Features
February 20, 2026

CALENDAR WATCH

• “Sewing with a Purpose Day,” Central Highlands Community United Methodist Church, 100 Timothy Drive, Elizabeth, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sewers and non-sewers welcome to assist in making mastectomy aprons for local hospitals, dresses and britches for children in Africa, gifts for the Elizabeth Forward Meals on Wheels and items for the Ronald MacDonald House of Pittsburgh, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

River ice jams are latest weather concern
Main
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
Main
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
Main
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...
Main
February 20, 2026
Don’t miss our Food pages with new recipes each Saturday in the Mon Valley Independent.
News
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,...