TribLive stories, Page 27
Another turnpike toll hike takes effect. Here’s why and what it will cost you
John Brady can’t figure out why the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission keeps raising tolls. “It’s just hard to justify the hike every single year. You would think they would do it every other year,” said Brady, of Hampton, who travels with his wife, Deb, from the Butler Valley exit to the...
High school scores, summaries and schedules for Jan. 2, 2026
High schools Basketball Boys Friday’s results Class 6A Section 1 Pine-Richland 57, North Allegheny 48 Nonsection Ambridge 57, Beaver Falls 42 Beth-Center 84, South Side 73 Geibel Catholic 95, Brownsville 65 Central Catholic 42, Penn Hills 31 Mohawk 66, Deer Lakes 59 Environmental Charter 76, Wilmington 72 Peters Township 60,...
High school roundup for Jan. 2, 2026: South Fayette beats Ohio power
Juliette Leroux scored 30 points to lead South Fayette to a 75-65 victory over Archbishop Hoban on Friday in a matchup of one of Pennsylvania’s top girls basketball teams against one of Ohio’s best. Haylie Lamonde added 21 for the Lions (12-1), who are ranked No. 1 in Class 5A...
DeSean Goode, Nikolaos Chitikoudis lead Robert Morris to win over Detroit Mercy
Single-digit outcomes are becoming a habit for the Robert Morris men’s basketball team, which won another close road game Friday night. As long as the Colonials are successful, coach Andy Toole has no problem with a pattern that already has produced seven victories in 10 such outings during their first...
Ex-NYC mayor Eric Adams tells Andy Cohen to ‘seek help’ after NYE rant
NEW YORK — Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded to Andy Cohen’s drunken New Years Eve rant, accusing the Bravo host of having a drinking problem he needs to address. “My response to Andy: AA,” Adams wrote in a post on X Thursday evening. “Another sloppy drunken rant,”...
Letter to the editor: Tomlin lacks fire, passion — it’s time for him to go
I’ve been a lifetime Steelers fan since 1974. Back then, we had three channels and rabbit ears on the 12-inch screen. My grandfather and father introduced me to football and the Steelers. They loved Joe, L.C., Franco and Mr. Noll. Not only because they won, but because of the way...
Letter to the editor: Ukraine’s execution
In my letter “Ukrainians political pawns” (April 24, 2024, TribLive) I stated that we should either save Ukraine or abandon them to their fate. We appear to finally be making that choice. President Barack Obama watched as Russia seized Crimea in 2014, 11 years ago. His administration signed Ukraine’s execution...
The Stroller, Jan. 2, 2026: 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. Annual Epiphany event planned...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland this weekend: Jan. 2-4
As the new year begins, Westmoreland County offers a wealth of opportunities to pursue your resolutions or simply enjoy the season’s local offerings. Whether you are focused on personal growth or seeking meaningful weekend activities, the following community events provide a purposeful start to the year. Led Zeppelin tribute Experience...
Scenes from the Valley: Images captured in the Alle-Kiski Valley from Dec. 23-31, 2025
Here is a weekly look at recent images captured throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley. From major news events to routine gatherings, TribLive’s “Scenes from the Valley” photo package brings to life activities and moments happening in your backyard. To have a photo considered as a “Scenes from the Valley” candidate, please...
Laurels & lances: Safety & honor
Laurel: To being prepared. Two Philadelphia lawmakers introduced legislation in October to require school districts to stock naloxone — a medication that reverses an opioid overdose and can save lives. A TribLive story revealed that many Southwestern Pennsylvania districts didn’t need a law passed. They already have naloxone on hand...
Letter to the editor: Family key to joy and goodness
This past Sunday was the Feast of the Holy Family. The following is from the Magis Center’s daily reflection: “Jesus, Emmanuel, ‘God with us,’ chose to be born as a member of the human family. More than this, however, He chose to have a mother and a father, and He...
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson responds to questions about injury, future entering Steelers game
BALTIMORE — Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson emerged from the field house like a phoenix Thursday in Owings Mills, his back contusion protected by a flak jacket and teammates and coaches energized by his presence on an otherwise bitterly cold afternoon. The two-time NFL MVP’s full participation in practice for a...
High school sports schedule for Jan. 2, 2026
High schools Basketball Boys Friday’s schedule Class 6A Section 1 Pine-Richland at North Allegheny, 7 p.m. Nonsection Beaver Falls at Ambridge, 7:30 p.m. Beth-Center at South Side, 7:30 p.m. Brownsville at Geibel, 7:30 p.m. Central Catholic at Penn Hills, 7:30 p.m. Deer Lakes at Mohawk, 7:30 p.m. Fox Chapel at...
Dolphins hire Troy Aikman as a consultant in general manager search
MIAMI — The Dolphins hired ESPN NFL analyst and former Dallas Cowboys star quarterback Troy Aikman as a consultant to assist in their general manager search, a league source said Thursday. Aikman, who recently began working in the role, will remain ESPN’s lead NFL commentator while assisting owner Stephen Ross...
Penn State QB Ethan Grunkemeyer entering transfer portal; LB Tony Rojas will return
Perhaps the biggest domino of coach Matt Campbell’s first offseason at Penn State has seemingly fallen. Quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer is set to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports Thursday. This presumably ends his time with Penn State once the transfer portal officially opens Friday. However, a big piece...
Polar plunge draws the brave to Mon Wharf for New Year’s Day jump into Monongahela River
Brave participants jumped into the Monongahela River along the Mon Wharf in Pittsburgh Thursday morning at the annual Pittsburgh Polar Bear Plunge. Proceeds from T-shirt and other sales at the event benefited WTAE’s Project Bundle-Up....
Here’s why we eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day
We Pennsylvanians know that on New Year’s Day, we are obligated to eat pork and sauerkraut. But why? Yes, it’s a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition that we all follow, but it’s important to know its history. (It’s also fun.) So here’s why we eat pork and sauerkraut as well as other...
Snowstorm drops up to 5 inches of snow across region
The new year rang in with high winds and heavy snow overnight that put a damper on the First Night turnout in Pittsburgh and left a fresh blanket of white across the region. Pittsburgh police said there were no issues during the First Night celebration as there were light crowds,...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Jan. 2-4
Welcome to 2026! Time for new beginning, new goals and new experiences all over Pittsburgh. Here are a few ideas for new things to do this weekend to get your year started right. Laser shows at Buhl Planetarium For fans of blockbuster Netflix show “Stranger Things” or pop superstar Taylor...
The Stroller, Jan. 1, 2026: 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. Happy New Year! May...
PennDOT eases some interstate restrictions in Allegheny County; Beaver, Lawrence limits remain in place
PennDOT has lifted the speed restrictions on highways in Allegheny County while they remain in effect in Beaver and Lawrence counties. The transportation department recommends motorists avoid unnecessary travel but those who do head out will see speeds reduced to 45 mph on these highways: Beaver County: I-376 (Beaver Valley...
Former Laurel Highlands star Rodney Gallagher to transfer from West Virginia
Former Laurel Highlands star Rodney Gallagher is hitting the transfer portal. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound receiver played three seasons for West Virginia, totaling 64 catches for 605 yards and three touchdowns. This past season, he caught 28 balls for 243 yards. The versatile Gallagher also rushed 45 times for 221 yards...
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice ahead of Steelers game: ‘Very optimistic’Video
BALTIMORE — Lamar Jackson is back. The Ravens quarterback returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a back injury in the second quarter of a Week 16 loss to New England. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player had been sidelined the past nine days and missed Saturday...
Kennedy Center renaming divides musicians leaving and staying
Grammy-nominated trumpeter Wayne Tucker is the latest artist to cancel his performance at the Kennedy Center in Washington, following the board’s decision to add President Donald Trump’s name to the nation’s premier cultural center. “We have already been in touch with the Kennedy Center about cancellation,” the musician said in...

