Politics
By By MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press 
January 3, 2026
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump defended his energy and health in an interview with The Wall Street Journal and disclosed that he had a CT scan, not an MRI scan, during an October examination...
Dozens brrr-ave icy temps for Glassport legion’s polar plunge
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
January 2, 2026
The Glassport American Legion holds the annual event to raise money for the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The Polar Bear Plunge in Glassport doesn’t last very long. For those running in, inclu...
New year, another toll hike in Pa.
Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
This is the smallest annual toll increase set by the commission in the last 12 years. By the MVI As planned, Pennsylvania Turnpike toll charges will go up 4% starting Sunday. The money from the hikes,...
NYE storm drops up to 5 inches of snow across region
Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
Dry air is expected through the weekend with warmer temperatures predicted for next week. By the MVI The new year rang in with high winds and heavy snow that put a damper on New Year’s Eve festivities...
Washington County officials list 2025 highlights
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
A new 911 Dispatch Center will accompany a major $30 million replacement of the first responder radio system. For the MVI Throughout 2025, Washington County advanced key initiatives designed to shape ...
MMVTA issues guidelines to aid riders during severe weather
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
January 2, 2026
Both PRT and MMVTA provide ridership updates on their Facebook pages and on X (formerly Twitter). As winter reaches its peak in the Mon Valley, severe weather conditions have started affecting the Mid...
Blaze in McKeesport destroys house
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
McKeesport firefighters responded to this fire about 4 a.m. Tuesday at 608 Pirl St. Initial efforts from the front of the structure were delayed due to live electrical lines burning and falling, creat...
Crashes reported in Rostraver Township
Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
Rostraver Township police and firefighters responded to this vehicle accident in the 2200 block of Route 906 shortly before 4 p.m. Thursday. The occupants were able to exit the vehicles on their own a...
Crash snarls traffic on Elizabeth Bridge
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
Elizabeth Borough firefighters and township police were called to this vehicle crash Thursday morning on the northbound side of the Elizabeth bridge. No injuries were reported. Elizabeth Borough VFC
Occupant injured in Glassport accident
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
January 2, 2026
At approximately 4:30 Thursday morning, Liberty firefighters started the year by assisting Citizen’s Hose Co. No. 1 of Glassport at a motor vehicle collision where a pole penetrated the passenger comp...
Politics
January 2, 2026
THERE IS SOMETHING CLARIFYING about opening a fresh calendar. The pages are clean, the boxes empty, the year ahead undefined. It invites planning even as experience reminds us that no year ever unfold...
Why legislators are leaving
Politics
January 2, 2026
Axios calls Congress “The worst good-paying job in America.” The Atlantic headlines, “House Republicans Aren’t Having Any Fun.” And USA Today reports: “Why quitting is all the rage in DC.” Departures ...
2025: A look back on the year in the Mon Valley
Latest News, Main
A deadly explosion, trench collapse, immigration and glass plant closing are among Valley’s top news stories
December 31, 2025
The Mon Valley Independent takes a look back at the year’s most significant stories. By STACY WOLFORD Managing Editor swolford@yourmvi.com As 2025 winds to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back ...
Valley residents’ plans for 2026 aren’t all resolutions
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 31, 2025
Many plan to stick with what has been working for them. As the calendar turns, the pressure to reinvent ourselves often turns with it. For some, the new year is about starting over — setting goals, br...
Monongahela budget with tax increase approved
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 31, 2025
Councilman Roy Sarver said fiscal responsibility made the hike necessary. The City of Monongahela held an early-morning special meeting Tuesday to take final action on the 2026 budget, which passed by...
Local mayors share plans for 2026
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 31, 2025
Monessen’s Ron Mozer and McKeesport’s Michael Cherepko both have a lot on their agendas. With 2026 a few hours away, Mon Valley mayors are hoping the new year will bring a brighter future for their co...
Officials sworn in, including new judge, register of wills
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
WESTMORELAND COUNTY
December 31, 2025
By RENATTA SIGNORINI TribLive Judge Harry Smail Jr. knows how well-versed Katie Pecarchik is in the operation of the Westmoreland County Register of Wills Office. As a clerk, she left a lasting impact...