Learning to read can be a joy for many children, but it can also be a real challenge for others. Some children need extra support and teaching methods that might not be offered in mainstream schooling options — which makes support systems imperative for success.

Period Zero is an innovative nonprofit organization connecting students to much-needed career experience and local entrepreneurs. North Hills Monthly had an opportunity to learn more about the groundbreaking programs they offer from founder Audra Lewis Hoesch.

The value of creative expression for young people is sometimes overshadowed by the emphasis many schools place on sports or other extracurricular activities. But those involved in arts instruction for children will tell you that engagement in creative endeavors is beneficial in numerous ways.

Rib Room, located downtown in the heart of the Cultural Trust, is the epitome of cozy elegance. Tucked behind Meat & Potatoes’ main dining room, Rib Room serves prime rib along with a variety of classic hors d’oeuvres, salads, and sides. Owned by the Richard DeShantz Restaurant Group, Rib Room offers exceptional, personalized service, as they only serve 16 guests at a time.

High school seniors across the Pittsburgh region often spend hours crafting personal statements for national scholarship competitions, convinced that a 4.0 GPA or financial hardship is the price of admission. What many don’t realize is that thousands of dollars in scholarship funding are right in their own backyard.

Harrison Township, located along the west shore of the Allegheny River about 20 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh, was started as a pioneer farming community in the early 1800s. It soon became home to the Pennsylvania Salt Manufacturing Co. (Penn Salt), and by 1850, it had morphed into a “company town” called Natrona — named after the ancient Greek word for salt, natron.

School mascots are a lot of fun, and you can even say that some are out of this world.

While school lunches have improved due to federal nutrition standards, not all students buy lunch every day. For busy parents who want to provide quality lunches to their children, several nutritionists and dietitians weighed in.

News and events in Pittsburgh, PA in August 2026