Every year, our nation pauses to honor the courage of prisoners of war, remember those still missing in action, and stand beside the families who wait for their return. As a country, we send the message: “You are not alone.” The Department of Defense (DOD) supports the solemn promise and ensures that the sacrifices of these Americans are never overlooked. Established in 1979, National POW/MIA Recognition Day is observed annually on the third Friday in September.

Some songs burn bright and fast—topping the charts, taking over the airwaves, and then disappearing almost as quickly as they arrived. Those fleeting hits, known as one-hit wonders, leave behind melodies that instantly transport us back in time. Every September 25, music lovers celebrate National One-Hit Wonder Day, a tradition started in 1990 by music journalist Steve Rosen to honor the artists whose brief fame created unforgettable moments in music history. 

Navigating a serious health issue is difficult enough without having to travel a significant distance for care. Now, residents north of Pittsburgh and beyond will have access to expert liver care close to home. UPMC Passavant McCandless has expanded its liver disease program, bringing cutting-edge procedures and nationally recognized experts to a convenient suburban setting.

As a long time Maxxinista, I am forever scoping out what’s new at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, never struggling to find things I most definitely don’t need.  One of my more recent visits was especially exciting, as they are fully embracing all things Halloween.  While some may be eager to hold onto those last days of summer by railing against it being “so early”, some are more than ready for the holiday season.  

When most high school students were easing into summer break, Alexa Risdon was busy rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest minds in medicine. The Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh senior was chosen to serve as a Delegate to the prestigious Congress of Future Medical Leaders, held June 25–27 on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus just outside Boston.

As summer fades, the arrival of harvest time, cooler weather, football, pumpkins, apple pie, and bonfires signals the start of fall. Each brings its own seasonal charm. Alongside seasonal celebrations, even the name sparks debate. Both 'fall' and 'autumn' are used in the United States, with 'fall' more common here and 'autumn' favored in the United Kingdom. In the Northern Hemisphere, fall typically spans from late September to late December.

Hey folks, September marks the transition from summer to fall, often referred to as the “harvest month,” as families prepare for winter by storing food. This practice was more common decades ago with the art of canning and freezing fruits and vegetables.

August, often referred to as the "dog days of August," is a slower month for events but a busy time for farms. As summer ends and schools prepare to reopen, our local farms are working hard to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to your tables. Supporting local family farms not only provides you with the best seasonal produce but also strengthens the farm-to-table connection, ensuring food travels less and arrives fresher.

Maybe last year wasn’t their year… or maybe it was the best one yet.Regardless of where the last chapter ended, the start of the school year brings a clean slate: new faces, changing routines, sharpened pencils, and the promise of fresh beginnings.

Tucked into the rolling hills and forested ridges of western Pennsylvania, a surprising number of beautiful waterfalls are within a short drive of Pittsburgh. These natural wonders offer serene hikes, perfect photo ops, and a refreshing escape from city life. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a scenic stop along a weekend adventure, here are ten impressive waterfalls you can reach in under two hours.

I love New Years resolutions.  While some people moan and groan at the “new year, new me” social media posts and flocks of newbies at the gym, I love setting goals and the wishful thinking that I’ll actually accomplish them. I’m still working on replacing my Diet Pepsi addiction with water . . . maybe someday. 

Let’s be honest, we are all dreading back to school. Rushing, nagging, Ubering the kids around, quick meals, ugh—its exhausting even thinking about it. And like many of you, I still don't understand why schools must start in August. Would it hurt anyone to start after Labor Day? C’mon. Growing up in Russia, schools always started on September 1. We were all dreading it and secretly hating it, but we had at least three months of summer.

Ulyana Kubini, a junior for the 2024–2025 school year at Fox Chapel Area High School, has been named a winner of the prestigious Coolidge Scholarship. The full-ride presidential scholarship, which covers four years of tuition, room, board, and expenses, can be used to pursue undergraduate studies at any accredited college or university program in the United States.

Twenty-seven Fox Chapel Area High School recent graduates were named 2025 Top Scholars.

The heat is on during the dog days of summer, and it brings plenty of thirst! But fear not, there's a world of exciting thirst-quenchers waiting to soothe your palate and keep you hydrated.

For young adults who are considering a military career, the ROTC program presents a promising opportunity for them. ROTC, which stands for Reserve Officers' Training Corps, is a leadership training and development program that equips full-time, college-enrolled students for service roles in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Space Force. A similar program, the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI), is available in the Coast Guard. 

In a stunning triumph, students from The Music Note, a leading Pittsburgh music studio, have won top prizes at the International Youth Music Competition (IYMC). Their achievements will culminate in a recital and awards ceremony in New York City. The event takes place at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music on August 31.

Staples once ran an entertaining television ad showing an excited father and his reluctant kids shopping for supplies to the soundtrack of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Back-to-school shopping can be both exciting and full of opportunities. With the right approach, it can be an enjoyable, affordable, and positive experience for everyone.