TribLive stories, Page 700
Panera Bread sued after Pa. student dies from ‘charged lemonade’
Panera Bread has been sued after the death of a University of Pennsylvania student. The student — who had a heart condition — had reportedly drank one of the chain’s “charged lemonades” prior to passing away. NBC News reports how the lawsuit was filed Monday in the Philadelphia Court of...
Bad tech, staffing shortages hinder Pa. as it reassesses health care coverage for thousands
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 — Pennsylvania is struggling with faulty technology, persistent staffing shortages, and flawed procedures as it reassesses health care coverage for hundreds of thousands of...
Wilkinsburg man gets 25 to 50 years for killing Tarentum woman
A Wilkinsburg man will serve 25 to 50 years in prison for killing the mother of his child in Tarentum in 2021. DaShawn Frederick, 28, pleaded guilty Monday to third-degree murder, making terroristic threats and endangering the welfare of children. The sentence was negotiated. Investigators said Frederick had been in...
Pa. State Police: Snapchat shooting threat ‘not credible’
State troopers said they increased their presence at some schools Monday after being alerted to a Snapchat message containing a threat to carry out a shooting at “Central High School.” Police from Troop A in Greensburg said they do not have evidence to suggest the threat was credible and determined...
Stowe man gets at least 21 years in prison for killing 2-year-old girl
Javonne Swinton read the letter she wrote to her daughter. “How I miss you so much,” it began. “You are a soul so pure of love and happiness, it can heal broken hearts.” Brielle Swinton, who would have turned 5 in February, was killed on Dec. 30, 2021, by her...
Pat Browne and Jason Kavulich: How to get the most out of expansion of Property Tax/Rent Rebate program
When Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed historic legislation creating Act 7 of 2023, he kept a promise he made to older Pennsylvanians by delivering a major expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program. The governor recognizes this program serves as a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people in...
Why In-N-Out has barely changed its business for 75 years — not even its fries
LOS ANGELES — The year was 1948. World War II was in the rearview mirror and in Los Angeles, drive-in restaurants were in full swing. Those food stands that first began sprouting up more than a decade earlier had evolved. In a city where the number of drive-ins was said...
Exploring Colorado’s Grand Mesa, the largest flat-top mountain in the world
MESA COUNTY, Colo. — Spencer Christensen is conflicted when he talks about Colorado’s Grand Mesa. “As a person who likes the Grand Mesa for personal reasons, I want it to be kept secret,” he said. “But as a business owner who has the Grand Mesa Lodge, it’s just the opposite....
Nathan Benefield: Shapiro must reset his legislative strategy
The recent sexual harassment scandal rocking Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has made many headlines. And though Shapiro must take these accusations seriously, there could be a silver lining for the governor: Appointing a new head of legislative affairs offers the opportunity to reset his relationship with lawmakers. So far, Shapiro...
Mt. Pleasant grad Cody Vokes making most of final season with West Liberty football team
Cody Vokes is pretty straightforward when asked what he loves about football. The team aspect. Getting to meet great people. Being on the field with “his guys.” Oh, and there’s this: “This is going to sound a little crazy: You can physically assault someone and not go to jail,” he...
Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Hempfield’s Caden Biondi
The high school golf season is over for Hempfield’s boys team, but its campaign didn’t come without some bright spots. There was one that senior golfer Caden Biondi was quick to reference. “We set the Greensburg Country club course record for our team with a score of 190, so we...
Plum grad Dannika Susko quickly growing into college game for Pitt-Johnstown women’s volleyball
For most teenagers, the transition from high school to college is a giant leap, particularly when it comes to time-management skills. The ability to multi-task gets even harder for those who also play a sport. Dannika Susko didn’t see it that way. In fact, the Plum grad feels like she...
Analysis: Nittany Lions waste arguably the best defense in college football
COLUMBUS, Ohio — One by one, the Nittany Lions filed off the Ohio Stadium turf. Some heads were hung low. Some stared directly toward the visitor’s tunnel. Many — if not all — were wondering what could have been Saturday afternoon. Penn State had its shot. The Nittany Lions had...
Scenes from the Valley: Images captured in the Alle-Kiski Valley from Oct. 12-18, 2023
Here is a weekly look at recent images captured throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley. From major news events to routine gatherings, the Tribune-Review’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,...
Letter to the editor: Innamorato still a socialist?
I am having a problem believing Allegheny County executive candidate Sara Innamorato on her explanation on her “former” affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America. She claims she left in 2018 to run for the Pennsylvania state House. This is my first red flag, because it appears to be a...
Letter to the editor: Peck Yakopec best choice for judge
As a local attorney and retired state representative who served on the House Judiciary Committee, I have known Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec for more than 34 years. I have appeared before many magisterial district judges, and Peck Yakopec is one of the best. She is honest, firm but fair, and...
In brief: Fall leaf collection, trick or treat and more in Penn Hills, Verona
Fall leaf collection Penn Hills will collect leaves, garden residue (flowers and plants with no roots attached), and shrubbery and tree trimmings less than a half-inch in diameter (no roots). Paper bags should be placed curbside on Sunday nights prior to the collection dates of Nov. 6, 13, 20 and...
In brief: Job fair, trunk-or-treat and more in Pine, Richland
Job fair Pine-Richland School District will host a job opportunity fair from 1-4 p.m. Oct. 27 at Pine-Richland High School in the STEAM/LGI room. Prospective applicants can learn more about working as a paraprofessional, in custodial and maintenance, in food service, as a bus driver or monitor and in substitute...
In brief: Beggars Day, ALICE training, other Hampton area happenings, week of Oct. 23, 2023
Museum hosts Beggars Day The Depreciation Lands Museum, 4743 South Pioneer Road, Hampton, will host Beggars Day from 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 29. Children are invited to participate in the custom of “begging,” the door-to-door tradition that predates trick-or-treating. Youngsters can dress in their favorite costumes from the past,...
In brief: Plum, Oakmont area happenings, week of Oct. 23, 2023
Plum Area Ladies Society Plum Area Ladies Society will hold its monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at Plum Community Center, 499 Center New Texas Road. The theme for the refreshments and Friendship Basket is “Fall Harvest.” The speaker, Eric Selinger, is presenting “Rock Talks: Actually, Disco Didn’t Suck.”...
In brief: Monroeville budget hearings, veterans honored, week of Oct. 23, 2023
Monroeville budget hearings set Public hearings for Monroeville’s 2024 proposed budget are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2 in council chambers at the municipal building, 2700 Monroeville Blvd. The final budget is subject to council approval. To view the proposed budget, visit www.monroeville.pa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=66. Trick-or-treat times Monroeville Halloween...
In brief: Mattress sale, Halloween parades and more in Quaker Valley
Halloween parades Sewickley’s Halloween Parade will start at Cochran Hose Company at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 28. Leetsdale’s Halloween parade is planned for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Participants will meet at the borough building at 373 Beaver St. and walk to Henle Park for candy and fun. Go to leetsdaleboro.net for...
Letter to the editor: Zellers should be next judge
It has been said that “there is no substitute for experience.” But there is a substitute for experience … and that is the truth. The truth is that our district deserves a full-time judge for a full six-year term. I believe Leslie Uncapher Zellers is the only candidate for district...
Editorial: Media not alone in questioning Aspinwall’s media policy
There is a difference between your mom’s house rules and your government’s requirements. A parent can make things up on the fly, improvising without worrying about any kind of appeal. Question the decree and you risk running into the insurmountable endgame response: “Because I said so, that’s why!” Government certainly...
Letter to the editor: Karaica best candidate for judge
Thankfully, my decision for magisterial district judge in Cheswick, Frazer, Harmar and Springdale is an easy one. I have known Mitchell Karaica all of his life, as he grew up going to school with my daughters. He has always had the character of being fair and compassionate, with a big...

