TribLive stories, Page 1037
After years of hustle, Blxst is leading the new wave of LA hip-hop
LOS ANGELES — On a suffocating afternoon in early September, the cavernous Hollywood Palladium was unnaturally empty. Inside, the South-Central hip-hop artist Blxst (pronounced “Blast”) ran through a soundcheck before his second sold-out show at the 4,000 capacity venue. Midway through, he and his band rehearsed their rendition of “Die...
Common Pleas judge rules Pittsburgh ‘facility fee’ for professional athletes unconstitutional
An Allegheny County Common Pleas judge last week struck down a City of Pittsburgh fee levied against professional athletes who play here, calling the fee an unconstitutional tax. Judge Christine Ward granted a motion for summary judgment filed by three athletes, as well as the players associations representing Major League...
Lane restrictions on I-79 in Franklin Park announced
Weeknight and weekend lane restrictions scheduled to begin Sept. 26 on northbound I-79 in Franklin Park are expected to continue through mid-October, PennDOT announced. The restrictions will occur on the bridge over southbound I-279 (Parkway North) from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weeknights and from 7 p.m. Friday nights...
Ari Mittleman: Working to eradicate hate
Earlier this month, our nation marked the 235th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution. After a hot summer of intense debate and humbling compromises, 39 Americans with diverse interests and backgrounds signed their names to a first-of-its-kind document in world history. Sitting at the Eradicate Hate Global Summit at...
Derry Township road closure, Route 22 lane restrictions to begin Wednesday
Motorists will encounter a detour in Derry Township and a lane restriction in the New Alexandria area this week, according to PennDOT officials. Single-lane, nighttime restrictions are scheduled to begin Wednesday on Route 22 in New Alexandria and Salem Township. The nightly restrictions are to be in place between 8...
‘Dilbert’ newspaper flap brings renewed focus on cartoonist Scott Adams’ many controversies
“Dilbert” cartoonist Scott Adams’ recent announcement that his popular comic strip exploring the office culture grind was being trimmed out of dozens of newspapers is drawing renewed attention to the 65-year-old creator’s many controversies and sometimes NSFW politics, which have taken on a life of their own over the years....
Man pleads guilty but mentally ill to 2020 Brighton Heights fatal shooting
A North Side man pleaded guilty but mentally ill on Monday to third-degree murder for killing his neighbor two years ago. Laron Smith, 26, will be sentenced by Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Anthony M. Mariani on Jan. 5 for the shooting death of Ernest Mills Jr., 28. Mills, who...
Liz Weston: How to cultivate a happier retirement
Researchers have identified several factors besides money that contribute to a happier retirement, including good health, strong relationships and a sense of purpose. But setbacks are inevitable, in life and in retirement. Not everyone enjoys good health — and no one enjoys it forever. Loved ones die or move away....
Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Hempfield’s Cydney Blahovec
In most sports, a span of five seconds isn’t that big of a deal, unless it’s right before the buzzer. In cross country, five seconds could mean a 10-place difference or more. That was exactly the case for Hempfield senior Cydney Blahovec and her performances in the Red, White &...
A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Burrell’s Kadi Bauer
From a top 12 finish at the state track meet to broken individual and school records to, most recently, a big improvement in times at the annual Red, White & Blue Invitational, senior Kadi Bauer has done a lot in her Burrell athletic career. “One of my favorite memories is...
GCC grad Brenna Springer finds new, more comfortable home with Seton Hill women’s soccerVideo
Brenna Springer needed a fresh start. Like many high school athletes, she was enamored with the idea of playing at the Division I level, so the former Greensburg Central Catholic star accepted a scholarship to play soccer at Akron. The experience left a lot to be desired. During her freshman...
Plum grad Jamie Seneca confident of having strong 2nd season for Gannon women’s soccerVideo
One of Jamie Seneca’s greatest assets always has been her speed. It allows the Plum grad to be a prototypical box-to-box midfielder on the soccer pitch. But during Seneca’s freshman season at Gannon in 2021, coach Colin Petersen asked her to pump the brakes. He didn’t want to rein in...
Saint Vincent offers mid-day acoustic guitar concert
Saint Vincent College will present an acoustic guitar performance on Thursday afternoon on its campus in Unity. Joseph Materkowsk, a singer songwriter and professor in the college’s fine arts department, will play cover songs from the 1950s to today as well as original compositions as part of the Music at...
Bill Johnston-Walsh: A historic victory brings drug price relief to Pa.’s seniors
Here in Pennsylvania and across the country, millions of seniors will get relief from a new law that will help reduce out-of-control drug prices. For the first time in decades, Big Pharma’s relentless grip on their wallets, medicine cabinets and peace of mind will begin to pry loose. After years...
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No arrests have been made after two teenagers and a man were injured in a shooting inside Kennywood Park late Saturday during an altercation between two groups of juveniles, Allegheny County Police said Sunday. A 39-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy were shot in the leg, and another 15-year-old boy...
Hampton area happenings, week of Sept. 26, 2022
Market nears season end The Township of Hampton Farmer’s Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Oct. 12 in the lower parking lot of the Hampton Community Center, 3101 McCully Road. Vendors for 2022 include Bates & Hayes Kettlekorn, Carlos Aviles Farms, Cindy Munchies, Cunning House Supply...
Monroeville area happenings, week of Sept. 26, 2022
Cancer screenings Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute’s new comprehensive cancer screening clinic offers the opportunity to complete a full slate of cancer screening tests in one visit. Screenings for seven cancers will be offered, and depending on which are selected, can be completed in as little as an hour. Eligibility...
Plum-Oakmont area happenings, week of Sept. 26, 2022
Plum Area Ladies Society Plum Area Ladies Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Plum Community Center, 499 Center New Texas Road. Mark Serrao, owner of Oakmont Bakery, will speak to the group about the history of the bakery. Annual dues of $25 may be paid. There will...
Bethel Park area happenings, week of Sept. 26, 2022
No Cook Tuesdays return Bethel Park Recreation’s No Cook Tuesdays are returning, from 4 to 7 p.m. each week at the Bethel Park Community Center, 5151 Park Ave. Three food trucks are being scheduled for each event. New this year are live music and Jodikinos Farm Market with fresh produce,...
Chartiers Valley, Carnegie happenings, week of Sept. 26, 2022
‘Nutcracker’ auditions Auditions for dancers, boys and girls, are being held for the annual performance of “The Nutcracker” as presented by the Carnegie Performing Arts Center. Two weekends of performances are being offered in a full-stage production at the Andrew Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie. Director Monica Ryan choreographs the...
Letter to the editor: Get the gazpacho police after the wonton killer
Look out, Marjorie Taylor Greene, there’s a wonton killer (Lauren Boebert) on the loose. Perhap you could get your gazpacho police involved and try to capture the little dumpling killer. First, you have to declare marshall law and then find the culprit and put him/her on a Jewish laser beam...
Letter to the editor: Covid, other concerns on southern border
We have a large problem with immigrants entering our country during the administration of President Joe Biden and Democratic congressmen, including Sen. Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Bernie Sanders. What security checks are being used to verify their legitimacy? My wife and I just received our Pennsylvania...
Editorial: Fix income ceilings for property tax and rent rebates — permanently
The Pennsylvania Legislature has done a great job of streaming things that matter to lawmakers — namely their raises. The lawmakers have made sure those increases are simple and efficient. A cost of living adjustment has not just been optional; since 1995, it’s been the law. For almost 30 years,...
In brief: Property appeal education forum, toy drive and more in Penn Hills area
Property appeal education forum Allegheny County Controller Corey O’Connor will host a community town hall to share information and resources with residents on the property appeals process. The event is slated for 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Penn Hills Library. Toy drive begins Oct. 1 Lower Valley Athletic Foundation Christmas...
In brief: Leet repeals tax ordinance, scary movies at Tull and more around Sewickley
Leet repeals amusement tax Leet commissioners have repealed the township’s amusement tax ordinance. The ordinance was adopted in December 1957 and amended in February 1999. Township manager Betsy Rengers said commissioners repealed the ordinance at the Sept. 13 meeting because it was no longer relevant. It generated about $300 annually....

