TribLive stories, Page 890
Mistrial declared in the case of a Philly SWAT officer who pepper-sprayed protesters
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia judge declared a mistrial Monday in the case of former city SWAT Officer Richard P. Nicoletti, who is facing criminal charges for pepper-spraying three demonstrators who sat in the middle of I-676 during the city’s racial justice protests in 2020. After deliberating for more than two...
3 ways Shapiro’s budget would change public health in Pennsylvania
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — When Josh Shapiro pitched his first budget as Pennsylvania’s governor during a nearly hour-and-a-half speech in March, the Democrat...
‘Goodfellas’ star Ray Liotta’s cause of death released
“Goodfellas” star Ray Liotta’s death last year was caused by heart and respiratory ailments, according to a report. The Newark-born actor died at age 67 of respiratory insufficiency, pulmonary edema and acute heart failure, TMZ reported Monday, citing documents in the Dominican Republic. His death was natural, according to local...
Mars Volta’s lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. His battles with the church aren’t over
LOS ANGELES — In October 2022, the Mars Volta walked onto the stage of a sold-out Hollywood Palladium for their first L.A. show in a decade. For three nights, to nearly 12,000 fans in total, the punk/prog/Latin band — with core members Cedric Bixler-Zavala, 48, and Omar Rodríguez-López, 47 —...
Robert Bowers trial: What you need to know about Tree of Life synagogue shooting case
Jury selection begins Monday in the capital case against the man accused in the 2018 mass shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue building in Squirrel Hill. Robert Bowers, 50, of Baldwin could face the death penalty if convicted in the federal case. The process of choosing 12 jurors and...
Hotel guest wakes up to find night manager sucking on his toes: reports
A bizarre scene occurred at a Hilton Hotel located in downtown Nashville, Tenn., when a hotel guest woke up to find the night manager sucking on his toes, according to news sources. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. March 30 when manager David Neal, 52, created a key card and...
The U.S. is averaging 1 mass killing a week. It might be even worse.
So far this year, 115 people have died in 22 mass killings — an average of one mass killing a week, according to figures from the Associated Press. The statistics include the Saturday killings at a Dallas-area mall where eight people were fatally shot. But those statistics might be even...
Norwin grad Emily Brozeski becomes master of ‘multi’ tasking for Duquesne track and field
The Brozeski house in North Huntingdon was always lively. With four girls following the lead of parents who were college athletes, there was always some “sporting event” going on in the back yard, even football and wrestling. “Not your average ‘girl’ things, I guess,” said Emily Brozeski, 22, noting she...
Westmoreland County Senior Spotlight: Norwin’s Trey Huha
Norwin’s track and field team enjoyed another year of success, finishing undefeated in section competition. The success the Knights have had this year is no fluke. Over the five years prior to this one, the Knights went 47-3 in section, a record that combines both the boys and girls. Senior...
Former Highlands teammates Jess Cekada, Jaycee Haidze form part of promising young group for IUP softball
Going through a period of adjustment is not unusual for a freshman college athlete. There’s the speed of the game, the amount of work required away from regular practices, not to mention juggling school work and all the other trappings of college life. But on a team with plenty of...
IUP initiative garners $1.5 million grant for multi-country STEAMSHOP spaces
INDIANA, Pa. — Indiana University of Pennsylvania has been awarded a $1.5 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant to develop an entrepreneurial makerspace ecosystem with Pittsburgh-based company Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing that’ll benefit a local business. The school will lead the effort for the STEAMSHOP (science, technology, engineering, arts...
Letter to the editor: Keep Bengel as district judge
I had the honor and pleasure of working with District Judge Carolyn Bengel during my tenure as ordinance enforcement officer for Harrison Township. I can unequivocally say she was solid, balanced and extremely knowledgeable. I see no valid reason to change direction after observing her serve so consistently with integrity...
In brief: Parks and rec volunteers needed, bus trip and more in Penn Hills, Verona
Zoning hearing board The Penn Hills Zoning Hearing Board will meet at 7 p.m. May 24 in Penn Hills council chambers, 102 Duff Road. An agenda is posted online at pennhills.pa.gov. Parks and rec volunteers needed Verona’s Parks and Recreation Committee is looking for volunteers interested in joining. The Borough...
Letter to the editor: Karaica would make outstanding district judge
I’ve known Mitchell Karaica professionally for 25 years. We both worked at Cheswick Power Station, where I watched his career progress from a laborer to a control room operator, from a union steward to senior business representative for IBEW 29. He was not only tasked with the operation of the...
In brief: Polling place moved, bookmark contest and more around Sewickley area
Polling place moved A Sewickley polling place for all Wards was moved from St. Stephens Church to Quaker Valley Middle School, according to Allegheny County officials. Theater activities set The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center at 418 Walnut St. in Sewickley will host an exhibit of fine art photography from...
In brief: Memorial Day service, plant sale and more in Pine, Richland
Memorial Day service Richland American Legion Post 548 will hold a Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. May 29 in Richland Township Park. The celebration will include a parade, ceremony and picnic. Additionally, all veterans are welcome to attend the Legion’s meetings at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of...
Letter to the editor: Biden’s pride and destruction
Proverbs tells us that pride precedes the fall and a haughty spirit leads to destruction, but for Joe Biden, that seems to be plausibly deniable. Like the cartoon character Mr. Magoo, he leaves a path of destruction behind while he blindly fumbles through his daily duties as the most powerful...
Editorial: Pennsylvania has real role in regulating rail
A Pennsylvania legislative committee is in favor of expanding the state’s part in oversight of railroad safety. The House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee gave 19-2 approval to House Bill 1028. It would authorize the state to maintain a tighter grip on the way trains operate. This isn’t surprising...
Hampton area happenings, week of May 8, 2023
K-12 showcase at high school Hampton High School will host an interactive K-12 showcase as part of Remake Learning Days 2023 on May 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event, themed “The Future is Now!”, aims to engage students, parents and the public in world-class teaching and learning, innovative...
Monroeville, Pitcairn area happenings, week of May 8, 2023
Historical society open house Monroeville Historical Society will host a spring open house and tours, which are free to attend. The event will take place May 13 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the McGinley and McCully Houses, located at 2381 McGinley Road, Monroeville. Festivities will include a flower sale,...
Plum, Oakmont, Verona area happenings, week of May 8, 2023
Oakmont-Verona Memorial Day The 2023 Oakmont-Verona Memorial Day parade and ceremony will take place on May 29. The parade will line up at 9 a.m. on East Railroad Avenue in Verona and begin at 9:30. Frank Bonaroti is the parade marshal. The route will be along Allegheny River Boulevard across...
Letter to the editor: Enough of the radical LGBT agenda
I believe the stated goal of the LGBT community is to be accepted and respected. But it is my observation that the radicals among them manifest themselves by crude, lewd and nude parades and public “pride” demonstrations, and by the confusing and abusing of children with vulgar drag queen shows....
The Stroller, May 8, 2023: 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. Dinner fundraiser to benefit lung transplant patient A dinner to benefit...
Letter to the editor: Route 30 needs attention now
I understand that priority of varied road projects is challenging to satisfy the need. But after the work that has been done on Route 30 near Walmart, the understanding of the need for full project completion, taxpayer expectation and minimizing damage is lacking. The main roadway from Route 136 to...
Editorial cartoons for the week of May 8
Editorial cartoons for the week of May 8....

