Morning Roundup: Chartiers Valley schools go remote amid 'concerning note'

Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2024:

Chartiers Valley schools go remote amid ‘concerning note’

Students in Chartiers Valley School District will be learning remotely Friday as officials investigate a “concerning note.”

After-school events and activities Friday were canceled, and the district was not providing transportation to any schools, including private and parochial ones.

District officials said they were working with local law enforcement and acting “out of an abundance of caution.”

Students were told to check Google Classroom for further instructions and to log into Infinite Campus for attendance.

“Safety is our top priority, and we investigate all threats,” district officials said in a notice on their website.

People can submit anonymous tips using Safe 2 Say through the Safe2Say app, online or by texting 1-844-SAF2SAY (844-723-2729).

4 displaced after Clairton apartment explosion

Four people were displaced after an explosion at a Clairton apartment.

The blast occurred around 11:30 p.m. Thursday on the 3700 block of Miles Avenue, TribLive news partner WTAE reported.

No one was injured.

Peoples Gas in a statement said the company is at the scene Friday morning to conduct safety checks throughout the area. Crews have not found natural gas in the air or soil nearby, the company said.

Peoples received reports Thursday of a possible gas odor in the area. The company said it sent a technician to investigate, but it was determined the odor was not coming from the Peoples’ system.

“The safety of the public and our employees is our first priority, and we are working closely with the Allegheny County Fire Marshall and local emergency responders,” Peoples Gas said in a statement. “This is an active situation, and more information will be released as it becomes available.”

The utility company said it is continuing to work with authorities to investigate the cause of the incident.

1 injured, 1 arrested in Strip District shooting

One man is in critical condition and another was arrested after a shooting early Friday morning in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

Police were dispatched to the 1100 block of Penn Avenue around 2:15 a.m. for reports of a man threatening individuals with a weapon inside Club Pittsburgh.

As officers were on their way to the scene, they received a report that someone had been shot.

Officers found a man in the building with multiple gunshot wounds to his chest and torso. Pittsburgh EMS took him to a local hospital.

The man, who has not been identified, was reported in critical condition Friday morning.

Police took a suspect into custody at the scene. The man, who police did not identify, was experiencing medical distress and was taken to the hospital for evaluation before he is released to the Allegheny County Jail.

Club Pittsburgh, a private club that caters to the queer community, in a statement posted to social media Friday said their team is cooperating with the police investigation.

“Our foremost priority has always been to provide a safe and welcoming environment for our community, and it is heartbreaking that an act of gun violence has disrupted this space,” Club Pittsburgh wrote on social media.

Club Pittsburgh will revaluate its safety, security and administration protocols in light of the violence.

“Our thoughts are with the victim as they recover, and we extend our sincerest gratitude to our patrons and the greater community for their continued support and understanding as we navigate this challenging time together,” the social media post said. “Please know we are dedicated to reinforcing Club Pittsburgh as a space where all feel safe and valued.”

The Mobile Crime Unit was called to process evidence at the scene, including a recovered firearm and shell casings, police said.

Detectives are investigating.

Police said they do not believe there is any further risk to the public.