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.”

Many mourners are taking a closer look at one of the most sacred and secretive transitions in the world — the period following the death of a pope.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, died on April 21, 2025, at age 88. Since his death, the Vatican has entered a period known as sede vacante, or “the vacant seat.” Centuries-old rituals are now underway to choose his successor.

From the sealing of rooms to the appearance of white smoke and the taking of solemn oaths, this episode unpacks the traditions, terminology and timeline that shape the path to a new pope.

TribLive reporter Renatta Signorini joins host Zac Gibson to detail the process.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

A rising wave of fear and uncertainty is spreading among international students in Pittsburgh and throughout the United States, as visa revocations become more frequent under the Trump administration.

Some students who have not violated any immigration rules are choosing to stay in the U.S., during college breaks, rather than risk being denied reentry.

The anxiety intensified when Jayson Ma, a Carnegie Mellon University student, publicly revealed that the government had terminated his student visa. The revocation came one semester before Ma expected to graduated, despite having completed a court ordered rehabilitative program for a DUI. The program allowed for the charges to be dismissed and expunged.

Triblive reporter Megan Swift and Zac Gibson discuss their reporting experience at Carnegie Mellon, after asking students about these current events.

This is ‘From the Newsroom.’

The tariffs are on. The tariffs are paused.

President Donald Trump’s second term has been dominated by a jarring back-and-forth of American trade policy. Trump says the aim of the high tariffs is to encourage companies to move their manufacturing and production to the U.S. to create jobs and lower prices. However, many economists argue that tariffs only raise prices for Americans.

News editor Tom Davidson is here to discuss the effects of Trump’s tariff policy, the potential effectiveness of the measures, and how Trump supporters feel as he nears the 100-day mark.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Spring is here, bringing the start of concert season to Pittsburgh. With ticket prices soaring, affordability has become a key topic among concertgoers.

Ticket prices are influenced by various factors, such as free-market resale and the dynamic pricing strategies used by major ticket vendors like Ticketmaster.

TribLive reporter and reviewer Alexis Papalia joins Zac Gibson to help explain why ticket prices seem to be sky-high.

This is “From the Newsroom.”

Pittsburgh Mills has spent much of its 20-year existence as part of the discussion about dying malls around the area adn the country.

But lately, it’s potholes — not vacancies — that have people talking. These are not ordinary potholes — we’re talking three-foot-wide, one-foot-deep, bone-rattling holes that have damaged cars and deterred shoppers. For years, owner Namdar Realty has done little to fix roads.

It wasn’t until Monday that a crew hired by the mall appeared to patch the worst of the potholes. However, a full repair job is estimated to cost $4.5 million.

TribLive followed the story as it snowballed into code violations, a civil suit, and even criminal charges against the mall’s owners.

TribLive reporter Jack Troy talks with fellow reporter Shaylah Brown about the story.

Since the Springdale smokestacks fell in the summer of 2023, the Cheswick Generating Plant’s boiler structure has stared down its final days. For almost two years, lawsuits, weather conditions and delays have hindered the final deconstruction efforts.

That changed on March 8 when the remaining portion of the structure was pulled down.

Kellen Stepler joins host Zac Gibson to discuss the details of the Springdale plant structures from their inception to their impending demolition.

This is “From the Newsroom.”