Zachary Gibson stories, Page 2
Bishop’s sermon falls on deaf ears as Trump sets new tone in D.C.
President Donald Trump made his return to the White House when he was sworn in last week. In his first week, he signed more executive orders than any other president. These swift actions signaled the beginnings of the second Trump administration’s attempts to make good on promises made during campaign...
From the Newsroom: Workers brave frigid temps to keep Pittsburgh operational
It’s been brutally cold this week in Western Pennsylvania. But, for some people, the job doesn’t stop just because the temperature drops. Justin Vellucci joins host Zac Gibson bringing the experience of Western Pennsylvania’s winter weather workers. This episode centers on stories and strategies from those workers to survive and...
Dry January can be a gateway to sobriety
We’re halfway through January — which is the time many people start to slack on their new year’s resolutions or forgo them altogether. In fact, the second Friday in January is known as “Quitters Day,” the day that most people give up their resolutions. One common resolution that has gained...
What’s so great about Wegmans? We went to the Erie store to askVideo
Wegmans is coming. Wegmans is coming. Wegmans executives said they are eyeing late 2027 as the target date to open their recently announced Cranberry location and hinted there could be more stores coming to the Pittsburgh area. So, why the hoopla? A TribLive journalist drove to the Erie store this...
Podcast: Biden blocks the sale of U.S. Steel, lawsuits follow
Citing national security concerns, President Joe Biden blocked the $15 billion international sale of U.S. Steel to Japanese company Nippon Steel on Jan. 3, 2025. In a joint statement after the announcement U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel called Biden’s action political. The companies then filed a federal lawsuit against the...
From the Newsroom: The year in photos for 2024
The year 2024 saw many striking moments. A passionate and polarizing presidential race, the world cheering on their favorite athletes, international conflicts that caused strife and the cultural shifts. In Western Pennsylvania, TribLive has been there for all of 2024’s most impactful moments. Sean Stipp, TribLive Director of Visuals, spoke...
Reporter recounts search and recovery of woman who fell into Unity sinkhole
Last week crews launched a search and rescue mission for 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard, who fell into a sinkhole after going out to look for her pet. Pollard was searching for her cat Dec. 2 behind Monday’s Union Restaurant in Unity when he ground gave way beneath her, and she fell...
From the Newsroom: Families of teens killed in North Park crash remember loved ones
Jonathan Tourney and Taylor Orlowski were killed on Christmas weekend last year when the speeding SUV they were in with four other teens crashed on a dark road in Allegheny County’s North Park. Those closest to the teens searched for ways to cherish their loved ones’ memories as they struggle...
Podcast: How to survive holiday politics
Light Up Night on Saturday night in Downtown ignited the holiday season in the Pittsburgh area and signaled the start of holiday gatherings, festivities and time with loved ones. But for some families this year, there’s a glaring obstacle. On the heels of a particularly energetic and polarizing election, politics...
Volunteer drought: Can mergers save fire departments?
Since 1970, fire departments in Pennsylvania have seen a 90% decrease in volunteer firefighters. There are roughly 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the state today. Time constraints, lack of shift work opportunities and busier social schedules are making it even more difficult to fill the volunteer ranks. As fire companies struggle,...
From the Newsroom: Explaining inflation
Over the past three months, TribLive reporters Jack Troy and Patrick Varine have tracked inflation and rising costs in the economy. Their research and interviews led to the Inflation Explained series, which includes 10 stories covering the causes and effects of inflation on American consumers — from grocery prices to...
From the Newsroom: How Trump won the White house
The world watched as former President Donald Trump decisively bested Vice President Kamala Harris and has become the 2024 president-elect. Trump overcame the shadow of two impeachments, felony convictions and attempts on his life during the campaign. Trump gained ground in almost every district and demographic, seizing battleground states and...
Podcast: A look back at a historic campaign season in Western Pennsylvania
The 2024 presidential election is nearing its conclusion, with Election Day less than a week away. For Pennsylvanians, this election season has been marked by energy and purpose. Several significant events have made this election memorable. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off in a debate that...
Podcast: Survivors of Tree of Life Synagogue attack find healing through sharing stories
Several people belonging to anti-hate groups and organizations came together on Monday for the Eradicate Hate Global Summit at Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Family members and survivors of the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in 2018 recounted experiences of the event and discussed the importance of telling these...
Podcast: Changing dynamics of Black voters in Allegheny County
Last week, Pittsburgh’s Hill District hosted the Freedom Is at Stake GOTV Bus Tour, making a stop at Freedom Corner. The event aimed to mobilize voters and emphasize the critical importance of participating in elections. With the support of organizations like Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Urban League of Greater...
Pittsburgh mother transformed by year of crisis in Israel
TribLive reporter Justin Vellucci delves into the emotional journey of Rona Kaufman, a Duquesne University law professor, who has leaned into her Jewish faith as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues. With her daughter serving in the Israeli military, Rona faced the heart-wrenching challenge of being physically distant during this crisis. So...
Podcast: Urban farms are sprouting in Pittsburgh’s food deserts
Urban farms are emerging across the country. “There’s been a food revolution going on for quite a while,” says Mchezaji “Che” Axum, director of the Center for Urban Agriculture and Gardening Education at the University of the District of Columbia. Interest in growing local food has surged over the past...
The Keystone Key: Unlocking younger votes
As we approach the pivotal 2024 presidential election, Pennsylvania appears to be key to victory. With Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris seemingly visiting the state almost weekly, voters are grappling with critical issues that will shape the future of our country. Today, we’re diving deep into the perspectives...
From the Newsroom: Why do police withhold officers’ names in deadly encounters?
In the summer of 2023, Jonathan Faidley, a U.S. Army veteran from Somerset County, found himself in an unimaginable situation. After learning from the news that his father, Robbie Saunders, 59, had been fatally shot by police in Ligonier Valley, Faidley sought answers. Saunders, who was disabled and had a...
Podcast: U.S. Steel navigates political storm
In recent months, Pittsburgh has been the center of a national conversation on an international sale. The proposed purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel in a $14.9 billion deal still faces opposition from politicians on both sides as well as the U.S. Department of Justice. As the 2024 election...
From the Newsroom: A tale of 2 rallies
Starting last week and over the holiday weekend, the presidential election nominees from both parties have made headlines in Pennsylvania. Former President Donald Trump addressed a crowd in Johnstown on Friday, touching on topics like the Arlington cemetery incident and the Harris-Walz interview. Then, on Labor Day, Vice President Kamala...
Podcast: Looking back at the Rustic Ridge explosion
In August 2023, the Rustic Ridge neighborhood in Plum, was rocked by a catastrophic explosion that killed six people and caused extensive damage. TribLive reporters and the Plum community have been searching for information to explain the cause of the explosion for the past year. Listen as host Zac Gibson...
Podcast: What Project 2025 could mean for Pittsburgh
As Vice President Kamala Harris takes to the campaign trail, she’s zeroing in on a major conservative initiative known as “Project 2025.” This ambitious 922-page blueprint aims to reshape America with sweeping changes including restrictions on abortion access, overhauls in border and immigration policies, and significant federal spending cuts. Found...
Podcast: Biden ends his presidential campaign
It has been a series of politically significant weekends. Nearly two weeks ago, an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump occurred at a rally in Butler County. This past Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek a second term, becoming the first sitting president since Lyndon B....
Podcast: TribLive photographer recounts Saturday’s Trump rally shooting
A gunman shot at former President Donald Trump on Saturday evening at the Butler Farm Show grounds, killing one spectator and injuring two others before being killed, according to the Secret Service. When Trump emerged from behind the podium, surrounded by Secret Service agents, blood could be seen on his...
