Leah Schoolcraft
- Student, West Virginia University
Pittsburgh
she/her
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Leah Schoolcraft
AAA: Thanksgiving travel to rebound to near pre-pandemic levels
PITTSBURGH — Airports and roads may seem more crowded this year as AAA predicts 53.4 million people will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, up 13% from 2020. This brings travel volumes within 5% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019, with air travel almost completely recovering from its dramatic fall during the pandemic, up 80% over last year. >>RELATED STORY: Thanksgiving travel 2021: Best, worst times to hit the road The Bracalento family from Erie got an early start to avoid traffic.
2021 holiday events that can’t be missed in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — It’s that time of year again. The air is colder, spirits are lifted and there are tons of activities all across the Steel City for you and your family to do! With the holiday season upon us, Pittsburgh is primed to help visitors celebrate the season through experiences, attractions, shops, restaurants and so much more that help set the region apart. Channel 11 gathered just some of the best and put them in this 2021 holiday guide of events around Pittsburgh.
Thousands show up for Light Up Night to kick off the holiday season
PITTSBURGH — The Christmas trees are lit in downtown Pittsburgh to kick off the holiday season. Thousands of people showed up for Light Up Night. The festivities kicked off on a Saturday for the first time. This is the 60th year for the annual event that was canceled last year due to COVID-19. It’s the quintessential start of the holiday season in Pittsburgh. For vendors like Dave Keibler, who owns Blue Ribbon Kettle Corn, just being able to be present this year is very much welcomed.
PIT PAWS therapy dog buddy “Boone” wins national Hero Dog award
PITTSBURGH — A round of “ap-paws” and tons of treats are in order for the Pittsburgh International Airport therapy dog as he is the recipient of national recognition. Boone won American Humane’s 2021 American Hero Dog award. Congratulations to Boone, the 2021 American Hero Dog! Despite the challenges he was forced to overcome, Boone’s sweet nature and enthusiasm for life never quit, and he inspires those around him every day.
AAA offers “fall back” driving tips ahead of daylight saving time
With the end of daylight saving time this weekend, drivers will be presented with challenges that could impact pedestrian safety. AAA East Central recommends that they prepare for potential problems with changes in sleep patterns, brighter morning commutes, and darker evening commutes. “While the extra hour of sleep may feel nice on Sunday morning, the time change can lead to greater risks behind the wheel,” said Terri Rae Anthony, safety advisor, AAA East Central.
Talk about luck! Pennsylvania Lottery winners claimed more than $192 Million in Scratch-Off prizes
November 04, 2021 at 2:29 pm EDT By Leah Schoolcraft, WPXI.com PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania Lottery Scratch-Off winners claimed $192,208,912 in prizes during October, including three top prizes worth $500,000 claimed by players from Cumberland, Lebanon and Westmoreland counties.
Here is where you can get your child vaccinated against COVID-19
It’s been a long time coming, but children ages 5 - 11 can get vaccinated against COVID-19. U.S. health officials gave the final signoff to Pfizer’s kid-size COVID-19 shot, a milestone that is a major expansion of the nation’s vaccination campaign to children as young as 5.
Gold medalist Olympian, Megan Duggan, sends support to Mars hockey team goalie
KITTANNING, Pa. — After a female goalie for the Mars hockey team was humiliated in the middle of a game against Armstrong High School last week, Olympian Megan Duggan is sending words of support. “Every time you take the ice, women & girls all over the hockey community are proud of YOU!,” the gold medalist tweeted.
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden returning to Phipps Conservatory
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden coming back for winter season! Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, designed by Assoicate Director of Exhibits Jordyn Melino, runs Nov. 19 – Sun., Jan. 9.
Cheetah cubs celebrate 2nd birthday at Pittsburgh Zoo with a little piñata fun 🎊
October 20, 2021 at 1:44 pm EDT By Leah Schoolcraft, WPXI.com PITTSBURGH — Cheetah cubs at the Pittsburgh Zoo got to unleash their playful side on their birthday! The zoo posted this sweet video of the cubs swatting at a cupcake piñata. Help us wish a very happy 2nd birthday to our cheetah cubs.
Check your Powerball tickets! One worth $100,000 was sold in Allegheny County
ALLEGHENY COUNTY — A Pennsylvania Lottery retailer in Allegheny County sold a Powerball with Power Play ticket worth $100,000 for the Monday, October 4 drawing. The ticket matched four of the five white balls drawn, 12-22-54-66-69, and the red Powerball 15 to win $100,000. Without the $1 Power Play option, the ticket would have been worth $50,000. The Power Play multiplier drawn was two. Asay’s News Stand on 328 E. 6th Avenue in Tarentum, will get a $500 bonus for selling the winning ticket.
Pittsburgh looking for designers to make branded city merch
PITTSBURGH — Are any of yinz a designer or artist that loves Pittsburgh? We have the perfect job for you! Mayor William Peduto’s Administration announced that the City of Pittsburgh is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) for professional designers and apparel manufacturers to create officially licensed and branded City of Pittsburgh merchandise such as T-shirts, hats, and more. The City of Pittsburgh and its iconic black-and-gold colors are known and recognized across the nation.
Election Day is coming up in Pennsylvania; do you have your voting plan ready?
Election Day is coming up in Pennsylvania; do you have your voting plan ready? Coronavirus: Election Day is coming up in Pennsylvania; do you have your voting plan ready? September 29, 2021 at 1:54 pm EDT By Leah Schoolcraft, WPXI.com PENNSYLVANIA — The next election in Pennsylvania is on Tuesday, Nov. 2. If you would like to vote by mail ballot instead of going to your polling place on Nov. 2, you must apply for a mail ballot by Tuesday, Oct. 26.
🦅 Kodiak the eagle still missing after escaping from Pittsburgh’s National Aviary
PITTSBURGH — The eagle that escaped from the National Aviary on Saturday is still missing. The bird, a two-feet tall Steller’s sea eagle named Kodiak, is believed to have gotten out of his habitat through weakened chain netting, Aviary officials said Sunday morning. Kodiak was last seen flying over the North Side. He’s still believed to be in that area of the city. Officials from the Aviary posted Monday morning they are actively responding to sightings.
Kodiak the eagle likely escaped from Pittsburgh’s National Aviary through weakened netting
PITTSBURGH — An eagle has taken flight over Pittsburgh after escaping from the National Aviary on Saturday. The bird, a two-feet tall Steller’s sea eagle named Kodiak, is believed to have gotten out of his habitat through weakened chain netting, Aviary officials said Sunday morning. Kodiak was last seen flying over the North Side. He’s still believed to be in that area of the city.
Cody the Eagle makes grand escape from National Aviary
PITTSBURGH — If you looked up in the sky this morning, you may have seen something pretty big flying around. An eagle has taken flight over Pittsburgh after escaping from the National Aviary. DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts “Cody” is a two foot tall Steller Sea Eagle. He escaped from the facility early Saturday morning. He was seen flying over the North Side.
More than 100 Penn State students suspended for bucking vaccine-or-test requirement
State College, PA — More than 100 Penn State University students are on interim suspension for failing to comply with the university’s covid-19 testing requirement, according to a release from the school. [Here is how to stay informed about coronavirus updates from WPXI] As of Tuesday, according to the release, 117 students at University Park have been placed on interim suspension after missing at least three weeks of testing.
Holidays are just around the corner, here is where you can get a seasonal job in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Want to make a little extra cash this holiday season? Here are the companies in the Pittsburgh area that are hiring. DICK’S Sporting Goods DICK’S Sporting Goods is holding its own “National Signing Day” on September 15 to fill seasonal associate positions in Pittsburgh and nationwide. Visit this website to see all the locations hiring in our area and learn more about joining the DICK’S Sporting Goods team this holiday season.
23andMe DNA test brings siblings back together after 70 years
PITTSBURGH — A reunion nearly 70 years in the making finally happened Saturday, thanks to a 23andMe ancestry test. George Felsing had not seen his siblings since they were separated in Ligonier back in 1950, when their family fell on hard times. George’s sister Sandra was later adopted, and he thought he’d never see her again.
Butler County Sweet Tooth Trail gets a little sweeter with 2 new locations
BUTLER COUNTY, Pa. — Looking for a delicious summer treat? Butler County’s Sweet Tooth Trail just added two new locations! The trail is a self-guided tour through bakeries, ice cream shops and candy stores in the area. We're wrapping up National Candy month by welcoming two new stops along our Sweet Tooth Trail - Butler Donut Connection...
Police release warning after spotting a coyote pup in Allegheny County
ASPINWALL, Pa. — While on patrol Monday night, Aspinwall police officers spotted a coyote pup in the upper parts of Aspinwall. Although the Borough of Aspinwall welcomes all types of animals, some can be aggressive or dangerous. The Aspinwall police are asking people to become educated about these animals and the do’s and don’ts when encountering a coyote. The following are things you can do if you spot a coyote in your neighborhood or near your home: Frighten coyotes with loud noises.
2021 Penguins’ playoff tickets go on sale Wednesday
Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Maxime Lagace (31) celebrates his first career shutout with Jeff Carter after an NHL hockey game against the Buffalo Sabres in Pittsburgh, Saturday, May 8, 2021. The Penguins won 1-0. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (Gene J.
Dino’s Sports Lounge in Greensburg forced to close an extra day due to short staffing
Greensburg, PA — Another local restaurant was forced to close for a day because of short staffing. For the first time in three decades, Dino’s in Greensburg couldn’t get enough staff and had to shut down a day. Channel 11 spoke to the owner about the issues plaguing the restaurant industry ahead of the busiest time of year. “This is my 32nd year this year. I’ve never seen anything like this,” Owner Dino Decario explained.
Hazardous materials team responds to controlled ammonia leak at Consumer’s Produce
WPXI Public Safety Courtesy of PGH Public Safety May 04, 2021 at 8:53 pm EDT By Leah Schoolcraft, WPXI.com PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Safety Hazardous Materials Team responded to the scene at a controlled ammonia leak inside Consumer’s Produce in the Strip District. Team members, in HazMat gear, were said to be going inside to check levels to ensure safe conditions for repair teams to enter and repair the leak.
Earth Day 2021: Four ways to give back in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH — Earth Day is April 22 this year, and now that many restrictions are being lifted from COVID-19, it’s important to remember ways to keep Pittsburgh clean. Pittsburgh Earth Day is a non-profit organization that educates on and promotes sustainability in the Steel City. They work to put together farm-to-table initiatives and other environmentally friendly events in Pittsburgh.
Highmark Health pairs 2 Pennsylvania veterans with dogs through Guardian Angel Medical Service Dog program
PITTSBURGH — Two local veterans had their lives changed last fall when they were paired with furry service partners to help them with their medical needs. Dan Smith, a Vietnam veteran from Butler, was paired with a service dog named Charlie. Charlie was specially trained to detect changes in Dan’s blood sugar levels. Since getting Charlie, Dan has become more active and has lost 15 pounds. He likes to take Charlie to sporting events, car shows, and for long walks at a local playground.
Terminal Farmers Market to kick off new season
PITTSBURGH — Mark your calendars! The Terminal Farmers Market will be reopening this weekend. The seasonal market will kick off on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continue every third Saturday through October. Here are those dates: April 17 May 15 June 19 July 17 August 21 September 18 October 16 The market will host local farmers and artisans bringing in seasonal vegetables and handcrafted gifts.
Home Depot to hire 590 people in Pittsburgh
Home Depot opening 3 new facilities in metro Atlanta creating 1,000 new jobs Home Depot opening 3 new facilities in metro Atlanta creating 1,000 new jobs April 13, 2021 at 11:27 am EDT By Leah Schoolcraft, WPXI.com PITTSBURGH — Looking for a job? Home Depot is accepting applications and hiring 590 people for part-time and full-time roles in the Metro Pittsburgh area.
Specialty shop opens in Fairmont to help residents save their favorite memories
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Apr 2, 2021 / 05:28 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 2, 2021 / 05:28 PM EDT FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A Marion County Businesswoman’s decision to open a specialty shop right at the beginning of the worldwide pandemic has come to fruition. Donetta Gillespie applied for her business license in March of last year to open up Framed Memories by Donetta. The tiny shop located on the east side of Fairmont has stayed open and flourished despite all the setbacks caused by COVID-19.
Barbour County celebrates opening of new wellness center in town
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Apr 1, 2021 / 06:12 PM EDT / Updated: Apr 1, 2021 / 06:14 PM EDT PHILIPPI, W.Va. – The Philippi Wellness Center celebrated its official grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning. The friendly workout facility provides new state-of-the-art fitness machines along with some old-school training equipment. The Barbour Community Health Association has a similar gym successfully operating in nearby Belington for more than 25 years.
WVU to host “Dining with Diabetes” program to bring awareness to the illness
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 22, 2021 / 04:23 PM EDT / Updated: Mar 22, 2021 / 04:23 PM EDT Dining with Diabetes MORGANTOWN, WV (WOWK) – The WVU Extension Service will host a Dining with Diabetes program to bring awareness and enhance overall health for the chronic illness. Diabetes is one of the leading chronic illnesses in West Virginia. According to the West Virginia Department of Health & Human Resources, 1 in 8 West Virginians have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Mon Health welcomes new member to its OB-GYN team
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 16, 2021 / 10:07 AM EDT / Updated: Mar 16, 2021 / 10:07 AM EDT MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Mon Health is expanding its OB-GYN team to better serve the needs of women in the community. The Mon Health OB-GYN team in Morgantown and Fairmont announced the addition of Sarah Highlander, CNM, WHNP-BC to its growing team. Highlander is a Certified Nurse Midwife and has provided women’s health services in Weston since April of 2020. Sarah Highlander is a native of Boone County.
Mr. Yuk celebrates 50 years of keeping people informed of poison safety
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 9, 2021 / 02:15 PM EST / Updated: Mar 9, 2021 / 02:15 PM EST Mr. Yuk CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A certain green character that many in the mountain state and across the country has grown up learning about is turning 50 this year. The West Virginia Poison Center (WVPC) joins poison centers and poison prevention partners worldwide to celebrate National Poison Prevention Week March 21 – 27, 2021. This year marks Mr. Yuk’s 50th birthday.
AB students to receive additional COVID-19 financial assistance
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 8, 2021 / 03:10 PM EST / Updated: Mar 8, 2021 / 03:11 PM EST PHILIPPI, W.Va. – Alderson Broaddus University students are able to receive additional COVID-19 financial assistance thanks to a federal relief bill.
Fairmont State to hold separate in-person commencement ceremonies on April 24 - 25
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 5, 2021 / 03:24 PM EST / Updated: Mar 5, 2021 / 03:24 PM EST FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University will honor graduates during Spring Commencement Ceremonies on Saturday, April 24, and Sunday, April 25. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the University explained that it will hold separate in-person ceremonies for each college or school at the Duvall-Rosier Field.
W.Va. Senators announce federal funding for WVU online STEM education
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 5, 2021 / 04:31 PM EST / Updated: Mar 5, 2021 / 04:31 PM EST Dramatic image of Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University or WVU in Morgantown WV as the sun sets behind the illuminated historic building WASHINGTON, D.C. – Additional funding is making its way to West Virginia University to advance opportunities in online STEM learning.
More than 1,300 new West Virginia businesses registered in February 2021
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 4, 2021 / 07:26 PM EST / Updated: Mar 4, 2021 / 07:26 PM EST CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office registered 1,306 new businesses statewide during February 2021, according to Secretary of State Mac Warner. Officials explained that Summers County led the state in the percentage of new business registration growth for the month with a total of 16 new businesses, a 2.56% increase.
Click It or Ticket: WV GHSP is reminding drivers of seat belt use
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 4, 2021 / 03:48 PM EST / Updated: Mar 4, 2021 / 03:48 PM EST CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (WV GHSP) is reminding all drivers of the importance of seat belt use. The WV GHSP is coordinating a statewide Click It or Ticket high-visibility enforcement mobilization that is running from March 5 – 21, 2021.
City of Elkins announces initial results of 2021 Municipal Election
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 3, 2021 / 01:02 AM EST / Updated: Mar 3, 2021 / 01:02 AM EST ELKINS, W.Va. – Officials for the City of Elkins have announced election night results for the 2021 Municipal Election. According to officials, the ballot included voting for a mayor to be elected for a two-year term and one council member from each of the city’s five wards to be elected for four-year terms.
WVU announces additional emergency CARES grant distribution to students
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 1, 2021 / 05:15 PM EST / Updated: Mar 1, 2021 / 05:15 PM EST MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is sending out additional funds to help students during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to university officials, eligible, degree-seeking students at any West Virginia University campus can receive emergency grants through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II, a part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
New U.S. Attorney named for Northern District of West Virginia
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Mar 1, 2021 / 03:01 PM EST / Updated: Mar 1, 2021 / 03:03 PM EST WHEELING, W.Va. – Randolph J. Bernard will serve as Acting United States Attorney beginning March 1. Bernard was selected to serve as Acting U.S. Attorney by the Executive Office of United States Attorneys in Washington, D.C., after former U.S. Attorney Bill Powell announced his resignation effective February 28, 2021.
WV Division of Forestry shares safety tips before spring fire season
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Feb 26, 2021 / 03:17 PM EST / Updated: Feb 26, 2021 / 03:19 PM EST CHARLESTON, WV (WBOY) – The spring fire season is quickly approaching. The West Virginia Division of Forestry (WVDOF) wants to make sure that the public is aware of safety regulations that come into effect. The annual spring fire season starts March 1 and continues through May 31.
Mon Health announces updated visitation hours across all of its hospitals
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Feb 26, 2021 / 02:43 PM EST / Updated: Feb 26, 2021 / 02:44 PM EST MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Mon Health System recently announced changes to its visitation guidelines. Mon Health System has updated the visitation guidelines at all Mon Health hospitals to 8 a.m.- 7 p.m. The update has been in effect as of Thursday, February 25.
Antero Resources presents a check to the Mountaineer Food Bank for $150,000 to help battle food insecurity
by: Leah Schoolcraft, Chris Marrs Posted: Feb 23, 2021 / 05:26 PM EST / Updated: Feb 23, 2021 / 05:26 PM EST GASSAWAY, W.Va. – An Oil and Gas company has teamed up with the Mountaineer Food Bank to help end food insecurities throughout West Virginia. The Antero Foundation from Antero Resources presented a check for $150,000 to the Mountaineer Food Bank this afternoon in Gassaway. Antero promised to match every dollar raised during the food bank’s annual; We’re Here Campaign.
Forbes lists WVU Health System among “America’s Best Large Employers” for 2021
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Feb 19, 2021 / 03:02 PM EST / Updated: Feb 19, 2021 / 03:02 PM EST MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine has received some national recognition for the support it gives to its employees. The West Virginia University Health System has been ranked number 180 out of 500 businesses selected for the Forbes list of “America’s Best Employers 2021.” “We are honored to be recognized among such elite company on the ‘America’s Best Employers’ list.
A.G. Morrisey warns of price gouging in W.Va. due to snow and ice storm
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Feb 17, 2021 / 06:55 AM EST / Updated: Feb 17, 2021 / 06:55 AM EST CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is warning against price gouging during a state of emergency declared Tuesday in response to snow and ice across portions of West Virginia. Winter storms have dropped snow and ice across the state, leaving behind downed trees, blocked roads, and widespread power outages.
Navigating the social media marketing menu
Social media strategy plays a huge role in how marketers can reach their target audiences, and there are many benefits to utilizing social media to a business’s advantage. These platforms have changed the marketing game and offer something that many previous marketing avenues have not – a direct line to the consumer. Brands can directly engage with their audience; they can show off their brand voice and build trust with consumers on a more personal level than ever before.
WVU announces updates to on-campus operations for Thursday due to inclement weather
by: Leah Schoolcraft Posted: Feb 10, 2021 / 09:49 PM EST / Updated: Feb 10, 2021 / 09:49 PM EST MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Officials with West Virginia University in Morgantown announced that it would adjust some of its on-campus operations for Thursday, February 11, due to inclement weather and deteriorating road conditions. Thursday was previously designated as a non-instructional date on the academic calendar and as a result, no classes were scheduled.
W.Va. youth homelessness has increased by 14% in the past 5 years
CHARLESTON, W.Va – On February 8, WV KIDS COUNT released an Issue Brief on the rising numbers of children and youth experiencing homelessness across the state of West Virginia. The brief explained youth homelessness and its surrounding issues provided by the West Virginia Department of Education, and identify resources available in the education and community-based sectors within the state.
A well-balanced blend: Google Analytics and Sprout Social
There are many options for website analytics measuring tools, and it can be quite daunting when trying to decide what works best for you and your website goals. Web analytics used to be fairly exclusive to those who had the money to pay for expensive and hard-to-understand tools (Kaushik, 2010, p. 3). Since then, tools that have pushed through keeping up have become more sophisticated or offer more solutions (Kaushik, p. 3).
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Leah
Contact Leah, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack