TribLive stories, Page 163
Ria Sharma: Fiscally responsible solutions for the unhoused
Imagine you’re presented with two options as an investor. Option one: Spend $50,000 annually to trap a homeless person in a cycle of incarceration, poverty and repeated release into the streets. Option two: Spend $15,000 annually to lift someone out of homelessness, reduce crime, lower emergency service costs and restore...
Judge Paul R. Michel: To win the tech race against China, restore power of U.S. patent
The United States is falling behind in the global race for technological leadership. China now leads the U.S. in 37 out of 44 critical technologies. This includes fields that will define the future, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced manufacturing. If we’re serious about keeping pace with China,...
Coldplay concert ‘kiss cam’ moment goes viral
NEW YORK — Chris Martin caused a stir at the Boston Coldplay concert with a quip about a couple caught in a cozy moment on the jumbotron, video shows. The clip seemingly features Astronomer CEO Andy Byron with his arms wrapped around a woman who resembles his company’s chief people...
Letter to the editor: Proposed energy bill violates our rights
House Bill 502, now moving through the Pennsylvania Senate, proposes a new “RESET Board” to fast-track energy projects — including power plants — by bypassing local zoning laws. While advertised as a clean energy initiative, the bill also covers fossil-fuel infrastructure and places final siting decisions in the hands of...
Letter to the editor: Trump and divine intervention
MAGA is back to asking us to believe President Donald Trump survived last year’s assassination attempt because of divine intervention from God. I have railed against mixing politics and religion before and have found the near Christ-like worship of Trump to be the most un-Christian act anyone can do. But...
A-K Valley High school class reunions, July 18, 2025
Publicize your high school’s class reunion for free for free in The Stroller. Send information as soon as possible to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum, PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller. • Ken Hi Class of 1958 will...
The Stroller, July 18, 2025: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Publicize your non-profit’s community events, fundraisers and club meetings for free in The Stroller. Send information at least two weeks in advance to vndnews@triblive.com or The Stroller, 210 Wood St., Tarentum PA 15084. Please include a daytime telephone number. Follow the Stroller on X at @VNDStroller. Community choir to present...
Letter to the editor: Higher wages will boost economy
Rep. Mike Kelly’s op-ed “Big Beautiful Bill a gamechanger for Western Pa.” (July 5, TribLive) states the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was a success. However, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities concludes it was a failure. It skewed benefits toward the rich. Households in the bottom 60%,...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: July 18-20
It’s a perfect weekend to enjoy the best things in life — nature, music, art and family. Here are a few ways to take your days off up a notch. Garden council tour Take a day to explore the thriving gardens of your Westmoreland County neighbors and learn about how...
One of Australia’s top young basketball players headed to Pitt
One of Australia’s finest young basketball players is headed to Pitt. Roman Siulepa, a 6-foot-7 forward who just turned 19, has committed to the Panthers, according to a report by ESPN and a statement from his pro team in Australia, confirming a piece of long-rumored news. Siulepa, a physical forward...
Cowboy Andy’s quick-draw antics and more at the Derry Township Ag Fair
The Derry Township Agricultural Fair is being held this week on the fairgrounds in New Derry. Events include the traditional arts and crafts, baked goods and animal showmanship traditional to the fair. The fair continues through Saturday with events including horse showmanship and a tractor pull at 3 and 4...
Some Pennsylvania lawmakers want to ban fluoride in public drinking water. Here’s what to know
A bill recently introduced to the state Senate would ban fluoride in Pennsylvania’s public drinking water, part of growing skepticism toward the naturally-occurring mineral that dental health experts have considered essential for decades. The Fluoride Choice Act, introduced by Sen. Dawn Keefer, R-York, would prevent fluoride from being added to...
PennDOT reopens Penn Hills exit ramps closed for Rodi Road paving
PennDOT is planning to close Rodi Road this weekend, beginning at 9 p.m. Friday through 5 a.m. Monday. Milling and paving operations will take place, weather permitting, between Maple Lane and William Penn Highway. The work also will require the complete closure of the eastbound I-376 ramp to Penn Hills/Rodi...
Stuart I.R. Haniff: Lawmakers must protect Pa.’s anti-hunger programs
A hunger crisis is happening across Pennsylvania — in every county and every legislative district — but you wouldn’t know unless you look. Food insecurity, according to Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap Report, has risen 40% over the last two years in the commonwealth. Now, one in eight of...
Laurels & lances: New tech, new info
Laurel: To new access. We hear a lot about the dangers of technology, especially related to artificial intelligence. Yes, there are valid questions to raise. Yes, Hollywood movies and science fiction books have postulated vivid scenarios. But artificial intelligence also can give back accessibility that makes life easier. In some...
Supermarket squabble: Richland Shop ‘N Save sues neighboring Walmart over grocery sales
When Walmart was planning its Richland location in 1998, the company agreed it would not operate a full-service grocery store there — at least in part to try to protect the Shop ‘N Save store adjacent to it in Richland Mall. But in 2008, Walmart sent a letter offering to...
In brief: Recycling available in Blawnox, volunteers need and more
Free Blawnox recycling Blawnox junior councilman Simon Passerrello-Carnevali has launched a new recycling service for residents. The family recently installed a shed along Maple Way next to the Christ the King Parish St. Edward Church. They also partnered with Shady Side Academy student Kabeer Chopra of Fox Chapel, who launched...
Pete Shelly: It’s time to rein in the skill games industry
Pennsylvania lawmakers have an opportunity to finally address a critical need and pass common-sense legislation to regulate and tax skill games in the coming days as they work to finalize the fiscal year 2025-26 state budget. This challenge is about much more than generating new tax revenues. It’s about public...
Rep. Summer Lee: One Big Beautiful Bill will harm many
On the Fourth of July, President Trump signed into law one of the most harmful bills in modern history. This legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), makes the biggest cuts to Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ever, guts clean energy tax credits and investments, threatens hundreds of...
Gallery: Photos from July 17, 2025
Embark on a visual journey around the Western Pennsylvania region with TribLive’s latest collection of captivating images for Thursday, July 17, 2025. From the rustic landscapes of Western Pa. to diverse corners of the globe, experience the shared moments of humanity....
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: July 18-20
No plans for a summer vacation on the horizon? No worries. Take a staycation right here in Pittsburgh this weekend with a whole bunch of fun, active and relaxing events. Vintage Grand Prix A local tradition returns to Schenley Park this weekend. Gawk at — and cheer on — your...
Triaxle crashes, catches fire along Route 66 near Youngwood
More than a dozen passersby stopped Thursday morning to rescue a man trapped in a burning triaxle truck after it crashed in New Stanton, according to fire Chief Rob Cammarata. Joe Schiavone and Steve Parsons were headed to a job for Perfect Industrial Cleaning when they came upon the ball...
Letter to the editor: Clearances protect children
I must take issue with letter-writer who objected to the requirement for clearances in order to volunteer with a church (“What would Jesus think of all these clearances?,” July 14, TribLive). It is not only the Catholic Church that has this requirement, but any organization where children are served —...
Letter to the editor: Trump can’t win
You are damned if you do and damned if you don’t. That’s what our president is up against. Dion Urban East Vandergrift...
Letter to the editor: The president hates me
The president of the United States hates me, and he tells everyone. He hates me because I care about people and the environment. He hates me because I voted for Kamala Harris, Josh Shapiro, Chris Deluzio and Anita Kulic, among others. He says I have TDS, and I probably do...
