Regional category, Page 144
Most Western Pennsylvania schools don’t test for radon, despite high levels in the state
As a father of four, Tim Briggs considered it common sense that schools would test for radon. As a state lawmaker, he was appalled that every school doesn’t, and he has made it his mission to do something about it. A months-long Tribune-Review investigation found that most schools in Southwestern...
These women effected change to spur radon laws in their states
For Gail Orcutt, what began as a cough and a bit of wheezing ended with a baffling diagnosis of lung cancer one day short of her 57th birthday. She never smoked, always watched her diet and never missed a chance to exercise. While recovering from surgery to remove her left...
For children, concerns over radon outweigh that for adults
In Dr. Ned Ketyer’s opinion, there should be no doubt that schools should test for radon — and test regularly. “The way radon works when it gets in the body is it damages DNA, and so that’s why radon is associated with cancer, especially lung cancer,” said Ketyer, a pediatrician...
Local haunted attractions range from the super-scary to family-friendly
If there was any doubt the holiday season begins with Halloween, one need look no further than the investment of time, energy and money being put into ways to amuse area residents with spooky haunted houses and spine- tingling scare zones. From Kennywood Park in West Mifflin to Castle Blood...
Student loan relief explainer for Pennsylvanians: who qualifies and when to apply
The Biden administration soon will roll out the most far-reaching federal student loan relief plan in American history — and borrowers must heed dates to benefit. In August, the administration announced it would cancel up to $10,000 of student debt for non-Pell Grant recipients and up to $20,000 for Pell...
Butler man stormed onto school bus and threatened students, police say
Butler police arrested a city man Thursday evening after they say he got onto a school bus and threatened students earlier in the day. Police said an officer stopped Clifford Jenkins Anderson, 43, while he was driving and arrested him without incident. In Anderson’s arrest papers, police said a school...
Off-duty officer punched woman at Star Lake concert, report says
Hanover Township police said an off-duty Pittsburgh police officer punched a woman in the face during a September concert at the Pavilion at Star Lake, according to Tribune-Review news partner WPXI. Chas Kulow was at the Washington County venue with his girlfriend for a Five Finger Death Punch concert on...
Community colleges tapped to address cybersecurity talent gap
Waleed Farag knows all too well the growing need for computer systems security professionals. As director of Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Institute for Cyber Security, he is hoping to address the steadily increasing demand for computer-based professionals by tapping the resources of six community colleges, including Westmoreland County Community College....
Bridgewater councilman whose murder conviction was thrown out files federal suit
A former Bridgewater councilman who spent 10 years in prison before his third-degree murder conviction was thrown out is suing the law enforcement officers who charged him, alleging that they ignored evidence that showed his innocence. Gregory Scott Hopkins, who was arrested in 2012 in connection with the Sept. 1,...
Driver killed in crash when his dump truck goes airborne on Indiana County highway
An Indiana County man was killed early Tuesday morning when the empty dump truck he was driving on Route 119 south of Indiana, Pa., went off the highway and flew through the air before landing on the road below, according to state police at the Indiana station. The victim, Thomas...
What’s in a name? GOP congressional candidate Mike Doyle shares name with retiring Democrat, sowing confusion
A candidate’s name in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District race is turning out to be a key issue in the campaign. Mike Doyle, the Republican nominee in the race, has the same name as the man who represented the area for the past 28 years in Congress. Democrat Mike Doyle is...
Free college? Some Allegheny College students won’t pay tuition anymore
Some Allegheny College students don’t have to worry about tuition bills anymore. The Meadville college announced it is introducing a Commitment to Access Program that will cover all tuition costs for in-state students whose family income is $50,000 or less. The program, which will kick off in fall 2023, will...
Former Washington County couple plead guilty to Capitol riot charges
A former Washington County couple who have since moved to North Carolina pleaded guilty on Monday to felony charges stemming from their participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Dale Jeremiah Shalvey, 38, now of Conover, North Carolina, pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting or impeding law enforcement officers and obstruction...
Get ready for ‘Goatoberfest’ to benefit Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch
Looking for a fun fall event that helps save the lives of at-risk animals? Check out Kindred Spirits Rescue Ranch’s second annual “Goatoberfest” celebration on Saturday (rain date is Sunday) at Zassick Park in Economy. The event will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. and includes Octoberfest-themed plant based...
AAA says tight supply, increased demand main reasons for rising gas prices
Average gasoline prices are on the rise nationally and in the Pittsburgh area but are still falling across Pennsylvania, according to reports from price tracking services. According to GasBuddy, the national average increased 11 cents per gallon in the past week to $3.78, while the average in the Pittsburgh area...
Police charge man with injuring 2 workers in construction-zone crash in Armstrong County
A Cowansville man faces a host of charges after state police say he sped through an active work zone in Armstrong County and injured two construction workers in late September. State police charged Ronald S. Wiegand Jr., 19, of Cowansville on Monday with aggravated assault by vehicle, reckless endangering, simple...
Trib wins 3 regional Emmy awards
The Trib won three Emmy awards this weekend for its work on video projects produced by its team of journalists. The three Mid-Atlantic Emmy regional awards recognized projects about the history of trolleys in Pittsburgh, the 9/11 terror attacks and a Black athlete from Connellsville who broke racial barriers. “We...
Some Western Pa. students grapple with post-covid learning loss
Before the pandemic, Alana Griffin said her son was advanced in his academics. Now, she said, she considers the 9-year-old to be at an average level. Her other son, who is 8, needs to catch up in reading and math, she said. Though her children see a weekly tutor, the...
Red Cross volunteers, EMS workers from Western Pa. among those helping after Hurricane Ian
Bob Johnson knew without a doubt that when Hurricane Ian was projected to slam into Florida this week, he would need to be there helping in the aftermath. On Sunday, the Red Cross volunteer from Connellsville headed to Florida, where he waited out the storm in Pasco County before helping...
Hurricane Ian’s impact on Western Pa. forecast to be mild
How much rain from the remnants of Hurricane Ian can the Pittsburgh region expect to receive over the weekend? National Weather Service meteorologist Jenna Lake said most of the Pittsburgh area will remain on the edge of Ian’s system, resulting in about a half-inch of rain over the weekend. “But...
Daycation: Agritourism farm tours offer rural retreats in Waynesburg
Explore green acres in Greene County with a day trip focused on agritourism. Agritourism is described as a form of business enterprise linking agricultural businesses with tourism for education and entertainment purposes. Tourism in Greene County has created more than 480 jobs, and, in 2019, visitors spent more than $78...
Polka music lives on, thanks to the musicians of tomorrowVideo
Joe Grkman Jr. can recall his father playing the accordion as far back as he can remember. “He’d have a friend come over to play guitar along with him,” said Grkman, 70, a Westmoreland County native living in Venetia. Joe Sr. and his friend would play polka tunes, and, in...
‘Pink Hat Lady’ ordered to home confinement pending November trial
A federal judge this week ordered a Mercer County woman charged in the Capitol insurrection to remain on home confinement pending trial. Rachel Powell, who is living near Grove City, became known as the “Pink Hat Lady” because of the hat she was wearing during her alleged participation in the...
2 Franklin Regional graduates make IUP homecoming court
Two Franklin Regional graduates are among the “Crimson Court” at Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s homecoming celebration on Saturday, Oct. 1. IUP’s annual homecoming celebration will take place throughout the weekend starting on Friday, and is expected to draw thousands for alumni reunions and events surrounding the homecoming parade and game....
Lordstown Motors starts making electric trucks at Ohio plant
LORDSTOWN, Ohio — Commercial electric vehicle startup Lordstown Motors says it has slowly started production of its first model, the Endurance pickup. The struggling company says it has built two pickups, with a third to be finished shortly. It plans to ramp up production depending on quality and parts availability,...
