski Valley,...