‘They can sense the tension in our society’: Rep. Summer Lee speaks to Gateway 5th graders, tours renovated facility
U.S. Rep. Summer Lee didn’t mince words Tuesday afternoon when a Gateway Middle School student asked the Swissvale Democrat what Congress’ biggest challenge is right now. “Can I be honest?” Lee said. “The president.” Lee, D-Swissvale, spoke with Gateway’s fifth grade class about her career path, achieving goals and the...
Hempfield man seeks to withdraw guilty plea in murder-for hire case
A Hempfield man who is accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill his estranged sister wants to rescind his guilty plea, his attorney said Tuesday. Peter Cute, 64, in October pleaded guilty to one felony count of criminal solicitation to commit homicide. “He said he didn’t understand...
Coghill laments not using more federal funds to upgrade Pittsburgh’s battered snowplows
Pittsburgh Councilman Anthony Coghill desperately wants to upgrade the city’s aging and unreliable vehicle fleet. But he worries the best chance to do so — at no cost to Pittsburgh — has slipped by. After a snowy holiday weekend that saw numerous city plows out of service, Coghill told TribLive...
Co-conspirator in New Kensington gun shop smash-and-grab sentenced to 20 months
The first of two men to be sentenced for their roles in a January 2024 smash-and-grab at a New Kensington gun store was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Nora Barry Fischer handed down the sentence Tuesday, calling on repeat felon Michael Guin, 27, of Lower...
Hunter seeks dismissal of assault charge in Smithton shooting
A South Greensburg man awaiting trial for the alleged aggravated assault of a hunter in a private field last year claims his victim was partially at fault for being shot. Cody Ostrosky, 33, was originally charged last summer with a misdemeanor count of shooting at a human while hunting and...
Still no charges 6 months after 11-year-old killed by vehicle in Natrona
Amber Bonnoni is still unable to think straight six months after her daughter, 11-year-old Roxanne, was hit and killed by a vehicle near their Natrona home. “I am lost in my head,” she said. “The (person) who stole her life away will go on to have another day and is...
Burghers Brewing to open new flagship location in Millvale
After more than a year of work, Burghers Brewing Co. is poised to open next week what co-owner Neil Glausier calls a “stainless steel cathedral” as its flagship location in Millvale. The brewery, located at 400 Grant Ave., will take over as the primary brewing location for the local beer...
Maryland man accused of credit card fraud at Springhill Suites in Unity
The father of a Massachusetts man arrested last month for impersonating a police officer in Hempfield is behind bars after state police said he used a housing authority’s credit card to book hotel rooms in Unity, according to court papers. Patrick Rooney, 47, of Maryland, is accused of using a...
Shooting turns fatal in Pittsburgh’s East Hills
A man shot Tuesday morning in Pittsburgh’s East Hills neighborhood has died. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner identified him as Conrad Rozier, 44. Police found Rozier around 8:30 a.m. when responding to a report of a gunshot victim in the 2300 block of East Hills Drive. Rozier had been shot...
Point State Park tops the list of most-visited in the region in 2024
It’s probably no surprise that Point State Park was the most visited state park in the region in 2024, according to statistics released by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. With sweeping city, river and bridge views, the park provides 36 acres of green space while preserving its place...
Random acts of kindness new focus for foundation honoring Springdale alum Jorden Puskar
A foundation honoring a former Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School student who was shot and killed in 2022 is retooling itself to promote random acts of kindness. The Flashlight Foundation — named in honor of Jorden Lee Puskar, a 2019 Springdale graduate — was established three years ago to help raise...
Westmoreland happenings: Meetings, pilgrimage, senior citizen news, more
Church News • Greensburg Church of the Brethren hosts a night of fun and fellowship for individuals and groups with developmental disabilities from 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays at the church, 554 Stanton St., Southwest Greensburg. Dinner is included. Participants must be accompanied by a family member or caregiver. Donations...
Elderly man suffers hypothermia after spending night in crashed SUV in Lower Burrell
An elderly man was suffering from hypothermia Tuesday morning after spending the night in his crashed SUV in Lower Burrell, a city deputy fire chief said. The man told authorities he had been trapped in his vehicle in a ditch between Hill Crest Country Club and Hillcrest Drive since 5...
Angels among us: Duo creates keepsakes, 1 bead at a time
Daniel Krueger and Lucille
Knopsnyder always have a handmade treasure stashed away in a pocket. It might be a colorful beaded bracelet that Krueger, of Derry Township, crafted, complete with little angel wings. Or it might be a beaded angel figurine, something Knopsnyder, of Unity, has been making for decades....
Celebrating women in art with biographical picture books
In March, we at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall would like to recognize Women’s History Month and celebrate the remarkable lives that women have lived as scientists, artists, teachers, inventors, activists, musicians, politicians and so much more. Picture book biographies are one of my favorite parts of...
Morning Roundup: Subzero windchills cause school delays; shots fired in Shadyside
Here are some of the latest news items from this morning, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025: Subzero windchills prompt school delays Windchills below zero prompted school districts across the Pittsburgh region to delay the start of classes Tuesday. While no snow is expected and sunshine is in the forecast, it’s forecast...
New Burrell High investigative sciences course touts real-world experience
A new class at Burrell High School takes students from crime scenes to the courtroom. The Investigative Sciences and Literature course, offered to juniors and seniors this year, stems from a growing interest from students looking into careers in law enforcement or forensics, said teacher Amanda Pagnotta. “It’s not what...
The Stroller, Feb. 18, 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. Monthly Breaking Bread dinner...
Proposed Pa. minimum wage hike is bitter pill for many business owners
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage by more than 100% — from $7.25 to $15 an hour — is being panned by area business owners. Most say they already pay workers more than the minimum wage, and the rate should be set by the market, not by...
Greater Latrobe seeks cost proposals for new roof, HVAC units at junior high
Greater Latrobe School District is seeking proposals from companies it already has worked with as it takes a step toward remedying the leaky roof and outdated climate control units at the junior high. The school board last week unanimously voted to seek cost proposals for replacing the roof from installer...
Ex-Hempfield basketball coach retires from guidance counselor job after investigation
Former Hempfield Area High School boys basketball coach Bill Swan will retire from his guidance counselor role in June, following approval by the school board Monday night. Swan was placed on paid administrative leave from his coaching and guidance counselor positions Jan. 14 as the school district investigated an allegation...
Pittsburgh to open warming centers as frigid temperatures loom
As Pittsburgh prepares to welcome frigid temperatures and icy winds Tuesday, the city will open six warming centers to the community. The city’s parks and recreation department will provide the warming centers from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday. They are located at 1555 Broadway Avenue in Beechview, 3515 McClure...
Shooting victim found dead in cemetery in McKeesport
Allegheny County homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting Monday in McKeesport, according to a statement released Monday afternoon by the Allegheny County Police Department. Police activity is underway along Pirl Street and police confirmed an unidentified male was found in the McKeesport Versailles cemetery around 10:45 a.m. with a...
Sharpsburg’s 16th Street Park to get facelift
A facelift at the 16th Street Park in Sharpsburg is a sign of great things to come, according to borough officials. Arguably among the borough’s most popular recreation spots, the park sits along Main Street across from the municipal offices. Its official name is the Marion Gerardi Memorial Park. “It’s...
Fox Chapel couple share volunteer duties for weekly foodshare outreach in Sharpsburg
A retired couple from Fox Chapel are committed to providing food assistance to residents living in Sharpsburg who often face food challenges living in a food desert, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture defines as a low-income geographic area with a large share of residents who don’t have access to...
