Summer events are well underway in the steel city and Anthrocon, a Pittsburgh staple, returned for a four-day event at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center last weekend.

Organizers projected a record 19,000 attendees, the highest amount since the event debuted in 1997.

Megan Swift joins Anna Mares to talk about the background of the furries journey to Pittsburgh and the Anthrocon experience.

This is ‘From the Newsroom.’

Early Sunday morning, the South Side streets were host to hundreds of weekend revelers after the bars closed at 2 a.m. along East Carson Street in Pittsburgh.

A hefty police presence awaited the crowds, forming a riot line and using pepper spray to disperse them. At one point gunfire rang out. Police recovered one casing and no one was injured.

In recent weeks Pittsburgh officials, including the district’s councilman, Bob Charland, along with South Side business owners have been urging people to vacate the entertainment district quickly after last call.

TribLive reporters Justin Vellucci and Megan Trotter discuss the late night crowds and the local sentiment as this dispersal seems to be the start of a weekly summer trend.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

“Are you saving for retirement?”

It’s a question that gets a range of answers, especially across age groups. Some think it’s too early to start; others believe it’s never too soon.

Among millennials and Generation Z, one trend stands out: a significant gap in financial literacy.

Many young Americans lack the most basic financial knowledge, according to researchers at the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center at George Washington University.

To explore the topic, TribLive reporter Haley Daugherty spoke with financial experts, and with 21-year-old Michael Weleski, a young man who’s already spent nearly a decade earning and strategically investing his income to build a secure financial future.

Haley joins host Zac Gibson to talk about Weleski’s story, examine financial planning trends among young people, and share some practical advice for starting your own financial journey.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

J.J. Spaun took home the title of champion of the 125th U.S. Open as the sole golfer under par Sunday night at Oakmont Country Club.

The championship rounds during the past week reaffirmed Oakmont Country Club’s reputation as one of the toughest tests of the world’s best. The course’s slick greens and punishing rough made for one of the toughest major setups in recent memory.

Throughout the week, Triblive reporters brought coverage of varied aspects of the event to give readers an in-depth look at all it takes to bring the U.S. Open together, and showcase the experience of the spectators.

TribLive reporter James Engel joins host Zac Gibson to discuss their experiences covering the U.S. Open.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Penn State’s Board of Trustees voted to close seven of the twelve branch campuses that were up for consideration in a virtual meeting on May 22.

Those campuses, to close after the spring 2027 semester, are New Kensington, Fayette, DuBois, Mont Alto, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre and York.

According to Penn State’s 2024 records, the closing campuses hosted 3,100 students and 520 full-time employees who will experience the brunt of the effects.

Penn State trustees indicated a commitment to helping those affected students explore options to continue their education with PSU and the remaining campuses, including the online World Campus.

The fate of the campuses themselves and the towns that they have become staple hubs within are unsure, leaving community leaders and students with questions.

Triblive reporter Kellen Stepler joins host Zac Gibson to explain the rationale behind these closures through the lens of Pennsylvania’s changing college landscape and provide insight on the possibilities for the future of the soon-to-close campuses.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

In two weeks, about 200,000 people will flock to Oakmont Country Club for the U.S. Open golf championship to watch some of the world’s best golfers.

Those fans should plan ahead. With shuttles bussing crowds to and from off-site parking lots on top of the regular event traffic, delays are all but certain during the event.

TribLive reporter Megan Swift, who spoke with Danny Sink, USGA senior director of U.S. Open Championships, gives an overview of the parking situation along with tips for spectators and residents to better navigate the event.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

On primary day in Western Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Democratic mayoral candidate Corey O’Connor bested incumbent Ed Gainey for the seat on the general election ballot this fall. His challenger will be Tony Moreno, who won the Republican primary for mayor.

TribLive reporter Julia Burdelski, who covers Pittsburgh City Hall, joins host Zac Gibson to discuss the ins and outs of the primary election and how the slimmed-down Pittsburgh mayoral race is shaping up.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

A longtime funeral director in Pittsburgh is facing felony charges after authorities say he stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from grieving pet owners, some of whom were unknowingly given ashes that did not belong to their animals.

Patrick Vereb, who ran a pet cremation business in Pittsburgh and Natrona, is accused of defrauding thousands of clients between 2021 and 2024. Investigators say the number of potential victims could exceed 6,500, making the alleged scheme one of significant scope and emotional impact.

The case has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting widespread public outrage and calls for accountability. As the criminal investigation unfolds, community members and victims alike are seeking answers and justice.

TribLive reporters Tawnya Panizzi and Haley Daugherty break down the key developments, their reporting process, and the public response to this developing story.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Pittsburgh will be off and running this weekend with the annual marathon and events. Since it was first held in 1985, the event now includes a marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay and 5K races that run through the heart of the city, across many of the city’s iconic bridges, and through several city neighborhoods.

At TribLive, distance running has become a common interest among team members Megan Swift and Quincey Reese, who have been training to run the half-marathon race.

They are here with more info on the weekend event and to share their training experiences.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Ten days after stating his intentions to continue in his position as the Penguins’ head coach, Mike Sullivan was out.

His 10-year run with the team included two Stanley Cups and the most wins in franchise history.

Triblive Assistant Sports Editor Jonathan Bombulie joins host Zac Gibson to break down Sullivan’s legacy with the Penguins, what led to his departure, and what could be next for both the coach and the team as both face their next chapter.

This is “From the Newsroom.”