TribLive stories, Page 229
Garden council holds annual May Mart plant sale
The Westmoreland Garden Council is holding its 56th annual May Mart plant sale through 1 p.m. Saturday. The sale began Friday on the front lawn of the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Road, and will continue Saturday starting at 9 a.m.. A variety of perennials, annual hanging...
Iowa basketball coach Ben McCollum agrees to 6-year contract
Iowa men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum agreed to a six-year, $22.75 million contract that runs through the 2030-31 season, according to the memorandum of understanding he signed last month. The document, obtained Friday through an Associated Press public records request, outlines a pay package that lists McCollum’s base salary at...
Ross offers municipal building for electronics charging; dumpster to be set up for spoiled food, storm debris
Ross officials are inviting residents who remain without power from Tuesday’s deadly storm to stop by the township municipal building, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive, to use its WiFi and charge electronic devices. As of 3:30 p.m. Friday, more than 2,300 Duquesne Light customers in the 15237 ZIP code were without...
Public broadcasting chiefs vow to fight Trump’s PBS, NPR cuts
The head of PBS said Friday that President Donald Trump’s executive order aiming to slash public subsidies to public broadcasting institutions PBS and NPR is blatantly unlawful. NPR’s chief also vowed to challenge the decision. Public Broadcasting Service CEO Paula Kerger said the Republican president’s order “threatens our ability to...
Coatesville 4-star linebacker Terry Wiggins commits to Penn State
Already boasting one of the nation’s best recruiting classes, Penn State got stronger in the 2026 cycle with a top in-state prospect. Coatesville linebacker Terry Wiggins committed to the Nittany Lions on Friday afternoon. He’s a four-star, the No. 9 player in Pennsylvania and the No. 26 linebacker, according to...
William M. Cotter: Print, digital access essential for public notice; bill would enhance government transparency
A developer wants to rezone a public park to allow high-density housing. The local school board weighs a plan to close an elementary school. City council considers selling the sewer system to a private party. Knowing in advance public officials are considering matters like these gives the public an opportunity...
Stream bank erosion prevention tips offered on Irwin tour
A tutorial on how to stabilize stream banks will be offered during a walking tour at Irwin Park from 6 to 7 p.m. May 7. Officials from the Westmoreland Conservation District and Irwin Borough will show residents how to deal with stream bank erosion. The conservation district and the borough...
Derry fire department, Red Cross to install free smoke alarms
Derry residents are eligible to receive a free smoke alarm installation May 10. The Derry Volunteer Fire Department is teaming up with Friends of Derry and the Chestnut Ridge and Allegheny Mountains Chapter of the American Red Cross on the initiative. To schedule an appointment for installation, call 833-315-0882 or...
Jeannette Community Band announces 2025 schedule
The Jeannette Community Band will open its 37th season with a May 25 concert at the American Legion on South Fifth Street. The band is comprised of more than 60 volunteer musicians under the direction of Ron Stemple. Concerts are free and open to the public. They will take place...
Man sentenced to 53 years in prison in hate-crime attack on Palestinian American boy, mother
JOLIET, Ill. — An Illinois landlord who killed a 6-year-old Muslim boy and severely injured the boy’s mother in a brutal hate-crime attack days after the war in Gaza began was sentenced Friday to 53 years in prison. Joseph Czuba, 73, was found guilty in February of murder, attempted murder...
Anantha Shekhar and Vishnu Vardhan: Pittsburgh at center of next-gen health care
The prevalence and financial burden of chronic disease continue to rise. We spend $1 trillion each year in the United States treating preventable illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and hypertension, which affect more Americans now than ever before. Globally, the spiraling rates of incidence and cost are even more stark:...
Bridge work to trigger detours in Hempfield, Fairfield; pipe project diverts traffic by Jeannette
PennDOT has unveiled online plans for work to preserve eight bridges in Westmoreland County and one in Fayette County. Some of the work is expected to begin as early as mid-August, with final construction projected to wrap up by the end of October 2026. Monthlong traffic detours are expected during...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 2-4
As of this writing, power is still out for a number of people in Allegheny County. If you are one of those unlucky households and you don’t feel like running a marathon this weekend, here are some other things you can do to get out of the house. ‘Star Wars’...
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs rejects plea deal in sex trafficking trial
LOS ANGELES — Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has rejected a plea deal in his upcoming trial on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. At a Thursday hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs whether he rejected the plea deal from federal prosecutors that could have shortened his...
Letter to the editor: Ackerman best pick for coroner
I offer my full endorsement of John Ackerman for Westmoreland County coroner. I have known John for 50-plus year and worked with him serving our community as a volunteer firefighter. The role of a coroner requires someone who can bring professionalism and a human touch to moments that are often...
Take the TribLive weekly news quiz: May 2
The following is a regular feature from TribLive: A weekly news quiz:...
Letter to the editor: We need Carson as county coroner
I am writing in recognition of all Tim Carson has done as our county coroner. I oversee the Ray of Hope Westmoreland County Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force. I am also the Westmoreland County emergency behavioral health coordinator, so I see the impact of loss. In 2022, I approached...
The Stroller, May 2, 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. Lacrosse tournament to benefit...
Letter to the editor: Data center concerns, opportunities
Your emphasis on the concern of the effect of data centers’ demand on the public’s power grid is impressive, and I am glad to see the industry is considering that in their plans. You have reported on an important new “industry” that is popping up all over our country, specifically...
With Minnesota’s 1st-round loss, Marc-Andre Fleury’s career comes to an end
When the Minnesota Wild lost 3-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights to end a Western Conference first-round series Thursday night, it was the end of an era in the NHL. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury’s career has come to an end. Fans at the XCel Energy Center chanted Fleury’s name during the...
Pirates farm report for May 1, 2025: Bubba Chandler fans 9 in 5 innings in Indianapolis win
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 15-13) handled Omaha (Royals), 7-2. RHP Bubba Chandler (2-0, 1.42) started and went five innings, giving up one run on three hits and a walk. He struck out nine to run his season total to 36 in 25⅓ innings. RHP Mike Burrows (3.57) followed with three scoreless innings,...
High school scores, summaries and schedules for May 1, 2025
High schools Baseball Thursday’s results Class 6A Section 1 North Allegheny 8, North Hills 0 Seneca Valley 4, Butler 2 Class 5A Section 4 Connellsville at Gateway, ppd. Class 4A Section 2 Elizabeth Forward 8, West Mifflin 7 Class 2A Section 1 Burgettstown 15, Frazier 3 Section 2 Laurel 17,...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: May 2-4
May flowers won’t be the only thing coming up this weekend. There’s a bouquet of events going on all weekend, just for you. Here are a few ideas. Made in Ligonier Market The Ligonier Country Market is kicking off its 50th season with this new event. The Ligonier Country Market...
High school roundup for May 1, 2025: North Allegheny wins series with rival North Hills on 1-hitter
Jackson Walsh threw a one-hitter with eight strikeouts as North Allegheny took two of three in a Section 1-6A baseball series Thursday with an 8-0 victory over rival North Hills. Mason Smith had a double, triple and three RBIs and Nicolas Varlotta drove in two runs for the Tigers (12-6,...
Report: New York Rangers close to hiring Mike Sullivan
How long will Mike Sullivan remain unemployed after parting ways with the Penguins on Monday? Apparently less than a week. According to multiple reports, Sullivan is close to becoming head coach of the New York Rangers. ESPN, which first reported the news Thursday evening, said Sullivan’s deal will be among...

