Features, Local/Youth
HONOR ROLLS
December 23, 2025
The following students were named to the first 2025-26 trimester honor roll at Bentworth High School, Bentleyville: Grade 12 High honors Avery Barker, Ada Bommer, Eli Cario, Benjamin Hays, Azekial Mal...
Features
December 23, 2025
Attention to detail, observation, unique thinking and taking matters will serve you well. Unfinished business will be your downfall this year. Keep your documents and payments up to date and your eye ...
Relationship with sister has gone steadily downhill
Features
December 23, 2025
DEAR ABBY: My sister, “Blanche,” and I didn’t grow up together after she turned 13. I was 6 at that time, and our grandmother raised her. We talked on the phone a lot until I was 45 and my husband die...
Unemployed friend about to lose apartment
Features
SENSE AND SENSITIVITY
December 23, 2025
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who is an immigrant, and he has been out of work for nearly two years. He has cobbled together enough money to scrape by, but if he doesn’t find a job soon, I worry tha...
From snow to sunshine, global destinations shape Christmas in unexpected ways
Features
By By JENNIFER ALLEN For the AP 
December 23, 2025
Christmas looks different depending on where you are in the world. It might be a frosted garden outside an Irish manor, a family suite transformed into a tropical holiday playground or a mountain lodg...
Features
December 23, 2025
• Christmas Eve service, First Presbyterian Church of Belle Vernon, 501 Fayette St., Rostraver Township, 7 p.m. • Christmas Eve services, Saints Joachim and Anne Parish, Elizabeth/Glassport/Liberty Bo...
Features
Liv 2 Crafts at Penn
December 23, 2025
Eucharistic Adoration scheduled for Jan. 2 at St. Andrew the Apostle Donora church, Second Street Extension and Park Manor Road in Donora, is postponed. It will take place from 9 a.m. to midnight Feb....
CITY MISSION RECEIVES CHRISTMAS DONATION
Features
December 23, 2025
Aleena Amati, (center) granddaughter of Ronald Amati (right), president and CEO of Spartan Enterprises Inc., recently presented a donation to the City Mission for Christmas. They are shown with City M...
MONESSEN LIONS STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Features
December 23, 2025
Tessa Rankin, daughter of Valerie and Joel Rankin, was recently recognized as the Monessen Lions December Student of the Month. Tessa is president of the Art Club, vice president of the Spanish Club, ...
NORAD continues decades-long tradition of tracking Santa’s trip around the world
Features
By By COLLEEN SLEVIN Associated Press 
December 23, 2025
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. (AP) — Sometimes kids drop the phone after hearing Santa won’t show up if they’re not asleep. Others who call the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline wonder if St. Nick will be...
Christmas Eve fun for families
Features
December 23, 2025
Metro Creative Services The day and evening before Christmas is a time of much anticipation for young children, particularly those awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus. What children do not realize is ...
Features
December 22, 2025
Incorporate the changes that excite you into your daily routine. Step outside your comfort zone and make things happen. Embrace life and love, and turn negatives into positives. Be the driving force b...
Parents running in circles trying to land son a wife
Features
December 22, 2025
DEAR ABBY: My son has completely given up on dating. Whether it’s blind dates, casual meetings with members from our church or dating events I pay for and make him go to, he still hasn’t found a wife....
Son disappoints mom by failing to return calls
Features
December 20, 2025
DEAR ABBY: My sister recently became very ill and had to be hospitalized for four days. When I called and told our daughter, she was concerned and supportive. Then, I called our son, “Isaac,” and left...
Neighbor wants to help stressed-out mom
Features
SENSE AND SENSITIVITY
December 20, 2025
DEAR HARRIETTE: My next-door neighbor has two young children and often seems to be stressed out. She is married, and her husband helps out some, but most of the work falls to her. I see her looking ex...
Features
December 20, 2025
Think twice before you follow through. Fine-tuning your plans is easier than fixing mistakes. Think big, hone your skills and ideas, and carry out your intentions with dignity and grace. Express and e...
Features
December 20, 2025
Pace yourself, but don’t lose sight of your goals. Spend your time on activities and pastimes that will enhance your life. Learning something new this year that accentuates your level of expertise wil...
Features
December 20, 2025
• In 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union on a vote of delegates at a secession convention, emboldening other Southern states to follow suit and helping to trigger the ...
Features
December 20, 2025
Rock drummer Peter Criss (Kiss) is 80. Producer Dick Wolf (“Law & Order”) is 79. Musician Alan Parsons is 77. Author Sandra Cisneros is 71. Actor Michael Badalucco is 71. Rock singer Chris Robinson (T...