TribLive stories, Page 331
Art show in Butler honors Marc Fogel’s return from Russian prison
Throughout Marc Fogel’s 3½ years of imprisonment in Russia, members of Pittsburgh’s arts community rallied together to bring attention to the cause of the Butler native. They hosted the “Make a Marc” event in spring 2023, which included 90 artists and 1,000 visitors. In September, they participated in an event...
High school scores, summaries and schedules for Feb. 15, 2025
High schools Basketball WPIAL playoffs Boys Class 6A First round Monday’s schedule Woodland Hills (11-11) at Seneca Valley (11-11), 7 p.m.; North Hills (7-15) at Butler (15-6), 7 p.m.; Norwin (10-11) at Mt. Lebanon (15-7), 7 p.m. Quarterfinals Wednesday’s schedule Woodland Hills/Seneca Valley winner at Upper. St. Clair (20-2), TBA;...
High school roundup for Feb. 15, 2025: Derry crowns WPIAL-best 5 champs at section tournament
Derry and Burrell led the way at the WPIAL Class 2A Eastern Sectional tournament Saturday at Greensburg Salem. The Trojans had five champions and 10 WPIAL qualifiers. Giovanni Beatrice (127), Anthony Mucci (133), Mason Horwat (152), Ewan Olson (160) and Brady Brown (189) took titles. The Bucs had four champions...
Tre Dinkins’ 21 points not enough as Duquesne loses to Dayton
This time, Duquesne came to play. Too bad for the Dukes that they came up just short. Three weeks after taking a 20-point beating from Dayton at home, Duquesne went into arguably the hardest venue in the Atlantic 10 and nearly came away Saturday with a victory. But a loss...
Paul Whelan describes life after nearly six years in Russian captivity
Former Marine Paul Whelan said, even though he’s been back in the United States since August — after more than five years of Russian captivity — his reintegration into American society continues. “Everything’s familiar, but you still have to get used to it,” Whelan said in an interview with TribLive...
A-K Valley WPIAL basketball playoff capsules: Games for Feb. 17, 2025
WPIAL basketball playoffs Monday’s games Boys Class 2A First round 21-Springdale (14-8) at Northgate (13-8) 7 p.m. Monday Winner plays: Winner of 4-Neshannock (19-2)/13-Winchester Thurston (16-7) on Thursday in quarterfinals (time, date TBD) Players to watch: Pat Wylly, Springdale; Kadeen Kemp, Northgate Layup lines: Springdale advanced into the first round...
Noah Feldman: JD Vance is playing a dangerous legal game
The federal district courts have been standing up to Donald Trump’s illegal executive actions, blocking or pausing multiple orders from the denial of birthright citizenship to unprecedented data access for Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency.” It’s neither surprising nor especially worrisome that Musk is now attacking the courts —...
Fogel completes medical evaluation in Texas, sends message of gratitude to supportersVideo
Former Oakmont teacher Marc Fogel, freed from more than three years of Russian captivity on Tuesday, has completed the first phase of his reintegration to freedom in the United States. In a message he sent to his attorney, Sasha Phillips, late Friday, Fogel said he had completed the medical phase...
Elizabeth Forward holds off pesky Highlands to end playoff drought
Elizabeth Forward coach Nolan Larry couldn’t have asked for a better birthday or Valentine’s Day gift from his team Friday. The No. 8-seeded Warriors picked up their first WPIAL playoff win since 2014 and gave Larry his first playoff victory as a head coach with a 61-56 triumph over No....
Fox Chapel Herald notebook: Fox Chapel boys earn 4th seed
The Fox Chapel boys basketball team was deemed one of the top four teams in the Class 6A field ahead of the WPIAL playoffs. The WPIAL steering committee rewarded the Foxes for a 16-6 finish in the regular season by giving them the No. 4 seed and a home game...
North Hills notebook: Midseason surge delivers playoff berth to boys basketball team
The North Hills boys basketball team’s midseason surge proved to be enough to clinch a spot in the WPIAL Class 6A postseason. The Indians, who finished the regular season 7-15 overall and 6-8 in Section 1-6A, found out Feb. 10 who they would face in the opening round of the...
North Hills swimming duo making splash in and out of pool
In the water, North Hills swimmers Conor Greer and Alex Alder have accomplished a lot for themselves this year. But it’s what the duo has done outside of the pool that will have a bigger impact. Both seniors, Greer and Alder have each qualified for multiple events in the WPIAL...
North Allegheny boys stick together during trying season
Seniors Carter Melzer and Carson Burns walked out of North Allegheny’s gymnasium for the final time Feb. 8. Although the last game of their careers ended in a loss — and there were more of those than they wanted this season — both players were proud of their team’s perseverance...
Counterpoint: Let parents and teachers, not bureaucrats, make decisions about cellphones in schools
Should kids have access to smartphones in school? Some argue the smartphone problem leads to distraction. Others say smartphones are necessary for reasons related to safety or other concerns. In reality, it is a more complicated question than it appears. Yet, oftentimes, when complicated questions arise, broad state-level policies that...
Point: Cellphones are distractions, not toys
In today’s digital age, the ubiquitous presence of cellphones has transformed them into essential tools for communication, information and entertainment. However, when placed in the hands of children under 16, these devices can become detrimental, leading to physical inactivity, social isolation and addiction driven by sophisticated algorithms. As a scientist...
In brief: Chili cook-off, upcoming meetings and more in Fox Chapel area
Chili cook-off The annual Robert “Snakeguy” Habegger Chili Cook-off is set for Feb. 22 in council chambers at the Sharpsburg Borough Building, 1611 Main St. Proceeds benefit the Sharpsburg Community Library. Meetings planned Fox Chapel council will meet Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the borough building, 401 Fox Chapel Road....
Letter to the editor: Trump’s wee-hours trolling alarming
On Monday at 4:14 a.m. the president of the United States of America posted on Truth Social: “The only one that had a tougher night than the Kansas City Chiefs was Taylor Swift. She got BOOED out of the Stadium. MAGA is very unforgiving !” God help us. Edmund L....
Sounding off: Trump’s actions, Fetterman, Steelers among week’s topics
The ripple effects of deportations There are communities throughout our country that have suffered from lack of investment and employment opportunities. Immigrants moved into these neglected areas, gradually revitalizing them by bringing small businesses, restaurants and jobs. They have nurtured a sense of community, creating spaces where folks could socialize,...
Praise service, food drive and more at Sewickley area houses of worship
Antioch Baptist Church 332 Elizabeth St., Sewickley. 412-741-7688. antiochfw baptistsewickley.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. We are excited to invite...
Letter to the editor: Biden was the half-time show
Since we’ve already experienced the first half of the Trump presidency and are into the second half, we can view the Biden presidency for what it was. The half-time show. Bill Radvansky New Kensington...
Editorial: A turnpike toll scam? Say it isn’t so
Do you owe the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission? Maybe. It can happen. The Toll By Plate system makes it possible to rack up tolls that can become fees that can become more. Even an E-ZPass transponder can end up with unexpected red ink now and then. But that doesn’t mean you...
Retired deputy coroner will seek to lead office
A former deputy coroner who left his job just months after his new boss was elected has announced his candidacy for coroner. John Ackerman, 68, of Hempfield, said he has no ill will against incumbent Coroner Tim Carson, but said he wants to lead the county office of death investigations....
Kosko seeks seat on Hempfield board of supervisors
A longtime community volunteer wants to leverage that experience into a seat on the Hempfield board of supervisors. In announcing his candidacy for township supervisor, Paul Kosko, 64, said he hopes to focus on road infrastructure, if elected, and encouraging affordable housing development to keep families in the area. “With...
Letter to the editor: Speak up to stop Musk’s coup
I’ve watched with alarm as Elon Musk — a billionaire with no security clearance but tons of conflicts of interest — has taken over the Treasury. His intern programmers have not only gained access to all our sensitive financial information, but tampered with the systems. Musk acts like he’s above...
The Stroller, Feb. 15, 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. Burrell Bucs Hockey raising...
