TribLive stories, Page 528
Letter to the editor: Ranked choice voting gives us more choices
After last week’s debate, I tuned in to Jon Stewart’s post-debate show on Comedy Central. Before it began, “South Park” played an episode about voting for a new school mascot. Their options? “Giant Douche” versus “Turd Sandwich.” Why couldn’t he vote for something cool, like a tiger? The character didn’t...
The Stroller, July 5, 2024: 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. Benefit concert to aid Tarentum Police Department Kaley’s Kops, 423 Productions...
Laurels & lances: Legend, lanternflies and law
Laurel: To a sweet life. Gus Kalaris did what he could to brighten Pittsburgh’s North Side. From 1951, he manned his “Gus and YiaYia’s” street cart from spring until fall, popping corn and shaving 50-pound blocks of ice to make the icon ice treats he was known for. Kalaris died...
Letter to the editor: Why Biden doesn’t care about Marc Fogel
Whenever I read another outpouring of support for Marc Fogel, it warms my heart. Then I get angry with the realization that Fogel will not be coming home anytime soon. The inconvenient truth of the case is Joe Biden doesn’t give a flying fig about Fogel, for the simple reason...
Lori Falce: Politics is infection in Supreme Court rulings
The U.S. Supreme Court has proved itself in this term to be something different than was intended. “The judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish.” That is Article...
Photos: Pittsburgh’s Fourth of July firework display
It would not be the Fourth of July in Pittsburgh without a fireworks display. Thousands attended a day-long celebration in Downtown Pittsburgh which ended with a fireworks display near Point State Park....
Pirates farm report for July 4, 2024: Henry Davis has 2 hits for Indianapolis in rehab assignment
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 37-45) took down Louisville (Reds), 5-3. C Henry Davis (.310), on a rehab assignment after spending time on the injured list with a concussion, was 2 for 3. SS Alika Williams (.294) went 3 for 4 with an RBI. CF Ji Hwan Bae (.359) was 2 for 4...
Penn State picks up commitment from legacy recruit LaVar Arrington II
The son of a Penn State legend is following in his father’s footsteps. LaVar Arrington II committed to the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class on Thursday. The son of Penn State great LaVar Arrington announced his decision on social media. Arrington II is a three-star linebacker from Charter Oak High...
Matthew Wilson: Supporting ‘democracy’ is hard for many who feel government and the economy are failing them
Americans, it seems, can both value the idea of democracy and not support it in practice. Since 2016, academics and journalists have expressed concerns that formerly secure democracies are becoming less democratic. Different measures of democracy, such as scores produced by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Freedom House and the Varieties...
Here are 5 things to do in Westmoreland County this weekend: July 5-7
Had enough fireworks yet? Make the most of your post-Fourth weekend with these events around the county: Arts and heritage festival Running all weekend, the 50th year of the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival will feature activities for everyone. Held at Twin Lakes Park, east of Greensburg, the festival will...
Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: July 5-7
Still want to keep the party going after all of the Independence Day fireworks? Here are some ways to make the best of your post-holiday weekend around town. Carnegie Independence Day Celebration For those who could still use some more fireworks and red, white and blue spangled decorations, Carnegie Borough...
The Stroller, July 4, 2024: 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. Happy Independence Day! Enjoy the holiday! Springdale Community Day scheduled Saturday...
Pirates farm report for July 3, 2024: Bubba Chandler allows 2 hits with 9 strikeouts in Curve win
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 36-45) had its game at Louisville (Reds) postponed because of inclement weather. It will be made up at a later date. Next: Thursday at Louisville (Reds), 6:35 p.m. ALTOONA (Double-A, 31-47) shut out Harrisburg (Nationals), 3-0. RHP Bubba Chandler (5-5, 3.65) threw a career-long 7 2/3 scoreless innings,...
Longer happy hours, value meals with an adult beverage coming to Pennsylvania
Inflation-weary consumers could soon see changes coming to their favorite drinking establishments that will be gentler on their wallets. Longer happy hours and combo meals that include an adult beverage are among a number of changes to the state’s liquor code included in a bill the House approved on Wednesday...
Hampton recognized as a Common Sense District
Common Sense, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students and families thrive in a world of media and technology, has recognized Hampton Township as a Common Sense District. The recognition acknowledges the school district’s commitment to creating a culture in which the entire community is invested in helping kids...
Aquinas Academy in Hampton honors students with awards
Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh in Hampton wrapped up 2023-24 by presenting end-of-the-year awards to students for various academic and athletic achievements. Among the recipients were winners of school-level awards: • Joshua Schlemmer, Aquinas Award, given to the upper school student who through academic achievement, love of God and contributions to...
Greg Fulton: Pirates need Roy Hobbs
It’s been a rough several years for the Pirates. Since 2015, the last time the Bucs were in the playoffs, they have had only one winning season. In two of those years, they lost more than 100 games. The Pirates are below .500, and it’s fairly likely that they won’t...
Editorial: America is derived from the consent of the governed
In the fall of 1774, 56 men from 12 of the 13 American colonies met in Philadelphia in the First Continental Congress. It included John Adams and his cousin Samuel, Patrick Henry, John Jay and George Washington. The purpose was to decide how to proceed after Great Britain’s harsh consequences...
The Stroller, July 3, 2024: 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. Boaters bash planned July 13 in New Kensington Allegheny River Development...
A traveling replica of George Washington’s headquarters on display at Fort Ligonier this weekend
A traveling replica of George Washington’s headquarters and sleeping tent is on display at Fort Ligonier through Sunday. The large linen tent is filled with reproductions of period artifacts and equipment. Presented by Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution, the exhibit includes costumed interpreters who assembled a replica of another...
Bill taking Pennsylvania’s same-sex marriage ban off the books clears state House
A bill that would repeal Pennsylvania’s same-sex marriage ban passed the state House of Representatives Tuesday on a bipartisan vote, with proponents saying the change was necessary to protect marriage equality if federal case law was overturned. The measure passed 133-to-68 in the final vote, with all but one member...
Pirates farm report for July 2, 2024: Matt Frazier’s 5 RBIs lift Indianapolis to victory
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 36-45) pounded Louisville (Reds), 8-2. LF Matt Fraizer (.250) was 2 for 3 with five RBIs, including a three-run home run and a double. RF Ji Hwan Bae (.355) was 3 for 5. SS Liover Peguero (.270) was 2 for 5 with a solo homer. DJ Seth Beer...
Penn State recruiting: What holes still need to be filled?
James Franklin and Penn State are on a recruiting heater. But what more can Franklin and his coaching staff add to the Nittany Lions’ 2025 recruiting class? Penn State’s recruiting run has been mightily impressive. The Nittany Lions have secured verbal commitments from eight prospects in the 2025 cycle in...
‘Nearly fell asleep on stage’: Biden blames travel for poor debate as he looks to calm revolt
WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden blamed travel plans that took him to France and Italy in the weeks ahead of his disastrous debate against Donald Trump for his poor performance on stage, seeking to explain a moment that has upended the 2024 race and imperiled his reelection prospects. “I didn’t...
Pa.’s health secretary wins Senate confirmation to the post on 2nd try
After 18 months as serving as the acting head of Pennsylvania’s Department of Health, Dr. Debra Bogen is now the state’s health secretary. Bogen, a pediatrician and former head of the Allegheny County Health Department, won Senate confirmation on Tuesday by a 42-8 bipartisan vote. “I look forward to continuing...

