Local category, Page 2546
Herd immunity with coronavirus stirs debate, but experts say it comes at a deadly cost
Critics of coronavirus-related shutdowns have pointed to Sweden’s path toward “herd immunity” as justification for advocating an end to stay-at-home orders, even as some infectious disease experts warn the Swedes’ methods could be deadly. Building herd immunity has gained popularity in some circles as an alternative to widespread shutdowns and...
Monroeville-area businesses asked to show support for Gateway seniors
The Monroeville Area Chamber of Commerce has asked the business community to show support to Gateway seniors whose last year in high school has been disrupted by the covid-19 pandemic. The MACC is urging businesses to hang signs proclaiming “We Support Gateway Seniors Class of 2020” in windows starting May...
Pennsylvania reports 97 more coronavirus deaths as total cases top 45,000
The state Department of Health on Thursday reported almost 100 new coronavirus deaths along with almost 1,400 new positive cases of the virus. The 97 deaths recorded Wednesday bring the statewide death toll to 2,292, according to state data. The 1,397 new cases, reported during the same time frame, bring...
Gov. Wolf: No decision yet on which areas of Pennsylvania could move to ‘yellow’ phase on May 8
A day before state officials were set to announce what parts of Pennsylvania could see coronavirus restrictions eased, Gov. Tom Wolf said his administration hadn’t yet decided which areas will be included. “We haven’t even made the list up yet,” Wolf told reporters when asked what Pennsylvanians can expect from...
Census surveys could help small businesses post-pandemic
Greg Cammerata, a Hempfield restaurant owner, is hopeful a new survey rolled out by the U.S. Census Bureau will bring additional aid to small businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. “We’re not a corporate place,” said Cammerata, who owns IronRock Tap House. “We’re local people that did this restaurant. We don’t...
Thomas Jefferson High School keeps moving with musical plans
Most school districts across Pennsylvania have been scrambling to make end-of-year plans for the class of 2020 – namely prom and graduation. But Thomas Jefferson High School in West Jefferson Hills School District is taking things a step further by regrouping for the spring musical, “Peter Pan.” Musical director and...
Carnegie police drive by homes to celebrate special occasions
Want to brighten someone’s day? The Carnegie police department does, too. While the stay-at-home order is in place, members of the Carnegie police department will drive by the homes of Carnegie and Pennsbury Village residents who are celebrating a special occasion. The police will activate their overhead lights and sirens...
Allegheny County reports 8 more coronavirus deaths, 16 new cases
The Allegheny County Health Department reported eight more deaths and 16 additional cases of the coronavirus Thursday, bringing the countywide case count to 1,289. There have been 94 deaths. Of the 94 reported deaths, 84 are listed as confirmed cases of covid-19, while 10 are considered probable. The youngest person...
Cops: Fayette County woman said she spent stimulus money on drugs
A woman who told state troopers that she spent most of her federal CARES Act stimulus check on drugs became irate early Tuesday after marijuana, THC wax, and 70 anti-anxiety pills were confiscated from her during a traffic stop in Rostraver, police said. Trooper Randy Williams said Madison M. Beeghley,...
Pittsburgh YMCA’s weekly virtual dance parties to continue
Show off your dance moves. During the state’s stay-at-home order, organizations have had to come up with innovative ways to engage people, especially kids. The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh introduced virtual dance parties from 7 to 8 p.m. on Friday nights in April. The parties will continue through May. The...
Voice analysis research in Pittsburgh could help doctors screen for coronavirus symptoms
You know it when you hear it: a friend’s voice sounds scratchy, a parent struggles to finish a sentence without pausing to take a few breaths. Something doesn’t sound right, and maybe it’s time to see a doctor. Doctors at Allegheny Health Network and researchers with the technology startup Telling.ai...
Pandemic-fueled rush on meat keeps Western Pa. markets working harder to satisfy demand
Area meat markets say demand for their products is skyrocketing as customers look to stock their freezers during the covid-19 pandemic. How long that boom will last could depend on whether predictions of widespread meat shortages come true. Because of health-related constraints on social gatherings, Marylou Miller is resigned to...
It’s a beautiful day to join Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’s ‘Neighborhood Singalong’Video
Kids bored? Can’t go to the museum? Why not help send a message of music to the world? The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is inviting housebound children and families to snap a few photos, record their version of the classic “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” and...
Western Pa. high school students struggle to make college plans during pandemic
Lydia Musser had her heart set on attending college outside of Pennsylvania. The Kiski Area senior, 18, had campus visits scheduled throughout March at East Carolina University, the University of Tampa and West Virginia University. Then, all of her visits were canceled. She’s now planning to attend Duquesne University instead,...
Greensburg church partners with Meals on Wheels to deliver ‘Carload of Cookies’
First Christian Church of Greensburg has delivered sweet treats to people in need for decades, but members have had to change up their tradition because of the coronavirus pandemic. “We didn’t skip a beat, honestly,” said the Rev. John Owen, church pastor. For more than 20 years, church members baked...
Pennsylvania American Water seeks 24% rate hike over 2 years
Water and sewer bills could increase by nearly 24% over a two-year period for Pennsylvania American Water customers if state regulators approve a rate-hike request. Officials said the utility has invested more than $1.6 billion in infrastructure improvements, including replacement of more than 427 miles of aging water and sewer...
Westmoreland waiting on Gov. Wolf’s reopen orders before changing election precincts
Some voting precincts in Westmoreland County might have to be consolidated should the state’s stay-at-home order remain in place for the June 2 primary, the county’s elections bureau director said. County officials will look to relocate or consolidate precincts slated for local school buildings, churches and senior living centers if...
Plum to replace grass ball fields with turf, resurface football field with ‘NFL quality product’
Plans to replace Plum High School’s baseball and softball field playing surfaces with synthetic turf, and replacing the football field turf and track are moving forward. The school board Wednesday night approved using about $2.32 million in bond refinancing saving for the project, as well as award contracts to three...
Jewish Federation to lead national cybersecurity webinar
As millions work from home during the covid-19 crisis, officials say cybercrimes are on the rise. “Zoom bombing,” in which unauthorized intruders attack private Zoom calls, have been increasing. Jewish communities, schools and online events have been particularly hard-hit by hate groups, who are targeting them with anti-Semitic propaganda. On...
The Stroller, April 30, 2020: Events in the Alle-Kiski Valley
Did your neighbor call and check on you, or bring a face mask or groceries? The Stroller wants to recognize those around us who are performing small acts of kindness for others during this stressful time. Send a short, one-paragraph note highlighting someone and how they helped you, your family...
Trib Total Media bolsters local business recovery with $250,000 advertising grant program
We are in this together. At no other time have those words been truer than today, when locally owned businesses search for answers about how and when their operations will reopen and reconnect with customers. Trib Total Media is putting those words into action by offering homegrown businesses matching grants...
Another Pittsburgh drug trafficking gang member pleads guilty in federal case
A Pittsburgh man has admitted guilt in federal court to his role in a drug trafficking operation. Rico Taylor, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, authorities reported Wednesday. Taylor is one of 36 defendants charged in the...
McKeesport man accused of sex assault, drug possession at Kennedy Twp. hotel
Allegheny County sheriff’s deputies arrested a McKeesport man Wednesday on allegations of possessing drugs and sexually assaulting a female employee at the Hilltop Inn in Kennedy Township. Maurice Ebore, 39, was taken to the Allegheny County Jail in Pittsburgh to await arraignment. According to the sheriff’s office, deputies were at...
Pittsburgh researcher helps classify new ‘crazy beast’ fossil discovery
Scientists don’t know much about the newly-dubbed “crazy beast” that roamed the world about 66 million years ago. What they do know is thanks to a newly-discovered fossil in Madagascar and work from an international team of researchers that included John Wible, curator of mammals at Carnegie Museum of Natural...
Pittsburgh crash critically injures bicyclist; responding medic suffers attack
A bicyclist was critically injured after crashing into a tree and falling down a Pittsburgh hillside, city police said. The crash happened at about 6 p.m. in Nine Mile Run Hollow, near the 1200 block of Commercial Street. Park rangers, firefighters and medics assisted in rescuing the male cyclist, who...
