TribLive stories, Page 316
George Skelton: Natural disasters can destroy a politician’s carefully crafted career — or burnish it
Former Vice President Kamala Harris took a wise step toward potentially running for governor in her first action after returning to California. She visited wildfire victims, volunteers and firefighters and helped distribute free meals to people burned out of their homes. That doesn’t mean she’s running for anything. It’s highly...
Sheldon H. Jacobson: Do stowaways on airplanes expose a security risk?
This month, two bodies were found in the wheel well of a JetBlue airplane that departed from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport en route to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The bodies had already begun to decompose, suggesting that the people had died some time before they were discovered....
Some districts turning to classic snow days after depleting virtual learning allowance
Old-fashioned snow days are no longer local superintendents’ first thought when the roads get slick, but they’re not quite a thing of the past, either. That’s mostly due to a code amended by the General Assembly in 2019 to allow public schools to develop a program to meet the 180-day...
Herald notebook: Fox Chapel girls wrestling tops Kiski Area
The Fox Chapel girls wrestling team earned a 33-29 victory over Kiski Area on Jan. 22. Elaine Huang scored a pin in 3:59 at 155 pounds, and Lily McLaughlin (130) earned a 5-0 decision. Atia DiGioia (106), Emma Srodes (112), Kayla Nguyen (118) and Vie Filar (235) earned forfeit wins....
Counterpoint: Trump’s empty words ignore the heavy price Americans could pay for his presidency
As Donald J. Trump returns to the role of U.S. president, many Americans ask themselves a simple question: Will his administration protect their pocketbooks, their way of life and their health? While we want our government to do just that, Trump focused his first speech as the 47th president of...
Point: In second inaugural, Trump skips ‘carnage,’ embraces optimism
The New York Times called it “A Grim Picture of America.” Politico labeled it “American Carnage, Part 2.” However, for most Americans, President Donald Trump’s second inaugural address was a positive, hopeful vision of his America First politics. And the days when negative media coverage could convince them otherwise are...
Letter to the editor: Biden’s pardons
President Biden made the statement that no one is above the law. He then pardoned son Hunter after he was convicted on gun charges and now has pardoned Dr. Anthony Fauci, Gen. Mark Milley and other Democratic politicians who unlike Hunter have not been arrested, tried or convicted of any...
Foodie Fridays, youth night and more at Quaker Valley area houses of worship
Antioch Baptist Church 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley. 412-741-7688. antiochfwbaptistsewickley.org. Morning worship and praise service is at 10:45 a.m. First Sunday Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. First Friday virtual Bible study is at 7 p.m. A link is available via Pastor Dean’s Facebook page. Beth Samuel Jewish Center 810 Kennedy...
Editorial: Will Pittsburgh’s mayoral election continue electoral trends?
It’s time to think about elections. There’s a sentence no one was ready to hear. The effects of the 2024 election are just barely becoming reality. The inauguration happened Monday. Confirmation hearings for Cabinet members have only begun. Congress still is finding its footing. The state House needs a special...
The Stroller, Jan. 25, 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. Bishop Kulick to celebrate...
‘AI-driven’ cyber charter school wants to teach Pa. kids core academics in 2 hours per day
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. HARRISBURG — A cyber charter school network that says it will use “AI-driven” technology to allow students to learn all the core academics they need...
Letter to the editor: Pond Lehocky sign is fine
A huge sign in the distance said “Iron City.” Most people have consumed great lakes of that outstanding, locally produced beer. I did. It’s good beer, and the Iron City sign reminded me of what a wholesome, ethical kind of place this is, Pittsburgh. The Iron City sign was replaced...
Letter to the editor: Down the Nazi road
To me, President Trump’s “Day One” inauguration gave America its first proof of Trump/Elon Musk taking America down the Nazi road emulating Hitler. Trump did not place his hand on the Bible while taking the oath. So much for his Judeo-Christianity and allegiance to ruling with God’s blessing or guidance....
High school roundup for Jan. 24, 2025: Avonworth’s Rowan Carmichael hits 2,000 points on night of milestones
Rowan Carmichael became the 38th WPIAL boys basketball to reach 2,000 points for his career, scoring 36 to lead Avonworth to an 85-71 victory over Hopewell (6-10, 1-5) in Section 2-4A on Friday night. Noah Goetz added 25 points for the Antelopes (13-2, 6-0). South Allegheny 73, Shady Side Academy...
Pittsburgh Chinese Culture Center, Pittsburgh Playhouse celebrating Lunar New Year
Get ready for the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China and many Asian cultures. According to the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, D.C., the holiday marks the end of winter and the start of spring on the lunisolar calendar....
Gary Franks: Biden and Trump pardons overshadow Inauguration Day
I never thought that my column this week would be about anything other than the inauguration of America’s 47th president, Donald J. Trump, and his visionary quest to bring America into a Golden Age. But then we had the pardons. They were all historic in nature. I am disappointed and...
‘I’m going to beat her.’ Texts show how sisters tortured Oakmont girl, 3
“I made her nose bleed,” one message read. “Good. I’m going to beat her,” came the response. Those were just two of hundreds of text messages between Alexis Herrera and her sister, Laura Ramriez, in early 2020 in the months leading up to their arrest for criminal homicide. According to...
11-year-old collector to sell Paul Skenes’ 1-of-1 Pirates rookie card at auction
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ offer wasn’t enough to sway an 11-year old card collector who found the coveted Topps Paul Skenes 1-of-1 Debut Patch rookie card and has decided to sell it at auction. The Los Angeles youth and his family will make the card available in the Fanatics Collect “March...
Charges withdrawn against Arnold woman accused of shooting threat
Charges of burglary, terroristic threats and criminal mischief have been withdrawn in the case of an Arnold woman accused of trying to break into a New Kensington home. The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office withdrew the charges Thursday at what was supposed to be a preliminary hearing before District Judge...
Michael Hiltzik: A stem cell clinic tees up a Supreme Court challenge to rules protecting patients’ health and safety
For years, the Food and Drug Administration has taken up arms against clinics hawking unproven and ineffective stem cell treatments to desperate patients looking for cures of intractable diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and even erectile dysfunction. As the FDA has repeatedly cautioned, there is no...
Rev. Martin R. Bartel: The buck (of incivility) stops here
Having inaugurated the 47th president this week, it is worth reflecting on the example set by Harry S. Truman, our 33rd president. Truman was known for a sign that sat on his desk in the Oval Office: The buck stops here. This sign, crafted at an Oklahoma Federal Reformatory, symbolized...
In brief: Sewickley board appointments, student art show and more
Student art show Mark Rengers Gallery in Sewickley will host its annual Public Art Show with students of art tutor Dr. Robert Edwards from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 23-25. On display will be original drawings and paintings of various portraits, landscapes, animal studies and still lifes. For more information, call...
Letter to the editor: Try a plant-based Super Bowl party
As Super Bowl Sunday nears, it’s worth considering the staggering number of chickens sacrificed for a single day of indulgence — an estimated 375 million, just for wings. This annual tradition, though beloved by many, comes at a great cost to animals, the planet and even our health. Fortunately, there’s...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Jan. 24-26
Feeling a little cooped up after an arctic-cold week in Pittsburgh? Get cozy with indoor events — or embrace the freeze with a few outdoor ones. Here’s a little inspiration. Anatomy of a Lasagna Winter calls for comfort food, and what’s more comforting than a big, heavy rectangle of pasta,...
Letter to the editor: Norwin board needs fiscal conservatives
The Norwin School Board race of 2023 was won by the “We aRe Norwin” Democrats. They swept all five seats. This included the loss by the conservative Republican candidate Bob Wayman, a staunch fiscal conservative. It set the stage for their tax increase last June, as taxes were indeed raised...
